"I feel so self-conscious. How do I get over my fear of listening or watching to myself?" Have you asked that question, too? Join me on this chat about the evolution of content creation. I'll reflect on my own journey from the consistent efforts of 2018 to the content overload of 2021. Along the way, I'll share the valuable lessons I've learned on strategy, SEO, and nurturing an audience.  By looking back at my earlier perspectives and how they've transformed over the years, you'll gain a fresh understanding of what it truly means to craft content in today's ever-shifting digital terrain.Creating content can be challenging, so I'm sharing how I overcame my doubts by switching to a more mindful approach. Jenny, a member of our YouTube audience, asked me about dealing with anxiety, and I offer advice for anyone on their content journey. Authenticity and connection with our audience are the secrets to creating engaging and valuable content.This episode is a practical toolkit for those starting their creative projects. I'll guide you through setting deadlines, fostering accountability, and the magic of taking action. The shared insights will encourage you to start where you are, with curiosity as your guide, and embrace the journey ahead. Join empowered content creators navigating the thrilling seas of digital expression. Tune in and subscribe.

Unlock the secrets to a thriving online business presence with Robert Brandl, the insightful founder of ToolTester. Our conversation is an eye-opener for anyone from budding entrepreneurs to seasoned business owners looking to harness the power of digital tools. Robert narrates his transformative journey from searching for a simple website builder to creating a robust platform—ToolTester—that guides users in choosing the ideal digital assets. His experiences illuminate the critical role of SEO and affiliate marketing in catapulting your business to new heights, while also underscoring the accessibility of platforms such as Weebly and Squarespace that have democratized the online landscape for non-techies.Dive into the heart of digital marketing's evolution with us, where personalizing content and optimizing for various devices is now the name of the game. I share firsthand the rigorous process of continuous testing and updating that ToolTester undergoes to help your business climb the search engine ranks. Our discussion spans the integration of video content, the intertwined growth of blogs and YouTube channels, and the dynamic nature of email marketing—emphasizing the importance of staying current with tactics that resonate with your audience.Step with us into the world of web tools, essential for any content creator or small business aiming to make an indelible mark online. From exploring efficient website builders to dissecting the nuances of e-commerce and email marketing services, this episode is a treasure trove of recommendations tailor-made to fit your needs. As we offer gratitude to Robert for his invaluable expertise, we hope you find the inspiration and information necessary to empower your journey and select the right digital tools that will turn your online endeavors into a resounding success.

Have you ever dreamed of a break from your content but are terrified of losing touch with your audience? Well, my friends, you're not alone. Today, let's tackle the intricate dance of content creation with a side of life's little hiccups. Through the lens of a listener's daunting experience with illness-induced hiatus, we share the realities of falling podcast downloads and the critical need for strategic marketing. Join me as I reflect on my New York adventure, a testament to the saving grace of content batching that let me savor the Big Apple, work-free. And when a family emergency accident threw our calendars out the window, flexibility and audience communication became my mantra.This episode isn't just about sharing woes and victories; it's tried-and-true insights on striking that elusive balance between content production and life's curveballs. I'll guide you through content batching and editing, sprinkling in tales of my contrasting creative personas and hinting at a forthcoming video that lays it all out. For those times when life takes the driver's seat, I'll offer sage advice on realigning your content with your current reality and still keeping your audience hooked. Short, impactful episodes can become your new best friend, packing a punch without overextending your reach. So grab your headphones, and let's embark on this voyage of content resilience together.

Have you ever wondered, "What's the secret sauce to podcasting success?" Get ready to uncover the magic behind structuring podcast seasons and effectively communicating with your audience—especially when taking those much-needed breathers. In a revealing session with our Proffitt Podcasting students, we share invaluable wisdom from the trenches of content creation, guiding you through the decision-making puzzles of podcast continuity—be it a single, ongoing narrative or neatly packaged seasons. We dissect the questions that keep podcasters awake at night, providing answers that illuminate the path to longevity in podcasting and enhance the listener experience, ensuring your voice remains resonant episode after episode.As a content creator, striking a balance between life's demands and your podcast's rhythm can be a high-wire act. Yet, the art of transparently looping in your audience during those intervals away from the mic maintains the bond you've built. This episode highlights the nuances of communicating about a hiatus, outlining strategies to keep your podcast in orbit around your listeners' lives even when silence falls. We also discuss the strengths of private versus public podcast platforms, specifically Hello Audio and Kajabi, and how they can be woven into your online presence to reinforce audience engagement. Join us as we navigate these waters, always keeping our finger on the pulse of what keeps a podcast thriving in the bustling audio landscape.

Ever feel like you're juggling too many tools in your content creation process, barely keeping them all in the air? Join me as I lay out my personal content tech stack and walk you through the PREP'M method—an approach designed to streamline your planning, recording, editing, publishing, and marketing workflow. I'm sharing my favorite tools, like Asana for project management and Calendly, which can simplify scheduling to keep you organized and accountable. I'll also take a deep dive into the utilities that shape my content creation, including the game-changing podcast hosting service Buzzsprout, and learn how TubeBuddy can skyrocket your YouTube visibility. In this episode, I also tackle the nitty-gritty of managing your tech stack without breaking the bank—because nobody likes sneaky expenses from free trials that suddenly aren't so free anymore. From Buzzsprout's Magic Mastering to ConvertKit's marketing prowess, I'm sharing the secrets that could take your content to the next level. We don't have any guests this time—it's just you and me exploring the powerful tools at our fingertips and learning how to harness them for content creation success. So, gear up for a jam-packed session filled with actionable advice and insider tips that promise to elevate your content game.

Unlock financial mastery and entrepreneurial empowerment with the guidance of Danielle Hayden, CEO of Kickstart Accounting, in our latest episode. We peel back the layers of budgeting bliss and financial finesse, inviting you to a candid discussion on the journey to monetary freedom. Danielle, a reformed CFO with a heart for coaching female entrepreneurs, shares her insights on the interplay between mindset and money, emphasizing the value of consistency and the liberating effect of financial transparency. It's an honest exploration of the financial discipline required to thrive in an online business and how embracing your numbers can forge the path to enduring success.Ever felt overwhelmed with the nitty-gritty of bookkeeping or unsure when to make that crucial hire to bolster your business? We've got you covered with practical strategies for resource management and growth tactics that illuminate the road to delegating effectively. The conversation dives into the hiring process, from leaning on experts to engaging contractors and full-time employees, pinpointing the perfect moment each decision should unfold to protect and propel your venture. I open up about my own battle with financial shame, underlining the strength found in seeking help and the vital role it plays in cultivating a flourishing business.As we wrap up, we leave you with wisdom on healthy spending habits and the significance of intentional investment in advertising and marketing. The narrative culminates with a gift from Kickstart Accounting—practical tools to guide you through tax deductions and intelligent hiring practices. This episode isn't just a lesson in numbers; it's an invitation to step confidently into mastering your business finances, joining a community where every question is welcomed and every financial step is celebrated.

Unlock the secrets to turning customer praise into your most powerful marketing tool. Imagine having an ever-growing vault of testimonials that effortlessly champions your work while you focus on what you do best. That's the reality I'll help you achieve in today's episode as we dissect strategic timing, the art of asking the right questions, and my four-step method for cultivating an enviable collection of endorsements. We're not just gathering testimonials; we're building a system that captures the essence of positive consumer experiences to give your potential customers the confidence they need to choose you.Ever spotted a glowing comment about your service on social media and felt a rush of pride? Now, think about harnessing that energy across all your platforms—Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, to name a few. I'll walk you through recognizing these digital wins, turning casual praises into a curated arsenal of authentic social proof. You'll hear about my journey from missing these opportunities to actively collecting and interacting with my audience, making the most of every heartfelt review and comment. It's time to make your digital footprint work harder for you, and I'm here to show you how.Then, we transform those testimonials into content that sells without selling. With our strategic deployment, you'll learn to anonymize and share feedback that resonates with your audience. We'll delve into the remarkable capabilities of Sinja, an AI-powered platform that distills testimonials into marketing gold by pinpointing common pain points and keywords. By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped to build your own 'wall of love,' showcasing the acclaim that sets you apart. So join us on this journey to amplify your word-of-mouth marketing and let satisfied customers do the talking.

"But how does SEO work? I've been trying to understand (for years!), and I still don't get it," said every frustrated creator who wants to see organic growth for their podcast. And I get it. I've been there and have firsthand exasperation when it comes to SEO.This is why I wanted to bring on the expertise of e-commerce wizard Carrie Saunders. As she dissects the complexities of search engine optimization on her podcast "eCommerce Made Easy," Carrie joins us to share the essentials for grasping the SEO game and propelling your content to the top of search rankings. Together, we peel back the layers of crafting irresistible titles, the magic of well-worded descriptions, and the sheer power of transcripts. With tips that could elevate your podcast from hidden gem to center stage, this episode is a treasure chest for content creators.Have you ever wondered how a simple change in your content strategy could result in a flood of new listeners? I share a surprising tale of an episode that did just that, emphasizing the unpredictable dance of audience engagement. We zoom out to explore the broader strokes of SEO, from using less competitive keywords to build your site's authority to the importance of ethical linking. For SEO novices and veterans alike, there's wisdom to nurturing online visibility and the virtues of patience and persistence in content creation.Our conversation wraps up with actionable insights into ethical linking strategies and avoiding the pitfalls of spammy practices. As we navigate the SEO landscape, remember that every episode title, keyword, and link is a stepping stone to achieving your online vision. And for those just tuning in, subscribe or follow for a treasure trove of episodes that promise to guide you through the ever-shifting terrain of content creation and SEO mastery. Join us on this adventure; it's one you won't want to miss.

Have you ever felt the magnetic pull of a dream so strong that you couldn't ignore it? That's precisely what Molly experienced when she traded the certainty of corporate finance for the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. This week's episode takes you through her remarkable transformation, a tale that echoes with the voices of coaches she now leads, empowering women to strike that elusive work-life balance. Our conversation traverses the often bumpy road of career transitions, highlighting the valuable lessons hidden in the missteps along the way. From my own evolution as a content creator and mother of three to the essential support systems we all need when chasing dreams that defy convention, we uncover the nuances of building community and the joy that guides us. We also peel back the curtain on the startup phase of a business, swapping tales of humble beginnings and the serendipity of client-driven content evolution.And if you've ever pondered the power of authenticity in health and wellness, this episode has treasures for you. Listen to how showing up as our true selves, devoid of pretense, fosters a deeper connection with those we aim to inspire. Dive into the strategies Molly and I use to inspire others and learn how reaching beyond our own communities can amplify our message and mission. If you're seeking a sign to take that leap into your own entrepreneurial adventure, listen to this episode.This episode promises to be a beacon of encouragement for anyone needing a confidence boost, yearning to connect with their true calling, or just looking for a community that champions the real over the perfect. Tap into your potential and hit play on an episode that embodies the essence of evolution in both life and content creation. Don't forget to follow or subscribe for more inspirational conversations like this one!

"I can't believe this is happening." That was my first thought as I waited for today's guest to join me on Instagram Live. As a fledgling entrepreneur back in 2017, I learned the hard way that building a brand requires grit and tenacity. Fast forward to today, and my perseverance has paid rich dividends; one is the wisdom imparted by Marie Forleo, a trailblazer in the online business and marketing world. Together, we explore her treasure trove of insights, from the impactful content on MarieTV to the game-changing offerings of Time Genius and B-School, designed to amplify your business pursuits.Have you ever felt like you're in an endless race against the clock, where time is a luxury you can't afford? Marie and I tackle this issue, diving into the necessity for a mindset upgrade to cope with the ever-increasing demands of modern life. She sheds light on the outdated practices that lead to burnout and offers fresh perspectives to realign our approach to productivity. It's not about the hours you put in but the strategic prioritization of tasks—identifying your 'big rocks' and learning to say no to distractions—that can truly propel your aspirations to reality.We focus on the transformative concept of 'time genius'—a mindset that promotes joy and contentment by granting us autonomy over our hours. Hear how this approach has influenced my entrepreneurial journey and provided a roadmap for a fulfilling life that defies the stress of never-ending to-do lists. If you're ready for a shift that could redefine how you perceive and utilize time, joining us on this episode is a decision you won't regret.