Eat Blog Talk

In this episode, we're going to talk about 5 steps to manage common feelings of inadequacy among entrepreneurs and how to stop feeling like a "loser". I have felt like a loser so many times in the 14 years I've been an entrepreneur. I have experienced various embarrassing or devastating entrepreneurial moments: overnight traffic loss, burnout, not getting as much traction as other bloggers, getting booted from a major blogging Facebook group, you name it. So how have I dealt with these situations and pulled myself through? Here are 5 steps I take when faced with feeling like an entrepreneurial loser. Action Plan: 1 - It's not personal: Understand that setbacks in your business are not a reflection of your worth as an entrepreneur, but rather a normal part of the journey. 2 - Take responsibility: Identify what you could have done differently and use that knowledge to improve your future actions, rather than blaming external factors. 3 - Connect with peers: Surround yourself with a trusted circle of fellow entrepreneurs who can provide support and advice during difficult times. 4 - Celebrate accomplishments: Make a regular habit of listing your achievements, no matter how small, to maintain a positive mindset. 5 - Keep moving forward: Expect setbacks, but continue taking small, consistent steps towards your goals and dreams, as your response to challenges determines your success. Get in touch with Megan if there is a specific mindset and self-care topic you'd like her to cover. Website | Instagram Promote your food blogging services Megan's recommended books and resources

In episode 615, Megan chats to Elan Gelfand about the importance of focus, discipline, consistency, handling judgment, and reigniting passion. Elan Gelfand started the podcast Abundant Thinking where he talks about how to live a purposeful life and how to improve your mindset. Elan has spoken to some of the best coaches in their industry and has valuable insight on how to succeed and how to cultivate a bulletproof mindset. In this episode, you'll learn about creating the right environment to minimize distractions, building discipline slowly to achieve long-term success and adopting a mindset of not caring about others' opinions. Key points discussed: - Start small to build discipline: Begin with small, achievable goals and gradually increase the difficulty, rather than setting unrealistic high expectations that are hard to maintain. - Eliminate distractions: Use tools like the Opal app to block distracting apps and create an environment conducive to focused work. - Consistency leads to discipline: Staying consistent with your habits, even in small ways, can help develop long-term discipline. - Reframe judgment: When faced with judgment from others, remember that people who are doing well are unlikely to waste time criticizing you. - Focus on your own approval: Prioritize your own self-approval over the opinions of others, as you'll be spending the most time with yourself. - Reignite passion by trying new things: Experiment with different aspects of your work to find new sources of inspiration and excitement. - Appreciate the good times: Recognize and be grateful for the moments when you feel passionate and engaged, as they can help you push through the more challenging periods. - Differentiate between focus and discipline: Focus is about staying committed in the moment, while discipline is about consistently doing the same thing over time. - Create the right environment: Deliberately set up your physical and digital surroundings to support your productivity and minimize distractions. - Limit time with negative people: Reduce interactions with those who are judgmental or unsupportive, and instead seek out positive, encouraging relationships. Connect with Elan Gelfand Spotify| Instagram

In episode 614, Abraham Busick teaches us easy content strategies for optimal growth on Pinterest, emphasizing it's role as a search tool and not a social media platform. Gracelaneco is a Pinterest management agency with a focus on bloggers and small brands. We love to share our proven strategy that keeps Pinterest simple and growing even through algorithm updates. In this episode, you'll learn about Pinterest SEO, how to solve users' problems, experimenting with content formats, driving traffic to your blog and how to use Pinterest analytics to improve your strategy. Key points discussed: - Understand the Pinterest user mindset: You should recognize that Pinterest users are on the platform to solve specific problems, not just for entertainment, and tailor your content accordingly. - Plan content in advance: You should create content months in advance to align with the planning nature of Pinterest users. - Leverage Pinterest SEO: You should thoroughly research and incorporate relevant keywords into your pin descriptions, titles, and images to improve visibility. - Maintain consistency: You should strive for consistent pinning activity to ensure the algorithm recognizes your presence and promotes your content. - Monitor analytics: You should closely track your Pinterest analytics, focusing on impressions, pin clicks, and saves/outbound clicks to identify areas for improvement. - Use a clear call-to-action: You should include a clear call-to-action in your pin descriptions and images to encourage users to click through to your website or blog. - Experiment with content formats: You should consider a mix of static and video pins, testing different approaches to see what resonates best with your audience. - Manage your emotions: You should focus on your activity and consistency on Pinterest rather than getting discouraged by initial results, as the platform can take time to build traction. If you Loved this Episode… You'll love Episode 570 - Why Pinterest is One of The Best Time Investments To Boost Your Blog's Traffic with Heather Farris Connect with Abraham Busick Website | Instagram

In this episode, we're going to talk about 5 mindset tweaks that could accelerate your entrepreneurial success. Being an entrepreneur is hard. I always say this but I'll say it again. It's not just the discipline, commitment, knowledge and ability to seize opportunities that make entrepreneurship hard. It's hard because without the right mindset, business owners often give up. But, I've got good news for you. This does not have to be the case. You can be a successful business owner and inspirational entrepreneur. Here are 5 easy mindset tweaks that can get you there. Action Plan: 1 - Have faith in yourself: Believe in your abilities, experience, and knowledge, and don't second-guess yourself. 2 - Let things simmer: Be patient and allow projects, problems, and growth to unfold at their own pace, rather than rushing the process. 3 - Embrace the champion mindset: Overcome your default human mindset of self-preservation and tap into your inner champion to achieve your full potential. 4 - Don't be afraid to ask: Reach out to your network, yourself, and even a higher power to ask for what you need to move your business forward. 5 - Win the day: Establish a daily routine and focus on small victories that will lead to long-term success in your life and business. Get in touch with Megan if there is a specific mindset and self-care topic you'd like her to cover. Website | Instagram Promote your food blogging services Megan's recommended books and resources

In episode 612, Megan chats to Ann and Maddy Baum about Spillt's newest offering: Premium subscriptions and why this is a great way to build an extra revenue stream for bloggers. Spillt is a social app for home cooks to save and organize their recipes from anywhere (however we don't scrape the recipe, we always respect bloggers' traffic). Spillt also offers bloggers tools to share their content through a free Wordpress plugin that syncs their recipes to Spillt. And most recently, Spillt launched a paywalled subscription tool that allows bloggers to create a subscription offering for their fans, giving them access to all their blog recipes ad-free, as well as customizable meal plans. In this episode, you'll learn why Spillt is a great asset for food bloggers, including its ease of use, social element, subscription tool and meal plan creation, which aim to diversify bloggers' revenue streams. Key points discussed: - The Spillt app is a mobile and web-based platform: It allows home cooks to save and organize recipes from anywhere online, making it easy to access your favorite recipes. - Spillt respects bloggers' content and traffic: The app syncs recipes to the platform without scraping content, ensuring bloggers maintain their ad revenue and audience. - Spillt offers a free WordPress plugin that integrates bloggers' content into the app: This plugin allows bloggers to build a profile and have their recipe reviews and ratings sync back to their blog. - New features to help bloggers diversify their revenue and save time: Spillt is launching a premium subscription tool and a meal planning feature. - Premium subscription benefits: It allows bloggers to offer an ad-free, premium version of their recipes to their followers, providing an additional revenue stream for bloggers. - A meal planning feature comes with the Premium subscription: It makes it easy for bloggers to create and share customizable meal plans with their followers. - Spillt has a social element that allows users to see what recipes their friends and family have saved: This can help with recipe discovery and community building. Connect with Ann Baum & Maddy Baum Website | Instagram

In episode 611, Sena Wheeler teaches us the importance of email marketing for business growth, sharing her strategy of sending personalized, value-driven emails. Sena Wheeler is part of a 5th generation fishing family and the co-founder of Sena Sea, which brings wild Alaskan seafood direct to your door. She's passionate about sustainability, helping busy families eat healthier and educating people about the brain-boosting benefits of wild fish. She has a master's degree in Nutrition and Food Science with a specialty in quantifying omega 3's in fish and determining preferred handling practices for premium quality. She and her husband enjoy running this family business together, spending part of the year in Alaska and having the flexibility to enjoy watching her children participate in their school sports, and of course, eating and cooking fish! In this episode, you'll learn about the benefits of leveraging personal stories in email, building a quality email list and its long-term value and stability compared to social media platforms. Key points discussed: - Consistency is key: Consistently sending emails, even if they are not perfect, is more important than trying to create a masterpiece every time. - Offer value upfront: Providing a free downloadable cookbook or other valuable content can help attract and retain subscribers. - Understand your audience: Identifying and addressing your audience's pain points, such as how to cook the product, can help you create content that resonates. - Embrace selling: Don't be afraid to include a sales pitch in your emails, as your subscribers are there because they are interested in your product or service. - Personalize your content: Sharing personal stories, photos, and updates can help build a stronger connection with your audience. - Leverage collaborations: Partnering with other influencers or bloggers can help you expand your reach and provide value to your audience. - Maintain an engaged list: Focus on building a list of engaged subscribers rather than a large list of uninterested people. - Use a content calendar: Planning your email topics and themes in advance can help you stay organized and efficient. Connect with Sena Wheeler Website | Instagram

In this episode, we're going to talk about 5 traits of high achievers and how to incorporate similar habits into our lives. When you spend time with inspiring, high-quality individuals, you suddenly notice traits that would be well-worth adopting. I attended a conference earlier this year where I noticed such high-achieving individuals. I observed five distinct things that set them apart and helped lead them to success as business owners. Here is how you can incorporate similar strategies to elevate your own personal and professional success. Action Plan: 1 - Avoid negativity: High achievers refuse to engage in criticism, gossip, cynicism, and complaining, as these behaviors can be draining and unproductive. 2 - Embrace challenges: You should be open to receiving and giving challenges and questions from others, as this can lead to valuable insights and personal growth. 3 - Celebrate failure: Failure should be viewed as a necessary step towards success, and high achievers wear it as a badge of honor, encouraging you to take bigger risks. 4 - Prioritize learning: Dedicating time each day to learning, whether through books, podcasts, or other resources, can help you stay focused, motivated, and on track with your goals. 5 - Establish routines: Incorporating daily routines into your life, even if they start small, can help you maintain productivity, focus, and a positive mindset. Get in touch with Megan if there is a specific mindset and self-care topic you'd like her to cover. Website | Instagram

In episode 609, Megan chats to Allie Hagerty about how she grew her food blog from 750 page views a month to over 100,000 page views a month. Allie has been food blogging since 2020, although she took a few years off. After being laid off from her full-time job as a new mom of a 4 week old, Allie decided to put all her energy back into reviving her old, crusty food blog. She started working on her new niche: new England and Mediterranean dishes (think fresh, minimalistic ingredients made delicious) in November '23. Allie had maybe 400 sessions monthly. Today, in June 2024, she has almost 75K sessions and is on MediaVine! Allie hunkered down, worked hard, and eliminated distractions like Instagram. She is proof that SEO is NOT dead. In this episode, you'll learn about Allie's strategies for creating content clusters, optimizing SEO, and maintaining consistency to achieve rapid blog growth. Key points discussed: - Focus on content clusters: You should focus on creating content clusters around ingredients, recipes, or topics that you are passionate about and knowledgeable in. - Prioritize quality over quantity: You should focus on creating high-quality, helpful content rather than just posting frequently. - Embrace interlinking: You should interlink your related content to create a cohesive and easy-to-navigate website structure. - Consistency is key: You should strive for consistency in your content creation and promotion efforts, even during challenging personal times. - Adopt a positive mindset: You should approach your blog with the mindset that every post will rank highly, and trust the process. - Build a supportive network: You should prioritize building relationships with other bloggers and mentors who can provide guidance and support. - Pursue high-quality backlinks: You should seek out opportunities to earn high-quality backlinks from reputable sources to improve your site's authority. - Optimize your titles and metadata: You should craft compelling and informative titles and metadata to improve your content's visibility and click-through rates. - Focus on your niche: You should focus on your unique expertise and niche, rather than trying to appeal to everyone or compete with others in your space. Connect with Allie Hagerty Website | Instagram

In episode 608, Courtney Carey teaches us how to plan and organize the cookbook creation process while managing other life responsibilities. Courtney Carey is the creator of Cake Me Home Tonight, a baking blog designed to help home bakers elevate their baking game! On her blog and social media, Courtney shares easy and delicious dessert recipes along with baking tips and tutorials to make baking fun and stress-free. Courtney recently released her debut cookbook, Girls Just Wanna Bake Cupcakes, an 80's themed cookbook featuring cupcake recipes inspired by nostalgic and classic snacks and desserts. She enjoys sharing her love of all things dessert and all things 80's because there is nothing sweeter than nostalgia! In this episode, you'll learn more about the challenges of balancing a blog, job, and family while writing a cookbook and how to meet deadlines despite setbacks. Key points discussed: - Plan and organize thoroughly: Carefully evaluate your work style, schedule, and responsibilities to set yourself up for success when writing a cookbook. - Break down the process: Create detailed checklists and spreadsheets to break the book-writing process into small, manageable tasks. - Leverage your strengths: Allocate tasks based on when you feel most energized and productive to maximize your efficiency. - Seek help from your support system: Don't be afraid to ask your family and friends for assistance to balance the workload. - Outsource tasks you're less confident in: Consider hiring professionals for photography, editing, or other areas you may struggle with. - Expect the unexpected: Be prepared to adapt when life throws curveballs. - Embrace imperfection: Understand that perfection is unattainable, and focus on creating a high-quality product rather than striving for flawlessness. - Take mental breaks: Recognize when you need to step away and recharge to avoid burnout and maintain your productivity. - Prioritize your commitments: Be willing to temporarily scale back on other responsibilities to dedicate the necessary time and attention to the cookbook project. Connect with Courtney Carey Website | Instagram

In this episode, we're going to talk about 5 strategies to be more consistent in your business in order to achieve more faster. One of the things that have really served me well in my business is consistency. Consistent effort, even in small steps, leads to significant achievements over time. I help many food bloggers during planning calls on a monthly basis. What I find is that the ones who are consistent see results quicker than the ones who are not. If you are struggling with consistency and feel frustrated, the good news is you can teach yourself to be more consistent. Here are my top 5 strategies to improve consistency. Action Plan: 1 - Identify your "why": Knowing your deeper motivation and emotional drivers can fuel your consistency in business. 2 - Track your time: Analyzing how you spend your time can reveal opportunities to improve efficiency and create more space for consistency. 3 - Implement systems: Developing predictable workflows and automating tasks can help you stay on track and free up mental energy. 4 - Seek accountability: Having someone or a group hold you responsible for your goals can push you to maintain consistency. 5 - Celebrate your wins: Acknowledging your progress, both big and small, can reinforce positive behaviors and keep you motivated. Get in touch with Megan if there is a specific mindset and self-care topic you'd like her to cover. Website | Instagram Food Photography by Kristina Cadelina Promote your food blogging services Megan's recommended books and resources

Food photographer, Dyutima Jha, interviews Megan Porta about how to grow your business, becoming more successful, without working more hours. Originally published on Dyutima's podcast, My Food Lens. Dyutima is an architect-turned commercial and editorial food photographer and podcaster based in Singapore. She is the first South Asian woman to host a food photography podcast, My Food Lens. After 15 years as an architect, designing healthcare facilities around the world, she found her passion in food styling & photography. Today, she has a successful business working with clients around the world and teaching other photographers how to do so as well. In this episode, you'll learn about powerful strategies to improve your mindset, increase productivity, and achieve better results in your food blogging businesses without burning out. Key points discussed: - Acknowledge the power of your mindset: Your mindset is a crucial factor in achieving success, and it's often underrated - recognizing the impact of your thoughts and beliefs can be a game-changer. - Uncover and rewrite limiting beliefs: Many of the beliefs that hold you back are unconscious - identifying and rewriting these limiting beliefs can open up new possibilities for success. - Focus on the positive: Where you focus your energy and attention will determine the outcomes you experience - shifting your focus to the positive can attract more positive results. - Embrace change: Change is inevitable in business, and having a mindset that accepts and adapts to change can help you thrive during challenging times. - Avoid comparison and persistence: Comparing yourself to others can lead to discouragement and quitting too soon - focusing on your own journey and persisting through setbacks is key. - Start small and build confidence: Stepping out of your comfort zone can be daunting, but starting with small, manageable steps and gradually building up can help you become more confident and brave. - Prioritize self-care and productivity: Taking care of your physical and mental well-being, as well as implementing effective time management strategies, can significantly boost your productivity and success. - Create a nurturing work environment: Designing a comfortable and inspiring workspace can positively impact your mindset and productivity. If You Loved This Episode... Listen to Megan's interview with Dyutima Jha - Episode 540: How to Keep Readers on Your Page By Bringing Powerful Storytelling to Food Photos Connect with Dyutima Jha Website | Instagram

In episode 606, Megan chats to Kris and Katie Kimball about their journey with The Blog Fixer, a service that helps WordPress bloggers automate technical tasks. Kris Kimball is a software developer who left the corporate world of banking in 2015 to start the Blog Fixer. His company helps thousands of WordPress bloggers like his wife Katie automate the boring technical stuff so they can focus on what they love. Kris and Katie are full-time online entrepreneurs raising 4 kids, and they love hiking in the mountains and hate home improvement projects. In this episode, you'll learn about the common fixes for bloggers' sites and how Kris and Katie stay on top of relevant information to serve food bloggers' businesses. Key points discussed: - Automate tedious technical tasks: Chris Kimball developed The Blog Fixer plugin to help his wife Katie automate the process of adding no-follow attributes to hundreds of links on her blog, Kitchen Stewardship. - The plugin makes permanent changes to blog content: Unlike other plugins that only make changes on load, The Blog Fixer makes permanent changes to the blog's content, ensuring the fixes remain even if the plugin is deactivated. - Stay up-to-date with SEO changes: The Blog Fixer team continuously monitors SEO best practices and updates their fixes to ensure your blog remains compliant with the latest recommendations. - A wide range of fixes: In addition to the no-follow link fix, the blog fixer provides solutions for internal redirects, link targeting, and other common technical issues faced by bloggers. - Primarily suitable for experienced food bloggers: The Blog Fixer's services are particularly valuable for food bloggers with extensive content archives, as it can efficiently address technical problems across a large number of posts. - The Blog Fixer offers a white-glove service: The blog fixer team handles all the installation, configuration, and optimization of their plugin, so you don't have to worry about the technical details. - Connected to the blogging community: The team actively listens to their clients' needs and develops new fixes to address the evolving challenges faced by food bloggers. - Deals with custom fixes: In addition to their standard fixes, The Blog Fixer is also capable of providing custom solutions to address unique technical problems on your blog. Connect with Kris and Katie Kimball Website

In episode 605, Nikki Rausch teaches us how to close more paid partnerships by having a strategic follow-up plan and focusing on relationships. CEO of Sales Maven, Nikki Rausch has the unique ability to transform the misunderstood process of "selling". With 25+ years of selling experience, entrepreneurs and small business owners now hire Nikki to show them how to sell successfully and authentically. Nikki has written 3 books, all available on Amazon. And she has a podcast called Sales Maven which you can find on your favorite podcast platform. In this episode, you'll learn about effective strategies for landing and securing brand deals, including how to leverage existing networks, create curiosity, and recognize buying signals from potential sponsors. Key points discussed: - Identify your target sponsors: Make a list of the people/brands you want to work with as sponsors. - Leverage your network: Identify who in your network knows someone at the companies you want to work with, and ask them to make introductions. - Use your advocates: Make a list of your biggest advocates and ambassadors who could potentially make introductions on your behalf. - Create curiosity: When speaking with potential sponsors, ask strategic questions to pique their interest and get them engaged in the conversation. - Invite next steps: Before ending a call with a potential sponsor, schedule a "circle back" call to review any proposal or answer additional questions. - Focus on the relationship: Treat sales as a conversation and focus on building relationships, rather than just trying to make a sale. - Recognize buying signals: Learn how to identify buying signals, such as questions from the potential sponsor, that indicate their interest. - Follow up strategically: Don't chase clients excessively, but leave the door open and schedule follow-up calls when appropriate. Connect with Nikki Rausch Website | Instagram

In this episode, we're going to talk about 5 steps to overcome the fear of investing in our business to avoid stagnation and foster growth. Have you ever come across a business investment that you really needed? It could've been a mastermind group, a business coach or maybe a new camera for better photography. But when you considered the financial cost, you were hesitant. Maybe you thought it could wait or you need to be making more money before you can spend anything on your business. However, if all you do is wait for the perfect moment to invest, you might be missing out on significant revenue growth and something that could take your business to the next level. I've been there! Here is how I mastered the mindset for making the right business investments. Action Plan: 1 - Pinpoint the investment and related concerns: Pinpoint the specific investment you want to make and the associated concerns, such as getting a return on investment or hiring a reliable coach. 2 - Gather information from trusted sources: Educate yourself and sleuth by reaching out to your trusted network of peers, such as a mastermind group or online communities, to learn about their experiences with various programs and individuals. 3 - Trust your intuition: Even after gathering data, you should lean into your intuition to guide your decision-making process, as your gut feeling can be a reliable indicator of whether an investment is right for you. 4 - Assess your budget: You should carefully evaluate your budget to ensure the investment is financially feasible, even if it means getting creative and making adjustments to accommodate the investment. 5 - Be willing to take the leap: Once you've checked all the boxes, you should confidently take the leap and make the investment, knowing that the right investments can ignite explosive growth in your business. Get in touch with Megan if there is a specific mindset and self-care topic you'd like her to cover. Website | Instagram

In episode 603, Megan chats to Amy Angelli leveraging E-E-A-T and creating a robust About Page to significantly boost blog traffic. Amy founded The Copper Table in 2019 to share recipes that minimize processed ingredients with a focus on cooking in season and cooking from scratch using fresh produce. She wanted these recipes to be for people who are busy and often don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen, but want great meals that make them feel good after a busy day. She lives on a small island in Washington state between Seattle and the Canadian border in a richly agricultural area that provides a lot of inspiration and recipe ingredients! In this episode, you'll learn about how Amy tripled her traffic during Google's HCU as well as strategies for effective interlinking, crafting compelling opening paragraphs, and shifting mindset around recipe creation and keyword research. Key points discussed: - Update your About Page regularly: Continuously revise and expand your about page to showcase your expertise, authority, and trustworthiness as your knowledge and experience grow. - Link to your About Page conversationally: Incorporate links to your about page in a natural, conversational way within your recipe posts to guide readers and signal your authority. - Establish expertise in the opening: Dedicate the first 1-2 paragraphs of your recipe posts to clearly establishing your expertise and authority on the topic. - Address specific pain points: Focus on addressing specific pain points or needs that your recipe solves for the reader in the opening paragraphs. - Leverage your personal experiences: Incorporate relevant personal experiences, family history, or educational background that demonstrate your expertise in the niche. - Interlink strategically: Develop an interlinking strategy that connects your recipe posts to other relevant content, categories, and your about page to showcase the depth of your knowledge. - Prioritize helpfulness over metrics: Shift your mindset to focus on being a helpful, one-stop resource for your readers, rather than solely chasing traffic volume or low competition. - Continuously expand your expertise: Consider taking additional classes, courses, or pursuing other opportunities to deepen your knowledge and skills in your niche. - Maintain a positive mindset: Adopt a mindset of focusing on the present and not worrying excessively about future changes, as each day brings its own challenges. If You Loved this Episode… You'll love Episode 428: 5 Biggest Mistakes Food Bloggers Make In Their SEO with Ty Kilgore - this episode is referenced in Megan's conversation with Amy. Connect with Amy Angelli Website | Instagram

In episode 602, Petranka Atanasova teaches us how to grow rapidly on Instagram, sharing the strategy that she used to gain over 100,000 followers in just four months. Petranka is an ex-professional chef turned food blogger and content creator! She shares easy vegan and vegetarian recipes for busy people who are beginners at plant-based cooking. In this episode, you'll learn Petranka's strategies for creating engaging reels and developing a successful content series that resonates with her audience. The episode also covers the mindset shift Petranka underwent to achieve this rapid growth and provides practical tips for food bloggers looking to expand their Instagram presence. Key points discussed: - Establish authority: Use a strong hook at the beginning of your videos to immediately establish your expertise and credibility with your audience. - Prioritize visual appeal: Start your videos with movement or an eye-catching visual to capture viewers' attention in the first few seconds. - Provide digestible value: Deliver information and tips in a simple, easy-to-understand way, avoiding overwhelming your audience with too many details. - Experiment with content: Try different video styles and formats to see what resonates best with your audience, then duplicate the successful ones. - Maintain consistency: Develop a posting schedule that works for you, even if it means reducing the frequency, to ensure you can sustain your content creation. - Leverage analytics: Use Instagram's analytics to determine the best times to post for your specific niche and target audience. - Build a supportive network: Surround yourself with a network of peers and mentors who can provide feedback and encouragement to help you grow. - Shift your mindset: Focus on providing value and engaging with your audience, rather than solely chasing views and follower counts. - Keep clips concise: Aim for short, fast-paced video clips to maintain viewer attention and keep your content dynamic. - Embrace the journey: Trust that the path will become clear as you take action, rather than trying to have everything figured out from the start. Connect with Petranka Atanasova Website | Instagram

In this episode, we're going to talk about why entrepreneurs experience fear of success and 5 steps to overcome this type of fear. It's crazy to think that as business owners we can be afraid of our own success. There are a number of reasons why this happens. You may be questioning wether you're worthy of success, wether you'd be able to keep up with success or how people may perceive you. Sometimes there are legitimate reasons to hold off on a project that could lead to greater success. Other times, it's you making excuses. Here are 5 steps to work through your fear of success. Action Plan: 1 - Identify your excuses: Recognize the excuses you've been making for not achieving your goals, as these may be masking deeper fears of success. 2 - Examine your excuses: Critically analyze your excuses to determine if they are valid or simply cover-ups for underlying issues. 3 - Uncover the real issue: Dig deeper to identify the true reason behind your reluctance to pursue your goals, which may be rooted in a fear of success. 4 - Rewrite your narrative: Reframe your story by replacing negative, self-limiting beliefs with a positive, empowering perspective on the potential outcomes of your success. 5 - Take action: Once you've addressed your fears, take concrete steps to move forward and achieve your goals, as inaction will only perpetuate the cycle of fear. Get in touch with Megan if there is a specific mindset and self-care topic you'd like her to cover. Website | Instagram Madison Wetherill's Web Design Services Promote your food blogging services Megan's recommended books and resources

In episode 600, Dan Porta - Megan's husband - interviews his wife about her food blogging journey, what it takes to succeed and why she started her podcast, Eat Blog Talk. Dan and Megan have been married 18 years and have two boys. Dan works in the travel industry and enjoys driving the family in their RV, going sky diving and being a hand model for his wife. He fully supports having a fabulous food blogger in the family and does so very well. In this episode, you'll learn about Megan's journey from starting her food blog, Pip and Ebby to creating the Eat Blog Talk podcast and community. Dan interviews his wife about the challenges and triumphs of food blogging and running a business in general, as well as valuable lessons for aspiring and established bloggers alike. Key points discussed: - Longevity is key in food blogging: You need to see food blogging as a long-term game, requiring patience and consistency, even when faced with industry changes. - Develop essential qualities for success: The top three qualities Megan recommends for aspiring food bloggers are patience, flexibility/resilience, and a willingness to learn and adapt. - Leverage your unique personality to build your brand: According to Dan, what makes Megan's blog and podcast stand out is her personality. - Prioritize time with family: Megan and her husband value the schedule freedom they've achieved, allowing them to prioritize quality time with their children. - Recognize and address burnout: Dealing with burnout in a timely manner (and ideally preventing it) is essential to maintain a sustainable business and personal life. - Embrace the power of community: Megan was able to build a supportive community, both through the Eat Blog Talk podcast and the various mastermind groups she has created. - Leverage your partner's support: Megan credits her husband's unwavering support as a key factor in her ability to pursue food blogging and launch the Eat Blog Talk podcast. If You Loved this Episode… You'll love Episode 400: Why Did I Start Eat Blog Talk, Exciting Blogging Developments & How to Set Healthy Boundaries with Megan Porta - where Megan gets interviewed by Taryn Solie, her community manager. Connect with Pip and Ebby Website | Instagram | Facebook

In episode 599, Tammy Overhoff teaches us how to create a stable income stream by selling digital products instead of relying exclusively on SEO and ad-revenue. Tammy Overhoff is a seasoned food blogger and digital product expert who began her journey in 2011 with the Organize Yourself Skinny blog. She empowers busy women to lead healthier lives through eBooks, digital guides, and courses. In 2023, Tammy expanded her business with Reset & Flourish, offering digital products and a meal prep membership site. Despite numerous Google algorithm updates, her focus on digital products has kept her blog successful. Tammy also launched Tasty Digital Eats to support food bloggers transform their recipes into digital products and build stable businesses. In this episode, you'll learn more about how Tammy overcame a devastating traffic loss due to a Google algorithm update and transformed her business by focusing on digital products. Discover strategies for creating, marketing, and selling digital products that resonate with your audience and provide a stable income stream. Key points discussed: - Diversify your income: Create digital products to reduce reliance on volatile traffic and ad revenue that's subject to Google updates. - Solve problems for your audience: Focus on creating products that address specific needs or help achieve goals - ask your audience, don't guess! - Repurpose your content: Transform existing blog posts and recipes into valuable digital products. - Nurture your email list: Build a strong community to effectively market and sell your digital products. - Start with small wins: Begin with simple products like meal plans or ebooks to gain confidence and momentum. - Learn from your audience: Use email statistics and social media feedback to identify popular topics for products. - Create a system: Develop a consistent process for creating, launching, and selling digital products. - Bundle your offerings: Combine related products to increase value and boost sales. Connect with Tammy Overhoff Website | Instagram

In this episode, we're going to talk about five practical steps to deal with entrepreneurial mistakes and how to move on. We all make mistakes. When we make a mistake in our business, especially when we let others down, we can feel devastated. But this is part of being human. And being a business owner. I'm no different. I've made plenty of entrepreneurial mistakes. So how I do I deal with these types of situations? Here are some strategies that I use to deal with mistakes: Action Plan: 1 - Accept and process mistakes: Take time to pause, feel the emotions, and let the reality of the mistake sink in before moving forward. 2 - Take action to clean up the mess: Identify the necessary steps to address the mistake and rectify the situation as best as possible. 3 - Learn the lesson: Reflect on the mistake to understand the underlying lesson and implement changes to prevent similar issues in the future. 4 - Practice self-forgiveness and grace: Extend compassion to yourself, as mistakes are inevitable, and avoid dwelling on them excessively. 5 -Set mistakes aside and move on: Recognize the broader context of life and the insignificance of small mistakes, allowing you to let go and focus on the future. Get in touch with Megan if there is a specific mindset and self-care topic you'd like her to cover. Website | Instagram Resources Ghostwriter – Terrence Roche ([email protected]) Promote your food blogging services Megan's recommended books and resources

In episode 597, Megan chats to Melodee Fiske about how food bloggers can hire a trained food photographer to scale their business and why it's important to hire a specialised photographer. Melodee is the creator and owner of Pretty Focused. She's a wife, homeschool mom and a second grade teacher turned food photographer. Melodee started working as a food photographer for food bloggers in 2016. In 2017, she started to have friends ask her to teach them how to do it too, so she did, and that's when Pretty Focused was born. Since then, she's had over 1,000 students join Pretty Focused to learn how to photograph food for food bloggers. Melodee connects them with potential clients inside their marketplace when they graduate. Over the last 3 years, 69% of our grads reported making $50,000+ working as food photographers for bloggers. In this episode, you'll learn about the benefits of outsourcing food photography, the strategies Melodee teaches in her Pretty Focused course, and how to become a trained food photographer to generate extra income. Key points discussed: - Hiring out photography is not a weakness: It is a strength that allows you to focus on growth and vision for your business. - Communication is key when handing over your brand's photography: Effectively communicating your brand and vision ensures the photographer can represent your blog well. - Pretty Focused teaches photography skills tailored for food bloggers: The course covers a variety of photography skills specific to the needs of food bloggers. - Pretty Focused provides coaching and community support: In addition to photography training, the course includes coaching and a supportive community. - Graduates earn significant income: Many graduates have been able to make substantial income working as food photographers for bloggers. - The Buyers Club connects trained photographers with food bloggers: This community facilitates connections between food bloggers and qualified photographers. - Outsourcing photography enables business expansion: Some bloggers have been able to start additional sites due to the ability to outsource their photography. - Make decisions based on your unique business needs: Avoid basing decisions solely on what others think and focus on what is right for your specific business Connect with Melodee Fiske Website | Instagram

In episode 596, Megan Ellam teaches us how to write and market cookbooks to earn a significant portion of our income from self-publishing. Megan Ellam is an Australian-based author, photographer, and recipe developer, best known for Mad Creations and 365 Keto Club. Since 2017, Megan has shared her low-carb recipes and weight loss journey, leading to the self-publication of over 10 keto cookbooks and more than 60 eBooks, including two World Gourmand Cookbook Award winners! A passionate foodie, Megan runs Mad Creations alongside her partner in love and life, Dave Hunter. In this episode, you'll learn more about how to add extra value to your cookbook or ebook, pricing books correctly and successful marketing ideas to sell more books fast. Key points discussed: - Niche down and create a clear theme and vision for your book: Determine the topic, focus and feel of your book to ensure a cohesive final product. - Develop an index of recipe ideas before writing: Plan out the content of your book to make the writing process more efficient. - Assemble a team of diverse recipe testers: Include both skilled and novice cooks to get well-rounded feedback on your recipes. - Offer unique, original recipes that stand out: Develop creative, eye-catching dishes that your audience can't find elsewhere. - Add extra value through cook's notes, variations, and additional content: Enhance your books by providing helpful information beyond just the recipes. - Leverage your existing blog content by refreshing and repurposing it: Reshoot and repackage your popular recipes to create new book offerings. - Price your books and ebooks higher to reflect their value: Don't underestimate the time and effort you've invested; charge accordingly. - Utilize various marketing channels, including social media and email: Promote your books through a diverse range of platforms to reach your audience. - Consider collaborations and partnerships to expand your reach: Explore opportunities to work with brands or other creators to cross-promote your books. Connect with Megan Ellam Website | Instagram

In this episode, we're going to talk about how to deal with negative emotions towards platforms like Google and social media networks. Have you ever had a negative experience with an online platform? For us bloggers, it can be Google or any of the social media networks. It's often a feeling of not being rewarded for our hard work on the platforms. I've said in the past things like: "I hate Facebook." Because I genuinely felt like Facebook had something against me as if it were human. Following along with the idea that these platforms are like humans, how can we repair our relationships with them? Here are 5 steps I take to turn feelings of lack and hatred into appreciation and abundance. Action Plan: 1 - Identify which relationship needs mending: Choose one platform that is causing you the most frustration. 2 - Make a list of how the platform has wronged you: Write out all the ways you feel the platform has let you down. 3 - Make a list of what you are grateful for regarding the platform: Reflect on the positive aspects and benefits the platform has provided. 4 - Give the relationship some love: Educate yourself on the platform, learn more about its features, and consistently pay attention to it. 5 - Lather, rinse, repeat: Go through these steps repeatedly until you feel the relationship is being repaired. Keep your gratitude list visible as a reminder. Get in touch with Megan if there is a specific mindset and self-care topic you'd like her to cover. Website | Instagram Resources Food Blog Writing at Maes Media (Chelsea Plummer) Promote your food blogging services Megan's recommended books and resources

In episode 594, Megan chats to James Wythe about why he decided to shift his focus from content creation for social media to creating content for his blog, despite having a social following of over 1 million. After a sudden illness caused James to be housebound for 4 years, he taught himself to cook with a chair in the kitchen. James started his blog to share his journey of recovery and recipes in 2016. Since then James has built a social following of over 1M and published a cookbook. The blog currently has 300,000 monthly page views which James 5x in the last year. If you Loved this Episode… You'll love Episode 569: Turning to Instagram Because of the Helpful Content Update – How To Grow Your Instagram Account To Add More Revenue Streams with Mika Kinney and Sarah Bond (For a contrasting point of view!) In this episode, you'll learn more about social media burnout, finding your passion for content creation, how to step back from social media, especially if you have a large following, while considering the future of your career and longevity of your content. Key points discussed: - Stepping back from social media can help overcome burnout: You may realize that you are feeling burned out from the pressure and comparison of social media, so focusing more on your blog could be beneficial. - Owning your content is important: Owning your content on your website is important to consider, rather than relying solely on social media platforms that can restrict or remove access. - Balancing social media and blog content is challenging: You may find it difficult to create separate content for your website and social media that appeals to different audiences consistently. - Large social media followings don't guarantee success: Even with a large following, the social media landscape is becoming increasingly saturated and competitive for brand collaborations. - Republishing and updating old content can significantly boost traffic: Going back and improving your existing blog content can lead to a significant increase in traffic. - Creating a depth of content is key for long-term growth: Focus on creating more new content and update older posts to build a stronger foundation for your blog. - Passion and enjoyment should drive content creation: You may realize that you still love creating content and helping others, but not the pressure of social media. - Cycles and trends in the industry require adaptability: The industry may shift back towards longer-form content, away from the current saturation of short-form video recipes, so you need to be prepared to adapt. Connect with James Wythe Website | Instagram

In episode 593, Kimberlee Ho teaches us 3 easy ways to grow our blog part-time while working full-time, including, how to be selective with our focus and time. Kim is a home baker from NJ, who loves to share approachable baking recipes and tips with busy families like her own on her blog, kickassbaker.com. Kim works full-time during the day and bakes, recipe tests, and photographs at night and on the weekends in between acting as an Uber driver for her two teenage daughters. Her goal is to inspire home bakers to kick ass in the kitchen! In this episode, you'll learn more about identifying growth drivers for your blog, the importance of adapting to changing industry trends as well as intentional time management and the support of a community in achieving blogging goals. Key points discussed: - Focus on 1-2 key growth drivers: For example, you can focus on growing page views and sessions to attract and retain readers, rather than getting distracted by new platforms. - Test different work methods: Experiment with your work schedule and batching tasks to find the most efficient approach for you. - Use to-do lists: Keep multiple to-do lists to stay organized and reduce anxiety about forgetting important tasks. - Embrace flexibility: Maintain a flexible mindset, adapting your methods as your needs and circumstances change over time. - Leverage trusted networks: Ask for feedback and support from the blogging community to avoid shiny object syndrome. - Break down goals into steps: Break down larger goals into manageable, actionable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed. - Advantages of working full-time: By having full-time job Kim can enjoy growing her blog without the pressure of relying on it as her sole income. Connect with Kimberlee Ho Website | Instagram

In this episode, we're going to talk about why we feel envious of other bloggers in our space and how to turn envy into celebration and collaboration. Food blogging is competitive. There are thousands and thousands of food blogs online. For a long time I approached food blogging as a competitive career. I felt like I had to do better than everyone else, a feeling which led me to isolate myself. This held me back big time! And it's only when I started changing my approach to seek out and collaborate with other food bloggers, that my business really started taking off. So here are 5 ways in which you can do the same. Action Plan: 1 - Change your mindset from competition to collaboration: See other food bloggers as teammates, not competitors. 2 - Celebrate and support others with a generous spirit: Outwardly and inwardly express happiness for their successes. 3 - Celebrate your own accomplishments: Take time to write down your wins, no matter how small, to boost your confidence. 4 - Own your unique story and journey: Embrace the lessons and challenges that have shaped your business. 5 - Immerse yourself in the food blogging community: Reach out to those who inspire you and build relationships. Get in touch with Megan if there is a specific mindset and self-care topics you'd like her to cover. Website | Instagram Resources Coaching and Mentorship for Food Bloggers by Brittany Roche Promote your food blogging services Megan's recommended books and resources

In episode 591, Megan chats to Alexandra Shytsman about how to avoid 7 common food photography mistakes beginners make, including lighting, angle and styling mistakes. Alexandra Shytsman is a recipe developer, food photographer, and creator of The New Baguette, a plant-based recipe site. Her mission is to inspire people to cook healthier plant-centered meals at home. She is the author of Friendsgiving, co-author of The Complete Vegan Cookbook, and contributes to sites like Simply Recipes and EatingWell. She has also been teaching in-person food photography classes (in groups and one-on-one) since 2018. Originally from Ukraine, Alex moved to New York City at a young age and has lived there ever since. In this episode, you'll learn more about using natural light versus artificial light, the correct angle for shooting food, which garnishes to use and which ones to avoid and how to make boring food stand out. Key points discussed: - Lighting is crucial: Use natural light or photography-specific equipment, rather than overhead kitchen lights, to achieve flattering and accurate food photography. - Avoid tilted angles: Keep the camera horizon straight to create a more natural and comfortable viewing experience for the audience. - Provide context: Zooming out to show the entire plate or scene, rather than just a close-up, helps provide context and balance to the image. - Choose props carefully: Neutral-colored, non-distracting props are recommended to avoid drawing attention away from the food. - Are your photos in focus? Learning to use the camera in manual mode and checking focus before finalizing the shot can help ensure crisp, in-focus images. - Garnishes can transform boring photos: Adding thoughtful garnishes, such as herbs, spices, or seeds, can enhance the visual appeal of the food. - Plan before you shoot: Creating a mood board and shot list beforehand can help streamline the photography process and ensure all necessary shots are captured. - Embrace negative space: Allowing for some empty space around the food can create a more balanced and visually appealing composition. Connect with Alexandra Shytsman Website | Instagram

Are you tired of feeling stuck or overwhelmed in your blogging journey? In this episode, I'm sharing some exciting news about the 2025 Eat Blog Talk Mastermind, including the new tiered packages designed for bloggers at every stage. I'll walk you through the program's logistics and highlight how the mastermind can fast-track your blog's growth, no matter your budget or experience level. But that's not all—stay tuned for powerful transformation stories from current mastermind members! You'll hear how they've overcome common blogging pain points, from stagnant traffic to unclear goals, and turned their blogs into thriving businesses with more traffic, revenue, and confidence. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: - New mastermind tiers for 2025 that cater to different budgets and experience levels. - How the mastermind can help you accelerate growth and avoid common blogging mistakes. - Real-life transformations from current members—how they grew their traffic, increased revenue, and found clarity in their blogging strategies. - Why community, expert guidance, and accountability are the key ingredients to lasting success. - How the program can help you gain confidence, clarity, and focus to tackle your biggest blogging challenges. Ready to take your blog to new heights in 2025? Tune in now to hear how you can be part of this life-changing experience or visit eatblogtalk.com/mastermind to apply.

In this episode, we're going to talk about 5 ways to be proactive, focus on progress and invite more good things into your business. We all want good things to flow into our business. Sometimes, it feels like we're making no progress or regressing. I've been there, multiple times. Even this year. For bloggers, this might mean losing followers, getting less pages views, trying to get into an ad network… the list goes on and on. By this same token, if you embrace a proactive, positive approach to your blog and focus on what's going well, you will most likely invite more good things into your business. Here are some practical ways to do this. Action Plan: 1 - Extend the invitation: Invite good things, opportunities, money, and positive energy into your business on a daily basis. 2 - Practice daily gratitude: Write down 5-10 things that are going well in your business each day and express gratitude for the progress (however small) you've made. 3 - Do daily decluttering: What tasks are cluttering your mind and business? Make a list and systematically work through and complete them. 4 - Engage in daily learning: Spend at least 15 minutes each day learning through podcasts, books, or discussions to stay eager and ready for good things. 5 - Invest in your business: Consider making strategic investments in coaching, masterminds, conferences, or courses to open the floodgates for positive growth. Get in touch with Megan if there is a specific mindset and self-care topic you'd like her to cover. Website | Instagram Resources Madison Wetherill's Web Design Services Promote your food blogging services Megan's recommended books and resources

In episode 588, Megan chats to Laura Arnold about why an SEO content calendar is important for diversifying your brand and how to set it up to improve your rank on Google. Laura Arnold is a New York City-based Emmy-Nominated Culinary Television Producer, Cookbook Consultant, and award-winning Content Creator with over a decade of experience. She currently is the Supervising Culinary Producer for Food Network's The Kitchen, and has worked previously at ABC's The Chew, DotDash Meredith, Good Housekeeping, Food52, kitchn.com, and with many more brands. In this episode, you'll learn more about how to balance new posts with content updates, which keywords to choose, the significance of storytelling and expert phrasing and whether social media is important or not. Key points discussed: - Consistency is key: Maintain consistent SEO efforts and content creation for long-term growth and success. - Manageable workloads: Create a content calendar that fits within your capabilities and resources for sustainable success. - Competitor analysis: Research and understand the top-performing content in a given niche to help you develop effective SEO strategies. - Keyword research and targeting: Identifying high-volume, low-competition keywords is a key step in creating content that resonates with the target audience. - Interlinking and content pillars: Strategically linking related content within posts and building out content pillars can improve site navigation and user experience. - Storytelling and expert phrasing: Balance personal narratives with authoritative language to help engage readers and establish the blogger as an expert in their field. - Performance tracking: Regularly monitoring and analyzing SEO metrics, such as impressions and keyword rankings, can inform content optimization and strategy adjustments. - Social media integration: Leveraging social media platforms to share and promote content can help diversify a brand's digital presence and reach a wider audience. Connect with Laura Arnold Website | Instagram

In episode 587, Brenda Cadman teaches us how to organize our uploads and templates in Canva to create designs quickly and without fuss. Brenda Cadman is a Canva Verified Expert from Prince Edward Island, Canada. After spending more than two decades supporting businesses with their website development needs, she now focuses on teaching small business owners how to use Canva more effectively and efficiently. Brenda has taught thousands of business owners through her courses, and in particular, she loves to help business owners tame their hot mess Canva accounts by creating an organizational system that ensures they can spend less time in Canva, and more time doing what they love. In this episode, you'll learn about creating custom folders for better categorization, template and time management and thereby streamlining the design process. Key points discussed: - Organize Canva uploads: Create custom folders to categorize and easily find your uploaded images, videos, and other media. - Leverage the brand kit: Use Canva's brand kit feature to store your logo, color palette, fonts, and other brand assets for consistent branding. - Streamline element organization: Use the "Add to Folder" option to create custom folders for frequently used icons, illustrations, and other design elements. - Manage templates effectively: Separate future-use templates from customized brand templates to maintain organization and efficiency. - Prioritize Canva organization: Dedicate time to organize your Canva account - this will help improve productivity and save time in the long run. - Use brand templates to speed up workflow: Creating and saving brand templates can ensure consistency and reduce errors when customizing frequently used designs. - Avoid wasting time in Canva: If you prioritize Canva organization, you will save time spent on the platform designing and looking for assets. Connect with Brenda Cadman Website | Instagram

In this episode, we're going to talk about 5 ways to manage feelings of overwhelm in entrepreneurship. If you are an entrepreneur long enough, you are bound to experience times when you have to evolve or you can't go on. Often, when you're in a state of complete overwhelm, it's a signal that something needs to change. I think most of us want to stay passionate about what we do but we don't want to get buried by to do lists and business projects. Here are 5 ways I manage overwhelm and keep a positive outlook. Action Plan: 1 - Time Tracking: Track everything you do for a minimum of 3 days, preferably 7 days. Comb through the data to identify where you're spending your time and make changes to reduce draining activities. 2 - Exercise and Self-Care: Commit to a daily habit of exercise, even if it's just 10 minutes and engage in self-care activities like meditation war spending time in nature, reading, or creative pursuits. 3 - Take a Break: Listen to your gut and take a break, whether it's a 30-minute break during the day or a longer, week-long or month-long break from your business. Giving yourself this time off can help reset and reduce overwhelm. 4 - Limit Tech and Social Media: Reduce the time you spend on your phone, computer, and social media platforms. The constant connectivity can contribute to feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. 5 - Laugh and Love: Surround yourself with situations and people that bring you joy, laughter, and love. Spend time with friends, family, or pets, and engage in activities that make you smile. Get in touch with Megan if there is a specific mindset and self-care topics you'd like her to cover. Website | Instagram Resources Food Photography by Ikram Ali Promote your food blogging services Megan's recommended books and resources

In episode 585, Megan chats to Carol Borchardt about the advantages of being a food blogger after you've retired and how to succeed regardless of your age. Carol Borchardt is a retired personal chef with 22 years of experience cooking food people want to eat! She is also a former newspaper food columnist and mom to rescue kitty, Olive. Carol is married (almost 29 years) with two stepchildren and four grandchildren. At From A Chef's Kitchen, which Carol started ten years ago, she shares easy, step-by-step, chef-tested restaurant-quality recipes that are easy to make at home. If You Loved This Episode… You'll love Episode 132 with Jen Lefforge – Starting A YouTube Channel Over 40. In this episode, you'll learn about what it is like being a full-time retired food blogger, why it is important to start sooner rather than later and how to overcome technical difficulties. Key points discussed: - Start a food blog at any age: Carol started her food blog between the ages of 40-50 - it's never too late to pursue a creative passion. - Overcome technical fears: Start with a good host and theme, and use resources or hire experts to handle the technical aspects of blogging. - Embrace social media strategically: Focus on the platforms that you feel comfortable with and enjoy. - Monetization can provide financial freedom: If your blog is monetised, your retirement income will be self-sustaining and provide flexibility. - Blogging can be a fulfilling retirement gig: You may find immense satisfaction in the creative outlet of food blogging, keeping you active and productive in retirement. - Build a legacy through recipes: Think of preserving family recipes and creating a lasting legacy through a food blog. - Do it on your own terms: Pursue your passion and don't feel pressured to conform to industry standards. - Find your true fans: Remember why you started the blog and connect with readers who appreciate your unique voice and content. Connect with Carol Borchardt Website | Instagram

In episode 584, Chris De La Rosa teaches us 6 unique monetization strategies so that we can earn a living without relying on income from ads. Chris De La Rosa, is the founder of CaribbeanPot.com, a platform dedicated to exploring the vibrant culinary culture of the Caribbean. Although his roots trace back to Trinidad and Tobago, Chris's goal is to showcase recipes from all the enchanting islands that contribute to the rich tapestry of Caribbean cuisine. Through his website, social media channels, and YouTube videos, Chris shares the authentic flavors, techniques, and stories that make Caribbean food so special. In this episode, you'll learn how to outsource finding brand deals, successful ways of selling digital products and how to leverage your culinary expertise by collaborating with restaurants and tech companies. Key points discussed: - Branded partnerships and sponsorships: It is essential to align brand deals with your niche and stay true to your audience. Hire out the process of contacting brands. - Digital products and online courses: Repurpose website content into digital cookbooks and courses to generate an additional revenue stream. - Seasonal content planning: Analyzing data, such as YouTube statistics, to help identify popular topics to create seasonal digital products. - Physical products and merchandise: Selling branded merchandise like t-shirts and aprons with your logo can generate additional income. - Menu consultation: Leveraging your expertise in a niche cuisine can lead to opportunities to consult with restaurants. - Culinary tours and experiences: Offering food-focused tours and experiences can be a unique way to monetize your brand. - Embrace the opportunities technology offer: Use your culinary expertise to collaborate with technology companies developing AI for recipes. - Ghost kitchens: Partner with shared kitchen spaces so that you can have a space for the production and distribution of your own food products. - Reduce food waste by offering made-to-order meals: By offering pre-ordered, made-to-order meals you can minimize waste and serve specific communities. Connect with Chris De La Rosa Website | Instagram

In this episode, we're going to talk about 5 strategies you can use to accelerate business growth, especially when your business feels stagnant. I don't know about you, but sometimes it feels like my entire business needs an overhaul, and other times, it just feels like a certain part of my business isn't growing. While our businesses can't be growing optimally all the time, there are strategies we can use to give our business a boost when it feels like we've hit a dead end or like we're running ourselves to the ground on the entrepreneurial hamster wheel of work, work, work. What's more these strategies may lead to an increase in revenue and other rewards. Action Plan: 1 - Prioritize relationships: Building and nurturing relationships with others can lead to exponential business growth that you may not be able to anticipate. 2 - Join or form a quality mastermind group: Being part of a high-quality mastermind group can provide unique perspectives, valuable connections, and accelerate the growth of your business. 3 - Hire a business and/or mindset coach: Investing in a good coach can help you identify and overcome personal and business obstacles, rewriting old stories and putting you on a trajectory for greater success. 4 - Be consistent: Committing to taking consistent action, even in small steps, towards your goals will help accelerate your business growth. 5 - Evaluate monthly what is and isn't working: Set aside time at the end of each month to reflect on your progress and use those insights to plan for the next month, ensuring you're focusing your efforts effectively. Get in touch with Megan if there is a specific mindset and self-care topics you'd like her to cover. Website | Instagram Resources Food Blog Writing at Maes Media (Chelsea Plummer) Promote your food blogging services Megan's recommended books and resources

In episode 582, Megan chats to Katharine Rosenthal about creative ways to earn money while waiting to join an ad network. Katharine is a Dietitian and Food Blogger and she started her blog in early 2023. She focuses on healthy-ish recipes that are easy and approachable. As a Dietitian, Katharine fully believes that there is room for every food and she wants to spread that philosophy and idea to all of her readers. Katharine's favorite saying is "nourish to flourish" and to her that means to eat nutrient-rich foods most of the time but also grab those fries and drink the milkshake when you are craving it! In this episode, you'll learn about how to generate income through online and local partnerships, how to use your expertise to earn extra money and time management tips for balancing multiple income streams. Key points discussed: - Diversify income sources through online partnerships: While waiting to get into an ad network, you can generate revenue through online partnerships - you don't need many followers on social media to do this. - Leverage local connections: Reaching out to local magazines, businesses, and organizations can lead to valuable partnerships and exposure. - Provide value through expertise: Use your background to offer unique value, for example through recipe development, nutrition articles, and cooking classes. - Prioritize time management: Even with multiple income streams, you can plan for time off and still focus on self-care by being organized and planning ahead. - Know your value: Price your services to reflect the value you offer and reassess your pricing as your experience increases. - Embrace boldness: If you want to succeed you need to be bold and take advantage of opportunities, even when they may seem daunting. - Focus on long-term growth: Blogging is a long-term game, and she encourages persistence and patience in the face of challenges. - Create dual-purpose content: When creating content for partnerships, do it so that it can be used on your own blog. Guest Details Connect with Katharine Rosenthal Website | Instagram

In episode 581, Leslie Osborne teaches us how to create high-quality recipe videos using a phone, including what settings to use while recording and how to use artificial lighting correctly. Leslie started her food blog Bessie Bakes in 2015 after going to artisan bread and pastry school in Chicago, IL in 2012. She wanted to have a food-based business but after having her son, she realized that she needed to work from home but still share her recipes and passion for baking. After really struggling with food photography because she couldn't find affordable yet high-quality backdrops, Leslie started learning how to make her own. In 2019 she launched Bessie Bakes Backdrops and began selling her own line of lightweight, cleanable photography backdrops on her own website and Amazon. Along the way, Leslie has personally done all the photography and videography for her products and social media accounts and shares lots of tutorials and behind-the-scenes content on IG and Youtube! In this episode, you'll learn about video filming apps for your phone, using diffusers and bounce cards, making food look delicious and many other tips. Key points discussed: - Film in 4K 60fps: Filming recipe videos in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second can improve the quality and clarity of the footage. - Use a video filming app: Using a dedicated video filming app, rather than the default camera, allows for better control over camera settings like white balance and exposure. - Get close-up shots: Zooming in and positioning the camera close to the food can help make the recipe the star of the video. - Use food styling techniques: Make your food look extra delicious and textured by adding extra sauce, oil, seasoning, dressing etc. - Pay attention to lighting: Proper lighting, whether natural or artificial, is crucial for achieving vibrant colors and textures in recipe videos. - Use diffusers and bounce cards: Using diffusers and bounce cards can help soften and balance the lighting for a more natural look. - Tripods make filming easier: Different types of tripods, from tabletop to C-stands, offer varying levels of stability and flexibility for phone-based recipe videos. - Embrace failure and practice: Mastering videography skills takes time and a willingness to experiment and learn from mistakes. Guest Details Connect with Leslie Osborne Website | Instagram

In this episode, we're going to talk about 5 steps to improve your meditation practice so that you can experience rewards like better sleep and less anxiety. Meditation has changed my life. That is ever since I learned how to mediate correctly. Because, I imagine like many other people who have given up this mindfulness practice, I was approaching it all wrong. In fact, it was never a priority for me, just something I would try before work calls or meetings and then in a panicked state. This year I changed my approach and I'll never go back to life without meditation. This year I changed my approach and I'll never go back to life without meditation. It just makes me a better mom, wife and business owner. Here are the 5 steps I use for successful meditation. Action Plan: 1 - Play theta waves music before you get settled into your meditation. This will help put you in a relaxing theta brain wave state. 2 - Find a quiet place to sit for 15 to 30 minutes, where you won't be disturbed. Communicate with family members so they know not to bother you during this time. 3 - Establish an anchor, such as your breathing or a mantra, to gently bring your mind back when it starts to wander. Be patient and don't worry if your mind wonders. 4 - Just be - create space for your mind to rest and clear. Experiment with visualizations like an empty room to help quiet your thoughts. 5 - Continue mindfulness practices throughout the day, such as noticing and releasing any anxious habits like clenched fists or tight shoulders. Get in touch with Megan if there is a specific mindset and self-care topics you'd like her to cover. Website | Instagram Resources Meditation Track mentioned in Episode 580 Food Blogger Services – Mika Kinney Promote your food blogging services Megan's recommended books and resources

In episode 579, Megan chats to Sandie Markle about why we should shift our mindset about AI and instead leverage technology to create sustainable revenue growth beyond ads. With a passion for all things food, Sandie's journey in the tech world has equipped her with a unique perspective and a refined palate. As the former Senior Director of Content Engineering at SideChef, she led strategic initiatives to optimize grocery partnerships and recipe content, amassing over 18 years of expertise in efficient processes and robust strategies. Now, as the founder of Blueberri Consulting, she's dedicated to helping businesses elevate their content and tech infrastructure to help home cooks all over the world make memorable meals. In this episode, you'll learn about how to stay ahead of the curve with AI and other technology advancements as well as the importance of updating your LinkedIn page as you never know how it might benefit your business. Key points discussed: - Embracing AI and technology: Embrace AI and new technologies to stay ahead of trends and remain competitive in the food blogging industry. - Overcome resentment through education: Educate yourself on AI concepts and trends to help overcome the resentment towards AI-generated content. - Collaboration with tech companies: Explore non-traditional partnerships and collaborations with tech companies to integrate recipes and leverage your food blogging expertise. - Prompt engineering opportunities: You can leverage your domain expertise to help refine AI models and produce better quality, practical recipes. - Strengthen LinkedIn presence: Maintaining a strong LinkedIn profile can help food bloggers connect with B2B opportunities and stay informed about industry changes. - Bridge the gap between food and tech: There is a need to bridge the communication gap between food bloggers and tech companies to create better content experiences. - Embrace change and innovation: Technology is constantly evolving, and you need to be adaptable and willing to embrace new opportunities. - Importance of teamwork: The strength of the team is in the individual members, and food bloggers should focus on being strong individual contributors. Sign up for a free 30-minute Discovery Session HERE! Connect with Sandie Markle Website | Instagram

In episode 578, Kathy Berget teaches us what to do when our blog images have been used without our permission and how to get compensated for them. Kathy is the author, photographer, recipe developer, and writer at Beyond the Chicken Coop where she creates delicious home-cooked recipes utilizing what they grow and raise. Kathy is a former elementary school principal and has three grown kids; twin boys and one girl. Kathy and her husband live in the country on their own little farm. In this episode, you'll learn about copyright for images, ways in which you can respond and how to use image theft protection services like Pixsy to get compensated. Key points discussed: - Image theft is a common issue for food bloggers: Food blog images are often stolen or used without permission by various businesses, including restaurants, markets, and online retailers. - Copyright protection is automatic for blog images: Photographers automatically have copyright over their images, even without formal registration. - Services like Pixsy can help track and fight image theft: Pixsy is an online service that helps photographers find and fight unauthorized use of their images. - Responding to image theft requires a balanced approach: Do not obsess over every instance of image theft - selectively pursue cases that are worth the time and effort (especially if images are used for commercial purposes). - Watermarking images can increase their value if stolen: Removing or altering a watermark on an image can actually increase its value if used without permission. - Educating the public about image rights is an ongoing challenge: Many people may be unaware that using images found online without permission is considered theft. - Persistence and documentation are key when pursuing image theft cases: It's important to thoroughly document evidence and follow through with service providers like Pixsy. - Maintaining a positive attitude is important when dealing with image theft: Do no let image theft issues negatively impact your overall mindset and productivity. If You Loved This Episode… You'll love Episode 390 with Rob Finkelstein - Legal Issues Every Food Photographer Should Consider Connect with Kathy Berget Website | Instagram

In this episode, we're going to talk about how to respond with confidence to 5 questions food bloggers get from friends and family that can upset us. People outside our industry may struggle to understand what we do as food bloggers. It is not as evident as being a doctor or a teacher and so we might get more questions that seem 'stupid' when we tell people what we do. Here are some common ones and how not to let these questions get to you, but instead learn how to respond with confidence and patience. Action Plan: 1 - "You're a what or what exactly do you do?" - Explain in simple terms what you do, so that a 13 year old can understand. 2 - "Do you make money? How do you make money? How much money do you make?" - If you're comfortable with the question, answer again in an easy way to understand or gently change the subject. 3 - "How is your business doing?" - Respond positively and avoid getting angry over any underlying meaning. 4 - "How is your little blog doing?" - Nobody has the vision you have for your business. Do not let questions like these upset you. The only thing that matters is that you are passionate about what you do. 5 - "What do you do all day? Can you watch my kids? You must have so much time on your hands?" - Set clear boundaries and explain that you have a full-time commitment to your blog during the day. That remains your priority. Get in touch with Megan if there is a specific mindset and self-care topics you'd like her to cover. Website | Instagram Resources Food Blog Writing by Jenny Farley Promote your food blogging services Megan's recommended books and resources

In episode 576, Megan chats to James Elliot about how to manage business obstacles, turning unexpected changes into opportunities for growth. James is a passionate and enthusiastic presenter who genuinely cares about people, and loves to speak, teach and deliver value. He's spoken at live events, as well as virtual ones, for people all over the world. He even has his own private training institution, where he trains people who want to make an impact on their organization, and do it in a fulfilling way. In this episode, you'll learn why business obstacles are ideal opportunities for business growth, specifically how to use self-reflection to pivot tasks that are no longer lighting you up to something you truly want to do. Key points discussed: - Navigating tough transitions: You can navigate difficult industry changes and transitions by embracing them as opportunities for growth and pivoting your business. - Don't be afraid to be you: Embracing one's authentic self and unique qualities can lead to greater success, trust, and connection with others, despite potential fears or criticism. - What are your limiting beliefs: Working with a great coach can help eliminate deep-seated limiting beliefs and unlock one's true potential through subconscious work. - Resilience and perseverance: Persistence and a refusal to give up, even in the face of challenges, are key to achieving long-term success as an entrepreneur. - Importance of self-reflection: Regularly taking time for quiet self-reflection can help uncover inner wisdom and guide the next steps for personal and professional growth. - Find a coach that resonates with you: Investing in a quality coach who resonates with you can accelerate personal and business transformation in ways that may take years to achieve alone. - Embracing change: View industry changes and challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than threats - can help you pivot and thrive. - Focusing on what you want: Maintaining a strong focus on your desired outcomes and goals, rather than dwelling on fears or doubts, can help drive progress. - Taking action: Consistent action, even in the face of limiting beliefs, is essential for turning dreams into reality and achieving success. Book a complimentary strategy and growth call with James Elliot HERE! Connect with James Elliot Website

In episode 575, Natasha teaches us how to effectively delegate tasks to our team and empower them to run our business when we're not there. Natasha Zo is a former journalist from Siberia today running her international PR and visibility agency. As a PR agent, she's helped authors launch #1 bestselling books, booked national TV, and landed clients on the world's top podcasts and magazine covers. Leading up to this she lived on 3 different continents, volunteered in Central America, managed a high-performing marketing team in Asia, and taught public speaking to refugee teenagers. She is on a mission to see less clickbait and more empowering knowledge in the media. In this episode, you'll learn about what to look for when hiring employees, or outsourcing tasks, and how to prepare for extended periods off in your business (like maternity leave) by delegating tasks effectively. Key points discussed: - Delegating and streamlining are crucial for growth and freedom: Automating and delegating tasks allows entrepreneurs to focus on innovation and creating their best work. - Regular team check-ins and clear communication: Scheduling weekly one-on-ones and team meetings ensures a shared understanding of goals and responsibilities. - Maternity leave can be a catalyst for streamlining a business and building a strong team: Preparing for an extended leave forces you to document processes and distribute tasks effectively. - Tracking tasks can provide clarity on what to delegate and automate: Logging your daily activities helps identify opportunities for outsourcing and streamlining. - You can take a break from social media as long as other visibility strategies are in place: Maintaining a referral network and offline relationships can sustain a business during a social media hiatus. - Building a referral network and deliberate offline networking: Diversifying lead sources so that you are not dependent on source for all your clients. - Test for self-motivation and initiative in potential team members when hiring: Incorporating specific tasks and instructions into the application process helps identify proactive and detail-oriented candidates. - Automation and delegation allow entrepreneurs to focus on innovation: Streamlining administrative and operational tasks frees up time for strategic planning and creative pursuits. Connect with Natasha Zolotareva Website | Instagram DM Natasha's Instagram "20 tips" and get a free guide "20 Practical Tips to get on 20 podcasts in 90 days"

In this episode, we're going to talk about 5 things to let go of in our business, especially looking at how these things are holding us back and what we can do instead. Internally, we hold on to so much unnecessary baggage, and this can impact us very negatively if we're not careful. As entrepreneurs, we can get even more bogged down, because with this territory comes a lot of daunting situations and therefore a lot of opportunity to just hold really tightly onto some things. So, here are the 5 things I've learned to let go of in my business. Action Plan: 1 - Caring what others think: Stop worrying about what people will think or say about you and your business, and instead focus on operating with integrity and serving your audience. 2 - Fear of failure: Embrace failure as a necessary part of the entrepreneurial journey, as it provides opportunities for learning and growth. 3 - Lack of confidence: Replace feelings of self-doubt with courage, and take bold actions in your business despite any lack of confidence. 4 - Perfectionism: Let go of the unrealistic pursuit of perfection and instead focus on taking imperfect action and continuously improving. 5 - Making excuses - Avoid making excuses for why you can't start or complete important projects, and instead prioritize and take action. Get in touch with Megan if there is a specific mindset and self-care topics you'd like her to cover. Website | Instagram Resources Caro Jensen – Food Videography Services Promote your food blogging services Megan's recommended books and resources

In episode 573, Megan chats to Emilie Pullar about how she monetized her food blog quickly by having a strong work ethic and writing blog posts for her reader instead of focusing just on SEO. The Burnt Butter Table is run by Emilie Pullar and is a pasta filled blog with recipes ranging from quick 10 minute pasta sauces to intricate filled pasta shapes made from scratch. Emilie's true passion for food shines through her recipes where she endeavors to explain and break down processes in an easy to understand way. In this episode, you'll learn about the value of believing in yourself and following your passion as well as the need for mindset shifts to maintain a sustainable entrepreneurial journey. Key points discussed: - Passion and hard work are key to building a successful food blog: Are you passionate about your niche because you're going to need it to motivate you to put in the work. - Detailed, user-focused content is more important than SEO: Create high-quality, detailed recipes that provide a great user experience and don't only optimize for search engines. - Overcoming burnout requires setting boundaries: Hard work might lead to burnout unless you set clear boundaries to maintain work-life balance. - Resilience and perseverance are essential for entrepreneurs: Those who are willing to put in the hard work and don't give up at the first hurdle are the ones who ultimately succeed. - Finding a mentor can accelerate your growth: Mentors provide valuable guidance and support that can make the difference between you giving up and pushing through. - Building a supportive community is crucial: Try to connect with others in the industry and find a community to share experiences and seek advice. - Setting clear goals and celebrating wins boosts motivation: Set written goals and celebrate small victories to maintain momentum and direction. - Incorporating personal voice and face builds connection: Use your own voice and share your face on social media to help readers connect with you on a deeper level. - Avoiding comparison and focusing on your unique journey is key: Don'y get caught up in comparing yourself to others, instead embracing your own unique path. Guest Details Connect with Emilie Pullar Website | Instagram

In episode 572, Dee Rotman teaches us how to create strong results for a new blog, getting high page views from the start by building an audience on social media first. Deeckla (Dee) Rotman founded Dee & Sweets in December 2022, sharing baking recipes and tips with time-sensitive home bakers on social media. Having created over a hundred dessert recipes, Dee launched her blog in April 2024 and is already seeing strong growth. Dee became an entrepreneur after having been a marketing leader in the corporate world for most of her career. In this episode, you'll learn why Dee prioritized growing a following on Instagram before launching her blog, what she plans on prioritizing next and how she handles competition. Key points discussed: - Start building an audience on social media before launching a blog: This helps drive traffic to the new blog and establish an engaged following. - Hire help strategically: Bringing on freelancers and part-time assistants can alleviate burnout and allow you to focus on growth. - Diversify traffic sources beyond just SEO: Explore different social platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, and TikTok to reach new audiences and land brand deals. - Analyze successful creators to learn and improve: Studying what works for others can inspire ideas for your own content and strategy. - Be comfortable with being uncomfortable: Embrace the challenges of entrepreneurship and use them as opportunities for growth. - Refocus comparison energy into learning: Instead of feeling demotivated by others' success, use it as motivation to improve your own skills and approach. - Prioritize mindset and self-care: Maintaining a positive, resilient mindset is crucial for sustaining a successful blogging business. - Start small and scale gradually: Some creators grow slowly and steadily overtime - this can be just or more beneficial than a sudden, rapid growth. - Leverage existing connections and relationships: Tapping into your professional network can lead to valuable partnerships and collaborations. Connect with Dee Rotman Website | Instagram

In this episode, we're going to talk about 5 steps to prepare for Q4, so that you can get the most out of it without risking burnout. Q4 is a big deal in our industry. People love food. And people especially love food from approximately October 1st through the end of the year, every year. How can we make the most of this time of year as a food blogger? Here, I share 5 steps I take to prepare for Q4 so that I can stay on top of my food blog, watching the increase in traffic and revenue that comes with Q4, while still being able to enjoy the holidays. These steps will also help you prevent burn out as you manage the busiest time of year for us food bloggers. Action Plan: 1 - Change your perspective: Approach Q4 with gratitude and excitement rather than fear or worry. 2 - Delegate, automate, and eliminate: Identify tasks you can delegate, automate, or eliminate to free up time and energy for Q4. 3 - Make self-care and mindset a priority: Proactively schedule time for physical exercise, meditation, and other self-care activities. 4 - Stay in the game: Focus on the progress you've made in your business rather than what you haven't yet achieved. 5 - Put a plan in place: Establish your Q4 goals, create a content and task calendar, and block off time for rest and relaxation. Resources 90-minute planning session Promote your food blogging services Megan's recommended books and resources Get in touch with Megan if there is a specific mindset and self-care topics you'd like her to cover. Website | Instagram

In episode 570, Megan chats to Heather Farris about optimizing Pinterest to boost blog traffic, including how to use Pinterest Trends as part of your keyword strategy. Heather is an accountant and bookkeeper turned blogger and Pinterest marketer. Since 2016, she has helped hundreds of Pinterest creators grow their traffic and sales through both organic and paid ads. She regularly helps creators understand how to spend their time and money to grow their businesses on and off Pinterest. In this episode, you'll learn how to interpret Pinterest trends, why Pinterest is an important search tool like Google and what types of pins you should be making to get traction on the platform. Key points discussed: - Pinterest is a powerful search engine for food bloggers: Pinterest users often use the platform as their primary search engine, making it a valuable tool for food bloggers to reach their audience. - Treat Pinterest as a "parking lot" for content: Think of it as a long-term time investment as, if you're using the right keywords it will get indexed and pinners will discover your content and website. - Leverage Pinterest trends for content creation: Use the Pinterest Trends tool to identify popular and evergreen keywords and topics, which can inform content creation and optimization. - Create a separate workflow for Pinterest: Create a dedicated workflow for your Pinterest content, focusing on 15-30 URLs per month to stay consistent and efficient. - Prioritize saves over follows on Pinterest: Saves are more important than follows for Pinterest content visibility, as they indicate user interest and can lead to more content exposure. - Optimize pin descriptions and titles with keywords: Use relevant keywords in pin descriptions and titles to improve visibility and reach on the platform. - Repurpose content by creating video and animated pins: Save time by repurposing existing content into video and animated pins, which can perform well on Pinterest. - Maintain consistency and persistence on Pinterest: Keep creating and sharing content on Pinterest, even if you don't see immediate results, the platform can be a valuable long-term investment for your business. If You Loved This Episode… You'll love Episode 567 with Shaunda Necole - Pin Your Way to Online Traffic Success! How Pinterest can Transform Your Business Connect with Heather Farris Website | Instagram

In episode 569, Mika Kinney and Sarah Bond teach us the nitty gritty of growing an Instagram account as a way to drive traffic to our blogs and add new revenue streams instead of relying on Google. Guest Bio: Mika: Mika is a food-obsessed gal who has learned everything she knows from Food Network and cooking shows. She learned how to combine sweet and spicy from Bobby Flay and how to make a sponge cake from the Great British Baking Show. As the co-founder of Joy to the Food, her mission is simple: To prove that eating more protein is not complicated and can actually be a lot of fun! Sarah: Sarah Bond is the food blogger behind the vegetarian website, Live Eat Learn. With degrees in nutrition and food science, she started her food blog in 2015 as a creative outlet that combined her favorite things - photography, food, and writing. She now works full-time on her blog from Denver, Colorado. Along the way, she started her niche sites Brew Buch (pronounced "booch") for all things kombucha brewing, and Bone Appetreat, a dog food blog! She is currently working on her first self-published cookbook, which will be released in July of 2024. In this episode, you'll learn about how to optimize your Instagram account, consistently create and analyze your content to increase your chances of going viral and increasing your followers quickly. Key points discussed: - Analyze viral content: Identifying what made a particular post go viral, whether it was the ingredient, method, or presentation, can help guide future content creation. - Repurpose content across platforms: Repurpose the same video content on multiple platforms, such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, to help save time and reach a wider audience. - Leverage tools like ManyChat: Using tools like ManyChat to send direct links and messages to followers can help drive traffic from Instagram to your blog. - Experiment with content styles: Try different types of content, such as recipe reels, lifestyle posts, and collages, to see what resonates best with your audience. - Engage with your community: Actively engage with other creators in your niche, by commenting on their posts and supporting their content - this can help you build relationships and increase visibility. - Optimize your Instagram profile: Ensuring your Instagram profile is set up to clearly communicate your brand and niche can help new followers understand why they should follow you. - Analyze Instagram analytics: Tracking engagement metrics and identifying patterns in your top-performing content can help guide future content creation and strategy. - Use natural lighting: Using natural lighting, even if it's not "perfect," can create a more relatable and authentic look. - Leverage your Instagram following for email list growth: Growing an engaged Instagram following can help drive newsletter signups and build a loyal audience. Connect with Mika Kinney Website | Instagram Connect with Sarah Bond Website | Instagram

In this episode, we're going to talk about five ways to find inspiration in your business and life when you feel depleted. As a creative individual and entrepreneur who has typically a stream of inspiring ideas running through my head, it feels really confusing when I feel uninspired. I always find it useful to pinpoint why I'm feeling uninspired first before I actively seek out inspiration. And yes, you can reignite your inspiration! You do not have to go about your day depleted. Here are 5 ways you can do it. Action Plan: 1 - Start a creative project: engage in a creative activity like art, crafting, writing, or design to stimulate your brain and boost inspiration. 2 - Research a vacation: research travel destinations, hotels, restaurants, and activities that you would like to experience, even if you don't have immediate plans to take the trip. 3 - Consume inspiring content: seek out podcasts, books, music, or other media that typically fills you with inspiration. 4 - Journal: write about the things that inspire you and reflect on why they are inspiring to you. 5 - Get outside and get quiet: spend time in nature, whether by sitting outside or going for a walk, to allow inspiration to flow. Resources Food Photography by Kristina Cadelina Promote your food blogging services Megan's recommended books and resources Get in touch with Megan if there is a specific mindset and self-care topics you'd like her to cover. Website | Instagram