When you feel like you’ve hit a wall in your business, what do you do? As an entrepreneur, I understand the importance of staying true to yourself and building a business that you can be proud of. Sometimes, this means taking a leap of faith and pivoting your business in a completely new direction. The fear of making the wrong decision can be paralyzing, but successful business owners make mistakes all the time. Instead of letting that fear take over, they take action and learn from whatever results they get.

And that’s where the power of pivoting comes in.

You see, businesses that survive are those that adapt to change. If you box yourself (and your business) into this idea of what it “should be”, you might be missing incredible opportunities to grow and get the freedom you deserve.

I started my career as a photographer, capturing exquisite moments for others. But as my family grew, I craved flexibility and time freedom that I simply didn’t have. I was nervous about radically changing my career path, but I did it anyway – because it was the RIGHT step for me.

At first, there was a lot I had to learn and mistakes I needed to make as I started creating and selling digital products from my living room. The fear and doubt didn’t compare to the ease and joy I felt going to work each day, knowing that I was building a business I could be truly proud of. Working towards having the freedom to homeschool my kids, or take off for a spontaneous family vacation, or have more time for myself AND my family was worth the risk.

What makes the risk worth taking for you?

Whenever you feel anxious or worried about always making the “right” decision in your business, re-focus on why you’re creating a business. And allow yourself to be nervous, but take action anyway.

Pivoting your business is all about: freedom and flexibility like never before, increased income opportunities, and the chance to wholeheartedly pursue your passions.

Here’s how you start:

Get clear on what you want your life to look like. How do you want to spend your time? Embrace the art of taking calculated risks and exploring new territories. Who around you is already where you want your business to be? Seek advice from those who’ve walked before you.

Pivoting your business can be scary and uncertain, but sometimes the best decisions take us out of our comfort zones. By staying true to yourself and being willing to change, you can build a business aligned with your passions and goals. Looking back, I’m thrilled I had the courage to move in a new direction. I had no idea that in just a few years, I’d achieve my goal: making over a million in passive income.

With every passing year and each product launched, the process of pivoting felt less terrifying and more like stepping towards new horizons. The shift from photography to digital products, to creating Wordsmith, each move was about making a world I believed in. Wordsmith was about helping businesses be authentic online and eases articulating one’s brand message.

The venture into uncharted waters opened up opportunities I hadn’t imagined. Feedback was not just transactions; they were conversations, affirming that authentic communication is vital for a memorable online presence.

Over ten years have passed, and what once felt like risky changes have become achievements. The fear of big decisions has turned into excitement for the next change. Now, the thought of not growing is scarier than facing the unknown.

Each product and interaction is a reminder of the potential in embracing life’s pivots. As I start new projects, my goal remains: to create something meaningful for others and keep exploring new ideas.

Looking back, those big changes were paths leading to a meaningful destination. This journey is wonderful because it’s ever-evolving. I hope as you move on your entrepreneurial road, each change brings you closer to your true goals.

As you set your sights on the next goal or idea, think: What change is waiting for you? Are you ready to face it with courage and an open mind? You won’t know what’s on the other side unless you try.

For years, I let social media dictate my content strategy. I would wake up, figure out what to post that day, and spend way too much time scrolling, getting sidetracked by what everyone else was doing. My focus was on what would perform well on social media—not what would actually move my business forward.

Then, I took a full year off social media (you can read about that here), and suddenly, everything changed. Without the constant pressure to create for Instagram, I was able to take a step back and ask myself: What kind of content actually supports my business? What type of content attracts my ideal customers? What helps me grow in a way that feels aligned and sustainable? What kind of content will feel authentic to who I am?

And that’s when I realized: I had my content strategy completely backwards.

The Mistake: Letting Social Media Lead the Way

For the longest time, I believed that social media was the foundation of my marketing. If I could just create the right posts, go viral, or keep up with trends, then everything else would fall into place.

But here’s the problem: social media is fleeting. Posts disappear in hours. Engagement doesn’t always lead to conversions. And constantly trying to figure out “what works” on social media meant I was chasing algorithms instead of building a real strategy.

Social media isn’t bad—but when it becomes the primary driver of your content strategy, it leads to burnout, frustration, and a whole lot of wasted time. I spent years stuck in this cycle, constantly tweaking my content to fit what I thought the algorithm wanted, instead of focusing on the long-term success of my business.

The truth? I was creating content for an audience that wasn’t even mine.

Every time I posted, I hoped for engagement, for validation, for a sign that I was “doing it right.” But I wasn’t building a sustainable marketing strategy—I was just feeding a system that rewarded short-term visibility over long-term growth. And today, I see so many business owners falling into the same trap, feeling beyond frustrated with their marketing strategy.

The Shift: Prioritizing SEO, My Blog, and My Email List

When I stepped away from social media, I had to rethink everything. Without it, where was my audience coming from? How was I reaching new customers?

That’s when I started focusing on:

SEO – Writing blog posts optimized for search so people could find me long after I published.
My Newsletter – Growing and nurturing my email list because it’s the only platform I own.
Long-Form Content – Creating high-value articles, guides, and resources that answer the questions my ideal customers are already searching for.
Creating Pinterest Pins – Turning my long-form content into searchable, evergreen pins because Pinterest is a search engine, not a social media platform.

Instead of creating for social media, I started creating for my business. I built my content strategy around what actually drives traffic, generates leads, and converts into sales.

And the best part? My content started working for me—even when I wasn’t online.

A blog post I wrote months ago continues to bring in new leads every single day. An email I sent weeks ago still generates sales. I stopped chasing likes and started building a content system that worked on autopilot. Am I going viral on social media? No. But is my content strategy growing my business like never before? Oh yes.

The Benefits of Flipping Your Content Strategy

When I made this shift, I saw immediate changes—not just in my business, but in my mindset.

1. Less Stress, More Freedom – No more feeling like I had to post daily to stay relevant. Instead, I could focus on creating meaningful content that lasted longer than 24 hours.
2. Higher Quality Leads – The people finding me through my blog and email list were already interested in what I offered—not just casual scrollers.
3. Consistent Growth – Unlike social media, where reach is unpredictable, my blog and SEO efforts provided steady traffic and new subscribers every month.

Instead of creating endless posts hoping for engagement, I was creating with purpose—and it made all the difference.

Why Social Media Should Be the Last Step (Not the First)

Now, social media is just a small part of my overall marketing plan. It’s a way to repurpose and share content—not the thing that drives my entire business.

Too often, entrepreneurs start with social media and try to build a business around it. But that’s backward.

Here’s what works better:

Start with your core content – Blog posts, podcast episodes, YouTube videos—something that has longevity and value.

Use SEO to drive traffic – Make sure your content is optimized so new people can find you through search.

Build your email list – Because an email list is the only audience you own and control.

Then, repurpose for social media – Take pieces of your content and share them on Instagram, Pinterest, and beyond.

This way, your content is working for you long before it ever gets shared on social media.

Ready to Flip Your Content Strategy?

A Step-by-Step Plan to Build Sustainable Growth

If you’ve been feeling stuck in the endless loop of social media, this is your reminder: it’s time to flip your content strategy.

For too long, social media has been the starting point for content creation. But what if I told you that flipping your strategy—putting long-form, evergreen content first—could be the key to attracting the right customers, growing your business sustainably, and breaking free from the burnout cycle?

Let’s walk through exactly how you can do this, step by step.

Step 1: Get Clear on Your Content Goals

Before you dive into creating content, take a step back and ask yourself:

• What do I want my content to do for my business?
• Am I creating content just to stay visible, or to drive actual leads and sales?
• What are the pain points my ideal customer has, and how can I solve them?

The key takeaway? Your content should work for your business, not just for social media engagement. If your strategy isn’t leading to real business growth, it’s time to rethink it.

Step 2: Brainstorm Content That Attracts Your Ideal Customer

Instead of asking, “What should I post today?”, start asking, “What does my ideal customer need help with?”

Grab a notebook, open a doc, or start a mind map. Jot down every single topic that could educate, inspire, or solve a problem for your audience.

Step 3: Create Long-Form Content That Works for You

Now that you have content ideas, it’s time to build a strong foundation with long-form, evergreen content that will drive leads for months (or even years).

Your best content should live where it can be easily found and revisited—on your blog, YouTube, or podcast.

For each topic from your brainstorming session, choose one of these formats:

A blog post (great for SEO, discoverability, and repurposing later)
A YouTube video (high engagement and long shelf life)
A podcast episode (perfect for in-depth conversations and audience connection)

• Then, optimize it for SEO by making sure:
• It answers a question people are searching for
• It includes relevant keywords naturally throughout
• It has a strong headline that grabs attention
• It provides real value (not just surface-level advice)

Step 4: Build an Email List That Converts

Your email list is the most valuable asset in your business because you own it (unlike social media followers).

Step 5: Use Pinterest to Drive Traffic (Without the Social Media Burnout)

Unlike Instagram and TikTok, Pinterest isn’t about being “active” all the time—it’s a search engine that brings visitors to your content on autopilot.

To get started:

✔ Create 5-10 Pinterest Pins for every blog post, freebie, or product page
✔ Use keyword-rich titles and descriptions (Pinterest works like Google!)
✔ Pin consistently (Tailwind is a great tool for automating this)
✔ Track analytics to see which pins bring the most traffic

Pinterest is one of the best ways to flip your content strategy because it ensures your content keeps working for you long after you hit publish.

Step 6: Repurpose for Social Media (Instead of Creating from Scratch)

Now that you have SEO-friendly, evergreen content, it’s time to repurpose it for social media without starting from scratch.

The key? Social media should be the LAST STEP—not the first.

When you start with long-form content and then repurpose it, you get more visibility with less effort.

When you start putting your business first (instead of social media), everything shifts. You’ll feel more in control of your marketing, less stressed about posting daily, and more connected to the people who actually need what you offer.

And trust me—that is a game-changer.

Meet Sarah. She loved running her business—she was passionate about her work and adored her clients. But when it came to showing up online to attract new clients? That was another story.

Sarah often found herself staring at a blinking cursor, feeling the pressure to come up with something clever or engaging to post.

The truth? It was easier not to say anything at all.

She didn’t know what to share, how to sound authentic, or how to actually attract the kinds of clients she dreamed of working with. And honestly? I get it. Sarah was amazing at connecting with people face-to-face—her clients loved her, and her passion for what she did was so clear when you met her in person. But when it came to the online stuff, she felt completely lost. Social media, her newsletter, her blog—they all kind of fell by the wayside. Not because she didn’t care, but because every time she sat down to write, she felt stuck.

Taking the First Step

One day, a friend mentioned Wordsmith, raving about how it had completely transformed their content strategy. Sarah figured, Why not? She signed up, not really expecting much, but hopeful it might help her get a handle on her content and give her a ilttle direction.

When Sarah logged in for the first time, she was blown away. Not only did she see captions that were ready to be posted, but for the first time, she could visualize what a fully planned month of content would look like. As a big-picture thinker, I’ve always believed in creating a long-term strategy for business success. When it comes to my business, I thrive on thinking ahead. I love mapping out where I want to go and creating a plan to get there.

That mindset is something I built right into Wordsmith. And it’s something a lot of my clients love, especially those who aren’t naturally drawn to thinking so far ahead.

For people like Sarah, who preferred to focus on the day-to-day, having that year-long overview was a revelation. She could finally see how all the small pieces came together to form a cohesive strategy. It wasn’t just about posting for the sake of posting anymore; it was about sharing with intention and working toward a larger goal. She could see how all the pieces fit together and how each post and email worked toward a bigger goal. Suddenly, content creation felt purposeful and exciting instead of overwhelming.

The Moment It All Clicked

Suddenly, it made so much sense. The idea of posting on the go or waiting for inspiration to strike? That was left in the past. For Sarah, having a clear plan—with captions that felt professional yet authentic—was a game-changer.

She could see how everything connected: how her social media posts could lead to more inquiries, how her emails could nurture relationships, and how a consistent online presence could establish her as a go-to expert in her field. For the first time, she wasn’t just winging it—she had an actual strategy.

Sarah started using Wordsmith’s captions and templates right away, customizing them to reflect her voice. The best part? She didn’t have to do it alone. Wordsmith’s tools made it easy to plug in her ideas, tweak the language, and make everything feel like her.

Here’s what Sarah had to say:

“Before Wordsmith, I felt so overwhelmed by the idea of content creation. I knew I needed to show up online, but I had no idea what to say or how to say it. Wordsmith changed everything. The captions and content plans gave me structure and confidence, and for the first time, I actually enjoyed creating content. My business feels more aligned, and I’m connecting with the right clients—the ones I’ve always wanted to work with.”

Why Wordsmith Works

Sarah’s story isn’t unique—and that’s exactly why Wordsmith was created. It’s not about reinventing the wheel or spending hours crafting the perfect caption. It’s about giving business owners the tools they need to share their message authentically and strategically.

With Wordsmith, you don’t have to start from scratch. You get access to:

• Professionally written captions that sound authentic and approachable.
• Monthly content calendars to help you plan with purpose.
• A bird’s-eye view of an entire year of content strategy.

And the best part? It all feels doable—because it is.

Ready to Write YOUR Success Story?

If you’ve ever felt like Sarah—overwhelmed by content creation and unsure where to start—I want you to know that there’s a better way. Wordsmith was designed to help entrepreneurs like you show up with confidence, connect with your audience, and grow your business without the stress.

Imagine what it would feel like to have a clear plan for your content, captions that reflect your voice, and a strategy that actually works. Imagine knowing that every post, email, or story you share is building towards something bigger.

That’s the kind of transformation Wordsmith can help you achieve.

So, are you ready to write your success story? Let’s make it happen.

Explore Wordsmith and start your journey today: www.modernmarket.co/wordsmith

There’s a moment every entrepreneur faces—that sinking feeling when someone leaves a negative comment, sends a hurtful message, or unsubscribes from your email list. It’s hard not to take it personally. After all, you pour your heart and soul into your business, and when someone doesn’t resonate with it, it can feel like a rejection of who you are.

But here’s the truth: Your business isn’t for everyone. And that’s not just okay—it’s a good thing.

The sooner you realize that there will be people who don’t need, want, or even like what you create, the sooner you can stop wasting your time on the wrong audience. Instead, you can focus your energy on serving the people who love what you do and can’t wait to hear from you.

Let’s explore why trying to please everyone is a trap and how embracing the mindset of “Let them” can transform your business.

Why You Can’t (and Shouldn’t) Please Everyone

Think about it—there are nearly 8 billion people in the world. The odds of you creating a product, service, or business that’s the perfect fit for everyone? Zero.

No matter how incredible your offer is, there will always be people who don’t need it, don’t want it, or simply don’t like it. And that’s not a reflection of your worth or the quality of your work. It’s just life.

We all have different tastes, preferences, and needs. Some people will love what you do. Others won’t. The key is to focus on the ones who do.

Because here’s the thing: For every person who unfollows, unsubscribes, or leaves a negative comment, there are dozens more who are excited about what you have to offer. The ones who are quietly cheering you on, clicking your links, and waiting for your next launch.

They’re the people you started your business for.

The Power of “Let Them”

When you start to feel discouraged by criticism or rejection, try adopting this simple mindset: Let them.

• Someone doesn’t like your business? Let them.
• They don’t agree with your pricing? Let them.
• They have something negative to say? Let them.

This mindset is something author Mel Robbins talks about in her book Let Them Theory (which I highly recommend). She shares how embracing the idea of “Let them” can be a powerful way to protect your energy and focus on what truly matters.

Mel reminds us that we can’t control how others perceive us or react to what we do. What we can control is how we show up and who we choose to give our attention to. So, when someone criticizes your work or doesn’t see your vision—let them. When someone doesn’t support your business or understand your passion—let them.

It’s not your job to convince everyone to love what you do. Your job is to show up for the people who already do—the ones who see your value, resonate with your message, and are excited to be part of your community.

The “Let them” mindset isn’t about dismissing feedback or ignoring opportunities to improve. It’s about recognizing that you can’t be everything to everyone, and that’s perfectly okay.

Why It’s Time to Stop Wasting Time on the Wrong Audience

One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is spending too much time trying to win over people who aren’t a good fit. Maybe it’s the stranger who leaves a nasty comment on social media or the potential client who ghosts you after asking for your pricing.

It’s tempting to chase after them, to explain yourself, to try to prove your worth. But that energy? It’s better spent elsewhere.

Instead of focusing on the naysayers, put your time and energy into:

• Nurturing your loyal customers.
• Creating content that speaks to your ideal audience.
• Building relationships with the people who do get it.

When you let go of the need to please everyone, you create space to grow a business that truly reflects who you are and what you stand for.

The Freedom of Embracing Your True Audience

When you stop trying to appeal to everyone, something magical happens: You start to attract the right people.

These are the customers who see your value. The ones who share your values. The ones who tell their friends about you, leave glowing reviews, and stick with you through the ups and downs.

Your true audience doesn’t need convincing. They’re already sold on who you are and what you do. And when you focus on them, your business starts to feel lighter, more aligned, and more fulfilling.

What Happens When You Embrace “Let Them”

Letting go of the need to please everyone doesn’t mean you won’t face criticism or rejection. You will. But when you adopt the “Let them” mindset, you stop letting those moments derail you.

Here’s what happens when you embrace this approach:

• You feel more confident in your decisions.
• You spend less time worrying about negative feedback.
• You create stronger connections with your ideal audience.
• You have more energy to focus on what truly matters.

And most importantly, you start to build a business that feels authentic and aligned with your values.

Your Business Isn’t for Everyone (And That’s the Point)

You didn’t start your business to please the world. You started it because you have something special to share. You started it because you knew there were people out there who needed exactly what you have to offer.

So, the next time you get a negative comment or feel the sting of rejection, remind yourself of this:

For every one person who doesn’t get it, there are a dozen more who do.

Stop wasting time trying to convince the wrong people. Instead, pour your heart into serving the ones who already see your value.

Because your business isn’t for everyone—and that’s a very good thing.

Did I just Google “how long is a marathon”? Yes. Yes, I did. Because somehow, I’ve decided that running a marathon (that’s 26.2 miles for those like me who didn’t know) in Honolulu sounds like a great idea, even for someone who’s only ever managed to run five miles—on a really good day.

Let’s be clear: I’m not a runner. The only running I do regularly involves chasing my two little ones around the house or racing to the kitchen before my coffee gets cold. But here I am, putting this wild goal out into the universe. I’m planning to run a marathon, and I can’t believe I’m saying that.

So, why this goal? Why now? Let me tell ya.

Choosing to Do Something Just for Me

As a mom of four, most of my attention goes toward raising and homeschooling my kids. I run my business from home, which gives me a ton of flexibility, but it also means that my personal time is practically non-existent. My days are a juggling act of lesson plans, family time, snack requests, and laundry—so much laundry.

Somewhere along the way, I stopped making time to do things just for me. And if you’re a parent, you probably know exactly what I mean. It’s easy to get lost in the needs of everyone else and forget that we deserve a little slice of our own time and energy, too. Back in my early business days, when I was working as a photographer, most of my weekends required me to travel to new locations for weddings and sessions. Although it was technically work, it often felt like a fun weekend getaway—a chance to do something on my own and explore new places. I didn’t realize at the time how important that solo time was for me.

Running a marathon is my way of claiming that space for myself. It’s a commitment to me. It’s a reminder that I’m allowed to set big goals that have nothing to do with being a mom or running a business.

And honestly? It feels empowering to choose something this big and audacious.

My Love for Unrealistic Goals

I have this weird obsession with setting really unrealistic goals and then figuring out how to make them happen. Running a business has always felt a lot like that—setting big dreams, making a plan, and just trusting that I’ll figure it out along the way.

Running a marathon feels exactly the same.

Right now, I can’t run more than five miles without feeling like my lungs might give out. But I’m not worried about where I am today—I’m focused on where I could be a few months from now. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that big goals push us in the right direction, even if they feel impossible at first.

How many times do we stop ourselves from going after something because we think, “I could never do that”? What if we flipped the narrative and thought, “I can’t do that yet but I’m willing to try”?

That’s the mindset I’m taking into this marathon journey. I may not be able to run 26.2 miles today, but I’m showing up for future me—the one who will cross that finish line in Honolulu.

I’m Not a Runner (But I’m Trying Anyway)

Let’s be real—running is hard. At the moment, running three miles feels like a challenge. I’m not someone who naturally loves to run, and the idea of running more than five miles? I honestly can’t imagine it.

When I say, “I’m not a runner,” I mean it. I’m the mom who runs after her kids, not someone who laces up their sneakers every morning for a quick jog.

But the beauty of setting a goal like running a marathon is that it forces you to grow into the kind of person who can do it. I’m not a runner yet, but by the time December rolls around, I hope I will be.

Accountability and Consistency

One of the main reasons I wanted to commit to this marathon is to motivate myself to become more consistent in working out.

I’ve always struggled with sticking to a workout routine. I’d have good weeks where I’d show up consistently, followed by weeks where I’d fall off the wagon completely. I needed a reason to show up—something to hold me accountable.

Signing up for a marathon gives me that reason. If I don’t put in the work, the only person I’m letting down is myself. And having to run a marathon is for sure going to be a terrible experience. There’s no hiding from that.

Consistency is key when it comes to training, and I hope this goal helps me stay accountable even on the days when I don’t feel like showing up. Because let’s be honest—there are going to be plenty of those days.

Why Honolulu? Why NOT Honolulu Hawaii?!

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I have a deep love for Hawaii. I’ve lived in both Maui and Oahu, and those islands will always hold a special place in my heart.

When I started thinking about running a marathon, I knew I wanted to choose one that felt meaningful. The Honolulu Marathon felt like the perfect fit—a way to return to a place I love, while rewarding myself at the end of the year for sticking with my training plan. Plus, since it’s in December it gives me the most amount of time to train.

Plus, if you’re going to run 26.2 miles, you might as well do it in paradise, right?

Getting Personal

This space on my blog is typically filled with business tips and marketing strategies, but I hope to share more of my health journey here, too. It feels a little vulnerable to show up in this way, but I want to be real about the ups and downs of this experience. Life isn’t just about business goals—it’s about personal ones, too.

I’m equal parts excited and terrified. There’s a voice in my head saying, “You’re crazy for even trying,” but there’s a louder voice reminding me that I’ve done hard things before—and I can do this, too.

So, here’s to running a marathon, showing up for myself, and doing things that feel impossible.

Curious about how a simple mailing list can transform your business? Well, you’re in for a treat! Here are the email marketing strategies I used to grow my list from ZERO to over 100,000 incredible humans – just like you. And trust me, it’s not just a story of numbers; it’s about mastering email marketing strategies to build genuine relationships, facing challenges head-on, and embracing every lesson learned.

Beginning Your Email Marketing Journey: Essential Strategies

Oh, those early days! Remember when you first stepped into something brand new, and it felt like wandering through a maze without a map? That was me, stepping into the world of email marketing. Eager to grow my list using effective email marketing strategies, I initially felt like I was fumbling in the dark. Everywhere you turn, people talk about the importance of email marketing strategies in building your list, but it’s like there’s a secret handbook no one’s sharing.

Unlike the world of social media, where everything is out there for you to see and learn from, email marketing felt like a closed door. It was this private, elusive world, and here I was, standing on the outside, full of dreams to build my list but clueless about where to start.

What do you say? What do you write? How often do you reach out? These questions swirled in my head, just as they probably do in yours. Believe me, when I first dipped my toes into these waters, I was right there with you – filled with questions and a heart full of hope, trying to find my way. But, oh, what a journey it’s been!

The Art of Crafting Your Email Marketing Voice

In the early days, I grappled with what to say. Most of my emails were heavily promotional, pushing my digital products and services. It was what I saw most companies doing (think about the hundreds of emails that land in your inbox each week), and I thought it was the way to go. But something didn’t feel right. I wasn’t enjoying the process. It felt more like a sales pitch than a genuine connection. That’s when realized that while marketing and sales knowledge are important, what I truly craved was a personal, authentic connection with my audience. So, I decided to shift my focus from selling to serving. This wasn’t just a change in strategy; it was a change in mindset. It completely went against the grain of what others were doing, but I didn’t care. It felt right.

Embracing Authenticity in Your Email Marketing Approach

This shift to focusing on serving rather than selling was the turning point for me. Suddenly, writing emails became a joy. It was no longer about what I could get, but about what I could give. This approach resonated deeply with my subscribers. They could feel the authenticity, the shift from transactional to relational. It was this authenticity that supercharged the growth of my list. More than just growing numbers, I was nurturing real connections.

Creating Heartfelt Content: A Key Email Marketing Strategy

The real turning point came when I realized it’s not just about sending emails; it’s about connecting. I began sharing more than just updates – I shared life lessons, failures that turned into stepping stones, and little victories that felt huge. Every email became a piece of my heart, sent out into the world with hope. And guess what? That hope came back to me, tenfold, in the form of engaged, passionate subscribers who resonated with my words.

The Role of Irresistible Freebies in Email List Growth

One word: Freebies. But not just any freebies. I’m talking about those heart-crafted, value-packed gems that people can’t resist. Whether it was an insightful e-book, a helpful guide, or a set of beautiful templates, each freebie was a token of my appreciation for their time and inbox space. It was my way of saying, “Hey, I see you, I appreciate you, and I’m here to add value to your life.”

But here’s our little secret: I optimized the sharing of personal resources that had a significant impact on my business. Utilizing Flodesk was a game-changer for me. It made creating and distributing opt-ins for my resources incredibly straightforward and effective. The ease of designing eye-catching, engaging opt-ins allowed me to get my resources in front of more people, without the headache. 

And trust me, when you’re using a platform that automates the whole process for you, it becomes much easier to grow your list.

And then there’s Pinterest – an absolute powerhouse. Unlike traditional social media platforms, Pinterest works like a search engine. So, when someone search for a business planner, guess whose shows up? Yep, mine! The beauty of Pinterest is that you don’t need a massive following to get your content seen by the right people. This aspect was crucial, especially when starting from scratch. It meant that growing my email list became a lot more feasible, even without a large social media presence to begin with.

Using these tools, I was able to connect my free resources with those who needed them most. It wasn’t just about giving something away for free; it was about providing real, tangible help. This approach didn’t just add to my email list – it built a community of engaged, grateful individuals who found true value in what I had to offer.

Unlocking Email List Growth: Proven Email Marketing Strategies

In my own experience, a few key email marketing strategies have been instrumental in not only increasing the numbers but also in cultivating a list brimming with engaged, interested subscribers. Now, I’m excited to share these tried-and-tested techniques with you. These are the strategies that have made the most significant impact for me, and I believe they can do the same for your list. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your existing list, these tactics are all about creating genuine connections and providing value that resonates with your audience. Let’s dive into these game-changing strategies and explore how you can use them to grow your email list effectively.

Captivating Freebies:

Everyone loves a good freebie, especially when it’s packed with value. Think about what your audience would find irresistible – an ebook filled with insider tips, stunning presets for photographers, handy printables, or comprehensive lists that simplify their lives. Offering these free digital downloads in exchange for an email sign-up is a fantastic way to grow your list. It’s not just about giving something away; it’s about showing your audience the kind of value they can expect from you.

Discounts for First-Time Shoppers:

Encourage newcomers to take the plunge with a special discount on their first purchase. This is a classic, yet effective way to turn casual browsers into subscribers and customers. It’s a small gesture that can lead to a lasting relationship, showing them that their decision to engage with your brand is valued and appreciated.

Personalized Price Lists for Potential Clients:

If you’re in a service-based industry, sharing a tailored price list can be a powerful tool. It’s more than just a list of services and prices; it’s the beginning of a personalized conversation with potential clients. When you attach this information to your email sign-up, you’re not only providing valuable information but also opening the door to further engagement.

Interactive Content:

Engagement is key, and interactive content is a fun way to achieve it. Create quizzes, polls, or surveys that not only entertain but also provide insights into your audience’s preferences and needs. This approach not only encourages sign-ups but also enhances your understanding of your audience, allowing you to tailor future content and offers.

Hosting Free Online Workshops or Webinars:

This is a powerful way to demonstrate your expertise and offer real value to your audience. Choose a topic that resonates with your audience’s interests or pain points, and provide actionable insights. In exchange for this valuable content, participants can sign up for your email list. This approach not only boosts your list but also establishes you as an authority in your field.

The Unmatched Value of an Email List

Let’s turn our focus to the powerhouse of digital marketing – the email list. You might wonder, with all the social media buzz, why focus so much on an email list? Well, let me share some enlightening stats and insights.

First off, did you know that for every $1 spent on email marketing, the average return is a staggering $42? That’s an ROI that’s hard to ignore. In a digital landscape flooded with various marketing strategies, email consistently delivers a return that can transform the way we do business.

But beyond the numbers, there’s the power of having direct access to your audience. Unlike social media, where algorithms can change overnight and impact your reach, your email list is yours. It’s a direct line to your audience, unfiltered and unaffected by the whims of social media platforms. This means that you’re not just another post in a crowded feed, but a welcomed guest in someone’s inbox.

Moreover, email allows for personalized and targeted communication. You can segment your list based on interests, engagement levels, or purchase history, tailoring your message to resonate more deeply with different groups. This level of personalization is a game-changer, fostering a stronger connection with your audience. 

Now, here’s my question to you: What’s your story, and how can you use it to connect with others? How can you create content that touches hearts and opens doors to genuine conversations?

Growing an email list is more than a numbers game. It’s about building a community, one email at a time. So, start with your story, be consistent, and most importantly, be authentically you. Because when you speak from the heart, the world listens.

P.S. Remember, your voice has power, your story matters, and there’s someone out there waiting to hear what you have to say. Start today, one email, one connection at a time.

If you’re ready to start moving in the right direction and become amazing at getting things accomplished then let me explain this concept to you. It might sound simple but take the time to actually think about it. Let it sink in. I believe this concept needs to be understood by every business person out there. 

I often get asked how I managed to grow my business and Wordsmith Membership so quickly and I can say that it had to do with a lot of things. One of them is reading a lot. I’ve never been able to get lost in storybooks, but hand me a book on business and I can’t put it down. I soak it up like a sponge and then piece it together to make it fit my life, my business, and the way I run my business. Something about business fascinates me, and I love reading how things work, how ideas succeed, how they fail. I love reading stories about others that built a business empire out of a simple dream.

The 80/20 Principle

I remember reading about something called the 80/20 principle. It’s actually a really simple concept, but to me, it was absolutely mind-blowing. For the past few years, I have applied this 80/20 principle to running my own business and it has helped me in so many ways. It helps me make decisions quickly and always reminds me of the big picture.

Most people believe that when you put hard work in, you get the same return. If you put 50% of hard work, you’ll get 50% in results. The problem with that concept is that it usually doesn’t actually work out like that. People that have this mindset all too often spend time on the wrong things and move forward a lot slower than those who understand the concept of the 80/20 principle.

The 80-20 rule will teach you to focus on what’s really important in your life and your business. You can apply it to almost every aspect of your life and business and below I’ll list a few ways photographers can think about the concept.

The 80-20 rule states that 20% of inputs create 80% of the outputs and that 20% of the effort leads to 80% of the results.

Here are some examples in business when it comes to the 80/20 principle.

CLIENTS & BUSINESS

80% OF BUSINESS COMES FROM 20% OF YOUR CLIENTS/CUSTOMERS

Figure out who your top 20% clients/customers are!

80%  OF YOUR NEW CLIENTS/CUSTOMERS ARE REFERRED OVER BY 20% OF YOUR CURRENT CLIENTS/CUSTOMERS

Who are your top 20%? They bring in over 80% of your NEW clientele/customers!

80% OF CLIENTS/CUSTOMERS COME FROM 20% OF THE BUSINESS REACH 

What is your top 20% business outreach strategy? It is bringing you 80% of your clients/customers!

80% OF COMPLAINTS COMES FROM 20% OF YOUR CLIENTS/CUSTOMERS

Unhappy clients are hard situations to deal with but realize that it’s only 20%. (Although in the moment it might feel like 80%)

SALES & SESSIONS

80% OF SALES ARE GENERATED BY 20% OF YOUR CLIENTS/CUSTOMERS

This is KEY – Who are your most loyal clients/customers? They generate 80% of your sales!

80% OF PRODUCT SALES COME FROM 20% OF YOUR PRODUCTS

What are your BEST sellers? Those items account for 80% of product sales!

80% OF REVENUE COMES FROM 20% OF YOUR CLIENTS/CUSTOMERS

Again – Who are your BEST clients/customers? They account for 80% of your entire business revenue!

TIME MANAGEMENT & OFFICE WORK

80% OF BUSINESS IS DONE IN 20% OF THE TIME (YEAR, MONTH, WEEK OR DAY)

Know when your busy season is and make sure work extra hard during that time – it brings you 80% of your business!

80% OF RESULTS ARE ACHIEVED BECAUSE OF 20% OF THE TASKS

KNOW what your important tasks are – 80% of results come from those tasks alone! Don’t waste so much time on the little things.

80% OF EMAILS ASK 20% OF THE QUESTIONS

Do you get a lot of repeat emails from a lot of people? Save yourself time by creating email templates. 80% of ALL your emails are looking for the same information!

80% OF YOUR TABS OPEN IS 20% OF WHAT YOU SHOULD BE DOING

How many search browser tabs do you have open right now? 80% of them are unnecessary!

SOCIAL MEDIA & BLOGGING

80% OF YOUR INTERACTION COMES FROM 20% OF YOUR FOLLOWERS

Who are your most AWESOME fans? They make up 80% of all your interactions!

80% OF YOUR TRAFFIC COMES FROM 20% OF YOUR KEYWORDS

Know what your TOP keywords are – they bring in 80% of all your traffic!

80% OF SOCIAL SHARES COME FROM 20% OF THE SOCIAL UPDATES

What posts get the most shares and attention? They get you 80% of all shares!

MARKETING & ADVERTISING

80% OF SALES COME FROM 20% OF YOUR ADVERTISING 

What advertising method works best for your business? It brings in 80% in sales!

80% OF BOOKINGS COME FROM 20% OF YOUR MARKETING

What marketing method works best? It brings in 80% of your bookings!

Hope you enjoyed this post! And always remember the most important rule of all:

80% OF SUCCESS IS SHOWING UP

If you’re ready to start focusing on the right things, it starts by figuring out what your 20% is first. Once you know what that is, you’ll be able to focus on the pieces that move your business (or life) in the right direction. The best thing about the 80/20 principle is that you can apply it to literally anything in life and business. Looking to learn a little more about this? There’s a ton of books on it, but I highly recommend reading The 80/20 Principle: The Secret to Achieving More with Less by Richard Koch.

Many business owners out there struggle with feeling guilty about charging what they’re worth. More than likely, you know the feeling of having to put a price on your service, art, and time, or skill. Wanting to charge what you’re worth but fear that others won’t see the value behind what you do.

The struggle between wanting to build a strong business with an income you can live on and deserve, doing what you love while at the same time wanting to give your clients everything they want for next to nothing because you love what you do.

Here’s what makes it hard: Most likely, you got started pursuing your passions not because of the money but because you love what you do. The truth is that many business owners out there are valuing their client’s feelings over their own business goals.

If you calculate how much you need to charge to reach your income goals, that number you might end up coming up with might very likely be out of someone’s budget. It might even be out of many people’s budget. That number might be higher than you feel comfortable with at the moment, and the idea of someone paying those higher prices for your services might be terrifying for you. 

The goal of this post isn’t here to tell you that you need to raise your prices; raising prices is easy. It’s something I had to learn with my own business, and something I hope to pass on to others who might be struggling with charging what they are worth.

I WANT YOU TO REALIZE ONE THING;

YOU ARE WORTH

EVERY PENNY. 

Stop being scared of charging what you are worth and calculate your numbers like a business. You put so much heart into your business so when you sit there calculating how much you need to charge, use your head and a calculator. Put your heart aside just for a little while, so the numbers behind getting your business to become sustainable long term are in your future.

Stop overthinking pricing and putting other people’s feelings above what you are worth.

I can promise you this; by Charging what you are worth you will;

COME ACROSS PEOPLE WHO CAN NOT AFFORD THOSE PRICES.

And that is ok! What someone else can afford doesn’t have anything to do with your worth. You might even find people who think you are worth every single penny, but you still won’t fall into their budget. Accept that not everyone will be able to book with you.

YOU WILL COME ACROSS PEOPLE WHO SAVE UP TO FINALLY INVEST IN YOUR BUSINESS

Because the investment is worth it to them. Working with people who believe you are worth it is one of the best feelings you’ll have as a small business owner.

YOU WILL FIND PEOPLE WHO THINK YOU ARE CRAZY FOR CHARGING THOSE PRICES.

You might even make a few jaws hit the ground. Be proud of your pricing!

YOU WILL FIND PEOPLE COMPARE YOU TO OTHERS BASED ON PRICES ALONE.

And you’ll have no problem wishing them good luck if they would rather work with someone else simply because they have lower prices because you know deep inside that there’s a reason they reached out to you. That they contacted you because they see the quality in what you offer. 

YOU WILL START TO MANAGE YOUR TIME BETTER.

You’ll quickly see what things waste your time and the things that are worth pursuing. Knowing how to manage your time correctly will also help others not take advantage of that good heart you have. I get that when you pursue the thing you are most passionate about, it’s hard to make that a business. To separate wanting to do it all the time for free, for everyone. And finally, turn it into a business where you are spending valuable time doing something you love while also bringing an in income that you can depend on and deserve. 

The beautiful thing about charging what you’re worth and shifting your mindset to realize that you are worth it is that you’ll instantly see your business transform and find those dream clients and customers more often.

When you work with people who don’t question your worth and genuinely understand the amount of work you put into your craft, it validates what you knew all along;

YOU ARE WORTH IT.

It’s time to stop feeling guilty about charging what you’re worth.