If you’ve been searching for the perfect email marketing platform, chances are you’ve come across Flodesk. With its visually stunning email templates, intuitive design, and promise of a flat-rate pricing model, it’s easy to see why so many female entrepreneurs are making the switch. But is Flodesk really worth the investment? And how does it compare to other platforms, especially as your email list grows?

Let’s break down Flodesk’s pricing, what you get for your money, and whether it’s the right long-term choice for your business.

Flodesk’s Pricing Structure: A Flat Fee That Stands Out

One of the biggest selling points of Flodesk is its flat-rate pricing model. Unlike other email marketing platforms that charge based on the number of subscribers you have, Flodesk keeps it simple:

$38 per month (or $35 per month when paid annually at $420/year)

No price increases based on subscriber count

Unlimited emails and workflows

No additional charges for automation

I used to spend hours fighting with other email platforms just to get my emails looking halfway decent. I spent more time trying to set everything up and sending simple emails than actually growing my email list. Since switching to Flodesk, growing my list feels effortless and automated. With Flodesk, I can whip up a beautiful email in minutes. It’s the kind of tool that makes running your business fun instead of frustrating.

What You Get for the Price

→ Unlimited Subscribers – Whether you have 500 or 50,000 subscribers, you pay the same. (Spoiler: most platforms charge way more once you pass 10k subscribers.)

→ Drop-Dead Gorgeous Emails – Seriously, Flodesk makes your emails look so professional without needing a designer. And if you need some premade design with copy then I got you covered with these Flodesk Templates.

→ Simple, Effective Automation – Welcome sequences, sales funnels, launch emails—it’s all drag-and-drop easy.

→ No Tech Headaches – You don’t need to know HTML or coding. It’s all super intuitive.

→ Fully Branded Designs – Upload your own fonts, colors, and logos to make your emails 100% you.

I used to spend hours fighting with other email platforms just to get my emails looking halfway decent. With Flodesk, I can whip up a beautiful em

How Flodesk Compares to Other Platforms

If you’re thinking, “Okay, but is Flodesk really the best deal?”—let’s compare. Here’s what it costs to have a 50,000-person email list on some of the big-name platforms:

I used to believe that if I just followed the latest trends, my marketing would magically fall into place. That if I jumped on the latest viral sounds, participated in every trending challenge, and crafted my content to match what the algorithm wanted, I’d finally see the results I was chasing. But after years of playing that game—posting, adjusting, and constantly feeling behind—I realized something big:

Trends come and go. But your brand? It deserves a strategy that feels timeless.

Before I took a whole year off from social media, marketing felt like a never-ending to-do list. There was always something new to keep up with. A new format. A new platform. A new strategy that someone swore was the “game-changer.”

But when I stepped away, something beautiful happened—I realized that my business was going to be just fine without it.

That realization changed everything.

Why Chasing Trends Isn’t a Marketing Strategy

When I look back on my time before stepping away from social media, I see just how much I was creating for the platform instead of creating for my business. I wasn’t focusing on what actually worked for me—I was focusing on what was working for everyone else.

And that’s where so many entrepreneurs get stuck.

Trends give the illusion that if we just hop on board at the right time, our business will explode. But here’s the truth: chasing trends is like running on a treadmill—you’re constantly moving, but you’re not actually getting anywhere. Sure, you might get a quick spike in engagement, but what happens when that trend fades? You’re left scrambling to find the next big thing, repeating the cycle over and over again.

The biggest shift happened when I stopped looking at trends as a strategy and started looking at them as tools—things I could use occasionally, but not things I needed to depend on for success. And when I made that change, I found myself creating content that actually felt good, content that didn’t feel forced or rushed, but instead felt aligned with the vision I had for my business.

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

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

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

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

Mistake #1: Running Ads Without a Clear Strategy

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

What Happens When You Don’t Have a Strategy?

You waste money on ads that don’t convert.

You get random traffic that doesn’t actually buy.

You feel frustrated and convinced that ads “don’t work.”

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

What to Do Instead:

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

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

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

For years, I let social media dictate my content strategy. I would wake up, figure out what to post that day, and spend way too much time scrolling, getting sidetracked by what everyone else was doing. My focus was on what would perform well on social media—not what would actually move my business forward.

Then, I took a full year off social media (you can read about that here), and suddenly, everything changed. Without the constant pressure to create for Instagram, I was able to take a step back and ask myself: What kind of content actually supports my business? What type of content attracts my ideal customers? What helps me grow in a way that feels aligned and sustainable? What kind of content will feel authentic to who I am?

And that’s when I realized: I had my content strategy completely backwards.

The Mistake: Letting Social Media Lead the Way

For the longest time, I believed that social media was the foundation of my marketing. If I could just create the right posts, go viral, or keep up with trends, then everything else would fall into place.

But here’s the problem: social media is fleeting. Posts disappear in hours. Engagement doesn’t always lead to conversions. And constantly trying to figure out “what works” on social media meant I was chasing algorithms instead of building a real strategy.

Social media isn’t bad—but when it becomes the primary driver of your content strategy, it leads to burnout, frustration, and a whole lot of wasted time. I spent years stuck in this cycle, constantly tweaking my content to fit what I thought the algorithm wanted, instead of focusing on the long-term success of my business.

The truth? I was creating content for an audience that wasn’t even mine.

Every time I posted, I hoped for engagement, for validation, for a sign that I was “doing it right.” But I wasn’t building a sustainable marketing strategy—I was just feeding a system that rewarded short-term visibility over long-term growth. And today, I see so many business owners falling into the same trap, feeling beyond frustrated with their marketing strategy.

The Shift: Prioritizing SEO, My Blog, and My Email List

When I stepped away from social media, I had to rethink everything. Without it, where was my audience coming from? How was I reaching new customers?

That’s when I started focusing on:

SEO – Writing blog posts optimized for search so people could find me long after I published.
My Newsletter – Growing and nurturing my email list because it’s the only platform I own.
Long-Form Content – Creating high-value articles, guides, and resources that answer the questions my ideal customers are already searching for.
Creating Pinterest Pins – Turning my long-form content into searchable, evergreen pins because Pinterest is a search engine, not a social media platform.

Instead of creating for social media, I started creating for my business. I built my content strategy around what actually drives traffic, generates leads, and converts into sales.

And the best part? My content started working for me—even when I wasn’t online.

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

Copywriting Formula: Small Wins to Big Wins

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

Here’s how it works:

Start with a small win. Identify a small but meaningful success your clients experience early on when working with you.

Connect it to a bigger transformation. Show how these smaller victories build momentum and contribute to their larger goals.

Make it relatable. People love success stories they can see themselves in, so keep it personal and inspiring.

Call to action. Invite them to take the next step so they can start stacking their own wins.

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

Wordsmith Instructions

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

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

How to Use This Prompt

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

Think about the small wins. What’s something simple yet impactful that your clients experience when working with you?

Share the ripple effect. Show how that small win leads to even greater results over time.

Make it feel real. Use personal language, client stories, or real-life examples to create connection.

End with an invitation. Encourage your audience to take that first step toward their own success.

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

To help fellow entrepreneurs show up online and share their stories without the constant struggle of not knowing what to say.

To build something without spending my life glued to traditional social media platforms.

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

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

Why Pinterest Ads?

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

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

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

How I Used Pinterest Ads to Validate My Idea

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

I started with a simple strategy:

Created a few pre-written content templates and published them monthly to test the concept.

Ran a small Pinterest ad campaign targeting keywords that my ideal customers were searching for.

Tracked conversions to see if people were actually interested in what I was offering.

The result? They ate it up.

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

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

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

Why I Walked Away

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

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

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

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

What Happened When I Quit Social Media

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

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

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

If you’ve been told that no one reads anymore, that people only want quick videos, catchy soundbites, or viral trends, I’m here to tell you—the experts are wrong.

I know because I’ve been told the same thing. More than once. Have I listened? Nope.

A little while ago, I was working with a Pinterest manager—someone who literally worked at Pinterest—who reviewed my content and told me flat-out: People don’t care to read all that. She pointed to one of my pins filled with text from a recent blog post and urged me to take a look at what other people were doing. Quick, catchy videos. Minimal text. Just enough to grab attention, not enough to make someone stop and actually read.

Her words stung. I’ve always done things a little differently when it comes to content. I love writing from the heart, and—if I’m being honest—my posts almost always end up longer than ideal. I’ve hit Instagram’s character limit more times than I’d like to admit. But hearing someone so experienced say, No one is reading this made me question everything in that moment. Maybe I was doing it wrong. Maybe no one actually cared.

Except—I knew that wasn’t true.

I Have the Proof (And It’s in the Data)

Here’s the thing: I actually have the analytics to back up the fact that people do read. They read my long captions on Instagram. They read my blog posts. They even read my text-heavy Pinterest pins—the very ones I was told would never work. The longest emails I send out, get the most replies.

In a world where everyone is chasing viral clips and five-second attention spans, long-form content stands out. When you take the time to show up, share your story, and write from the heart, people stop. They listen. They engage. They connect.

The experts say people don’t have time. I say people make time for what matters to them.

And your words? They matter.

Stop Trying to Fit Yourself Into a Tiny Box

I see it all the time—entrepreneurs trying to shrink themselves to fit the “rules” of online content. Keep your captions short. Say less. Stick to trends. Follow the algorithm. But here’s what I’ve learned: The people who are meant to connect with you will connect with you, no matter what the experts say.

If writing is how you express yourself, don’t stop just because someone told you it won’t work. If storytelling is part of your brand, tell the story. If you have something to say, say it.

Your audience isn’t looking for you to be a copy-paste version of what’s trending. They’re looking for you.

If you’ve ever looked at someone else’s business success and thought, Wow, it seems like they just came out of nowhere, I want to let you in on a little secret: There’s no such thing as overnight success. Sure, there are moments that might feel like sudden breakthroughs, but behind every so-called ‘overnight’ success story, there are years of hard work, missteps, learning curves, and perseverance.

I’ll be the first to admit that building a business is not a straight path. It’s not a perfectly paved road where you’re guaranteed to hit all the milestones at the exact right time. Honestly? It feels a lot more like a winding trail on a hike. Some days you’re walking with purpose, feeling clear about where you’re headed. Other days, the trail disappears, and you’re left wondering if you’re even going in the right direction. Sound familiar?

Let’s talk about the truth behind what it really takes to build a business—and why the ups, downs, and in-betweens are all part of the journey.

The Winding Path of Entrepreneurship

If you’ve ever been on a hike where you don’t know how many miles it’ll take to reach the summit, you’ll understand what running a business feels like. Sometimes, you can see the goal clearly ahead, and it fuels you to keep moving forward. Other times, the path feels overgrown and unmarked, and you’re left trying to figure out your next step.

You can’t control the weather—there will be rainy days and storms you didn’t see coming. You can’t always predict how much energy the trail will demand of you. But what you can do is keep putting one foot in front of the other, trusting that each step brings you closer to your goal.

In business, it’s not about consistently being perfect. It’s about consistently showing up. The entrepreneurs you admire didn’t get where they are because they had everything figured out from day one. They got there because they kept taking small steps forward, even when the path was uncertain.

The Work No One Sees

When you see someone celebrating their success—whether it’s a sold-out launch, a viral product, or a milestone revenue goal—it’s easy to assume they’ve “made it.” But what you don’t see are the countless hours of work that led to that moment. The late nights. The failed experiments. The doubts they had to push through.

For most of us, success is the result of years of effort that no one else sees. It’s showing up day after day, doing the work even when it feels like no one is paying attention. It’s staying committed to your vision when it would be so much easier to quit.

Let me set the scene: it’s 6:30 a.m., the house is still quiet… for about five more minutes. My coffee is brewing, my brain is starting to boot up, and I’m savoring the calm before the beautiful chaos begins. But here’s the thing – working from home as a mom? It’s not all pretty desks and filtered Instagram moments. It’s snack requests and client emails, homeschool lessons and laundry piles, and a whole lot of figuring it out as I go.

I’ve been working from home for over a decade, and let me tell you, it’s been a ride. There’s been a lot of trial and error, a lot of spilled coffee and missed deadlines, and a lot of growth… both for me and my kids. Our current routine? It’s what works right now (emphasis on “right now”), but trust me, it’s been through many iterations over the years.

Mornings: The Calm Before the Storm

Our day kicks off around 6:30 a.m. because, in our house, we raise early risers. (I haven’t figured out to get them to sleep past 7). The coffee gets poured, the little ones start stirring, and by 7:00, we’re in full swing. Breakfast happens somewhere between pancakes and chaos, and by 8:00, my husband heads to his barn office for work. Yes, he has a sanctuary of peace out there while I hold down the fort inside.

My older two kids, 16 and 12, head upstairs to the homeschool room to dive into their lessons. They’ve reached that beautiful age where they’re largely independent, but the little ones? My 4- and 5-year-olds are my shadow. My little sidekicks. They’re in the magnet tile phase right now (bless those colorful little lifesavers), so I’ll tidy up the house while they build elaborate towers that… inevitably collapse.

I’ve learned a little trick: starting the day with a clean slate makes everything feel lighter. Beds made, laundry started, counters wiped down. I’d love to sit down with my coffee first thing in the morning, but trust me, having a tidy house sets the tone for a better day.

Mid-Mornings: Controlled Chaos

By mid-morning, we’re usually knee-deep in all the things. The little ones might be helping me collect eggs from the chickens (a favorite task) or chopping veggies for lunch. Is it faster if I do it myself? Sure. But seeing their little faces light up when they’re “helping” makes the extra time worth it.

Around 10:30, I’ll try to sneak in a little work. Keyword: try. Whether it’s answering emails, writing, or planning projects, it’s usually done in five-minute increments between snack requests and sibling disputes. But that’s just part of it. The workday looks different when you’re a mom, and that’s okay.

Lunch Breaks and Reset Moments

We pause for lunch at 12:00, and by then, the older kids are finishing up their homeschool work and getting ready to head to the horse farm. It’s their happy place, and honestly, I’m grateful they have it. The house quiets down for a bit, and I take the chance to reset – clean up the kitchen (again), play with the little ones, and maybe even sit down for a moment.

Afternoons are when I get the bulk of my work done. I’ll set up at the dining room table with my laptop while the little ones play or nap. It’s never uninterrupted, but it’s my most productive stretch of the day. Deadlines are met in between building block towers and making yet another round of snacks. This is the season I’m in, and I’ve learned to embrace the ebb and flow.

Evenings: Family Time and Fitness

By 4:00, we start prepping dinner together. The little ones love to help, so I’ll hand them simple tasks like stirring or setting the table. One of their favorite things to play is that we’re running a restaurant, so I try to give it my best shot at running my very own Hell’s Kitchen.

My husband wraps up his workday by 5:00, the older kids return from the farm, and we all sit down for dinner. It’s my favorite part of the day – a chance to connect, laugh, and hear about everyone’s day.

Our evenings usually end at the gym. It’s a non-negotiable for us as a family. The kids’ play area is a dream for the little ones, and my husband and I get time to focus on fitness and unwind. We’ll squeeze in a treadmill run and end the night relaxing in the hot tub. By the time we’re back home, it’s 8:00, and bedtime for the little ones is in full swing.

The Truth Behind the Instagram Grid

Here’s the thing: working from home as a mom isn’t glamorous. My days don’t look like an Instagram highlight reel, and I’ve come to accept that. Most days, I’m juggling too much, feeling stretched thin, and wondering if I’m doing enough. But then, there are moments… the quiet bedtime snuggles, the impromptu dance parties, the “I love you, Mom” that makes everything worth it.

I remind myself often: this is a season. One day, the little ones won’t need me every minute. One day, the house will stay clean. One day, there will be uninterrupted hours for work. But today, I’ll take the chaos, the noise, and the beautiful mess because I know I’ll miss it when it’s gone.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: give yourself a little grace. Every family’s rhythm is different, and what works for me might not work for you. That’s okay. The beauty of working from home is the freedom to create a life that fits your values, your passions, and your family’s needs.

So, to my fellow moms juggling work, kids, and life: you’re doing enough. Give yourself credit for the big wins and the small ones, and remember that the messy moments are often the most meaningful. And if you’re still figuring it out? Welcome to the club. We all are.

You don’t need to be everywhere, doing everything, to see real results in your business. In fact, trying to do too much might be the very thing holding you back. I know, it feels counterintuitive—more marketing should mean more results, right? But here’s the truth: less really can be more.

Simplifying your marketing doesn’t mean sacrificing your impact. It means focusing on what works, cutting out what doesn’t, and showing up with intention. Let’s talk about how to streamline your marketing efforts without losing momentum.

Step 1: Get Crystal Clear on Your Goals

Before you simplify your marketing, you need to know what you’re working toward. Are you trying to grow your email list? Boost website traffic? Increase sales? The clearer you are on your goals, the easier it will be to figure out which marketing efforts are worth your time—and which ones aren’t.

Ask yourself:

What’s my #1 priority right now?

Where do my best leads or clients currently come from?

Which marketing channels bring the most results?

Once you know your goals, you can start cutting back on the things that don’t serve them.

Step 2: Focus on the Platforms That Matter

You don’t need to be on every social media platform to build a successful business. It’s okay to not be everywhere. Instead, focus on the platforms where your audience actually spends their time.

For example:

If your ideal clients love scrolling Instagram, focus your energy there.

If you’re a service-based business, LinkedIn might be where you shine.

Pinterest is perfect for driving long-term website traffic.

Give yourself permission to let go of platforms that aren’t delivering results. It’s better to show up consistently on one or two platforms than to be s

Did I just Google “how long is a marathon”? Yes. Yes, I did. Because somehow, I’ve decided that running a marathon (that’s 26.2 miles for those like me who didn’t know) in Honolulu sounds like a great idea, even for someone who’s only ever managed to run five miles—on a really good day.

Let’s be clear: I’m not a runner. The only running I do regularly involves chasing my two little ones around the house or racing to the kitchen before my coffee gets cold. But here I am, putting this wild goal out into the universe. I’m planning to run a marathon, and I can’t believe I’m saying that.

So, why this goal? Why now? Let me tell ya.

Choosing to Do Something Just for Me

As a mom of four, most of my attention goes toward raising and homeschooling my kids. I run my business from home, which gives me a ton of flexibility, but it also means that my personal time is practically non-existent. My days are a juggling act of lesson plans, family time, snack requests, and laundry—so much laundry.

Somewhere along the way, I stopped making time to do things just for me. And if you’re a parent, you probably know exactly what I mean. It’s easy to get lost in the needs of everyone else and forget that we deserve a little slice of our own time and energy, too. Back in my early business days, when I was working as a photographer, most of my weekends required me to travel to new locations for weddings and sessions. Although it was technically work, it often felt like a fun weekend getaway—a chance to do something on my own and explore new places. I didn’t realize at the time how important that solo time was for me.

Running a marathon is my way of claiming that space for myself. It’s a commitment to me. It’s a reminder that I’m allowed to set big goals that have nothing to do with being a mom or running a business.

And honestly? It feels empowering to choose something this big and audacious.

My Love for Unrealistic Goals

I have this weird obsession with setting really unrealistic goals and then figuring out how to make them happen. Running a business has always felt a lot like that—setting big dreams, making a plan, and just trusting that I’ll figure it out along the way.

Running a marathon feels exactly the same.

Right now, I can’t run more than five miles without feeling like my lungs might give out. But I’m not worried about where I am today—I’m focused on where I could be a few months from now. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that big goals push us in the right direction, even if they feel impossible at first.

How many times do we stop ourselves from going after something because we think, “I could never do that”? What if we flipped the narrative and thought, “I can’t do that yet but I’m willing to try”?