When I first launched Wordsmith, it was born out of my love for writing and my desire to help others show up online. I witnessed firsthand how people struggled to express the things that mattered most to them, often holding back because they didn’t know how to connect their ideas with an audience that would truly value what they had to say.

Over time, the world changed. AI made its entrance, and seemingly overnight, there were new tools everywhere, each promising to revolutionize how we create content.

I waited. I didn’t want to rush into something that wouldn’t genuinely serve the Wordsmith community. If we were going to implement AI, it had to go deeper than what others were offering.

The Power of Personalization

One of the top requests I’ve heard from Wordsmith clients is the need for more personalized content. While they love the prewritten captions and content prompts, many wanted something that felt truly tailored to their voice and audience.

With over 11,000 members, it became clear that offering this level of customization by myself was simply not possible. But with the help of AI? Suddenly, it is.

AI allows me to deliver personalized, high-quality content that feels like it was made just for you and your audience. Over the last few months, I’ve been working quietly behind the scenes to perfect something special—a way to blend the power of AI with the heart of what makes your business unique.

My goal isn’t to create another cookie-cutter AI writing tool. I’m creating something far more personal.

What to Expect from Wordsmith’s Biggest Update

Imagine content so aligned with your voice, it feels like an extension of your thoughts, your vision, and your brand. Copy so good, you’d swear it was written by a human. That’s what I’ve been building for Wordsmith.

In the coming weeks, we’ll be rolling out our biggest update yet. Whether you’ve been a member from the start or are considering joining now, there’s so much goodness on the horizon, and I can’t wait for you to be part of it.

This update will transform the way you create content, giving you AI-enhanced, personalized copy that helps you stand out and truly connect with your audience.

Here’s to embracing the beauty of change—both in the seasons and in business.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN WORDSMITH

P.S. The membership is $9.95 a month right now, and if you sign up today, you’ll be locked into that price—even after we launch the new and improved version.

Yesterday’s flood of responses to my post was a wake-up call: people are feeling exhausted. Exhausted from relying on social media to keep their business running. Exhausted from the relentless content creation treadmill they are running on. Exhausted from feeling invisible and unheard in all the noise online. Exhausted from pouring their time into a platform that no longer values them.

But beneath the exhaustion lies fear—the fear of not knowing any other way to connect with clients and drive sales andkeep their business going.

I spent the better part of yesterday reading the heartfelt replies from fellow entrepreneurs echoing the samesentiment that landed in their inboxes. And let me tell you, it got me fired up.

There’s no doubt in my mind that change is not only possible but long overdue for a lot of us. 

Because, while we’re talking about social media for business, let me tell you, from firsthand experience, just how deeply entrenched social media had become in my life—and how liberating it felt to finally break free from it all.

So today, I want to peel back the curtain a bit more, sharing what I’ve done and the steps I’m taking, and maybe it willinspire you to make similar shifts.

First up….

Deleting Social Media Apps.

If you’re ready to step away from the social media frenzy for your business, it doesn’t necessarily mean wiping your accounts off the face of the internet. Start by kicking those apps off your phone. 

Why? Let me break it down:

ONE: Sure, you can still access your business accounts from your computer. But removing those apps from your phone disrupts that mindless scrolling cycle.

Those apps are designed to keep you hooked, and by eliminating them from your phone, you reclaim control without having to pull the plug on all your accounts at once.

TWO: Think of your social media presence more as a placeholder for your business in the digital realm. I don’t plan on returning to regular posting, but I know potential clients are still stumbling upon me there and can easily be redirected to my website.

This shift is a powerful step toward reclaiming your time and your focus. You’d be amazed at how much lighter you’ll feel with these changes in place.

Plus, if you’re not 100% ready to remove it completely, this can allow you to continue posting without needing to have any of the apps on your phone.

Now, onto the most crucial step: Imagining a Social Media-Free Marketing Strategy. 

Take a moment today to envision what your marketing strategy would look like without social media in the picture.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll feel a rush of freedom as you realize just how much time you’ve reclaimed. You might also realize just how time consuming social media was to begin with.

Bid farewell to the never-ending content creation cycle and say hello to the work that truly lights you up, and the reason you started your business in the first place!

That alone should have you jumping with excitement.

This shift means MORE TIME to pursue what lights you up. More time to cherish the everyday moments with your loved ones, uninterrupted by social media’s noise.

And lastly, consider alternative marketing avenues. For me, my email list is at the top of that list. Having a direct line to my audience is invaluable for my business.

The fact that you’re reading this email right now speaks volumes. I didn’t need to dance to the algorithm’s tune to reach you today—all I had to do was hit send and land in your inbox.

Of course, there are countless other ways to market your business.

Remember, businesses thrived long before social media came into the picture. It’s time to get creative and explore what that might look like for you.

So take some time today to ponder where you want to direct your marketing efforts if your social media is taking a backseat.

I’ve been on this journey for a while now, and let me tell you, it’s not only possible—it’s incredibly fulfilling. 

If you’re sitting there thinking it’s impossible to run a successful business without being shackled to social media, I’m here to show you otherwise.

As always, if you have any questions for me just hit that reply button. I read and respond to every single email I get and absolutely love and welcome continuing this conversation. 

Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship has always been challenging but incredibly rewarding. The precious moments with my 4 children have taught me that being present is more valuable than any business milestone.

Curious about the secret that makes it all possible?

It might surprise you.

Sixteen years ago, I embarked on the exhilarating journey of entrepreneurship with a newborn sleeping in my arms. It was a chaotic dance between naptimes and business calls, between diaper changes and client meetings. I remember feeling like a tightrope walker, balancing precariously between the demands of motherhood and the relentless drive to grow my business. 

Fast forward to today, and I’m back in a similar place, only this time, I have two more little ones filling our home with laughter and a whole lot of chaos.

Starting a business with young children was, and still is, a balancing act. In those early days, it often felt like I was being pulled in a million directions. My two older kids, now 11 and 15, were once tiny beings who needed my constant attention. 

I juggled snack time, playtimes, and sleepless nights while trying to carve out a space for my business to thrive. It wasn’t easy, but it was a journey that shaped me as both a mother and an entrepreneur.

Now, with my older ones off pursuing their passions and my two little ones keeping me on my toes, I am acutely aware of how quickly time passes. 

It feels like just yesterday I was holding my firstborn’s tiny hand, and now I’m watching her navigate life, working 40+ hours doing something she loves. These fleeting moments with my children are precious, and I cherish every second. I know that soon enough, my house will be quieter, and the demands of motherhood will shift.

In this season of life, my office time has become a rare luxury. I adore my beautiful workspace, but I’ve learned that being present with my children is far more valuable than any business milestone. The hours I spend with them, building sand castles or making up bedtime stories, are moments I will never get back. My big ideas and ambitious plans for my business might take a little longer to achieve, but that’s okay. This is what feels right for me now.

Creating a Business That Works for You

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned over the years is the importance of setting up a business that doesn’t require me to be chained to my desk. Even while I’m at home enjoying family time or working on our historic home, my business continues to generate income. This has been the key for me, and it’s something I’m excited to share more about with others.

By setting up ads that drive traffic to my business, I’ve been able to step away from the constant grind of social media and focus more on what truly matters. 

This approach has allowed me to maintain a steady income without sacrificing those irreplaceable moments at home with my children.

The Freedom of Passive Income and Ads

The beauty of passive income and running ads is that it offers a level of freedom and flexibility that traditional business models often lack. Once you figure out how to set it up, you realize that running a successful business doesn’t have to mean working 40+ hours a week. It’s incredibly liberating, not just on a personal level but financially as well.

For me, this journey has been about finding harmony between my roles as a mother and a business owner. It’s about recognizing that my children will only be little for a short time and that being present for them is the most important thing I can do. My office might be quieter these days, and my business goals might take a bit longer to reach, but the trade-off is more than worth it.

I’m excited to share more about how I’ve managed to create a business that supports my family life rather than detracting from it. For those of you who crave making an income without sacrificing precious moments at home, know that it is possible. It’s about creating systems and strategies that allow your business to run smoothly even when you’re not there.

Setting up ads, automating processes, and focusing on passive income streams have been my secret weapons. They’ve allowed me to step back from the hustle and enjoy my life more fully. And I’m here to tell you that you can do it too. It takes effort and creativity, but the reward is a life where you can be fully present for your children while still achieving your business dreams.

Balancing business and motherhood is no easy feat, but it’s a journey filled with immense rewards. Embrace the chaos, cherish the moments, and create a business that works for you, not the other way around.

And for anyone reading this trying to balance both motherhood and entrepreneurship, Remember; your children will only be little for a short while, and the time you spend with them now will be the memories you treasure forever. Your business can grow and thrive alongside your family, and you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. Here’s to finding that balance and living a life that feels right for you.

So when you feel like you’re not doing enough or growing your business as quickly as others, just know the real work you’re doing is at home. ❤️

I made a bold move—I hit delete on all those social apps cluttering my phone. And let me tell you, it felt like a breath of fresh air, a pivot toward a more purposeful life and business. It’s been 100+ days since I last posted something to social media.

Lately, social media just hasn’t been sitting right with me. It’s morphed so much over the years, and I found myself lost in a sea of mindless scrolling, bombarded with content that felt lightyears away from the essence of who I am and what I want my life to stand for.

I kept asking myself, why am I pushing so hard for something that doesn’t align with the beat of my heart, the vision I have for my business down the road?

It’s all too easy to get caught up in the comparison game online, isn’t it?

Those highlight reels can leave you feeling like you’re drowning in inadequacy, all while you’re hustling behind the scenes.

Even with some major wins under my belt, the more time I spent on social media, the heavier my heart felt.

Scrolling endlessly.

Constantly creating.

Running a business can sometimes feel like being trapped on a hamster wheel of content creation. And for over a decade,I played that game.

But then, I hit pause and asked myself: What do I truly want for my business moving forward? Do I want to keep chasing growth on social media, tethered to the whims of ever-changing algorithms? Not really.

I kept circling back to the same truth: I crave a life filled with purpose, abundant income, and quality time with my loved ones—all away from the noise of social media.

For years, I justified my social media presence as a necessary evil for my business. But now, I’m at a place where I’m ready to let go of that narrative.

The truth is, I thrive in the quiet moments, away from the digital frenzy.

I’m the kind of person who can spend an entire day at home, basking in the simple joys, without feeling the urge to document every second.

The most precious moments in my life are the ones I hold close to my heart.

Between raising my four incredible kiddos, homeschooling the older ones, and nurturing my business, social media often felt like a thief stealing away my most sacred moments.

But since I deleted those apps, I’ve reclaimed precious time for the things that truly matter to me. 

And you know what? I’m getting more of the important work done than ever before. (I never signed up to be a full-time content creator, so constantly feeding the social media beast often felt like a distraction from the work that truly lights me up.)

And you wanna know the most beautiful part of this journey?

I’ve discovered that social media isn’t the only path to business growth and success. Over the past couple of years, I’ve been crafting a method that allows me to build, scale, and flourish—all without relying on social media.

And let me tell you, seeing it all unfold seamlessly, proving that I don’t need social media to thrive, feels downright empowering.

It means I can keep fine-tuning this strategy, pouring more time into the work that moves the needle, rather than feeding the social media machine.

I’m not chained to my phone anymore. I’m reclaiming my presence in my own life.

In so many ways, hitting delete on those apps was the best decision I’ve made.

I’ve skyrocketed a single product to over half a million in revenue. Every single day, I witness this new method working wonders for my business, and I can’t wait to share more of it with those who resonate with this.

So, I encourage you to take a moment this week to reflect on what you truly want for your life and your business. Are there parts that no longer serve you like they used to?

Get crystal clear on your vision for the next 5…10 years, and then ask yourself if your current path aligns with that vision.

Because here’s the thing: Progress means nothing if you’re heading down the wrong path.

Moving forward, I’ll continue focusing on the marketing aspects that consistently bring me traffic and sales: my email list and Pinterest. Unlike the fleeting nature of social media, Pinterest is a search engine—a place where your content doesn’t just disappear after 24 hours.

Instead, it continues to be discovered by your ideal audience, day after day, week after week.

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you found this article through Pinterest.

That’s the beauty of it—Pinterest doesn’t just show your content to anyone; it shows it to the right people, those who are actively searching for what you offer. Imagine getting your business in front of customers who are already interested, ready to engage, and primed to purchase. That’s the power of Pinterest.

And if you’re ready to unlock that power for your own business, my course, The Pinterest Advertising Strategy, is the perfect place to start. It’s designed to help you harness the full potential of Pinterest, turning it into a consistent and reliable source of traffic and sales. Whether you’re new to Pinterest or looking to refine your strategy, this course will give you the tools and insights to take your marketing to the next level.

And if, like me, you’re wanting to build a life beyond the noise of social media, then buckle up, because I’ve got more goodness coming your way.

For now, you won’t find me on social media, but you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll keep receiving these little love notes right in your inbox, the blog, and on everyone’s favorite search engine: Pinterest.

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

Beginning Your Email Marketing Journey: Essential Strategies

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

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

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

The Art of Crafting Your Email Marketing Voice

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

Embracing Authenticity in Your Email Marketing Approach

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

Creating Heartfelt Content: A Key Email Marketing Strategy

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

The Role of Irresistible Freebies in Email List Growth

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

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

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

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

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

Unlocking Email List Growth: Proven Email Marketing Strategies

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

Captivating Freebies:

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

Discounts for First-Time Shoppers:

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

Personalized Price Lists for Potential Clients:

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

Interactive Content:

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

Hosting Free Online Workshops or Webinars:

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

The Unmatched Value of an Email List

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As an entrepreneur, I know firsthand that running a business can feel like a never-ending marathon. We juggle tasks, manage projects, brainstorm strategies, and often, in the whirlwind of it all, our personal health takes a backseat. Mix that into being a mother of 4 who works from home full time and it’s so easy to push my own health to the side. But here’s a truth bomb for you: prioritizing your health is not just essential; it’s non-negotiable. Today, I want to talk about the art of balancing and prioritizing personal health while running a business. 

The Unseen Connection: Health and Business Success

Think about it: when you’re feeling your best, you perform your best. Your mind is sharper, your creativity soars, and your energy levels are high. This isn’t just feel-good talk; it’s backed by science. Studies show that regular physical activity boosts cognitive function, reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being. And let’s not forget, mental health is as crucial as physical health. A clear, focused mind is our most powerful tool in decision-making and problem-solving.

It’s a Choice: Choosing Your Hard

Here’s the thing: both neglecting your health and taking care of it are HARD. The difference? The hard of neglect leads to burnout, decreased productivity, and even health issues. The hard of self-care leads to longevity, resilience, and a thriving business. So, ask yourself, which hard are you choosing? 

Neglecting your health is an easy trap to fall into, especially when you’re caught up in the whirlwind of business. You might think skipping a meal, cutting down on sleep, or ignoring stress is a small price to pay for success. However, these small oversights accumulate, snowballing into significant health problems. This path, though it may seem easier in the short term, leads to a hard reality – burnout, decreased productivity, and a host of health issues ranging from chronic fatigue to serious diseases. 

This isn’t just about feeling tired or under the weather; it’s about compromising the very engine that drives your business and life forward.

On the other hand, the hard of self-care, though seemingly daunting at first, is an investment in your most valuable asset – yourself. This path requires discipline, commitment, and the willingness to put your well-being at the forefront. It means making time for regular exercise, ensuring you’re eating nutritious meals, getting enough sleep, and managing stress. It’s about listening to your body and responding to its needs. This might mean saying no to a late-night work session or delegating tasks to make time for a health check-up.

The rewards of this path are manifold. By taking care of your health, you’re building a foundation of longevity and resilience. You’re not just working towards a thriving business but also towards a thriving self. With good health, you bring your best self to your business, enhancing creativity, decision-making skills, and overall productivity. You’re able to lead by example, fostering a culture of wellness within your organization. This isn’t just about living longer; it’s about living better, with the vitality and energy to enjoy the success you’re working so hard to achieve.

So, the question remains, which hard are you choosing? Are you willing to endure the short-term discomfort of building and maintaining healthy habits for long-term benefits? Or will you choose the seemingly easy path of neglect, with its long-term consequences? The decision is yours, and it’s a critical one. Remember, in this journey of entrepreneurship, your health is the compass that guides you towards true success.

Practical Steps to Prioritize Health in the Hustle

Schedule It In: Treat your health like an important business meeting. Put it in your calendar. Whether it’s a 30-minute walk, a yoga session, or a mental health break, make it non-negotiable.

Nutrition Matters: Eating well is fueling your body for success. Plan your meals like you plan your business strategies. Quick, healthy meals can be just as convenient as fast food if you prepare in advance.

Mindfulness Practices: Whether it’s meditation, journaling, or simply practicing gratitude, mindfulness helps keep stress at bay and enhances focus.

Delegation is Key: You can’t do everything yourself. Delegate tasks in your business to make room for your health. It’s not just about freeing up time; it’s about mental space too. If social media captions is on that list, sign up for Wordsmith already!

Listen to Your Body: Tune into your body’s signals. Feeling drained or stressed is a sign to slow down and reassess your priorities.

The Ripple Effect of a Healthy Entrepreneur

When you’re healthy, the benefits ripple outwards. Your business thrives, and your personal life flourishes. It’s a holistic approach where every aspect of your life gets a piece of the wellness pie.

The Reality of Rough Days

Let’s be real: it’s not always smooth sailing. There will be days when everything feels overwhelming, and your health seems like the least of your concerns. It’s okay. The key is to not let these days become the norm. Acknowledge them, learn from them, and get back on track.

Your Health, Your Wealth

Remember, your health is your wealth. Without it, no amount of business success can compensate. It’s the foundation upon which everything else is built. When you’re healthy, you’re in a better position to make sound business decisions, lead effectively, and enjoy the life you’ve built.

Merging Movement and Work: The Walking Treadmill Desk

I want to share a personal experience that beautifully illustrates how we can combine self-care with our work. Recently, I invested in a walking treadmill desk for my office. Now, this might sound like a novelty to some, but let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer.

The Concept: Walk While You Work

The idea is simple yet revolutionary. With a walking treadmill desk, I can take my daily walk without stepping away from my desk. It’s an incredibly efficient way to rack up the miles each day, all while staying on top of my work. I love it so much that I even moved my iMac to it permanently because I realized how much I enjoy walking while working. 

Overcoming Initial Skepticism

Initially, I was skeptical. Typing and walking simultaneously seemed like a multitasking challenge that could end in more distraction than productivity. But, to my surprise, it turned out to be the perfect combination for someone like me – someone who loves to keep both body and mind active.

The Surprising Benefits

Here’s the crazy part: I can walk up to 5 miles a day while answering emails and working on projects. This isn’t just about physical health; it’s a mental boost too. Walking while working keeps my mind fresh and my body active, leading to clearer thinking and a more energetic workday.

Is It for You?

Now, a walking treadmill desk might not be for everyone, but it’s worth considering if you’re looking for innovative ways to integrate health into your busy schedule. It’s a testament to the fact that with a bit of creativity, we can find solutions that help us maintain our health without sacrificing productivity.

My experience with the walking treadmill desk underlines a crucial point: prioritizing health doesn’t have to come at the expense of work. In fact, when we find ways to merge the two, we create a sustainable lifestyle that supports both our business goals and our personal well-being. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most effective solutions are those that address multiple aspects of our lives simultaneously.

I want you to remember that taking care of your health while running a business isn’t just a good idea; it’s essential for your success and well-being. You have the power to choose your hard. Choose the one that leads to a fulfilling, healthy, and successful life.

Now, I leave you with this thought: What small step can you take today to prioritize your health for a better tomorrow? How can you apply this lesson to not just transform your personal health, but also to elevate your business?

Take this moment to reflect. Your journey to a healthier, more balanced life as an entrepreneur starts with one choice, one step. Remember, in the dance of life and business, your health is the rhythm that keeps you moving gracefully.

I’ve been thinking a lot about goals lately. You know, those big, bold dreams we scribble in our journals at the start of the year, promising ourselves we’ll make them happen. 

So, let me ask you – what’s on your goal list for this year? If any of those aspirations are tied to growing your business (and I have a hunch they might be), then I’m super excited for you to keep reading this newsletter. 

Now, let me tell you, I’ve walked down that road of trying to do it all alone, and let’s just say, it’s no walk in the park. That’s why I’m a firm believer in the power of partnership. It’s about keeping each other motivated, accountable, and on the path to smashing those goals.

So, here’s a little nudge from me: How about we team up and make magic happen together?

Through my journey, I’ve learned something vital – going solo is tough. But with a partner, it’s a whole different ball game. It’s about staying on track, being consistent, and truly achieving those goals for the year.

And oh, do I have something exciting for you! We’re shaking things up in the Wordsmith Membership in a BIG way, and trust me, you’ll want to be part of this.

NEW YEAR SALE ALERT! 

Wordsmith is usually $39, but let’s face it, so many entrepreneurs yearn to ace social media but struggle with consistency and content. For a limited time, I’m slashing the price to just $9.99! Lock in this rate and embrace a social media content strategy that provides you with captions for the entire year.

MARKETING STRATEGY BUNDLE

You’ll also gain access to my personal marketing strategy. This gem helps you connect with your dream clients without over-relying on social media. We’re all about outsmarting algorithms and empowering small business owners. Sign up, and you’ll find some helpful videos waiting to guide you through it all.

CONTENT GALORE 

No more waiting for monthly content drops. We’re unlocking the entire Wordsmith library! Now you can plan your content way ahead. Plus, my team of writers and I will keep adding fresh, engaging captions monthly. Think of it as an ever-expanding content universe!

YOUR PERSONAL WRITING ASSISTANT 

And here’s the cherry on top! We’ve been working tirelessly on a custom AI writing assistant. Imagine prompting Wordsmith with a simple idea, like “balancing work and family life,” and voila, you get a beautifully crafted caption in seconds. 

These aren’t your run-of-the-mill, easily recognizable AI captions you can spot from a mile away. We’re talking about heartfelt, genuine captions that will resonate deeply with you and your audience. 

And to make it just perfect, I’ve dedicated countless hours to studying AI and writing styles, ensuring that every piece of content it generates is nothing short of spectacular. This isn’t just technology; it’s a blend of art and science, fine-tuned to capture the essence of your unique voice.

Our goal is to help you create personalized content swiftly and effortlessly.

IMPORTANT: spots are limited as we launch these new features, so if this sounds like something you’d love to try out then sign up for the free trial today! 

CUSTOM WRITING STYLES 

Along with the traditional writing style, we’ve created a super fun writing style quiz. This will help you develop a unique tone for your content. I’ve poured my heart into it to make it sound authentic and real, and I can’t wait for you to try it out.

So, what do you say? Ready to dive into the world of instant, personalized captions, nail your unique writing style, and access a treasure trove of Wordsmith content? And all this for just $9.99! Let’s make this year count. Let’s do this together! 

CLICK HERE TO JOIN WORDSMITH

IMPORTANT: This price will only be here for a very short time!

Have you ever felt the tug between the joy of the holiday season and the demands of your entrepreneurial journey, pulling at the strings of your heart as you navigate the balance between personal joy and business growth?

The sparkle of twinkling lights, the sweet scent of homemade cookies filling the cozy corners of our homes, and the laughter that echoes through the chilly air as families gather… the holiday season has a magical way of sweeping us off our feet. 

Yet, in the whirlwind of this beautiful time, there’s a storm that brews for many of us entrepreneurs—the storm of sales, discounts, and the never-ending quest for the Black Friday bonanza. 

It’s a season where the clatter of keyboards preparing for the next sale often drowns the heartwarming family time with our loved ones. It’s a paradox, really. A time meant for togetherness often pulls us in a tug-of-war between business gains and heartstring moments.

Having worn the entrepreneur hat for over a decade, I too, was caught in this storm for years. 

Each year as the holiday season approached, no matter how much I tried to plan ahead, it brought along a flurry of to-dos. Prepping for sales, strategizing for the maximum reach, and tailoring the perfect pitch. The days leading to Thanksgiving all the way through the New Year became a marathon of managing business campaigns while trying to steal keepsake moments with my family. If you have a business, you know exactly how much time goes into your business this time of year.

As the holiday season rolls around, most of us think about a few special days scattered between October and December. But for small business owners, it’s a whole different experience. It’s not just about a few days; it’s about weeks, even months of prep work, sticking to timelines, and rolling out launches.

The holiday season practically morphs into a busy season.

Every day counts as we gear up for those key dates. It’s all about tapping into the holiday cheer to keep our business engines running smoothly, making the most of the holiday rush.

The allure of ringing cash registers (or should I say, the ‘ka-ching’ of the online cart) with each sale was exhilarating. Yet, amidst the chaos of sale signs and discount codes, my heart yearned for the simple joy of baking pies with my kids, crafting salt dough ornaments, and the laughter that filled the room as we’d all decorate the Christmas tree together without needing to also check my phone and make sure all the things for my business were running according to plan.

The businesswoman in me reveled in the success of thousand-dollar sale days, yet the mom in me craved the warmth of calm evenings spent as a family.

Over the years, the question that echoed through the silence of the night was;

“Is it truly worth it?”

The scale seemed to tip in favor of heartfelt moments over fleeting financial gains. And so, I decided to unwrap a different gift—the gift of presence.

My holidays have since taken a serene turn. The frenzy of sales has faded, making way for cherished moments that are priceless. Yes, the entrepreneur in me still nudges towards making a quaint offer or a modest discount, but without the clamor and clash of the big sale days. 

And guess what? 

This newfound calm has brought a clarity that resonated with my clientele too. 

Amidst the deafening noise of sales pitches that flood inboxes during the holidays, a gentle, heartfelt message stood out, creating a bond beyond just a seasonal sale.

As you gear up for the holiday hustle, maybe you’ve found yourself asking the same questions.

Perhaps you’re looking for a better way to spend the holidays. Reflecting on what the spirit of the season truly means to you. 

Ask yourself, does the temporary triumph of a sale outweigh the timeless treasure of togetherness?

Are the discounts you offer a true reflection of the value you provide?

Remember, your worth is not determined by a seasonal sale, and the relationships you build with your clients will outlast any fleeting discount.

Lastly, I’ll leave you with some ideas on better navigating this upcoming holiday season. To those who choose to slow down, and those getting ready to dive in the hustle of holiday sales, I hope you can do it in a way that allows you to enjoy both those simple moments in your personal life, and the exciting ones in your business.

Take Time to Reflect 

As you gear up for the holiday hustle, I invite you to pause and ponder. Reflect on what the spirit of the season truly means to you. Ask yourself, does the temporary triumph of a sale outweigh the timeless treasure of togetherness? 

Assess Your Value

Do the discounts you provide accurately represent the value you deliver? Keep in mind, a seasonal sale doesn’t define your worth, and the bonds you form with your clients are more enduring than any temporary discount. While big sale days are exhilarating, many business owners are on a quest for consistent, long-term growth.

Practice Mindfulness

In the midst of the hustle, take time each day for mindfulness. Whether it’s a quiet morning coffee before the day begins, a short walk, or a moment of gratitude— these small practices can help keep you grounded and remind you of the bigger picture beyond the sales and revenue.

Purposeful Planning

If you decide to partake in the sales season, ensure you plan ahead. Schedule all your posts, newsletters, and marketing materials well in advance. This foresight allows you to be truly present in cherished holiday moments without the worry of business tasks awaiting you. In the years when I hosted large (and very successful) sales, my preparation ahead of time was key. By pre-planning and pre-scheduling every detail, I could step into the holiday spirit wholeheartedly. It still requires a lot of time and dedication, but getting it done before the holidays did make it a little easier for me to enjoy family time without being pulled away. 

Delegate and Trust

You don’t have to carry the business burden alone. Delegate tasks to your team or consider outsourcing certain activities. Trusting others to handle aspects of your business not only eases your load but also empowers your team. It allows you to free up some time to enjoy the holiday season while ensuring your business continues to operate smoothly. 

The Wordsmith Membership comes with pre-written captions ready at your disposal, including hundreds of promotional and sales captions tailored for various holidays; a chunk of your marketing efforts is already sorted. The best part? You can use these captions for social media or use them in your email marketing. This not only alleviates the pressure but ensures that your business messaging stays sharp and engaging even amidst the holiday rush. My hope is that the content we create for you allows you to breathe a little easier and savor the holiday spirit while keeping the business wheels turning smoothly.

As I now soak in the joy of simply being — being a mom, a wife, a daughter, and a friend during the holidays, I leave you with this – How can you unwrap the gift of presence this holiday season in a way that honors both your personal happiness and your entrepreneurial goals?

As you think about this, remember the best gift you can give to your loved ones and to yourself is the essence of your undivided presence. And trust me, the magic that unfolds in those moments is the kind that no sale can ever match. 

What if I told you that the key to unlocking your business’s fullest potential isn’t in your town, but in the limitless expanse of the world? Curious? Let me explain…

Isn’t it just fascinating to think about how the entire world, with all its incredible diversity and opportunities, could actually fit right in the palm of your hand? And I mean this quite literally, especially when it comes to the realm of business. Oftentimes, in the initial stages of building our dreams, we limit ourselves to the familiar spaces around us.

But what if we allowed ourselves to dream a little bigger?

Let’s take a stroll down memory lane, back to the days when my universe was as small and charming as the quaint town I lived in. I found my joy in capturing the simple, heartfelt motherhood moments with my camera, soaking in the happiness it brought to my soul. Yet, I could sense the limitations of my small-town surroundings, as charming as they were. There’s something truly special about knowing your town like the back of your hand, but sometimes our dreams need a little more room to stretch and grow.

It wasn’t about feeling unappreciative; it was about giving myself permission to dream without limits.

My moment of clarity was simple and sweet: Why limit my dreams when the world is so vast and full of opportunities?

By extending my reach just a little—about a 4-hour radius, which was a step not many local photographers were taking—I opened up a world of new connections, stories, and adventures. I found people who valued my work, which in turn, allowed my business to blossom and thrive.

Yet, this was just the beginning of the journey.

Venturing into the digital and passive income world was like uncovering a hidden gem. All of a sudden, my little local business had the potential to reach every corner of the globe. And before I knew it, I had clients from all around the world.

This adventure was more than just a business expansion; it was a journey of personal growth and discovery. It was a realization that the only limits that existed were the ones I had set for myself.

I won’t pretend it was easy. It required diligence, a readiness to let go of old habits and learn new ones, and a whole lot of courage. But to see my business flourish without any geographical bounds and to connect with people from all walks of life? It was nothing short of magical.

This journey reshaped not just my business, but my life, and gave my family the freedom to choose our home out of love, not necessity, creating the life we always dreamed of. Some years that looked like living in Hawaii. Others it meant traveling full time as a family around the country in our RV. Today? It looks like slowing down and living in our beautiful 1780s New England home and enjoying all that comes with the seasons.

So, if you ever find yourself feeling boxed in by your surroundings, remember this: the world is a beautiful, vast place, full of endless possibilities. You deserve to dream big, beyond the limits of where you are now.

If you haven’t already, consider creating a digital product or service that can reach people all over the world. It has the potential to not only transform your income but also your life in the most beautiful ways.

It’s about so much more than the financial benefits (though, let’s be honest, earning passively from doing something you love is quite the dream). It’s about the freedom that comes with breaking free from limitations, the joy of connecting with people across the globe, and the beauty of living a life without borders.

And the rewards? They are truly priceless, woven from the lessons learned, the incredible experiences had, and the deep connections formed.

Most importantly, it’s about discovering the untapped potential that lies within you.

Your business and your dreams have the right to be boundless. Embrace the world of possibilities out there, and you might just find paths you never thought possible.

In a world that keeps on scrolling, we find ourselves on the edge, our hearts encompassing unsung dialogues aspiring to be heard. We’re the quiet ones, the thoughtful dwellers amidst the digital rush. The noise often rushes past us, as we cautiously curate our words to fit into bite-sized captions and short-lived stories. The essence of who we are, what we think, and what we feel, somehow gets lost amidst the hashtags and trending audios.

But have you ever paused and thought – what if we didn’t have to fit ourselves into these tiny, curated boxes? What if, instead of shouting amidst the noise, we chose a quieter, more authentic path?

Imagine a space, a humble abode online, where your thoughts could flow freely, unfazed by the character count or the algorithm’s changing tide. Your very own space, where your ideas could take their time to blossom, to resonate with souls who seek the deeper discourse, the authentic narrative.

Social media isn’t the villain in our story, but perhaps, we’ve been casting it in the wrong role. It’s merely a gateway, a small invite to the grander narrative awaiting in spaces we truly own. A blog, a newsletter, a podcast – a space online where our ideas can breathe, expand, and find the ones who’d cherish them.

Transitioning from the curated to the authentic is a humble journey. It’s about embracing the simplicity, the human touch, unpolished yet real. Each thought shared, each story told, unveils a layer of who we truly are, building connections rooted in the essence, not just the appearance.

Let’s not rush through our words to keep pace with the scrolls. Let’s instead, invite people to pause, to reflect, to connect. Through the small window of social media, let’s give a glimpse into the world where our ideas roam free, uncurtailed by the ‘trending’, unfazed by the ‘viral’.

Let’s start envisioning social media as merely the threshold to our digital dwelling, rather than its main gathering area. It’s the charming entryway where we welcome our visitors, offering a light, warm appetizer before leading them to the hearty, heartfelt feast awaiting in our own cozy domains, be they blogs, podcasts, or newsletters.

How can we morph these ephemeral exchanges into lasting relationships?

How might we offer an invitation that is both enticing and sincere?

How can we extend an invitation that’s both alluring and genuine?

Let’s start with the foundation.

Begin by carving out a sanctuary in the digital realm that resonates with your essence—a website, a blog, a podcast channel, or a newsletter platform. Maybe a combination of a few of these. Let this be the space where your thoughts are no longer confined by character counts, where the essence of your narrative flows organically, undiluted by the whims of algorithms.

Now, transform your social media platforms into inviting doorways rather than destinations.

Share snippets of your thoughts, teasers of your content, glimpses into your world that pique curiosity and beckon like-minded souls to explore further. The objective is to transform followers into readers, listeners, or viewers in a setting where the connection deepens and where the exchange of thoughts and ideas flourishes amidst a landscape of respect and receptivity.

Consistency is your companion on this journey. As you keep sharing, keep inviting, and keep expressing authentically, you’ll notice a community growing around your digital homestead. It’s not merely about gaining followers but about nurturing a fellowship bound by shared values, thoughts, and explorations.

In the process, fear not the pace of the digital scroll. Remember, the race is not to the swift but to those who keep running. And in a world driven by speed, perhaps the most radical thing we can do is slow down to seek understanding over likes, connections over clicks, and authenticity over applause.

Be patient. Authenticity, though a less traveled route, bears the potential for meaningful interactions and lasting bonds. With time, as your digital sanctuary brims with sincere dialogues and deep connections, you’ll discover that the core of your narrative has not only withstood the digital whirlwind but has expanded, matured, and thrived.

Let’s play a little game… Imagine a day, an ordinary day, where your to-do list has room for just three tasks. Only three, no more. Which would you choose?

Hold that thought.

Now, paint this picture a shade more real. These three tasks stand between you and:

• A laughter-filled family stroll
• Your cherished friend’s birthday joy
• The tender ritual of bedtime stories
• Or the pure joy of sinking into your favorite nook after a week’s hustle

Or maybe the most important thing for you to do today is to clearly list your most important tasks and finish them. 

When I wrote the first chapter of my entrepreneurial journey, it wasn’t to tether myself to a never-ending cycle of tasks. We crave success, but at the heart of it all, isn’t it about carving out moments of joy and freedom?

Whatever your motivation for starting your business, most of us didn’t begin so that we could become enslaved to our companies. 

So I want you to genuinely ask yourself, what do you ACTUALLY need to get done so that you can feel comfortable enough to enjoy your time outside of work? 

We often say, “Work hard, play hard,” but isn’t it all too tempting to blur those lines?

Your wealth isn’t merely a number, it’s the moments stitched in time. And without a little map of daily whispers, we risk trading life’s melodies for endless beats of business chores.

Entrepreneurship? It’s like a captivating book; each page beckons, but you’re the author, the master of where the story leads. So what are today’s headlines? Frame them, break them into heartfelt verses, and write them down.

When my home echoed with two more giggles, every moment felt richer. A day split between home-schooling lessons, stirring love into recipes, and weaving dreams into business threads. The late afternoon sun often finds me behind my desk – but it wasn’t always so. Time evolved, and I adjusted my sails.

Here are ways I’ve prioritized my business goals:

• Identify your most important business tasks and prioritize them.
• Make sure your goals align with your values and long-term vision.
• Consider delegating or outsourcing tasks.
• Seek support and guidance from others when needed.

The balance between dreams and daily duties is similar to a well-coordinated dance, full of intent, passion, and grace.

A notable step in my routine is the offering of my Wordsmith Membership. By crafting written content for my clients, I help ease their load, allowing them the freedom to focus on what they love.

 It’s about cherishing those “insignificant” moments. Those morning muffins, the steam off a coffee mug, or whispered stories under starry quilts. These are the melodies of my life. And ensuring my business thrums in harmony allows me to hold them close. 

It’s about clarity, priorities, and embracing those moments that truly craft our stories. And just as I navigate my chapters, so can you.

Your story, your song.

How does today’s verse go?

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

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

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

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

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

What makes the risk worth taking for you?

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

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

Here’s how you start:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Think about the companies that you truly enjoy shopping from. How do they make you FEEL?  I know we can all immediately remember a store that treated us badly and made us feel horrible. That’s why in a world where businesses prioritize profits over people, caring deeply has the potential to create real change and truly set you apart. 

When you care deeply about your customers, you create a culture of trust and loyalty that can change the game for your business.

It’s not a short-sighted hyper fixation on profits that helps you win long-term customers. 

Sure, some businesses can make money with that model because what they sell is something that people use and will always need more of. 

But they don’t have raving fans.

And if you build a business where your customers feel valued and heard, they’ll come to buy from you over and over again. 

They’ll be excited to buy from you and feel good about every purchase they make. They geniuenly want to support your business and will take it one step farther and become brand advocates that will continue to bring you more business. They truly believe in who you are and what you’re creating.

So how does this look in practice? 

• Make caring a core value. Rather than just paying lip service to the idea of caring for your customers, make it a fundamental part of your company’s mission and culture. This means prioritizing quality, responsiveness, and personalized attention in all of your interactions. And this carries over to how you treat your employees. Employees who feel taken care of will happily go above and beyond for their customers and employers.

• Go above and beyond. It’s not enough to just meet your customers’ expectations – you need to exceed them. This might mean offering additional services or support, following up proactively, or simply taking the time to listen and understand their needs.

• Build a community. When you care deeply about your customers, you’ll naturally build a loyal following of people who are excited to support your business and spread the word. Encourage this community by offering opportunities for engagement, feedback, and collaboration.

Ultimately, the key is to care more than anyone else in your industry. 

By prioritizing quality, personalized attention, and building a community of loyal supporters, you’ll create a business that stands out and inspires others to follow your lead. Most importantly, you’ll foster a culture that resonates with authenticity and genuine care, which, in the long run, is the most sustainable way to build and grow a business.

Now, speaking from a chapter of our own narrative, when we embarked on the journey to build a CRM for creative entrepreneurs, our compass was distinctly set towards crafting something that our clients would not just use, but love to use. A platform that would reflect their creative ethos while simplifying the operational maze they often found themselves entangled in. We were fully tuned into the symphony of needs, expectations, and aspirations that our clients carried within them. But instead of assuming we knew the rhythm, we reached out, we communicated, we collaborated.

We invited insights, concerns, and suggestions from our clients, making them an integral part of the creation process. The result? A CRM that was built with as much care, love, and attention to detail as the creative projects it was meant to manage.

Support didn’t end with the launch. It was, and continues to be, an ongoing dialogue. I recall the countless tales we’ve heard about horrendous customer service experiences from larger, faceless corporations. My husband, being the beacon of conscientious service he is, made it his quest to ensure that our support was nothing short of extraordinary. Our clients weren’t just a ticket number in a queue, they were, and are, the lifeblood of what we do.

Every concern addressed, every issue resolved, was a testament to our unwavering commitment to go above and beyond. Unlike the cold, impersonal edifice of larger corporations, we chose to build a warm, welcoming abode where our clients could knock on our virtual door at any time, assured that they’d be greeted with attentiveness, understanding, and a genuine desire to help.

Our journey reflects that profound truth: when you value people, when you take the time to listen, to understand, to respond with care and authenticity, you do more than just build a robust, reliable product. You cultivate relationships, nurture a community, and pave the way for a business ethos that’s not about transactions but about meaningful interactions.

The CRM we built isn’t just a tool; it’s a manifestation of a culture that cherishes every individual it serves, ensuring that their creative ventures thrive, while their operational hassles dissolve.

Now, as we take a moment to look back, we realize a simple but powerful truth – in business and in other areas of life, being real, connecting with others, and truly caring are not just nice thoughts. They are the real roots of lasting success and making a positive difference. The message here seems so simple: just care more. But in a world that often values profits over people, this one simple act can make a big, transformative difference.

Alright, beautiful soul, let’s dive deep into some updates about my newest venture, and oh, it’s all about passive income. But to truly paint the picture, I’m rewinding the tapes and letting you in on some personal I wasn’t entirely sure I’d ever share online.

The love and warmth I felt from your responses about diving deep into passive income while still in your cozy pajamas was so overwhelming! Picture this as the first episode of our “Passive Income Chronicles” that’ll land directly in your inbox (or in this case, on the blog).

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of brainstorming sessions. How do I serve you best? The answer felt clear as day – give you an unfiltered, VIP access into the process. It’s like baking a cake. You could tell someone the recipe, or you could invite them into your kitchen and bake it together.

So here’s my puzzle: What magic can I craft that not only gifts me with passive income but also takes you on the entire rollercoaster from the first brainstorm to the final result?

Here’s a confession: When I pressed ‘send’ on that first email, it was like jumping off a cliff not knowing if I’d fly or fall. But isn’t the thrill of creation so much more electric when you’re not alone? 

And that’s why I wanted to start this journey with YOU.

With a head bursting with ideas, it felt like picking a flavor at an ice cream parlor. 

The real challenge? 

Deciding which idea gets the golden star. Whether you’re a dreamer like me with a myriad of thoughts, or you’re at a crossroads, I suggest this: jot down your thoughts, let them simmer, and then pick what feels right in your gut. The most important piece to choosing the *right* thing is choosing something you’re excited about. It doesn’t matter what your best friend, sister, mom or anyone thinks about the idea. If YOU have a vision for this idea and are excited about it that’s the thing you gotta go for. 

When I dream of crafting something that trickles in passive income, here’s my checklist:

• Does it solve a problem for my ideal customer/client? 
• Can this be scaled?
• Can it help them save time? 
• Can this help them get a positive result? 
• Is this something that my already established audience could use?
• How difficult will this thing be to create? (Depending on you’re strengths you might be able to get it done quickly, or you’ll have to give yourself more time to get it all done). 
• And most importantly, how can this produce passive income for me? 

I had that ‘aha’ moment when one idea, shining brighter than the rest, called out to me. But before I unveil, let’s take a quick detour.

Remember The Essential Studio Manager? Our labor of love that we poured our hearts and souls into and then, with mixed emotions, handed its reins over, hoping it would soar to greater heights? Well, life threw a curveball.

Instead of the anticipated growth, the new owners not only let it slide but went MIA on our beloved community. This heart-wrenching turn from a glittering accomplishment to a bittersweet memory was tough. After an intensive 6-month handover, seeing our creation wither was a pill hard to swallow.

Plot twist: The company was sold again. Our hopes? CRUSHED.

My husband, Jon – the genius who dived headfirst into the world of coding to build the ESM – and I often talked about how to salvage this one day. We knew we could craft a better CRM system, but going up against industry mammoths felt like David against Goliath. Honeybook who’s latest funding round of $250 million, led by investment giant Tiger Global Management, had valued it at $2.4 billion. And being in the same industry is TOUGH when you’re just a one or two person team.

We’ve had countless late nights talking about what this CRM would look like and the features it would have, how we’d build it and make it easier to use than so many other tools out there. Having stepped into the world of CRMs we also know what a huge, long-term project this would be. As the weeks went by I asked myself if there was not something a little more simple I could build that focused on something specific. (Tip: Sometimes, when you have a BIG idea, there are a few smaller, simpler ideas you can get started with first and a great way to get something good going.) It’s always a good idea to try and build something simple to prove it’s something that’s a good fit before investing so much time and energy.

You see, with a CRM (the big project idea) you have a whole lot of different aspects to it. Customer communication, contracts, questionnaires, invoicing, finances, etc. All these pieces to a larger CRM could also be great stand-alone products.

So that’s what really got my wheels turning. The more I thought about it the more I loved the idea of focusing on the invoicing and financing aspect of a CRM. But take it one step further and build something to help with selling not just services but also digital products. The more I thought about it, the more perfect it got. Sharing the process of how to generate passive income while at the same time building a tool to make it possible for others to jump into creating and selling products and generating passive income.

But, here’s a thought: What if I take you on this exhilarating ride of crafting passive income, and in the process, together, we create this tool together?

Hold onto your seats because here’s the twist – I want this tool to be freely accessible. No monthly subscription tags. While I’ll need to put on my thinking cap to weave in the passive income magic, the core idea is clear: serve our community and reveal the magic behind the scenes while building a tool that makes generating passive income a breeze.

Having built a similar tool once that not only ensured a monthly passive income but also led to a $90,000 acquisition would be the perfect way to teach more about passive income. If I could do it, so can you for any digital product or service.

So, beautiful soul, strap in. This is our journey to crafting passive income.

The blueprint is ready, and my heart is set on it. Prepare to be taken on a behind-the-scenes journey of every intricate detail that breathes life into a passive income avenue.

Stay tuned for more updates to land in your inbox. I’ll also publish everything to the blog so you can easily find the information there and cover it as many times as you need. 

I’ll be sharing the good, the bad and everything in between. You’ll continue to get emails about the process and I’ll publish all the content over on the blog so it’s easy to find. The content will be free for you to view and will remain on the blog as free content. 

Ready to keep reading? Continue reading and find out what we’re calling this new tool, what inspired me, and what I’m doing first to get the ball rolling. 

If you’re feeling stuck on an idea, head on over to THIS blog post to get your creativity flowing. I listed out all the ways I’ve generated passive income (and even gave some insight on how much $$$ I’ve earned from some of these ideas). 

At times, life feels like being on one of those never-ending treadmills, doesn’t it? Like you’re moving with all your might, but somehow, the scenery doesn’t change, and the destination feels miles away.

I’ve felt this tug-of-war in my heart many times amidst the hustle and dreams of everyday life. And trust me when I say, it’s a sensation that can keep you up at night. You see, our world is full of shiny new goals and dreams, much like stars in the night sky. And I’ve always been the kind of person who’s enchanted by them.

Always reaching, always dreaming.

But there was an evening, not so long ago, when a simple thought gently knocked on my mind’s door: “Is this really where I want my path to lead?”. A decade back, my feet were set on a different path, dancing to a different tune. Back then, my dreams were like fresh paint on a canvas – vibrant, clear, and full of hope.

But you see, dreams are alive. They’re not static paintings hung on a wall. They evolve, much like the seasons, taking different colors and forms as time whirls by.

There’s this tendency we all have, almost instinctual, to look at another’s journey and think, “That’s what I want.” The light of someone else’s achievement can sometimes blind us to our own truths. We see the shine but not the struggles. The success but not the sacrifices. And in those moments, it’s so vital to hit the pause button, to sit with our feelings and understand what we truly desire from deep within.

There’s beauty in simplicity and clarity. There’s strength in taking a moment, breathing deeply, and understanding the core of our wants. Our journeys aren’t meant to be straight highways leading to a predictable destination. They’re winding paths, sometimes going uphill, other times descending into valleys, and at times, leading us to beautiful viewpoints we hadn’t even imagined.

If there’s one gentle whisper of truth I want to share with you today, it’s this: It’s perfectly okay if who you are now has dreams different from the person you were all those years ago. Change isn’t a sign of indecision; it’s a sign of growth. It’s a testament to the ever-evolving nature of life and the beauty of human adaptability.

And here’s another thing: Our world might tell us that it’s all about the hustle, the race, the constant chasing. But there’s profound wisdom in stillness. In those silent moments, when we shut out the world’s noise and tune into our inner symphony, we often find the answers we’ve been searching for. I’ve had my moments of doubt, believe me. Times when the dreams I once held dear felt distant, almost foreign. And in those times, I’ve realized the importance of introspection. Of understanding that life isn’t always about moving forward at breakneck speed; sometimes, it’s about slowing down, recalibrating, and understanding the essence of our desires.

It’s easy to get swept away in the currents of societal expectations and norms. To lose oneself in the maze of popular opinions and external validations. But every now and then, it’s crucial to anchor oneself, to touch base with the soul’s desires, and to remember that it’s okay to carve out a path that’s uniquely ours.

Dreams are personal. They are intimate whispers from our hearts, echoes of our deepest desires and aspirations. We shouldn’t chase dreams that don’t fit our soul’s yearning. As our days blend into nights and seasons change, it’s essential to remember that we are not bound by past choices. Every sunrise brings with it a fresh slate, a new opportunity to chase dreams that resonate with who we are at this very moment.

So, if you ever find yourself at a crossroads, unsure of which path to take, remember to listen to that inner voice. Grant yourself the grace to evolve, to change, and to chase dreams that fill your heart with genuine joy.

In the tapestry of life, it’s not just about the dreams we chase, but the memories we create, the lessons we learn, and the joy we find in the journey. And always, always remember: it’s never too late to redefine your dreams.

So, as the sun sets and you prepare to close this chapter, I’ll leave you with this: Are the dreams you’re chasing truly yours? Or are they borrowed from another’s story? How will you make sure that your journey, with all its twists and turns, remains authentic to you?

Email marketing has been around for a long time. It’s a fantastic way to reach a large group of people in a short period of time. The idea is that you send marketing information to your subscribers, typically via email. Many companies use email marketing to promote their products and services. Some of the advantages to email marketing are that it is a one-way conversation, so you can control the conversation. You can also use it to measure how successful your marketing campaign is.

Email marketing has been around for a long time. It’s a fantastic way of reaching a large group of people in a short period of time. The idea is that you send marketing information to your subscribers, typically via email.

Which is Better – Social Media Marketing or Email Marketing?

Email marketing and social media marketing are both effective ways to reach out to customers and promote your business. So which is better for your business?

Email marketing is more personal and can be more targeted than social media marketing. With email marketing, you can reach out to customers with specific messages that are relevant to their interests. Email marketing is also more affordable than social media marketing.

Social media marketing is more immediate and can reach a larger audience than email marketing. With social media marketing, you can post updates and messages that customers will see right away. Social media marketing is also more interactive than email marketing, so you can engage with customers and get feedback in real-time.

So which is better for your business – email marketing or social media marketing? It depends on your goals and your budget. If you want to reach out to customers with specific, targeted messages, then email marketing is a good choice. If you want to reach a larger audience more quickly and interact with them in real-time, then social media marketing is a better choice.

Unlike social media, you own your list

This means that you can contact them at any time, without needing permission, and without worrying about being blocked or shadow banned. Email marketing also allows you to build deeper relationships with your audience, because you can segment your list to send more personalized emails.

With social media, you’re at the mercy of the algorithm. Your post might be shown to a small percentage of your followers, and then only if they’re online at the same time you are. You can boost your posts or run ads, but you’re still playing by the rules of the platform.

Email marketing gives you more control and allows you to build a relationship with your audience that goes beyond the occasional like, share, or comment.

Which channel can generate the most leads?

Email marketing and social media marketing are both excellent lead generation channels. However, email marketing tends to generate more leads than social media marketing. This is because email marketing allows you to directly contact your leads and build a relationship with them, whereas social media marketing is more of a indirect way to generate leads.

Use social media as an introduction to new customers

Email is perfect for delivering personalized content, coupons, and updates on new product launches.

Email marketing and social media marketing are both important tools for businesses. They both have their own strengths and weaknesses. Email marketing is good for delivering personalized content, coupons, and updates on new product launches. Social media is good for introductions to new customers and staying in touch with current ones.

Serve your audience with great content that speaks to them

Email marketing has been around for many years, and it’s still one of the best ways to market your business. It’s important to have a solid marketing strategy in place that includes email marketing. The difference between social media marketing and email marketing is that you can use email even if your business doesn’t have an online presence. 

However, with social media, you’ll need to be on sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram in order to reach a larger audience. (and you’re typically only going to reach a small perentage of your audience every time you post). If your goal is to grow your brand through content creation, then you’ll want to create the right type of content that speaks directly to your audience on those sites. That way they’ll be more likely to follow you and engage with what you’re saying on those networks.

Move your social media audience to your list

Regardless of how big or small your social media following is today, you’re goal should always be to move that audience over to your email list by using opt-ins.  You may not need an email list right away if you have an already thriving social media following, but even then it’s never too early to start building out this important channel. 

The beauty of an email list is that they allow you to communicate directly with your followers at any time and provide them with valuable information based on their interests. If someone signs up for your email newsletter, they’re giving you permission to reach out to them again in the future with content they’ll find interesting.

If you’re already seeing success on social media, consider which of your posts are performing well and test email opt-ins on those to determine what works best. Keep track of all your results in a spreadsheet so that you can constantly improve and see growth over time and really understand what opt-ins are growing your list the fastest. 

Best opt-ins to grow your email list

Here are the most successful opt-ins to grow your email list: 

· Free trial of your product or service. 

· Exclusive content that can only be accessed via email. 

· Freebies, discounts, and other incentives. 

· Prize in exchange for an email address. 

· Inviting readers to subscribe to a newsletter by offering valuable tips delivered directly to their inbox. 

· Giving your visitors the opportunity to enter a contest for something valuable.

Easy and simple opt-in ideas for your business

Don’t have an opt-in form on your website yet? No problem! Here are a few easy ways to get started and start growing your list with very little effort. 

· Requiring email opt-in to view certain pages on your website (like pricing pages)

· Popup opt-in with a discount code

· Simple header or footer opt-in to get on your list

These simple ways of setting up on opt-in have proven to be really successful and don’t require much work to set up. 

Segment your email list subscribers 

One thing I love about having a large email list is making it possible to have my subscribers opt-in for specific segments within my list. If someone only wants to be notified on upcoming sales, I have a segmentation for that. Maybe they want to be the first to know about upcoming resources and freebies, they get added to a new segment. Allowing self-segmentation allows my audience to opt-in to get specific emails and only receive the content they want. 

And always, always include a compelling reason to sign up. Make it clear to your visitors what they’re going to get by subscribing. If you plan on sending out a regular newsletter, state how often that newsletter will arrive and offer a few examples of what it will contain.

Top platforms for email marketing

Email marketing is still one of the most effective ways to reach your customers but it can be overwhelming to find a platform that fits your needs. There’s a lot of different options out there ranging from Mailchimp, Convertkit, Mailerlite, Activecampaign and my personal favorite Flodesk. 

With so many options, it can be hard to decide which platform will work best for your business. While some are simple drag-and-drop email campaigns, others have a lot more features that allow you to do things like create landing pages and track sales funnels.

I’ve used Flodesk for years and absolutely love it for my business. 

Many businesses are now trying to use email marketing as a way to grow their audience, rather than relying solely on social media. After all, social media can only get you so far. But when it comes down to it, which marketing strategy will work better for your business: social media or email marketing? The answer really depends on what kind of business you’re running and the goals that you have in mind.

Email marketing has been around much longer than social media marketing, and while it may not be as flashy, it’s still one of the most effective ways to promote your business. You need to devote a lot of time and resources to social media marketing, but you can get started right away with email marketing. 

Email marketing will allow you to reach customers who are already interested in your product or service. You’re also able to keep track of which emails work best so that you can send more like them in the future. With social media, on the other hand, there’s no way of knowing if people are seeing your posts unless they interact with them.

In the end, what’s most important is that you focus on creating a well-rounded marketing strategy. Email marketing and social media marketing are two of the most popular ways of reaching out to customers online. It’s important to have a well-rounded marketing strategy so that you can reach your audience in different ways.  That’s why it’s not an either/or situation when it comes to email marketing vs social media marketing – they should both be part of any comprehensive digital marketing campaign. 

Overview: Performance Statistics

It’s no secret that social media has taken over as the number one platform for marketing. In fact, according to Statista, social media platforms have 2.46 billion active users worldwide.

Email marketing, on the other hand, is still going strong. In 2017, there were 3.7 billion email users worldwide. By 2020, that number is expected to grow to 4.1 billion.

So, which one should you use for your business? The answer, of course, is both.

Here’s a look at some email marketing vs social media performance statistics for 2018.

Email Marketing

• Open rate: 20.81%

• Click-through rate: 2.78%

Social Media

• Engagement rate: 1.73%

As you can see, email marketing has a higher open rate and click-through rate than social media. However, social media has a higher engagement rate.

Both email marketing and social media are important for your business. Email marketing is a great way to reach your customers directly, while social media is a great way to engage with your customers.

One Area Where Social Does Come Ahead

Social media platforms allow you to easily interact with your customers in a way that email simply cannot match. Customers can like, share, comment, and even direct message you on social media, which helps to create a more personal connection.

Email marketing still has its place in a solid marketing strategy, but it should be used in tandem with social media for the best results. Both email and social media allow you to reach a wide audience with your marketing message, but social media offers the added benefit of engagement. If you can get customers interacting with your brand on social media, you’re more likely to create a lasting relationship that will lead to continued business.

Social Media Marketing Vs. Email Marketing: Pros & Cons

Email marketing and social media marketing are two very different beasts. As a business owner, you need to decide which one is right for you and your products or services. Here are some pros and cons of each to help you make your decision.

Email marketing is great for building relationships with your customers. You can send out regular updates, special offers, and coupons to keep them coming back. It’s also fairly easy to set up and track results.

Social media marketing is a great way to reach a large audience with little effort. You can post updates, special offers, and coupons on your social media pages and watch as your followers share them with their friends.

However, social media marketing can be very unpredictable. It’s hard to know when your posts will take off and when they will flop. And, if you don’t have a large following to begin with, it can be difficult to get your social media marketing campaign off the ground.

Final Conclusion on Social Media Marketing vs Email Marketing

In general, email marketing is more effective than social media marketing because it allows you to directly target your audience with a personalized message. With social media marketing, your message is more likely to get lost in the noise. For me theres a clear winner based on the points listed below.

1. You Own Your List of Subscribers

Email marketing is permission-based, meaning that people have given you permission to email them by opting in to your list. This makes it much harder for social media platforms to shut you down or for competitors to swoop in and poach your list. You also have more control over how you communicate with your subscribers. Email marketing allows you to build a relationship with your list, segment your list, and personalize your communications.

Social media platforms, on the other hand, do not give you ownership of your followers. The platform can shut down your account at any time, or a competitor can come in and try to poach your followers. You also have less control over how you communicate with your followers on social media. With email marketing, you can segment your list and send highly targeted, personalized communications.

2. You Get a Higher ROI with email marketing

Email marketing has a higher return on investment (ROI) than any other form of marketing—3800% on average, according to Campaign Monitor. That’s because it’s easy to set up, track, and test different email campaigns, and email is still the preferred method of communication for most people. You’re In Control of the message with email marketing, you own the list of subscribers, and you control the content of the messages you send them.

That’s not the case with social media. The platforms may change the way they display your content, or they may delete it altogether if they don’t like what you’ve posted. You don’t need to spend as much time on email marketing. Email marketing is a relatively passive form of marketing. You can automate a lot of the work, and once you have a system in place, it doesn’t take a lot of time to maintain. You can set up automated messages to go out to new subscribers, and you can also send out regular newsletters and other email content without having to create each message from scratch every time. Social media, on the other hand, is much more time-consuming.

Source

3. You Don’t Have to Compete with Algorithms

Another big advantage that email has over social media is that you don’t have to compete with algorithms. When you post something on social media, it’s not guaranteed that your followers will see it. In fact, unless you pay to promote your post, there’s a good chance that only a small percentage of your followers will see it. On the other hand, when you send an email, it will go directly to your subscribers’ inboxes. You don’t have to worry about whether or not your message will be seen.

4. Organic reach is far better with email marketing

You’re able to segment your email list to send highly relevant, targeted content to a specific group of people, which leads to higher engagement and conversion rates.

The Takeaway

In the world of digital marketing, there is a lot of debate about which platform is better for promoting your business: email marketing or social media marketing. Both have their pros and cons, but in general, email marketing is more effective for building relationships with customers, while social media marketing is better for promoting your brand and reaching new customers.

Outsourcing is the process of contracting a third party to complete business processes and/or tasks that are traditionally completed by in-house staff. It’s a strategic move that can help your business focus on its core competencies, become more cost-effective, improve efficiency, and gain access to better technology and skilled resources. When done correctly, outsourcing can be a powerful tool to help businesses achieve long-term success. 

The benefits of outsourcing can be significant. When you outsource, you can: 

Free up internal resources

When you outsource, you can free up internal resources, including time and money. This allows you to redirect these resources to more strategic initiatives.

Focus on your core competencies

When you outsource, you can focus on your core competencies and leave the non-core tasks to the experts. This allows you to focus on what you do best and leave the rest to those who can do it better.

Improve efficiency and productivity

There are many benefits of outsourcing that can help to increase efficiency in your business. When you outsource, you are able to focus on your core competencies and leave the non-essential tasks to someone else. This can help to free up your time so that you can focus on the most important aspects of your business. 

Additionally, outsourcing can also help to improve quality and reduce costs. When you outsource to a company that specializes in a certain task, they are usually able to do it more efficiently and at a lower cost than if you were to do it in-house. 

Access to Skilled Resources

​Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that it can save your organization time and money. When you outsource access to skilled resources, you can avoid the costly process of recruiting, training, and managing your own staff. Additionally, outsourcing can provide your organization with access to a larger pool of skilled workers. This can be especially beneficial if you need access to skilled resources on a short-term or project-based basis. Finally, outsourcing can help to improve the quality of your organization’s work. When you outsource access to skilled resources, you can tap into a wealth of knowledge and experience that you may not have within your organization. This can help to improve the quality of your organization’s products or services. 

WHY SHOULD YOU OUTSOURCE AS A SOLOPRENEUR

There are a number of reasons why you should consider outsourcing as a solopreneur. First, it can help you save time and money. By outsourcing tasks that you don’t have time for or that you’re not good at, you can focus on the things that you’re good at and that you enjoy. Second, it can help you grow your business. By outsourcing tasks that are necessary but that you don’t have time for, you can free up time to focus on growing your business.

YOU are a leader…a decision-maker…and a planner. So the question is, can you really do everything alone, or is there a better way to grow your business faster with the help of outsourcing?

The answer is “YES”! You can do everything in your business alone. You can study, struggle, fail, figure it out on your own and keep spending every waking hour to make your company a success. But do you actually know how much quality of life you sacrifice when you don’t delegate?

THE PROS AND CONS OF OUTSOURCING

One study showed that small business owners work TWICE as much as employees. Delegating allows you to double down and focus on your “zone of genius” and reduces ‘decision fatigue, decreasing your mental clutter so you can grow more into your current role. And frees up your critical thinking for truly important decisions.

Remember that saying “yes” to doing everything means you’re saying “no” to something else. You’re always making a choice.

THE BENEFITS OF OUTSOURCING

Consider this: have you ever gotten stumped by something simple? Maybe you couldn’t decide which color the next cell on your spreadsheet should be: red or blue. Or perhaps you’ve opened the door of the refrigerator, knowing that you were hungry and not even seen what’s in the fridge.

That’s decision fatigue.

Your brain has reached its limit and can no longer make even the simplest decisions. And if you’re hitting that level multiple times a week, then it’s time to re-evaluate. After all, wasn’t the point of starting your own business to have freedom? Be your own boss? And work better hours?

That’s EXACTLY the kind of life that delegating can help you create.

Outsourcing time-consuming business tasks that take away time from the important aspects of your business is a huge benefit. 

If you currently have a business that offers a product or services and you typically run every aspect of your business by yourself, there’s a lot of benefit to finding the right person that can assist you in specific day-to-day tasks.

By outsourcing, you have the advantage of being able to focus on the critical parts of your business and allow someone else’s expertise to focus on the other pieces that might require a lot of time.

For Example:

If you’re a professional photographer, the most important part of your business would be taking portraits, customer support, and delivering your clients the best experience. However, taking photos is just one of the many jobs you have to do on a daily basis. 

Other jobs also include booking and scheduling, accounting, sales, post-processing, social media management, and a million other little jobs that require your time and attention. When you look at everything that needs to get done, you might find yourself feeling like you lack time being able to do it all. 

#1 REASONS FOR OUTSOURCING

I would say the number one reason for outsourcing is that if you find yourself not having enough time to do everything OR you feel like there are parts of your job that can be done better if you had someone who’s focus it was to just do that one job for your business. Then a better approach to running your business would be to outsource and get a little help with the tasks that can be handed off to someone who can do a better job with it.

Of course, the one thing that holds business owners back is the cost. So with that in mind, I’d like you to think about it in a new way.

One of the keys to successful outsourcing is to take a step back. After all, it may sound like a lot of money to hire an outside marketing firm for $2,000/month. Here’s a trick to put that into perspective.

Ask yourself how long it takes you to:

• Research your target market
• Build a marketing plan
• Write ONE ad with variations
• Find or create an image to go with the ad
• The process of learning new technology/tool/software 
• Run tests on your ads to maximize their conversion rate

And that’s just one of the jobs that a solopreneur has.

OUTSOURCING AND YOUR BOTTOM LINE

Not only does outsourcing save you precious time, but it also allows you to build a sustainable business model. Because you can’t scale effectively if you’re needed to run every day-to-day task or be of value to your team members.

That’s where we come in for so many of our Wordsmith clients. Creating original, engaging content for your audience every day can be exhausting. But using copywriter-approved, hand-crafted social media captions for your business saves you time and money. In the end, every single one of my clients is saving their precious time by outsourcing social media content creation and allowing me to handle the writing for them. 

COSTS BEHIND OUTSOURCING

There are many factors to consider when businesses outsource. One of the most important factors is cost. Businesses must carefully consider the costs of outsourcing before making a decision.

There’s a huge range in the cost of outsourcing, and much of the price has to do with the specific skill set or project you’re hiring for. It can range anywhere from $5.00 to $5000 depending on the project and the expertise the person you’re hiring has. 

OUTSOURCING COMPANY VS FREELANCER

There are a few key factors to consider when deciding whether to outsource to a company or hire a freelancer. The first is cost. Generally speaking, outsourcing to a company will be more expensive than hiring a freelancer. This is because companies have overhead costs such as office space, employee benefits, and marketing. They also need to make a profit, so their rates will be higher than a freelancer’s. 

The second factor to consider is expertise. If you need a large range of skill sets, it may be worth it to pay a bit more for a company that specializes in that area and can help you with a few different things. 

Hiring an individual/freelancer that is an expert in one specific thing has always been where I’ve gotten the best results. I’m able to work with one person directly and really build the scope of the project around my specific needs. 

The third factor is time. If you need the work done quickly, a freelancer may be your best bet. They are typically more flexible with their schedules and can often get the work done faster than a company. 

Also, keep in mind that most larger companies have long-term contracts in place. Whereas freelancers can be hired on a shorter basis for specific projects.

I’ve worked with both large companies and freelancers and have always enjoyed the process of working with freelancers far more. I’ve also had much better results this way. 

I believe it’s because I was able to find a dedicated, skilled professional who had superior experience on a specific topic. Compared to a large company that offers many different solutions for a large range of skills done at a lower level.

HIRING FREELANCERS VS EMPLOYEES 

The one thing I’ve loved about working with freelancers is that it opens the position to anyone that has the right skill set, regardless of where they are located. I typically narrow it down to working with those located in the United States but have heard good things about hiring abroad as well. 

At the moment, I have freelancers on my team that are from Colorado, Florida, and California. And although I’m located all the way in Hawaii, and we’re all in a different time zone, it works out great for all of us. I don’t have to depend on finding someone local to me for most of these jobs. So keeping it open to more than just one location allows me to find the best individual for the job. 

Here’s what to consider when deciding whether to outsource hiring to freelancers or to bring on employees. The most important factor is cost. It is typically cheaper to hire a freelancer than to take in a full-time employee. This is because you only have to pay the freelancer for the work they do, and you don’t have to provide them with benefits or other perks. Additionally, if you only need someone for a short-term project, it makes more sense to hire a freelancer than to bring on a new employee. 

Another key factor to consider is the quality of work. When you outsource hiring to a freelancer, you have the opportunity to interview multiple candidates and choose the one you think will do the best job. With an employee, you are usually stuck with whoever you hire. 

Finally, you need to consider the level of commitment you need from the person you hire. A freelancer can be hired for a one-time project and then let go. An employee is usually expected to commit to a longer-term position. 

Outsourcing hiring to freelancers can be a great way to save money and find high-quality candidates. 

STEPS TO OUTSOURCING SUCCESSFULLY

1. Make a list of all the jobs you currently have to do for your business. Really think about everything you do. 

2. For each job, ask yourself these questions: 

• Does this task need to be done? 
• Could someone else do it? 
• Would someone else do it better than me? 

3. Once you have a list of the tasks you want to outsource, research the cost of each one. This will help you make an informed decision about what you can afford to outsource. 

4. When you have found a provider you want to work with. Agree on a price and get a contract in place. This will protect both you and your provider. 

5. Finally, hand over the task, and don’t look back!

GREAT PLATFORMS TO FIND FREELANCERS

There are many costs associated with outsourcing great platforms to find freelancers. Here are a few I’ve found the most success with: 

UPWORK

One of the most popular platforms for finding freelancers to outsource work to is Upwork. Upwork is great for finding freelancers because it offers a wide variety of skills and services. It is easy to find freelancers who are willing to work for a reasonable price that can bring a lot of skills to the table. NOTE: It’s my favorite platform to use.

FIVVER

​Fiverr is a great platform to find freelancers because it offers a wide variety of service, and it is very easy to use and affordable.

FACEBOOK GROUPS

Another place you can look for is in Facebook Groups. There are typically specific groups for certain skill sets, and freelancers spend a lot of time there. You’ll also have the added benefit of also getting recommendations from others who will refer someone they have already had a good experience with. 

GOOGLE

Last but not least, google for what you’re looking for. As one of my services, I offer a monthly membership for professionally written social media captions. Many of my clients simply find that service through google. They might be looking for content creation or a copywriter that specializes in writing captions that will connect them to more ideal clients and customers. 

While there are several cons to outsourcing, there are far more pros. As a business owner myself who used to pride herself in doing absolutely everything without ever getting help. Learning to outsource has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my business. It allows me to focus on my zone of genius and move my business forward faster. All by working with other skilled professionals that are excited to be on my team. 

OUTSOURCING SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT CREATION

With access to the information on Wordsmith, you get high-quality Instagram captions, content that you can customize to suit your business and save yourself a ton of time.

PLUS, we’re offering you a FREE trial, so you can make sure that we’re the right fit for you, with no risks. Are you ready to create more engagement with less effort? Then click below to start your FREE trial today.

Yes! I’m ready to Post Amazing Content in Less Time!

When I first started setting up my email marketing strategy, I spent some time looking at the different options and then eventually decided to go with Mailchimp. It was one of the most popular platforms (at the time). And being completely new to email marketing, I wanted something easy to use and affordable for my small business. Mailchimp was free to use up to 2,500 subscribers, which made it the perfect option. Or so I thought… In this article, I’ll cover Mailchimp vs. Flodesk, and why I made the decision to make the switch over to Flodesk.

Starting from ZERO, I knew I was able to use their platform for free for up to 2,500 subscribers. Not knowing anything about email marketing, I remember that number felt HUGE to me. 2500 on my list? That would be amazing. I figured that if that were to happen, I’d be totally ok with paying for their service and continuing to grow my list. (or so I thought…)

GROWING MY LIST (AND BILL)

Over the years, I continued to build my list. Eventually grew past the 2500 subscribers on the free plan and hopped onto a paid plan. I continued using Mailchimp for a long time. I grew my list to 5,000…then 10,000. 

It was long until I reached 20,000 and 30,000 subscribers. At this point, I realized that with every new subscriber, my bill was growing too. Each month I’d go through my list and clean it to make sure I was only growing my list with people that were actively opening my emails. (However, I didn’t want to pay more for those that didn’t open my emails as much). 

I spent more time minimizing my growing list to avoid the constantly rising cost than actually enjoying email marketing, as I had earlier. Then, I hit 70,000 subscribers, and my MONTHLY bill in Mailchimp was over $700. I spent every single month asking myself…is this worth it?! 

To be honest, I also wasn’t a big fan of Mailchimp. It always felt clunky and glitchy. And spent who knows how many hours frustrated with how complicated it was to create a simple opt-in and segment people into the right audience list and start workflows. Everything was a constant headache, and I had to pay the heavy price tag of $700 monthly for it. 

SWITCHING TO FLODESK

I stumbled across Flodesk and INSTANTLY signed up after seeing their famous tag line “Unlimited emails and subscribers, forever.” Followed by;

You’ll never be penalized for successfully growing your business again.

-FLODESK

You know when you find your dream product and feel like the company instantly get’s what you need? That’s 100% what Flodesk did. They understood what I really wanted and needed for my business and NAILED the execution. 

The simple fact that I could have an email marketing provider that would no longer penalize me for growing my list was huge. And that reason alone was enough for me to jump over from Mailchimp to Flodesk.

If you’re hoping to try Flodesk and need a 50% off link, you’re welcome to use my referral link, which will automatically give you the 50% off as well. Enjoy a 30-day FREE trial. No credit card is needed. CLICK HERE TO GET 50% OFF FLODESK

THE COST OF GROWING YOUR LIST

When you’re first getting started with growing your list. You might not think much about how much a list that’s 70,000 or 100,000+ subscribers is going to cost you per month. It’s easy to forget the big picture. But, the right email marketing platform should serve you in the most positive way, not just as you get started but as you scale your business and list. Mailchimp vs Flodesk (I’m willing to say that Flodesk will come out on top for you as well).

I’ll say it again when I started my list at ZERO, I didn’t even bother to check to see how much a 70,000 list would cost me. So if you’re getting started, take it from someone who’s been there. Make sure to look into the future and partner with a company that won’t penalize you for growing your list. That is the last thing you want. 

SETTING UP FLODESK 

I love using Flodesk so much and saw such great success with building my list that I launched a service to help other business owners to do the same.

Maybe building an email list and getting everything set up and automated has been on your to-do list forever. But you have no idea where to start. And what you really need is someone that can set it up for you the *right way* and actually start seeing your list grow with subscribers who are excited to see you land in their inbox. 

With the Email marketing service, you’ll get a fully set up Flodesk account. Including a strategy with opt-ins to grow your list and an automated welcome sequence to make your new subscribers excited about being on your list. 

EMAIL MARKETING SETUP SERVICE INCLUDES:

• Flodesk set up 
• Custom questionnaire 
• Subscriber segmentation
• Custom welcome sequence 
• Opt-in strategy to grow list

If that sounds like something you’d love to do, send me a message to get on the list! I only take a limited amount of new clients for this service and would love to chat more.

P.S. This service is also perfect for anyone that has read the Mailchimp vs Flodesk article and has decided they would like to switch but feel overwhelmed with the idea of migrating everything over.

Imagine this: you try to log in to your Instagram account, and you see this error message “INSTAGRAM: ACCOUNT NOT FOUND”. Instagram is NOT working. What do you do?

In 2021…that was the reality facing 70% of businesses that rely on social media to stay in touch with their customers. Millions of users logged into Instagram that morning only to see the message “page not found”. I’m sure you remember when Facebook crashed and took Instagram, Messenger, and Whatsapp down with it.

INSTAGRAM NOT WORKING

Between 11:40 AM and 6:30 PM, social media was simply…gone. No explanation, no way for us to access our own accounts.

In those 7 hours, Facebook lost tens of millions of dollars, but it was a huge wake-up call for us small business owners. Because it’s not a matter of “if” that will happen again. It’s when. And that’s why it’s crucial to the survival of your business in this “new internet age” that you move your customer list to a platform you 100% control, such as email.

WHY YOU NEED A BETTER PLAN

Social media is an amazing tool, but as small business owners, we need to protect ourselves so that we don’t go from having a thriving business to being closed overnight. Now, I know that may sound terrifying, and unfortunately, it is the reality when you build your business dependent on social media with no real way to get that audience on a list you own.

You probably already feel the hardship of using social media for your business when you find yourself struggling to reach your audience organically. The simple fact that you’re not 100% in control there should be reason enough for you to create a marketing strategy for your business that works with (or without) social media.

ALGORITHM-PROOF MARKETING STRATEGY

I’ve created a simple and completely FREE training so that you can easily get started today. The same strategy I’ve used to build a list of 70,000+ loyal subscribers.

Are you ready?

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR FREE

Give me 15 minutes, and I’ll give you a marketing strategy that works. I’m willing to bet that after you watch it, you’ll realize just how powerful it can be for your business too!

Most importantly you’ll learn how to create a marketing strategy that doesn’t only depend on using social media. You’ll never have to fear seeing that dreaded INSTAGRAM: ACCOUNT NOT FOUND message without a real plan in place to reach your audience.

Ready for some FREE Instagram captions to (ethically) swipe? Tailor these to your audience and offer, and watch your engagement increase! You see, I believe in helping my fellow entrepreneurs and small business owners as much as I possibly can. That’s why I’m giving you 7 free IG captions from my Wordsmith membership for FREE!

So swipe away! Tailor these to your audience and offer, and save yourself from the dreaded blinking cursor on a blank page while you’re struggling to come up with yet another social media post.

There aren’t any strings attached – not even an opt-in to click on!

It’s just my way of saying “thank you” for being here.

So here are your FREE IG captions:

INSTAGRAM CAPTION #1

Well, hello, new friends! It’s been a minute since I introduced myself. I’m [name and title]. When I’m not chatting with everyone here, you can find me [insert favorite aspect of the job] or [favorite thing to do outside of work]. 

The community we have here is one of my favorite parts of this job because it allows me to really feel like I know so many of you—even if we’re hundreds of miles apart.

INSTAGRAM CAPTION # 2

Do you ever have those moments where you just wake up and think “is this real life” in a good kind of way? Today was one of those mornings and I really made a point to stop and reflect. 

It’s amazing what a moment of gratitude can do—especially when my next step is to dive back into the work that makes it all possible!

**[Optional: Insert explainer as to how this business/career has impacted your life.]

INSTAGRAM CAPTION #3

Instagram vs. reality. In an effort to remind you that Instagram is not a full picture of *real life*, here’s what [what’s in the photo, e.g. “work” or “my desk”] actually looks like. No styling, no curation—just the real deal. [Option to talk about what a typical (work/desk/etc.) looks like.]

It’s so easy to start comparing our real life to what we see posted online and forget that it’s just the very little polished pieces that people typically share online.

We need to remember that those messy moments in life and business are exactly what makes life so beautiful. Take a moment to appreciate those little mundane moments you have throughout your day.

INSTAGRAM CAPTION #4

I still remember [landing my first client/making my first sale/etc.] like it was yesterday. Even though I had always known what I wanted to do and believed I could do it, that early moment of validation meant everything to me. I took it as a sign that I was on the right path and that I should keep going—so I did! 

From there, I began planning bigger and better things for my business like [a few examples of how your business developed/evolved in the early days]. And here we are!

INSTAGRAM CAPTION #5

“[Review of product or service].”

Tell me this isn’t the best way to start the day!? Thank you so much for the kind words [client, customer name]! It seriously put a smile on my face when I read it this morning.

Now I’m even more excited to get to the office and work on [what you’re currently working on]!

INSTAGRAM CAPTION #6

Starting my own business has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I love what I do, and I know my clients appreciate it as well. That’s why this business is more than just work to me; it’s also an extension of my passion, and it feels like I’m doing exactly what I was born to do. And now, with your support, I can do even more! Thank you so much for being part of this journey with me.

INSTAGRAM CAPTION #7

[Insert product or service] is one of my very favorites. Why? Well because [insert details of why you love helping clients with this product or service]! 

As one recent [client/customer] said in a review, [insert some kind words from a review specific to this product.] 

If you’re interested in [Buying/hiring] then be sure to click the link in my bio to learn more!

BONUS CAPTION:

Oh my goodness, just when I thought that the [best-selling product or service] couldn’t do any better, you guys just proved me wrong by sending some referrals my way!

This is still my most popular offering and I am just so happy you all find it so valuable. If you’re looking to [insert what this product or service will help with], then please click the link in my bio to get started! I can’t wait for you to try it out.

HOW TO USE THESE FREE INSTAGRAM CAPTIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Have fun using these, and watch your engagement increase! But if you’re not sure how to customize these captions for your business, I’ve got you covered. I created a guide specifically to help you (quickly) learn how to tailor captions so they sound like they were written from you directly to your ideal customers. (You can read my guide by clicking here.) Need more than just 7 captions? Let me keep writing for you!

Sign up for an Annual Plan on Wordsmith, and you’ll get instant access to a whole year worth of social media captions to use. OR choose the monthly plan and get new captions delivered every single month.

TIP: There’s a free trial to try out before you ever have to pay a penny. (It’s my way of making sure you really love the membership!)

Have you ever met someone and thought to yourself…”I know she has a business and doing really well, but what exactly does she do…and how does she actually make an income?!” In this article, I’m going to pull back the curtains and tell you all about my business, how I make an income (and a pretty amazing impact too).

I was talking to a friend and found that although she knew I had a business (for a long time now). She had no idea how I actually made an income and how I got my business to where it is today. I loved that she came out and just asked me more about what I was doing with my business, how I was making an income, and how it all came together. (SPOILER: My business is FAR from where it used to be).

As we finished my conversation, I thought about how maybe others had the same curious questions but just didn’t know how to ask. Which I totally get. I remember when I started my business how little I knew about business structure and all the different incomes you could make. I didn’t even know passive income was a thing since all I knew was the very simple concept of working for an hourly wage.

HOW I MAKE AN INCOME (AND IMPACT)

I thought what I did was pretty clear, but maybe it’s just like that because I’ve lived it for 10+ years. So for the sake of being transparent and pulling back the curtains to those who might be wondering the same thing, here’s everything you ever wanted to know about how I make an income (and a pretty amazing impact too). Over the years, my business has changed, and so has the strategy behind how I make an income. Below I’ll go over everything you might be wondering about. And hopefully, it gives you some ideas on adding these types of income streams to your own business too.

SERVICE BASED BUSINESS

AS A PHOTOGRAPHER

I started as a photographer, which is probably the most simple income to explain. Clients hired me for a service. As much as I loved this little business I built, the one downfall was the time I had to spend away from my family. Shooting sessions all week and weddings on the weekend didn’t leave me with the greatest work/life balance.

If you currently have a service-based business, you knooooow the struggle!

To build a sustainable business, I knew I had to build a business that allowed me to do what I loved while not giving away all my time. I wanted to be able to spend more with the people I loved.

PASSIVE INCOME (With Digital Products)

Eventually, I started selling digital products. (think downloadable digital products). This can be anything from an ebook, a digital backdrop, online courses, presets, or templates. And this really opened my eyes to a new kind of income. PASSIVE INCOME.

This allowed me to focus on creating one digital product that I could sell over and over again while spending more time at home with my little ones.

I’ve created over 700 digital products over the years but am most known for my preset collections made for professional photographers and creatives looking to elevate their photography.

TIP: If your business doesn’t currently have this kind of income, I highly recommend adding it because it really makes such a big difference when you’re just one person who’s constantly dependent on selling their service or one of a kind products. And it might be a whole lot easier to add than you might think. This doesn’t mean you have to flip your entire business around. Look at it as a new income addition to your already established business.

REACCURING PASSIVE INCOME

With a CRM Software

Over the last five years, I also built a CRM software called The Essential Studio Manager with my husband. (This company was recently acquired ?). But just like my digital products that generated passive income, it collected monthly payments from active users for using the CRM. Photographers use it to manage all aspects of their business with one tool that’s really easy to use.

It’s just like regular passive income, but it repeats monthly for as long as the customer continues using the software.

REACCURING PASSIVE INCOME

Digital Membership/Subscription

I launched Wordsmith in 2021, a digital subscription-based company that generates; you guessed it…passive recurring income by providing monthly professional social media captions for entrepreneurs looking to connect with more clients and customers online.

Are you seeing a trend yet?

Being 10+ years in, I’ve done many different things, everything from service-based, softwares, memberships, and digital products. I have some big ideas for the future that will continue focusing on creating products and services to help entrepreneurs with their businesses. 

Today, about 90% of my focus is on creating resources that generate passive income and 10% on one-off service-based services.

A complete swap from when I first started, and 100% of my income came from being hired for one service.

But you know what the best part is, aside from being able to spend my time working on projects that I love and having more time to spend with my family?

Taking a portion of our income and sponsoring children through Save the Children, one of my favorite non-profits. There’s a special connection with each child, and we have a big binder of photos, letters, and a big world map we’ve used to mark our sponsored children’s locations. Each time we add a new sponsored child to our list, my oldest son helps me with the process.

Although I do many different things, at the core of my business, I want to create something that has a positive impact around the world. Have that be by helping business owners or sponsoring more children around the world.

I hope this quick article gave you some insight into the income you could make with your business. Remember – consider passive income as an addition to your already established business.

You might be wondering how to use pre-written Instagram captions for your business and if it’s possible to really create captions that work for your business. One of the most common questions I get from customers is: “Exactly how easy is it for me to tailor your Instagram captions to my business?”. That’s what one of my clients, Elise wanted to know, too.

But look what she has to say about using Wordsmith now:

“So happy I saw this on Pinterest! This whole platform is phenomenal, and the Instagram captions that come with it are so well done. I thought it would end up being short captions, but these captions are so much more than that. Plus, they are super easy to customize. I just started using it and already have planned out a whole month of content. (something that would typically take me more than a week to complete!) If you’re thinking about signing up – do it! “

Reviews like this are why I love what I love offering this membership so much.

Let me show you how it works. You might get an Instagram caption like this one:

Pre-Written Instagram Caption Example:

“[Insert product or service/feature] is one of my very favorites. Why? Well, because [insert details of why you love helping clients with this product or service]!

As one recent [client/customer] said in a review, [insert some kind words from a review specific to this product.]

If you’re been interested in [Buying/hiring] then be sure to click the link in my bio to learn more!”

And here are three examples of how three very different companies could customize it to make it perfectly suit their business:

PHOTOGRAPHER:

Using Personal Tone/ Selling Service

Motherhood portrait sessions are one of my very favorites. Why? It allows me to document mothers with their little ones and create keepsake portraits they get to look back on for a lifetime.

As one recent client said in a review, “I will cherish these portraits forever. The way you captured us on film will forever be one of the greatest gifts. I’m not often in photos, and I love that I have so many beautiful photos together.”

If you’ve been interested in booking a session with me, then be sure to click the link in my bio to learn more!

SOLLY BABY WRAP

Using Business Tone/ Selling Product

Our original Baby Wrap is one of our very favorites. Why? Well, because it lets mothers enjoy hands-free babywearing in our buttery soft fabric while increasing connection and reducing infant crying.

As one recent customer said in a review, “I absolutely LOVE this wrap! So happy with the purchase. It’s so soft and holds my infant in place snug. I can get so much done around the house while comforting my little one.”

If you’ve been interested in buying one for you and your little one, then be sure to click the link in our bio to get 30% off your next order!

And one last caption for fun. As I’m sitting at my desk sipping on my Athletic Greens, why not use them as an example?

ATHLETIC GREENS

Business Tone + Selling Subscription

AG1 is our subscribers favorite. Why? Because with 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole-food sourced nutrients in one convenient daily serving. One scoop, 8 ounces of water. It’s all you really need!

As one recent customer said in a review, “I am thrilled with your product. I enjoy taking it every morning. Part of my new routine for my health and energy. So pleased that my physician recommended it.”

If you’ve been interested in buying AG1 then click the link in our bio to learn more and get your first scoop of Athletic Greens. Join the movement #LiveAG1

See just how simple this one Instagram caption was to customize? 

Best of all, each customized caption turned out to be unique. One of the biggest misconceptions about pre-written captions is that everyone will be posting the same captions. This is why I created captions that are easy to customize to who you are and what you have to offer. Therefore, no two people will end up posting the same caption. 

PRE-WRITTEN INSTAGRAM CAPTIONS

Each caption is here to help you talk about who you are and what you have to offer and is incredibly easy to customize. 

It’s important that I make this process as easy as possible for you because I want to help save you hours and improve your social media game without all of the frustration and anxiety you have writing posts alone.

Ready to learn a little more on how to customize these captions? 

I’ve written a short, 5-minute article outlining the step-by-step approach you can take to easily customize our captions to fit your business that goes into a little more detail on using the right tone.

But if you’re an action taker ready to jump right in and give the Wordsmith membership a try, sign up today to get your free trial started HERE. Or head on over to the Wordsmith page to learn more about what you can expect. 

You’ll get instant access to hundreds of professionally written Instagram captions you can use for your business + a social media marketing strategy built directly into the monthly content planner.

Writing a blog post can be very rewarding, but it can also be time-consuming and daunting if you’re not sure how to go about writing one that will keep readers engaged. These 7 tips for writing a great blog post will help you get started on your next blog piece, whether it’s informational, personal, or promotional in nature. The tips below are designed to help you develop new blogging skills, grow your current audience, and make more money from blogging overall.

KEYWORDS

When writing your post, think about what keywords and key phrases people might use to find your post in search engines. Then include those terms. Every time someone searches Google using one of these terms, they will see your page in their results. Make sure you’re using SEO-friendly language, too: make sure each sentence is between 15 and 25 words long (Google’s sweet spot), and focus on providing value to your readers. 

TITLE

Keep your title clear and easy to understand. Use important keywords or key phrases to help your website show up in search results. Make sure that you are targeting keywords on a page-by-page basis; that way you get better visibility within search results. Stay concise: Use crisp, clear language in your posts so people can understand them without spending time decoding them.

CREATE AN OUTLINE

One of the most important things to consider when writing is outlining. It will help you organize your thoughts and keep you on track. It’s easier to write an entire piece if you know where you’re going beforehand. So create an outline using whatever method works best for you, whether it be bullet points or mind mapping. Just make sure it’s comprehensive enough that when you begin writing, you don’t feel lost or unsure about what direction to take in each section.

BEST BLOG POST LENGTH

Depending on your goals, you’ll likely have different word-count guidelines to follow. While most posts fit somewhere between 500 and 1,500 words. Set your own benchmarks by keeping in mind what makes sense for readers based on the topic. If you find yourself consistently writing longer pieces, consider breaking your articles into smaller articles.

WRITE A GOOD FIRST SENTENCE 

A good first sentence can hook readers and get them excited about reading your article. To start off your post, set a scene or grab attention with an interesting quote. If your blog post will educate them on something, explain to them the importance of learning about what you’ll be writing about. Keep it simple; make sure that it’s relevant to your content and fits in with your topic.

BONUS TIP: It’s also a good idea to include your keyword, key phrase, or title in your first paragraph. 

FIND IMAGES THAT ENHANCE YOUR TOPIC

Images can add visual interest to your post and help you share more information in less space. Before inserting an image into your post, ask yourself if it enhances your topic. Does it increase understanding? Is it too obvious or redundant? Images should complement your text, not overshadow it. Always use images responsibly: pay attention to copyrights and don’t just use any image you find online.

If you’re looking for great stock photos to use, there are over 3 million incredible stock photos available on Wordsmith. It’s been my go-to every time!

BONUS TIP: Edit the alt tag and description for each image used in the blog post.

PREVIEW YOUR WORK BEFORE PUBLISHING

After you’ve written your first draft, give it an hour or two, and then come back to read it. Read it like someone who knows nothing about your niche would; put yourself in their shoes. As you scan through what you’ve written, ask yourself how you feel about it: Is there anything that doesn’t make sense? Anything you wouldn’t click on if it was shared on social media? Anything you skimmed over quickly because of confusing language? Fix these problems and preview again. Rinse and repeat until satisfied with the end result.

PUBLISH AND SHARE

Once you’ve got your post, publish it! Social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram make it easy to send out posts that people will see. If you use a social media management site, you can even schedule your posts in advance to ensure they go out at optimal times.

SEND OUT A NEWSLETTER

If you have a newsletter, be sure to send it to your readers. Not only will you serve them great content, but you’ll also get them to come visit your site, which is great for traffic.

Blogging is one of my favorite ways to create evergreen content and serve great content that brings people to my site. The best thing about blogging is that if it’s done right, you’ll boost your overall site traffic long-term and connect with more ideal customers and clients who are looking for exactly what you have to offer.

Unlike social media, blogging and SEO is something you can continue to build upon and truly count on. People will always use search engines to find what they are looking for online. Although we can’t control the rules and algorithms on social media, we can blog consistently and start getting long-term traffic from our efforts.

BONUS TIP: Grab a notebook or open a file on your computer where you can add blog post ideas that you might want to write in the future. I have a list of about 60+ articles I’d love to create over time. When I’m ready to write for my blog, I simply open that file, pick a topic, and get to writing. Having a long list of ideas to pick from makes it easy for me to add new content consistently. 

There’s no question that social media can be a big help to your business, whether you’re trying to reach current customers or target new ones. There are also many people who say that social media takes up too much of their time, and they don’t feel like they get enough out of the time they spend on it to make it worthwhile. Here are five tips for spending less time on social media without missing out on all the great benefits as a business. These are the same tips I follow when it comes to all my businesses; Modern Market, Wordsmith & The Essential Studio Manager.

THE IMPORTANCE OF USING SOCIAL MEDIA AS A BUSINESS

We live in a digital world. Most people use social media, so if you’re trying to grow your business, you have to be where your customers are: on social media. But there’s more to it than that. It’s no longer enough to just have a Facebook page and hope for people to like it and engage with it—you actually need content and strategies, or you risk losing valuable leads. Take some time out of your day and design a plan that will allow you to maximize your presence without wasting all of your time (or missing out on opportunities). 

WHY YOU NEED AN ONLINE PRESENCE 

There are plenty of reasons why businesses (and individuals) create social media accounts. It’s a way to share content with your audience and spread your business’s name, establish yourself as an expert in your field, network with other businesses or people in your niche, even find a new employee. However, if you’re struggling to keep up with social media while running a business (particularly if you work solo), then it might be time to evaluate how much time you spend on these platforms and how you can still get all the benefits of using social media, without having to spend so much time on social media.

CREATING CONTENT PILLARS

Content pillars are a core component of every successful social media strategy because they take the guesswork out of what to post, making it easy for you to stay on target and have fun with your content. Pillars are relevant topics and themes that keep your audience engaged. The content pillars I’ve always built my content around is: 

1. Personal 
2. Educational 
3. Promotional 
4. Engaging 
5. Passion

Depending on what kind of business you have, you could adjust these content pillars, or change them to something more specific that your audience enjoys.

CREATING CONTENT AHEAD OF TIME 

Write out a schedule for content creation and stick to it. Schedule your social media posts several days or weeks in advance. Utilize tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, or Later to plan content in advance and save yourself time. These apps allows you to create a queue of pre-written posts, which you can then schedule at different times over an extended period of time. This way you’re not having to do all the work on the go and can dedicate one day to plan and schedule all your content. 

TIP: Just because you automate your posts doesn’t mean you can get away with not showing up online. I try to schedule my posts but then push the notification to my phone so I can post it manually and engage during the best time. Which is typically shortly after posting.

SHOWING UP AND ENGAGING WITH YOUR AUDIENCE

Let’s not forget one of the most important ways to participate in social media is to simply show up. Engaging with your audience requires you to use social media as a place for interaction and presence, even if it doesn’t directly lead to sales or customers. Using it only for promotion means you’re missing out on half of its value. Let’s not forget what makes social media great. It’s a place you can connect. Although I’m all for planning ahead and scheduling my posts in advance, one thing I won’t ever miss (or outsource) is the opportunity to show up and connect with real people. 

 Promoting your business or brand on social media is important, but it’s just one use of a diverse and valuable tool. You’ll get more out of it by showing up and connecting with people in your industry on a regular basis. Even if you’re not being asked for advice or solutions, being there to support and encourage others can help build relationships that lead to collaboration later. Sometimes all you need to start is an introduction, so never be afraid to say hi!

EMAIL MARKETING VS SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING

It’s obvious—email marketing is one of, if not THE, most effective ways to reach customers. If you’re hoping to spend less time on social media, then getting your email list started might also be a really great idea. I learned a valuable lesson after spending years building up my Facebook fan page (back when we could still reach our followers organically) and overnight losing that connection when Facebook pushed new changes on who saw our content. I promised myself I wouldn’t make the same mistake with Instagram or any other social media platform. Instead, I used social media but focused more on building my list. A direct connection to my customer and clients. Thanks to my list, I was also able to spend less time on social media, but still reach my audience directly anytime I sent an email. Email marketing is also just one piece of the marketing puzzle, but a piece that I truly enjoy utilizing. 

LIMITING TIME ON SOCIAL MEDIA CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS

Many entrepreneurs say that social media is addictive, and believe it’s holding them back from focusing on what really matters. By spending less time on Facebook and Instagram, you’ll be able to invest more time in other areas of your business—and get much more done in your day-to-day operations. Start by determining how much time you currently spend on social media each day, then figure out if that is the best way forward. Figure out how much time you really need to spend on social media, and then make that your goal. Often enough, when it comes to social media it’s easy to let those quick 5 minutes turn into two hours. By being more aware of how we spend our time on social media, we become more productive with how we spend our overall time. 

IT’S OK TO NOT ALWAYS WANT TO CREATE CONTENT 

Being on social media is important because it provides another way for people to engage with your brand and business. But just because social media plays a big role in how we market our business these days, doesn’t mean we should feel obligated to spend all our time on it. I’ve actually had more success with marketing by being less on social media because it’s allowed me to focus my time on other parts of my marketing strategy that so often got pushed to the side. Remember: Social media marketing is just one tiny piece of the marketing game. There are many other ways you can go about marketing your business. What’s most important is that you find a way to market your business in a way that you enjoy. If social media isn’t at the top of your list, then stop making it such a huge priority and instead focus on marketing you enjoy. 

Thankfully, I specialize in creating social media captions that can easily be customized to who you are and what you do. They are perfect for any kind of business owner ready to start showing up online consistently.

WORDSMITH SOCIAL MEDIA CAPTION EXAMPLES:

1) BIG WARM HELLO (PERSONAL)

I haven’t introduced myself on here for a while so I thought I’d do that again. A big warm hello to all of you  My name is [name] and I’m the [girl, woman, man driving force, dreamer] behind [your business name].

When I was [age or time in your time] I fell in love with [what you do] after [an experience that helped you find your passion] and in [year you started your business] I decided to go for it and [your business name] was born.

I spend most of my days [what you typically do for your job] and love every minute of it. For me, what I do is so much more than just a job, it’s something I picture myself doing for years to come because it allows me to [your favorite part of what you do], and I honestly couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

I’m also a [something else you are, parent, mom, occupation] and obsessed with [something you love to do, like spending time with your family, drawing, reading, etc.] in my free time.

I’d love to get to know you a little better, comment below and come say hello and tell me where you’re from, it’s always so much fun to see where everyone is!

2) THE PERFECT FIT  (EDUCATIONAL)

What’s the number one thing you look for when you’re searching for the perfect [enter your job title]? Is it [list a few things like price, style, location, personality, etc]? If you’ve been looking for a [your job title] you’ve probably realized that it can be a little overwhelming at times and I’m here to help you in your search with my 5 best tips on finding the perfect [your job title]! 

[offer tips to help them in their search. ex; if you’re a photographer you might mention that they should view their portfolio to see if they have the right style, or that cheaper prices can sometimes be a red flag]
1. [Tip number one]

2. [Tip number two]

3. [Tip number three]

4. [Tip number four]

5. [Tip number five]

I hope these little tips help you with your search. If you’d love to talk more about hiring me as your [job title] then shoot me a message! I have a few [available appointments, spots, sessions, etc] in the next [week, month, year] and would love to send you some more information to see if we’d be a great fit! 

3) WHERE ARE YOU FROM (ENGAGING)

I’d love to know; where are you from? There are so many new faces, and it’s always fun to see where everyone is located! Most of you probably know, but I live in [your current location] and have been calling this beautiful place home for [how many years you’ve lived there].

Near or far, comment and below and let me know where you’re from!

FREE INSTAGRAM CAPTIONS

You can get a whole month’s worth of social media captions when you sign up for the free trial for Wordsmith. A platform dedicated to helping business owners create great content. I publish new content for you to use every single month!

If you’re a business owner, spend less time on social media without missing out on any of its benefits and be more productive with how you use social media to grow your business.  This will in turn help build your brand and give you back valuable time.  Start by creating daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly goals for yourself on social media so that you can track your results over time. You don’t need to spend hours each day managing your social media pages. Sometimes it comes down to using these marketing tools more efficiently to get the most out of them.