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Why I Built My Business Around Passive Income

I can still remember the feeling—packing up my gear on a Friday night, knowing I’d be spending yet another weekend photographing other families while missing time with my own. At the time, I was fully booked with motherhood sessions—those beautiful, emotional, joy-filled shoots with mamas and their babies. While I genuinely loved capturing those sweet connections and helping other mothers freeze time in such a fleeting season, there was always a quiet ache in my chest.

Because while I was giving my clients memories they’d cherish forever, I was missing out on my own.

I wasn’t there for lazy Saturday mornings in pajamas, or spontaneous afternoon walks with my kids. I was spending weekends creating for others, while watching my own time with my family slip by in the margins.

And what made it harder? I knew that if I stopped shooting—even for a weekend—I wasn’t just pressing pause on work. I was pausing my entire income.

That was the moment it clicked: I needed to build a business that could run with me and for me—even when I wasn’t actively working.

The Limitations of Service-Based Business (Even the Ones You Love)

Service-based businesses can be beautiful. They’re often built on heart and hard work. They let us share our gifts in deeply personal ways. But there’s an unspoken truth that not enough of us talk about: they have a cap. A limit.

There are only so many hours in a day. And as one person, there’s only so much you can do. Your energy becomes the currency. And over time, that becomes exhausting.

I reached a point where I realized I didn’t want to hustle for every dollar anymore. I didn’t want to build a business that only paid me when I showed up. I wanted freedom. I wanted flexibility. I wanted to make income even on the days I was fully in mom mode, snuggling my kids on the couch.

My First Step Into Passive Income (It Wasn’t Fancy)

It started small—almost by accident. I began sharing my editing tools with other photographers. I packaged up my presets (you know, those dreamy film-inspired edits that I love) and offered them as digital downloads.

And then something amazing happened.

Sales started coming in while I was sleeping. Or while I was at the park with my kids. Or while I was working with a client on something completely unrelated.

That shift was the beginning of something much bigger. It was proof that I could build something once—and have it continue to work for me long after I hit publish.

From One Product to Multiple Streams

After that first taste of passive income, I was hooked—but not in the “let’s build an empire” kind of way. It was more about curiosity. I started asking:
What else can I create that helps others, solves a problem, and doesn’t require me to be tied to my laptop 24/7?

I created courses, templates, guides, and most recently, Wordsmith—a monthly digital content membership designed to help business owners show up online with ease. That became a whole new stream of recurring monthly revenue. Not only was it passive, it was purposeful.

And suddenly, my business didn’t feel like a treadmill anymore. It felt like a garden. One I could water, nurture, and watch grow—even if I wasn’t there every single second.

Scaling Without Burnout

The best part of building passive income into your business isn’t just the money (though that part is wonderful, too). It’s the margin it gives you.

It’s the way you can finally exhale.

I no longer have to scramble during launch week. I don’t have to fill my calendar to pay the bills. I get to build, create, dream—and still be present at home. I’ve grown my business year after year without sacrificing the things that matter most to me.

And I’ve been able to do that by focusing on the parts of my business I could automate, scale, and sustain.

So, What Is Passive Income (Really)?

Let’s clear something up—passive income doesn’t mean no work. It means front-loading the work. You create something once (a digital product, a course, a membership, a resource, a software) and you set up systems so it continues to work in the background.

There’s setup. There’s testing. There’s refinement.

But once it’s running? It frees you up to do more of what you love—without the constant grind.

Here are a few examples of passive income that work beautifully for service-based businesses:

  • Digital products: templates, guides, checklists, presets, etc.
  • Online courses: teach your process, share your knowledge.
  • Memberships or subscriptions: recurring income that adds up fast.
  • Affiliate marketing: recommend tools and products you love.
  • Printables or downloads: easy-to-make, high-value assets.
  • Software & Platforms: If you know how to code this is such a perfect skill for generating passive income.

The options are endless—but the mindset shift is what really matters. You don’t have to trade hours for dollars forever.

Why It Matters More Than Ever (Especially for Moms)

As a mom of four, I’ve learned to value time more than anything. My business has to fit into my life, not the other way around. I want to build something that allows me to be there for all our homeschool lessons, the sick days, the slow mornings.

That’s the real power of passive income—it gives you choices.

I get to decide how I spend my time. I get to take on client work because I want to, not because I have to.

I get to run a business that doesn’t burn me out.

My Advice? Start Where You Are

If you’re reading this and thinking, “This sounds amazing, but where do I even start?”—I’ve got you.

Ask yourself:

  • What do people ask me for help with all the time?
  • What do I already have (a process, a tool, a system) that others would pay for?
  • What’s something I could package and sell digitally?

Start with your strengths. Build something small. Get it out there.

And remember—your first product doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be real and helpful.

Building businesses around passive income hasn’t just changed my revenue—it’s changed my life. It’s given me space, peace, freedom, and flexibility. It’s allowed me to grow something meaningful without burning out.

And that’s what I want for you, too.

So if you’ve been hustling in a service-based business and wondering if there’s a different way… let this be your sign to explore what’s possible. Figure out a way to add passive income to your current business.

You don’t have to do it all the hard way. You can build something beautiful that works for you.

Tuesday, April 8th, 2025

Are Pinterest Ads Worth It? (Spoiler: YES!)

Sunday, April 6th, 2025

I know what it feels like to pour your heart into your business—sleeves rolled up, coffee in hand, dreaming big—but still wondering how you’re supposed to actually get eyes on your product or service. There are a million strategies out there. Everyone has their “secret formula.” And with so many voices telling you to do this or try that, it’s easy to feel like you’re spinning your wheels.

I’ve been there.

And that’s exactly why I want to talk to you about one platform that completely changed how I market my business—and brought in real results without eating up my entire week or sanity.

Yes, I’m talking about Pinterest ads.

And before you write them off as just pretty pictures or a DIY haven (though we do love a good farmhouse table makeover), let me tell you: Pinterest ads are one of the best-kept secrets in digital marketing.

Let’s unpack it.

So… Are Pinterest Ads Worth It?

Short answer: YES.
Long answer: Still yes, but let me show you why.

Unlike Facebook or Instagram—where your ad is trying to interrupt someone’s scroll—Pinterest is where people go when they’re actively searching for ideas, inspiration, or solutions. They’re already in decision-making mode. So instead of fighting for attention, your ad can show up exactly when someone is looking for what you offer.

It’s like having a storefront on Main Street and placing your best-selling product right in the window display—right when the perfect customer walks by.

Why Pinterest Ads Work (Even If You’re Brand New)

What makes Pinterest ads so powerful is how they act more like a search engine than a social feed.

Think about it: People come to Pinterest to plan weddings, design living rooms, start businesses, and yes—shop. They’re already dreaming, already visualizing, already saving ideas for what they want. That means when your ad pops up in a relevant search, you’re meeting your ideal client mid-dream. (Which, let’s be honest, is the best time to show up.)

You don’t need a massive following.
You don’t need to be an influencer.
You just need to have something helpful, beautiful, or inspiring—and a clear idea of who it’s for.

When I launched my content platform, Wordsmith, I wanted to do something different. I didn’t want to rely on reels or TikToks or fight an algorithm that changed every five seconds. I wanted a sustainable way to reach the right people—women like you who are growing businesses and need tools that actually help.

So, I ran Pinterest ads.
And friend, they worked.

The Results I’ve Had With Pinterest Ads

Let’s talk numbers for a second. I’ve used Pinterest ads to help scale one of my businesses (Wordsmith) to over $600,000 in revenue—without spending hours online every day.

The ROI from Pinterest ads has consistently outperformed other platforms for me, and the best part? The pins continue to work for you long after the ad ends. That’s evergreen visibility.

How Pinterest Ads Are Different

Let me break it down real quick:

  • Pinterest = Discovery.
    People go there to find things. This is huge because you’re not interrupting their feed—you’re adding to their vision.
  • Ads Blend In Naturally.
    A promoted pin looks like any other pin, which means it doesn’t feel pushy or salesy. It feels helpful. Relevant. Wanted.
  • Your Results Grow Over Time.
    Even when you stop paying, those pins can keep getting clicks. (Yes, really.)

Not Sure What to Promote First? Start Here.

If you’re brand new to running ads, I always recommend starting with your best-sellers. Something that’s already proven to sell.

One of the biggest mistakes I see is people trying to launch a brand new offer through ads before it’s even been tested. But if something is already working organically—even just a little—it’s a great candidate for a paid ad.

Let your ads do the heavy lifting after you’ve seen that little spark. That’s when it’s worth pouring some gas on the fire.

And If You’re Thinking, “This Sounds Great, But I’m Overwhelmed…”

You’re not alone.

That’s actually why I created my Pinterest Ad Strategy course.
So many of my fellow business friends kept asking me: How do you actually set these up? How do you know who to target? What should the pins look like? I’ve even had friends over to watch me in the office as I walk them thorugh the whole process.

So I pulled back the curtain and recorded exactly how I set up my own campaigns—from strategy to targeting to tracking results.

And I kept it under 90 minutes because I know your time is precious. You don’t need a 10-hour course. You need a system that works.

👉 You can check it out here

If you’ve been looking for a way to grow your business that doesn’t require posting constantly or trying to chase trends, Pinterest ads might be exactly what you need.

They’re gentle. They’re powerful. And they’re perfect for purpose-driven business owners who want to build something sustainable.

So yes, Pinterest ads are worth it.

Not just because they work, but because they work in a way that aligns with how you want to build your business.

Slow, steady, smart.

That’s the kind of growth I’m here for.

Why Blogging Is Still One of the Best Strategies

There’s something beautiful about sitting down and writing a blog post. Not for likes. Not for the algorithm. But because you actually have something to say. Something you’ve learned. Something that could help someone else.

That’s how I’ve always approached blogging.

Over the years, I’ve come to realize just how much I enjoy writing long-form content. Unlike social media, where I always struggle to keep it short and snappy, long-form content gives me space. Space to think, to explain, to reflect. To share the lessons I’ve learned in building and running a passion-led business—and the ones I’ve learned the hard way.

Pair that with my love for sharing what’s worked (or totally failed) in my own journey, and blogging became my favorite way to show up online. The kind of marketing that feels like storytelling. The kind that lets me connect with the right people for all the right reasons.

But I get it—there’s a lot of noise out there these days.

“Is blogging dead?”

I’ve heard that question more times than I can count. And here’s the truth: it depends on how you define blogging.

If you’re thinking of blogging as writing a post, sharing a few photos, and hoping someone stumbles across it… yeah, that kind of blogging might be on its way out.

But if you’re creating blog content that speaks directly to your ideal client? That answers their questions? That shows them you get what they’re going through and have a solution that can help?

Then blogging is alive and thriving. I think it will continue that way for a long time.

The Power of Evergreen Content

What I love about blogging is that it keeps working long after you hit publish.

A post I wrote 10 years ago still brings in traffic today. A blog that answers a specific question can rank in search results for years. And if you’re someone who wants to build a brand that lasts, blogging is one of the smartest marketing tools you have.

Unlike social media posts that disappear in 24 hours or get buried in the scroll, blogs stick around. They become part of your business’s foundation. They’re searchable. They’re shareable. And they’re yours.

The Rise of AI (and Why Blogging Still Matters More Than Ever)

Here’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately:

With AI tools becoming more integrated into how people search for and discover information, your blog content matters more than ever.

Why?

Because the content you create helps teach those tools what your business is all about.

Most people don’t realize this, but AI platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, and others are trained on public content—including blogs.

That means every well-written blog post, every thoughtful article, every long-form guide you put out into the world contributes to how AI understands and recommends information in the future.

So while traditional blogging might feel like a slow burn, the truth is, it’s one of the best long-term plays you can make. You’re not just building traffic or trust with your human audience—you’re shaping your brand’s presence in the digital knowledge space.

And if, like me, you talk a lot about sustainable marketing strategies and running a passion-led business, that content becomes part of a much bigger ecosystem. One where people (and AI) are constantly seeking the most helpful, relevant, and human answers.

So yes—blogging still matters. In fact, it might matter even more now.

How I Use Blogging in My Own Strategy

If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I’m big on building a content funnel that works for you—not one that runs you ragged.

Here’s how I do it:

  1. I start with long-form content — always. That’s where I can be the most helpful and detailed.
  2. That content goes on my blog, which brings in traffic through SEO for years and years.
  3. Then I create Pinterest pins to promote those blog posts (because Pinterest = search engine = long-term traffic too).
  4. Next, I choose a few pieces to turn into newsletters for my audience.
  5. Finally, I pull quotes and insights to share on social media. (I don’t always do this, as I have moved away from using social media so much).

Instead of making social media the main event, it becomes the last step. A sprinkle on top.

Want to Start Blogging Again (or for the First Time)?

Here’s what I’d say: Start small. Start simple.

Pick a topic you care about. Answer a question your ideal client keeps asking. Tell a story. Share a tip. Talk about something you’ve learned.

Let your blog be a place where your voice doesn’t have to be edited down to a reel or a caption. Where you can teach, connect, and show up fully.

And if you need help? That’s exactly why I built Wordsmith.

Inside the platform, you’ll find hundreds of pre-written blog ideas, categorized by niche and topic. You can generate a full-length blog post in minutes—with your brand voice baked in. Whether you love writing or dread it, Wordsmith helps you create content that feels like you.

It’s one of my favorite ways to help business owners simplify their marketing—and actually enjoy it again.

Want to give it a try? You can test it out with a free 7-day trial. Try Wordsmith here

Sunday, April 6th, 2025

How Pinterest Ads Work (And Why I Love Them)

Sunday, April 6th, 2025

Let’s talk about Pinterest ads—the not-so-secret weapon I’ve used to quietly and consistently scale my business without relying on algorithms or going viral. I know paid ads can feel a little intimidating (or a lot), especially if you’ve never dipped your toes into that world before. I used to feel the same way. Ads felt like something reserved for “big” businesses with teams and fancy strategies… until I realized Pinterest was playing by completely different rules.

If you’re new to Pinterest ads—or maybe you’ve heard a whisper about them and want to see what the buzz is really about—this post is for you. I’m going to walk you through exactly how Pinterest ads work, why they’re different from social media ads, and how they could be the sustainable traffic-driving, sales-generating strategy you’ve been looking for.

Let’s dive in.

What Makes Pinterest Ads So Different?

Here’s the thing most people don’t realize: Pinterest isn’t a social media platform—it’s a search engine.

Let that sink in for a second.

While Instagram and Facebook are built for interaction and connection, Pinterest is built for discovery. People come to Pinterest not to scroll for entertainment, but to find things.

To plan. To dream. To search for inspiration or a solution.

And that mindset changes everything when it comes to advertising.

Think of it like this: Pinterest is where people go with intention.

They’re already searching for ideas—recipes, outfit inspiration, home design, content strategies, wedding decor, business tips… and yes, even the exact products and services you offer.

So when your ad shows up on Pinterest, it doesn’t interrupt someone’s day like an Instagram ad might. Instead, it joins the journey they’re already on. It becomes part of their vision board. And that’s powerful.

So… How Do Pinterest Ads Actually Work?

Let’s break it down in the simplest way possible.

When you run a Pinterest ad, you’re essentially paying for your pin (a visual post) to show up in front of people who are searching for content like yours. Here’s what that process looks like:

1. Create a Pin (Ad Image or Video)

This is the creative part! You’ll upload an image or video—ideally something that’s scroll-stopping, helpful, and aligned with your brand. You can add a short headline and a link to your website, product, service, or blog post.

2. Choose Your Audience (AKA Targeting)

Here’s where the magic happens. Pinterest allows you to target based on keywords—the search terms your dream customer is typing in. This is what sets it apart from most social platforms. You can also target people who have:

  • Interacted with your website
  • Engaged with your pins
  • Or fit certain interests, locations, or demographics

You’re putting your content exactly where people are looking for it.

3. Set Your Budget

You get to decide how much you want to spend. Seriously—you can start with just $5 a day and see what works. Once you start seeing results, it’s easy to scale up. (I’ve had days where I spent $11 and made over $400. Wild, right?)

4. Track & Optimize

Pinterest gives you a dashboard where you can see how your ads are performing. Which pins are getting clicks? Which ones are converting? You can pause, adjust, or duplicate ads based on what’s working. It’s like having your own little marketing lab.

Why Pinterest Ads Work So Well (Especially for Small Businesses)

I’ve run ads on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest—and here’s why Pinterest continues to win in my book:

  • Longevity: Pinterest pins last. Even after you stop paying for an ad, that pin continues to live on the platform and gain organic traction.
  • Search Intent: You’re targeting people actively looking for your offer.
  • Less Saturation: Pinterest ads are still underutilized, which means your competition is probably sleeping on this.
  • Budget-Friendly: You can start small and scale based on what’s converting.
  • Perfect for Evergreen Offers: Courses, memberships, digital products, and even services with strong value can thrive here.

My Journey with Pinterest Ads

When I started using Pinterest ads, I was honestly just testing the waters. I uploaded a few prewritten captions I had sitting on my laptop and ran a small ad to see if anyone would bite. Spoiler: they did.

That one test led to building a platform called Wordsmith—my all-in-one content creation tool for business owners who want done-for-you strategy, writing prompts, and personalized support to show up online.

And yes, Pinterest ads helped scale Wordsmith to over $600,000 in revenue (without posting on social media every day).

I realized I had found a way to build something meaningful—without chasing algorithms or needing to be constantly “on.”

So… Where Should You Start?

If you’ve been curious about Pinterest ads, here’s my honest opinion: they’re one of the best places to start if you’ve never run an ad before. Why? Because:

  • You’re placing your ad in front of people already searching for what you offer
  • It doesn’t require a big budget
  • You’re not dependent on having a huge social media following

And if you’re wondering what you should promote first, I always recommend starting with your best-selling offer—not something new or untested. Promote what already works.

Want Me to Show You How to Set It Up?

So many of my business friends were asking how I ran my Pinterest ads that I decided to record the entire process—from choosing the creative to targeting, tracking, and optimizing. I walk you through the exact steps I take to build ads that convert—and I kept it under 90 minutes because I know your time is precious.

If you’re ready to learn how to run your own ads, but want someone to actually show you the behind-the-scenes—this is for you.

👉 Grab the Pinterest Ad Strategy here

Running Pinterest ads changed everything for me. It gave me a way to grow without burning out. A way to scale without needing to show up online every single day. A way to connect with people who were already searching for what I offer.

And maybe, it’ll do the same for you.

Why It’s Okay to Be Multi-Passionate

For years, I felt like I was doing it all wrong. Every business coach, every article, every well-meaning voice seemed to echo the same message: Pick one thing. Stick with it. Find your niche. Stay in your lane. But that never felt right to me. I wasn’t made to stay in one lane.

I love having my hands in different things. I thrive on variety. I feel most alive when I’m creating, experimenting, building something new. And honestly, that’s never held me back—it’s what’s kept me going.

Even now, after all these years of working for myself, I’ve worn a dozen different hats: photographer, digital product creator, tech founder, CRM builder (that was acquired!), and now, the founder of a content creation platform that supports other business owners.

None of those things feel random to me.

They all feel connected, like threads woven into the same story.

There’s this myth that if you don’t choose one thing, you won’t be successful. That having multiple passions means you’re distracted, scattered, or unclear. But I’ve found the opposite to be true.

Having different passions has allowed me to stay connected to my business in a way that feels fresh and fulfilling. When one area starts to feel heavy or routine, I can switch gears and pour into something else that lights me up. I don’t box myself in—and because of that, I never feel stuck.

I didn’t build one business. I built a life that supports the work I love doing—even when that work changes.

If you’re someone who has a lot of interests, a lot of ideas, a lot of energy for different things, I want you to know there’s nothing wrong with you. You don’t have to shrink to fit into someone else’s business blueprint.

You don’t have to follow a rigid path to be successful. You don’t have to build a brand that only tells one story. You get to be all of who you are.

That doesn’t mean throwing spaghetti at the wall or chasing shiny things for the sake of it. It means giving yourself permission to explore the intersections of your talents. To follow your curiosity. To listen when your heart says, “this matters to me.”

Because when your business grows from that place—from passion, from purpose, from truth—it resonates. People feel it.

And they’re drawn to you not because you fit in a box, but because you don’t.

One of the best gifts of running your own business is the freedom to evolve. You don’t have to be who you were five years ago. You don’t have to keep offering something that no longer lights you up. You’re allowed to shift, pivot, grow, expand.

I don’t know exactly what I’ll be doing ten years from now. But I do know I’ll still be listening to that inner pull—the part of me that gets excited about new ideas and wants to build something meaningful.

Because this way of living and working—where I get to follow my passions, trust my instincts, and shape my business around the life I want—this is my dream.

And if that’s the wrong way to do business? Then I don’t want to be right.

So here’s your permission slip: You’re allowed to be multipassionate. You’re allowed to follow joy. You’re allowed to do business differently.

You’re not all over the place.

You’re building something beautiful.

Exactly the way you’re meant to.

Friday, April 4th, 2025

Why I Walked Away From Hustle Culture

Friday, April 4th, 2025

I used to think burnout was just part of the job. Back in my early “girl boss” days, I thrived on late nights and weekend work marathons. I chased deadlines like gold stars. I believed that the more I did, the more I hustled, the more “successful” I’d become. And while that season taught me a lot, it also led me to a version of myself that felt stretched thin, disconnected, and constantly behind.

It took time—years, honestly—to unlearn that. To understand that rest isn’t a reward for hard work; it’s a vital part of doing it well.

These days, I’ve rewritten the rules. I’ve gotten really clear on what matters most. My kids always come first. Work comes second. And everything I build, every decision I make in my business, is rooted in that order of priority.

I’ve spent the last 16 years building a business that allows me to be home with them full time. To homeschool. To create a rhythm for our life that feels peaceful and fulfilling. But it hasn’t come without challenges. I had to learn to say no. To honor my limits. To let go of the guilt that used to creep in when I chose slow mornings or unplugged weekends.

I’ve chosen to move intentionally through life instead of rushing through it.

And the truth is, I’m not here to compete. I’m not chasing the next big thing. I’m not trying to scale to seven figures or land on the cover of a magazine. I’m trying to live a life I love. One that feels deeply aligned with who I am.

I love my quiet life. I love being home. I love spending my days doing work I care about and still having time to bake muffins with my kids or wander out to the garden in the middle of the afternoon. It feels like such a gift.

And here’s the beautiful part: it’s made me a better business owner.

I take on a limited number of clients each month. They get my best work—not the version of me that’s worn out or stretched too thin, but the version of me that’s rested, present, and truly excited to pour into their business. I’ve found that the more I protect my energy, the more creative and impactful my work becomes.

Burnout is not a badge of honor. And over time, I’ve realized that saying yes to everything means saying no to the life I want.

So if you’re feeling stretched, if the hustle is stealing your joy, I hope you know this: you’re allowed to slow down. You’re allowed to say no. You’re allowed to build something beautiful without burning yourself out to do it.

You don’t have to prove your worth by how tired you are. You don’t have to keep up with anyone else’s pace. You get to create your own rhythm—one that honors both your dreams and your well-being.

Because a life that feels good? That is the goal.

Your Website Is Your Best Marketing Tool

Your website is your best marketing tool—if you know how to use it. For too many entrepreneurs, their website sits quietly in the background, looking pretty but doing little to actually grow their business.

Sound familiar? Let’s change that.

Your website should be more than a digital business card. It has the potential to be a lead-generating, client-connecting powerhouse. But to get there, you need to approach it with intention. Let’s walk through exactly how to turn your site into a marketing tool that works for you 24/7.

Why Your Website Matters More Than Ever

In a world obsessed with social media, it’s easy to overlook the power of your website. But here’s the thing: social media platforms come and go. Algorithms change. Trends shift. Your website? It’s your home base. It’s the one place online where you have complete control over the user experience and the message you share.

Think about it—when was the last time you signed up for a service or bought a product without visiting the website first? Exactly. Your potential clients are doing the same thing. Your website is the bridge between someone discovering you online and becoming a paying client.

Step 1: Make a Killer First Impression

Your homepage is like a handshake. It’s your first chance to connect with someone and make them feel welcome. Here’s what it needs to do:

  • Clear Message: Within seconds, visitors should understand who you are, what you offer, and why it matters to them.
  • Easy Navigation: Make it simple for users to find the information they need.
  • Call to Action: What do you want them to do? Book a call? Download a freebie? Make it clear and compelling.

Step 2: Build Trust Through Your About Page

People buy from people they trust. Your About page isn’t just a place to list your credentials—it’s where you build connection. Share your story. Show your values. Let them see the human behind the business.

Pro tip: Use your About page to address your audience’s pain points. Make it about them as much as it is about you.

Step 3: Create Content That Converts

Your blog, portfolio, or service pages should do more than just inform—they should convert. Here’s how to make that happen:

  • Use SEO to Your Advantage: Optimize your content with relevant keywords to help people find you online. Think about what your ideal client is searching for and weave those phrases naturally into your content.
  • Solve Problems: Every piece of content should answer a question or solve a problem your audience is facing.
  • Include CTAs: Encourage readers to take the next step with clear calls to action.

Step 4: Make It Easy to Work with You

Don’t make people hunt for how to contact you or figure out your pricing. Your website should make it easy for someone to say, “Yes, I want to work with her!”

Here’s what to include:

  • Clear Service Descriptions: Spell out exactly what you offer and who it’s for.
  • Pricing Information: If you don’t want to list exact prices, offer a starting price or pricing guide.
  • Contact Form: Make it easy to get in touch, and respond quickly when someone does.

Step 5: Optimize for Mobile

Most visitors will check out your website on their phone. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re losing potential clients. Ensure that your website looks great and functions perfectly on all devices.

Step 6: Automate Where You Can

Your website should be working for you even when you’re not online. Use tools like email opt-ins, automated workflows, and scheduling software to make your site a lead-generating machine.

Your Website Is Your 24/7 Salesperson

At the end of the day, your website is more than just a digital storefront. It’s a 24/7 salesperson, working tirelessly to connect you with your ideal clients. But to make it work, you need to treat it as the powerful marketing tool it is.

When you invest time and effort into optimizing your website, you’ll see a shift. Clients will find you more easily. They’ll understand your offer more clearly. And they’ll feel more confident saying, “Yes!” to working with you.

Your website is your best marketing tool—let’s make sure it’s working as hard as you are.

Thursday, April 3rd, 2025

The Truth About the In-Between Stage of Success

Tuesday, April 1st, 2025

Nobody talks about the middle. We hear the stories of people who hit rock bottom and built something beautiful from the ashes. And we hear about the moments of massive success—the six-figure launches, the bestselling product, the business going viral. But what about the space in between? The slow, stretching, quiet middle where you’re not where you started, but you’re also not quite where you want to be?

That middle part? It’s where I’ve spent a lot of time. And maybe you have too.

It’s the part of business that doesn’t get shared as often. Because it’s not flashy. It’s not dramatic. It’s the long nights spent refining. The moments of questioning. The seasons where things are working, but slowly. The little wins that don’t get likes or applause, but quietly stack into something meaningful.

The middle is where you learn how to hold both gratitude and desire. Where you appreciate how far you’ve come, while still feeling a little restless about what’s next. It’s where you start to trust yourself more—your voice, your ideas, your vision. Even when the evidence of “making it” hasn’t fully shown up yet.

I’ve learned that the in-between is not a pause. It’s not a waiting room. It’s a sacred, active part of the journey. It’s the quiet space where foundations are built and roots go deep. Where clarity comes in slowly, piece by piece. Where you start to create not just for outcomes, but from alignment.

This stage might not feel exciting, but it matters. Because this is where you become the person who can sustain success when it comes. Not just chase it, but hold it. Build on it. Grow with it.

So much of entrepreneurship is about momentum. But the truth is, most days aren’t about quantum leaps. Most days are about showing up. About doing the next right thing. About staying committed to the work, even when it’s not being seen or celebrated.

There’s something tender about the middle. It asks you to find joy in the process, not just the milestones. To notice the subtle shifts. To celebrate the steady clients, the kind words, the small improvements.

It’s in this place where I’ve felt the most growth as a person. Where I’ve learned that rest doesn’t mean failure. That quiet doesn’t mean irrelevant. That consistency is a form of courage.

And honestly? There’s something beautiful about knowing that you can keep showing up for your work even when it’s not glamorous. That your love for what you’re building doesn’t disappear just because the outside world hasn’t caught up yet.

No one talks about how long the middle can last. Or how normal it is to wonder if you’re doing enough. Or how easy it is to compare your quiet, consistent days to someone else’s highlight reel.

But I want you to know: the middle is not something to rush through. It’s something to honor. Because one day, you’ll look back and realize this is where the magic happened. This is where you figured out who you are. This is where the foundation was laid for everything that followed.

And when you get to the place you once dreamed about, you’ll know it wasn’t just a single moment that got you there. It was all the small, unseen moments in the middle that mattered most.

So if you’re there right now—in the in-between, the middle space—hold on. Keep going. You’re not lost. You’re not behind. You’re in the becoming. And that is a beautiful place to be.

You Don’t Need to Be Loud to Be Successful

There’s this myth in the world of entrepreneurship that success is reserved for the loudest voice in the room—the boldest personality, the one who’s always “on,” who’s magnetic and outgoing, who thrives in the spotlight. And for a long time, I believed it. I believed that to succeed in business, I had to show up louder. Bigger. Bolder.

That quiet meant invisible.

But over the years, I’ve come to see it differently. I’ve learned that success doesn’t have one volume. And more importantly, I’ve learned that quiet confidence carries its own kind of power.

I’m not the loudest in the room. I don’t always have the wittiest response or the biggest presence. I prefer deep conversations over small talk. I tend to observe before I speak. And honestly? I think those things have made me a better entrepreneur.

Being quiet doesn’t mean you lack ambition. It doesn’t mean you’re not driven or visionary. If anything, I’ve found that introverts often carry a deep sense of clarity about what matters to them. They move with intention. They listen closely. They create with purpose.

That kind of energy doesn’t always shout—but it speaks volumes.

Some of the most thoughtful, intentional businesses I know are run by people who aren’t chasing trends or trying to be everywhere at once. They’re building slowly, steadily, from a place of alignment. And that is something I deeply admire.

It looks like knowing who you are and what you offer, even if you don’t talk about it constantly. It looks like showing up in ways that feel authentic, not performative. It looks like trusting your process—even when it doesn’t look like anyone else’s.

And it looks like building a business that reflects your values, your pace, and your voice.

For me, that has meant letting go of the pressure to be constantly visible online. I’ve found peace in showing up behind the scenes, in connecting through thoughtful content, in letting my work speak for itself. I don’t have to go viral to make an impact. I just have to keep showing up—honestly, consistently, and in a way that feels right to me.

You can be gentle and still be powerful. You can be soft-spoken and still be influential. You can be quiet and still be seen.

What matters most isn’t how loud your voice is—it’s how true it is.

So if you’ve ever felt like you’re “too quiet” to build something big, let this be your reminder: you don’t need to be loud to be successful. Your presence, your thoughtfulness, your integrity—they’re more than enough.

You’re allowed to grow at your own pace. You’re allowed to build a business that feels good in your soul. You’re allowed to lead quietly, with steady hands and a full heart.

Because success isn’t always about noise. Sometimes, it’s about knowing who you are—and trusting that it’s more than enough.

Tuesday, March 25th, 2025

Marketing Strategies for the Long Haul

Tuesday, March 25th, 2025

A few weeks ago, I started working with a new client—someone who, like many of us, has been wearing all the hats in her business. She’s passionate about what she does, incredibly talented, and deeply committed to serving her people. But when we started talking about her marketing strategy, I heard it in the voice: that familiar sound of burnout.

She was tired.

Tired of trying to keep up with the trends. Tired of throwing content out into the void and hoping it landed somewhere meaningful. Tired of wondering if what she was doing was even working. And most of all? Tired of trying to do it all on her own without any real support.

She was at a point where the constant hustle had worn her down. She didn’t want to keep running in circles, working around the clock. What she wanted was to learn how to slow down, to build something that felt sustainable instead of stressful.

And honestly? I’ve been there, too.

There was a time when I thought marketing meant chasing whatever was trending that week, showing up daily on social media, and constantly spinning my wheels just to stay visible. I thought that if I wasn’t doing all the things, I was falling behind. And let me tell you: that approach doesn’t just lead to burnout—it leads to disconnection.

What I love about working with clients on their marketing strategy is getting to take a step back with them. Zooming out. Looking at the big picture. There’s something incredibly powerful about bringing in a fresh set of eyes—someone who isn’t deep in the day-to-day of your business. When you’ve been doing this work for so long, it’s easy to become blind to the parts that aren’t working as well as they could be.

But from the outside? Those gaps are often obvious. And with a little distance, clarity starts to form. We start to see where the energy is leaking, where the opportunities are waiting, and how to bring it all back into alignment.

Because the truth is, the most effective marketing doesn’t come from reacting. It comes from intention.

The Power of a Long-Term Marketing Strategy

When you build your business around a long-term marketing plan, you gain something most entrepreneurs are desperate for: clarity.

Instead of waking up every morning wondering what to post or scrambling to get content out the door, you know exactly what you’re working toward. You have a path. You’re not winging it—you’re following a plan that supports your vision and your life.

And the best part? You don’t have to rely on short-term bursts of energy or viral moments to keep your business going. You build momentum instead of burnout.

Where I Start With Every Strategy

Whether I’m working with a client or mapping out my own quarterly goals, I always start in the same place:

What are we actually trying to build here?

Are we trying to grow a community? Launch a new offer? Drive more email sign-ups? Book more high-ticket clients?

Once we know the goal, we reverse-engineer the strategy. We ask:

  • What content supports this?
  • What platforms are best suited for this message?
  • Where does our ideal client hang out, and how can we meet them there?

Think Beyond Social Media

Let’s be honest. Social media can feel like a full-time job in itself. And while it has its place in a solid marketing strategy, it should never be the whole thing.

When you rely only on short-form content that disappears in 24 hours or gets lost in the algorithm, you’re constantly hustling to stay visible. But when you build your strategy around content that lasts—like blog posts, email marketing, and search-friendly platforms like Pinterest—your marketing works for you even when you’re not actively creating.

That’s what I mean by marketing for the long haul.

What a Sustainable Strategy Looks Like

Here’s a peek at the kind of strategy I help my clients build (and what I follow myself):

Start with a big picture business strategy.

  • Think about your business goals, offers, and what you want to build over the next 3, 6, or 12 months.
  • Create a few key business content categories (like content pillars) that align with these goals.

Brainstorm your content by category.

  • For each category, make a running list of content ideas—these can be blog posts, newsletters, educational pieces, behind-the-scenes shares, or client success stories.

Create your content schedule.

  • Plan out your content by month and week so you’re not scrambling to create on the fly.
  • If you want to create two pieces a week, you’ll end up with around 104 strong pieces of content for the year—more than enough to stay consistent and visible.

Follow a content funnel that prioritizes long-term platforms.

  • For me, that looks like this: Blog (for SEO and long-form evergreen content) → Pinterest (to generate consistent traffic) → Newsletter (to deepen connection and drive sales) → Social Media (as a repurposing tool).
  • The key is to put the most effort into the content that lasts the longest and works the hardest for you over time.

Automate and repurpose.

  • Use scheduling tools, batch your content, and set up email sequences that nurture your audience without needing to be online every day.
  • Turn one piece of content into five with intention—just like that, your marketing becomes smarter and more sustainable.

Track results and refine.

  • Review analytics monthly and take note of what’s working, but don’t get lost in the numbers. Let data guide you, not control you.

Make space for rest.

  • When your content is working in the background, you get your time back. Take a break, go outside, spend time with family—your business will keep growing.

    When the Plan Brings Peace

    I’ll never forget the moment my client said, “I finally feel like I can breathe.”

    We had just mapped out three months of content, aligned with her business goals, set to be repurposed across multiple platforms. No guessing. No scrambling.

    Just clarity, and confidence.

    And that is what a good marketing plan should give you.

    Ready to Create a Strategy That Supports You?

    You don’t need to be everywhere. You don’t need to do all the things. You just need a marketing plan that supports your vision and leaves room for your life.

    If you’re tired of the hustle and ready to find more ease in your business, start by asking yourself:

    • What do I actually want to build?
    • Where does my audience actually find me?
    • What kind of content do I enjoy creating?

    Let those answers lead you.

    Because the most sustainable marketing strategy isn’t the one that gets you quick likes. It’s the one that lets you build a business you actually love to show up for.

    And that? That’s marketing for the long haul.

    Why I Stopped Relying on Organic Reach

    If you’ve been relying solely on organic marketing—posting on social media, hoping for engagement, and waiting for website visitors to show up—you’ve likely felt the highs and lows of unpredictable traffic. One day, your content reaches hundreds (maybe thousands) of people; the next, it barely makes a ripple.

    The reality? Organic traffic alone isn’t enough.

    • The average organic reach for a Facebook post is just 6.4% of your total followers (Invoca).
    • On Instagram, engagement rates have dropped significantly as competition for visibility increases (The Graygency).
    • Pinterest, while still a strong organic traffic driver, requires consistent content creation to maintain visibility.

    So what does this mean for your business? If you’re relying on organic marketing alone, you’re leaving potential customers on the table. That’s where paid advertising—especially on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest—fills in the gaps.

    How Paid Ads Solve the Organic Reach Problem

    1. They Guarantee Visibility

    Instead of hoping your audience sees your posts, ads put your content directly in front of the right people. Whether it’s a warm audience (people who have engaged with your brand before) or a cold audience (new potential customers), ads ensure your content gets seen.

    Think about it: social media algorithms are unpredictable, constantly changing, and making it harder for businesses to be seen. But when you run ads, you take control of who sees your message. No more hoping your post magically gets engagement—ads ensure that your best content lands in front of the exact audience you want to reach.

    2. They Target Your Ideal Customers

    Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest offer incredibly detailed targeting options. You’re not just randomly throwing content into the void and hoping it sticks—you’re strategically choosing who sees your ads based on:

    • Demographics (age, gender, location, income level)
    • Interests & behaviors (shopping habits, pages they follow, searches they make)
    • Past interactions (people who have visited your site, engaged with your content, or even abandoned their cart!)

    Instead of wasting money reaching people who have no interest in what you offer, you’re getting in front of the exact people who are already looking for a solution like yours. This means higher conversion rates, better engagement, and a more efficient ad spend.

    3. They Create Consistent Traffic & Sales

    One of the biggest struggles with organic marketing is inconsistency. Some weeks are booming, while others are painfully slow.

    Paid ads remove that rollercoaster effect. When done right, they create a steady flow of high-quality traffic to your site. And the best part? That traffic is predictable.

    Imagine waking up every morning to new leads, sales, and inquiries—without having to post, engage, or scramble to create last-minute content. That’s the power of paid advertising.

    4. They Provide Measurable Results

    With paid advertising, you’re not guessing what’s working. Every ad campaign comes with detailed analytics that allow you to track:

    • Click-through rates (CTR) – How many people are actually engaging with your ad?
    • Conversion rates – How many of those clicks turn into actual sales or sign-ups?
    • Return on investment (ROI) – For every $1 you spend, how much are you making back?

    This data means you can fine-tune your strategy, scaling what works and eliminating what doesn’t. Unlike organic content, where it’s hard to know exactly what’s driving conversions, ads make it crystal clear.

    How to Get Started with Ads (Without Wasting Money)

    If you’re new to paid advertising, the key is to start strategically and avoid common pitfalls. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

    Step 1: Set Clear Goals

    Before running ads, ask yourself:

    • Do I want more website traffic?
    • Do I need to generate leads?
    • Am I looking to increase direct sales?

    Knowing your goal helps you create an effective ad strategy rather than throwing money at random campaigns.

    Step 2: Choose the Right Platform

    Each platform serves different audiences and purposes:

    Facebook & Instagram Ads

    Think of these as your go-to for precise targeting and immediate engagement. You can get really specific about who sees your ads—choosing things like age, location, interests, and even past interactions with your business. These ads are perfect when you want people to take action right away, whether that’s making a purchase, signing up for your email list, or engaging with your content.

    Pinterest Ads

    Pinterest works a little differently—and in the best way possible. Unlike Facebook and Instagram, where people scroll to be entertained, Pinterest users are actively searching for ideas, products, and solutions. That means when your ad appears, it’s not an interruption—it’s a helpful answer to what they were already looking for.

    And here’s what makes it even better: your ad doesn’t just disappear after the campaign ends. Because Pinterest is a search engine, your promoted pins can continue working for months (even years) after you stop running them. If you’re brand new to ads, Pinterest is the easiest place to start because your ad is landing in front of people who are already interested in what you have to offer—no convincing required.

    Step 3: Start Small and Test

    You don’t need a huge budget to start seeing results. Begin with a low daily budget ($5-$10) and test different audiences, ad formats, and messaging. Monitor what works before scaling your budget.

    Step 4: Optimize for Conversions

    Once you have data, tweak your campaigns by:

    • Refining your target audience.
    • Testing different ad creatives (images, videos, or carousels).
    • Adjusting your ad copy for clarity and urgency.

    Step 5: Leverage Remarketing Ads

    One of the most powerful strategies in paid ads is remarketing. These are ads targeted at people who have already engaged with your content or visited your site but didn’t convert. These audiences are warmer and much more likely to buy.

    Example: The other day, I spent $11 on a remarketing ad and made $470 in return. This isn’t the case every single day, but it highlights how remarketing delivers the best ROI because you’re targeting people already interested in what you offer.

    The Missing Piece in Your Marketing Strategy

    If your business is experiencing inconsistent growth, it might be time to add paid advertising into your strategy. Ads provide a predictable way to drive traffic, generate leads, and increase revenue.

    And if you’re ready to take it to the next level, my Pinterest Ad Strategy Course breaks down everything you need to know to run profitable ads without wasting money. It’s a 90-minute training that walks you through exactly how I set up, test, and optimize my campaigns. (Check it out here)

    Paid advertising isn’t a magic solution, but it is a powerful tool when used strategically. The key is to test, refine, and stay consistent.

    Tuesday, March 18th, 2025

    It Still Feels Surreal That This Is My Job

    Tuesday, March 18th, 2025

    Every time a new client hires me to help them grow their business, every time someone signs up for Wordsmith, every time I get to help a business owner turn their ideas into something real—I still feel that excitment.

    I never set out to create a career that looked like this. In the beginning, I was just following what felt right, saying yes to the things that lit me up, trusting that if I kept going, I’d end up somewhere meaningful. And somehow, all those little steps led me here. To work that feels like home, to a business built on the very things that bring me joy. It’s a mix of gratitude, and an almost surreal sense of disbelief—how is this my actual job??

    And honestly, what lights me up the most is when I get to talk to other business owners. When they tell me the things they struggle with, the things that frustrate them, I can’t help but get excited—because more often than not, they’re listing the very things I love doing.

    The things I’ve built my entire business around at this point.

    I’ve always been someone who loves to help. To lend a hand, to make something easier, to take a burden off someone else’s plate. I know what it’s like to be in the beginning stages, to be trying to figure everything out on your own, to spend hours on something that could have taken minutes with the right guidance. And when I know I can help someone shortcut their way to where they want to be?

    That lights me up in a way I can’t even describe.

    It feels like putting them on the fast track toward their goals. Like handing them a roadmap when they’ve been wandering in circles. And that feeling—that ability to help someone move forward—is something I will never take for granted.

    But none of this would have been possible if I hadn’t leaned into the things I’m naturally good at. The things that make me excited to sit down and work. The things that don’t feel like work at all.

    For years, I second-guessed myself. Wondered if I was doing too much, if I should narrow my focus, if I should make my business look more like someone else’s. But the truth is, my business is an extension of who I am. It’s woven together from the things I love doing most, and I wouldn’t change that for anything.

    I’m beyond grateful for the clients who trust me, for the people who seek me out for the things I do best. Because in turn, it allows them to focus on their strengths, to pour their energy into the work that makes them come alive. And that’s the beautiful thing about entrepreneurship—it’s like a giant puzzle where we all bring our unique pieces to the table.

    If you would have told me 10 years ago that this is where I’d end up with my business, I wouldn’t have believed you. I had no idea that the little things I was passionate about would turn into an actual career, let alone one that feels so aligned with who I am. But that’s the thing about following what lights you up—you don’t always know where it will lead, but if you keep going, it will take you somewhere incredible.

    So if you’re in that stage of wondering if what you love is worth pursuing, let me tell you: it is.

    Don’t underestimate the things that come naturally to you. The things that feel effortless, the things you could talk about for hours, the things that make you lose track of time.

    Find a way to hone those gifts. Lean into them. Because the more you do, the more you’ll find that people seek you out for exactly what you love to do. And one day, you might wake up and realize that the thing you once dreamed about is now the life you get to live.

    And this week especially, I’ve been reflecting on just how grateful I am for all of it. It’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day work of running a business, to focus on the tasks, the deadlines, the next big goal.

    But when I take a step back, I see what a gift it is—to wake up every day and do something I truly love. To connect with people, to help them, to create. What an incredible privilege it is to build something that feels like an extension of who I am.

    And that’s something I will never take for granted. 

    my story

    I’ve built brands from the ground up, sold software, launched tools like Wordsmith and taught thousands how to run ads that actually convert. I care about building businesses that create freedom — not burnout — and I’m here to help you do the same. Strategy, simplicity, and a whole lot of heart.

    Big Goals, Smart Strategy, and a Business Bestie Who Knows What Works

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