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

Sound familiar? Let’s change that.

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

Why Your Website Matters More Than Ever

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

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

Step 1: Make a Killer First Impression

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

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

Step 2: Build Trust Through Your About Page

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

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

Step 3: Create Content That Converts

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

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

Step 4: Make It Easy to Work with You

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

Here’s what to include:

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

Step 5: Optimize for Mobile

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

Step 6: Automate Where You Can

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

Your Website Is Your 24/7 Salesperson

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

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

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

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

She was tired.

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

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

And honestly? I’ve been there, too.

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

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

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

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

The Power of a Long-Term Marketing Strategy

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

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

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

Where I Start With Every Strategy

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

What are we actually trying to build here?

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

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

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

Think Beyond Social Media

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

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

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

What a Sustainable Strategy Looks Like

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

Start with a big picture business strategy.

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

Brainstorm your content by category.

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

Create your content schedule.

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

Follow a content funnel that prioritizes long-term platforms.

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

Automate and repurpose.

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

Track results and refine.

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

Make space for rest.

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

When the Plan Brings Peace

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

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

Just clarity, and confidence.

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

Ready to Create a Strategy That Supports You?

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

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

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

Let those answers lead you.

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

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

Have you ever browsed a product online, only to see it pop up in an ad later that day—maybe while scrolling through Facebook, checking your email, or reading an article? That’s remarketing in action. And while it might feel like the internet is reading your mind, what’s actually happening is one of the smartest and most effective marketing strategies available to business owners today.

Remarketing ads focus on people who have already interacted with your brand—whether they visited your website, engaged with a social post, or even added something to their cart but didn’t check out. Unlike traditional ads that introduce your business to a cold audience, remarketing ads target warm leads—people who already know who you are and have shown interest in what you offer. And that’s why remarketing consistently delivers some of the highest ROI in digital advertising.

Why Remarketing Ads Work So Well

Think about it—most people don’t buy something the very first time they see it. Life gets busy, distractions happen, and sometimes they just need a little nudge. That’s where remarketing comes in.

By showing up again in front of someone who already browsed your site, engaged with your content, or considered making a purchase, you’re increasing the chances of turning that interest into a sale. Instead of spending ad dollars trying to convince new people that your offer is valuable, you’re investing in people who already believe in it—they just need a final nudge.

And the results? They speak for themselves. Just the other day, I spent $11 on a remarketing ad and made $470 in return. That’s not an everyday occurrence, but it perfectly illustrates why remarketing ads come with the best return on investment—because they focus on the people who have already taken a look at what you have to offer. Out of all the ads I’ve run over the years, remarketing has always come out on top.

How Remarketing Works

Remarketing ads work by tracking visitors to your website (or people who engage with your content) using a tracking pixel or code. When they leave your site without making a purchase, they get added to a custom audience list, and your ads start following them around the internet—on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Google, and beyond.

Essentially, instead of showing ads to random people, you’re only targeting those who have already shown interest in your business. That means:

• They’re already somewhat familiar with you.
• They’ve already taken action, even if it was just browsing.
• They’re much more likely to convert than someone seeing you for the first time.

That’s why remarketing ads don’t just increase conversions—they do so at a lower cost per conversion than cold audience ads.

Setting Up Your First Remarketing Ad

If you’re new to running ads, the thought of setting up remarketing might feel overwhelming, but I promise—it’s simpler than you think. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to get started:

1. Install the Right Tracking Pixel

First things first, you need to install a tracking pixel (or tag) from the platform you’ll be running ads on. Facebook has the Meta Pixel, Google has Google Tag Manager, and Pinterest has its own Pinterest Tag. These tracking tools allow you to see who is visiting your site so you can retarget them with ads later.

2. Build a Custom Audience

Once your pixel is in place, it will start collecting data on visitors. Now, you can create custom audiences based on different interactions, such as:

• People who visited your website in the last 30, 60, or 90 days.
• People who added an item to their cart but didn’t check out.
• People who engaged with your content (liked, commented, or shared a post).
• People who watched a percentage of your video content.

3. Create a Compelling Ad

Remarketing ads don’t need to be flashy or complex—but they do need to be strategic. Since you’re targeting warm leads, your messaging should remind them why they were interested in the first place. Here are some approaches that work well:

• Reminder Ads: “Still thinking about [product name]? It’s waiting for you!”
• Incentive Ads: “Take 10% off your order—just for coming back!”
• Social Proof Ads: “See why thousands of happy customers love [product name].”
• Urgency Ads: “Limited stock left! Grab yours before it’s gone.”

4. Set a Budget and Run the Ad

One of the best things about remarketing ads? They don’t require a huge budget. Because you’re only targeting a smaller, high-intent audience, you can start with as little as $5–$10 a day and see results. Once you’ve tested your ad and know it’s working, you can scale your budget as needed.

Why Remarketing Should Be Part of Your Strategy

One of the biggest mistakes I see business owners make is focusing all their efforts on attracting new customers while forgetting about the ones who are already halfway through the door.

Remarketing ads change that. They ensure that when someone expresses interest in your offer, they don’t forget about it five minutes later. They bring back the people who almost bought, remind past customers why they love you, and—when done right—deliver some of the best ROI you’ll ever see in digital marketing.

So if you haven’t started using remarketing ads yet, now’s the time. Set up your tracking pixel, build your audience, and watch what happens when you stop chasing cold leads and start focusing on the warm ones already waiting for you.

And if you’re ready to take your ad strategy to the next level, I break down everything you need to know in my Pinterest Ad Strategy Course. In just 90 minutes, I’ll walk you through exactly how I set up ads that convert, giving you real examples you can apply to your own business, check it out here!

Marketing. Just the word alone can feel overwhelming, right? There’s always something new, always another trend to chase, another algorithm to figure out. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wondered, Do I really need to do all of this?

Here’s the truth: It’s not about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things. And often, the right things aren’t flashy. They aren’t loud. They aren’t even the things you see plastered all over social media. The magic? It’s in the small, quiet actions that compound over time and create real, lasting results in your business.

The Power of Small, Quiet Actions

We’ve been conditioned to think that success comes from going big, working harder, hustling longer. But here’s what I’ve learned after over a decade in business: Sustainable growth comes from consistency, not chaos. It comes from intentional, quiet steps taken over time—steps that don’t burn you out but instead build a foundation for long-term success.

Think about some of the most powerful marketing strategies: word-of-mouth, strong client relationships, a clear brand message. These aren’t things you “launch” in one day. They grow from small, intentional actions—like sending a heartfelt email to your audience, responding personally to a DM, or simply showing up with valuable content week after week.

The question is: What small, quiet actions are you taking today that will lead to big results tomorrow?

Small Actions That Have a Big Impact

Now, let’s get practical. What are the small but mighty moves you can make in your marketing? Here are a few that I swear by:

1. Writing Personalized Emails

You don’t need a massive email list to make an impact. What you do need is connection. Instead of just blasting out promotional emails, try writing like you’re talking to a friend. Share a personal story, offer something valuable, and invite conversation. That one email could be the thing that turns a reader into a loyal customer.

Recently, I added a Sunday series to my newsletter workflow where I check in on Sunday mornings, sharing some personal thoughts with my list. No sales, no pitch—just a cozy way to show up, connect, and offer something real. It’s my way of building relationships that go beyond business, and the responses have been incredible. Sometimes, the smallest, most personal actions create the biggest impact.

2. Engaging in One-on-One Conversations

In a world of automation and bots, personal connection is a marketing superpower. Reply to DMs. Send voice messages. Comment thoughtfully on someone’s post. These small actions make people feel seen, and that builds trust—the foundation of any great brand.

3. Creating Consistent, Valuable Content

Instead of trying to be everywhere all at once, focus on one platform and show up consistently. Maybe it’s a weekly blog, a short-form video series, or a podcast. When you commit to creating value in a way that feels natural to you, you attract the right audience without feeling like you’re constantly chasing visibility.

This year, I made it my focus to consistently blog, and it has transformed my content creation process. Having a structured space to share thoughts, insights, and experiences has made everything else—social media posts, emails, and marketing strategies—so much easier and more focused. Instead of scrambling for content ideas, I now have a steady flow of topics to pull from, reinforcing my brand message and deepening my connection with my audience.

4. Following Up With Past Clients or Customers

Most people focus on attracting new customers, but your best marketing strategy? Serving the people who have already said “yes” to you. A simple follow-up email to a past client can lead to a repeat booking, a referral, or a testimonial that brings in even more clients.

5. Refining Your Message

If you feel like your marketing isn’t landing, it’s not about doing more—it’s about getting clearer. Take time to refine your message so that when someone finds you, they instantly know what you do, who you help, and why it matters. Small tweaks in your messaging can lead to big shifts in how people perceive and connect with your brand.

The Mindset Shift: Less Hustle, More Impact

Here’s the thing: Marketing isn’t about volume—it’s about impact. You don’t have to be the loudest voice in the room to make an impression. You don’t need to do all the things, post all the time, or be everywhere at once. What you do need is to focus on the actions that truly move the needle.

So, instead of asking, What else should I be doing? try asking:

• What small action can I take today that will build long-term trust?
• How can I connect with one person in a meaningful way?
• What message do I need to clarify to make my marketing more effective?

Marketing isn’t about the rush—it’s about the ripple effect. Small, quiet actions create movements.

Now, I want to hear from you: What’s one small, quiet action you can take today that will set your marketing in motion? Maybe it’s sending an email, replying to a comment, or brainstorming a content series that excites you. Whatever it is, start there.

Because the real secret to big marketing results? It’s not the loudest strategy. It’s the most consistent one.

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 spread thin across five.

Step 3: Repurpose Your Content

Work smarter, not harder. Instead of creating new content from scratch every day, start repurposing what you already have.

Here’s how:

• Turn a blog post into an email newsletter.
• Break a long video into short social media clips.
• Use an Instagram caption as the basis for a LinkedIn post.

Your audience isn’t seeing everything you post, so don’t be afraid to reuse your best content. It’s not about doing more—it’s about making the most of what you’ve already done.

Step 4: Automate Where You Can

Automation isn’t about replacing the human touch; it’s about freeing up your time so you can focus on what really matters.

Here are a few ways to simplify your marketing through automation:

• Schedule your social media posts in advance.
• Set up email sequences to nurture new subscribers.
• Use a CRM to manage client communication.

When you automate repetitive tasks, you have more time to engage with your audience in meaningful ways.

Step 5: Simplify Your Messaging

One of the biggest mistakes I see entrepreneurs make is overcomplicating their messaging. Your audience doesn’t need to know everything about your business upfront. They need to know how you can help them.

Simplify your messaging by focusing on these key points:

• Who you are.
• What you offer.
• How it helps your audience.

Keep it clear, concise, and consistent across all your marketing channels. When your message is simple and easy to understand, it resonates more deeply.

Step 6: Batch Your Work

Batching your marketing tasks can save you hours each week. Instead of switching between tasks constantly, dedicate specific blocks of time to focus on one type of work.

For example:

• Write all your Instagram captions for the week in one sitting.
• Record multiple videos in one session.
• Plan your email newsletters for the month in advance.

When you batch your work, you’re not starting from scratch every day. You’ll be amazed at how much more you can accomplish in less time.

Step 7: Track What Works (and Let Go of What Doesn’t)

You don’t need to do everything. You just need to do what works.

Take time to review your analytics and see which marketing efforts are bringing in the most results. Once you know what’s working, double down on those strategies—and let go of the rest.

Here’s what to track:

• Which social media posts get the most engagement?
• Which emails have the highest open rates?
• Which blog posts drive the most traffic?

Simplifying your marketing isn’t about doing less for the sake of it. It’s about doing more of what works and cutting out what doesn’t.

Step 8: Embrace Progress Over Perfection

Here’s your permission slip to stop aiming for perfection. Your marketing doesn’t need to be perfect—it needs to be real. Your audience connects with authenticity far more than polished perfection.

Done is better than perfect. Showing up is better than not showing up at all.

The Big Takeaway: Less Really Can Be More

Simplifying your marketing doesn’t mean sacrificing your results. It means getting intentional about where you show up, how you show up, and what you share.

Focus on what moves the needle. Let go of what doesn’t. And remember—your audience doesn’t need you everywhere. They just need you here, showing up in a way that feels real, intentional, and aligned with your goals.

When you simplify your marketing, you create space to do what you love, serve your audience, and grow your business without the overwhelm. And isn’t that what we’re all after?

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.

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.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING WORKBOOK

Since launching our Social Media Membership, we’ve had numerous requests for a workbook, and I’m thrilled to finally release this pretty little thing. It’s a 29-page workbook covering our marketing strategy. We even made sure to include 10 ready-to-go captions so you can jump right in and put this strategy to use!

Social media marketing has proven to be an effective means of boosting traffic and brand awareness for businesses of all sizes, which means that more and more companies are looking to get in on the action. The only problem? Creating a social media marketing strategy can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure where to start. But by following these three steps and using the Social Media Marketing Workbook, you’ll be able to create a great social media marketing strategy that works for your business.

The best social media marketing strategy is all about connecting with people—specifically, it’s about identifying who you want to reach and then how you want to reach them. Defining your target audience will help inform what content you should share (and when), how you interact with your followers, and which networks are right for your business. So start by defining who exactly you’re trying to reach before getting started with this social media marketing workbook.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING WORKBOOK

DOWNLOAD INCLUDES:

29 Social Media Guide
Social Media Strategy
10 Curated Captions
Social Stats Page
Goal Plan Page

Here’s a quick look at some of the pages;

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD WORKBOOK

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I’m sitting at my desk, coffee in hand, heart full of ideas—and if I’m being honest, a little bit of overwhelm too. The world of business and marketing is shifting fast, and with AI stepping onto the scene in a big way, it’s starting to feel like we’re all figuring it out in real time.

And here I am, building something right in the middle of it all.

We just did a massive update to Wordsmith. A completely redesigned dashboard that feels so much better—cleaner, easier to navigate, more intuitive. We added a whole new lineup of writing styles (they’re honestly so fun to play with), and more than anything, we laid the groundwork for what’s to come.

But I’d be lying if I said it didn’t feel big.

A Dream That’s Growing Bigger Than Me

When I first launched Wordsmith, it was simple: I wrote the content myself. I uploaded it. You logged in and had access to captions that were ready to go. It was built for real business owners who just needed a little help showing up online.

Now, we’re dreaming bigger. With AI entering the chat, everything has changed—and also, somehow, everything has stayed the same. Because at the core of Wordsmith is the same mission: to help you feel confident, clear, and supported in your content.

This next chapter? It’s about deepening that support.

So What’s Coming? Let Me Show You What I’m Dreaming Of

First up: a marketing calendar inside Wordsmith. One that helps you not just create content, but plan it. Organize it. Feel like you actually have a strategy again. (Because we both know that’s half the battle.)

Second: AI-powered idea generation that’s based on your business. I want you to be able to take a quiz that tells Wordsmith who you are, what you do, and how you want to sound online. And from there? Content ideas that actually make sense for your brand. Not generic fluff. Just real, aligned suggestions that take the pressure off.

Third: cross-platform sharing and creative assets. Imagine creating one amazing piece of content and Wordsmith gives you the visuals and the resized versions for Instagram, your newsletter, even Pinterest or LinkedIn. Total time-saver, right?

This is what I’m mapping out right now, with sticky notes everywhere and my mind racing with possibility.

It Feels Big—Because It Is

This next season of Wordsmith isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about building something that truly becomes part of your business. Something that gives you back your time and energy. Something that lets you feel proud of what you’re putting out into the world.

But I’m also human. And sometimes, building something that hasn’t been done before? It feels heavy. I want to get it right. I want it to be something you love using.

So I’m asking: if you’ve got ideas, needs, or things you’d love to see inside Wordsmith, tell me. LEave a comment. Reply to the email. Your feedback means more than you know.

At the end of the day, I’m not building Wordsmith for me. I’m building it for you.

For the one who has so many ideas but no time to write them. For the entrepreneur who wants their marketing to feel more authentic. For the dreamer who’s tired of staring at the blinking cursor.

Let’s build this next version of Wordsmith together.

Because what’s coming? It’s going to be good.

And I can’t wait for you to be part of it.

Let’s talk about a word that gets tossed around a lot in the world of entrepreneurship: consistency. It sounds good, right? It’s the kind of thing we all say we want more of—it’s pinned on vision boards, scribbled in planners, and woven into goal-setting rituals. But if we’re being really honest with ourselves, it’s not always the most exciting thing. It’s not flashy, it’s not glamorous, and it rarely comes with instant results or applause.

Consistency is steady. It’s quiet.

It’s the small, sometimes boring actions repeated over and over again… that eventually add up to something pretty incredible.

And this year? I made some big life shifts, both personally and professionally—and at the center of it all was my intention to finally embrace consistency like never before.

The Plan I Created (And Why This Year Felt Different)

At the end of last year, I sat down with my planner and a very long list of hopes for the year ahead. I love mapping out the big picture of my business—it’s something I look forward to every year. But this time, I went deeper. I created not just a broad annual strategy, but a detailed daily and weekly plan for my life and work.

And something shifted.

Instead of chasing inspiration or trying to build as I went (which, let’s be honest, was my norm for a long time), I started building structure. I mapped out 52 weeks of intentional focus—what I wanted to create, when I’d share it, and how it aligned with my bigger goals. I added tasks into my calendar with purpose. I made space for work and life.

And even though I’ve been in business for 16 years, this year—this year—I’ve felt more consistent than ever. And although I am working less hours, I really feel like I am getting so much more done.

It Wasn’t Easy… But It’s Working

Each week, I have a small list of “must complete” tasks. Not 30 things. Not a never-ending to-do list. Just the non-negotiables that, if completed, would keep me aligned with my bigger vision.

And let me tell you—it’s not always easy to check them off.

I’m a mom to four kids. Two are homeschooled. Two are little and full of energy. My days are full of snacks and questions and sticky fingers and math worksheets and bedtime stories. There are days when the laundry piles up and the dinner is frozen pizza. There are nights, like tonight, when I sneak downstairs after everyone’s asleep to open my laptop in the quiet and do the work I didn’t get to earlier.

But I show up.

Because consistency, for me, means showing up again and again—even when it’s not perfect, even when I’m tired, even when inspiration feels far away. It’s carving out time for what matters. It’s making a promise to yourself—and keeping it.

And the beauty of consistency is that it builds momentum. The more I show up, the more natural it feels. The more I follow the plan, the more clarity I have. It’s not always exciting… but it’s fulfilling.

What Consistency Looks Like in My Business

Since marketing is the heart of my business—and long-form content is my sweet spot—I committed to showing up every single week with new content. Blog posts. Newsletters. Evergreen content. And not just randomly posted when I found time, but with intention.

Each week, I follow a content plan I mapped out months ago. I batch when I can. I repurpose content across platforms. I share ideas I believe in.

And you know what? It’s working. Not just because it’s driving traffic or growing my audience (though it is), but because it feels good. It feels aligned. It feels like I’m running my business instead of letting it run me.

What It’s Meant for My Life

I built this business to support my life—not to take it over. And consistency has helped me live into that vision more than anything else.

Because of the systems I’ve set up, I can work when it works for me. I can wake up with the sun, not a long to-do list hanging over my head. I can have slow mornings with my kids, focus during naptime, and actually be present at dinner.

I don’t feel behind all the time. I’m not trying to catch up. I’m just steadily moving forward—little by little, day by day.

And honestly? That’s the kind of work that feels really good.

How You Can Add More Consistency Into Your Business and Life

If you’re reading this and thinking “I want that too…”—I’ve got you. Here’s how I’d start:

1. Create a simple weekly rhythm.

What are the 2–3 things that truly matter in your business each week? Pick your must-dos and schedule them in. That’s your new baseline.

2. Plan ahead (just a little).

You don’t need a 12-month business plan. Start by outlining the next 4 weeks. What do you want to create or share? Where will you show up? How does it all fit into your bigger goals?

3. Track your progress, not perfection.

Did you show up today? Did you take one small step? That counts. Celebrate it.

4. Let life shape your strategy.

Build your business around your life—not the other way around. Your schedule doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

5. Stick with it—especially when it gets boring.

This is the hardest part. Consistency will get boring sometimes. But boring is often where the breakthrough lives.

This year hasn’t been about overnight wins or viral moments. It’s been about showing up, one small step at a time. It’s been about learning to trust the process, even when it’s slow. It’s been about finally realizing that consistency—as quiet and unglamorous as it might be—is the real key to building something sustainable.

So if you’re in a season where you’re craving more ease, more rhythm, more trust in your own business… start here.

Start small.
Start steady.
Start again tomorrow.

Because consistency might not be flashy—but it’s the thing that builds the life you’ve been dreaming of.

A few years ago, I thought having a big following meant I was successful. I measured my momentum by how many likes I got, how many new followers clicked over, how often my content was shared. Back then, the numbers felt like a reflection of my worth. They were the proof I thought I needed that I was doing something right.

But somewhere along the way, I started asking a harder question:

What does success really look like—for me?

And the honest answer? It didn’t look like constantly chasing content ideas or feeling the pressure to stay “on” just to be seen. It didn’t look like growing an audience just for the sake of growth.

Instead, success looked like freedom. Like peace. Like getting to be home with my kids, working on projects I love, and building something meaningful without having to share every moment of it online.

Stepping Away From the Metrics

My real reward hasn’t been growing a large social media following. It’s been building a business that doesn’t depend on one.

And I’ll be honest—at first, I wasn’t even sure it was possible. Everyone I knew who was doing great in their business seemed to be all-in on social media. They were sharing constantly, showing up publicly, and building visibility by staying front and center. And for a while, I tried to keep up with that rhythm.

Because there’s no real rule book on how to build a modern business without social media. It felt like I was trying to merge old-school business principles with a modern-day spin—and I didn’t know if it would actually work.

For a long time, I leaned on social media because I thought it was the key to growth. And yes, it helped me build momentum in those early years. But it also made me feel like I had to be everywhere, all the time. That I had to share everything to be relevant. That my visibility equaled my value.

It wasn’t until I shifted my focus to long-term, sustainable marketing that everything changed.

I started to really focus on building my email list. I focused on creating evergreen content that lives on (hello blog posts and newsletters). I paid attention to the parts of my business that still worked even when I was off social media.

And slowly, something powerful happened:

I started breathing again.

And to really prove it, I didn’t post a single time in 2024 to show myself that yes, I could 100% run my business without needing social media.

Living a Quiet Life That Still Moves Big Things

I stopped feeling like I had to document every single moment.

Now, I show up on social when it feels right. Sometimes that means sharing more. Sometimes it means taking a quiet step back. But either way, my business doesn’t stop. My growth doesn’t pause. Because I’ve built a foundation that doesn’t rely on being plugged in 24/7.

And I can’t tell you how freeing that is.

There’s something sacred about being able to live your life without constantly performing it. About being present in a world that keeps telling you to produce. Some days I look around at the stillness in my home, the sound of my kids playing, the quietness of this life I’ve created—and it feels like success in its purest form.

This isn’t the kind of success you can measure by likes or views. It’s quieter than that.

It looks like mornings spent working in peace. It looks like knowing your worth isn’t tied to visibility. It looks like creating content you love, not content you’re pressured to make. It looks like building something sustainable, something soul-filling, something that doesn’t burn you out.

My business today looks very different than it did five years ago. It’s slower. It’s quieter. It’s deeply fulfilling.

And if you’re feeling the tug to change how you run yours—to step away from the noise, to do more of what feels right, to stop letting social media dictate your rhythm—I want you to know: it’s possible.

You don’t have to be everywhere. You don’t have to show everything. You don’t have to build a business that runs on likes.

You can build something honest. Something rooted. Something beautiful and deeply yours.

That, to me, is the new success.

Let’s talk about something that’s been quietly revolutionizing the way I work behind the scenes—AI. Now before you start picturing some robot sitting at a desk doing all my marketing for me—let me stop you right there. This isn’t about replacing the heart of your business or handing over everything to technology. It’s about working a little bit smarter. About giving yourself the gift of help in a world where we’re all trying to wear a dozen hats at once.

The other day, I posted a quick poll on Instagram asking who’s using AI—even in small, simple ways. 51% of my audience said they use it. The other 49%? They slid into my DMs with the same question: “Okay, but how?!”

If you’ve been feeling the same—curious about AI, wondering how it actually fits into your business without feeling robotic or overwhelming—this post is for you.

I’m going to walk you through exactly how I use it in my own work, why I created Wordsmith to help other business owners do the same, and where I’d start if I were brand new and just getting my feet wet.

I’m a Writer at Heart… But Not Always a Perfect One

Let me be honest with you—I’ve always loved writing.

There’s something about putting thoughts into words that feels like home to me. It’s how I make sense of the world. How I connect. How I teach and serve and show up.

But grammar?
Perfect sentence structure?
Avoiding run-on thoughts that sound more like a rambling voice memo?

Yeah… not so much.

I moved to America when I was 11 years old and didn’t speak a word of English. I learned the language by listening—by paying attention to the rhythm, the tone, the meaning behind the words. And while I eventually became fluent and feel like someone who’s great at communicating, I never had those early years of formal grammar lessons or spelling drills.

So now, when I sit down to write, I know what I want to say—but sometimes the mechanics don’t always come out perfectly. I write the way I talk. I pour my thoughts out quickly and with feeling. And honestly? I think that’s part of what makes my writing real and relatable.

Still, that’s also why AI has become one of my most trusted tools.

Using AI as a Second Set of Eyes

I can’t even count how many times I’ve typed out something I felt good about only to second-guess it later. Is this clear enough? Does it make sense? Is it too long? Too short? Too much?

With AI, I don’t have to bother a friend or send off yet another email to ask for feedback. I open up my favorite AI writing tool and ask it for help. And you know what? It’s fast. It’s supportive. And it gives me the clarity I was looking for without the emotional toll of overthinking everything.

I also use AI to get feedback on ideas, to rework headlines, to help me simplify a long piece of content, or even just explain something I want to understand better. My husband (a software engineer) uses it, too—to review his code, build test cases, troubleshoot bugs.

It’s not doing the work for us.
It’s helping us do the work better.

Why I Built Wordsmith Using AI

When I first created Wordsmith, AI wasn’t even a part of it. I was writing every single caption, newsletter, and blog post inside the platform by hand—and uploading them each month for other entrepreneurs to use.

And it worked. People loved it. The feedback was beautiful.

But over time, I started hearing the same thing again and again:
“I wish I could personalize this more… I love what you wrote, but I want it to sound more like me.”

That’s when I started exploring what AI could do.

So we built it into Wordsmith—not as a replacement for good writing or thoughtful marketing, but as a tool to help business owners write more authentically, efficiently, and with confidence.

Today, Wordsmith is like having a team of copywriters on call. Trained to understand your writing style. Focused on authentic, human-centered marketing. And ready to help you go from “no idea what to say” to “content that’s ready to publish.”

So… Want to Start Using AI? Here’s Where I’d Begin.

If you’re curious about using AI but not sure where to start, here’s my honest advice:

1. Start small.

Don’t try to replace everything overnight. Pick one task where you often feel stuck—maybe it’s writing your weekly email, brainstorming content ideas, or repurposing a blog post into a few social captions using Wordsmith.

2. Use AI as a collaborator, not a shortcut.

The best results happen when you bring the vision and AI helps bring it to life. You still get to be the voice. AI just helps you say it more clearly, consistently, and confidently.

3. Choose tools that are built for your goals.

You wouldn’t use a hammer to bake a cake, right? (Hopefully not.) The same goes for AI. General tools like ChatGPT can be great for some things—but platforms like Wordsmith are built specifically to help entrepreneurs like you write your content, your way.

That’s why so many of our users prefer it. It’s focused, simple, and actually helps you get content done.

AI is still really new to our world. And if you would have asked me 3 years ago if I’d be using it daily, I would have said no. But once I realized how much it could actually help me with my business… I was hooked.

And if you’ve been curious, this is your nudge.

Start slow. Explore. Let it help you where you need support—not to do less, but to do what you do even better.

And if you want to try Wordsmith, you can start with a free 7-day trial and see how it works for you. No pressure. Just a chance to see what’s possible when you stop doing it all alone.

Most importantly, have fun with with it. We live in some exciting times when it comes to business and technology.