Do Not Delete
For years, I believed that the only way to grow my business was through working longer hours, posting more content, showing up every single day, hoping that organic marketing alone would bring in enough leads and sales. I thought if I just worked harder, the results would come.
And while organic marketing absolutely has its place, it wasn’t until I ran my first ad that I realized something that changed everything: I didn’t have to work more to grow. I just had to work smarter.
I went from feeling like I constantly had to grind for every single sale to seeing my business scale in a way that felt… dare I say, effortless? That’s when I knew: ads were the missing piece.
And I’ll never go back.
I’ll never forget the moment I launched my first paid ad. I had poured so much time into growing my business organically, yet it still felt like I was stuck in a cycle of needing to work around the clock. When I stopped working, the sales stopped coming.
I figured I had nothing to lose, so I took the leap. I started with a small budget, testing out just $5 a day. And then something wild happened—
For every dollar I spent, I was making three dollars back.
I watched as people who had never heard of me before started clicking, signing up, and buying. I could see exactly what I was spending and exactly what I was earning in return. For the first time, I wasn’t just hoping my marketing efforts would work—I had actual numbers to prove it.
I wasn’t just throwing content into the void and waiting for engagement. I was actively bringing in leads and customers on autopilot.
That one ad completely shifted how I looked at my business. It’s been over 10 years now, and I’m still running ads today.
Don’t get me wrong—organic marketing is incredibly valuable. SEO, email marketing, and social media all play a role in growing a sustainable business.
But organic marketing alone has its limitations:
With paid ads, you control your reach. You’re no longer at the mercy of algorithms. You can take your best offer, put it in front of the right audience, and see results without waiting months (or years) for organic marketing to work.
Each platform has its strengths, and depending on your business, one might work better than another. Here’s how I use each:
Out of all these platforms, Pinterest has been my best-performing ad platform in the most recent years, which is why I created an entire class breaking down exactly how I run my Pinterest ads for maximum ROI. If you want to learn how to use Pinterest ads to scale your business, you can check out my Pinterest Ad Strategy Course!
Pinterest is also a wonderful platform for anyone who might not yet have an established audience to market to. Unlike Facebook and Instagram, where ads are often shown to people based on their past engagement or behaviors, Pinterest users are actively searching for solutions, ideas, and products. This means you don’t need a massive following or an email list to start seeing results. Your ads will reach people who are already looking for what you offer, giving you a direct path to potential customers without spending years building an audience first. That’s the power of Pinterest—it connects you with warm, ready-to-buy leads, even if you’re just getting started.
If there’s one thing I’ve studied and tested more than anything else in my years of business, it’s how to set up ads that actually convert. Because while ads can be powerful, running them the wrong way can feel like throwing money into a black hole.
So here’s the simplified version of how I make ads work:
Before running ads, you need a clear, irresistible offer. Whether it’s a digital product, a course, or a service, you need to be able to answer these questions:
✔ Who is this for?
✔ What problem does it solve?
✔ Why would someone choose this over a competitor’s offer?
Ads won’t magically fix a weak offer. But when you have an offer that works? Ads amplify it. And if you’re not quite sure what to try and promote in a paid ad first, just look at your best sellers and start there—those have already been proven to sell to your audience.
All too often, I see people getting excited about jumping into paid ads and creating something new just for it, or trying to promote the thing they are most excited about. But here’s the truth: the best-performing ads come from promoting what’s already working. If you have a product or service that has sold well organically, start there.
A good way to guarantee your ad performs? Go with the product that has the best chance. Let the data guide you, and build from that success.
The biggest mistake I see people make with ads? Going all in too fast.
Instead of dumping a huge budget into an ad right away, start small—$5 to $10 a day. Run a few different versions of your ad, testing different images, headlines, and copy to see what resonates most with your audience.
Let the data guide you. The numbers will tell you what’s working. Once you have an ad that’s converting well, then you scale.
Not all metrics matter. Forget vanity metrics like likes and comments—when running ads, here’s what you should focus on:
Click-through rate (CTR) – Are people actually clicking on your ad?
Cost per lead (CPL) – How much are you spending to acquire a new lead or customer?
Return on ad spend (ROAS) – Are you making more than you’re spending?
When you know these numbers, running ads becomes a simple math equation—if you’re making $3 for every $1 spent, why wouldn’t you keep going?!
Running ads was the best decision I ever made for my business because it freed me from the constant grind of having to show up every single day just to make sales.
If you’re ready to get serious about ads—especially Pinterest Ads, which have been a huge part of my success—be sure to check out my Pinterest Ad Strategy Course. If you’re ready to get serious about ads—especially Pinterest Ads, which have been a huge part of my success—be sure to check out my Pinterest Ad Strategy Course. I break down everything you need to know so you can get started with confidence. I show you exactly how I go about setting up my own ads, and give you unique examples that you can apply to your business. All under 90 minutes.
Because once you get ads working for you, there’s no turning back.
Tuesday, February 11th, 2025
Monday, February 10th, 2025
Content Prompt: “Working with [your business] isn’t just about [surface-level benefit]—it’s about gaining [unexpected benefit or transformation]. If you’re ready for results that go deeper, let’s get started today!”
Sometimes, the biggest game-changers are the ones we didn’t see coming. That’s why this formula works so well—it shifts the focus from the expected to the extraordinary. Instead of just talking about the obvious perks of working with you, this formula helps uncover the deeper, more meaningful transformations your clients experience.
Here’s how it works:
Why it works: People expect results, but when they discover that your service changes more than just the obvious, that’s when the magic happens. It builds trust, deepens connections, and turns customers into lifelong fans.
Write a blog post that highlights the unexpected benefits of working with me. Share examples of how clients’ lives or businesses have transformed beyond what they anticipated, and end with a CTA encouraging action.
Here’s how to bring the “What You’ll Gain” prompt to life:
To make this prompt powerful, focus on these key details:
Once you have these answers, your post will feel real, relatable, and compelling to your audience.
New to Wordsmith? Here’s the deal—Wordsmith helps you take content prompts like this one and turn them into polished, on-brand content in seconds. Whether you need a blog post, a newsletter, or social media captions, Wordsmith does the heavy lifting so you can focus on running your business.
I usually keep these super short, more like a social media caption, but wanted to show you that you can easily use Wordsmith to write newsletters too. *I used my personal writing style which you can get right inside the Wordsmith dashboard when taking the personlized quiz. 🖤
Subject Line: No more 11 PM content panic posts
Preview Text: If you’ve ever scrambled for something to post at the last minute, this one’s for you.
Email Body: Be honest with me — how many times have you found yourself staring at your screen at 11 PM, knowing you should post something but having absolutely no idea what to say? Maybe you throw together a quick caption, maybe you skip posting altogether (again), and maybe—just maybe—you wonder if showing up online is supposed to feel this exhausting.
If that’s you, friend, you’re not alone.
For so many business owners, content creation feels like a never-ending game of catch-up. You know you need to post, but between client work, life, and, well… literally everything else, creating content often gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list. And when you finally do sit down to write, the blank page stares back at you like a judgmental reminder of how long it’s been since your last post.
But what if it didn’t have to be that way?
Imagine this: Instead of scrambling for ideas at the last minute, you have a clear content plan mapped out for you. You know exactly what to post, when to post it, and how it fits into your bigger marketing strategy. No more guessing. No more throwing spaghetti at the wall. No more posting just to post.
With Wordsmith, content creation becomes easy. Like sit down with your coffee, pop in a prompt, and let the magic happen easy.
It’s about working smarter, not harder.
Instead of reinventing the wheel every single time you need a post, Wordsmith takes one idea and turns it into a blog post, a newsletter, and multiple social media captions—all in your brand voice, all designed to connect with your audience.
Suddenly, instead of frantically trying to come up with something clever at the last minute, you’re scheduling content in advance. You’re showing up consistently. You’re building relationships instead of playing the engagement game. And best of all? You’re marketing your business in a way that feels good.
Because let’s be honest—your audience can tell when you’re just posting for the sake of posting. And they can definitely tell when you’re showing up with intention, sharing content that actually speaks to them.
When you shift from scrambling to strategy, a few things start to happen:
✔️ You gain confidence—knowing your content is thoughtfully planned and aligns with your bigger business goals.
✔️ You create more impact—because you’re not just posting; you’re connecting, educating, and building trust.
✔️ You actually enjoy marketing—yes, it’s possible! When content creation stops feeling like a chore, you want to show up.
This is your sign to stop waiting until the last second and start creating content with ease. Wordsmith is here to help you go from scattered to strategic—without the stress, without the overwhelm, and without the late-night posting panic.
Let’s make content creation fun again. Sign up for Wordsmith today and start showing up like the confident CEO you are.
For years, I let social media dictate my content strategy. I would wake up, figure out what to post that day, and spend way too much time scrolling, getting sidetracked by what everyone else was doing. My focus was on what would perform well on social media—not what would actually move my business forward.
Then, I took a full year off social media (you can read about that here), and suddenly, everything changed. Without the constant pressure to create for Instagram, I was able to take a step back and ask myself: What kind of content actually supports my business? What type of content attracts my ideal customers? What helps me grow in a way that feels aligned and sustainable? What kind of content will feel authentic to who I am?
And that’s when I realized: I had my content strategy completely backwards.
For the longest time, I believed that social media was the foundation of my marketing. If I could just create the right posts, go viral, or keep up with trends, then everything else would fall into place.
But here’s the problem: social media is fleeting. Posts disappear in hours. Engagement doesn’t always lead to conversions. And constantly trying to figure out “what works” on social media meant I was chasing algorithms instead of building a real strategy.
Social media isn’t bad—but when it becomes the primary driver of your content strategy, it leads to burnout, frustration, and a whole lot of wasted time. I spent years stuck in this cycle, constantly tweaking my content to fit what I thought the algorithm wanted, instead of focusing on the long-term success of my business.
The truth? I was creating content for an audience that wasn’t even mine.
Every time I posted, I hoped for engagement, for validation, for a sign that I was “doing it right.” But I wasn’t building a sustainable marketing strategy—I was just feeding a system that rewarded short-term visibility over long-term growth. And today, I see so many business owners falling into the same trap, feeling beyond frustrated with their marketing strategy.
When I stepped away from social media, I had to rethink everything. Without it, where was my audience coming from? How was I reaching new customers?
That’s when I started focusing on:
SEO – Writing blog posts optimized for search so people could find me long after I published.
My Newsletter – Growing and nurturing my email list because it’s the only platform I own.
Long-Form Content – Creating high-value articles, guides, and resources that answer the questions my ideal customers are already searching for.
Creating Pinterest Pins – Turning my long-form content into searchable, evergreen pins because Pinterest is a search engine, not a social media platform.
Instead of creating for social media, I started creating for my business. I built my content strategy around what actually drives traffic, generates leads, and converts into sales.
And the best part? My content started working for me—even when I wasn’t online.
A blog post I wrote months ago continues to bring in new leads every single day. An email I sent weeks ago still generates sales. I stopped chasing likes and started building a content system that worked on autopilot. Am I going viral on social media? No. But is my content strategy growing my business like never before? Oh yes.
When I made this shift, I saw immediate changes—not just in my business, but in my mindset.
Instead of creating endless posts hoping for engagement, I was creating with purpose—and it made all the difference.
Now, social media is just a small part of my overall marketing plan. It’s a way to repurpose and share content—not the thing that drives my entire business.
Too often, entrepreneurs start with social media and try to build a business around it. But that’s backward.
Here’s what works better:
Start with your core content – Blog posts, podcast episodes, YouTube videos—something that has longevity and value.
Use SEO to drive traffic – Make sure your content is optimized so new people can find you through search.
Build your email list – Because an email list is the only audience you own and control.
Then, repurpose for social media – Take pieces of your content and share them on Instagram, Pinterest, and beyond.
This way, your content is working for you long before it ever gets shared on social media.
If you’ve been feeling stuck in the endless loop of social media, this is your reminder: it’s time to flip your content strategy.
For too long, social media has been the starting point for content creation. But what if I told you that flipping your strategy—putting long-form, evergreen content first—could be the key to attracting the right customers, growing your business sustainably, and breaking free from the burnout cycle?
Let’s walk through exactly how you can do this, step by step.
Before you dive into creating content, take a step back and ask yourself:
The key takeaway? Your content should work for your business, not just for social media engagement. If your strategy isn’t leading to real business growth, it’s time to rethink it.
Instead of asking, “What should I post today?”, start asking, “What does my ideal customer need help with?”
Grab a notebook, open a doc, or start a mind map. Jot down every single topic that could educate, inspire, or solve a problem for your audience.
Now that you have content ideas, it’s time to build a strong foundation with long-form, evergreen content that will drive leads for months (or even years).
Your best content should live where it can be easily found and revisited—on your blog, YouTube, or podcast.
For each topic from your brainstorming session, choose one of these formats:
A blog post (great for SEO, discoverability, and repurposing later)
A YouTube video (high engagement and long shelf life)
A podcast episode (perfect for in-depth conversations and audience connection)
Your email list is the most valuable asset in your business because you own it (unlike social media followers).
Unlike Instagram and TikTok, Pinterest isn’t about being “active” all the time—it’s a search engine that brings visitors to your content on autopilot.
To get started:
✔ Create 5-10 Pinterest Pins for every blog post, freebie, or product page
✔ Use keyword-rich titles and descriptions (Pinterest works like Google!)
✔ Pin consistently (Tailwind is a great tool for automating this)
✔ Track analytics to see which pins bring the most traffic
Pinterest is one of the best ways to flip your content strategy because it ensures your content keeps working for you long after you hit publish.
Now that you have SEO-friendly, evergreen content, it’s time to repurpose it for social media without starting from scratch.
The key? Social media should be the LAST STEP—not the first.
When you start with long-form content and then repurpose it, you get more visibility with less effort.
When you start putting your business first (instead of social media), everything shifts. You’ll feel more in control of your marketing, less stressed about posting daily, and more connected to the people who actually need what you offer.
And trust me—that is a game-changer.
Monday, February 10th, 2025
Wednesday, February 5th, 2025
You’ve been thinking about it, haven’t you? You’ve been eyeing Wordsmith, wondering if now is the time to finally take the leap and make content creation for your business easier than ever. Well, friend, consider this your flashing neon sign: YES. YES, IT IS.
And here’s why you need to act right now—because for a limited time, you can grab full access to Wordsmith for just $9.95/month… forever. Yep, you read that right. No price hikes. No surprises. Just an insanely powerful tool at an insanely affordable price.
But here’s the kicker: This deal vanishes on February 28th. After that? The price is going up, because—brace yourself—Wordsmith 2.0 is coming, and it’s getting a MAJOR upgrade.
A huge Wordsmith update is dropping! Think of it like your favorite coffee shop announcing a new menu that’s about to change your morning routine forever.
New features, smarter AI, and a sleeker interface designed to help you create content faster, better, and with even more ease. It looks so good. I can’t wait for you to see it!
The price will be increasing, but here’s the good news: If you sign up now, you’re locked in at $9.95/month for life. (Yes, even as we add new features and upgrades. Forever-ever.)
Because content creation shouldn’t feel like pulling teeth. For me, writing has always been the heartbeat of running a business—the thing I’ve loved the most. Whether it’s crafting a blog post, sending out a newsletter, or showing up on social media, content has been my way of connecting, building relationships, and making an impact. Most people call it marketing, but I see it as something bigger: a way for entrepreneurs to show up as their true selves, tell their stories, and build communities.
That’s why I built Wordsmith. I wanted to create a tool that helps you show up authentically without spending hours staring at a blank screen. It should feel like having a personal copywriter in your back pocket—ready to whip up on-brand Instagram captions, blog posts, email newsletters, and website copy at the click of a button—so you can focus on what you do best: running your business and making an impact.
Imagine this:
A month’s worth of social media posts, done in minutes, not hours.
An AI assistant trained to write like YOU, not some robotic mess that sounds nothing like your brand.
A content calendar that keeps you organized and consistent (without the stress).
Unlimited access to stock photography, because visuals matter.
The ability to repurpose your content across multiple platforms without sounding repetitive.
No more staring at a blank screen. No more last-minute panic-posting. Just strategic, beautifully written content that connects with your audience and helps you grow your business.
And this is just the beginning. 2025 might be our biggest year yet with everything we have planned.
We’re not rushing the process because we want it to be perfectly made for you—designed with intention, packed with value, and built to help you create content effortlessly. Big things are coming, and I can’t wait for you to be part of it.
I’ll say it louder for the people in the back: This deal is only available until February 28th. Once the clock strikes midnight, the $9.95 price disappears—and trust me, you don’t want to be kicking yourself for missing out. Those that get locked in, get it for as long as they have an active account.
Let’s be real—$9.95 is less than your favorite latte, and it’s an investment that actually pays you back in saved time, stress-free content, and more visibility for your business.
Click here to grab Wordsmith for $9.95/month before it’s gone!
Trust me, your future self will thank you. 💛
Let’s talk about the powerhouse of marketing that doesn’t get nearly enough credit—Pinterest ads. When I built Wordsmith, I had two goals: 1: To help fellow entrepreneurs show up online and share their stories without the constant struggle of not knowing what to say. 2: To build something without spending my life glued to traditional social media platforms.
Fast forward, and I scaled Wordsmith to over $600K in revenue using two incredibly powerful things: Pinterest ads + my email list. No viral videos, no dancing on Reels, no posting 24/7 to stay relevant. Just a smart, strategic way to get my offer in front of the right people at the right time.
Here’s exactly how I did it—and how you can use Pinterest ads to grow your own business too.
First things first, let’s clear something up: Pinterest isn’t just another social media platform. It’s a visual search engine—meaning that when people are on Pinterest, they’re actively looking for solutions, ideas, and products.
Unlike Instagram or Facebook (where your content disappears in hours), Pinterest content lasts. People can search for and find your pins months—even years—after you post them. And when you pair that with a strong ad strategy, you’re literally getting your business in front of people who are searching for exactly what you have to offer.
That’s why Pinterest ads work so well. They put your brand in front of ready-to-buy customers without the constant content grind.
Before I poured time and energy into building Wordsmith, I wanted to make sure there was actually demand for it. Enter: Pinterest ads.
I started with a simple strategy:
The result? They ate it up.
That validation was huge. It meant I wasn’t guessing—I knew I had something people wanted. That’s when my husband (who’s a developer) jumped in to help me build Wordsmith exactly the way I had envisioned it. And once we had a solid product? We scaled it even more.
Once I knew Wordsmith was a hit, I doubled down on Pinterest ads and followed a strategy that allowed me to scale to over $600K in revenue. Here’s the exact formula I used:
Remember, Pinterest is a search engine—so your ads need to be optimized just like SEO. I focused on:
Your Pinterest ad creative matters. Unlike social media posts, your ad needs to stand out in a feed full of visuals. I focused on:
I didn’t just send people to a homepage and hope for the best. I made sure my ad traffic went to a conversion-optimized landing page that:
You can see the homepage for Wordsmith HERE.
Once I had tested different ads, I was able to turn off the ones that weren’t performing and run the same ad for over two years without needing to change a thing. I kept an eye on:
The more I refined my strategy, the better my results got—and the faster Wordsmith grew.
One of the many reasons I love Pinterest ads so much is because they let you get hyper-specific with your audience targeting. If you know how to choose the right keywords, set up conversion tracking, and focus on the right metrics, you can scale your business in a way that feels sustainable and strategic.
But here’s something I realized early on—so much of the marketing advice I saw online came from experts who were operating at a completely different level. They had massive email lists, established audiences, huge spending budgets, and built-in connections that most small business owners just don’t have when they’re starting out.
When I built Wordsmith, I wanted to do it in a way that would prove it’s possible to scale a business from scratch—without relying on a huge following or existing brand recognition. I wanted to create a strategy that would work for someone who didn’t have thousands of followers or a big email list yet, someone who was just trying to build momentum. And Pinterest ads made that possible.
After hitting over $600K in revenue for Wordsmith, I knew I had to share my formula. So, I put together a 90 minute Pinterest Ad Strategy course that walks you through the exact process I used to:
✅ Set up profitable Pinterest ad campaigns
✅ Target the right audience (so your ads don’t get wasted on the wrong people)
✅ Track conversions and scale effectively
✅ Focus on key metrics that actually matter (instead of getting lost in vanity numbers)
I’ve taken everything I’ve learned—from testing, tweaking, and scaling—and turned it into a step-by-step system to help you get your business in front of an audience that’s ready to buy.
👉 You can check it out here: Pinterest Ad Strategy
If you’re tired of posting on social media and hoping for traction, it might be time to switch things up. Pinterest ads aren’t just another ad platform—they’re a long-term strategy for getting your business in front of the right audience.
Whether you’re just getting started or you’re ready to scale, I know this strategy can work for you—because it’s exactly how I built Wordsmith into a thriving business that has generated over $600K in revenue.
So, what do you say? If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start getting your business in front of people who are actually looking for what you offer, let’s do this together. I’d love to help you make Pinterest ads work for you—because if I can do it, so can you.
Monday, February 3rd, 2025
Monday, February 3rd, 2025
Social media burnout is real. If you’ve ever felt like keeping up with Instagram, Facebook, and every other platform is draining the life out of you, I see you. I was right there too. So, I did something drastic—I quit social media for an entire year. You can read all about that HERE.
At first, it felt like a massive risk. What if my business suffered? What if I lost connection with my audience? What if I missed out on opportunities? But here’s the spoiler: My business kept growing, my audience didn’t disappear, and I learned some invaluable lessons along the way.
If you’ve ever thought about stepping away from social media but felt too scared to take the leap, let me share what happened when I finally logged off.
The biggest reason I wanted to step away from social media? It was taking too much from my real life and my business.
As a business owner, it’s easy to believe that if you’re not constantly posting, engaging, and following every new trend, everything will come crashing down. But I had already made some big shifts over the years to rely less on social media—things like growing my email list and focusing on SEO to bring in consistent traffic. And yet, social media still pulled me in.
The more I paid attention, the more I realized I wasn’t using it intentionally. I was spending way more time consuming content than actually creating it. And let’s be real—these platforms are designed to keep you scrolling. I knew I wanted more from life than doomscrolling through other people’s highlight reels.
So, I logged off. No more posting, no more checking notifications, no more endless scrolling. Just real life and real work.
To be completely honest, at first, it felt weird. I’d been so used to documenting parts of my life and business online that I had to untrain myself from reaching for my phone. But as the weeks went by, then months, something incredible happened—I felt free.
I doubled down on marketing strategies that actually aligned with who I am. I focused on writing more, improving my email list, and refining my SEO strategy. The pressure to constantly “show up” online disappeared, and in its place, I found a deeper sense of creativity and focus.
And guess what? My business did just fine. It turns out, I never needed social media to keep things running—I just thought I did.
The key to stepping away from social media without my business taking a hit? A combination of Pinterest ads and email marketing. These two strategies allowed me to continue bringing in leads, nurturing my audience, and generating revenue without posting a single thing on Instagram or Facebook.
Pinterest has always been a powerhouse for my business, but when I fully stepped away from social media, it became my main driver of traffic and sales. Unlike Instagram, where posts disappear within hours, Pinterest content has longevity. A single pin can bring in traffic for months (or even years!) after it’s posted.
Running Pinterest ads allowed me to scale my reach and consistently drive ideal clients to my offers. Instead of spending hours crafting Instagram captions and stories, I focused on creating high-converting Pinterest graphics and targeting the right audience. And the best part? Once the ads were set up, they worked on autopilot.
I go into more detail on my Pinterest strategy here: The Pinterest Ad Strategy That Made Me Over $600K.
If Pinterest was how I brought people in, my email list was how I turned them into paying customers. While social media is unpredictable (hello, algorithm changes), my email list was something I owned. I could communicate directly with my audience without fighting for visibility or stressing over engagement rates.
Instead of posting on Instagram, I put my energy into crafting valuable emails that built relationships and drove sales. And the best part? Email marketing isn’t about constant hustle. I created evergreen sequences that welcomed new subscribers, shared valuable content, and led them toward my offers—without me needing to be online 24/7.
Stepping away from social media for a year taught me so much about running a business on my own terms. Here are my biggest takeaways:
Stepping away can actually make your business stronger. When you’re not constantly chasing trends, you can focus on what really moves the needle.
The Downsides of Leaving Social Media
You don’t have to be everywhere to be successful. You can choose platforms that actually work for you and ditch the ones that don’t.
Long-term strategies (like SEO, Pinterest, and email marketing) are way more sustainable than chasing viral content.
Your audience won’t disappear just because you take a break. If you’ve built a strong foundation, people will still be there when you return.
As much as I loved my time away, I won’t pretend that stepping away from social media was all positive. There were a few things I missed:
By the end of the year, I realized that while I don’t need social media to run a successful business, I do enjoy using it in small, intentional ways.
So, am I back? Kind of. But with way stronger boundaries.
Now, when I show up on social media, it’s because I want to, not because I feel like I have to.
If social media feels overwhelming, just know this—you don’t have to be on it 24/7 to grow your business. There are other ways to market, connect, and succeed. Whether you take a full break or simply set better boundaries, I hope my experience shows you that it’s okay to step back.
Social media is a tool, not the whole strategy. And sometimes, the best thing you can do for your business (and your sanity) is to unplug, refocus, and remind yourself that you are the most important part of your success—not an app.
So, what does a better relationship with social media actually look like? Maybe it means taking a full break to reset. Maybe it looks like setting time limits, unfollowing accounts that drain you, or creating a posting schedule that feels sustainable. Or maybe it’s about shifting your focus entirely—looking at your business and figuring out what actually moves the needle instead of posting and hoping something goes viral.
Ask yourself: What brings in the most clients? Where do my customers actually come from? What marketing strategies feel good to me? Once you get clear on that, you can focus your energy there instead of feeling like you have to be everywhere online.
At the end of the day, social media should work for you—not the other way around. And trust me, your business will be just fine.
If you’ve ever felt like keeping up with social media is a full-time job, you’re not alone. Between posting, engaging, creating reels, and staying on top of trends, it’s easy to feel like your entire business depends on showing up all the time—but I’m here to tell you it doesn’t have to be that way.
In fact, I spent an entire year not posting to social media to see just how much my business actually needed it. Spoiler: it did just fine. My income didn’t disappear. My audience didn’t vanish. And most importantly, the overwhelm I once felt around social media? It finally lifted.
A lot of us put way more weight on these platforms than we should. But when you have a solid marketing strategy in place that doesn’t depend on social media, it shifts from being the whole strategy to just an extra piece of it. And that changes everything.
If you’re tired of feeling like social media runs your business (instead of the other way around), let’s talk about how to build a business that thrives—without the overwhelm.
Here’s a little secret: the best content is the kind you actually enjoy making.
For a long time, I thought I needed to create more videos, find the perfect aesthetic, or spend hours piecing together Instagram-worthy content. But the truth is, I’ve always loved writing. I can sit down and pour my heart into a blog post or email, and it feels easy. But forcing myself to spend hours editing videos? That just drains me.
And I’m guessing you have something like that too. Maybe you love writing like I do, or maybe you prefer showing up in audio form through podcasts. Maybe video is your thing, and you feel energized creating short, engaging clips. Whatever it is, lean into it.
Because when content feels fun instead of forced, you’ll actually create it—consistently.
One of the best things I ever did for my business was learning how to batch work. Instead of scrambling to come up with content every day, I set aside dedicated time to create in bulk.
Here’s how it works:
The goal is to remove the stress of daily content creation so you can focus on actually running your business.
Social media should be a tool, not your entire business plan. So, what do you do instead? You create a marketing strategy that works without it.
Here are a few ideas:
When you have multiple ways to reach your audience, social media becomes optional—not mandatory.
I’m not saying you have to quit social media altogether. But I am saying it’s okay to use it differently.
What if, instead of stressing about daily posts, you used it as a place to share when you want to? What if it became a bonus tool instead of a must-do task?
That’s what happened for me after my year off. When I came back, I realized I no longer felt pressured to keep up with the trends. I could post on my own terms. And that freedom? It made all the difference.
The biggest takeaway? You don’t have to spend all day on social media to build a thriving business.
Instead, focus on content that feels good, batch your work, and build a strategy that supports you—without the overwhelm.
Because at the end of the day, your business should work for you—not the algorithm.
And trust me, it’s possible.
Monday, February 3rd, 2025
Tuesday, January 21st, 2025
Content Prompt: “Feeling stuck trying to figure out [specific problem]? With [your service], you can skip the guesswork and start seeing results. I’ll show you exactly how to [specific solution]. Let’s get started!”
Copywriting Formula: Problem-Solution
Let’s be honest—there’s nothing more frustrating than feeling stuck, spinning your wheels, and getting nowhere. The Problem-Solution formula gets straight to the heart of that frustration. It starts by saying, “Hey, I see you. I get it.” Then it offers a way forward—a clear, actionable solution that makes everything feel possible again.
Here’s how it works:
Why it works: When your audience sees that you understand their struggle and have the solution, you build trust. And trust? It’s the secret sauce that makes them say, “Yes, I’m ready to do this.”
Write a [blog post, social media caption, newsletter etc.] that highlights a specific problem your audience faces and shows how your service solves it. Use clear, actionable language and end with a CTA that invites them to stop guessing and start making progress. [Then enter the content prompt from above].
Here’s how to make the “No More Guesswork” prompt your own:
To make this prompt work like magic, get clear on these details:
When you know these answers, your post will resonate on a deeper level and inspire action.
Ever feel like showing up online is harder than it should be? With Wordsmith, the struggle ends here. We’ve built a tool that takes one idea and transforms it into a polished blog post, a must-read newsletter, and scroll-stopping social media captions—all written in your unique voice and done in minutes.
No more blank screens. No more guessing games. Just clear, organized, on-brand content that connects with your audience and helps you stand out.
If you’re ready to stop overthinking and start creating with ease, Wordsmith is here to make it happen. Sign up today and let’s get started!
Let me guess—you’ve stared at your screen more times than you can count, trying to think of something fresh to share about your business. Been there, done that. That’s why I’m introducing something new to help: Weekly Content Prompts.
These prompts are here to take the guesswork out of showing up online. They’re designed to help you:
Each week, I’ll share a prompt to spark inspiration and make it easier for you to talk about your business. Whether you want to craft a blog post, whip up a newsletter, or create a scroll-stopping social media caption, these prompts will have you covered.
Here’s a little secret you’re not alone in: coming up with content is hard. You’re not the only one staring at a blank screen wondering what to say. In fact, a recent study found that 60% of marketers struggle to come up with fresh content ideas. Yup, even the pros hit roadblocks.
That’s where a content prompt can change the game. Instead of wasting time second-guessing yourself, you’ve got a starting point—a nudge in the right direction that makes showing up feel a whole lot easier.
(Source: Ziflow’s content creation challenges report)
If you’re already using Wordsmith, creating content just got even simpler. Add the prompt and some info about your business, and let Wordsmith do its thing—turning your ideas into beautifully written, on-brand content in seconds. Think of it as your personal copywriter in a box.
Not using Wordsmith yet? No worries! You can still use these prompts with tools like ChatGPT. But here’s the truth: Wordsmith takes it to the next level, automating the process and ensuring your content reflects your unique voice every time. (Psst… You can sign up for Wordsmith here!)
Content Prompt: “Let’s cut to the chase: [your service] works because it’s [specific unique feature]. While others focus on [common approach], I make sure [specific differentiator]. This means you get [specific benefit]. Let’s make it happen!”
Wordsmith Prompt:
Write a blog post that explains why my service works better than other options. Focus on the specific features and benefits that make it stand out, and end with a CTA encouraging readers to experience it for themselves. [Add Content Prompt From Above].
Here’s how to make the “Here’s Why It Works” prompt your own:
This formula is a classic for a reason. It’s all about building trust and showing your audience exactly why your service is different and better. By focusing on the specific features of what you offer, their unique advantages, and the real-world benefits they provide, you can clearly communicate why your business is the best choice.
Why it works: FAB helps you cut through the noise and get straight to the point. It highlights what makes your service stand out, giving your audience the clarity they need to trust you and take action.
Let me guess—you’ve stared at your screen more times than you can count, trying to think of something fresh to share about your business. Been there, done that. That’s why I’m introducing something new to help: Weekly Content Prompts.
These prompts are here to take the guesswork out of showing up online. They’re designed to help you:
Each week, I’ll share a prompt to spark inspiration and make it easier for you to talk about your business. Whether you want to craft a blog post, whip up a newsletter, or create a scroll-stopping social media caption, these prompts will have you covered.
Here’s a little secret you’re not alone in: coming up with content is hard. You’re not the only one staring at a blank screen wondering what to say. In fact, a recent study found that 60% of marketers struggle to come up with fresh content ideas. Yup, even the pros hit roadblocks.
That’s where a content prompt can change the game. Instead of wasting time second-guessing yourself, you’ve got a starting point—a nudge in the right direction that makes showing up feel a whole lot easier.
(Source: Ziflow’s content creation challenges report)
If you’re already using Wordsmith, creating content just got even simpler. Add the prompt and some info about your business, and let Wordsmith do its thing—turning your ideas into beautifully written, on-brand content in seconds. Think of it as your personal copywriter in a box.
Not using Wordsmith yet? No worries! You can still use these prompts with tools like ChatGPT. But here’s the truth: Wordsmith takes it to the next level, automating the process and ensuring your content reflects your unique voice every time. (Psst… You can sign up for Wordsmith here!)
Wednesday, January 8th, 2025
Sunday, January 5th, 2025
Did I just Google “how long is a marathon”? Yes. Yes, I did. Because somehow, I’ve decided that running a marathon (that’s 26.2 miles for those like me who didn’t know) in Honolulu sounds like a great idea, even for someone who’s only ever managed to run five miles—on a really good day.
Let’s be clear: I’m not a runner. The only running I do regularly involves chasing my two little ones around the house or racing to the kitchen before my coffee gets cold. But here I am, putting this wild goal out into the universe. I’m planning to run a marathon, and I can’t believe I’m saying that.
So, why this goal? Why now? Let me tell ya.
As a mom of four, most of my attention goes toward raising and homeschooling my kids. I run my business from home, which gives me a ton of flexibility, but it also means that my personal time is practically non-existent. My days are a juggling act of lesson plans, family time, snack requests, and laundry—so much laundry.
Somewhere along the way, I stopped making time to do things just for me. And if you’re a parent, you probably know exactly what I mean. It’s easy to get lost in the needs of everyone else and forget that we deserve a little slice of our own time and energy, too. Back in my early business days, when I was working as a photographer, most of my weekends required me to travel to new locations for weddings and sessions. Although it was technically work, it often felt like a fun weekend getaway—a chance to do something on my own and explore new places. I didn’t realize at the time how important that solo time was for me.
Running a marathon is my way of claiming that space for myself. It’s a commitment to me. It’s a reminder that I’m allowed to set big goals that have nothing to do with being a mom or running a business.
And honestly? It feels empowering to choose something this big and audacious.
I have this weird obsession with setting really unrealistic goals and then figuring out how to make them happen. Running a business has always felt a lot like that—setting big dreams, making a plan, and just trusting that I’ll figure it out along the way.
Running a marathon feels exactly the same.
Right now, I can’t run more than five miles without feeling like my lungs might give out. But I’m not worried about where I am today—I’m focused on where I could be a few months from now. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that big goals push us in the right direction, even if they feel impossible at first.
How many times do we stop ourselves from going after something because we think, “I could never do that”? What if we flipped the narrative and thought, “I can’t do that yet but I’m willing to try”?
That’s the mindset I’m taking into this marathon journey. I may not be able to run 26.2 miles today, but I’m showing up for future me—the one who will cross that finish line in Honolulu.
Let’s be real—running is hard. At the moment, running three miles feels like a challenge. I’m not someone who naturally loves to run, and the idea of running more than five miles? I honestly can’t imagine it.
When I say, “I’m not a runner,” I mean it. I’m the mom who runs after her kids, not someone who laces up their sneakers every morning for a quick jog.
But the beauty of setting a goal like running a marathon is that it forces you to grow into the kind of person who can do it. I’m not a runner yet, but by the time December rolls around, I hope I will be.
One of the main reasons I wanted to commit to this marathon is to motivate myself to become more consistent in working out.
I’ve always struggled with sticking to a workout routine. I’d have good weeks where I’d show up consistently, followed by weeks where I’d fall off the wagon completely. I needed a reason to show up—something to hold me accountable.
Signing up for a marathon gives me that reason. If I don’t put in the work, the only person I’m letting down is myself. And having to run a marathon is for sure going to be a terrible experience. There’s no hiding from that.
Consistency is key when it comes to training, and I hope this goal helps me stay accountable even on the days when I don’t feel like showing up. Because let’s be honest—there are going to be plenty of those days.
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I have a deep love for Hawaii. I’ve lived in both Maui and Oahu, and those islands will always hold a special place in my heart.
When I started thinking about running a marathon, I knew I wanted to choose one that felt meaningful. The Honolulu Marathon felt like the perfect fit—a way to return to a place I love, while rewarding myself at the end of the year for sticking with my training plan. Plus, since it’s in December it gives me the most amount of time to train.
Plus, if you’re going to run 26.2 miles, you might as well do it in paradise, right?
This space on my blog is typically filled with business tips and marketing strategies, but I hope to share more of my health journey here, too. It feels a little vulnerable to show up in this way, but I want to be real about the ups and downs of this experience. Life isn’t just about business goals—it’s about personal ones, too.
I’m equal parts excited and terrified. There’s a voice in my head saying, “You’re crazy for even trying,” but there’s a louder voice reminding me that I’ve done hard things before—and I can do this, too.
So, here’s to running a marathon, showing up for myself, and doing things that feel impossible.
If you have a business, you know creating content can feel like a full-time job. You pour your heart into writing that blog post, designing that Instagram carousel, or crafting the perfect email… and then what? You move on to the next thing, leaving all that hard work behind, never fully tapping into the power of repurposing content to make it work harder for you.
It’s not just about saving time (although that’s a huge bonus), it’s about stretching the life of your content so it reaches more people across different platforms. Because let’s face it — not everyone is seeing your content the first time around.
Ready to make your content hustle for you? Let’s dive into what repurposing content really means, why it’s a game-changer, and how you can do it right.
Did you know that 60% of marketers create at least one piece of content every day? (Source) That’s a lot of time and energy spent on creating — but what happens to that content after it’s published?
Most of the time, it gets buried. And that’s a missed opportunity.
Repurposing content allows you to take that blog post you spent hours on and turn it into:
The best part? You’re not starting from scratch.
You might be thinking: But won’t my audience get bored if I keep sharing the same thing?
Nope. The key is to present the content in different ways that feel fresh and relevant for each platform. Here’s how I personally love to repurpose my content:
I like to start out with a long-form blog post — it’s the foundation of everything. Once I’ve got that cornerstone piece, I create multiple Pinterest pins to drive long-term traffic (because Pinterest is a goldmine for evergreen content!). After that, I send out a newsletter to my email list, sharing the main takeaways and inviting them to dive deeper. And finally — the cherry on top — I turn that content into a few social media posts.
(Although, I’m currently taking a break from social media. But that’s usually how my repurposing funnel looks!)
The best part? It’s all about working smarter, not harder.
📌 Pro Tip: Use a tool like Wordsmith to help you brainstorm content that stay true to your brand voice. (Learn more)
Here’s the thing: content on social media has a super short lifespan. According to research, the average lifespan of an Instagram post is about 48 hours. For TikTok? Even shorter. Facebook? A little longer, but still fleeting.
That’s why it’s so important to generate long-term traffic from platforms like Pinterest or SEO-optimized blog posts. These pieces of content keep working for you long after you hit publish — bringing in traffic, leads, and sales while you sleep.
If you’re only relying on social media, you’re missing out on that longevity. So, let’s make your content work harder and longer for you!
TikTok: 15-20 minutes
Instagram: 24-48 hours
X (formerly Twitter): 15-30 minutes
Facebook: 1-2 days
Pinterest: 4 months – years
Google (SEO-optimized content): Years
That’s why it’s so important to generate long-term traffic from platforms like Pinterest or SEO-optimized blog posts. These pieces of content keep working for you long after you hit publish — bringing in traffic, leads, and sales while you sleep.
If you’re only relying on social media, you’re missing out on that longevity. So, let’s make your content work harder and longer for you!
Still not convinced? Here’s why repurposing content is worth your time:
Your audience isn’t everywhere at once. Repurposing helps you reach people who missed your original post.
No need to reinvent the wheel. Repurpose what you’ve already created and get more mileage out of it.
Sharing your content in multiple ways shows you’re an expert in your field — without feeling repetitive.
Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of repurposing? Don’t be. Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of repurposing? Don’t be. I created Wordsmith to help business owners — just like you — make content creation feel easier, more fun, and way more personalized. It’s not just about speeding up the process (although, yes please!). It’s about helping you show up in your most authentic voice.
And guess what? We’ve recently added multiple writing styles to choose from! You can even take a personalized quiz to create a custom writing style that’s uniquely you.
Seriously, it’s my favorite update so far — because no two businesses sound the same, and your content shouldn’t either.
👉 Learn more about Wordsmith here: modernmarket.co/wordsmith
Sunday, January 5th, 2025
Friday, January 3rd, 2025
Let’s start with a truth bomb: STORIES SELL. No matter what you do—whether you’re a photographer capturing life’s milestones, a coach helping women find clarity, or a shop owner selling handmade treasures——the secret to making real connections with your audience is storytelling.
The truth is, people don’t buy products or services; they buy feelings, connections, and experiences. They buy into you. And the best way to build that connection? Through storytelling.
Let’s break down why storytelling is so powerful, how to make it feel natural (not awkward!), and how you can start weaving your unique story into your business today.
Humans are wired for stories. Think about it: since the beginning of time, stories have been how we pass down wisdom, teach lessons, and connect with one another. Our brains light up when we hear a good story. It’s why you remember a friend’s hilarious vacation mishap more than a dry business pitch.
In marketing, storytelling taps into that same part of the brain. It builds trust, evokes emotions, and makes your brand memorable.
It makes you relatable. People want to work with someone they trust. Sharing your story—your why, your struggles, your journey—makes you feel human and approachable.
It builds emotional connections. Facts tell; stories sell. Emotions drive buying decisions. When your audience feels something, they’re more likely to take action.
It differentiates you. Your story is your secret sauce. It’s the one thing no one else can copy. It’s what makes your brand unique in a crowded market.
Okay, I hear you: “But Elena, I don’t want to be one of those people oversharing on the internet.”
I get it. There’s a fine line between storytelling and oversharing. The key is to share stories that feel authentic and relevant to your audience’s experience.
Here’s a simple framework to help:
Your audience doesn’t just want to know what you do—they want to know why you do it. Why did you start your business? What problem were you trying to solve? What impact do you hope to make?
Sharing your why makes your mission relatable and inspiring.
Example:
“I started my business because I was tired of seeing other women entrepreneurs burn out trying to do it all. I wanted to create tools that simplify content creation and help women show up online without sacrificing their sanity.”
Your stories should have a purpose. Share moments from your life that relate to your business’s mission. It could be a challenge you overcame, a lesson you learned, or a pivotal moment that shaped your journey. * Staying relevant isn’t always a must…more on that writing technique on another day!
Example:
“There was a time when I felt stuck, staring at my computer screen with no idea what to post. I realized it wasn’t about being perfect—it was about being real. That’s when I started creating weekly content prompts to make showing up easier for myself and my community.”
Your audience should always see themselves in your story. It’s not just about you; it’s about how your story resonates with them.
Ask yourself:
Wondering what kind of stories to share? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Every business has a beginning. Share yours! How did you start? What challenges did you face? What keeps you going?
Example:
“When I started my business, I was a full-time stay-at-home mom with big dreams of building something that allowed me to work from home and live the life I loved—even when the world kept telling me it wasn’t possible. I took a leap of faith, pushed through the doubt, and created a business that gives me the freedom and flexibility I once thought was out of reach.”
Showcase how your product or service has made a difference in someone’s life. Share the before-and-after of a client experience.
Example:
“When Sarah came to me, she was overwhelmed by content creation. After using my prompts and tools, she told me she finally felt seen and heard by her audience—and she tripled her engagement in just one month.”
Empathy builds trust. Share a story about a time you struggled with the same challenges your audience is facing.
Example:
“I know how it feels to think, ‘Why would anyone care about what I have to say?’ But once I started showing up authentically, my business transformed. And yours can too.”
Feeling overwhelmed at the thought of sharing more stories? Here’s the good news: you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Your stories can be repurposed across different platforms.
If writing your story feels like a daunting task, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Wordsmith is designed to help you create authentic, on-brand content quickly and easily. With custom writing styles and prompts, you can share your story without second-guessing yourself.
Just feed Wordsmith the details, and watch it create a blog post, social media caption, or newsletter that sounds just like you.
Your story is your superpower. It’s what makes your business stand out, and it’s what will draw your dream clients to you. You don’t have to share everything—just the moments that matter, the experiences that shaped you, and the lessons you learned along the way.
The next time you sit down to write, remember: it’s not about being perfect. It’s about being real. Your audience isn’t looking for flawless; they’re looking for you.
my story