Do Not Delete
The night before we left for Europe, I was still up at 11:45 PM—wrapping up the last few pieces of content, double-checking automations, and setting that final “out of office” email reply. I told myself I’d be ahead of the game this time. But let’s be honest… there I was, one more late night deep in Google Docs, just trying to make sure nothing fell through the cracks.
I’d planned this trip for months. Dreamed about it for years. And yet, even with all the prep, I still found myself sprinting to the finish line.
This trip was more than just a vacation. It was a homecoming. I was born and raised in Germany until I was eleven, and taking my own kids back to those childhood spots was something I’ll never forget. Sitting on the same bench my mom used to sit on while I played—only now watching my own four kids run wild on the same playground? It was like life folded in on itself in the most beautiful way.
But even in that moment, there was a tiny voice in my head whispering, “Did I prep enough? Will everything run like it should?”
If you’ve ever tried to truly unplug from your business—especially as a mom, a multi-passionate entrepreneur, or someone who wears 87 hats—you know that feeling. The hope that everything will keep moving without you… but also the low hum of worry that it might not.
So today, I wanted to give you a real look at how the trip went, what actually worked behind the scenes, and what I’ll be doing differently next time.
We spent two weeks hopping across Germany, Switzerland, Italy—and even had a little accidental adventure through France (thanks to a GPS reroute and one my navigation skills).
The trip was packed with special moments:
And all the while? My business kept running. Sales came in. Newsletters were delivered. Clients were booking. Blog posts went live.
My business? Completely automated.
I realized that rest isn’t just a nice idea. It’s necessary.
I realized that no matter how well I plan, it’s okay if things aren’t perfect.
I realized that the life I actually want doesn’t involve always being plugged in—even if I love what I do.
And I realized that I don’t have to earn my time off by sprinting to burnout before I go. I can simply plan, prepare, and allow the systems I’ve built to do their job.
Honestly, there’s something wildly freeing about knowing your business doesn’t fall apart without you. That’s the real magic of automation and systems. And it’s taken me years to get here.
Yes, it made the week before we left a little wild—but I scheduled everything from blog posts to Pinterest pins to email campaigns. If I had to do it again, I’d probably give just take two weeks off instead of trying to do two weeks of work, in the month prior.
Not every post needed to be Pulitzer-worthy. Not every email had to be long. The goal was consistency, not perfection. Showing up, even while I was offline, was enough.
I leaned on my email software (hi, Flodesk!), and my blog to do the heavy lifting. These systems are designed to work for you. Let them. I wrote extra in the weeks leading up to the trip, and scheduled all the content to be released while away. It worked perfectly.
This one’s hard, especially for control-loving entrepreneurs. But when you’ve done the work? You have to step back and trust it. That trust is what lets you actually enjoy the pasta and the cowbells and the long walks through cobblestone streets. As the years have gone by, I’ve gotten really good at this. I used to put business first. Worked around the clock. Looked at late nights as some kind of proof that I was doing the work. Never took a day off. Today, life looks a little different. A little slower. I don’t want to rush through life. I want to soak in these moments. I want to be present, and truly there in the moment. I can work hard in my business, but also have learned to close my laptop and simply enjoy my life.
I’m not here to be viral. I’m here to be consistent. And when I focused on evergreen blog content and Pinterest strategy, it built a kind of momentum that doesn’t disappear the second I log off. And each year I get to continue building on to a business that is designed to last.
Let’s talk about a few of the little things that made this trip so beautiful. Because sometimes it’s not the big moments, but the ones that sneak up on you and steal your heart:
When I look back at that trip, it’s not just the mountains or the family gatherings or the chocolate croissants that make me smile—it’s the quiet confidence I had knowing I’d built something that could carry on while I rested.
What if you turned off your phone, shut the laptop, and didn’t check in on your business for two full weeks?
Would it keep going? Would your content still show up? Would sales still come in? Would your people feel supported, even without you present?
If that question makes your stomach turn a little—you’re not alone. I’ve been there, too. That quiet fear that everything will fall apart if we stop showing up… it’s a common one for entrepreneurs. But it’s also a sign. A little nudge that maybe—just maybe—it’s time to build something more sustainable.
Something that gives you space to rest without guilt.
Something that runs while you’re at your kid’s soccer game or exploring a trail in the Alps.
Something that still serves and sells, even when you’re completely offline.
This doesn’t happen overnight, but it is possible. I know because I’ve built it, tweaked it, tested it, and watched it keep working while I stepped away.
You don’t have to flip your whole business model today. But what’s one thing, just one, that you could shift this month to move closer to that kind of freedom?
Maybe it’s turning your most popular post into a Pinterest pin.
Maybe it’s setting up a simple opt-in that grows your list on autopilot.
Maybe it’s carving out time to finally map out your evergreen content.
Start small. Start where you are. But whatever you do, start.
You deserve a business that runs without you… so you can fully live the life you started it for.
Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025
Saturday, May 31st, 2025
One of the most common questions I get when it comes to Pinterest ads: Where do I even start? You’ve probably heard that Pinterest can be a goldmine for passive traffic and sales (spoiler: it totally can be). But when you finally sit down to launch your first ad, it’s easy to get overwhelmed—there are different ad formats, audience types, budgets, pins, targeting strategies… it’s a lot.
Here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be complicated.
But you do need to start with the right strategy—for where you are right now.
Because truthfully? The best first ad to run on Pinterest depends on whether you already have traffic coming in… or you’re starting from zero.
Let me explain…
If you’ve already got visitors landing on your site—maybe from your blog, SEO, Pinterest content, or even social media—then listen up, because this is where Pinterest ads can really shine.
💡 Start with a remarketing ad.
This is hands-down the best ad to run if you’ve got even a little bit of traffic already trickling in.
Why?
Because it’s targeting people who’ve already seen your brand. Maybe they clicked through to a product, added something to their cart, or read one of your blog posts. These people are already warmed up—and a well-placed Pinterest ad might be the nudge they need to finally hit “buy.”
Let me give you a quick example.
In one day, I spent $11 on a remarketing ad and made $470 in return. (Yep, I triple-checked.) That’s the beauty of this type of ad—it’s not trying to introduce you to new people, it’s gently reminding someone who’s already been in your world that your offer is still there. Still helpful. Still worth it.
And when your ad shows up while they’re planning, searching, and making decisions on Pinterest? Magic. And the best part? Since this ad only gets shown to those who have visited your site, it’s a much smaller audience size, which means you really don’t have to spend much.
It’s a strategy I use regularly and still get amazing returns from—because it works.
But here’s the thing…
What if you’re just getting started?
What if no one’s visiting your website yet, and you don’t have enough traffic to retarget?
Friend, don’t worry. This is still a perfect time to start with Pinterest ads. You just need a slightly different strategy.
💡 Run a cold traffic ad to your best-selling product or service.
Why your best seller? Because it’s already been validated. Even if it’s just through a few sales here and there—you’ve proven that people want this thing. And that means it has the highest chance of converting when you get it in front of more of the right people.
Once you start generating traffic (and sales) you can turn on a second ad for remarketing.
One reason I love recommending Pinterest ads to business owners is that Pinterest doesn’t require you to have a giant following, or a warmed-up audience. People are already searching for solutions, ideas, and offers. And if you can match your ad to what they’re looking for? You’re in.
Instead of trying to interrupt someone’s scroll like you do on Instagram, Pinterest lets you place your ad right where someone’s already looking for what you sell.
That means better alignment. More clicks. And more potential for sales—even if your audience is still small.
Let’s make it simple:
You Have Website Traffic | You’re Starting from Scratch |
---|---|
Start with: Remarketing ad to warm leads | Start with: Cold traffic ad to your best seller |
Target: Past website visitors or engaged Pinterest users | Target: Interests, keywords, and search terms your audience is actively using |
Goal: Boost conversions from people already familiar with you | Goal: Attract new traffic and make your first few sales |
Both are powerful. But choosing the one that matches your business stage will give you the fastest path to results.
So many of my business friends were curious about how I was running Pinterest ads and getting strong ROI—even with a small ad spend—that I created a 90-min course that walks you through my entire setup.
🎯 The Pinterest Ad Strategy is short, sweet, and super actionable. In under 90 minutes, I show you:
It’s like looking over my shoulder as I set up a real campaign—with takeaways you can apply right away.
If you’ve ever wanted to start running Pinterest ads but didn’t know how to start smart, this is it. You can check it out right here.
Pinterest ads don’t have to feel overwhelming or intimidating. You just need the right starting point for where you are right now.
If you have traffic—remarketing ads are gold.
If you’re just beginning—run a cold ad to your best offer.
Either way, you’re giving your business a boost by putting your work in front of people who actually want what you have.
Last spring, we planted sixteen apple trees. They line the dirt road on our property now, barely taller than my littlest kids, their thin branches still reaching out with all the hope of something much bigger. It was a family affair—muddy hands, mismatched shovels, sun-warmed shoulders, and kids running barefoot between holes. My husband dug. I placed roots. The kids patted dirt like it was treasure. It was one of those core memories I hope I never forget.
They were just tiny twigs in the ground. But I saw what they could become.
As we planted, I caught myself daydreaming—of heavy branches filled with apples, of pies on fall mornings, of the first crisp bite into something we grew ourselves. I pictured my younger kids growing up alongside those trees, and then the far-off future: little grandkids racing each other down our dirt road, weaving between tree trunks that started as sticks but grew alongside generations.
But here’s the honest part: there’s also a quieter voice in me that wonders if I’ll ever get to see it.
Because seven years ago, I planted something else.
We bought our dream home on a little island. A house with the ocean in the distance. And on one of our wedding anniversaries, my husband got me two palm trees that we planted in the front yard.
My husband dug the holes, one on each side of where a hammock would hang. We knew we’d have to wait years before we could actually use it—before the roots would settle deep enough, before the trees would grow strong enough to hold our weight. But that was part of the dream. I still remember standing back, thinking about the salt air, the slow mornings, the stories we’d read to the kids under those trees. It felt so sure. So right.
But we had to leave that dream behind.
And I never did get to enjoy that hammock.
And I still think about those palm trees. It’s a soft ache—that reminder that not every seed we plant is one we get to harvest.
That not every dream plays out the way we hope.
And yet, last spring, I knelt down in the dirt and planted again. Even with that uncertainty.
Because something in me still believes in planting.
And maybe you’re there, too. In business. In life. Planting seeds that you hope will grow—a new offering, a new idea, a new rhythm for your days. Maybe you’re holding both the hope and the fear. Maybe you’ve planted before and watched something beautiful bloom, only to have to let it go.
And still—here you are, planting again.
I used to think success was fast. Loud. Certain.
But now I see it’s more like those apple trees. Slow. Quiet. Rooted in intention. It takes time.
I think back on my business and how many seasons I’ve been through. The big ideas. The pivots. The launches and the letdowns. There were moments I was sure something would flourish—and it didn’t. And there were other times I planted something almost casually, and it grew in ways I never imagined.
The truth is, you don’t always know what will take root.
But when you plant what matters most to you—when you build something aligned with your values, your joy, your gifts—you’re creating more than just a business.
Even if you don’t see it bloom right away.
That’s the success I want.
And that’s what I hope for you, too.
So plant the seeds. Even if you’re scared. Even if you’ve had to let go before. Even if you don’t know how it will all turn out.
Because some day, years from now, you just might find yourself walking a dirt road lined with trees—and realizing it was all worth it.
And if you don’t? If life shifts, if you pivot again?
At least you spent your days planting something that mattered.
And that, in itself, is a beautiful way to live.
Friday, May 30th, 2025
Thursday, May 29th, 2025
Finding your voice as a business owner can feel like trying to find your footing on a moving train. You know your message matters, but putting it into words that sound like you (and not a generic and bland)? That’s a whole different challenge.
That’s exactly why writing styles inside Wordsmith exist.
Because you deserve content that sounds like you on your best day—confident, clear, connected. Whether you’re witty or warm, polished or punchy, your writing voice is the heartbeat of your brand. And when it’s aligned? Your message finally lands.
We created a collection of writing styles to help you create content that doesn’t just look good—it feels like you. Here’s a peek inside:
This is our default—and it’s the one closest to my own voice. It’s conversational and friendly, educational without being stuffy. Think of it like grabbing coffee with someone who’s really good at what they do but never makes you feel behind. It’s warm, it’s real, and it’s built to connect.
This tone is warm, lighthearted, and easy to love. It feels like chatting with your best friend who always knows what to say. It’s perfect for personal brands, service providers, and anyone who wants to make their readers feel like they’re part of something special.
Polished, clear, and confident. This style works great for those who want to be taken seriously without sounding robotic. It’s structured and sharp, but still approachable. Think: trusted advisor, poised and prepared.
This one pulls from the heart. It’s soft, reflective, and perfect for moments when you’re sharing your mission, your why, or a behind-the-scenes story. It leans into vulnerability in a way that creates deep connection.
Quick, clever, and full of personality. Witty is your go-to if you like to add a bit of spice to your sentences. It’s confident and creative, with just enough bite to keep things interesting.
Smooth, refined, and elevated. The luxury style is all about minimal elegance. It’s less is more—but every word is intentional. Ideal for high-end brands, creatives, or anyone positioning themselves as premium.
Strategic and purposeful, persuasive writing guides your reader toward a decision—without ever feeling pushy. It’s for the business owner who wants to sell with confidence, rooted in value, clarity, and trust.
This one doesn’t hold back. It’s bold, snappy, and says what everyone else is thinking. A little edgy, always entertaining. Perfect for brands with a sense of humor and zero tolerance for fluff.
Raw, real, and unafraid. Think of this one as your inner Girlboss unleashed. It doesn’t tiptoe or soften the truth. It’s bold, direct, and 100% you, with a message that demands to be heard.
One of our favorite features inside Wordsmith is the Writing Style Quiz—because sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to start. In just a few minutes, the quiz helps you uncover your natural voice and builds a writing style that feels tailored to you.
And if you’ve already got a tone or voice you love? You can upload your own prompt and use Wordsmith to match it. This isn’t about forcing you into a box—it’s about creating content that feels as personal and true as the work you’re already doing.
At the end of the day, your words are how people connect with your business. They’re how you show up, share your story, and build trust. And now—with Wordsmith—you don’t have to figure it out alone.
You just have to pick your style and start writing.
Or better yet? Let Wordsmith write with you.
Try the quiz, test the tones, and finally find a writing style that sounds like home.
There’s no “right” way to write your captions, emails, or blog posts. What matters most is that when your audience reads your content, they feel something. That they hear you.
Wordsmith was built to help you uncover the version of your voice that is already inside you. And with our writing styles, quiz, and content tools, you get to write like you—with a little support along the way.
So, no matter where you are in your journey—whether you’re just finding your rhythm or refining what already works—know this:
There’s a place for your voice here.
And we can’t wait to hear it.
There it is—that little notification that someone unsubscribed from your list. Maybe you just hit send on a heartfelt email that you poured your energy into. Maybe it was full of value, a personal story, or a reminder about something you’re truly excited to share. You check the stats and see… someone opted out.
Cue that twinge in your chest, the voice in your head that whispers, Was it too much? Was I too much?
Let’s hit pause on that thought spiral.
Because friend? I’m here to remind you: unsubscribes are not the enemy.
Someone I was working with recently told me how frustrating it was to send an email and instantly see people leave her list. And I get it. That initial reaction is so real. It can feel personal.
But here’s the shift I want you to take with you:
An unsubscribe isn’t rejection—it’s refinement.
It’s someone saying, “This isn’t for me right now.” And guess what? That’s okay. Because when you’re running a values-driven business and building a list that reflects your heart, you don’t need everyone. You need the right people.
Here’s what happens when someone unsubscribes from your email list:
Doesn’t that sound like a dream?
Think about it: every unsubscribe is one step closer to a more engaged, more aligned audience. It’s like pruning a plant. You’re not hurting it—you’re helping it grow stronger, healthier, more beautiful.
When we cling to numbers—followers, subscribers, views—we forget the point of it all: connection.
You’re not building a business to reach the most people. You’re building a business to reach the right people. The ones who light up when your email lands in their inbox. The ones who hit reply to say “thank you.” The ones who buy, refer, and stick around.
Those are your people. And the more you show up as you, the easier it will be for them to find you.
So let them go. Let the unsubscribes unsubscribe. Let the unfollows unfollow.
Because when you stop trying to be for everyone, you start deeply serving someone.
The next time you send a piece of content—whether it’s an email, a post, or a story—and someone unfollows or unsubscribes?
Try saying this to yourself:
“I’m not here to be liked by everyone. I’m here to serve the people who need what I have.”
You are building something real. Something meaningful. Something built on values, truth, and intention.
And that kind of business? It doesn’t need to convince everyone. It needs to speak to the right people—and speak to them well.
If you’re building an email list, you really only have two options:
You can avoid sending emails altogether and never risk someone hitting that unsubscribe button… or you can keep showing up. Keep writing. Keep pressing send and curating a list of humans who are actually excited to hear from you.
And after growing my own list to over 106,000 subscribers, I can tell you this: email marketing is one of the most powerful, personal, and long-lasting ways to connect with your audience.
Sure, I used to feel the sting every time someone unsubscribed. But these days? I know better. I’d rather serve a smaller group who opens, reads, and responds than a massive list of people who never engage.
Unsubscribes don’t scare me anymore. I’m here for the people who are here for this. And I hope you’ll start looking at your list that way, too.
Wednesday, May 28th, 2025
Tuesday, May 27th, 2025
Content Prompt: Can I be real with you? My clients usually come to me feeling totally [common pain point]. It’s like they’re stuck in quicksand, spinning their wheels, and getting nowhere fast. But here’s the thing: after working together and [your service], they’re [specific transformation or benefit]. They’re not just surviving—they’re thriving. If you’re over feeling stuck, let’s flip the script together!
We’re using the AIDA copywriting formula this week, which stands for:
This is a powerful formula for storytelling with structure. It lets your audience feel seen, shows them the way forward, and gently moves them toward saying yes.
Let’s face it: people aren’t just looking for information—they’re looking for relief.
They’re looking for someone who gets it. Someone who can take that tangled ball of frustration and give them a clear thread to follow.
That’s why AIDA works so well—it mirrors the emotional journey your audience is already on.
This isn’t about being pushy. It’s about guiding. It’s about creating content that doesn’t just speak at your audience but speaks with them—and invites them into something better.
When done well, the AIDA formula helps you tell a story that meets your audience right where they are—and lovingly calls them forward.
Use this week’s content prompt inside Wordsmith to craft an email, blog post, or social caption. Share a transformation story—one your clients experience often. Begin with the pain point, then move through the interest, desire, and action layers naturally.
New to Wordsmith? It’s a content creation tool built to help you sound like you and create content that actually connects. Drop in your details and weekly content prompt, and watch it build strategic, on-brand posts in seconds. Get started with your free trial by clicking here!
Can I be honest with you?
Most of the people who work with me are exhausted. They’re running a business they love, but content creation? It’s the part that always feels heavy. They’re stuck in the loop of second-guessing, overthinking, and trying to write from scratch every time.
It’s like quicksand. The harder they try, the more drained they feel.
But here’s the thing: when we start working together, everything shifts.
They stop writing from a place of pressure and start sharing from a place of clarity. They stop feeling like they’re behind and start showing up consistently. Their content stops sounding generic and starts sounding like them.
It’s not just about words on a page. It’s about confidence, ease, and finally having a plan that works.
If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start thriving, this is your sign.
Let’s flip the script together. Your next content prompt is waiting.
To use this prompt well, take a few minutes to reflect:
Answer these, and this content prompt will help you write a post that resonates, inspires, and drives real connection.
For years, I’ve loved writing and blogging. It’s been my space to share, to teach, to document, and to serve. But something shifted for me recently—not in a dramatic, burn-it-all-down way, but more like a gentle tug. The kind of nudge you feel when something is ready to evolve. When something old wants to be made new again.
And that something? It was my blog.
But if I’m being honest, it wasn’t just about blogging. It was also about how I wanted to show up online—period. Somewhere along the way, posting to social media started to feel like yelling into a void. I’d spend time crafting content, only to have it vanish in 24 hours or get buried under a hundred other posts. The pace was exhausting. The pressure to stay visible? Even more so.
So I gave myself permission to slow down and reroute.
I shifted my energy toward spaces I owned—my blog and my newsletter. Spaces that weren’t controlled by algorithms. Spaces where my words wouldn’t expire in a matter of hours. Spaces where I could show up more intentionally, and connect with people who chose to be there.
Instead of chasing trends, I started chasing depth. Instead of hustling to keep up with the scroll, I started creating content that had a longer life—something that could serve someone today, next month, or even two years from now. That’s the magic of blogging and email: it lingers. It lasts. It lives.
And lately, I found myself wanting to reimagine the blog experience entirely.
Because if this was going to be the new heart of my business… it had to feel like me.
Conversational. Clear. Searchable. Intentional.
And so the idea came to me: What if my blog felt a little more like a podcast?
Have you ever felt like the way you’re supposed to show up online doesn’t really feel like you anymore?
Do you ever look at the content you used to create and think, “There’s still value here—but the way I’m doing it doesn’t quite fit the way I want to show up now”?
Maybe, like me, you’ve found yourself craving a slower pace. Something with a little more substance and a little less scrolling.
Here’s what I’ve realized: the way we consume content has changed. And instead of resisting that change, I’m leaning into it—by turning my blog into a podcast-style experience.
A few years back, I deleted every social app off my phone and didn’t post a single thing for an entire year. It felt crazy at the time. But what it gave me back was clarity.
I stopped creating content that disappeared in a flash and started focusing on what I call “legacy content”—the kind that lives, breathes, and brings value for years to come.
Blog posts. Evergreen resources. Newsletters.
Things that actually support my business long after I hit publish.
And it worked. I was getting more blog traffic than ever before. (Which, let’s be honest, made my analytics-loving heart do a little happy dance.) But even with that growth, something kept bugging me:
Why did it still feel… stale?
Not the writing—I still loved writing. Not the message—I still believed in everything I was sharing. But something about the format felt outdated.
Meanwhile, everywhere I turned, there were podcasts. And more importantly—there were conversations. Conversations that were messy, real, human, unfiltered. They weren’t trying to be perfect. They were just trying to connect.
And that’s when the lightbulb went off: What if I wrote blog posts the way people record podcasts?
Here’s what I realized: blogging didn’t need to be stuffy or formal or keyword-stuffed to be valuable.
It could be casual. Conversational. Easy to search. Fun to read.
I’ve always written the way I talk. I just needed to give myself permission to stop trying to fit into an outdated format. So I started asking myself: If this were a podcast, how would I say this? How would I want it to look on my blog?
And then—I just created that.
Forget the “perfect format” or “ideal structure.” Instead, write like you’re chatting with a friend over coffee. Say it the way you would say it.
Lead with a real-life moment—something you saw, felt, noticed. That’s what pulls people in. The lesson can come later.
Podcasts are engaging because they ask questions that make you think. Add a few in your posts to help your readers pause, reflect, and connect.
Use bold headers, short paragraphs, and clear takeaways. Just like podcasts have timestamps, your readers should be able to skim and still get value.
Don’t just write something and forget it. Repurpose it. Re-share it. Let it become part of your long-term strategy. (That’s the beauty of blogging—it has a long shelf life.)
Once I decided I wanted my blog to feel more like a podcast—I knew I needed to rethink how it was laid out, too.
So I got practical. I started styling my blog in a way that mirrors how podcast libraries are organized:
Easy to navigate. Easy to search. Easy to come back to.
Every post now has a clear title, a subtitle that gives you the vibe, and a unique number. Yep—I’m numbering my articles like podcast episodes. That way, I can refer to “Post #114” or “Post #127” in my emails or on my site, and readers can find it instantly. It’s such a small change, but it’s made such a big difference in how connected and organized everything feels.
I also made sure the design is simple and clean—no distractions, no popups flying at you, no clutter. Just the content front and center, like it would be if you were hitting play on a new episode.
And I have to say… it’s been fun. Like, really fun. For someone who’s always loved showing up and sharing what works, this hybrid blog/podcast format feels like the perfect home. It brings together the heart of storytelling, the ease of conversation, and the clarity of structure all in one place.
No mic, no editing software, no worrying if my kids are yelling in the background—just words. Written with intention. Created to last.
And because I’m always thinking about how to make this space feel even more welcoming and accessible, I’ve been dreaming up the next layer: Adding audio.
While I don’t see myself launching a traditional podcast ever (I’m still very much a write-over-talk kind of girl), I do love the idea of offering an audio version of each post. Something simple—so that anyone who prefers to listen instead of scroll can still tune in.
Because let’s be honest… sometimes we’re cooking dinner, out on a walk, or folding laundry and reading just isn’t in the cards. I totally get that. And if my words can meet someone in that in-between space of everyday life? Even better.
I haven’t rolled it out yet, but I’m exploring ways to weave it in—without overcomplicating things.
Because at the end of the day, this whole hybrid blog/podcast thing isn’t about being flashy or trendy.
It’s about connection.
It’s about showing up.
It’s about honoring how people consume content now—and offering it in a way that feels light, accessible, and real.
If you’ve been craving a new way to create that doesn’t involve shouting into the void of social media…
If you’ve been dreaming of building something slower, more intentional, more lasting…
If you want your content to live a little longer, serve a little deeper, and reach people right where they are…
This might be the sign you’ve been waiting for.
Try blogging like a podcast.
Write the way you speak.
Connect without the noise.
And most of all—let it be fun again.
Because when you build a space that truly feels like you, people don’t just visit.
They stay.
Thursday, May 15th, 2025
Thursday, May 8th, 2025
Change isn’t something we’re always ready for. Sometimes it feels like a gentle nudge, other times a full-blown shove. Sometimes we’re the ones initiating it, leaning into a new direction with excitement. And sometimes, it arrives like an uninvited guest, forcing us to pivot when we least expect it.
I’ve been through both. In business and in life.
I can still remember the day I decided to walk away from full-time portrait photography. For years, I poured my heart and soul into that work—capturing families, newborns, weddings. My days were filled with editing sessions, weekend shoots, and late-night uploads. And in many ways, it was a dream come true. But over time, that dream began to change.
My kids were growing up, and I was missing too much. I craved slower mornings, family weekends, time at home, the freedom to just be. The thought of letting go of something I had spent so many years building was terrifying. What would that even look like? Would people think I was giving up? Would I regret it?
But deep down, I knew: it was time to pivot.
I think there’s a misconception that changing course means we’re inconsistent or unsure of what we want. But what if the real inconsistency is staying somewhere that no longer feels right?
Because here’s the truth: staying the same when everything inside you is urging you to change? That’s exhausting.
It’s like holding your breath underwater—tight, tense, unsustainable. You can only hold on for so long before you have to come up for air.
In business, that has meant letting go of things that once felt like my entire world. It meant shutting down projects that weren’t working, walking away from offers that didn’t align, and starting over when I wasn’t ready.
And each time, I thought it might break me. Each time, I wondered if I was making a mistake. Each time, I was reminded that it’s okay to let go of what once was to make space for what could be.
Here’s the part we don’t talk about enough: even when you know a change is necessary, it doesn’t mean it’s easy. There’s fear. Doubt. Uncertainty.
And even now, I still feel it.
As a business owner, the landscape is always shifting. What works today might not work tomorrow. What once felt aligned might start to feel heavy. And in those moments, the question isn’t, “Should I change?” but rather, “Can I be brave enough to trust whatever comes next?”
Bravery isn’t about feeling ready. It’s about moving forward even when you don’t have all the answers.
I often think about those early days of photography. How my camera felt like an extension of my heart. How I was terrified to start but did it anyway. And how that one decision opened doors to so many others.
Because change is like that. It’s a door. And we can’t always see what’s on the other side. But sometimes, the things we’re most afraid to let go of are the very things that lead us to where we’re meant to be.
Today, my life looks nothing like it did back then. I spend my days building things I love—writing, creating, connecting with other business owners. And yes, there are still moments when I wonder what might have happened if I stayed where I was. If I would have listened to everyone who told me to stay the same. If I kept holding on to something that no longer felt like mine.
But then, I look around. I see my kids running through the house in the middle of a weekday. I see the projects I get to work on that light me up. And I remind myself that every change I’ve made—every pivot, every letting go—brought me closer to a life that feels more like me.
So, if you’re standing at a crossroad, unsure of what to do next, let me remind you:
You don’t need permission to change. You don’t need a perfect plan. You don’t need to wait until you feel ready.
Maybe you’re feeling the urge to change—knowing something doesn’t feel right anymore, even if you can’t quite put your finger on it. Or maybe life has shoved you into a new direction without your consent, and you’re scrambling to keep up. Both are hard. Both are uncertain. Both require courage.
But here’s the thing: it all comes down to one truth—you’ll figure it out.
Trust it. Lean into it. And know that even when it feels scary, even when you don’t know what’s on the other side—sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come from the things we didn’t plan for.
This morning, I got an email from a reader (hi, friend!) who replied to one of my newsletters with a question that made me stop and smile. It’s such a good question. And it’s one that so many people shy away from asking because the online space has made it seem like we should all already have an audience, a list, and 10,000 followers by day one. When in reality, we all start at 0.
She wrote:
“Hi Elena, first, your email is the only email I receive that I look forward to opening. 🫶🏼 I have a follow up question for this email, if you’re absolutely new, with zilch traffic and just launching your business online, where do we gain email subscribers? I am trying to avoid social media like a plague as much as possible (aside from Pinterest and just showing up on Instagram, because I know I’m easy to squirrel and get sucked in the vortex.) I see this often where online creatives talk about traffic from their email list or sales, but I don’t see much of how they are getting the subscribers in the first place… I feel a lot are buying ads or have incredible SEO?”
So if you’re in the same boat—starting something new with no audience and no clue how to grow—I want to share exactly what I did when I launched my last big idea.
Spoiler: I didn’t use my email list, my website, or even my name. I launched it in the scrappiest way possible. And it still worked so I know it will work for you too!
When I launched Wordsmith, I made a pretty bold decision: I didn’t use my audience.
I had built up a list of over 60,000 subscribers, thousands of customers, and social media followers across multiple platforms. But I wanted to test a theory.
What if I launched something as a total nobody?
No list.
No followers.
No fancy website.
No name recognition.
Just a good offer, placed in front of the right people, using the strategies I’d been teaching and using for years.
So I uploaded Wordsmith to a simple course platform, didn’t link it to my main site, and didn’t even announce it publicly for months. Instead, I created a couple of Pinterest ads, turned them on, and waited.
What happened?
I scaled it to $10,000 MRR (monthly recurring revenue)—before I ever posted about it on Instagram, emailed my list, or updated my website.
This experience reminded me of something I think we all need to hear:
You don’t need a big audience to get started. You need a strategy.
I know that sounds like something plucked off a Pinterest quote board, but it’s true. When you focus on getting in front of the right people instead of everyone, your growth becomes intentional and scalable.
It’s not about being viral. It’s about being visible—strategically.
And in today’s world, when social media can feel like a treadmill you didn’t mean to hop on, this strategy is a breath of fresh air.
I’d do exactly what I did then. Here’s what that looks like in action.
Forget trying to post 3x a day and hoping someone sees it or praying something goes viral. You need to place your offer in front of people actively looking for what you sell.
Pinterest is a search engine (not a social platform), which means your ads show up for people based on what they’re searching for.
That means you’re not interrupting someone’s scroll—you’re meeting them exactly where they are, in the middle of their search.
When I ran my best-performing Pinterest ad, it cost me $0.008 per impression. If I spent $50, that got me in front of 6,250 people. But not just any people—people who were literally typing in search terms that matched what I was offering.
And that? That’s the kind of targeted marketing that works.
I’m passionate about email marketing because it’s what’s worked for me time and time again.
You don’t need 100k Instagram followers. You need 1,000 engaged email subscribers.
Create a freebie—something that solves a quick problem or gives your audience a taste of your paid offer—and then give it away in exchange for their email.
You can absolutely do this organically by pinning to Pinterest or writing blog content around your freebie. But if you want to scale faster?
Run an ad.
One of my freebie pins has brought in over 37,000 email subscribers. And that was with a $5/day Pinterest ad.
This is how you grow your audience, build trust, and create a base of people who actually want to hear from you.
You’ve got traffic. You’re building your list. Now what?
This is where a simple funnel comes in—think welcome emails, a mini nurture sequence, and then a gentle invitation to check out your paid offer.
Keep it simple. Let your content do the heavy lifting.
The goal here isn’t to be everywhere. It’s to be intentional in a few places that matter most.
If you’re nodding along like “this sounds amazing but also… how??” — I’ve got you.
I created my Pinterest Ad Strategy Video Tutorial for this exact reason. So many of my business friends were asking how I was growing my list and sales without being online all day, and I decided to record my entire setup process.
It’s like sitting next to me in my office while I walk you through how I:
There’s even a bonus video all about list building—because ads are powerful, but having a list is what gives you real control over your business.
👉 You can check out the course here.
I know what it feels like to scroll online and feel like everyone else is ahead.
To think, “Sure, that worked for her, but she already had followers and a list and a team…”
Friend, I built one my most successful business with none of those things—just a simple ad and a whole lot of heart.
So if you’re at the beginning? Let this be your encouragement: You can start from scratch and still scale something meaningful. And with the right game plan, you can do it really fast.
It’s not about having a massive audience to start. It’s about having a plan, taking the leap, and building as you go.
Now it’s your turn.
What’s one idea you’ve been sitting on that you’d launch if you had an audience?
What if you didn’t wait? What if you just turned an ad on and got to experience how fast it can all come together?
You’re not behind. You’re just getting started.
Thursday, May 8th, 2025
Wednesday, May 7th, 2025
A few years ago, I was in the thick of it. You know the feeling—the constant pressure to keep up with the latest algorithm change, the endless content creation cycle, the sense that if you’re not posting every day, you’re falling behind. Social media felt like it had become a full-time job, and honestly, it was exhausting.
But then one day, I decided to take a deep breath and really look at my numbers. Not my follower count or how many people liked my latest post—but the actual metrics that were bringing in sales.
And let me tell you, what I found was eye-opening.
When I finally sat down and pulled up my analytics, here’s what I found:
I couldn’t believe it. All that time spent crafting social media posts, stressing over hashtags, and trying to crack the algorithm… and for what? A tiny sliver of my traffic and sales.
I was working with a 1:1 client recently who was feeling the exact same overwhelm. She was pouring hours into Instagram—creating reels, going live, responding to comments—but her sales just weren’t reflecting the effort.
When we looked at her analytics, the numbers told the exact same story as mine.
Seeing those numbers was a huge wake-up call for her—and a reminder for me.
It made me realize that it wasn’t just me experiencing this shift. Most business owners are probably pouring so much time and energy into social media, thinking it’s the main driver of their sales and traffic, when in reality, their email list—which they might barely use—is outperforming it without even trying.
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the dopamine hit of social media. A like, a comment, a new follower—it all feels good in the moment. But those vanity metrics don’t pay the bills.
The real money? It’s in the boring metrics that don’t always feel as exciting:
→ Direct Traffic: These are people who already know, like, and trust you. They’re coming to your site intentionally. If you’re not tracking where they’re coming from, you’re missing out.
→ Search Traffic: This is the gift that keeps on giving. Content you created years ago can still bring in new leads and sales today.
→ Email Marketing: Every time you hit send, you’re landing directly in someone’s inbox—a place where they’re already paying attention.
→ Social Media: Yes, it still matters. But if it’s not driving sales, it might be time to rethink how much effort you’re putting into it.
If you’re ready to shift your focus from vanity metrics to what really drives revenue, here’s where to start:
Head straight to the acquisition section and take a hard look at your traffic sources. Where are your sales actually coming from? Identify which channels are driving the most conversions and adjust your focus accordingly.
How many clicks, opens, and sales are your emails generating? This is often an untapped goldmine. Look at your top-performing emails and replicate the strategies that work.
What keywords are people using to find you? Are you showing up for the terms that actually relate to what you sell? Dive into Google Search Console to see which search terms are bringing in the most traffic.
Are your posts leading to sales or just engagement? If it’s the latter, it might be time to scale back and focus elsewhere. Track the clicks and conversions coming from each platform.
What blog posts, email sequences, or product pages are consistently bringing in traffic and sales? Double down on those. Use tools like Hotjar to see how people are interacting with key pages on your site.
Let me be clear: Social media is not the enemy. It’s still an incredibly valuable tool for connecting with your audience, building brand awareness, and sharing the heart behind your business. But when it comes to driving sales, it might never be your top performer.
Instead of treating social media as a primary selling tool, think of it as a space to share the process, the behind-the-scenes moments, and the real-life connections that build trust over time. It’s a place to nurture your community, share your story, and build relationships.
So, yes, it can absolutely support your marketing strategy—but it shouldn’t be the strategy. By understanding your metrics, you gain the freedom to use social media as a powerful tool for connection rather than a constant source of pressure to sell.
When I made the decision to stop pouring hours into social media and start focusing on what was really moving the needle, everything changed. Not only did I reclaim my time, but I also started seeing higher conversions, better sales, and a deeper connection with my audience.
And seeing my own analytics—and then seeing my client’s numbers echoing the exact same pattern—made me realize it wasn’t just me. Most business owners probably think their marketing efforts are driving sales, especially when they’re spending a crazy amount of time on social media marketing. But in reality, their email list—which they might barely utilize—is out-performing it without even trying.
Knowing my numbers—and then seeing the exact same trend in my client’s data—was a lightbulb moment. It made it clear that this isn’t just a fluke; it’s a pattern. Most business owners probably think their social media marketing is doing all the heavy lifting, but it’s often their email list, their search traffic, and direct visits that are quietly driving sales in the background.
And those metrics? They’re not just numbers—they’re a wake-up call.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or like you’re spinning your wheels with no real return, take a look at your own numbers. I guarantee they’ll tell you exactly what you need to know.
And if you’re not sure how to analyze them or where to start, let’s talk. Because sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs come when you stop doing more—and start doing what actually works.
Whenever I talk about Pinterest ads, someone always asks: But how much do they actually cost? And it’s a fair question. If you’re running a small business—especially one that’s bootstrapped or run by one person wearing all the hats—every dollar counts. And when it comes to paid advertising, it can be hard to know what’s worth the spend… and what’s not.
So let’s break it down.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how Pinterest ad pricing works, what to expect in terms of budget and ROI, and how to get started without wasting your money.
Pinterest uses a bidding system for ads, which means you can essentially choose how much you’re willing to pay to reach people. There are a few different objectives to choose from—like brand awareness, traffic, conversions—and the cost per result depends on which one you choose.
Here’s a general breakdown:
The good news? You can start with as little as $5 per day. And with the right strategy (more on that in a second), you can start seeing real results even at a small budget.
For example, my best-performing Pinterest ad cost me just $0.008 per click. That means if I spent $50, I’d reach over 6,000 people—6,250 to be exact.
But here’s the thing: it’s not just 6,250 random people scrolling social media and getting interrupted by an ad. These are 6,250 people actively searching for the exact thing I had to offer. That kind of marketing power—placing your product in front of someone who’s already looking for it—is what makes Pinterest so unique. That’s the kind of reach and efficiency that’s hard to beat on other platforms.
Want to know how much I’ve personally spent on Pinterest ads?
Over the last few years, I’ve spent just over $41,000 promoting one digital product. That’s not pocket change, but the return?
$684,000 in revenue.
That’s the kind of ROI that makes Pinterest ads not just worth it—but one of the smartest investments I’ve made in my business.
It’s not about dumping money into ads and hoping they work. It’s about strategy—knowing your product, understanding your audience, and designing your funnel in a way that turns traffic into customers.
If you’re looking for a platform where your ads last longer, where people come with search intent, and where you can still get results without a massive budget… Pinterest might just be your new best friend.
Unlike other platforms where your ad disappears the second you stop spending, Pins (even paid ones) continue circulating long after your campaign ends. That means more bang for your buck.
I didn’t stumble into that $684,000 in revenue by accident. I built a system that works, and I recorded the entire process to help other entrepreneurs do the same.
Enter: My Pinterest Ad Strategy Video Tutorial.
It’s a 90-minute, behind-the-scenes walkthrough of the exact ad setup I use in my business. From the campaign structure to targeting, budgets, and testing—this is the real strategy I’ve refined over years of trial, error, and success.
I created it after so many of my business friends asked me, “How are you doing this?” And while I don’t promote it heavily, it’s there for those who are ready to take Pinterest seriously and want a roadmap they can trust.
You can check it out here: Pinterest Ad Strategy Tutorial
If you’re new to Pinterest ads, here’s what I recommend:
You don’t need a huge budget to start running Pinterest ads.
You just need a solid strategy, a good product, and the willingness to experiment. When done right, Pinterest ads can create a steady stream of traffic and sales—without the constant pressure of daily content creation.
And if you want to skip the guesswork and follow a proven path? My Pinterest Ad Strategy Tutorial is there to guide you.
Tuesday, May 6th, 2025
Monday, May 5th, 2025
It usually starts like this: A simple idea pops into your head while you’re making lunch or folding laundry or trying to fall asleep. It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t beg. It just quietly returns, again and again. “What if I tried this?” That’s how it’s always been for me.
Over the years, I’ve launched multiple businesses, products, services, each born from nothing more than a passing idea and a willingness to try before everything was perfectly figured out.
Some flopped. Some flourished. One quick launch I nearly dismissed as “too simple” ended up bringing in over $684,000 in revenue. (Yep, really.)
The common thread? I didn’t wait until everything was polished. I started before it felt “ready.”
But here’s the thing: when we hear people say “start before you’re ready,” it sounds inspiring—but also kind of vague. What does that actually look like? For me, it looked like publishing a sales page I wasn’t 100% sure about. It looked like launching without all the bells and whistles. It looked like trusting my gut more than my inner critic. The common thread? I didn’t wait until everything was polished. I started before it felt “ready.”
Maybe it’s a digital product you know your audience needs. Maybe it’s a shift in your services that would bring your work closer to what lights you up. Or maybe it’s something completely new.
But then the voice creeps in: You don’t have it all figured out yet.
If you’ve been stuck in idea limbo, wondering when you’ll finally feel ready—this post is for you. I want to share what I’ve learned from taking messy action, launching without guarantees, and letting real-world feedback shape my path.
Because the truth is, starting your business before you’re ready might just be the smartest thing you ever do.
A few years back, I had an idea for a super simple digital product. It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t complex. Honestly, I didn’t think it was anything groundbreaking. I was simply trying to solve a problem I myself kept having as a business owner. I figured, worst case, I’d end up with the problem solved. Best case, there might be other business owners struggling with the exact same thing—and I could help them too.
But something told me to try it.
So I put it out into the world.
No fancy funnel. No massive social media following. Just a good offer that solved a real problem, paired with a Pinterest ad and an email to my small-but-loyal list.
That product went on to generate $684,000 in revenue.
And what still amazes me is that I almost didn’t launch it at all.
When I first launched the idea, it was built in the scrappiest way possible. I didn’t want to waste time, so I used a simple course platform to host the content, dropped in the materials, and opened it up as a membership. That was it. There wasn’t a fancy dashboard or custom design. I was just curious to answer one question: Were people actually interested? I figured I could polish and expand the idea later.
It wasn’t until we hit $11,000 in sales that I started building the full site and dashboard for it. I had put so little effort into the launch intentionally—I just needed proof of concept. And that clarity made all the difference.
That experience (and many others like it) taught me something huge:
You can’t learn what your business needs until it exists.
The market will tell you what’s working. Your audience will tell you what they love. And your gut? It will sharpen with every step you take.
But none of that happens if the idea stays in your notebook.
When you start before you feel ready, you give your idea a chance to breathe. And when it breathes? It grows. Maybe not exactly the way you imagined—but often in ways far better than you planned.
And while I’ve definitely had launches that fell flat or ideas that never quite landed, the ones that did? They changed my life. Not because they were perfect—but because they were real.
Here are a few mindset shifts and strategies that helped me (and might help you too):
Instead of thinking about it as “launching a new (business, service, product” think of it as running an experiment. Experiments can change. They can grow. They don’t need to be perfect. They’re simply a starting point.
You don’t need to start from scratch. What have you learned from your past work, your audience, or your own experience? Build on that. Leverage it. Pull from the wins and the failures. They’re both valuable.
What’s the bare minimum version of this idea? Create that. Get it out. Then improve it later based on real feedback. Perfection is a moving target—start with good enough.
When fear creeps in, shift your focus to the person who needs what you’re creating. Let them be your why. If your offer helps just one person, it was worth it.
Your first version won’t be your final version. And that’s a good thing. Give yourself the gift of iteration. Make it better as you go. Just get started.
Give yourself a realistic deadline to launch. Not one year from now—think one month. Keep it light. Keep it doable. But commit.
Even if no one else sees the effort it took, you know. Celebrate the courage it takes to start. That step is often the hardest—and the most powerful.
If you’ve been sitting on an idea, unsure whether it’s time to act—this is your sign. That idea came to you for a reason. Don’t let overthinking bury it.
Start before you’re ready. Trust the messy middle. Know that the best clarity often comes after the action.
The only way to know if it works? Is to finally just go for it.
my story