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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If you’ve been feeling like your launch flopped, your offer fell flat, or your Instagram posts just aren’t hitting like they used to… it might not be your strategy.

It might be your words.

That message that lives in your head and your heart? It might be getting lost somewhere between intention and execution. And here’s the thing most people won’t tell you:

Most marketing problems are actually messaging problems.

You could have the most beautiful website, the most value-packed offer, the best pricing in the world—but if the words on the page don’t make someone feel something, they’re going to scroll right past.

The Real Reason Your Message Isn’t Landing

You’re not alone in this. I see it all the time. Business owners pouring their heart into their businesses and then wondering why it feels like no one’s listening.

The truth is, it’s not that people don’t care—they just don’t know why they should care yet. And that clarity? It comes from your words.

You don’t need to overhaul your business. You don’t need to build a new funnel or spend hours reworking your website.

You just need to say what you’re already doing in a way that connects.

A Simple Copy Trick: Clarity Over Cleverness

Let me share one of my favorite copywriting reminders: Clarity beats cleverness every single time.

You don’t need the catchiest tagline or the most creative caption. What you need are words that speak directly to the person you want to reach. Words that feel like a mirror, reflecting their thoughts back to them.

Ask yourself: Is what you’re saying actually clear? Could a stranger read your homepage, your Instagram bio, your service descriptions and instantly know what you do, who you help, and why it matters?

Because clarity? It creates connection. And connection? It creates conversions.

So How Do You Find the Right Words?

This is the part where I get to tell you about something that’s changed everything for me and the many passionate business owners I serve.

Wordsmith is the tool I created because I knew the missing piece wasn’t hard work. It wasn’t strategy. It was support in saying the things we already know in a way that resonates.

Wordsmith helps you:

• Craft clear, powerful messaging that feels aligned
• Show up consistently without spending hours writing
• Create social posts, newsletters, blogs, and more—with ease
• Customize your writing style so everything sounds like you

It’s a copywriting tool that feels like your favorite creative co-worker—you know, the one who just gets you and helps you put your vision into words.

Whether you’re writing a sales page, a launch email, or a caption that makes people stop and say “Wow, that’s me”—Wordsmith is here to help.

Better Words = Bigger Impact

If you’ve ever sat at your desk feeling frustrated because you KNOW what you offer is good—but it’s just not selling—I want you to know you’re not failing.

You’re not bad at marketing. You’re just one powerful sentence away from the clarity that clicks.

Wordsmith is here to give you the prompts, the support, the starting points that make writing feel doable again. And the best part? You can try it free. No pressure. Just a week to explore and feel the difference that better words make.

Because Your Voice Deserves to Be Heard

You don’t need to reinvent your business. You just need to say what you already know in a way that lands.

Let Wordsmith help you do that. Because when your words match your heart, everything changes.

You’re already amazing at what you do. Let’s make sure your audience knows it, too.

I never set out to create a content platform for entrepreneurs. In fact, for a long time, the idea of content creation felt forced—like something I had to do rather than something I wanted to do. But writing? Writing was always different. It was my safe space, my way of making sense of the world, my way of connecting.

Long before I had a business, I had words—journal entries filled with late-night thoughts, stories scribbled in notebooks, long-winded emails just because I needed to get my thoughts out. Writing was second nature to me, but for years, I struggled to fit it into the traditional marketing mold.

I was told over and over again:
“People don’t want to read.”
“Keep it short and snappy.”
“Nobody has time for long-form content.”

And I believed it—for a while. I tried to fit my words into captions that were no more than a few lines. I forced myself to be concise, cutting out the parts that felt real, deep, and meaningful. I tried to fit the mold of what “content” was supposed to look like.

But something felt off.

Breaking the Rules and Finding Connection

Even though I had been told that nobody wanted to read, my audience proved otherwise. They showed up. They responded. They connected with the words I put out into the world.

They didn’t just skim—they read, engaged, and felt something.

I started getting messages from people saying they looked forward to my emails, that my posts made them stop scrolling, that my words made them feel seen. And I realized something that changed everything:

It was never about the algorithm. It was never about “keeping it short.” It was about creating connection.

And that’s when everything shifted for me.

Turning the Struggle Into a Strategy

Even though I had found my way of connecting through words, social media still felt exhausting. Planning content month after month? Constantly wondering what to say? Trying to keep up with trends while also staying true to my voice?

It was draining.

But I also knew I wasn’t alone in feeling this way.

Over and over again, I heard the same struggles from other business owners:

• “I don’t know what to say.”
• “I can’t keep up with content planning.”
• “Social media feels like a chore.”

And I knew there had to be a better way.

So I did what I always do when something feels hard—I leaned into the challenge. I took what I had learned about writing content that connects and turned it into something that others could use too.

That’s how Wordsmith was born.

Creating a Solution That Truly Helps

I didn’t just want to create another tool that generated captions or suggested hashtags. I wanted to build something that actually helped business owners show up authentically—something that gave them a roadmap instead of just another to-do list.

Wordsmith became that solution.

It wasn’t just about writing captions. It was about:

Having a plan. No more guessing what to post each day—Wordsmith lays it out for you.
Writing in your unique voice. Our content isn’t cookie-cutter; it’s designed to sound like YOU.
Making marketing feel effortless. Because showing up for your business shouldn’t feel like a chore.

The most rewarding part? Seeing how many people felt the same relief I did when they started using it.

Since launching, over 11,000 business owners have signed up for Wordsmith, and the response has been overwhelming. People aren’t just using it—it’s changed the way they get to show up online for the better.

The Bigger Picture: Beyond Social Media

From the beginning, I knew that Wordsmith wasn’t just about social media—it was about content as a whole.

I’m a big believer in playing the long game. Social media is great, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. The real magic happens when you have a full content strategy—one that includes blog content, newsletters, and SEO-driven content that brings people to you again and again.

That’s why we’re expanding Wordsmith to go beyond just social media. I want to help business owners create content that works for them long after they hit publish. I want to help them build something sustainable.

And if you’re reading this, that means you’re here for the journey.

If I’ve learned anything through this process, it’s that showing up is what matters most.

I didn’t wait until I had the “perfect” plan to launch Wordsmith. I didn’t let the fear of “What if it’s not ready?” stop me from putting it out into the world. I created it, refined it, and let my audience be a part of shaping it.

And I want to encourage you to do the same.

Whether it’s launching your next offer, starting that blog you’ve been thinking about, or finally showing up for your business the way you want to—just start. The rest will come.

If you’ve ever felt lost when it comes to content, know that you’re not alone. I created Wordsmith because I was right there with you, and I’d love for you to be part of this journey.

Let’s make content easier—together.

Try Wordsmith for Free

We offer a 7-day free trial so you can see for yourself how Wordsmith works. Get inside, explore, and start creating content with clarity and ease.

→ Try Wordsmith for free today!

Let’s take the stress out of content creation—because you deserve a marketing plan that works for you, not against you.

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

The reality? Organic traffic alone isn’t enough.

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

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

How Paid Ads Solve the Organic Reach Problem

1. They Guarantee Visibility

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

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

2. They Target Your Ideal Customers

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

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

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

3. They Create Consistent Traffic & Sales

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

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

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

4. They Provide Measurable Results

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

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

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

How to Get Started with Ads (Without Wasting Money)

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

Step 1: Set Clear Goals

Before running ads, ask yourself:

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

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

Step 2: Choose the Right Platform

Each platform serves different audiences and purposes:

Facebook & Instagram Ads

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

Pinterest Ads

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

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

Step 3: Start Small and Test

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

Step 4: Optimize for Conversions

Once you have data, tweak your campaigns by:

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

Step 5: Leverage Remarketing Ads

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

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

The Missing Piece in Your Marketing Strategy

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

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

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

You can have the most beautifully designed ad, the perfect copy, and an irresistible offer, but if it’s not reaching the right people, it won’t convert. That’s the hard truth about running ads.

When I first started running Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest ads, I made the mistake so many business owners make—I cast my net too wide. I thought that if I reached more people, I’d get more sales. But what actually happened? I wasted money on people who weren’t interested, and my ad spend wasn’t giving me the return I wanted.

That’s when I learned the power of targeting the right audience. Once I dialed in my targeting strategy, everything changed. My ad costs dropped, my conversions skyrocketed, and I wasn’t just getting sales—I was getting sales from the exact people I wanted to attract.

So, let’s dive into how you can target the right audience on ads across Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to make sure your money is working for you, not against you.

How to Target the Right Audience on Ads

The key to successful ad targeting is understanding who your ideal customer is and how to put your ad in front of them. Here’s how to do it, step by step:

Step 1: Define Your Ideal Audience

Before you even open up Ads Manager, take a step back and think about your dream client or customer. Ask yourself:

→ Who is my product/service for?
→ What problem does it solve for them?
→ Where do they spend their time online?
→ What are their interests, habits, and pain points?
→ What type of content are they engaging with?

Knowing the answers to these questions will help you target your ads with intention instead of just guessing.

Step 2: Use Audience Targeting on Facebook & Instagram

Facebook and Instagram offer some of the most powerful audience targeting tools. Here’s how to use them:

• Custom Audiences – Target people who have already interacted with your business. This includes your email list, website visitors, and people who have engaged with your content. (This is gold for remarketing ads!)
• Lookalike Audiences – If you already have a strong customer base, Facebook can find similar people who are most likely to convert.
• Detailed Targeting – Choose specific demographics, interests, and behaviors. You can narrow it down to things like job titles, hobbies, shopping behaviors, and more.

👉 Pro Tip: Start small! Don’t target broad audiences right away. Instead, refine your targeting to people who are most likely to buy.

Step 3: Master Pinterest Targeting

Pinterest works a little differently than Facebook and Instagram because it’s a search engine, not a social media platform. This means people are actively searching for things, which makes it an incredible platform for ads. Here’s how to use targeting effectively:

• Keyword Targeting – Use keywords related to what your audience is searching for. Pinterest will show your ad to people actively looking for similar content.
• Interest Targeting – You can target people based on their interests and past activity on Pinterest.
• Actalike Audiences (Similar to Lookalikes on Facebook) – Pinterest will find users who have similar behaviors to your existing audience.

👉 Pro Tip: Pinterest is perfect for business owners who don’t have an established audience yet! Unlike Facebook and Instagram, where targeting relies heavily on past interactions, Pinterest allows you to show up in front of people actively searching for what you offer.

Step 4: Start With Your Best-Selling Products or Services

If you’re unsure what to promote first in your ads, start with your best-sellers. These are the products or services that have already been proven to sell.

I see too many business owners get excited about ads and launch them for something new or something they’re excited about—without knowing if it will sell. The problem? You’re running an ad without proof of demand. Instead, focus on products/services that have already converted, and scale from there.

Look at past sales data – What’s consistently selling?
Check engagement – What do people ask about the most?
Think about your customers – What’s solving their biggest problem?

Running ads on something that already sells well increases your chances of success and makes your ad spend worth it.

Why Ads Are a Game-Changer for Your Business

I used to think that I just had to work more, put in longer hours, and constantly hustle to grow my business. But then I ran my first ad and realized something: for every dollar I spent, I was making $3 back.

Instead of relying solely on organic marketing, I was able to put my offer in front of the right people fast. No more waiting for SEO to kick in or hoping social media posts would gain traction. Ads allowed me to scale my business quickly and predictably.

Just the other day, I spent $11 on an ad and made $470 in return. Now, this doesn’t happen every single day, but it proves why ad targeting is so powerful. When you’re only paying to reach warm leads who have already shown interest in what you offer, the return on investment is huge.

Want to Learn How to Set Up Ads That Actually Convert?

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start running ads that actually bring in sales, my Pinterest Ad Strategy course walks you through exactly how I set up my ads—from targeting, to budgeting, to tracking conversions.

It’s a 90-minute training that shows you step by step how I use Pinterest ads to generate sales consistently.

Inside, you’ll learn:

• How to create high-converting Pinterest ads even if you’re new to paid ads.
• My exact ad setup process, including audience targeting, budget tips, and creative strategy.
• How to track and optimize your ad performance to make sure every dollar spent is working for you.

🎯 Join the course here: Pinterest Ad Strategy Course

Targeting the right audience on ads is the secret to running profitable ad campaigns. The better your targeting, the better your return on investment.

The best part? Once you have the right strategy in place, ads will do the heavy lifting for you—so you can grow your business without spending all your time marketing.