Change isn’t something we’re always ready for. Sometimes it feels like a gentle nudge, other times a full-blown shove. Sometimes we’re the ones initiating it, leaning into a new direction with excitement. And sometimes, it arrives like an uninvited guest, forcing us to pivot when we least expect it.

I’ve been through both. In business and in life.

I can still remember the day I decided to walk away from full-time portrait photography. For years, I poured my heart and soul into that work—capturing families, newborns, weddings. My days were filled with editing sessions, weekend shoots, and late-night uploads. And in many ways, it was a dream come true. But over time, that dream began to change.

My kids were growing up, and I was missing too much. I craved slower mornings, family weekends, time at home, the freedom to just be. The thought of letting go of something I had spent so many years building was terrifying. What would that even look like? Would people think I was giving up? Would I regret it?

But deep down, I knew: it was time to pivot.

The Weight of Staying the Same

I think there’s a misconception that changing course means we’re inconsistent or unsure of what we want. But what if the real inconsistency is staying somewhere that no longer feels right?

Because here’s the truth: staying the same when everything inside you is urging you to change? That’s exhausting.

It’s like holding your breath underwater—tight, tense, unsustainable. You can only hold on for so long before you have to come up for air.

In business, that has meant letting go of things that once felt like my entire world. It meant shutting down projects that weren’t working, walking away from offers that didn’t align, and starting over when I wasn’t ready.

And each time, I thought it might break me. Each time, I wondered if I was making a mistake. Each time, I was reminded that it’s okay to let go of what once was to make space for what could be.

The Uncertainty of the Pivot

Here’s the part we don’t talk about enough: even when you know a change is necessary, it doesn’t mean it’s easy. There’s fear. Doubt. Uncertainty.

And even now, I still feel it.

As a business owner, the landscape is always shifting. What works today might not work tomorrow. What once felt aligned might start to feel heavy. And in those moments, the question isn’t, “Should I change?” but rather, “Can I be brave enough to trust whatever comes next?”

Bravery isn’t about feeling ready. It’s about moving forward even when you don’t have all the answers.

The Beauty in Not Knowing

I often think about those early days of photography. How my camera felt like an extension of my heart. How I was terrified to start but did it anyway. And how that one decision opened doors to so many others.

Because change is like that. It’s a door. And we can’t always see what’s on the other side. But sometimes, the things we’re most afraid to let go of are the very things that lead us to where we’re meant to be.

Today, my life looks nothing like it did back then. I spend my days building things I love—writing, creating, connecting with other business owners. And yes, there are still moments when I wonder what might have happened if I stayed where I was. If I would have listened to everyone who told me to stay the same. If I kept holding on to something that no longer felt like mine.

But then, I look around. I see my kids running through the house in the middle of a weekday. I see the projects I get to work on that light me up. And I remind myself that every change I’ve made—every pivot, every letting go—brought me closer to a life that feels more like me.

So, if you’re standing at a crossroad, unsure of what to do next, let me remind you:

You don’t need permission to change. You don’t need a perfect plan. You don’t need to wait until you feel ready.

This morning, I got an email from a reader (hi, friend!) who replied to one of my newsletters with a question that made me stop and smile. It’s such a good question. And it’s one that so many people shy away from asking because the online space has made it seem like we should all already have an audience, a list, and 10,000 followers by day one. When in reality, we all start at 0.

She wrote:

“Hi Elena, first, your email is the only email I receive that I look forward to opening. 🫶🏼 I have a follow up question for this email, if you’re absolutely new, with zilch traffic and just launching your business online, where do we gain email subscribers? I am trying to avoid social media like a plague as much as possible (aside from Pinterest and just showing up on Instagram, because I know I’m easy to squirrel and get sucked in the vortex.) I see this often where online creatives talk about traffic from their email list or sales, but I don’t see much of how they are getting the subscribers in the first place… I feel a lot are buying ads or have incredible SEO?”

So if you’re in the same boat—starting something new with no audience and no clue how to grow—I want to share exactly what I did when I launched my last big idea.

Spoiler: I didn’t use my email list, my website, or even my name. I launched it in the scrappiest way possible. And it still worked so I know it will work for you too!

The Backstory: Launching Without the Safety Net

When I launched Wordsmith, I made a pretty bold decision: I didn’t use my audience.

I had built up a list of over 60,000 subscribers, thousands of customers, and social media followers across multiple platforms. But I wanted to test a theory.

What if I launched something as a total nobody?

No list.
No followers.
No fancy website.
No name recognition.

Just a good offer, placed in front of the right people, using the strategies I’d been teaching and using for years.

So I uploaded Wordsmith to a simple course platform, didn’t link it to my main site, and didn’t even announce it publicly for months. Instead, I created a couple of Pinterest ads, turned them on, and waited.

What happened?

I scaled it to $10,000 MRR (monthly recurring revenue)—before I ever posted about it on Instagram, emailed my list, or updated my website.

The Shift: Why This Changed Everything for Me

This experience reminded me of something I think we all need to hear:

You don’t need a big audience to get started. You need a strategy.

I know that sounds like something plucked off a Pinterest quote board, but it’s true. When you focus on getting in front of the right people instead of everyone, your growth becomes intentional and scalable.

It’s not about being viral. It’s about being visible—strategically.

And in today’s world, when social media can feel like a treadmill you didn’t mean to hop on, this strategy is a breath of fresh air.

A few years ago, I was in the thick of it. You know the feeling—the constant pressure to keep up with the latest algorithm change, the endless content creation cycle, the sense that if you’re not posting every day, you’re falling behind. Social media felt like it had become a full-time job, and honestly, it was exhausting.

But then one day, I decided to take a deep breath and really look at my numbers. Not my follower count or how many people liked my latest post—but the actual metrics that were bringing in sales.

And let me tell you, what I found was eye-opening.

Where the Real Traffic Was Coming From

When I finally sat down and pulled up my analytics, here’s what I found:

The majority of my traffic was direct. These were people typing in my URL directly or coming from a saved bookmark. These weren’t people discovering me on Instagram—they were actively seeking me out.

Next up was search. People were finding me through Google, not from a perfectly curated Instagram feed.

Then came email marketing. The emails I was sending out without flashy graphics or viral hooks were driving more sales than any reel or story.

And at the very bottom? Social media. Despite the hours spent crafting posts, reels, and stories, it was barely moving the needle.

I couldn’t believe it. All that time spent crafting social media posts, stressing over hashtags, and trying to crack the algorithm… and for what? A tiny sliver of my traffic and sales.

The Client Who Was Just Like Me

I was working with a 1:1 client recently who was feeling the exact same overwhelm. She was pouring hours into Instagram—creating reels, going live, responding to comments—but her sales just weren’t reflecting the effort.

When we looked at her analytics, the numbers told the exact same story as mine.

53% of her revenue came from direct traffic.

30% was from search.

16% came from email marketing.

And at the bottom? Social media, bringing in just 3% of revenue. All those hours spent creating Instagram content? A mere drop in the revenue bucket.

Seeing those numbers was a huge wake-up call for her—and a reminder for me.

It made me realize that it wasn’t just me experiencing this shift. Most business owners are probably pouring so much time and energy into social media, thinking it’s the main driver of their sales and traffic, when in reality, their email list—which they might barely use—is outperforming it without even trying.

Why Social Media Feels “Safe” But Isn’t

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the dopamine hit of social media. A like, a comment, a new follower—it all feels good in the moment. But those vanity metrics don’t pay the bills.

The real money? It’s in the boring metrics that don’t always feel as exciting:

→ Direct Traffic: These are people who already know, like, and trust you. They’re coming to your site intentionally. If you’re not tracking where they’re coming from, you’re missing out.

→ Search Traffic: This is the gift that keeps on giving. Content you created years ago can still bring in new leads and sales today.

→ Email Marketing: Every time you hit send, you’re landing directly in someone’s inbox—a place where they’re already paying attention.

→ Social Media: Yes, it still matters. But if it’s not driving sales, it might be time to rethink how much effort you’re putting into it.

How to Start Tracking the Right Metrics

If you’re ready to shift your focus from vanity metrics to what really drives revenue, here’s where to start:

1. Open Google Analytics

Head straight to the acquisition section and take a hard look at your traffic sources. Where are your sales actually coming from? Identify which channels are driving the most conversions and adjust your focus accordingly.

2. Check Your Email Marketing Platform

How many clicks, opens, and sales are your emails generating? This is often an untapped goldmine. Look at your top-performing emails and replicate the strategies that work.

3. Look at Your Search Traffic

What keywords are people using to find you? Are you showing up for the terms that actually relate to what you sell? Dive into Google Search Console to see which search terms are bringing in the most traffic.

4. Assess Your Social Media ROI

Are your posts leading to sales or just engagement? If it’s the latter, it might be time to scale back and focus elsewhere. Track the clicks and conversions coming

Let me just say this right off the bat: I’ve never been the kind of person who could just do one thing. I run multiple businesses. I build things from scratch. I pivot, I create, I explore new ideas like a kid with a blank notebook and a brand new set of colored markers.

And you know what? I love it that way.

Some people hear that and say, “Wow, that sounds exhausting.”

But to me? It’s energizing—because I’ve learned how to do it without burning out.

If you’re someone who’s multi-passionate too, you know the feeling. Your mind is full of ideas. You’ve got dreams in one hand and a to-do list in the other. And while it’s a beautiful thing to be creative and curious and excited about more than one path… it can also feel a little chaotic if you don’t have a system in place.

Because here’s the truth: When you’re multi-passionate and disorganized, it starts to feel like you’re constantly running in circles.

You’re working hard—sometimes really hard—but you’re not seeing the kind of progress you want. You’re pouring your energy into so many different places that nothing feels like it’s truly moving forward. You feel pulled in multiple directions. Unsure which idea to run with, which task to prioritize, which business needs your attention the most.

You sit down to work and freeze—not because you don’t have ideas, but because you have too many. And that kind of overwhelm? It can lead to burnout, second-guessing, and spinning your wheels without ever gaining real traction.

The good news? It doesn’t have to be that way.

The moment you put a structure in place—the moment you start mapping out your ideas, organizing your projects, and planning your time with intention—you go from scattered to strategic.

From overwhelmed to in control.

From “I’m doing everything and nothing is working,” to “I know exactly what to focus on this week.”

That shift is powerful.

So today, I want to talk about how to find your focus when you’re multi-passionate—without forcing yourself to pick just one thing. Because you don’t have to. You just need to be a little more strategic about how you manage it all.

First, Let’s Redefine “Focus”

We tend to think of “focus” as choosing one thing and sticking with it forever.

But for me, focus means being intentional with my time and energy. It means knowing which hat I’m wearing today, and giving that version of me the attention it deserves—without guilt that I’m not doing everything at once.

I think focus is less about narrowing your dreams, and more about designing your life and business in a way that lets you pursue them well.

Why I Love Being Multi-Passionate (and How I Make It Work)

I’ve built a life and career around multiple ventures—each with its own purpose, audience, and strategy.

From digital products to content strategy, from writing to tech development (hello, Wordsmith 👋), I’ve learned to switch gears without losing momentum. But here’s the key:

👉 I don’t treat every business like it’s happening all at once.

I map out my year. I segment my focus. I batch my work.

Content Prompt: When you [specific action or result from your service], it doesn’t just change [initial benefit]—it changes everything. From [related benefit] to [unexpected positive outcome], the ripple effect is real. Let’s start creating yours today.

Copywriting Formula: Cause and Effect

This week’s content prompt taps into one of the most powerful parts of storytelling: cause and effect.

It’s easy to talk about what your service does on the surface—but what happens after that initial transformation? What shifts? What doors open? What positive chain reaction begins?

When you help your audience understand the full scope of what’s possible, they don’t just want your service—they feel the value.

Why It Works:

Sometimes the big, life-changing moments start with small steps. But your audience might not always see how those small wins lead to bigger transformations. This formula paints the whole picture.

It connects the dots between what your service does today and how it impacts everything else tomorrow—business growth, confidence, peace of mind, freedom, energy… all the things your audience actually wants.

And when they start to see that domino effect? They’re all in.

I can still remember the feeling—packing up my gear on a Friday night, knowing I’d be spending yet another weekend photographing other families while missing time with my own.

At the time, I was fully booked with motherhood sessions—those beautiful, emotional, joy-filled shoots with mamas and their babies. While I genuinely loved capturing those sweet connections and helping other mothers freeze time in such a fleeting season, there was always a quiet ache in my chest.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And then something amazing happened.

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

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

From One Product to Multiple Streams

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

For years, I felt like I was doing it all wrong.

Every business coach, every article, every well-meaning voice seemed to echo the same message: Pick one thing. Stick with it. Find your niche. Stay in your lane.

But that never felt right to me. I wasn’t made to stay in one lane.

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

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

None of those things feel random to me.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Content Prompt: If you’ve been stuck in the cycle of [specific problem], I see you. It’s frustrating. It’s exhausting. And it’s not your fault. But what if it didn’t have to be this hard? With [your service], you don’t have to keep spinning your wheels. I’ll help you [specific benefit] and finally move forward.”

Copywriting Formula: PAS (Problem – Agitation – Solution)

One of the most effective formulas for copy that connects is PAS. Why? Because it leads with empathy.

We start by identifying the problem your audience is facing—something that makes them nod their head and say, “Yep, that’s me.” Then, we agitate the pain a little—reminding them what it feels like to sit in that struggle. And finally, we offer the solution—your service, your offer, your expertise. It’s not just a pitch; it’s a hand reaching out saying, “I’ve got you.”

It works because it’s human. It’s honest. It shows your audience that you get them before you try to guide them.

Why It Works:

People take action when they feel understood. PAS shows your audience that you know exactly where they are, what they’re dealing with, and what’s possible on the other side. It turns the conversation from “here’s what I do” to “here’s how I can help YOU.”

It’s not about painting a doom-and-gloom picture. It’s about validating their experience and being the person who’s willing to offer a better way.

Wordsmith Instructions:

Write a blog post that speaks directly to a common struggle your audience is facing. Use PAS to identify the pain point, stir the emotion behind it, and show how your service offers real relief. Keep it heartfelt and honest. End with a CTA that gently invites them to take the next step.

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

She was tired.

Tired of trying to keep up with the trends. Tired of throwing content out into the void and hoping it landed somewhere meaningful. Tired of wondering if what she was doing was even working.

And honestly? I’ve been there, too.

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

What I love about working with clients on their marketing strategy is getting to take a step back with them. Zooming out. Looking at the big picture.

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

The Power of a Long-Term Marketing Strategy

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

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

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

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

The reality? Organic traffic alone isn’t enough.

The average organic reach for a Facebook post is just 6.4% of your total followers (Invoca).

On Instagram, engagement rates have dropped significantly as competition for visibility increases (The Graygency).

Pinterest, while still a strong organic traffic driver, requires consistent content creation to maintain visibility.

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

How Paid Ads Solve the Organic Reach Problem

1. They Guarantee Visibility

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

2. They Target Your Ideal Customers

Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest offer detailed targeting options, allowing you to reach people based on demographics, interests, behaviors, and even past interactions with your brand. This means you’re not just reaching more people—you’re reaching the right people.

3. They Create Consistent Traffic & Sales

One of the biggest struggles with organic marketing is inconsistency. Some weeks are booming, while others are slow. Paid ads create a steady flow of traffic, bringing potential customers to your website every single day.

4. They Provide Measurable Results

With paid advertising, you’re not guessing what’s working. Every ad campaign comes with detailed insights—click-through rates, conversions, return on investment—so you can see exactly what’s bringing in results and adjust accordingly.

How to Get Started with Ads (Without Wasting Money)

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

Step 1: Set Clear Goals

Before running ads, ask yourself:

Do I want more website traffic?

Do I need to generate leads?

Am I looking to increase direct sales?

If you’ve ever felt exhausted trying to keep up with social media trends just to stay visible, let me introduce you to one of the BEST platform for passive sales: Pinterest. Unlike Instagram, where your posts disappear into the void within a day (or even hours), Pinterest works differently.

It’s not a social platform like most everything thinks—it’s a search engine. That means the content you post today has the power to bring in sales weeks, months, even years down the line.

And that, my friend, is the kind of marketing I can get behind.

How Pinterest Works Differently From Social Media

Most social media platforms are designed to keep people engaged on the platform itself—endless scrolling, short-lived posts, and constantly shifting algorithms. Pinterest, on the other hand, is designed to send people off the platform to find what they’re looking for.

Think of it like this:

Instagram = Content disappears fast. You have to keep posting to stay relevant.

Pinterest = Content builds over time. One pin can send traffic to your site for years.

Why Pinterest Is Perfect for Passive Sales

Here’s the magic of Pinterest—it connects buyers to your business at the exact moment they’re looking for a solution.

Think about how people use Pinterest. They’re searching for inspiration, ideas, and things to buy. Whether it’s a Lightroom preset, an online course, or a physical product, they’re already in the mindset to take action.

This is why Pinterest drives some of the highest-converting traffic compared to other platforms. People aren’t just scrolling mindlessly; they’re searching with intent—and when your product pops up as the solution? That’s when the magic happens.

How I Use Pinterest to Make Passive Sales

Step 1: Optimize Your Website for Pinterest Traffic

Before you even start pinning, make sure your website is ready to convert visitors into customers.

Create clear landing pages for your products, services, or freebies.

Have an email opt-in to capture leads from Pinterest traffic.

Use strong CTAs (calls to action) that guide visitors toward making a purchase.

Step 2: Create Pins That Drive Clicks

Pinterest is a visual platform, so your pin

If you had told me years ago that SEO would become one of my favorite parts of my marketing strategy, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. Like so many entrepreneurs, I thought social media was the way to grow. I spent hours creating content, chasing trends, and trying to keep up with ever-changing algorithms—all in the hopes that my next post would reach the right people.

But then I started paying attention to something different: search engines. I realized that while social media posts disappear within hours or days, a well-written blog post, optimized for SEO, could bring me consistent traffic for years.

Now? Thousands of people find my business every single month—without me having to post on social media every day. And I’m going to show you exactly how you can do the same.

Why SEO Works (Even If You Don’t Have a Big Audience)

One of the biggest myths I believed early on was that I needed a huge following to make an impact. But the truth is, SEO works for everyone, no matter the size of your audience. Why? Because when people search for something on Google or Pinterest, they’re already interested in that topic.

They’re looking for solutions—which means they’re way more likely to become your next customer.

Here’s the beauty of SEO:

It’s not about being popular—it’s about being searchable.

It works 24/7, even when you’re not online.

You create content once, and it keeps bringing in leads for months (or even years).

Unlike social media, where your content disappears into the void, SEO helps people find you exactly when they need you.

How I Use SEO to Attract Thousands of Visitors Every Month

I didn’t wake up one day magically ranking on Google. I had to be intentional about my strategy. Here’s exactly what I did to make SEO work for me—and what you can do too.

Step 1: Create Content That Solves a Problem

Think about your ideal client or customer. What are they struggling with? What questions are they asking? What solutions are they looking for?

Before I write anything, I always start by brainstorming content ideas that directly help my audience. Some of my best-performing articles are based on real questions I’ve been asked over and over again.

💡 Action step: Make a list of 10–15 common questions or problems your audience has. These will become the foundation of your SEO strategy.