Streamlined Solopreneur: Helping Solopreneurs Take Time Off Worry-Free

When you write content, who are you writing for? It’s an important question to consider— you need to have someone in mind when you write. But there’s another audience you should have the robots. Specifically, search engines. If you’re not writing for both, you could be missing out on traffic, signups, and sales. Luckily, Maddy Osman and her new book, Writing for Humans and Robots, is here to help.Top Takeaways:When writing for humans, you need to appeal to the people you’re writing for. This is where stories, empathy, and consistency come on.When you write for robots, you need to consider what your content is optimized for: keywords, good headlines, and spoiler alert: What humans what to know.The right headline can satisfy both humans and robots. Write something that gets people to click and search engines will recommend your content to more people.Show Notes:Order Writing for Humans and RobotsMaddy on LinkedinMaddy on TwitterMaddy on YouTubeNaNoWriMoAnywordKeywords EverywhereKeyword SurferahrefsCoScheduleJoin the Creator CrewSponsored by: Nexcess | TextExpander | LearnDash Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

Jeff Sheldon does what he does extremely well. But he's also expanded his business from clothes to coffee and paper products. How does he do it without burning out? Listen to today's bit to find out.Listen to the entire episode at https://howibuilt.it/013 Be sure to subscribe at https://howibuilt.it/subscribe This clip is brought to you by WP Wallet Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

Over the last few weeks, I have been interviewing experts on communities, newsletters, referral programs, and more. As a result, I've taken some of my favorite advice and I've started implementing it. So today is going to be a solo episode where I'm going to tell you everything I've been doing to grow my audience. We'll take a look at some tools I've been using, some techniques I've been implementing, and perhaps the most important thing that I can do to grow my audience. In Build Something More, I tell you my next short-form podcast and what I liked from WWDC.Top Takeaways:Niching down to podcasting only has allowed me to focus my messaging and all of my energy and resources.I’ve been promoting my newsletter, which I’ve also focused on podcasting. All of my opt-ins now point to Podcast Tips, an evergreen newsletter that helps people grow and monetize.I’ve been using Tweet Hunter to plan and schedule useful tweets for folks. Using Dickie Bush’s advice, I put out helpful podcasting tweets designed to gain followers and send people to my newsletter.Show Notes:ConvertKitConnecting Revue to ConvertKitNewsletter Glue TipsSparkLoopTweet HunterJustin Moore’s Creative Wizard NewsletterCalm HistoryRecutPod CardsJoin Creator CrewSponsored by: WP Wallet | Nexcess | LearnDash Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

Chris Lema knows a lot about a lot. But did you know he was doing no-code well before it became the movement it is today? In this bit, he tells us a little about how to successfully build a web app without code.Listen to the entire episode at https://howibuilt.it/012Be sure to subscribe at https://howibuilt.it/subscribe This clip is brought to you by WP Wallet Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

Can you build a business off of a Twitter challenge? Perhaps it’s not as simple as that, the core concept is there: create something for people to rally around, and you have a community. Participate with them and you have engagement. Jay Clouse knows a thing or two about building communities and successfully launched his own membership called Creative Companion…by basically starting with a Twitter challenge called #Tweet100. After comparing notes on how we manage our podcasts, we get into the crux of the matter: using Twitter in a helpful way, then building your business. We talk about mission, pricing, engagement, and tools in this absolutely packed episode. In Build Something More, we talk about workshops vs. course creation.Top Takeaways:Twitter is the ultimate experiment ground. You can get an idea out fast, it garners quick feedback from people, and it can be statically significant, given your audience.When it comes to positioning your membership, you need to have alignment with what you’re offering and who you’re offering it to. This will allow you to offer a high-price membership with meaningful engagement.When you build a community around something, you need to eat, sleep, and breathe it. Consider that as you go off and launch your own membership/community.Show Notes:Jay ClouseJay on TwitterJay on InstagramPodpageTweet HunterConvertkitJoin the Creator CrewSponsored by: Nexcess | TextExpander | LearnDash Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

Chris Coyier is a man of many hats and has successfully started and sold websites, wrote books, and has a great tech startup. In today's bit, he offers some advice that is the key to his success.Listen to the entire episode at https://howibuilt.it/006Be sure to subscribe at https://howibuilt.it/subscribe This clip is brought to you by WP Wallet Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

What is stopping you from creating content? That’s the question that Alban Brooke and I set out to answer. But it didn’t start that way. I thought we’d talk about podcast stats and what creators can do to make money. But there is no making money if there is no content. So we get back to basics. And if you’re stuck, this is a conversation you need to hear.Top Takeaways:it’s really easy to see the end result you want: a book, a hugely popular YouTube channel, or a podcast with millions of downloads. But it’s not easy to get there.Instead, you need to find your niche. Fly a flag you’re deeply interested in and people will come. 80% of your addressable audience is better than 1% of the unengaged general population.The best path to making money is niching down, showing your expertise, and selling your product or service. Your podcast is a marketing tool.Show Notes:Alban BrookeAlban on TwitterBuzzsprout Global StatsApple Podcast Creators Will Soon Be Able to Access Follower MetricsWhy Gear is Least ImportantJoin the Creator CrewSponsored by: WP Wallet | Nexcess | LearnDash Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

Carrie Dils was building communities before it was cool. And was actually doing the building! In today's bit, Carrie tells us about how she built her podcast community and the pros and cons of doing your own dev work.Listen to the entire episode at https://howibuilt.it/005Be sure to subscribe at https://howibuilt.it/subscribe This clip is brought to you by WP Wallet Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

LinkedIn Learning is a force in the online course space, with hundreds of courses, millions of learners, and a well-oiled machine for putting out great content. I, along with today’s guest, Carrie Dils, are fortunate to be long-time instructors for the platform. I invited Carrie on to catch up, and I thought it would be fun for us to exchange notes on how we come up with ideas for, and then record, our LinkedIn Learning courses. In Build Something More, it gets even more fun as we talk about the courses we thought would do SUPER well but turned out to…well…not.Top Takeaways:Carrie and I both followed in the footsteps of people we learned from; if you have an appreciation for learning, teaching is a great next step!Carrie likes to pitch ideas for courses on topics she wants to know more about. In order to teach something well, you need to know it well!We both shared our love of recording in LinkedIn Learning’s campus booths. Having a stellar process, and the right environment for instructors is a big win. If you’re creating courses, the advice we share in this episode can help you figure out what works best for you.Show Notes:Carrie DilsCarrie on LinkedinCarrie on TwitterMorten Rand_Hendrikson on TwitterJoin the Creator CrewSponsored by: TextExpander | LearnDash Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

Cory Miller dolled out so much great advice in Episode 4 that we're getting a twofer. He tells us about how one of iThemes' most popular products came out of solving a big problem they had. Then he tells us the importance of maintaining an email list.Listen to the entire episode at https://howibuilt.it/004Be sure to subscribe at https://howibuilt.it/subscribe This clip is brought to you by WP Wallet Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

A few weeks ago we talked to Louis Nicolls about the importance of having a good newsletter that helps people — some targeted, educational resource. Brennan Dunn knows a thing or two about that and has built an empire around segmentation and personalization. The last time he was on the show, we talked about Right Message. Today, we talk to him about email templates and newsletter strategies that we can implement with his new tool, Palladio.Top TakeawaysBrennan equates emails to sales pages multiple times. Yes, they are a great way to establish trust and be a resource for subscribers...but we also want them to stand out and make them memorable for when we need to sell.Instead of doing educational emails, pausing them and doing a sales sequence, Brennan recommends mixing in targeted sales messages through your emails. This allows you to show helpful resources at a time the subscriber is ready to buy...making it a win/win for both of you.Evergreen, or “Shadow” newsletters as Brennan calls them, are a great way to build a resource, be consistent with your newsletter, and focus on other tasks around marketing or building your list.Show NotesBrennan Dunn | Brennan on TwitterPalladioCreate and Sell NewsletterCaboPressHow to Actually Sell to Your Email List with Samar OwaisBuilding a Newsletter People Will Actually Read (and Recommend) with Louis NichollsJoin Creator Crew for ad-free, extended episodes.Sponsored by: WP Wallet | LearnDash Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

When you have a membership or subscription, your goal is to prevent churn, or people leaving. The best way to do that is to deliver value. But it's also a matter of how often you ask your subscribers to evaluate the value they get. Here's what Brian Krogsgard recommended.Listen to the entire episode at https://howibuilt.it/003Be sure to subscribe at https://howibuilt.it/subscribeThis clip is brought to you by WP Wallet Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

Most people who start a business hate it when they get away from the actual work and move towards managing — the business and the people. But not James Laws. James has started several successful businesses and his favorite part is building the culture, ensuring employees are happy, and ultimately making sure everyone feels fulfilled…so much so that he wants to help more founders do just that. And he plans to, with tools, software, coaching, and more. But that’s a long game. It all starts with his podcast. Tune in to learn how James is using his podcast and blog to establish authority, build an audience, and learn about this new field.Top Takeaways:Building an audience in a brand new space is hard! You need to essentially learn the “rules” of the field and play by them to gain a following and trust.If you’re trying to establish expertise, but do interviews, think of them as exchanging notes to help establish authority while also getting perspective.The first step to making money with your content is to build an audience so that you share future endeavors with them. The key is to solve their problems with your free content...then you’ll understand them (and vice versa) making your paid products worth it for them.Show Notes:James LawsJames on TiktokJames on TwitterJoin the Creator CrewSponsored by: Nexcess | TextExpander | LearnDash (00:00) - Hey Everybody! (03:22) - Creator Toolkits (04:18) - Welcome, James! (09:13) - Side Quest: Joey and Jamie (12:18) - Managing Multiple Brands (14:31) - Side Quest: The Boston Accent (16:10) - In Office vs. WFH (24:59) - Building Ciircles.com (28:28) - Side Quest: Movies (31:35) - Defining a Niche Outside of WordPress (39:05) - Side Quest: Jerry Springer (42:20) - Building a New Audience with TikTok (47:11) - Making Money with Content (56:08) - Quick Recap (01:01:42) - Trade Secret (01:07:59) - Find James and Sign Off Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

Too many people decided they want to make an online course, spend 6 months making it, and launch to crickets. Rebecca Gill knew better, and her advice from Episode 2 can save you a ton of time (and heartache).Listen to the entire episode at https://howibuilt.it/002Be sure to subscribe at https://howibuilt.it/subscribeThis clip is brought to you by WP Wallet Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

It’s the first-ever feedback episode! I read a couple of reviews — one good, one bad, and how I’m adjusting — and then answer listener questions. It’s a fun episode! We cover getting started in content creation, growing your audience, configuring a Stream Deck, and podcast interviews.Show Notes:My Live Stream KitMy Stream Deck blog postMy Stream Deck videoA specific use case for launching appsMasters of DoomFeedbackJoin Creator CrewSponsored by: WP Wallet | Nexcess | LearnDash Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

Jason Coleman was the very first guest on How I Built It, and he started the show strong with a ton of fantastic advice. Here's my favorite: a bit about why charging monthly might not align with the value you deliver, as well as how to handle negative reviews.Listen to the entire episode at https://howibuilt.it/001Be sure to subscribe at https://howibuilt.it/subscribeThis clip is brought to you by WP Wallet Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

How good is creating niche content? How about understanding the purpose of your content and focusing on providing value? Alexis Grant, founder, and CEO of They Got Acquired, understand the importance of both of these things. She has launched not one, not two, but 3 content businesses — successfully selling her previous ones. Today she’s here to share her insight on why she started They Got Acquired, doing research to produce good content, and how sponsorship is playing a bigger role than she expected.Top Takeaways:They Got Acquired has a very specific niche in mind: businesses that have sold for between $100,000 and $50M. All of their content is focused on telling those stories and helping similarly positioned businesses.They are using their podcast of the same name to build trust and grow their audience. Allowing people to hear them forges a better connection and gives the business more identitySponsorship has played a bigger than expected role! They are increasing the output of their newsletter and will monetize their podcast for season 2. Lexi’s advice: ask for too much at first. You can always come down if they say no.Show Notes:Alexis GrantAlexis on LinkedinAlexis on TwitterJoin the Creator CrewSponsored by: Tailor Brands | Nexcess | TextExpander Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

Have you ever seen a great talk, video, or even podcast episode that dolled out some fantastic advice, only for you to forget it before you implement it? Maybe that feeling is amplified when you go to a conference. There are so many great takeaways...how can you remember it all? It's almost like you need a TL;DR for when that happens. And How I Built It has been going pretty much weekly for nearly 7 years! As we approach 300 episodes, I wanted to surface some of the best advice from asking "how did you build that" over all that time. So I'd like to introduce How I Built Bits, a weekly clip show that aims to be around 15 mins, replaying some of the best clips from How I Built It. New episodes come out on Saturday mornings. If you'd like to learn more, head over to https://howibuilt.it/clips. And of course, be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. ★ Support this podcast ★

What if I told you the answer to better organic traffic isn’t more content…it’s less content? That’s what today’s guest, Farzad Rashidi, argues. That when it comes to SEO, link building, and organic traffic, quality outperforms quantity every time. And he doesn’t stop there. He provides a process for figuring out what content to write, and how to get people to it.Top Takeaways:Quality is better than quantity. Instead of spending 5 hours on 5 blog posts, spend 5 hours on one blog post and make sure it answers a question people are asking.The 80/20 Rule for content marketing, according to Farzad, is 20% on writing the content, 80% on marketing it.The name of the game for backlinks is relationships. Form relationships with people who have similar-sized sites and work with them to present valuable resources to their...and your...audience.Show Notes:Farzad RashidiFarzad on LinkedinMarketing Strategy EbookThe Google Story (Google's PageRank)Creator CrewSponsored by: Tailor Brands | NitroPack | Nexcess Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

5 years ago, email was dead. Now it’s not only growing, it’s the life’s blood of the creator economy. As a creator or small business owner, without a good, helpful, and nurtured email list, you’re leaving money on the table. And to tell you why Louis Nicholls from SparkLoop is here this week. We talk all about what makes a good newsletter, what mistakes to avoid, how to come up with good content, and how to make money. It’s a packed episode, and totally worth your time — especially if you’re an independent creator.Top Takeaways:Your email growth goals are way smaller than they should be. You can double or triple your subscriber list if you approach it professionally — with a plan in place for growth. The people who fail to grow their list treat it like a hobby.When it comes to content, start with who you’re writing for. Talk to people in your target audience and answer their questions. By the time you’re ready to launch the newsletter, you should know of at least 50 people who would sign up for it.When it comes to making money, high ticket items are your best bet. Your worst bet? Low-priced subscriptions. Louis says that memberships for creators are like a golden hampster wheel. Sure it’s recurring revenue, but there’s also the pressure of delivering each month.Show Notes:Louis NichollsLouis on TwitterSparkLoop AppMorning BrewCreate&SellFree Tool: MagicCreator CrewSponsored by: Tailor Brands | NitroPack | Nexcess | TextExpander Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

Jack Kitterhing has been in the WordPress space for a while; you can say he deeply subscribes to the ethos that owning your own platform is one of the most important things a creator can do. That a SaaS, like Teachable, won’t be there for you like an owned platform, like WordPress + LearnDash, will. We have a good discussion about the merits of both. Is it really easier to set up a course on Teachable? What are the benefits of your own platform? We’ll get into all of that and more.Top Takeaways:Finding the right tool comes down to skill and comfort level. WordPress (and other open platforms) are cheaper. A SaaS will save you time.You also need to think about your users. What best serves their needs? Make a list of must have features and seek the best tool for that...but be a little forward thinking. Teachable, for example, doesn’t do memberships well. If you never want memberships, that’s great. If you do, Teachable might not be best.Spinning up your own WordPress site is a lot easier than it once was. The promise of Nexcess’ StoreBuilder and WP QuickStart products are the easy of signing up for a SaaS with the flexibility of WordPress.Show Notes:Jack KitterhingJack on TwitterToolkit for Self-hosted vs. OwningBuilding Pages for Micro-Segments by Chris LemaCreator CrewSponsored by: Tailor Brands | NitroPack | Nexcess Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

There are a few chains freelancers in the WordPress space carry if we’re being honest. Not charging what you’re worth is one. Not wanting to niche down is another. And thinking you need to grow to an agency to make “real” money is another. Tara Claeys bucks all of these trends, and we have a great discussion about it. How she decided to find a niche (and how her podcast helps her establish authority!), and why she doesn’t want to become an agent. In Build Something More, we talk about the new Macs.Top Takeaways:Niching downs forces you to learn an industry — which allows you to better serve them completely. That allows you to charge moreNiching also means having a higher close rate. By the time potential clients come to you, they are likely already sold on you.It’s OK to not want to grow from freelancer to full agency. And you don’t have to be an agency to make good money. People are willing to pay for your expertise.Show Notes:Tara ClaeysTara on LinkedinDesign TLCThe Incredible Journey from Agency to Solo Business Owner with Paul LaceyChoosing the Right Niche with Sara DunnThe Importance of Niching Down, Part 2 with Sara DunnBuilding a Better Business Part 1: Understanding Your CustomersJennifer Bourn Content CampWhat Baby Clothes Can Teach You About Understanding Your Customers12 Week YearMindful School MarketingThe Daily Stoic PodcastWhy You Need to Publish Content to Have an Expertise with Rochelle MoultonCreator CrewSponsored by: NitroPack | Nexcess | TextExpander Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

"We need to de-stigmatize lending money to friends and family." It's one of the first things Brian Bristol said to me in today’s episode. See, Brian is the co-founder of Pigeon Loans — a place where anyone can set up a private loan, backed with tracking, interest, and a legally binding agreement. And this ethos is as interesting as the approach they are taking to content: show people that everyone has a story about lending or borrowing money. So today, we talk about the Pigeon Loans content strategy and the important role their podcast, The Chrip, plays in de-stigmatizing money lending. In Build Something More, we talk about the incredible importance of talking to customers.Top Takeaways:There's a weird stigma that it's bad to lend money to friends and family. The Chirp aims to tell stories that show people there shouldn't be.The number of loans between friends, family, and loved ones in the US alone is $200 Billion. There needs to be an easier, more accountable way to track the loan. This makes more people likely to help those in need.Brian is a y oung guy who’s thrown himself into his start-up…but he’s mindful of burnout too. Find a way to unwind. You’ll come back with a new energy and clearer head.Show Notes:Brian BristolBrian on FacebookBrian on InstagramBrian on TwitterBrian on LinkedinChirp PodcastCreator CrewSponsored by: Nexcess | Ahrefs Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

YouTube has been a regular topic on the show this year, and for good reason. More people need to build trust to make their business work, and as the second largest search engine, YouTube is a great place to do it. This week, marketing coach Nicole Osborne tells us why she started a YouTube channel, her process for publishing, and how it’s helped her business. In Build Something More, we talk about how marketing and web design changed over the past 20 years.Top Takeaways:Don’t compare yourself to the big names today. Pick a content creator, look at their first video, and then understand it’s a process that takes time.Content creation is experimentation. Try different topics, recording processes, and approaches. See what works and what resonates with your potential audience.You need to make time to make content. Treat it as a client project and put time on your calendar to work on it.Show Notes:Nicole OsborneWhy You Need to Publish Content to Have an Expertise with Rochelle MoultonWorking Through Different YouTube Strategies with Alastair McDermottLeveraging YouTube to Build Trust and get Leads with Jessica FreemanGoWP Facebook GroupNicole’s Agency Growth Secrets eBookHow to Get Guest Spots on PodcastsLive Stream KitCreator CrewSponsored by: Nexcess | Ahrefs | TextExpander Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

How often should you publish? Should you use affiliate links? DO those 30-day challenges really help? Alastair McDermott and I are both at the relative beginning of our YouTube journeys, and we’re each taking different approaches — hopefully, ones that suit our needs and goals appropriately. Listen in as we talk about what we're doing, how we’re doing it, and of course, why. We’ll also tell you why your phone is the best camera for you and your channel. In Build Something More, we talk about when we’ve each bartered for work.Top Takeaways:YouTube is a content channel that can help you build trust quickly because people can see you. You have the ability, and the opportunity, to show people what you know and how you can help them.When it comes to making money, most people can make more bringing in new clients with their videos, as opposed to running ads to monetize. Alastair said he’ll likely never run those ads because it could affect his credibility!The thing that keeps people engaged after clicking through is good storytelling. You need an arch, with tension that keeps people watching. This is possible with just about any video, if you do it right!Show Notes:Alastair McDermottAlastair on LinkedinAlastair on TwitterAlastair on YouTubeAlastair on InstagramLive Coaching: Launching a Course & Growing a Podcast with Alastair McDermottWhy You Need to Publish Content to Have an Expertise with Rochelle MoultonHow to Make Your a6400 camera a WebcamYouTube/LiveStream SetupCreator ToolkitsCurrent DeskAlzay Calhoun: Coveted ConsultantCreator CrewSponsored by: Nexcess | Ahrefs Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

Since leaving the classroom in 2016, I've missed one aspect of teaching more than any other: connecting with students in real-time, as I teach the material. And while I love creating evergreen courses, today's guest has a better way to teach online. Wes Kao, a co-founder of both altMBA and Maven, tells us about Cohort-based Courses (CBCs), and I am all in! She'll tell us how CBCs have better completion rates, allow for much less upfront work, and allow you to charge more. If you want to create an online course in 2022, I strongly recommend you consider them. Plus, in Build Something More, where does YouTube sit with all of this?Top Takeaways:Most online learning is one direction. The teacher pre-records a video and teaches. But Cohort-based Courses offer bi-directional learning, which is huge in the online space. It allow instructors to get real time feedback and pivot when needed.When deciding what to teach, you need to consider what you're an expert in. Ask yourself, "If Harvard were asking me to guest lecture, what topic would they invite me to teach?" You should also survey your audience to understand where they are at and what they want to learn.CBCs are best when they are interactive. You should shoot for 75% interactive, 25% knowledge transfer. Think about how your students can learn something, and practice it right now; this allows them to reinforce what they learn, and get real time feedback from you and fellow students.Show Notes:Wes KaoWes Kao on TwitterWes Kao Podcast10 YouTube Statistics That You Need to Know in 2021The Future of Education is Community: The Rise of Cohort-Based Courses - Forte LabsMaven: Create and teach cohort-based coursesMasterClassMorning BrewSeth GodinBuilding and Evovling Profitable Project Plan with Jennifer BournCreator CrewSponsored by: Riverside.fm | Nexcess | Ahrefs | TextExpander Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

One of the core beliefs at Apple is telling a good story; it’s weaved into everything they do — every product, service, and publication. Something you’ll notice with their commercials is that they open by telling you it was shot on iPhone 13 Pro. And in-fact that story they told at the iPhone event in September, about iPhone 13 Pro, was that it’s for movie makers and cinematographers. But who is the iPhone really for? And what other great tools are out there for creators? That’s what we’ll explore in this episode.Top TakeawaysIf you are a content creator, the iPhone 13 Pro is for you. It allows you to look like the pros, without dropping thousands of dollars of gear like the pros.The simplest solution is a tripod for your iPhone with a remote or timer. You’ll also want good lighting; since this is such a mobile setup, you can likely find some good natural lighting.Finding the right tools is tough, which is why I’ve put together Creator Toolkits: simple lists to help you know which tools you should use when creating projects.LinksWho is iPhone 13 Pro Really For?Creator ToolkitsSponsored by: Riverside.fm | Nexcess | Ahrefs Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

Exactly how important is your marketing funnel? Ask R.T. Custer, who's built a funnel that allows his company, the Vortic Watch Company, to routinely sell out of watches that are priced between $2,500 and $10,000. In this conversation, R.T. tells us all about how he and his business partner came up with the idea to repurpose old pocket watches into all-American-made wristwatches, and how his 200-day email funnel is the key to their success. Part of the secret sauce: getting influencers to drive traffic…not to buy the watches, which are usually only available one per day…but to sign up for their mailing list to get notified when a new one drops.Top Takeaways:People say email marketing is dying, but that could not be further from the truth. R.T. knows their nurture sequence needs to be 200 days because it takes 4-8 months to build enough trust to sell a $4,000 watch.As a creator, the affiliate marketing route can be a great way to get paid as an influencer, as long as your find the right brand.Knowing your worth is super important. It allows Vortic Watches to be sold at the price their sold...it will also allow you to get paid what you deserve.Show Notes:R.T. CusterCampaign MonitorProducts Worth Talking About on YouTubeLewis Howes: The School of GreatnessStart With WhyBuilding a StoryBrandCreator CrewSponsored by: Riverside.fm | Nexcess | Ahrefs | TextExpander Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

Finding time as a busy creator or small business owner can be tough. But what about being a single mom, running a content business, in a competitive space, and making money doing? That's exactly what Christine Pittman does, running her hugely successfully cooking blogs and podcasts. Tune in to get tips about starting, staying consistent, making money, and the important role analytics plays in all of it. Plus, in Build Something More, we talk about what it's like cooking for our kids as business-running parents.Top Takeaways:Batch your content! You want to plan ahead, build a stock pile, and release it slowly. That way you can create consistently and build your content empire.Analytics is the key to everything. You will best serve your audience by understanding what resonates most with them, and putting out more content like it. Christine found her niche in a crowded field by focusing in on a couple of specific food types.Repurposing content allows you to reach more people based on their preferred way to consume. Christine has thousands of recipes she can resurface thanks to her podcast, which she uses to drive traffic to her blogs.Show Notes:Christine PittmanChristine on Instagram (cookthestory)Christine on Instagram (thecookful)Christine on Pinterest (cookthestory)Christine on Pinterest (thecookful)Google AnalyticsGoogle Search ConsoleSemrush for Keyword ResearchAdThriveThe Time Mangement Insider PodcastAuphonicHuman Connection Digital Marketing AgencyCreator CrewSponsored by: Riverside.fm | Nexcess | Ahrefs Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

More and more, we're hearing about why businesses should be on TikTok. As a creator, this can be a new place for you to gain an audience…if you do it right. And today's guest, Alex Rossman, knows a thing or two about TikTok. His agency, Rossman Media, is currently moving many of his B2B clients to the platform with great success. Today, Alex will tell you why you should be there, and how to make the most of being on the platform…from building community to generating more leads. In Build Something More, we talk about what it's like being a musician (we both play the drums), writing songs, and there's a heavy dose of The Beatles in there too.Top Takeaways:TikTok has accelerated a lot faster than other social media platforms in growth and maturity. They even have a managed services to help business grow through trends.1/10 of your videos will have some viral component to it. That doesn't mean millions of views, but it could mean 10,000. So it's important to be there, and be consistent.Alex recommends having a record day where you create 30 days worth of content in a sitting. Then you can plan and schedule it out. Using some free analytics, you can see what's trending and ride those waves to growth.Show Notes:Alex RossmanRossman Media on FacebookRossman Media on InstagramRossman Media on TwitterThe Beatles: Get Back DocumentaryRingo's MasterclassWhy Bussinesses are Missing out on Tiktok with Rebecca SimonManeskinCreator CrewSponsored by: Nexcess | Ahrefs | TextExpander Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

Word of Mouth has long ruled the lead-generating roost for freelancers and small business owners. But that’s an untenable, unscalable business model. What does work, you wonder? Ask web designer Jess Freeman. 60% of Jess’ leads come from content creation alone; 40% from her blog and YouTube. While many view YouTube as a place for entertainment and influencers where only the most popular channels make money, Jess shows us that’s not true. And she shares some fantastic tips on how you can leverage YouTube to build trust and generate leads. Plus, in Build Something More, we talk WordPress vs. Squarespace.Top Takeaways:Don’t expect to get rich overnight with content. It’s a long game that helps you build better trust with prospective clients.Jess tells us about 2 types of YouTube content: connection (get to know me better) and educational (teaching something). Be sure to teach your target audience!Consistency is key, so come up with a cadence that works for you. Batch your content and release it on a predictable schedule.Show Notes:Jessica FreemanJessica on InstagramJessica on FacebookDiviTubeBuddyCreator CrewSponsored by: Nexcess | Ahrefs Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

They say one of the best ways to grow your audience is by getting in front of other people’s audiences, and today’s guest is an expert in helping you do that. Brittney Lynn understands how to pitch the media - both established media like publications and TV, and newer media, like podcasts. Today, she gives us some fantastic advice for finding and pitching podcasts, as well as what to think about if we’re going to pitch TV and publications. In Build Something More, we chat about the time I hired Brittney to help with my PR, what worked well, and what I should have done better!Top Takeaways:Since podcasts are weekly, and more selective about their content, you really need to hone your pitch. Spend some time doing your research, finding good fits, and then pitching a topic that works for the show.Look at recent guests and their topics. If yours is too similar, wait 6 months. Most hosts don’t want to cover the same topic in multiple episodes close together.There are lots of places to find shows. Apple Podcasts and Listen Notes, looking at shows competitors have been on, related podcasts, and even competitor press pages.Show Notes:Brittney LynnBrittney on Instagram (brittneylynn)Brittney on Instagram (humanconnectionagency)Brittney on TwitterBrittney Lynn WorkshopSmart Passive Income PodcastListen NotesPodchaserPublerNational Day CalendarCreator CrewSponsored by: Nexcess | Ahrefs | TextExpander Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

How do you become an authority in your field? What's the key to unlocking rewarding work and more sales with less selling? According to Rochelle Moulton, it's publishing. And Rochelle knows a thing or two. Not only has she been helping people become authorities in their fields since 2007, but her book, The Authority Code, will give you the blueprint — and the right prompts — to help you too. Rochelle and I have a great conversation around niching down, spending your time wisely, and publishing to become an authority in your space. Plus, in Build Something More, we compare notes on the book writing and publishing process!Top Takeaways:There's a difference between being an expert, and being an authority. Experts are good at doing a thing, and get paid do to it. Authorities, whose mindset is publishing, command respect from a much wider audience, and can make money in a variety of waysTo build authority, you need to have a niche. You want to be able to talk to your people and offer them solutions and outcomes. In fact, as an authority, that's exactly what you're selling: an outcome. How will your perfect client's life change after working with you?Publishing is the key to building authority. That can be through email, blogging, podcasting, or video. Pick one that works for your audience and start helping people. Then, your content does the selling.Show Notes:Rochelle MoultonRochelle on LinkedinRochelle on TwitterRochelle on InstagramBook: The Authority Code: How to Position, Monetize, and Sell Your ExpertiseHow to Position, Monetize & Sell Your Expertise with Rochelle Moulton - The Recognized AuthorityJoin Creator CrewSponsored by: Sensei | Nexcess | Ahrefs Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

In 2021, there was a lot of good, but there was also a lot of stress. In fact, there was a lot of everything. Seems like a year or less would do me good. But not really less of everything. I need to do less of something specific — over-commitment. So I’ve come up with The Year of Retreat.Show Notes:CortexMy 2022 Yearly ThemeCreator CrewSponsored by: Nexcess | Ahrefs | TextExpander Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

I knew from a young age, I wanted to play the drums. I got my first small kit when I was five and when my friends and I started a band, heavy quotes, I played paint buckets. When I was 15 years old, I knew I needed a real kit. It's the last episode of 2021, and it's a little different: I'm going to share with you my favorite Christmas story. I'll also tell you where the show is heading in 2022. Show NotesRead the Story at Casabona.orgJoin Creator CrewRate: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | PodchaserGet Free Airtable templates (00:00) - Introduction (01:49) - My First Drum Set (08:09) - Thank You Alan (08:52) - How I Built It in 2022 (12:39) - Thanks for a Great 2021 Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

Back in October, I wrote a blog post called, "We Need to Talk About Speakers and Virtual Events." I outlined how I believe speakers should be treated when it comes to virtual events; See I feel like too many virtual event organizers treat speakers as their marketing arm too. Shortly after, my friend Nathan Wrigley reached out. See, he is a virtual event organizer. In fact, I've spoken at his events! We wanted to have a debate of sorts, so we recorded it. It was a truly fantastic conversation. I certainly learned a lot, and I think you will too!Top Takeaways:Be communicative with your speakers and manage expectations. Doing the affiliate program well can net a lot of money for you without a TON of effort.It all depends on where you are in your speaker journey, and what your ultimate goal for speaking it. One peice of advice: choose events wisely. Show Notes:Nathan WrigleyNathan on FacebookCreator CrewSponsored by: Nexcess | TextExpander Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

This year, I made a concerted effort to have a good Black Friday sale. I started thinking about it early, put in a good sequence of emails, and promoted it more than I've promoted anything. The result? My best sale ever. So how did I do it, what were the numbers, and what did I learn? Listen to find out. Plus, in Build Something More, I share the actual revenue, and my thoughts on affiliate programs.Top TakeawaysPreparation and messaging were instrumental. I started thinking about the sale in October - what the offer would be and the direction my business would go in for 2022. Right before the sale, I redesigned the home page to really push the benefits of the membership.Don't be afraid to send too many emails. I sent 9 emails over 5 days, with 4 coming on the last day. Each lead to at least one sale.I also paid attention to how things were going. When I found the membership to be a lot more popular than initially though, I changed the last few emails in the sequence to highlight the benefits of that instead of the fact that a la carte courses were going away.Show NotesCreator CoursesWhy Subscriptions are Crucial to Your Business with John WarrillowSite Wide SalesConvertKitWooCommerceLearnDashHow to Manage Your Email for a Sane Holiday SeasonJoin the Creator CrewSponsored by: Accessibility Checker by Equalize Digital | Nexcess | TextExpander Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

Sometimes it feels like Facebook gets a bad wrap. Of course, sometimes it feels like Facebook gets exactly what it deserves…so where should we, as small business owners, fall on how to use Facebook? Today's guests should help. Jono Petrohilos is a personal trainer and online educator who has a $1 Million online course business. He also runs huge Facebook groups, including one specifically for online course creators. Jono is SUPER passionate about FB groups -so much so that he made me excited about them. He offers a ton of tips for how to start and grow a FB group, and how one can build your business. In Build Something More, we talk about the Facebook outage and how it affected him (and how he has a backup plan!)Top Takeaways:Spend time in similar Facebook groups and communities, participating and adding value. This will help build a network of 100 people you can invite to your group.The goal of the FB group is the community. It's not about "me" it's about "them." In that vein, encourage participation at every opportunity. Introductions, questions emailed to you, and anything else you think the group would benefit fromThe name is SUPER important. It should be clear and searchable.Show Notes:Jono PetrohilosJono on FacebookJono on InstagramJono on LinkedinDo we REALLY Need to Own Our Platform?Fitness Education Online | US SiteCreator CrewSponsored by: Accessibility Checker by Equalize Digital | Nexcess | TextExpander Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

A few weeks ago, we heard from John Warrillow about why we need to make subscriptions a core part of our businesses. Someone who's done that really well is a marketer and fellow creator Corey Haines. As we recorded this, he was going through the biggest change his membership has seem: consolidation of offerings, niching down, and increasing the price. And it was the best month of the membership to date. Listen on to find why and how he did it. Plus, in what I think is the best Build Something More yet, we talk about pricing: how to price as a creator, offerings, and price to value ratios.Top Takeaways:On subscription fatigue: Don't conflate consumer subscriptions with business subscriptions. Consumers get fatigued more than businesses.Early on, as a creator you could basically just ask for money and people would support you. Now it's about the right value proposition. If you don't get it right, you won't survive.Niching down allows you to focus, get the right value prop, AND charge more.Show Notes:Corey HainesCorey on TwitterLi Jin article creator economyMorning BrewCreator CrewSponsored by: Accessibility Checker by Equalize Digital | Nexcess | TextExpander Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

It's the 2021 Gift Guides episode! This year I revamped the guides to be clearer, including more tools for people who work from home and podcasters, and offering more options for people looking for the perfect pen. In Build Something More, I talk about the transition from Beaver Builder to Gutenberg - why I did it, and how it went.Show Notes:Gift GuidesWork From Home Video WalkthroughPodcast Guide Video WalkthroughCreator CrewSponsored by: Accessibility Checker by Equalize Digital | Nexcess | TextExpander Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

Something I (and perhaps you) feel I do terribly is email marketing. I'm worried I'm not segmenting my list the right way, that I email them too much, and that what I send is not aligned with what they signed up for. But let me tell you, after this conversation with Samar Owais, I feel a lot better. Samar is an email expert, and we cover a lot of ground, from setting up a welcome sequence, to when you should sell to your list, to how to segment. This is a mini masterclass in email marketing and one of my favorite episodes to date. Plus, in Build Something More, how Apple is changing the way we measure email marketing success.Top Takeaways:When someone signs up for your mailing list, your welcome sequence needs to align with your offer and your promise...also, you should have a welcome sequence!When it is too soon to sell to your list? The very first welcome email. Everything else is fair game so soft sell, sew seeds, or even just mention.Segmentation is SO important. You're forming a relationship with your email subscribers, and you can't properly do that if you don't know anything about them.Show Notes:Samar OwaisSamar on TwitterSamar on LinkedinConvertKitCreator CrewSponsored by: Nexcess | TextExpander Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

Subscription services are increasingly popular and for good reason. On top of creating more predictable income for your business, they allow you to really focus and serve your subscribers instead of constantly trying to grind out new sales. Plus, it makes your business more sellable. We'll talk about all of that and more in this week's episode with John Warrillow, best-selling author of Built to Sell, The Automatic Customer, and The Art of Selling your business. And in Build Something More, we'll even talk about what it's like to write a best-selling book!Top Takeaways:Subscriptions make your business more predictable, more sellable, and place less pressure on your sales process. One Sale → One Payment vs. One Sale → regular monthly payments.You need to go all-in for a subscription business to work. Giving people a choice between one time and subscription will usually result in fewer (if any) subscriptions.When it comes to subscription fatigue, you need to demonstrate value in a tangible way. A 10% discount won't do that. But showing 10x more value will.Show Notes:John WarrilowThe Art of Selling Your Bussiness: Winning StrategiesThe Automatic CustomerJodie Cook: Built to Sell RadioHow to Hire a VA That Actually Helps with Matthew YahesLaunch by Jeff WalkerGrowing a Multilingual Newsletter (on the side!) with Maciek PalmowskiCreator CrewSponsored by: Sensei | Nexcess | TextExpander Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

You've heard me say time and time again - build your list! If you want to grow your business, whether you sell products, services, or are a creator, you need to get people on your email list. And today's guest, Maciek Palmowski, has definitely done that. He and his wife started the only Polish-language WordPress-focused newsletter (quick a niche) and grew it into quite a popular English-language newsletter. The format and process for putting it together are interesting too - making this a fantastic episode for those struggling with (or struggling to start) their newsletter. In Build Something More, we talk about what it's like being an ESL programmer in an English-dominated market.Top TakeawaysThe Twitter community can be a great place for finding news and growing your list!The secret to growth: stay consistent and put in the work. People will come, and share it!Trial and error is super important. Try things out and see what works. See what doesn’t. Iterate quickly.Show Notes:Maciek PalmowskiMaciek on TwitterDelicious Brains blogwpcontent.ioMailchimpNewsletter GlueGutenberg TimesCreator CrewSponsored by: Nexcess | TextExpander Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

As an elder millennial, TikTok as a platform scares and upsets me. I’m not really sure how to use it to grow my audience (if it even can) and I’m worried it’s just going to be a huge time suck. But according to Rebecca Simon, if your business isn’t on Tiktok, it’s a huge missed opportunity. SO naturally, I asked her how a small business owner can make the most of the platform; Rebecca offered some of the best advice I’ve heard for any social network! So if you’re wondering how you can grow your audience through TikTok, this episode is for you. Plus, in Build Something More, I ask Rebecca how some of my favorite Tiktoks were made.Top TakeawaysIt's important to have the right SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) in place with VAs, employees, or even just yourself.The direction all social media is moving in is video. Instagram rebranded as a "video" platform, and TikTok is leading the charge. That's why it's so important to be there.The biggest benefit is TikTok is pushing you to new people. Discovery is much better on that platform that on follower-centric platforms like Instagram.Show Notes:Rebecca SimonRebecca on TiktokRebecca on InstagramCreator CrewSponsored by: Nexcess | TextExpander Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

It's another live coaching call! This time I have podcaster and WordPress site builder Nathan Wrigley. We chat about how I format this show, record the bumpers and the intros, and the benefits (and potential pitfalls) of batching. Then we roll into making money: how to find and land sponsors, and when to think about monetizing your podcast. Nathan has been a podcaster for a long time, so it was great to field his questions as well as get his perspective. Plus in Build Something More, we talk about what it's like to run a virtual summit.Top TakeawaysHave a good process for outreach to guests and sponsors. You can better track, schedule and batch!Should you think about monetization before you launch your podcast or after? It's a great question! You should think about why you're starting your podcast and how you can monitize. But you should wait to launch until you have a money making plan.One this is absolutely necessary though: Build your email list!Show Notes:Nathan WrigleyNathan on FacebookCan Solo Developers Exist in WordPress?The First Stuff You Should Know Episodes Were 6 Minutes LongConvertKitBuild Your List Using ConvertKit with Angel MarieNewsletter GlueCreator CrewSponsored by: Nexcess | TextExpander Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

Sometimes you know you're destined to run your own business. You work for companies and realize that you can't really work within the confines of a corporate structure. It's something I realized pretty much in high school. And it's something today's guest, Lauren Kennedy, has known all her life. Realizing then, she took her drive and built a marketing automation company…with a twist. While both marketing and automation can be terms associated with the impersonal, she's set out to build a people-first company. And that's the main focus of our discussion today. Of-course, it didn't stop me from asking about marketing automation. And in Build Something More, we talk about being active and helping people on social media, including Reddit.Top TakeawaysSales is the authentic exchange of knowledge - you're showing people what you know, and what you can do. Put another way, your knowledge is not proprietary. Your ability to do it is.The goal of marketing automation is to get as much done with as few resources as possible. You can make sure you communicate personally and properly with the right automations.Be a sponge. Take every opportunity to learn and absorb - about your craft, about your clients, about your employees. Then squeeze it back out.Pre show release - how hard it is to come up with an elevator pitch for yourself, imposter syndromeShow Notes:Lauren KennedyLauren On TwitterLauren on LinkedinLauren on Facebook Building and Evolving Profitable Project Plan with Jennifer BournCreator CrewSponsored by: Nexcess | TextExpander Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

Often, when it comes to launching, writing, recording, building funnels, or whatever else it is we need to do, it's easy to start because we're motivated. But the longer a project goes on, the harder it can be. The more frustrating it can get. And the more likely quality starts to go out the window. Well, today's guest, Elizabeth Pampalone, has a solution: get it all done in 1 day. From launching websites to writing a full year of blog posts, Elizabeth's process of blocking off a whole day and walking with her clients through a tried and true framework has proven successful. Here is how she does it. Plus, in Build something more, we chat about early businesses and how to handle premium products for clients.Top TakeawaysImplementing is the hardest part of the work for most people - building that into a day, and into your schedule helps you ship.You need a "Deep Work" style day to get the work done. Eliminate distractions and context switching.Checklists are a huge help. They reduce the mental energy of figuring out what to do next so you can just do.Show NotesElizabeth PampaloneElizabeth on FacebookElizabeth on InstagramElizabeth on LinkedinHow Your Content Strategy can Grow Your Business with Jean PerpillantMonster ContractsCreator CrewSponsored by: Nexcess | TextExpander Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

Hey everybody and welcome to episode 234 of How I Built It, the podcast that offers actionable tech tips for small business owners. Today's sponsors are TextExpander, and Nexcess. Jason How knows a thing or two about ads, start with this: don't start with Ads. Jason gives us a couple of important aspects of running ads you think to think about before actually running the ads - like how to get your offer to a place that will compel people to actually click on ads.Top TakeawaysBEFORE you run any ads, you need to get your offer right. Figure our whom you serve and do the research to make sure your offer is a good one. The messaging will be completely based on the offer. Get people into your funnel with a clear CTA, and have a good confirmation page.Show Notes:Jason HowJason on LinkedinJason on FacebookJason on TwitterAgency J on LinkedinZipMessageS.I.N. Offer by Todd BrownHyrosCreator CrewSponsored by: Nexcess | TextExpander Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

Look. I get tons of backlinks and cold outreach every day. It’s frustrating and annoying. It’s frustrating and annoying because it’s blanket cold outreach. The people reaching out don’t know me and are just swinging wildly. There’s gotta be a better way, right? That’s what Andy Cabasso is here to talk about. How can YOU get effective with your cold outreach to grow your traffic and your business? It’s a great conversation. Plus in BSM we talk about domain authority. Top TakeawaysPeople doing outreach need to recognize that content creators are getting pitched to constantly. It's SUPER important to personalize to prove you actually did the research.When it comes to cold outreach, one of the most important aspect is the follow up! When you create content, you should spend as much time promoting it as you did creating it. Organic SEO is great, but competitive.Show Notes:PostagaAndy on TwitterSkyscraper Technique by Brian DeanSam Brodie & Selling Your BusinessSemrushUbersuggestWP OwlsDeliverability Podcast on SPAM listsCreator CrewSponsored by: Nexcess | TextExpander Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★

It's a listener questions episode! I thought it would be fun to round out the summer by answering some questions you've asked about how to run and grow a podcast. I hope you enjoy! in Build Something More, I tell you all about what I learned at Skip the Grind and how it's shaping my business, and this podcast, moving forward.Top Takeaways The biggest way to grow your show is by having a clear Call to Action and a strong show notes page. BUILD YOUR LIST! No matter what you're trying to do - build a community, sell products, sell a course or service - your email list is the life's blood of your business and your podcast can help you grow it.There are 2 million podcasts but only about 65% are actually active. For comparison, There are over 37 million YouTube channels. Show NotesSend in Feedback or Ask a Question!Why Course Creators Should Start a PodcastCourse Creators Community PodcastHow Skip the Grind Showed Me to Focus my BusinessNext Steps for How I Built ItPodcast Subscribe ButtonsPodcast Stats from BuzzSproutSponsored by: Nexcess | TextExpander Simplify your tech stack at https://streamlined.fm/tools ★ Support this podcast ★