Running ads can feel a little like gambling. You set a budget, launch a campaign, cross your fingers, and hope something good comes out of it. And when the results don’t come? That sinking feeling starts to creep in.

Where is my money going?
Why isn’t this working?
Should I just give up on ads altogether?

I get it because I’ve been there. I’ve run ads that flopped, watched my budget disappear into thin air, and spent way too much time trying to figure out where I went wrong. But once I cracked the code on what actually makes ads work, everything changed. My ads started converting, my budget stretched further, and I built a sales funnel that generated over $600K for just one of my products.

The truth is, ads can be wildly profitable—but only when you know what you’re doing. So today, I’m breaking down the three most costly ad mistakes entrepreneurs make—and exactly how to fix them.

Mistake #1: Running Ads Without a Clear Strategy

Too many business owners throw money at ads without a plan. They boost a post or run a campaign without thinking about why they’re doing it or what they want to achieve. But ads aren’t magic—you can’t just put money in and expect sales to roll out the other side.

What Happens When You Don’t Have a Strategy?

• You waste money on ads that don’t convert.
• You get random traffic that doesn’t actually buy.
• You feel frustrated and convinced that ads “don’t work.”

The problem isn’t the ads themselves—it’s the lack of a clear strategy behind them. Ads should fit into a bigger marketing funnel that guides people from discovery to purchase.

What to Do Instead:

Define Your Goal – Before running an ad, ask yourself: What is the ONE thing I want this ad to accomplish? Are you trying to grow your email list? Sell a product? Get more traffic? Your ad should have a single, clear objective.

Know Your Customer Journey – Your ad should lead somewhere—whether it’s a high-converting landing page, an irresistible freebie, or a sales page designed to convert. A cold audience rarely buys immediately, so think about how your ad fits into their journey with your brand.

Use Targeting to Reach the Right People – The key to successful ads isn’t just getting in front of more people—it’s getting in front of the right people. Use interest-based and behavior-based targeting to reach those who are most likely to buy from you.

Mistake #2: Ignoring the Power of Creative & Copy

Even if you have the best strategy in the world, your ad won’t work if your creative and copy aren’t compelling. Your ad needs to stop the scroll and make people care. If your image is bland, your video is boring, or your copy doesn’t speak directly to your audience’s pain points, they’re going to scroll right past it.

Why Creative & Copy Matter

• First impressions count. People decide within seconds whether they care about your ad or not.
• Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram are VISUAL platforms. Your ad has to stand out.
• Good copy sells. If your words don’t connect with your audience, they won’t take action.

What to Do Instead:

Use High-Quality, Eye-Catching Visuals – If you’re using Pinterest ads, remember that Pinterest is a search engine for inspiration. Your visuals should be bright, clear, and engaging. Show a transformation or make it clear why your product or service is valuable.

Write Copy That Speaks Directly to Your Audience – Instead of saying “Check out my new course!”, say “Tired of throwing money at ads that don’t work? Here’s how to fix it.” See the difference? Your copy should address your audience’s pain points and position your offer as the solution.

Test Different Versions – Small tweaks can make a huge difference in performance. Try different images, headlines, and calls to action to see what resonates most with your audience.

Mistake #3: Not Tracking & Tweaking Your Ads

Would you ever invest in something without checking to see if it’s working? Probably not. But that’s exactly what a lot of entrepreneurs do with ads. They set an ad live and then never check the data to see what’s working and what’s not.

What Happens When You Don’t Track Your Ads?

• You waste money on underperforming ads.
• You have no idea why an ad isn’t working.
• You miss out on opportunities to optimize and scale.

The beauty of digital ads is that they give you data. But that data is useless if you’re not using it.

What to Do Instead:

Check Your Metrics – Keep an eye on your click-through rates (CTR), cost per click (CPC), and return on ad spend (ROAS). If people aren’t clicking, your creative might need work. If they’re clicking but not converting, your landing page might need optimization.

Adjust as Needed – If an ad isn’t performing well, don’t panic—optimize that ad creative! Try tweaking your audience targeting, switching out your creative, or adjusting your copy. Small changes can make a big impact.

Double Down on What Works – If you find a winning ad, don’t just let it run—scale it! Increase your budget and keep testing small tweaks to make it even more profitable. And TURN OFF ads that are not performing so you can invest more of your budget on ads that are bringing in the best return.

The Bottom Line: Profitable Ads Are Possible

Running ads doesn’t have to feel like throwing money into a black hole. When you avoid these costly mistakes and focus on strategy, creative, and tracking, your ads become a powerful tool for growth.

If you’re tired of guessing and want a proven system to run ads that actually get results, I’ve got you covered.

Learn My Exact Pinterest Ad Strategy

Inside my Pinterest Ad Strategy Course, I’ll show you exactly how I used Pinterest ads to generate over $600K. This isn’t just another course—it’s a step-by-step guide to:

Setting up ads the right way so you don’t waste money
Creating high-converting visuals and copy
Targeting the right audience (so you’re not shouting into the void)
Tracking and tweaking ads for real results

Ready to stop throwing money at ads that don’t work and start running ads that actually make you money?

👉 Check it out here: Pinterest Ad Strategy Course

Because running ads should feel empowering—not stressful. Let’s make your ads work for you, not against you. I’ll teach you everything you need to know in under 90 minutes!

If you’ve ever opened Instagram, stared at the blank caption box, and thought, What do I even say today?—you’re not alone. Social media is supposed to help grow your business, but when you don’t have a clear plan, it quickly turns into another overwhelming task on your to-do list.

I get it. You’re not just running a business—you’re wearing all the hats. You’re serving clients, answering emails, managing finances, and somewhere in the middle of all that, you’re expected to show up online, create engaging content, and keep your brand fresh and visible. But without a plan, posting becomes inconsistent, and before you know it, weeks go by, and your audience starts to forget about you.

The #1 Struggle: Not Knowing What to Say

Here’s the truth: Most entrepreneurs don’t struggle with social media because they don’t want to show up—they struggle because they don’t know how. They don’t know what to post, how to keep it engaging, or how to create a content strategy that actually works.

Does this sound familiar?

You sit down to write a post, and suddenly your brain is blank. What do people even want to hear from you? What if it doesn’t resonate? What if no one cares?

You’re stuck in a cycle of inconsistency. Some weeks you post daily, other times you disappear for days (or weeks) because you just don’t have the bandwidth.

You feel like you’re just throwing content into the void. You spend time creating posts, but the engagement is low, and it feels like no one is really listening.

You want to sound like YOU but aren’t sure how. Other people seem to have a polished, natural brand voice, but every time you try, it feels forced or awkward.

You don’t have time to figure out a strategy. You’re busy actually running your business—social media shouldn’t be a full-time job.

What If Social Media Didn’t Feel So Hard?

What if, instead of scrambling to come up with ideas on the spot, you had a proven plan? What if you could sit down, batch your content in one go, and feel completely confident that your posts were strategic, engaging, and designed to actually grow your business?

That’s exactly why I built Wordsmith—because I know that having a plan changes everything.

Wordsmith Takes the Guesswork Out of Social Media

Wordsmith isn’t just another tool—it’s a complete strategy, designed for entrepreneurs who want to show up consistently without spending hours creating content.Know Exactly What to Post
No more second-guessing or wasting time brainstorming ideas. I built Wordsmith because I know that content creation shouldn’t feel like an uphill battle. With curated prompts, templates, and AI-generated captions that truly sound like you, you’ll never wonder what to post again. Instead of struggling to find the right words, you’ll have a steady flow of ideas at your fingertips.

Stay Consistent Without the Stress: Social media isn’t effective if you show up inconsistently. But let’s be real—staying consistent is hard when you’re running a business. Wordsmith makes it effortless by helping you batch-create content in advance, so even on your busiest days, your brand is still visible and engaging with your audience. Imagine the relief of knowing your content is ready to go while you focus on what matters most.

Write in a Way That Feels Authentic: You don’t want to sound like a robot. You don’t want to use cookie-cutter captions that feel generic. I built Wordsmith to ensure your content feels like you—personal, real, and aligned with your brand voice. Whether you’re witty, professional, heartfelt, or conversational, Wordsmith adapts, so your audience feels a genuine connection every time you post.

Repurpose Like a Pro: Why create content from scratch every single time when you can make one idea work across multiple platforms? Wordsmith helps you transform one post into an Instagram caption, Facebook update, newsletter, or blog, ensuring your message reaches the widest audience possible—without additional effort. More impact, less stress.

Save Time & Reduce Burnout: Your time is valuable, and content creation shouldn’t take over your life. Wordsmith cuts down the time you spend brainstorming, writing, and second-guessing so you can focus on growing your business. Instead of feeling drained by social media, you’ll feel empowered by it. Imagine having a system that works for you, not against you. That’s exactly what Wordsmith was designed to do.

Your Business Deserves a Social Media Strategy That Works

The truth is, social media doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. When you have a clear plan and the right tools to support you, you’ll feel confident, in control, and excited to show up online.

And that’s what Wordsmith gives you—a real plan. A step-by-step strategy that takes the mystery out of content creation and makes it simple. No more guessing. No more scrambling last minute. Just a proven system designed to help you show up with confidence, connect with your audience, and grow your business.

So if you’re tired of struggling with what to post, if you’re ready to finally have a strategy instead of winging it, if you just want content creation to be easier—this is your moment.

This isn’t just another tool; it’s the clarity and direction you’ve been looking for. Try Wordsmith today and take back your time!

👉 Try Wordsmith today and take back your time!

You have something incredible to share. Let’s make sure your message gets heard—without all the stress.

For years, I believed that the only way to grow my business was through working longer hours, posting more content, showing up every single day, hoping that organic marketing alone would bring in enough leads and sales. I thought if I just worked harder, the results would come.

And while organic marketing absolutely has its place, it wasn’t until I ran my first ad that I realized something that changed everything: I didn’t have to work more to grow. I just had to work smarter.

I went from feeling like I constantly had to grind for every single sale to seeing my business scale in a way that felt… dare I say, effortless? That’s when I knew: ads were the missing piece.

And I’ll never go back.

How Running Ads Changed Everything for Me

I’ll never forget the moment I launched my first paid ad. I had poured so much time into growing my business organically, yet it still felt like I was stuck in a cycle of needing to work around the clock. When I stopped working, the sales stopped coming.

I figured I had nothing to lose, so I took the leap. I started with a small budget, testing out just $5 a day. And then something wild happened—

For every dollar I spent, I was making three dollars back.

I watched as people who had never heard of me before started clicking, signing up, and buying. I could see exactly what I was spending and exactly what I was earning in return. For the first time, I wasn’t just hoping my marketing efforts would work—I had actual numbers to prove it.

I wasn’t just throwing content into the void and waiting for engagement. I was actively bringing in leads and customers on autopilot.

That one ad completely shifted how I looked at my business. It’s been over 10 years now, and I’m still running ads today.

Why I’ll Never Rely on Organic Marketing Alone Again

Don’t get me wrong—organic marketing is incredibly valuable. SEO, email marketing, and social media all play a role in growing a sustainable business.

But organic marketing alone has its limitations:

• It’s unpredictable. You can create amazing content, but you have no control over how many people see it or when it gains traction.
• It takes time. Building an audience through organic content is a long game, and while that’s great, it doesn’t always help when you need to drive sales now.
• It’s exhausting. If you’re solely relying on organic marketing, you’re constantly on the content hamster wheel, trying to get enough visibility to make sales.

With paid ads, you control your reach. You’re no longer at the mercy of algorithms. You can take your best offer, put it in front of the right audience, and see results without waiting months (or years) for organic marketing to work.

Why I Use Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest Ads

Each platform has its strengths, and depending on your business, one might work better than another. Here’s how I use each:

Facebook & Instagram Ads

• Best for retargeting and getting in front of warm audiences.
• Great for brand awareness and engagement-based campaigns.
• Allows for highly detailed targeting based on demographics and behavior.
• Best for running ads to freebie opt-ins, webinars, and digital product sales.

Pinterest Ads (My Favorite Strategy!)

• Pinterest is a search engine, not a social media platform, meaning your ads have a longer shelf life.
• Best for getting in front of people actively searching for solutions.
• Great for evergreen promotion, where your pins continue working long after your campaign ends.
• I scaled ONE of my offerings to over $600K using Pinterest Ads alone—you can read about my strategy here.

Out of all these platforms, Pinterest has been my best-performing ad platform in the most recent years, which is why I created an entire class breaking down exactly how I run my Pinterest ads for maximum ROI. If you want to learn how to use Pinterest ads to scale your business, you can check out my Pinterest Ad Strategy Course!

Pinterest is also a wonderful platform for anyone who might not yet have an established audience to market to. Unlike Facebook and Instagram, where ads are often shown to people based on their past engagement or behaviors, Pinterest users are actively searching for solutions, ideas, and products. This means you don’t need a massive following or an email list to start seeing results. Your ads will reach people who are already looking for what you offer, giving you a direct path to potential customers without spending years building an audience first. That’s the power of Pinterest—it connects you with warm, ready-to-buy leads, even if you’re just getting started.

How I Make Ads Work for My Business

If there’s one thing I’ve studied and tested more than anything else in my years of business, it’s how to set up ads that actually convert. Because while ads can be powerful, running them the wrong way can feel like throwing money into a black hole.

So here’s the simplified version of how I make ads work:

Step 1: Get Clear on Your Offer

Before running ads, you need a clear, irresistible offer. Whether it’s a digital product, a course, or a service, you need to be able to answer these questions:

✔ Who is this for?
✔ What problem does it solve?
✔ Why would someone choose this over a competitor’s offer?

Ads won’t magically fix a weak offer. But when you have an offer that works? Ads amplify it. And if you’re not quite sure what to try and promote in a paid ad first, just look at your best sellers and start there—those have already been proven to sell to your audience.

All too often, I see people getting excited about jumping into paid ads and creating something new just for it, or trying to promote the thing they are most excited about. But here’s the truth: the best-performing ads come from promoting what’s already working. If you have a product or service that has sold well organically, start there.

A good way to guarantee your ad performs? Go with the product that has the best chance. Let the data guide you, and build from that success.

Step 2: Start Small and Test Everything

The biggest mistake I see people make with ads? Going all in too fast.

Instead of dumping a huge budget into an ad right away, start small—$5 to $10 a day. Run a few different versions of your ad, testing different images, headlines, and copy to see what resonates most with your audience.

Let the data guide you. The numbers will tell you what’s working. Once you have an ad that’s converting well, then you scale.

Step 3: Focus on the Right Metrics

Not all metrics matter. Forget vanity metrics like likes and comments—when running ads, here’s what you should focus on:

Click-through rate (CTR) – Are people actually clicking on your ad?
Cost per lead (CPL) – How much are you spending to acquire a new lead or customer?
Return on ad spend (ROAS) – Are you making more than you’re spending?

When you know these numbers, running ads becomes a simple math equation—if you’re making $3 for every $1 spent, why wouldn’t you keep going?!

The Marketing Shift That Changed My Life

Running ads was the best decision I ever made for my business because it freed me from the constant grind of having to show up every single day just to make sales.

If you’re ready to get serious about ads—especially Pinterest Ads, which have been a huge part of my success—be sure to check out my Pinterest Ad Strategy Course. If you’re ready to get serious about ads—especially Pinterest Ads, which have been a huge part of my success—be sure to check out my Pinterest Ad Strategy Course. I break down everything you need to know so you can get started with confidence. I show you exactly how I go about setting up my own ads, and give you unique examples that you can apply to your business. All under 90 minutes.

Because once you get ads working for you, there’s no turning back.

Content Prompt: “Working with [your business] isn’t just about [surface-level benefit]—it’s about gaining [unexpected benefit or transformation]. If you’re ready for results that go deeper, let’s get started today!”

Copywriting Formula: Unexpected Benefits

Sometimes, the biggest game-changers are the ones we didn’t see coming. That’s why this formula works so well—it shifts the focus from the expected to the extraordinary. Instead of just talking about the obvious perks of working with you, this formula helps uncover the deeper, more meaningful transformations your clients experience.

Here’s how it works:

1. Start with the expected. Identify a common, surface-level benefit that people associate with your service.
2. Reveal the deeper transformation. Share the unexpected ways your service changes lives—things clients didn’t even realize they needed.
3. Make it emotional. Connection is key, so dig into how these benefits feel and why they matter.
4. Call to action. Invite your audience to experience these transformations for themselves.

Why it works: People expect results, but when they discover that your service changes more than just the obvious, that’s when the magic happens. It builds trust, deepens connections, and turns customers into lifelong fans.

Wordsmith Instructions

Write a blog post that highlights the unexpected benefits of working with me. Share examples of how clients’ lives or businesses have transformed beyond what they anticipated, and end with a CTA encouraging action.

How to Use This Prompt

Here’s how to bring the “What You’ll Gain” prompt to life:

1. Start with the obvious. What’s a basic, expected benefit that people assume they’ll get from working with you?
2. Dig deeper. What’s an unexpected way your service truly transforms their business or life?
3. Make it personal. Share real examples, emotions, and client experiences to drive home the impact.
4. Wrap it up with an invitation. Encourage them to step into this transformation by working with you.

Information Needed About Your Business

To make this prompt powerful, focus on these key details:

• What’s a surface-level benefit that most clients expect?
• What’s the deeper transformation they experience?
• How does this unexpected benefit make a lasting impact?
• What’s the next step they should take?

Once you have these answers, your post will feel real, relatable, and compelling to your audience.

New to Wordsmith? Here’s the deal—Wordsmith helps you take content prompts like this one and turn them into polished, on-brand content in seconds. Whether you need a blog post, a newsletter, or social media captions, Wordsmith does the heavy lifting so you can focus on running your business.

Example Post Using This Prompt:

I usually keep these super short, more like a social media caption, but wanted to show you that you can easily use Wordsmith to write newsletters too. *I used my personal writing style which you can get right inside the Wordsmith dashboard when taking the personlized quiz. 🖤

Subject Line: No more 11 PM content panic posts

Preview Text: If you’ve ever scrambled for something to post at the last minute, this one’s for you.

Email Body: Be honest with me — how many times have you found yourself staring at your screen at 11 PM, knowing you should post something but having absolutely no idea what to say? Maybe you throw together a quick caption, maybe you skip posting altogether (again), and maybe—just maybe—you wonder if showing up online is supposed to feel this exhausting.

If that’s you, friend, you’re not alone.

For so many business owners, content creation feels like a never-ending game of catch-up. You know you need to post, but between client work, life, and, well… literally everything else, creating content often gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list. And when you finally do sit down to write, the blank page stares back at you like a judgmental reminder of how long it’s been since your last post.

But what if it didn’t have to be that way?

Imagine this: Instead of scrambling for ideas at the last minute, you have a clear content plan mapped out for you. You know exactly what to post, when to post it, and how it fits into your bigger marketing strategy. No more guessing. No more throwing spaghetti at the wall. No more posting just to post.

With Wordsmith, content creation becomes easy. Like sit down with your coffee, pop in a prompt, and let the magic happen easy.

It’s about working smarter, not harder.

Instead of reinventing the wheel every single time you need a post, Wordsmith takes one idea and turns it into a blog post, a newsletter, and multiple social media captions—all in your brand voice, all designed to connect with your audience.

Suddenly, instead of frantically trying to come up with something clever at the last minute, you’re scheduling content in advance. You’re showing up consistently. You’re building relationships instead of playing the engagement game. And best of all? You’re marketing your business in a way that feels good.

Why This Matters…

Because let’s be honest—your audience can tell when you’re just posting for the sake of posting. And they can definitely tell when you’re showing up with intention, sharing content that actually speaks to them.

When you shift from scrambling to strategy, a few things start to happen:

✔️ You gain confidence—knowing your content is thoughtfully planned and aligns with your bigger business goals.
✔️ You create more impact—because you’re not just posting; you’re connecting, educating, and building trust.
✔️ You actually enjoy marketing—yes, it’s possible! When content creation stops feeling like a chore, you want to show up.

This is your sign to stop waiting until the last second and start creating content with ease. Wordsmith is here to help you go from scattered to strategic—without the stress, without the overwhelm, and without the late-night posting panic.

Let’s make content creation fun again. Sign up for Wordsmith today and start showing up like the confident CEO you are.

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.

For the longest time, I thought perfection was the goal. That if I could just get things right—the perfect caption, the perfect website, the perfect offer—then everything else would fall into place. But you know what I’ve learned? Perfection is a trap. It keeps us from starting, from growing, and from fully enjoying the process of building something we love.

I know I’m not alone in this. So many entrepreneurs get stuck in the loop of tweaking, refining, and second-guessing—so much so that they never actually show up. And I get it. It’s scary to put yourself out there when it’s not just right. But here’s the truth: your audience isn’t looking for perfection. They’re looking for you—the real, messy, behind-the-scenes version of you.

And that’s exactly why this year, I’m choosing to embrace progress over perfection. Here’s why you should too.

Perfectionism Holds You Back More Than It Moves You Forward

How many times have you stopped yourself from posting, launching, or sharing something because it wasn’t ready? Because you weren’t sure if it was polished enough, if it would resonate, if it would be good enough?

Perfectionism tricks us into believing that we need to wait until we have it all figured out before we take action. But the reality? Nothing gets better without action.

Think about your favorite brands, the people you admire, or the businesses you support. Are they perfect? No. But they’re consistent. They show up, they keep going, and they build trust because they don’t let perfection keep them on the sidelines.

Your Audience Wants the Real You

A while back, I ran a poll asking my audience what they preferred to see from me—polished, curated content or raw, behind-the-scenes moments. And you know what? The overwhelming majority wanted the real stuff. The messy middle. The work in progress. The honest moments.

Because that’s what makes us relatable.

We don’t connect with perfection; we connect with real people. And as much as we like to believe that showing up “perfectly” will make us more successful, it’s actually the opposite. People want to see the process, the struggles, the journey—because it makes them feel like they’re not alone in theirs.

This Year, I’m Showing Up More (Even When It Feels Vulnerable)

One of my biggest goals this year is to share more of the in-between moments—the unpolished, unfiltered parts of my journey. Not because I have it all figured out, but because I don’t. And I want to remind myself (and you) that that’s okay.

My real life is far from perfect. I’m balancing motherhood, homeschooling four kids, running a business, and helping other entrepreneurs build theirs. Some days, it feels like a lot. And if I let perfection get in the way, I’d probably never post again.

But I started this business because I love what I do. And I refuse to let the need to get it just right take away from the joy of sharing, creating, and connecting.

So, let this be your reminder: Your audience isn’t waiting for you to be perfect. They’re just waiting for you to show up.

Let’s Ditch Perfection Together

If you’ve been holding yourself back, waiting for the right moment, the perfect design, the flawless version of what you want to create—I want you to let that go. Because done is better than perfect. And showing up will always matter more than waiting for the stars to align.

This is your permission slip to start now, share now, and trust that you’ll get better as you go. Because you will.

You’ve been thinking about it, haven’t you? You’ve been eyeing Wordsmith, wondering if now is the time to finally take the leap and make content creation for your business easier than ever. Well, friend, consider this your flashing neon sign: YES. YES, IT IS.

And here’s why you need to act right now—because for a limited time, you can grab full access to Wordsmith for just $9.95/month… forever. Yep, you read that right. No price hikes. No surprises. Just an insanely powerful tool at an insanely affordable price.

But here’s the kicker: This deal vanishes on February 28th. After that? The price is going up, because—brace yourself—Wordsmith 2.0 is coming, and it’s getting a MAJOR upgrade.

What’s Happening on February 28th?

A huge Wordsmith update is dropping! Think of it like your favorite coffee shop announcing a new menu that’s about to change your morning routine forever.

New features, smarter AI, and a sleeker interface designed to help you create content faster, better, and with even more ease. It looks so good. I can’t wait for you to see it!

The price will be increasing, but here’s the good news: If you sign up now, you’re locked in at $9.95/month for life. (Yes, even as we add new features and upgrades. Forever-ever.)

Why Wordsmith 2.0?

Because content creation shouldn’t feel like pulling teeth. For me, writing has always been the heartbeat of running a business—the thing I’ve loved the most. Whether it’s crafting a blog post, sending out a newsletter, or showing up on social media, content has been my way of connecting, building relationships, and making an impact. Most people call it marketing, but I see it as something bigger: a way for entrepreneurs to show up as their true selves, tell their stories, and build communities.

That’s why I built Wordsmith. I wanted to create a tool that helps you show up authentically without spending hours staring at a blank screen. It should feel like having a personal copywriter in your back pocket—ready to whip up on-brand Instagram captions, blog posts, email newsletters, and website copy at the click of a button—so you can focus on what you do best: running your business and making an impact.

Imagine this:
A month’s worth of social media posts, done in minutes, not hours.
An AI assistant trained to write like YOU, not some robotic mess that sounds nothing like your brand.
A content calendar that keeps you organized and consistent (without the stress).
Unlimited access to stock photography, because visuals matter.
The ability to repurpose your content across multiple platforms without sounding repetitive.

No more staring at a blank screen. No more last-minute panic-posting. Just strategic, beautifully written content that connects with your audience and helps you grow your business.

And this is just the beginning. 2025 might be our biggest year yet with everything we have planned.

We’re not rushing the process because we want it to be perfectly made for you—designed with intention, packed with value, and built to help you create content effortlessly. Big things are coming, and I can’t wait for you to be part of it.

Why Now? (Because FOMO is Real, Friend.)

I’ll say it louder for the people in the back: This deal is only available until February 28th. Once the clock strikes midnight, the $9.95 price disappears—and trust me, you don’t want to be kicking yourself for missing out. Those that get locked in, get it for as long as they have an active account.

Let’s be real—$9.95 is less than your favorite latte, and it’s an investment that actually pays you back in saved time, stress-free content, and more visibility for your business.

Ready to Lock in Your Forever Deal?

Click here to grab Wordsmith for $9.95/month before it’s gone!

Trust me, your future self will thank you. 💛

Content Prompt: “Sometimes, it’s the small wins that lead to the biggest changes—like [specific example of a small success your clients achieve]. These moments matter, and I’m here to help you create even more of them. Let’s get started!”

Copywriting Formula: Small Wins to Big Wins

Ever heard the phrase progress, not perfection? That’s exactly what this formula is all about—showing your audience that even the smallest wins are worth celebrating because they lead to major transformations.

Here’s how it works:

1. Start with a small win. Identify a small but meaningful success your clients experience early on when working with you.
2. Connect it to a bigger transformation. Show how these smaller victories build momentum and contribute to their larger goals.
3. Make it relatable. People love success stories they can see themselves in, so keep it personal and inspiring.
4. Call to action. Invite them to take the next step so they can start stacking their own wins.

Why it works: Success isn’t always about overnight transformation. By highlighting small wins, you make your audience feel like they can do this, too. It builds confidence, excitement, and trust in what you offer.

Wordsmith Instructions

Write a [Newsletter, Social Media, Blog] post that celebrates the small wins clients achieve when working with me. Highlight how these victories build momentum toward bigger transformations, and end with a CTA inviting readers to start their journey.

New to Wordsmith? Here’s the deal—Wordsmith helps you take content prompts like this one and turn them into polished, on-brand content in seconds. Whether you need a blog post, a newsletter, or social media captions, Wordsmith does the heavy lifting so you can focus on running your business.

How to Use This Prompt

Here’s how to make the “Celebrate the Wins” prompt work for your brand:

1. Think about the small wins. What’s something simple yet impactful that your clients experience when working with you?
2. Share the ripple effect. Show how that small win leads to even greater results over time.
3. Make it feel real. Use personal language, client stories, or real-life examples to create connection.
4. End with an invitation. Encourage your audience to take that first step toward their own success.

Information Needed About Your Business

To make this prompt personal and powerful, get clear on:

• What’s a small win your clients typically experience early on?
• How does that small win contribute to their bigger success?
• What emotions do your clients feel after achieving that win?
• What’s the next step you want them to take?

Once you have these answers, your content will naturally resonate with your audience and inspire them to take action.

Example Post Using This Prompt

Let’s talk about small wins—the ones that make you feel like you’re actually getting somewhere. Like finally posting on social media without overthinking every word. Or opening your inbox to messages from people who actually want to work with you.

These tiny moments? They’re everything. They add up. They create momentum. They build the kind of confidence that turns into big wins over time.

With Wordsmith, you don’t have to wonder what to say next. You can create your own content from scratch or dive right into a ready-made content plan that’s designed to connect you with your ideal clients. No second-guessing. No staring at a blinking cursor. Just done-for-you content that makes showing up effortless.

Let’s celebrate this small win together. Sign up for Wordsmith and see just how easy content creation can be.

Let’s talk about the powerhouse of marketing that doesn’t get nearly enough credit—Pinterest ads. When I built Wordsmith, I had two goals:

1. To help fellow entrepreneurs show up online and share their stories without the constant struggle of not knowing what to say.
2. To build something without spending my life glued to traditional social media platforms.

Fast forward, and I scaled Wordsmith to over $600K in revenue using two incredibly powerful things: Pinterest ads + my email list. No viral videos, no dancing on Reels, no posting 24/7 to stay relevant. Just a smart, strategic way to get my offer in front of the right people at the right time.

Here’s exactly how I did it—and how you can use Pinterest ads to grow your own business too.

Why Pinterest Ads?

First things first, let’s clear something up: Pinterest isn’t just another social media platform. It’s a visual search engine—meaning that when people are on Pinterest, they’re actively looking for solutions, ideas, and products.

Unlike Instagram or Facebook (where your content disappears in hours), Pinterest content lasts. People can search for and find your pins months—even years—after you post them. And when you pair that with a strong ad strategy, you’re literally getting your business in front of people who are searching for exactly what you have to offer.

That’s why Pinterest ads work so well. They put your brand in front of ready-to-buy customers without the constant content grind.

How I Used Pinterest Ads to Validate My Idea

Before I poured time and energy into building Wordsmith, I wanted to make sure there was actually demand for it. Enter: Pinterest ads.

I started with a simple strategy:

• Created a few pre-written content templates and published them monthly to test the concept.
• Ran a small Pinterest ad campaign targeting keywords that my ideal customers were searching for.
• Tracked conversions to see if people were actually interested in what I was offering.

The result? They ate it up.

That validation was huge. It meant I wasn’t guessing—I knew I had something people wanted. That’s when my husband (who’s a developer) jumped in to help me build Wordsmith exactly the way I had envisioned it. And once we had a solid product? We scaled it even more.

Scaling With Pinterest Ads: The Strategy That Worked

Once I knew Wordsmith was a hit, I doubled down on Pinterest ads and followed a strategy that allowed me to scale to over $600K in revenue. Here’s the exact formula I used:

1. Targeted the Right Keywords

Remember, Pinterest is a search engine—so your ads need to be optimized just like SEO. I focused on:

• Keywords my audience was actively searching for
• Long-tail keywords to get more specific and attract buyers with clear intent.
• Interest-based targeting to reach people who were already engaging with similar content.

2. Created Click-Worthy Pins

Your Pinterest ad creative matters. Unlike social media posts, your ad needs to stand out in a feed full of visuals. I focused on:

• Bold, easy-to-read text overlays that immediately told people what the pin was about.
• Clear, scroll-stopping images that reflected the value of Wordsmith.
• Consistent branding so that my ads looked professional and cohesive.

3. Sent Traffic to a High-Converting Page

I didn’t just send people to a homepage and hope for the best. I made sure my ad traffic went to a conversion-optimized landing page that:

• Clearly explained what Wordsmith was and why it mattered.
• Included strong social proof (testimonials, reviews, results).
• Had an easy-to-follow call-to-action (subscribe, purchase, etc.).

You can see the homepage for Wordsmith HERE.

4. Tracked & Optimized

Once I had tested different ads, I was able to turn off the ones that weren’t performing and run the same ad for over two years without needing to change a thing. I kept an eye on:

• Which ads performed best (so I could scale the winners and turn off the duds).
• What audiences converted the most (so I could refine targeting over time).
• My return on ad spend (ROAS) to make sure I was making more than I was spending.

The more I refined my strategy, the better my results got—and the faster Wordsmith grew.

Why This Works (And How You Can Do It Too)

One of the many reasons I love Pinterest ads so much is because they let you get hyper-specific with your audience targeting. If you know how to choose the right keywords, set up conversion tracking, and focus on the right metrics, you can scale your business in a way that feels sustainable and strategic.

But here’s something I realized early on—so much of the marketing advice I saw online came from experts who were operating at a completely different level. They had massive email lists, established audiences, huge spending budgets, and built-in connections that most small business owners just don’t have when they’re starting out.

When I built Wordsmith, I wanted to do it in a way that would prove it’s possible to scale a business from scratch—without relying on a huge following or existing brand recognition. I wanted to create a strategy that would work for someone who didn’t have thousands of followers or a big email list yet, someone who was just trying to build momentum. And Pinterest ads made that possible.

After hitting over $600K in revenue for Wordsmith, I knew I had to share my formula. So, I put together a 90 minute Pinterest Ad Strategy course that walks you through the exact process I used to:

✅ Set up profitable Pinterest ad campaigns

✅ Target the right audience (so your ads don’t get wasted on the wrong people)

✅ Track conversions and scale effectively

✅ Focus on key metrics that actually matter (instead of getting lost in vanity numbers)

I’ve taken everything I’ve learned—from testing, tweaking, and scaling—and turned it into a step-by-step system to help you get your business in front of an audience that’s ready to buy.

👉 You can check it out here: Pinterest Ad Strategy

If you’re tired of posting on social media and hoping for traction, it might be time to switch things up. Pinterest ads aren’t just another ad platform—they’re a long-term strategy for getting your business in front of the right audience.

Whether you’re just getting started or you’re ready to scale, I know this strategy can work for you—because it’s exactly how I built Wordsmith into a thriving business that has generated over $600K in revenue.

So, what do you say? If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start getting your business in front of people who are actually looking for what you offer, let’s do this together. I’d love to help you make Pinterest ads work for you—because if I can do it, so can you.

Social media burnout is real. If you’ve ever felt like keeping up with Instagram, Facebook, and every other platform is draining the life out of you, I see you. I was right there too. So, I did something drastic—I quit social media for an entire year. You can read all about that HERE.

At first, it felt like a massive risk. What if my business suffered? What if I lost connection with my audience? What if I missed out on opportunities? But here’s the spoiler: My business kept growing, my audience didn’t disappear, and I learned some invaluable lessons along the way.

If you’ve ever thought about stepping away from social media but felt too scared to take the leap, let me share what happened when I finally logged off.

Why I Walked Away

The biggest reason I wanted to step away from social media? It was taking too much from my real life and my business.

As a business owner, it’s easy to believe that if you’re not constantly posting, engaging, and following every new trend, everything will come crashing down. But I had already made some big shifts over the years to rely less on social media—things like growing my email list and focusing on SEO to bring in consistent traffic. And yet, social media still pulled me in.

The more I paid attention, the more I realized I wasn’t using it intentionally. I was spending way more time consuming content than actually creating it. And let’s be real—these platforms are designed to keep you scrolling. I knew I wanted more from life than doomscrolling through other people’s highlight reels.

So, I logged off. No more posting, no more checking notifications, no more endless scrolling. Just real life and real work.

What Happened When I Quit Social Media

To be completely honest, at first, it felt weird. I’d been so used to documenting parts of my life and business online that I had to untrain myself from reaching for my phone. But as the weeks went by, then months, something incredible happened—I felt free.

I doubled down on marketing strategies that actually aligned with who I am. I focused on writing more, improving my email list, and refining my SEO strategy. The pressure to constantly “show up” online disappeared, and in its place, I found a deeper sense of creativity and focus.

And guess what? My business did just fine. It turns out, I never needed social media to keep things running—I just thought I did.

How I Made It Work Without Social Media

The key to stepping away from social media without my business taking a hit? A combination of Pinterest ads and email marketing. These two strategies allowed me to continue bringing in leads, nurturing my audience, and generating revenue without posting a single thing on Instagram or Facebook.

Pinterest Ads: My Secret Weapon

Pinterest has always been a powerhouse for my business, but when I fully stepped away from social media, it became my main driver of traffic and sales. Unlike Instagram, where posts disappear within hours, Pinterest content has longevity. A single pin can bring in traffic for months (or even years!) after it’s posted.

Running Pinterest ads allowed me to scale my reach and consistently drive ideal clients to my offers. Instead of spending hours crafting Instagram captions and stories, I focused on creating high-converting Pinterest graphics and targeting the right audience. And the best part? Once the ads were set up, they worked on autopilot.

I go into more detail on my Pinterest strategy here: The Pinterest Ad Strategy That Made Me Over $600K.

Building and Nurturing My Email List

If Pinterest was how I brought people in, my email list was how I turned them into paying customers. While social media is unpredictable (hello, algorithm changes), my email list was something I owned. I could communicate directly with my audience without fighting for visibility or stressing over engagement rates.

Instead of posting on Instagram, I put my energy into crafting valuable emails that built relationships and drove sales. And the best part? Email marketing isn’t about constant hustle. I created evergreen sequences that welcomed new subscribers, shared valuable content, and led them toward my offers—without me needing to be online 24/7.

What I Learned From a Year Off Social Media

Stepping away from social media for a year taught me so much about running a business on my own terms. Here are my biggest takeaways:

Stepping away can actually make your business stronger. When you’re not constantly chasing trends, you can focus on what really moves the needle.

The Downsides of Leaving Social Media

You don’t have to be everywhere to be successful. You can choose platforms that actually work for you and ditch the ones that don’t.

Long-term strategies (like SEO, Pinterest, and email marketing) are way more sustainable than chasing viral content.

Your audience won’t disappear just because you take a break. If you’ve built a strong foundation, people will still be there when you return.

As much as I loved my time away, I won’t pretend that stepping away from social media was all positive. There were a few things I missed:

• The sense of community. Entrepreneurship can feel lonely, and social media makes it easy to connect with like-minded people.
• Sharing my work. I genuinely love creating and sharing, and social media is a great way to showcase what I’m working on.
• The energy of it all. It’s like working in a coffee shop—sometimes the background buzz can be motivating.

By the end of the year, I realized that while I don’t need social media to run a successful business, I do enjoy using it in small, intentional ways.

How I’m Planning On Using Social Media Differently Now

So, am I back? Kind of. But with way stronger boundaries.

• I no longer feel the need to post daily or keep up with every trend.
• I focus on using social media as a tool, not a requirement.
• I create content I enjoy (like writing!) instead of forcing myself into formats that feel unnatural.
• I remind myself that my business doesn’t depend on an algorithm—it depends on me.

Now, when I show up on social media, it’s because I want to, not because I feel like I have to.

What You Can Learn From My Year Off

If social media feels overwhelming, just know this—you don’t have to be on it 24/7 to grow your business. There are other ways to market, connect, and succeed. Whether you take a full break or simply set better boundaries, I hope my experience shows you that it’s okay to step back.

Social media is a tool, not the whole strategy. And sometimes, the best thing you can do for your business (and your sanity) is to unplug, refocus, and remind yourself that you are the most important part of your success—not an app.

So, what does a better relationship with social media actually look like? Maybe it means taking a full break to reset. Maybe it looks like setting time limits, unfollowing accounts that drain you, or creating a posting schedule that feels sustainable. Or maybe it’s about shifting your focus entirely—looking at your business and figuring out what actually moves the needle instead of posting and hoping something goes viral.

Ask yourself: What brings in the most clients? Where do my customers actually come from? What marketing strategies feel good to me? Once you get clear on that, you can focus your energy there instead of feeling like you have to be everywhere online.

At the end of the day, social media should work for you—not the other way around. And trust me, your business will be just fine.

If you’ve ever felt like keeping up with social media is a full-time job, you’re not alone. Between posting, engaging, creating reels, and staying on top of trends, it’s easy to feel like your entire business depends on showing up all the time—but I’m here to tell you it doesn’t have to be that way.

In fact, I spent an entire year not posting to social media to see just how much my business actually needed it. Spoiler: it did just fine. My income didn’t disappear. My audience didn’t vanish. And most importantly, the overwhelm I once felt around social media? It finally lifted.

A lot of us put way more weight on these platforms than we should. But when you have a solid marketing strategy in place that doesn’t depend on social media, it shifts from being the whole strategy to just an extra piece of it. And that changes everything.

If you’re tired of feeling like social media runs your business (instead of the other way around), let’s talk about how to build a business that thrives—without the overwhelm.

Step 1: Focus on Content You Actually Enjoy Creating

Here’s a little secret: the best content is the kind you actually enjoy making.

For a long time, I thought I needed to create more videos, find the perfect aesthetic, or spend hours piecing together Instagram-worthy content. But the truth is, I’ve always loved writing. I can sit down and pour my heart into a blog post or email, and it feels easy. But forcing myself to spend hours editing videos? That just drains me.

And I’m guessing you have something like that too. Maybe you love writing like I do, or maybe you prefer showing up in audio form through podcasts. Maybe video is your thing, and you feel energized creating short, engaging clips. Whatever it is, lean into it.

Because when content feels fun instead of forced, you’ll actually create it—consistently.

Step 2: Batch Your Work Like a Pro

One of the best things I ever did for my business was learning how to batch work. Instead of scrambling to come up with content every day, I set aside dedicated time to create in bulk.

Here’s how it works:

• Pick a focus day. Choose one day a week (or month) where you only focus on content creation.
• Create multiple pieces at once. If you love writing, draft several blog posts or emails in one sitting. If you prefer video, record multiple clips in one go.
• Schedule everything. Use tools like Flodesk, Pinterest schedulers, or blog planners so your content runs on autopilot. Automating my workflows has helped a ton (on and off social media).

The goal is to remove the stress of daily content creation so you can focus on actually running your business.

Step 3: Build a Strategy That Doesn’t Rely on Social Media

Social media should be a tool, not your entire business plan. So, what do you do instead? You create a marketing strategy that works without it.

Here are a few ideas:

• Email Marketing: The most direct way to connect with your audience without worrying about algorithms.
• SEO & Blogging: Write valuable content that brings in traffic long after you hit publish.
• Pinterest: More of a search engine than a social platform, it sends consistent traffic to your offers.
• Collaborations & Referrals: Build relationships with people in your industry to grow through word-of-mouth.

When you have multiple ways to reach your audience, social media becomes optional—not mandatory.

Step 4: Redefine Your Relationship With Social Media

I’m not saying you have to quit social media altogether. But I am saying it’s okay to use it differently.

What if, instead of stressing about daily posts, you used it as a place to share when you want to? What if it became a bonus tool instead of a must-do task?

That’s what happened for me after my year off. When I came back, I realized I no longer felt pressured to keep up with the trends. I could post on my own terms. And that freedom? It made all the difference.

Final Thoughts: You Get to Choose How You Show Up

The biggest takeaway? You don’t have to spend all day on social media to build a thriving business.

Instead, focus on content that feels good, batch your work, and build a strategy that supports you—without the overwhelm.

Because at the end of the day, your business should work for you—not the algorithm.

And trust me, it’s possible.

The first month of marathon training for the Honolulu Marathon is officially in the books, and let me tell you—it was not pretty. I went into January with one goal: to show up consistently and start building a base. No fancy training plans, no complicated speed work, just a simple promise to myself to run 3 miles, 5 days a week. And for the most part, I stuck with it.

But here’s the truth: 90% of those runs felt pretty horrible.

I’m talking about the kind of runs where you feel like you’re dying, where every step feels like a battle, where you question why you signed up for a marathon in the first place. The type of run where you’re calculating how many times you’d have to run 3 miles in order to run a whole marathon. The answer is 8.7 times incase you were doing the math too.

And yet—I kept going.

Finding My Pace (And Learning to Breathe)

To start, I focused on maintaining a steady speed of 4.8 MPH, with short walking breaks when I needed to catch my breath. Usually, around the 1.5-mile mark, I’d hit a wall, forcing myself to take a few seconds before pushing forward. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was progress.

Then, something shifted. Every once in a while, I’d have a good run. One where my legs didn’t feel like lead, where my breathing felt controlled, where I didn’t count down every second until it was over. Those runs became my proof that things were changing, even when I couldn’t always feel it.

And then came a pretty big win: I managed to pick up my pace to 6.0-7.0 MPH, which is roughly an 8:34-10:00 mile. It felt like I was pushing myself hard, but I was able to do it for three miles. For the first time, I wasn’t just surviving my runs—I was improving.

The Mental Side of Running

Let’s be real—if I had to run a marathon today, I wouldn’t even make it halfway. Three miles feels like a very long way from 26.2. And if I let myself think too much about how much further I have to go, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

But here’s the thing I keep reminding myself: it’s not about where I am today. It’s about showing up, putting in the work, and trusting that one day, I’ll look back and realize I actually can run a marathon.

Right now, I can’t imagine what it will feel like to say, Yes, I know I can do this. But I believe that day will come. And that’s enough to keep me going.

Experimenting with Running Form & Audio

One thing I’ve started to focus on is my running form—trying different strides, adjusting my posture, and seeing what feels best. I’ve realized that so much of running is about finding a rhythm, getting comfortable in the movement, and learning what works for your body.

I also experimented with what to listen to while running. At first, I was convinced that upbeat music was the key to keeping me moving, but I noticed it actually made it harder to stay on pace. Then, I switched to podcasts, which helped take my mind off the run.

But the real surprise? Running with no headphones at all.

One day, I forgot my headphones and thought it was going to be the worst run ever. Instead, it ended up being one of my best. Listening to my breathing, hearing my feet hit the treadmill, and just being present made everything feel smoother. I decided to try ditching my headphones for the last two runs of the month, and they both felt surprisingly good. So for now, I’m going to keep running in silence and see how it goes.

Building a Base Before Structured Training

I know I’m still in the early stages, but I want to focus on building a solid foundation before jumping into a structured plan. For the first six months, my goal is to gradually increase my mileage and endurance, then switch to a marathon training program in June.

January’s Goal:

• Run 3 miles (5 days a week) at 4.8-5.2 MPH
• End the month running 3 miles at 6.0-7.0 MPH

✅ Done.

February’s Goal:

• Run 3.5 miles (5 days a week) at 4.8-5.2 MPH
• Gradually increase pace at the end of the month

*Depending on how it feels, I might bump it to 4 miles. I did read it’s better to increase it by .5 everytime, but I also feel like I am trying to listen to how I feel. If I have the energy and feel good, then I like to push myself a little more. If I am feeling like I am maxed out, I will just increase it a little.

I’m not rushing the process, but I do want to keep challenging myself little by little.

Final Thoughts on January

Looking back on the first month, I’m proud of the work I put in. I wasn’t perfect, I missed some days when I was sick, and I had more bad runs than good ones—but I showed up. And that’s what matters.

The biggest lesson I learned? Running doesn’t magically become easy—it just becomes something you get better at. I still have a really long way to go, but I’m excited to see where February takes me.

One month down, eleven to go!