Smart Passive Income: Recent Episodes

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Sandy Mann, Director of Marketing
SPI Media
[email protected]

Smart Passive Income (SPI) is excited to announce the merger of its two entrepreneurial online communities into one unified SPI Community. This integration introduces a three-tiered membership structure designed to provide targeted resources and benefits that support entrepreneurs from the early stages of ideation to achieving full-time income.

The decision behind the mergerFor years, SPI successfully operated two distinct communities: the All-Access Pass for early-stage entrepreneurs and SPI Pro for advanced business owners. While these communities served members well, SPI recognized the potential to deliver even greater value by combining them into one unified space.

“When I joined SPI, we began exploring why these two communities existed separately,” said Caleb Wojcik, CEO of Smart Passive Income. “It became clear that merging them into one place would enhance interactions, learning, and networking opportunities for everyone. This also led us to implement a tiered structure to better meet the needs of entrepreneurs at every stage, including features like mastermind groups, sprints, and quests to foster connection and progress.”

These changes ensure members can share insights, collaborate, and grow together within a more dynamic, supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The new tiered membership structureThe SPI Community now offers three membership tiers tailored to different levels of entrepreneurial growth and unique learning needs:

• Start: Geared toward beginners, this tier provides DIY education through self-paced courses, live events, and discussion channels to help members build a strong foundation.
• Accelerate: Designed for those seeking additional support and accountability in a do-it-with-you setting, this tier includes everything in Start plus benefits like cohort-based course accelerators, peer-led masterminds, monthly quests, and office hours with Pat Flynn.
• Thrive: Built for established entrepreneurs, this application-based tier with quarterly enrollment periods offers exclusive access to vetted Mastermind groups, quarterly Sprints, additional office hours with Pat Flynn, the Full-Time Entrepreneur Playbook, and expert-led Thrive-only discussion channels.

This marks the start of an exciting new phase for Smart Passive Income. By uniting its communities and introducing a tiered membership structure, SPI is reinforcing its commitment to equipping members with the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to achieve their business goals — supported by a community of like-minded entrepreneurs.

To learn more about the decision to restructure and merge the communities, listen to the bonus podcast episode, The Updated SPI Community Is Here—Behind the Scenes of What’s New with Caleb Wojcik. The episode is available at https://www.smartpassiveincome.com/podcasts/the-updated-spi-community/.

About Smart Passive IncomeSmart Passive Income (SPI) is committed to guiding entrepreneurs from idea to income through education, feedback, and accountability. Founded by Pat Flynn, SPI equips individuals with the tools and support to achieve personal fulfillment, financial independence, and long-term success. By offering a range of resources and a thriving membership community, SPI fosters collaboration, innovation, and growth. Rooted in the belief that entrepreneurship is the best path to controlling your future, SPI empowers its members to build meaningful and sustainable businesses. Learn more at smartpassiveincome.com.

The post Smart Passive Income Unites Two Entrepreneurial Communities with a Tiered Membership Model appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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If you’re looking for your next email marketing platform, and you’re curious if Kit is right for you, well, you’re in the right place! Here’s our comprehensive Kit review for 2024, which will cover:

• What Is Kit?
• Why do I need an email service provider (ESP)?
• The rebrand from ConvertKit to Kit
• Kit Features
• Kit Pricing
• Key Benefits of Kit
• Drawbacks of Kit
• Kit & Email Marketing: More Resources to Read, Listen & Learn

What is Kit?Kit is an email service provider (ESP). Essentially, it’s a technology service that lets you send email campaigns to a list of subscribers. Kit is one of literally hundreds of ESPs out there, and—full disclosure—it happens to be the one we prefer and use at SPI.

Although we’re biased, we can still be objective! In this post, we’ll cover the features, benefits, and drawbacks of Kit as we see them, to help you decide if it’s the right ESP for your business.

Email marketing strategy: Why you need an ESPIf you’re reading this, you might already know what an ESP is and why you need one. But in case you don’t, an ESP is the most important piece of technology to support your email marketing strategy.

Email marketing is one of the most powerful methods to build relationships and market your products and services to your audience. Let’s talk about why that is.

In its most basic form, email marketing involves you sending emails to a group of people who’ve chosen to hear from you by “subscribing” to receive emails from you. You could technically use a simple email program like Gmail to accomplish this—but we don’t recommend it, because you’ll quickly find it insufficient (and because your personal email account will get flagged as spam if you send too many emails from it!).

As your business grows and more people subscribe to get your emails, you’ll want the ability to do more sophisticated things with your email marketing, like customizing the emails people get according to their interests, and using reports and analytics to determine what’s working well or not.

You also need to make sure you’re respecting people’s privacy and not spamming anyone. An email service provider also helps you to stay in compliance with government regulations around the world, such as the CAN-SPAM act in the United States, the General Data Protection Regulation in the European Union (GDPR), and the Canada Anti-Spam Law (CASL).

Things can quickly get out of hand without the help of a dedicated email marketing platform. That’s where an ESP like Kit comes in.

Okay, let’s get into the nitty gritty of Kit’s features!

Psst… Want to grow your email list and learn powerful segmentation and automation strategies that allow your business to run on its own? Check out the Email Marketing Magic course.

Kit featuresThese are the key features of Kit, organized by how you’ll use them.

Sending emails Autoresponders/drip campaigns (sequences): Send a sequence of pre-written emails automatically to a specific segment of subscribers on your list, triggered by a specific event or action, with the aim of guiding them to take a specific action. * Broadcast emails: Send standard announcements or one-time emails to your subscribers on a specific date. * CAN-SPAM, GDPR, and CASL compliance: CAN-SPAM, GDPR, and CASL are laws that set the rules and requirements for commercial email messages, and give recipients the right to have you stop emailing them—so compliance is crucial! * Dynamic (personalized) email content: Your email content can display different text or images, according to your customer segmentation. * Responsive email templates: Ready-to-go email designs, as well as the ability to create your own custom templates. Kit automatically formats your landing pages for various devices, such as desktop computers and mobile phones. * WYSIWYG email editor:* The built-in email editor lets you see how your email will look with your template’s styling applied while you’re composing it.

Collecting new subscribers Custom responsive landing pages: Use the included tool to quickly create a landing page to collect email addresses. Kit automatically formats your landing pages for various devices, such as desktop computers and mobile phones. * Embeddable forms: Collect email subscribers anywhere on your website by dropping in a Javascript or HTML form, or by using the WordPress plugin. * Site builder: Create a website directly on Kit to publish newsletters, host a digital storefront to collect payment for one-time or subscription products, and build custom pages. Set up a landing page and collect payment for one-time or subscription products right inside Kit. * Visual automations:* Kit allows you to create rule-based paths using if-then logic, so that when a subscriber takes a particular action, you can send them pre-defined emails or add them to a segment.

Learning about your subscribers A/B testing: Kit lets you test different subject lines for your emails, and automatically determines the winner based on their respective open rates. * Reporting/analytics/ROI tracking: Learn how often your subscribers open your emails, click on links, and complete various actions. * Segmentation/tagging: Segmenting your subscribers into different categories (similar to but more powerful than other programs’ “lists”) allows you to send them emails that are better tailored to their needs and interests. * Polls*. Add polls directly to emails to engage with and collect information about subscribers, which you can then use to build segments.

Growing your income In 2022, Kit Commerce was added to the platform, allowing users to try selling digital products to their subscribers by creating customized product pages that can be embedded in your emails, along with automated sales funnels. * The current iteration of Kit also features a site builder.* You can create a website directly on Kit to publish newsletters, host a digital storefront to collect payment for one-time or subscription products, and build custom pages.

Connecting with and supporting other creators: The Creator Network In 2023, Kit launched the Creator Network*, which helps users guide their audience members to discover other creators and get discovered in turn. * You can also get paid for Creator Network recommendations you make via the aptly named Paid Recommendations.

Expanding the platform’s capabilities: App store As part of the 2024 rebrand, they also launched an app store, where you can find custom apps to do more with Kit. The app store will launch with five apps: KitBoard (add CRM to your account), Wordsmith (turn YouTube videos into newsletters, SavvyCal (add booking widgets to emails), Mighty (connect your Mighty community and content with Kit), and SegMetrics* (learn about how you gain, engage, and convert subscribers). * Kit also offers a self-service app builder to create your own add-ons. (As of this writing, the service is currently in beta.)

Start your Kit account — free for your first 10,000 subscribers!Start your account nowThis is an affiliate link

From “ConvertKit” to “Kit”: Behind the rebrandIn summer 2024, the company previously known as ConvertKit officially became Kit. The new name was announced in July during the Craft + Commerce Creator Conference and went live in October. (They had previously rebranded to Seva in 2018, but considerable negative feedback to the new name caused them to revert to ConvertKit until this year.)

The change to Kit was more than a name change, though, because the company launched several big new capabilities to their platform as well. We covered some of the new features in the section above, but here are the highlights:

• An app store where developers can create add-ons to augment Kit’s capabilities
• A central data hub with enhanced reporting
• An expanded Creator Network to help users find new collaboration partners

Kit also made a point of rebranding in public by sharing information about the rebranding process through blog updates, live-streamed design sessions, and a four-part YouTube mini-documentary. This transparency gives an interesting insight into the company’s thinking. And we think it’s a smart move given how their previous rebrand went.

With that out of the way, let’s talk about pricing.

Kit pricingFor a long time, Kit only offered paid plans. But in December 2019, the company announced a new free tier if you have fewer than 1,000 subscribers. They recently expanded the free tier to include creators with up to 10,000 subscribers.

Here are Kit’s pricing options as of October 2024:

Kit Newsletter Plan* $0/month for up to 10,000 subscribers

The Newsletter plan includes:

• 1 basic Visual Automation
• 1 email Sequence
• 1 user
• Unlimited landing pages, opt-in forms, and email broadcasts
• Audience tagging & segmentation
• Sell digital products
• Run paid newsletters & subscriptions
• Newsletter feed & website
• API Access
• Free Recommendations (required—at least one recommendation slot to grow your list by cross-promoting with other creators)
• Smart Recommendations (auto-recommendation of similar creators to help you grow your list)
• 24/7 support

Kit Creator Plan* $9/month for up to 300 subscribers (paid annually; $15 if paid monthly) * $25/month for up to 1,000 subscribers (paid annually; $29 if paid monthly) * Tiered pricing up to $1,916/month (paid annually; $1,916 if paid monthly) for up to 400,000 subscribers

The Creator plan includes:

• All the features of the Newsletter plan
• Unlimited Visual Automations
• Unlimited email Sequences
• 2 users
• Free migration from another tool
• Free Recommendations
• Paid Recommendations
• Remove Kit branding
• Third-party integrations
• RSS campaigns
• Polls

Kit Creator Pro Plan* $25/month for up to 300 subscribers (paid annually; $29 if paid monthly) * $50/month for up to 1,000 subscribers (paid annually; $59 if paid monthly) * Tiered pricing up to $2,166/month (paid annually; $2,599 paid monthly) for up to 400,000 subscribers

The Creator Pro plan includes:

• All the features of the Creator plan
• Unlimited Visual Automations
• Unlimited email Sequences
• Unlimited users
• Facebook custom audiences
• Newsletter referral system
• Edit links in sent broadcasts
• Subscriber engagement scoring
• Advanced deliverability reporting
• Insights dashboard
• 24/7 Priority support

Both the Creator and Creator Pro plans offer a 14-day free trial so you can see if it’s right for you before committing.

We’ll keep this post updated with the latest Kit pricing, but you can also visit the pricing page on the Kit website.

Let’s get into the reasons we like Kit next!

Benefits of KitWe’ve used Kit to power Smart Passive Income’s email marketing for several years. In that time, we’ve found it to be the ideal ESP for our needs. We also think it’s a great solution for a range of entrepreneurs and digital creators looking for a robust, feature-rich email marketing platform.

The best email service provider for new entrepreneurs. Easy to learn, powerful when you need it.

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From where we sit, the power of Kit falls into two main categories: user benefits, and audience benefits.

Kit benefits from the user’s standpointFirst, Kit has everything a business owner needs to get up and running quickly:

• You can collect emails.
• You can set up a simple landing page to collect emails.
• You can sell products (one-time purchase or subscription).

These features allow someone to start selling even while they are in the process of setting up a website somewhere else. It also makes it easy to execute on one of the main lessons in our Smart From Scratch course: using selling as a key step in the idea-validation process.

Second, the Kit team designed their platform to grow with the sophistication of the user. When you start, you probably just want to collect email addresses and send emails. But as you grow, you’ll want to start tailoring your message and segmenting your audience. At that point you can take advantage of things like automations and dynamic content. As you and your business become more advanced, the Creator Pro Plan is your next step—you won’t have to switch to a different email service provider five years down the road. This sets Kit apart from some other ESPs, particularly Mailchimp.

Some people find Kit a bit daunting (see Drawbacks below), but if you’re somewhat tech-savvy we think it’s pretty approachable. In particular, we like the accessibility of Kit’s automation builder, which lets you create automations in a straightforward, linear way.

We tried Infusionsoft for a year and found its automation builder innovative but overwhelming. You had to already understand how automations work, as well as the various symbols common in automation builders. We find Kit’s automation builder, on the other hand, makes it easy to string automations together in an advanced way. With multiple templates to choose from, setting up an automation for the first time is easy for any user.

We also like Kit’s approach to subscriber management. With Kit, all your subscribers go into one big pool; there are no lists. Instead, subscribers can be put into segments by assigning them attributes using tags and custom fields. These let you treat your subscribers as unique humans with different needs; not all subscribers are created equal. The other benefit of the way Kit treats subscribers? You’re only charged once for each unique subscriber, unlike some other ESPs.

Kit’s recently launched Creator Network is also a big plus in our eyes, from both a business-building and community-building perspective. It allows you to grow your subscriber base while also fostering connections with other entrepreneurs and creators.

Last but not least, if you’re moving from another ESP like Mailchimp or AWeber, Kit offers a free migration service that can take some of the headache out of switching.

Kit benefits for your audienceKit gives you the opportunity to tailor your messaging to your audience. You can have as many forms and landing pages as you want. You can have as many tags, custom fields, and segments as you want. You can be as specific in talking to your audience as you want to be.

As you collect information about your audience, you can start to segment subscribers so you don’t bother people with things they aren’t interested in. Kit makes it easy to collect details about your audience along the way, and you aren’t penalized for that through higher costs, as you would be with a list-based email platform.

Drawbacks of KitNo solution is perfect, of course. Here are some of the drawbacks we and other Kit users have noticed.

• Moderately steep learning curve. The interface can be a little overwhelming for a beginner. Taking full advantage of all of Kit’s features—like segmentation, tagging, and automations—requires some learning (and potentially coding). You can shorten this learning curve by following their Getting Started video series, as well as the rest of the content on their well-organized support site
• No list-based organization. Although we like the way Kit lets you organize subscribers using tags (and doesn’t charge you for duplicate subscribers, as we mentioned above), the lack of a list-based organization system can be confusing if you’re coming from other platforms. Over time, though, we think you’ll find this system more flexible than managing lists.
• Barebones email and landing page templates. Kit requires CSS coding to create custom advanced email templates and landing pages beyond the included options. Some users report that the email design tool can be buggy.
• Analytics could be more robust. The free and Creator plans don’t offer the same advanced deliverability reporting, subscriber scoring, and analytics features of the Insight feature that the Creator Pro plan offers, which makes sense but may be a bother to some users.

Thankfully, one of the previous drawbacks of Kit, that there was no free option, hasn’t been the case since 2019. This free tier makes Kit comparable at the entry level to other popular ESP options like Mailchimp.

Lastly, this is by no means a drawback, but as Kit continues to expand its offerings to include things like the Creator Network and Kit Commerce to its core email marketing capabilities, there’s a chance that the platform’s value could get spread thin. To be clear, we don’t think this is going to happen and have a lot of confidence in Nathan and the Kit team, but it’s worth keeping in mind.

Our big takeaway on KitWith the recent updates, Kit is coming closer to being a one-stop shop for creators who want to grow, nurture, and sell to their audiences with a platform that’s largely ready to use and automatable. If you’re looking for your first or next email marketing platform, we think it’s a great solution for growing your audience and increasing your income while retaining creative control over what you put out into the world!

Kit & email marketing: More resources to read, listen & learnSo there you have it—our review of Kit’s email marketing platform! We’ll leave you with a few more resources if you’re curious about Kit, or want to dig further into email marketing.

Kit [Full Disclosure: As an affiliate, we receive compensation if you purchase through this link.]

SPI 825: Behind the Scenes of a Major Rebrand & Lessons Learned After a Hard Fail—my conversation with Kit CEO Nathan Barry about setting his company’s sights on more ambitious goals with the rebrand.

What Is Email Marketing? + Best Practices:
An SPI How-to Guide

Email Marketing Magic Course

AP 0712: How Do I Migrate an Email List from AWeber to Kit? – Smart Passive Income

Why I Switched from Aweber to Infusionsoft to ConvertKitI hope this post has been helpful in deciding whether Kit is the right ESP for your business. Whatever email marketing platform you choose, nothing is more important than having the right email marketing strategy, so be sure to check out our essential guide to email marketing and consider the Email Marketing Magic course if you want more hands-on support with your email marketing, available inside the SPI Community. Good luck!

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Hundreds of hours of research and 73 pages of notes—that’s what it took for Aprilynne Alter to multiply her subscriber count by 15 times in 30 days!

By the time you finish reading this post, you’ll know how she did it, too. More importantly, you’ll have actionable steps that you can use to boost your subscribers and grow your channel on YouTube.

There’s a Lot of Competition on YouTube—Is It Worth It?To understand this in context, let’s look at some facts first. YouTube is the world’s second-largest search engine. It’s also the top streaming platform. Hundreds of millions of creators jump onto the YouTube bandwagon yearly—but only a tiny percentage succeed.

Is it worth investing the time to become a better YouTube Creator?

Absolutely—and the numbers confirm my thinking, too. YouTube’s 4.95 billion monthly active users eclipses Netflix’s 40 million. And according to SocialBlade, YouTube has over 61 million creators. The platform has one of the best creator programs in the world, and it has a growing collection of high-quality, free resources. If you put in the time and energy, I believe YouTube can open up incredible opportunities for you and your business.

As a YouTube Creator, I always leap at the opportunity to learn from others in this space. In the past, we’ve gained wisdom on The Smart Passive Income Podcast from more prominent YouTube creators like MKBHD and Sean Cannell. But this time, I wanted to speak to an up-and-rising YouTube creator. We liked what Aprilynne was doing with her YouTube channel, so we invited her to the show.

Listen to Aprilynne on The Smart Passive Income Podcast:

15x YouTube Subscriber Growth in Four WeeksAprilynne grew her YouTube channel from 700 to over 11,000 subscribers in four straight weeks.

And yep—those are real numbers. As I write this post, I see that her channel has over 52,047 subscribers. But that’s not why I’m sharing Aprilynne’s lessons with you. Here’s why I think her approach is worth examining:

Like most internet-based platforms or social media, YouTube is rapidly evolving too. And that’s why Aprilynne’s learnings are very relevant—because everything you’re about to learn is based on what she discovered by doing in the last six months.

Adding 40,000 new subscribers to a brand-new YouTube channel isn’t easy. Aprilynne doesn’t have a background in media or video either—in fact, she previously quit a career in finance! She also had a challenging experience with her first YouTube channel.

She’s also achieved this without creating too many videos—her channel has just twenty-four videos as I write this. It’s evident that Aprilynne’s success comes from careful research—she’s been studying the best YouTube creators. Take a closer look, and you’ll see the results of her study: four out of the twenty-four videos have over 200K views. And one of the four videos has over 800K views!

So, what did Aprilynne do differently with her second YouTube channel?

When I spoke to her on the podcast, it all started to come together. So, without further ado, let’s get into Aprilynne’s four-step process for YouTube subscriber growth. Implementing these four steps will definitely help you grow your YouTube channel fast. So get ready to take notes because this one is super actionable!

Ready to learn YouTube the smart way?The All-Access Pass community has the courses (like YouTube From Scratch!), resources, support, and accountability you need.

Learn More About the All-Access PassAprilynne’s Four-step Process for YouTube Subscriber GrowthWhat you’re about to learn is simple to understand, but it can be hard to implement if you miss the details, so pay close attention. Here are Aprilynne’s four steps:

1. Start with the Packaging
2. Focus on the Intro
3. Pay Attention to Your ENTIRE Audience
4. Preplan Like a Boss

These steps may appear self-explanatory, but let me walk you through each one of them step-by-step.

1. Start with the Packaging“If you think about what goes into the success of a video, it’s around 50 percent the packaging,” says Aprilynne.

Packaging is about the three critical elements of a YouTube video:

1. Idea
2. Title
3. Thumbnail

Aprilynne realized she spent 99 percent of the time creating the video and just one percent on the packaging. I like the word packaging because it is something we experience every time we buy physical products at a store—packaging is what you see before you experience a product.

It’s the same with videos, too—people experience the above three elements before they watch the actual video. And if they aren’t clicking on your video, then the video might as well not even exist.

Start with the idea—what do you want to communicate to your audience? How would you describe your video in one line?

Once you’ve nailed your packaging, it’s time to move on to step number two.

1. Focus on the IntroAprilynne spoke about this on the show, but I learned everything else from this step in this video on her channel. Here are four specific tips from Aprilynne on this:

2.1. Focus on the First Five SecondsThe first five seconds play a massive role in deciding the success of your video. That’s because YouTube looks for a match between your packaging and what you say in the first five seconds. For example, if your video is about “how to create killer thumbnails,” make it clear in the first five seconds.

Second, it also helps the viewer decide whether to continue watching. Promising “killer thumbnails” and discussing your new backyard vegetable garden in the first five seconds is not a good idea.

2.2. Keep the Intro Length ShortThe intro is the time you spend at the beginning of the video, including the first five seconds. Keep the intro to anywhere from ten to about forty-five seconds—not more than a minute.

2.3. Nail the Setup“Setup” refers to three essential elements: curiosity gap, context, and input bias. Here’s what you want to do to nail your setup:

1. Create a curiosity gap: In simple words, give your viewers enough to want more. This topic deserves an entire post, but here's a great post from Descript.
2. Establish context: Tell your viewers what the context is. If your title includes “killer thumbnails,” tell them if they are thumbnails for YouTube videos or podcasts in Apple Podcasts.
3. Input bias: This is based on human behavioral psychology. It refers to the idea that the more time, effort, and money you spend on something, the more you'll value it. In the context of this post, one way of doing this is to tell your viewers how much effort you put into researching the stuff they are about to learn. If you want to dig deeper, read this great HubSpot article about how MrBeast uses input bias in his videos.

2.4. Front-load the StimulusKeep changing the visuals fast in the first few twenty-odd seconds. According to Aprilynne, MrBeast changes visuals at the beginning of his videos every 1.4 seconds. Mark Rober does it every 1.6 seconds.

1. Pay Attention to Your ENTIRE AudienceThis post is about growing your YouTube subscribers. Everything I’m sharing in this article is based on what Aprilynne uses to create what she calls “banger videos.”

These videos help you reach new audiences, and they do that without ignoring your audience—casual and core viewers included.

In other words, make your videos appealing to your subscribers, but don’t ignore folks who aren’t subscribed. Design your videos also to pull in casual YouTube viewers who don’t (yet) know who you are.

1. Preplan Like a BossMost folks script and then shoot. There are two problems with this.

First, this can put a lot of pressure on the editing process. You might realize while editing that you needed product footage or a second camera angle.

Second, the jump from scripting to filming can clip your creativity. In other words, you may now stick to the script and ignore other perspectives.

That’s why Aprilynne annotates her videos after scripting. She lays it all out before the camera starts to roll, mapping every scene, every shot. Here’s how she breaks it down:

“I used to film everything and then edit. Now, I script it, go through it line by line, and annotate what I want on screen. So I separate it into talking head footage, B roll that I film, screen shares, and visuals I make. And so I plan all of that out beforehand. It makes filming a lot easier because I know for my talking head portion, which [lines] I need to say to the camera, what I can just read—which is a lot easier.”

Go Deeper with YouTubeIf you want to start a YouTube channel, my YouTube From Scratch course—which I created with my friend and videographer Caleb Wojcik—is the perfect place to start. Two of my YouTube channels have collectively clocked over 200 million views and over a million subscribers—I put everything I learned from growing these two channels into the course.

YouTube From Scratch—and our entire course library—are exclusively available in the All-Access Pass and Pro communities. My team and I created them to help you find like-minded creators and establish accountability on your entrepreneurial journey. It’s the best way to grow as an entrepreneur online, so check it out today!

The post How to Rapidly Grow Your Subscriber Count as a YouTube Creator appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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New to the world of podcasting? You might be wondering, well, what is a podcast? And how do they work? In this article I'll cover what a podcast is, what they're used for, and how to get started as a podcast listener or creator.

Table of Contents* What Is a Podcast and How Do They Work? * How Podcasts Started (a Brief History of Podcasting) * What Are Podcasts Used For? * What Is a Podcast Host and Why Do You Need One? (How a RSS Feed Works) * Types of Podcasts and Podcast Examples * Who Makes Podcasts? + What Is a Podcast Producer? * How to Listen to a Podcast * How to Start a Podcast * What Is a Podcast FAQ + Why Are Podcasts Called Podcasts? + Podcasts vs. Radio: What’s the Difference? + Are Podcasts Free? + What Is a Podcast Network? + What Is a Video Podcast? + What Equipment Do You Need to Start a Podcast? + Do Podcasters Make Money from Their Shows? * Are You Ready to Start Your Podcasting Journey? + Pros and Cons of Starting a Podcast + More Resources for the Aspiring Podcaster (or just the Pod-Curious)

What Is a Podcast and How Do They Work?A podcast is a digital audio “show” or program that you can download or stream from the internet on your smartphone, computer, or tablet and listen when it’s convenient for you.

A podcast “episode” is a single instance of a podcast, much like the episode of a TV show.

Here’s an example—an episode of our very own SPI Podcast, which has been running since 2010:

For beautiful, easy-to-embed podcast players like the above, look no further than Fusebox — the official podcast player of SPI! [Note: I am a compensated affiliate for Fusebox.]

Podcasts are an extremely popular form of media that’s growing quickly. The first podcasts were produced by individuals, but now they’re also made by companies, news outlets, and other organizations. Podcasting has become big business, with companies like Apple, Spotify, iHeartMedia, SiriusXM heavily invested in podcasting.

For the listener, podcasts are a versatile medium! The audio-only format of podcasts makes them easy to consume in various settings, such as while commuting, cooking, traveling, or working.

You can think of podcasts as “background” content, but you can also give them your full attention if you like.

Speaking of content, podcast topics can cover a huge range, from true crime to business strategies to parenting tips to comedy or kids’ content. If you have a topic in mind, there’s probably a podcast out there for it! And if there isn't, that might mean an opportunity for you to start your own podcast on that topic!

Podcasts are a versatile medium that can be consumed and enjoyed while engaged with other activities, like working, walking, or traveling.Podcasts are typically available either in seasons with a set number of episodes or in an ongoing series. Our podcast Flops came out with an eight-episode season in 2021, while other SPI Media shows like AskPat 2.0 and The Community Experience were released weekly (until being sunsetted last year). The Smart Passive Income Podcast is still released every week on an ongoing basis.

Ready to learn podcasting the smart way?The All-Access Pass has the resources you need.

Get Started with the All-Access PassHow Podcasts Started (a Brief History of Podcasting)Podcasts have their roots back in the 1980s, but they didn’t take off until the early 2000s. In September 2000, the company i2Go introduced a digital audio news and entertainment service called MyAudio2Go.com that allowed users to download news, sports, entertainment, weather, and music in episodic audio format. The following month, tech entrepreneur Tristan Louis proposed attaching sound and video files in RSS feeds (see below). This idea built steam over the next few years, and in 2004 the term “podcasting” emerged to describe this new way of distributing audio content. In 2005, Apple added a podcast subscription feature to iTunes 4.9 and launched a podcast directory in the iTunes Music Store.

Since then, the sky has been the limit for podcasting, with somewhere between 3 and 5 million podcasts in the world right now!

What Are Podcasts Used For?So what’s the point or purpose of a podcast? What are they good for? A whole lot!

For the listener, a podcast is a great way to learn about a given topic—and/or be entertained!—in a way that’s convenient to them. Podcasts are free (for the most part) and easy to find, and given their growing popularity, cover a wider and deeper range of topics than ever before.

For the podcaster, the uses and benefits of a podcast can be enormous. Podcasts are a great way to build and serve an audience by entertaining and/or educating listeners on a given topic.

One of the key advantages of a podcast for the podcaster is that you get to speak directly to people, using your voice. Your podcast episode may be heard by thousands or even millions of people, but for each listener, it’s just you and them.

It’s been said that podcasting is the best way to scale intimacy and make a direct connection with each of your listeners.

What Is a Podcast Host and Why Do You Need One? (How a RSS Feed Works)Podcasts are made available to listeners via a Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feed.

An RSS feed allows content creators to publish notifications of new content such as blog posts or, of course, podcasts.

Here's how that works. The podcast creator submits their podcast’s RSS feed to a directory, which makes it available to listeners via a podcast app or the creator’s website.

A podcast listener can receive new installments or episodes of a podcast automatically by subscribing to the podcast’s RSS feed in their chosen podcast app.

But how do you create your podcast's RSS feed?

That’s where a podcast hosting platform (or podcast host for short) comes in.

A podcast host is a service that provides a place to store and distribute your podcast's audio files via an RSS feed. The podcast host automatically generates the RSS feed for your podcast, and then submits it to podcast directories, such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and others.

Really Simple Syndication, or RSS, is the format used to organize the data for all your podcast episodes into a single feed that can be read by podcast players.You might be thinking, Do I have to use a podcast host? Can I host my podcast on my website? The short answer is yes—but hear me out.

There are several benefits to using a podcast host instead of DIYing it. A podcast host can:

• Provide storage for your podcast episode files, and allow them to be downloaded by listeners.
• Automate the creation and syndication of your RSS feed to podcast directories.
• Offer built-in analytics, so you can see how your show is growing and which episodes are the most popular.

Yes, you can technically host your podcast’s RSS feed on your own website. And yes, most podcast hosts cost money, with those costs generally increasing as your show grows.

But for most creators, hosting your podcast on your own website is way more trouble than it’s worth.

You might save a few bucks, but in our opinion, the lack of analytics alone makes hosting your podcast on your website a bad choice.

Thankfully, you have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to podcast hosts. Our recommended platform is Fusebox, thanks to its ease of use and helpful features. [Note: I am a compensated affiliate for Fusebox.]

Other popular hosting platforms include Buzzsprout, Libsyn, Podbean, Anchor, and Blubrry.

It’s relatively easy to work with a podcast host. You set up an account on their website, where you can enter the details of your podcast, upload episodes, and explore options for monetizing your show. Some platforms charge a monthly fee (variable depending on how much content you publish), while others are free.

Last but not least, you might be thinking, Isn’t a podcast host also a person? Yes! A podcast host can also refer to the person who is the face and voice of a podcast. (For instance, Pat is the host of the SPI Podcast.) Glad we cleared that up.

Types of Podcasts and Podcast ExamplesAs a medium for entertaining and sharing information, podcasts can take many different forms! Here are some of the most common podcast formats, along with examples.

• Interview: A host invites one or more guests to discuss a given topic. This show format requires research and outreach to find guests for each episode. (The Smart Passive Income Podcast, Armchair Expert, Fresh Air)
• Solo Talking/Storytelling: As the name suggests, a single host “runs the show.” The time that would be spent on guest research and outreach for an interview show is instead directed toward research and preparation of the show’s content. (Hardcore History, Revolutions)
• Cohosted: A show with two or more hosts who can provide different personalities and perspectives and sometimes humorous banter. (Stuff You Should Know, My Favorite Murder, Flops, The Community Experience)
• Roundtable: An expanded version of a co-hosted podcast with more hosts who engage in conversations and banter around a given topic. (SmartLess, Pod Save America)
• Documentary: Similar to a TV documentary, this podcast format typically has a narrator, and can include interview segments, sound effects/music, and even scripted scenes. (Serial, Startup Podcast)

Note that many podcasts are a hybrid, incorporating elements of multiple formats. For example, the New York Times’ The Daily is a cohosted podcast that incorporates interviews.

Who Makes Podcasts?Podcasts can be created by just about anyone, from an individual to a small team to a large company!

What Is a Podcast Producer?When it comes to podcasts, a producer is someone who works behind the scenes to make sure the show is as good as it can be. They typically wear several hats, and their duties may include finding guests, organizing the episode schedule, overseeing the recording and editing processes, promoting the show, and more.

How to Listen to a PodcastHow easy is it to listen to a podcast? Pretty darn easy! Here’s what you’ll need:

• A smartphone, computer, or tablet with an internet connection.
• A podcast app

You’ll need an internet-connected device, such as a smartphone, computer, or tablet to access podcasts. Since you’re already reading this post, I’m guessing you’ve got this one covered.

Whether you’re searching for a specific podcast or want to search for a new one, a podcast app will come in handy. Here are some of the most popular ones:

• Apple Podcasts
• YouTube Music (formerly Google Podcasts)
• Spotify
• Audible
• SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher~~)~~
• TuneIn Radio
• Pocket Casts

Each of these apps can be downloaded to your device or accessed via the web.

So which one should you choose? To be honest, there’s not a ton of difference between them, especially if you’re just getting started as a podcast listener.

If you’re a Mac/iOS user, then Apple Podcasts is your go-to, and if you use an Android phone, then the Google Play Music app is the easiest option.

Apple Podcasts is the most popular podcast app for iOS and Mac users. Like many other podcast apps, it allows listeners to find, listen, and subscribe to podcasts in a vast directory of shows.Each app also provides a podcast directory that you can search to find new shows. Many of these apps can even provide personalized recommendations based on the shows you listen to on the app.

If you find yourself turning into an avid listener of a large number of podcasts, you might find benefit from using an app like Pocket Casts, which is designed to filter and organize a large number of podcast subscriptions. But for 99 percent of listeners, most apps will do just fine.

Once you’ve found the podcast you want to listen to in your podcast app, you can either stream it or download it to your device to listen later. Your podcast app should also allow you to “subscribe” to a show so you’ll be alerted when new episodes are released.

Some podcast creators also make their podcast episodes available directly on their website via a web-based podcast player like Fusebox.

Here’s an example of how to use an embedded web player like Fusebox to play a podcast episode right on a webpage:

How to Start a PodcastIf you’re interested in how to start a podcast, you’re in the right place! At SPI, we have a ton of resources for first-time podcasters (and more advanced podcasters too, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves…).

In order to start a podcast, you need a few key ingredients:

• An idea for your show, of course!
• A podcasting microphone
• A podcast host to store and distribute your RSS feed
• Podcast artwork

That’s not all, though, and if you want the full scoop, check out our “How to Start a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” guide.

It includes the lowdown on things like:

• Picking a podcast topic you can commit to
• Writing a compelling podcast description
• Choosing a podcast hosting service
• Recording your episodes
• And much more

The “How to Start a Podcast STEP-BY-STEP” guide makes starting your podcast easy and doable so that you can build your audience—and even start and scale a business with the help of your new show.

You can also check out our video guide to starting your podcast!

What Is a Podcast FAQHere are some commonly asked questions about podcasts, and our answers!

Why Are Podcasts Called Podcasts?The word “podcast” is a portmanteau (combined word) of “iPod,” Apple’s original portable music player, and “broadcast.” Some people have also suggested “portable on demand” as a “backronym” for the word “podcast.”

Podcasts vs. Radio: What’s the Difference?Are podcasts the same as radio shows? While podcasts and radio share a lot of similarities, since they’re both audio formats, podcasts are more versatile in a lot of ways. You can think of podcasts as the next “evolution” of the radio show.

Here are some of the key differences between podcasts and radio:

• Podcasts are usually edited, while radio is typically live.
• Podcasts can be streamed or downloaded on demand, while radio shows typically need to be listened to live. Radio stations are increasingly making their previously aired shows available online, but most radio content must be accessed when it goes live.
• Most radio content is aimed at a broad audience, while podcast content can be extremely niche.
• Most radio shows need to fill a specific time block, whereas podcast episodes can be any length.
• Radio shows typically have higher production costs, so they contain advertisements to help offset these costs. While podcast advertising is a growing industry, many podcasts don’t include ads because the cost barrier to entry for podcasting is so much lower than for radio.

Are Podcasts Free?One of the best things about podcasts is that they are usually free to download and listen to. Yes, you’ll need a device to listen to them and an internet connection to download them, but the content itself is generally free of charge.

In recent years, some podcasters have begun creating additional paid content for their subscribers. These paid podcasts are becoming increasingly popular, although free podcasts are still a lot more common.

What Is a Podcast Network?A podcast network is a collection of podcasts under the umbrella of a single company, which produces, distributes, and/or makes those podcasts available to advertisers. Podcast networks can provide exposure and revenue for podcast owners and are a great option to consider once your podcast has grown a bit.

Some podcast networks are focused on a single theme, while others accept podcasts across a range of topics. The biggest podcast networks include iHeartRadio, Wondery, PodcastOne, HubSpot Podcast Network, and Audacy.

What Is a Video Podcast?Video podcasts are an increasingly popular form of podcasting. As the name suggests, they incorporate video and audio, allowing listeners to see and hear your content. Adding video to your podcast is typically more work, but it can help expose your show to a wider audience through platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

What Equipment Do You Need to Start a Podcast?As mentioned above in “How to Start a Podcast,” a microphone is the most important piece of equipment you’ll need to start your own show. However, there are a few other pieces of tech to consider:

• A desktop microphone stand
• A boom arm and shock mount to reduce unwanted vibrations
• A pop filter to reduce plosives (harsh sounds from certain syllables) in your recordings
• Software for recording and editing, such as GarageBand or Audacity
• Sound dampening materials to reduce room echo

Do Podcasters Make Money from Their Shows?They definitely can, and many of them do!

The most common way podcasts make money is through advertising or sponsorships. You can also use affiliate marketing to promote products on your show and earn a commission when someone purchases them using your link.

Our Amp'd Up Podcasting course — available exclusively to our community members — is designed to help podcasters grow and better monetize their shows while also reducing production time.

Are You Ready to Start Your Podcasting Journey?I hope this primer on podcasts was helpful! Maybe you’re inspired to go find a new show to subscribe to, or even become a podcaster yourself!

Before you leap, however, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of podcasting.

Pros and Cons of Starting a PodcastThe benefits of having a podcast can be numerous. A podcast can help you:

• Grow your brand or business
• Meet new people
• Develop new income streams
• Expand your audience

At the same time, podcasting may not be for everyone. It takes time, energy, commitment, and resources to start and maintain a podcast. To be successful, you need to produce a high-quality show and publish it regularly.

More Resources for the Aspiring Podcaster (or just the Pod-Curious)If the idea of starting a podcast is still exciting to you, great! We’ve got lots of helpful resources if you’re ready to keep learning about podcasts and what they can do to help you grow your business and connect with your audience.

If you’re interested in starting your own podcast, our How to Start a Podcast Guide gives you practical next steps.

But if you're ready to start your podcast in the most streamlined way possible, our Power-Up Podcasting® 2.0 course is for you. It's a step-by-step guide to launching a successful podcast that gets found and grows your online brand. You can take the course as part of our All-Access Pass — membership gets you all our courses and the support of a vibrant learning community to guide and motivate you towards podcasting success.

You can also explore The Smart Passive Income Podcast and read more about podcasting on the blog.

Ready to learn podcasting the smart way?The All-Access Pass community has the courses, resources, support, and accountability you need.

Learn More About the All-Access PassThe post What Is a Podcast? How Podcasts Work and How to Get Started appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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Sandy Mann, Director of Marketing
SPI Media
[email protected]

SPI Media announces the addition of award-winning author, speaker, and agency owner Pamela Slim to its Experts in Residence Program. Pamela joins a distinguished roster of members, including Amy Nelson, Nausheen I. Chen, Yasmine Salem Hamdan, Caleb Wojcik, Terry Rice, Jason Feifer, Pat Flynn, and Matthew Gartland. With three decades of experience helping business owners scale their enterprises, Pamela brings invaluable expertise to the SPI Pro community.

About Pamela SlimPamela Slim, author of Escape from Cubicle Nation, Body of Work, and The Widest Net (winner of the Best Sales and Marketing Book of 2021 award from Porchlight Books), is also the co-founder of the K’é Community Lab in Mesa, Arizona. Alongside her husband, Darryl, Pamela provides support and resources to numerous BIPOC entrepreneurs, contributing to the social, health, and economic development of their local community.

Pamela is frequently quoted as a business expert in publications such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Entrepreneur. She also runs an agency specializing in developing certification and licensing programs.

About the Experts in Residence ProgramThe Experts in Residence Program within SPI Pro offers exclusive insights, mentorship, and expert-led events designed to equip entrepreneurs with essential skills and foster continuous growth across key business domains.

When asked about joining the program, Pamela expressed excitement to share her expertise, helping SPI Pro members overcome roadblocks, accelerate market entry, and scale their businesses. She looks forward to learning about everyone’s business ventures and contributing to the exchange of ideas within the community.

About SPI MediaSPI Media is a trusted learning and development ecosystem serving a global community of online entrepreneurs. Comprising two vibrant online communities — the All-Access Pass and SPI Pro — SPI Media caters to entrepreneurs at various stages of their journey. The All-Access Pass is tailored for early-stage entrepreneurs, while SPI Pro is an application-based community designed for established business owners seeking guidance for accelerated growth. SPI enables members to achieve their goals through top-tier educational content, community-building opportunities, and training experiences. To learn more about SPI Media and the Experts in Residence program, please visit SmartPassiveIncome.com.

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Sandy Mann, Director of Marketing
SPI Media
[email protected]

SPI Media is thrilled to welcome Yasmine Salem Hamdan to its Experts in Residence Program, an exclusive offering within the SPI Pro community. As the founder of Coaches & Company, Yasmine brings a wealth of experience as both a business lawyer and a brand consultant. She joins a prestigious roster of industry experts, including Nausheen I. Chen, Pamela Slim, Amy Nelson, Caleb Wojcik, Terry Rice, Jason Feifer, Pat Flynn, and Matthew Gartland.

About Yasmine Salem HamdanYasmine Salem Hamdan is a dynamic entrepreneur, business lawyer, and brand consultant. As the founder of Coaches & Company, she's committed to modernizing legal education and protection for online businesses, offering accessible solutions and contracts to secure entrepreneurs' online ventures and financial futures without hefty law firm fees.

Yasmine's innovative approach has earned recognition from esteemed platforms like Entrepreneur magazine, Forbes, Thinkific, and Dallas Startup Week. Additionally, she's the driving force behind the Crème de la Crème® Business Network, empowering professional women with curated networking opportunities and resources.

About the Experts in Residence ProgramThe Experts in Residence Program within SPI Pro offers exclusive insights, mentorship, and expert-led events designed to equip entrepreneurs with essential skills and foster continuous growth across key business domains.

Yasmine is enthusiastic about joining the program to demystify the intimidating topic of legal protection. Her goal is to empower entrepreneurs with knowledge, expert support, and proactive action, ensuring they can navigate legal matters confidently and avoid potential pitfalls.

About SPI MediaSPI Media is a trusted learning and development ecosystem serving a global community of online entrepreneurs. Comprising two vibrant online communities — the All-Access Pass and SPI Pro — SPI Media caters to entrepreneurs at various stages of their journey. The All-Access Pass is tailored for early-stage entrepreneurs, while SPI Pro is an application-based community designed for established business owners seeking guidance for accelerated growth. SPI enables members to achieve their goals through top-tier educational content, community-building opportunities, and training experiences. To learn more about SPI Media and the Experts in Residence program, please visit SmartPassiveIncome.com.

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Sandy Mann, Director of Marketing
SPI Media
[email protected]

SPI Media is thrilled to welcome Nausheen I. Chen to its Experts in Residence Program. An acclaimed public speaking coach, three-time TEDx speaker, and former Fortune 50 manager, Nausheen brings a wealth of experience to the SPI Pro community. She joins a prestigious lineup of experts, including Pamela Slim, Yasmine Salem Hamdan, Amy Nelson, Caleb Wojcik, Terry Rice, Jason Feifer, Pat Flynn, and Matthew Gartland.

About Nausheen I. ChenNausheen I. Chen is a distinguished professional with a wealth of experience as an acclaimed public speaking coach, three-time TEDx speaker, and former Fortune 50 manager. She excels in empowering entrepreneurs to communicate with greater impact and confidence.

Her clients — including LinkedIn creators and executives from top companies like Google, Amazon, and IBM — have spoken on prestigious platforms such as the BBC, TechCrunch, and TEDx. Nausheen is dedicated to helping others find their voice and deliver their message effectively, ensuring they attract opportunities and achieve their career goals.

About the Experts in Residence ProgramThe Experts in Residence Program within SPI Pro offers exclusive insights, mentorship, and expert-led events designed to equip entrepreneurs with essential skills and foster continuous growth across key business domains.

Nausheen's decision to join the program reflects her passion for community building and engagement. She emphasizes her commitment to helping entrepreneurs speak with more impact and realize that effective communication is the key to unlocking unstoppable potential.

About SPI MediaSPI Media is a trusted learning and development ecosystem serving a global community of online entrepreneurs. Comprising two vibrant online communities — the All-Access Pass and SPI Pro — SPI Media caters to entrepreneurs at various stages of their journey. The All-Access Pass is tailored for early-stage entrepreneurs, while SPI Pro is an application-based community designed for established business owners seeking guidance for accelerated growth. SPI enables members to achieve their goals through top-tier educational content, community-building opportunities, and training experiences. To learn more about SPI Media and the Experts in Residence program, please visit SmartPassiveIncome.com.

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Ten years ago, Jessica Spencer was on a six-hour trip to Atlanta. Like many road trip warriors, she decided to pass the time with a podcast.

That was the first time Jessica heard The Smart Passive Income Podcast, a show that’s still up and running weekly with Pat Flynn behind the mic. She was taken by Pat’s approach to customer-centric marketing. What Jessica didn’t know, as her car floated gently down the Georgia highway, was where the podcast would lead her.

Nine years later, she found SPI’s All-Access Pass community and her entrepreneurial journey would never be the same.

An Advocate for Artificial Intelligence (AI)As an early adopter of AI, Jessica — who describes herself as a “total computer nerd” — quickly realized the potential for AI technologies to change the way we work, live, and run our businesses.

It all started with an IBM Watson certification through Coursera, where Jessica built a model capable of identifying different dog breeds and created her own chatbot. “It opened so many doors,” she says. Soon, she was exploring AI’s capability to draft written content, write custom code for websites, and more.

But the real breakthrough came when she and her husband, a sixth-grade teacher, started to discuss what AI could do for people like him. That conversation was a jumping-off point for a course on using ChatGPT for teachers.

“AI is something that there's a lot of energy around,” Jessica says. “There's a lot of opportunity to improve our lives with it.”

Jessica’s goals as an advocate for AI are ambitious, to put it lightly. “I want to help thousands better their lives by learning how to leverage AI and other technologies in an authentic and aligned way,” she says. On a more personal level, Jessica’s goals include building transparency in the world of political investments and bringing awareness to the foster-to-adopt system, a cause she is deeply passionate about.

Speaking of — Jessica does all of this as a mom to five. When asked how she does it, she laughs and says “I try to make sure I take my ADHD meds.” She goes on, “My husband, Noah, has been absolutely amazing and so supportive of my journey as an entrepreneur. Setting expectations with the kids and staying firm with my boundaries is something that I've been working on. One thing I've started doing recently is blocking off time on my calendar for doing activities with the kids. Noah and I have also started making date nights a more regular thing. It's easy to get caught up in the daily whirlwind of to-do's, and it's been really important to stay mindful of where I spend my time to ensure that it's holistically aligned with my priorities.”

Uncovering Possibilities Through CommunityHaving left her corporate career — where she most recently worked as the Director of Marketing for a large healthcare IT firm — Jessica knew she needed a supportive community. Somewhere she could find inspiration, get questions answered, connect with other entrepreneurs, and learn critical skills as she continued to grow her brand. That place was the All-Access Pass, SPI’s learning community built around community-driven courses.

She soon found herself immersed in an inspirational community she could access anytime, anywhere. As she continued to build her LLC, Penguin Connective, she decided to transition to the SPI Pro community — a membership geared towards established entrepreneurs.

“Being a part of that, where everyone's kind of driving each other but there's this high level of support — you see what's possible,” she says. “There's accountability with it and it's been really motivating.”

Jessica cites the high level of engagement in SPI Pro as one of the key factors in her growth. Inside SPI’s communities, she’s found a place where she can go not just for validation or a quick answer, but to actually engage and dive further on topics through message threads, mastermind calls, and more. “People take a genuine interest in each other's lives instead of just liking something to get visibility,” she says.

She’s been able to connect with other members one-on-one and unlock new opportunities for collaboration too. “There is a deeper level of connection than what I've found in other places previously,” she emphasizes.

Ready to ~~find~~ join your people and level up?Like you, we're online entrepreneurs who crave connection, direction, and support from people like us.

Join the SPI Membership TodayReady to ~~find~~ join your people and level up?Like you, we're online entrepreneurs who crave connection, direction, and support from people like us.

Join the SPI Membership TodayTussling with Imposter SyndromeJessica doesn’t hesitate to underscore just how much the community has helped her feel supported. However, the most important transformation she’s experienced is in her mindset. “When I started out as an entrepreneur, I thought that I'd be able to just run with it… I had an MBA, a background in marketing, and nearly 20 years in corporate under my belt,” she says. “What I wasn't expecting was the mindset work I would need to do. Imposter syndrome is a bear.”

Through one-on-one calls with other members, Jessica found more direction and clarity through her journey, leading her to realize the next steps and uncover deeper work ahead. Moreover, her experience has given her a healthier perspective on the entrepreneurial journey; she now views “failure” as an opportunity to learn and grow.

A Podcast, a Community, and a Beautiful FutureDuring some of the one-on-one calls Jessica has had with other members, she realized she wanted to do something she hadn’t thought of before — starting a podcast. Despite describing herself as an introvert, the community helped her realize that she had to share these fascinating conversations about AI with a wider audience. Being part of a community full of podcasters and entrepreneurs, she was in the perfect place to do so — many community members became guests on the show, and AI Genie was born.

Now, Jessica is building a community for others who want to leverage AI to make a meaningful impact in the world. AI Explorers was born, with a mission to “demystify AI, to open your eyes to a world of possibilities that transcends the well-trodden path of content creation.” She cites SPI’s Community Business Blueprint course as key to her community’s success. “I think sometimes as entrepreneurs, we feel like we're just like throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what, see what sticks,” she says. “Going through that course in particular, I definitely felt like I had a pathway to lay the foundation and create a really solid structure.”

As for what’s next for Jessica, the word “range” comes to mind. She’s currently creating a course on AI for musicians and another on AI for entrepreneurs.

“I want to be able to travel the world with my family and create awesome memories while building a more secure future for us on our own terms,” she accentuates.

With a strong community supporting her, she’s well on her way.

The post Changing the World via AI … with Five Kids in Tow appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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I’ve built two successful YouTube channels, one in the area of business and entrepreneurship, and the other related to my passion for collecting Pokémon cards. Over time, each has earned hundreds of thousands of dollars.

It didn’t happen overnight, but it wouldn’t have happened at all if I hadn’t started somewhere (learning a lot of lessons on the way!).

And creating your own YouTube channel is definitely not just about the money. In addition to the income potential, a YouTube channel can help you:

• Find a global audience and grow your reach and influence
• Build your brand and establish your credibility as an authority in your niche
• Network and collaborate with other creators, brands, and businesses
• Provide a creative outlet for your ideas, skills, and passions

If that has your interest piqued about how to start and grow a successful YouTube channel of your own, you’re in the right place!

What to expect in this guide to starting your own YouTube channelI’m about to share a detailed, step-by-step approach to starting your YouTube channel in 2024—one that’s designed to help you reap all the benefits of a YouTube channel mentioned above.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have the info you need to start a channel from scratch in the right niche, one you can grow and eventually monetize.

The guide is structured into three parts:

Laying the Groundwork: Choose a niche and define your brand

1. Choose your YouTube channel’s niche
2. Research your YouTube niche’s competitors
3. Develop your brand on your YouTube channel

Setting Up Your YouTube Channel: Create your account and publish your first video

1. Create your YouTube account
2. Set up your YouTube channel
3. Verify your YouTube channel
4. Record your first YouTube video
5. Create a great title and thumbnail for your YouTube video
6. Publish your first YouTube video

Creating a System for YouTube Success: Measure, schedule, monetize, promote, engage, and collaborate

1. Pay attention to your YouTube channel’s analytics
2. Create a trailer for your YouTube channel
3. Come up with a list of video ideas
4. Create a content calendar for your YouTube channel
5. Promote your YouTube videos
6. Improve your YouTube channel’s SEO
7. Engage with your YouTube channel’s audience
8. Monetize your YouTube channel
9. Upgrade your equipment
10. Organize your videos into playlists and sections
11. Take advantage of other YouTube video formats
12. Collaborate with other YouTube creators
13. Stay up-to-date with YouTube trends and algorithm changes
14. More resources for starting your YouTube channel
15. Conclusion and FAQ

Let’s dive in!

Laying the GroundworkBefore you create a YouTube channel and start publishing videos, you’ll need to get clear on your channel’s purpose, as well as its look and feel.

1. Choose your YouTube channel’s nicheChoosing your niche is the first and most important step in starting a successful YouTube channel.

As I often say: the riches are in the niches.

Your niche is the topic or category that your channel will focus on.

You can build a YouTube channel that supports your existing business, or if you’re starting from scratch, choose a niche based on an interest, passion, or area of expertise.

It’s important to narrow your YouTube channel’s focus down. Going too broad at the start means more competition and a much harder time getting seen. In fact, this was a problem my initial YouTube channel had and why it didn’t grow for years. People were confused: was it for podcasters or for affiliate marketers? Was it for people learning video or learning how to speak on stage?

Once I got clear on who the channel was for, growth happened much faster. For more about the trial and error of finding a niche on YouTube, check out these episodes of the SPI Podcast:

• 621 with superstar creator Emily Baker
• 595 with Matt Giovanisci of Swim University
• 730 with yours truly on how I picked a niche for my Deep Pocket Monster YouTube channel

2. Research your YouTube niche’s competitorsOnce you’ve chosen your niche, it’s important to research your competitors. This means looking at other channels that create similar content. By analyzing competitors, you can see what’s working well and what you can do better. You can also use this information to create a unique value proposition for your channel that sets you apart (see #3 below)

Here are a few tips to help research your YouTube competition:

• Search for relevant keywords and topics in your niche and explore the channels that rank high in search results.
• Check out the videos YouTube suggests on the home page, as well as on the right-side column when you’re on a video’s watch page
• Look at the channels your target audience is subscribed to by checking their subscription feeds
• Use (paid) third-party tools like vidIQ or TubeBuddy to get insights into channel stats, viewer demographics, and top videos
• Attend industry events or conferences to learn about popular creators in your niche
• Look for channel mentions and recommendations in your niche from blogs, email newsletters, social media, and online communities

A simple competitive analysis trick: Not all videos on YouTube have this, but many have a graph located above the timeline. This is a retention graph and shows you what parts of a video were the most replayed. Paying attention to this retention graph is a great way to learn what a particular audience already likes and enjoys on other channels.

3. Develop your brand on your YouTube channelYour brand is what sets you apart from your competitors. It includes your channel name, logo, and overall style. Take some time to develop a brand that reflects your niche and personality. This will help you build a consistent image across all of your videos and make it easier for viewers to recognize your channel.

The name and appearance of your channel encompass your brand, and in the beginning, you’ll have to make some choices (that are not permanent and can be changed later). Over time, your brand also becomes your voice, and the types of videos you create for your specific audience.

Speaking of the look of your brand, your brand styling may include things like fonts or the colors you use. Check out the Charli Marie logo in the below example and the purple motif that repeats throughout her channel and videos:

Your brand can be based on your theme, and your channel artwork can be based on the advice that you know you’ll be offering, like the Dad, How Do I? channel.

You’re also going to want to come up with a slogan for your channel. You can think of this as your channel’s value proposition — a concise statement of the benefits people will get from your content. The slogan for my YouTube channel is “Make more money. Save more time. Help more people.” It’s what all of my content on that channel is geared around.

Similar to step #2, research other channels (not just those in your own niche) to get inspiration for how brands look and feel on YouTube.

Here are a few more resources on branding:

• What Is Branding: Definitions and Why It’s Important
• Branding and Marketing: What’s the Difference?
• The SPI Beginner’s Guide to Branding

Setting Up Your YouTube ChannelNow that you’ve laid the groundwork, it’s time to create your YouTube account and publish your first video!

4. Create your YouTube accountTo create a YouTube channel, you’ll first need a Google account. If you don’t have one already, create one now by going to the Google Account sign-in page at Accounts.Google.com/signin.

Click Create account, and you’ll be prompted to enter your name and create a username and password for the account.

Once you have a Google account, go to YouTube and sign in with your new account credentials.

It’s as simple as that!

5. Set up your YouTube channelSetting up your channel is also easy. Here are instructions for creating your channel on the YouTube website; the steps are similar on the YouTube mobile app.

Once you’re logged in, click on your profile icon in the top right of the page and select Create a channel.Add your name and handle, then click Create channel.

Follow the prompts to set up your channel name, description, and profile picture. Be sure to fill out all of this information accurately and completely. This will help your channel appear more professional and attract more viewers.

Want to customize your channel branding? Go to Channel customization and click on the Branding tab, where you can:

• Update your profile picture if you haven’t already (needs to be at least 98 pixels square).
• Add a banner, the image that appears at the top of your channel page (at least 2,048 x 1,152 pixels).
• Add a video watermark (150 x 150 pixels) that will show up in the right-hand corner of all your videos.

6. Verify your YouTube channelThis step is quick but very important if you want to upload videos that are more than 15 minutes long, add custom thumbnails, or use live streams on YouTube!To verify your channel, go to Youtube.com/verify. You’ll be asked to enter a phone number, and YouTube will send you a verification code via text or phone call. Note that your phone number can be linked to no more than two YouTube channels per year.

7. Record your first YouTube videoNow it’s time to create your first video. You don’t need expensive equipment to get started. Your smartphone camera or laptop camera will do just fine.

Choose a topic that you’re passionate about and start recording. Don’t worry too much about making it perfect — your first video is just a starting point.

It’s going to take time to see results. When YouTube megastar MKBHD was on the SPI Podcast, he said that his first 100 videos were for less than 100 subscribers. Today, he has over 18.9 million subscribers and counting.

Filming and editing videos can often derail the excited first-timer, but I definitely recommend you push through and learn as you go. If you’d like some direct help and to join a community while building a YouTube channel with others, I recommend checking out the SPI All-Access Pass, which gives you access to all of our courses (including YouTube from Scratch) as well as access to a community and my team to guide you along the way! For even more support, membership in our SPI Pro community gives you access to Experts in Residence like video wiz Caleb Wojcik.

Start your YouTube channel the smart way.The All-Access Pass community has the courses, resources, support, and accountability you need.

Learn More About the All-Access Pass8. Create a great title and thumbnail for your YouTube videoTitles and thumbnails are incredibly important: they’re the first things people see before they watch any part of your video!

Choose a title that captures attention, but don’t get over-the-top and clickbaity. Some “bait” is important, but whatever you choose for both your title and thumbnail, make sure you deliver on the promise.

There are a lot of resources for creating great thumbnails. I recommend checking out Nate from Channel Makers and his video about thumbnails here as a starting point.

This thumbnail does a great job (if i may say so myself) of quickly showing the viewer what the video’s about. And it was easy to make!As a reminder, it’s not going to be perfect, and you can always change your title and thumbnail later. Do your best, then move on to the next step.

Tip: a great tool for creating thumbnails is Canva! Canva has a lot of templates specific to YouTube thumbnails that you can choose from.

9. Publish your first YouTube videoHitting publish can be scary, but it’s the only way to learn what works and what doesn’t. Hit publish and be proud of the fact that you created something and shared it with the world! It’s like planting a seed: it’s now where it needs to be to have a chance to grow and thrive.

In most cases, you’re not going to get a flood of views right away, and sometimes YouTube needs time to find the right audience for your videos. That’s why the next phase is important—creating a system that helps you consistently create great video content your audience will enjoy and takes the guesswork out of growing your channel.

Creating a System for YouTube SuccessIf you want to grow your YouTube channel, you’re going to need to create a system. The steps below will help take the guesswork out of what to create and when to publish it, monetizing your channel, engaging with your audience, and the other keys to sustainable success on YouTube.

10. Pay attention to your YouTube channel’s analyticsPaying attention to your analytics helps you improve over time and understand exactly what’s happening with your videos, good and bad. You can find this info by going to the Engagement tab and clicking on Analytics.

Here are the two most important metrics you want to pay attention to:

• Click-through rate: This is an indicator of how many people click to watch your video compared to the number of impressions (people who saw your video title and thumbnail) your video had. In other words, are people liking the title and thumbnail enough to click through? Shoot for a 5 percent or more click-through rate. Anything below that, you can always make improvements over time.

Average view duration: This is how long a person watches an individual video. The longer you can keep people watching, the more likely YouTube will serve your videos to more people. Pay attention to your retention graph, which can show you how sticky your video is. This can be found in the engagement tab in your analytics.

Holding the attention of your audience is a huge factor in the success of your videos and your channel.

Your analytics will also tell you what days and times people are most engaged with your videos. You can use this data to determine the best times to publish new content.

11. Create a trailer for your YouTube channelA trailer is a short (usually less than two minutes) video that gives people a taste of your channel before they dive into your content.

Your trailer doesn’t have to be fancy—it can simply be you introducing yourself and your channel, explaining what your channel is about, what kinds of content you create, and why viewers should subscribe. (Remember your value proposition!)

Once the trailer is ready, upload it to your channel as an unlisted video. Here’s how to specify it as your trailer:

• Sign in to YouTube Studio.
• From the left menu, select Customization and then Layout.
• Under Video spotlight, click ADD next to Channel trailer for people who haven't subscribed, and select a video for your channel trailer.
• Click Publish.

12. Come up with a list of video ideasTo maintain consistency with your new YouTube channel, you’re going to need a pipeline of great content. Here are some tips to help you come up with ideas for new videos so you never run out of inspiration.

• First and foremost, focus on ideas that fit your niche—use your slogan or value proposition as a guide to make sure your video ideas match your channel’s purpose.
• Take inspiration from frequently asked questions in your niche or field of expertise.
• Cover trending topics or news related to your niche.
• Share personal stories, experiences, or behind-the-scenes looks into your life/work.
• Analyze or react to other popular videos in your niche.
• Interview or collaborate with other creators or influencers (see #21).
• Repurpose existing content like blog posts and podcasts into videos.
• Poll your audience directly and review comments on your existing videos (see #16) to learn what people want to see.
• Look at search data (like Google Trends) to find popular keywords and topics, and review your channel analytics (see #10) to identify video types that perform well with your audience.
• Create tutorials, how-to guides, or product reviews or comparisons related to your niche.

13. Create a content calendar for your YouTube channelConsistency is important on YouTube. As best as possible, you’ll want to publish videos on a regular schedule.

Create a content calendar to plan out your videos in advance. This can help you stay organized and ensure that you’re uploading new content on a regular basis. Your content calendar can include the topics of upcoming videos, the date you plan to upload and publish them, and any other relevant information. Pay attention to your analytics (see #10) to determine the best days and times to publish new content.

Choose a frequency that works for you and the time you have available to create and upload videos. If you have the ability to create more, especially early on, that will help you more quickly refine your workflow and what works and what doesn’t for your particular audience. But be careful about overextending yourself and burning out to the point where you no longer come out with videos on a regular basis. It happens more often than not.

14. Promote your YouTube videosPromoting your videos is an important part of growing your YouTube channel. Share your videos on social media, embed them on your website or blog, and collaborate with other creators to reach a wider audience. You can also use YouTube’s built-in promotion tools, like paid ads and featured videos.

The YouTube Community tab is a useful tool (previously only available to creators with large followers, but now open to all) that lets you engage with your subscribers outside of video uploads. You can post updates, polls, and other content directly to help foster a closer community, build brand awareness, and promote your YouTube content.

And of course, don’t forget to encourage viewers to like your videos and subscribe to the channel!

15. Improve your YouTube channel’s SEODid you know that YouTube is the world’s second-largest search engine? If you want to grow your channel, making sure your content shows up in search results is going to pay dividends.

Here are the biggest keys to improving your videos’ search rankings—many of which are covered in this guide!:

• Do keyword research (using a tool like Ahrefs’ YouTube Keyword Tool) to choose keywords relevant to your video topic and incorporate them into your titles, descriptions, and tags.
• Write compelling titles and descriptions that accurately reflect each video’s content.
• Include closed captions and transcripts to improve accessibility.
• Maintain consistent branding with channel art and thumbnails that grab viewers' attention.
• Engage with your audience by responding to comments and encouraging shares.
• Promote your videos on other platforms like social media.
• Analyze your video analytics to identify high-performing content and optimize your strategy accordingly.

Consistently publishing high-quality video content that’s targeted to your niche is crucial for YouTube SEO success.

16. Engage with your YouTube channel’s audienceEngaging with your audience is crucial for building a community around your channel. Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and create videos based on your audience’s interests and requests. This can help you build a loyal fanbase and keep them coming back for more.

A question lots of first-time YouTubers face is whether to leave comments on or off on their videos. The benefit of turning them off is that you’ll save time not having to moderate or respond, as well as avoid potential spam comments. But in my opinion, you’re missing out on a lot of potential benefits if you do this! By allowing viewers to comment on videos, you’ll have a chance to learn from your audience about what they’re looking for, as well as establish a direct rapport with them. It’s a little more work for you, but it’s definitely worth it!

17. Monetize your YouTube channelOnce your channel has grown, you may be eligible to monetize your videos. This can include earning money from ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales. To monetize your channel, you’ll need to meet YouTube’s Partner Program requirements. This includes having at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months. Once you meet these requirements, you can apply to join the Partner Program and start earning money from your videos!

There are a few more things to keep in mind as you dive into monetizing your YouTube channel:

• Meeting YouTube's monetization criteria (1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months) to be eligible for ads.
• YouTube offers a number of ad formats (skippable, non-skippable, overlay, etc.), and you’ll need to choose the optimal one for your video types.
• Your content will need to follow YouTube's advertiser-friendly guidelines—or you’ll risk demonetization.
• If you’re planning on doing paid promotions, you’ll need to make sure you’re complying with laws on disclosures for these kinds of promotions.
• You’ll need a solid understanding of your audience demographics so you can target relevant advertisers or sponsorships.

18. Upgrade your equipmentAlthough you can definitely get started with just your smartphone or computer camera, once your channel starts to take off and generate some income, consider upping the ante on your video tech.

• Camera: A new camera is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you’re looking to upgrade your YouTube setup. Thankfully, there are lots of options to suit any budget. Here are two recommendations:
  • Budget: Sony Alpha ZV-E10
  • Better: Canon EOS R5
• Microphone: Just as important as a camera is a microphone, and you can make a big difference in your viewers’ experience by dropping some coin on a decent mic.
  • Budget: Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB
  • Better: Shure SM7B
• Tripod: A tripod can help you stabilize and position your camera whether you’re recording in your home studio or vlogging on the go. I’m biased, but my favorite option here is the Switchpod, which I co-created with Caleb Wojcik.
  • Budget: Switchpod
  • Better: Also the Switchpod, although the Manfrotto Befree is an excellent option too.
• Lighting: Great lighting can make the difference between a run-of-the-mill video experience and a truly engaging, immersive one. To be honest, picking the right lighting gear can be a little complicated. I suggest checking out Caleb Wojcik’s lighting guide for some recommendations that’ll work for your budget and lighting needs.
• Editing software: The free iMovie software that comes with every Mac is a great option for most of your editing needs. But as you look to incorporate fancier edits and effects into your videos, you’ll want to upgrade to paid software like Final Cut Pro or Premiere.
  • Budget: iMovie
  • Better: Final Cut Pro X or Adobe Premiere

19. Organize your videos into playlists and sectionsAs your channel grows and you start producing more videos, you’re going to want to organize your content so your visitors can easily navigate your channel and find what they’re looking for.YouTube’s Featured sections allow you to categorize videos into different buckets that show up on your channel’s home page. On my Deep Pocket Monster channel, I’ve helpfully sorted my videos into categories.

Here’s how to sort your videos in YouTube Studio:

• From the left menu, select Customization and then Layout.
• Under Featured sections, click ADD SECTION. From here, you can add a new section to display videos in a given category, such as popular videos, live streams, and playlists.

Speaking of playlists, they’re an especially useful way to group your video content according to different criteria. Here’s how to create one:

1. Go to the watch page of a video that you want in the playlist.
2. Click More, then Save, then Create new playlist. Enter a name for the playlist.
3. Select your playlist's privacy setting (if it's private, only you can view it).
4. Click Create.

Do this for each category of video you’d like to create. You can then add each playlist to a section on your channel’s home page so viewers can see your videos, neatly sorted for their convenience!

20. Take advantage of other YouTube video formats (live streaming, Shorts)In addition to the regular “bread and butter” videos YouTube is known for, you can also create live streams and Shorts. I definitely recommend you acquaint yourself with these formats and consider incorporating them into your workflow.

• YouTube live streams: Live streaming is a great way to connect and interact with your audience in real-time, build trust by presenting an unfiltered view of you and your brand, and collaborate with other YouTubers and experts (see #21). You can also save live streams as regular videos on your channel for viewers to access later. Check out SPI Podcast episodes 502 and 704 to learn more about going live on YouTube.
• YouTube Shorts: As you probably guessed, these are shorter (less than 60 seconds) videos. These bite-size videos can help spur excitement about your channel and drive more views of your longer content. Because of the length constraints, Shorts are typically quicker to create and edit, making them a great option for commenting on trends and newsworthy topics. You can even repurpose bits of your longer content into Shorts.

21. Collaborate with other YouTube creatorsCollaborating with other creators can be a great way to reach new audiences and create high-quality content. Reach out to other creators in your niche and propose collaboration ideas. This can help you build relationships and grow your channel. You can also participate in YouTube collaborations like tags and challenges to reach a wider audience.

22. Stay up-to-date with YouTube trends and algorithm changesYouTube’s algorithm is constantly changing, so it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and updates. Follow industry blogs, attend conferences, and engage with other creators to stay informed. This can help you stay ahead of the curve and create content that performs well on the platform.

My favorite channel for this is YouTube Creators, which is run by the YouTube team itself. I also enjoy Sean Cannell, Roberto Blake, and ChannelMakers for updates, too!

23. More resources for starting your YouTube channelBefore we sign off, I wanted to share a few more resources to help you in your YouTube journey:

• My How to Create YouTube Videos playlist has advice on things like having great camera presence, improving your video production workflow, and other tips for starting off your YouTube adventure on the right foot.
• Our YouTube From Scratch course shows you how to start a YouTube channel and create valuable video content that attracts the right audience and generates revenue (even if you’re scared of video). It can be accessed as part of the All-Access Pass
• In SPI Podcast episode 771, I chat with video professional (and SPI Expert in Residence) Caleb Wojcik about how to consistently create videos to grow your business.

Ready to ~~find~~ join your people and level up?Like you, we're online entrepreneurs who crave connection, direction, and support from people like us.

Join the SPI Membership Today24. Conclusion and FAQStarting a YouTube channel can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these steps, you can create a successful channel that reflects your passion and personality. Remember to stay consistent, engage with your audience, and always strive to improve. Happy YouTubing!

FAQs:

1. Do I need expensive equipment to start a YouTube channel?
2. No, you can start with just your smartphone camera or your laptop’s built-in camera. As your channel grows, you can invest in more equipment.
3. Can I monetize my channel right away?
4. No, you’ll need to meet YouTube’s Partner Program requirements before you can monetize your videos, which includes having at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months
5. How often should I upload new videos?
6. Consistency is key on YouTube, so aim to upload new videos on a regular schedule that works for you. Quality is important, however, so do your best to create great videos that your audience can enjoy.
7. Can I collaborate with other creators outside of my niche?
8. While it’s possible, collaborating with creators within your niche can be more effective for reaching your target audience.
9. How long does it take to grow a successful YouTube channel?
10. There’s no set timeline for success on YouTube. It can take months or even years to build a loyal audience and monetize your videos. Keep working hard and stay committed to your channel!

The post How to Start a YouTube Channel in 2024 appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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Here at SPI, we talk a lot about how the riches are in the niches—and Victoria Moll of Contempo Coding is living, breathing proof of the power of niche marketing! Victoria has generated a steady six-figure income and a huge YouTube following in the niche field of medical coding, mainly through her YouTube channel.

Does it get much more niche-y than that?

Early in 2024, Victoria joined Pat on the SPI Podcast to share how she’s built a thriving business that’s allowed her to quit her day job—one she’s running on her own terms.

Big Success in an Unusual Niche: Medical CodingWhen you think about potential side hustles, medical coding probably doesn’t come immediately to mind.

It involves taking patient diagnosis, procedures, services and medical equipment data and converting it into standardized codes used for billing insurance, tracking statistics, analysis, and more.

While it may sound dry on paper, Victoria has turned medical coding into a successful focus for her business by injecting a healthy dose of life into the content she shares on her channel and her website. She taps into her background as a pop culture blogger to “bring this different spin” to medical coding topics and pep up what might be a snoozefest in lesser hands.

How YouTube Became Her LaunchpadThough she started creating videos in 2017, Victoria’s YouTube journey really took off during the pandemic, when she was working full-time as a medical coding auditor while running her YouTube channel as a side hustle.

During lockdown, Victoria became a chat-box regular on Pat’s daily “Income Stream” YouTube series, soaking up tips and strategies for teaching, lighting, live streaming, and growing an online business through niche marketing.

“The Income Stream” provided Victoria with a great opportunity to focus on leveling up Contempo Coding.

She set up a proper home office and equipment and started researching how to build and engage an audience on YouTube and take advantage of tools like keyword optimization.

Live streams became a powerful way for Victoria to teach concepts, share her screen, and engage with her audience in real-time. She would often use a document camera—like a lightweight overhead projector—to walk through examples in medical coding books.

She also learned to lean into the “fun side” of her personality in her videos—which, along with her expertise and credibility, helped her channel quickly gain traction. Contempo Coding now has over 100,000 subscribers, and Victoria’s Silver Play Button award takes pride of place in the background of all her videos.

Building a Successful Product LineWhile her YouTube channel provides a wealth of free medical coding advice and tutorials, Victoria also monetizes her expertise through online courses and programs.

She’s an instructor for the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) curriculum, which allows her to teach courses for different medical coding certifications. Though annual licensing and per-student fees were required (although she no longer licenses their material), it saved her from developing an entire curriculum from scratch.

On her website, Victoria offers her own specialty certification courses and continuing education programs to help folks advance their medical coding careers.

She’s also branched out into affiliate marketing by partnering with an education company that offers a formal program for people looking to get started in medical coding.

A Decision Filter for New OpportunitiesWith the success of her YouTube channel and product line, Victoria is regularly juggling ideas and opportunities for new books, courses, channels, live streams, and more niche marketing strategies. As a result, she’s found that it’s easy to become overwhelmed.

She briefly offered online coaching, but it started getting in the way of her content creation.

Eventually, she realized she needed a way to evaluate potential opportunities and pick the best ones—so she developed a simple three-point filter:

1. How interested am I in this opportunity?
2. How much time would it require?
3. How much revenue could it potentially generate?

“If there’s something that hits all three of them, yep, that’s the one I go for,” Victoria says. “If not, okay, what’s the closest thing I can do?”

This new approach has unlocked even more success for Victoria, allowing her to embrace new opportunities without overcommitting or losing interest.

Delegating for More Magic and Less OverwhelmVictoria brings a healthy dose of self-awareness to her side hustle. She knows she doesn’t want to manage a team and is cautious about scaling too quickly, preferring to keep her operation lean.

But she did hire someone to handle the time-consuming work of editing her videos, which has optimized her workflow immensely—and helped add even more pizzazz to her content.

“It was just so worthwhile to find someone who did it…I’ll make a point, and I’ll gesture my hand out, and, like, sparkles will fly out of my hand… I would have never figured out how to make that happen.”

Victoria’s fiancé, Chuoc, has even gotten in on the business, helping part-time with shipping, reporting, and running the household. As a result, Victoria can maintain her flow as a creator and instructor—without the overwhelm.

Advice for Building a Brand in an Unconventional NicheVictoria’s success demonstrates that you can build a lucrative business, even in an unusual niche like medical coding. The key takeaways from Victoria’s success include:

• Inject your personality and find creative ways to engage your audience around your topic
• Do keyword research and optimize your content
• Explore different content mediums like video courses, live streams, and podcasts
• Find ways to filter and prioritize new opportunities without overextending yourself
• Outsource editing or other tasks that drain your time and creative energy
• Tap into your networks to find freelance support

Most importantly, Victoria’s journey shows the riches that can be found by serving an unconventional niche market. While medical coding may sound dry, her ability to energize the subject and build a rabid following proves there’s an audience for just about any topic if it’s packaged the right way.

You might say she’s cracked the code.

The post How Victoria Moll Built a Six-Figure Brand in a Small Niche appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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Building an online business or establishing an online presence for your business can be a lonely road. There are countless unknowns, and each journey is entirely unique, leading to frequent confusion.

Don't do this alone. By joining an online community centered around a shared purpose, you gain support, guidance, and feedback. It can help you improve your skills, fill in knowledge gaps, stay accountable, and effectively work towards your goals.

We at SPI Media know a thing or two about virtual business communities — we're the founders of two of them! Through the experience of hundreds of members and the incredible success stories we've heard (like this one), we've discovered how to build healthy communities that contribute to real, meaningful results for our members.

Pat Flynn (our founder) shared his experience and the social-driven reasons for joining an online business community in this article. Below, we’ll share why joining an entrepreneur community is the best move for your journey, plus the unique ways our communities are designed to help you on your way.

Support for Every Part of Your Business JourneyA creator community isn't just for YouTubers with billions of views, and an entrepreneur community isn't just for folks with an idea scratched on the back of a napkin. Regardless of your stage of business growth, there's a business community out there for you.

Many communities cater to new entrepreneurs — groups of people with great ideas who want to achieve structural progress like building a website or starting a podcast.

Others are designed for people who have an established presence, with a certain amount of recurring revenue or a volume of monthly customers.

Still, others are designed intentionally around a common interest in a niche — folks with brick-and-mortar stores or fitness coaches who primarily teach via the Internet.

Regardless of where you are in your journey, an online entrepreneurial community offers incomparable opportunities for support. Questions can be posted and responded to by people worldwide, and because that post is visible to all, everyone learns from the answers. Or, questions can be explored in real-time during community events via video conferencing.

Photo credit: Nathan DunlaoVirtual Communities Combat LonelinessNew online communities — business-related or otherwise — are springing up constantly. The popularity of online communities as a response to the loneliness epidemic has never been as prevalent or critical as it is now. A 2023 report from the U.S. Surgeon General found that loneliness affected half of adults before the pandemic, linking loneliness with risks like heart disease, stroke, and dementia.

Combine those risks with the inherent solitude of entrepreneurship, and it's clear that online creators and business owners are particularly affected by this.

An online entrepreneur community offers an antidote to this: peer connection, giving and receiving feedback in mastermind groups, and real-time events for networking.

Ready to ~~find~~ join your people and level up?Like you, we're online entrepreneurs who crave connection, direction, and support from people like us.

Join the SPI Membership TodayLearning Entrepreneurship: TogetherWhen entrepreneurs come together in a virtual community environment, there are lessons everywhere. These lessons happen organically simply because of the nature of being in an environment of peers. The opportunity to share findings, experiences, successes, and failures is unparalleled.

But some communities go a step further, like our own All-Access Pass community. We built this particular community with early-stage entrepreneurs in mind and designed it as a community-based learning experience for our members.

Through the All-Access Pass, members get access to our entire course library, covering everything from YouTube mastery to launching a podcast, building a community, affiliate marketing, and more.

But rather than just offering courses as a perk, the community is designed to facilitate cohort-based learning. One of the ways we do this is through accelerators, allowing students to go through a course as a “class” alongside support and guidance from our team. We also created pathways, which act as suggested navigational tracts through multiple courses, built around a specific aim — such as creating, growing, and profiting from a podcast.

These features, as well as community programming like fireside chats, ask-me-anything (AMA) sessions with Pat Flynn (our founder), networking events, and live teaching opportunities, create a community experience where learning is at the forefront. This robust and active community component supports and enhances growth and progress.

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Expert Advice at Your FingertipsOnline business communities are most often built by people with a stake in the game, and it follows that many of these communities — if reputable and built by the right people — attract experts in their fields as members. Often, these communities offer opportunities to network and have questions answered by experts as a perk of membership, enhancing the experience for members.

Our SPI Pro community — designed for established entrepreneurs looking to scale their business to new levels of success — is full of professionals, many of whom are experts in their niche or business.

We also boast a robust Experts in Residence Program that takes expert access a step further. This program consists of a network of renowned professionals who interact directly with our community members, offering opportunities for deep learning and next-level business advice. Much of our community programming is built with the help of these experts, including workshops, roundtable discussions, and more.

Photo credit: Microsoft EdgeConnection and NetworkingOur community members have started podcasts together, collaborated deeply on marketing plans and cross-promotional efforts, formed lifelong friendships, and helped each other achieve new heights of success in their businesses. We wouldn't dream of taking the credit, but the ability to provide a vibrant space for connecting people and facilitating learning opportunities is the very reason we exist.

Another huge benefit to online business communities like ours is the opportunity to form masterminds. These are groups that meet regularly to provide feedback, hold each other accountable, and align on next steps — all while working independently on their own businesses. The structure of masterminds can vary considerably — some take turns putting each other in the weekly “hot seat” for example — but they all have supportive growth at their core. As a perk of an SPI Pro membership, we offer to match members with existing mastermind groups, but we also love seeing folks forming new ones on the fly.

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What All Communities Have in CommonThe right people, of course!

The best online entrepreneurship communities aren't free-for-alls. Adding new members is kind of like fiddling with the ingredients of a complicated recipe — it can't be done ad hoc.

That's why we built an application process into our communities. For our SPI Pro community in particular, its important that we bring entrepreneurs together at the appropriate stage of their business's growth. Including an application stage also helps us ensure that the folks coming in are serious about growing together and are aware of the community guidelines.

Many business communities exist. But with our combination of community-centered learning, access to experts, and robust events, we believe ours is the best one out there. Visit our Community page to learn more.

No matter which community you end up joining, get connected! Learning entrepreneurship is one of the most challenging things you can do in life, and also the most rewarding. Don't make it harder than it has to be — find your people!

Ready to ~~find~~ join your people and level up?Like you, we're online entrepreneurs who crave connection, direction, and support from people like us.

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Sandy Mann, Director of Marketing
SPI Media
[email protected]

Amy Nelson brings her passion for amplifying the experiences of working women to SPI's Expert in Residence Program.SPI Media is excited to welcome award-winning entrepreneur Amy Nelson to its Expert in Residence Program. Amy joins a distinguished roster of members, including Caleb Wojcik, Terry Rice, Jason Feifer, Pat Flynn, and Matthew Gartland, bringing her unique skillset and passion for storytelling to the SPI Pro community.

About Amy NelsonAmy is the founder and CEO of The Riveter, a national network of coworking spaces, community content, and resources designed to amplify the voices and experiences of working women worldwide. Since its launch in 2017, The Riveter has experienced remarkable growth, recently closing a $15 million Series A funding round led by Alpha Edison.

With a background in corporate litigation in New York City and Seattle, Amy brings over a decade of legal expertise to her role. She served on President Obama’s National Finance Committee and collaborated with President Carter’s The Carter Center, shaping her commitment to empowerment and inclusion.

Her work has been featured in the Washington Post and the Seattle Times. She is also a sought-after speaker, having appeared on prestigious stages worldwide, including Forbes Under 30, Cannes Lions, and SXSW.

About the Expert in Residence ProgramThe Expert in Residence Program within SPI Pro offers exclusive insights, mentorship, and expert-led events; it is designed to equip entrepreneurs with essential skills and foster continuous growth across key business domains. In joining the program, Amy is eager to share her expertise and experiences with SPI Pro members, guiding them to leverage the potential of storytelling to build brands, sell products, and connect with stakeholders.

Bringing Amy Nelson into the Expert in Residence Program represents a pivotal moment for SPI Pro, as it continues to foster a supportive and inclusive community where entrepreneurs can thrive. Her commitment to amplifying the voices of working women aligns perfectly with SPI Media's mission to empower entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

About SPI MediaSPI Media is a trusted learning and development ecosystem serving a global community of online entrepreneurs. Comprising two vibrant online communities — the All-Access Pass and SPI Pro — SPI Media caters to entrepreneurs at various stages of their journey. The All-Access Pass is tailored for early-stage entrepreneurs, while SPI Pro is an application-based community tailored for established business owners seeking guidance for accelerated growth. SPI enables members to achieve their goals through top-tier educational content, community-building opportunities, and training experiences. To learn more about SPI Media and the Expert in Residence program, please visit SmartPassiveIncome.com.

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Sandy Mann, Director of Marketing
SPI Media
[email protected]

Caleb Wojcik's acclaimed expertise in filmmaking enhances the Expert in Residence Program, offering entrepreneurs unparalleled insight and value.SPI Media is thrilled to announce the latest addition to the Expert in Residence Program: filmmaker Caleb Wojcik. Joining the ranks of esteemed members Terry Rice, Jason Feifer, Pat Flynn, and Matthew Gartland, Wojcik brings a wealth of expertise to the SPI Pro community.

About Caleb Wojcik and the Expert in Residence ProgramCaleb Wojcik is a seasoned video production expert with a career stretching back to 2010. He describes himself as a self-proclaimed “recovering camera gear addict” and runs his own video production company. With mastery in filming, editing, and strategic distribution, Caleb is a trusted authority in the industry. His entrepreneurial journey extends beyond video to include successful ventures in course launches, podcasts, YouTube growth, Kickstarter campaigns, and ecommerce brand management. He is also the co-founder of the wildly successful SwitchPod — a minimal handheld tripod that lets users quickly switch between handheld and tripod modes.

When asked about his goals within the SPI Pro community, Caleb emphasized his commitment to helping entrepreneurs overcome obstacles. He aims to empower those who feel stuck, guiding them toward success in the rewarding yet challenging world of entrepreneurship.

Caleb Wojcik's arrival marks a new chapter for SPI Pro's Expert in Residence Program, providing members with direct access to leaders in online entrepreneurship. The program encompasses key business domains such as leadership, sales and marketing, product development, and operational strategies. It offers exclusive insights and expert-led events designed to equip entrepreneurs with essential skills and foster continuous growth. Caleb's expertise adds depth to the program, further enhancing its value to SPI Pro members seeking guidance and inspiration on their entrepreneurial journey.

About SPI MediaSPI Media is a trusted learning and development ecosystem serving a global community of online entrepreneurs. Comprising two vibrant online communities — the All-Access Pass and SPI Pro — SPI Media caters to entrepreneurs at various stages of their journey. The All-Access Pass is tailored for early-stage entrepreneurs, while SPI Pro is an application-based community tailored for established business owners seeking guidance for accelerated growth. SPI enables members to achieve their goals through top-tier educational content, community-building opportunities, and training experiences. To learn more about SPI Media and the Expert in Residence program, please visit SmartPassiveIncome.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2/28/24

Sandy Mann, Director of Marketing
SPI Media
[email protected]

SPI Media's innovative Expert in Residence Program redefines entrepreneurial education, offering comprehensive mentorship within the online SPI Pro Community.SPI Media proudly announces the launch of the Expert in Residence program, an exclusive offering within the SPI Pro online community. This program grants community members access to distinguished leaders in the online entrepreneurship space, including founding experts Terry Rice, Jason Feifer, Matthew Gartland, and Pat Flynn.

About the Expert in Residence Program* The Expert in Residence Program covers business domains including leadership, sales and marketing, product development, and operational strategies. * Members benefit from exclusive features such as quarterly roundtable discussions, monthly ask-me-anything sessions, weekly advice and insights, and expert-led events. * The program is designed to equip members with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve their entrepreneurial goals and foster continuous growth.

Matthew Gartland, CEO and Co-Founder of SPI Media and one of the founding Experts in Residence, highlights the program's significance: “Instead of indexing on one niche, we are building a network of business experts spanning the diverse aspects of small business. Where others provide incomplete experiences and expertise, we provide full coverage.”

This marks just the beginning of the Expert in Residence program’s visionary roadmap. SPI Media will continually expand its roster of experts and enhance program offerings. This initiative marks the start of an exciting journey toward comprehensive business education as SPI Media continues to support and empower the entrepreneurial community.

About SPI MediaSPI Media is a trusted learning and development ecosystem serving a global community of online entrepreneurs. Comprising two vibrant online communities — the All-Access Pass and SPI Pro — SPI Media caters to entrepreneurs at various stages of their journey. The All-Access Pass is tailored for early-stage entrepreneurs, while SPI Pro is an application-based community tailored for established business owners seeking guidance for accelerated growth. SPI enables members to achieve their goals through top-tier educational content, community-building opportunities, and training experiences. To learn more about SPI Media and the Expert in Residence program, please visit SmartPassiveIncome.com.

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Brian Luebben had soared to the top of the corporate ladder, landing a prestigious position in a Fortune 500 Sales Organization in his mid-twenties and earning a substantial salary.

But then, a startling truth hit him: he did not want this life.

He didn’t just want financial success, he wanted to quit his corporate job and travel the world full-time with the freedom to shape his life and career as his own boss.

With the success of his podcast, which evolved into his growing media company, Brian turned his vision into reality.

Today, he lives his dream, traveling the world, earning passive income, and pursuing projects close to his heart — like his Action Academy. Brian’s story epitomizes entrepreneurial success fused with personal fulfillment.
Brian recently sat down with Pat Flynn to share his story on The Smart Passive Income Podcast.

Determined to align his career with his ideal lifestyle, Brian transitioned from corporate life to full-time traveler by following this gameplan:

1. Determining his ideal vision for the future
2. Establishing a solid financial foundation
3. Creating content and collecting client data
4. Developing a product tailored to his audience’s needs
5. Pivoting his business strategy in response to customer feedback
6. Generating recurring revenue
7. Seeking out growth opportunities for the future

Planning Your Job ExitEstablish Your Ideal Vision for the FutureSo how do you determine your next steps after quitting your job to travel? How do you even start to replace a corporate salary? With so many unknowns, there was one thing that Brian was certain of: instead of running away from something, he wanted to run toward something.

This meant crafting a three-year “vivid vision” for both his personal and professional aspirations. By committing his dreams to paper, he gained a clear roadmap.

Here's the picture he painted:

“I wake up in the morning and I can feel the hot cobblestones of this balcony on my feet and I look out and I can see the ocean. I don’t have calls all morning, but in the afternoon I’ve got meetings with my team. I can make money anywhere in the world with a Mac and a mic.”

A Financial Foundation for Full-Time TravelNow that Brian had a clear destination in mind, he needed to map out the route to get there. His next step, which he calls “building a financial foundation,” involved investing in real estate.

Brian developed a portfolio of single-family rentals, generating enough passive income to cover his living expenses and begin replacing his corporate salary.

Although Brian was able to essentially live for free, he aimed for something greater. Taking a bold leap, he decided to sell his properties, allowing him to “swing for the fences” and focus on his true passions: his podcast and online business.

“What is the worst possible case scenario that happens if you quit your job and you go all in on yourself, right? “You run out of money. Now what happens? You go and get another job. So your worst-case scenario is your present-day reality, right?”

Turning Your Side-Hustle into a Thriving Online BusinessStart to Create ContentNow that you’ve established your vision for the future, built a financial foundation, and are willing to take risks to pursue your passions, it’s time to start building your online business. But where do you start?

Brian explains that the first step is to simply start producing content in any format that showcases your skills and interests and see what resonates with your audience.

Brian accomplished this by hosting his podcast, The Action Academy, where he provides insights for people who share his desire — to build a business around their life, not the other way around.

Gather Client DataTo increase his revenue and better cater to his audience, Brian wanted to learn more about their needs. He offered 100 listeners a free 15-minute coaching session each. During these sessions, he asked them about the challenges and obstacles they were facing in achieving their business goals. This approach allowed him to collect a wealth of valuable customer data.

Why offer this free service? According to Brian, many entrepreneurs encounter a common pitfall: they create solutions for problems that don't truly exist. To avoid falling into this trap, Brian aimed to connect directly with his audience to determine exactly what the market demands.

Ready to become your own boss like Brian? Dive into SPI’s vibrant entrepreneurial communities where you can uncover courses on podcasting, online course creation, and community building — all skills that Brian used to achieve his freedom. Get the guidance and support you need to thrive on your business journey!

Explore SPI's communities of creators and entrepreneurs today.Tell Me MoreJoin 20,000+ other creators.

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Create a Product that Your Audience Really NeedsNow equipped with this useful client data, Brian decided to create a course tailored directly to the needs of his audience. He developed a comprehensive 12-week, 52-hour program and reached out to the original 100 clients from the free coaching sessions, offering the course to them at $1,500 each.

Within just 48 hours, Brian made $100,000.

Pivot the Business for GrowthThe business you envision for yourself might end up looking different in reality. This is because continued business growth relies on the ability to identify opportunities for expansion and to make adjustments when necessary.

Brian experienced this when he created a Facebook Group for his course participants to connect. Members began forming partnerships and making deals within the group. Eventually, discussions arose about the value of the group surpassing that of the course itself.

Brian recognized this as an opportunity and reassessed his strategy, embarking on a new phase for his business: community-building.

“The key is to just start step after step after step and iterate, change as you take customer feedback, and ask your customer, what do you want?”

Generate Recurring Revenue to Fuel Full-Time TravelSo, what came next for Brian after making this realization? He adjusted his business model to focus on building and monetizing the community. The course transformed into a 30-day onboarding process, now offered for free within the community.

This shift led to community members finding greater success by connecting with peers at similar stages as them or those who had overcome similar challenges. These connections provided valuable guidance and support, helping members navigate their journeys more effectively.

This business pivot also opened the door to recurring revenue for Brian, the key to unlocking full-time travel. Unlike the one-time transactions of individual course sales, the community's annual memberships promised ongoing financial stability and engagement.

Today, the community boasts around 200 active members and is overseen by Brian and a team of five. In its first year, Brian's business is projected to reach $1.2 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR).

“The reason I made that pivot was the course material wasn’t the answer. People were the answer. People have always been the answer.”

Living Life as a Full-Time Digital NomadLooking AheadBrian's upcoming plans include preparing for membership growth by considering adjustments like expanding his team and distributing responsibilities among his employees to ensure sustainability.

He also plans to introduce a referral program within his community to encourage member engagement and stimulate organic growth.

Additionally, Brian aims to increase his business's visibility and attract new members by creating short-form content. With an Instagram following of over 200,000 users, he demonstrates a strong ability to engage and retain a significant audience.

A Vivid Vision RealizedBrian is now living his initial “vivid vision,” traveling the world as his own boss while continuing to expand his online business. He states that his aim was never to retire and simply relax on a beach somewhere. Instead, he advocates for building a business around something you love: quitting your job to travel full-time, not wander.

When your business is enjoyable to run, revenue and profit become natural byproducts. It’s what he calls “passionate income” as opposed to passive income.

Brian’s central message is clear: there’s no need to postpone happiness. Joy and fulfillment are available now, and anyone can realize and achieve it with the right guidance and resources.

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If you’re of a certain age—let’s say 35 or older — you probably remember the awe and immersion you felt the first time you spun up Netscape Navigator and visited your favorite brand’s business “website.”

Now fast-forward to this age of AI, Uber, Roblox, Meta, Snapchat, and so much more… And guess what? A website is still the best way to share your brand with the world.

That’s true whether you’re a mega brand or a humble creator, solopreneur, or small business owner. Decades on, a website still provides unparalleled creative flexibility and control over your brand. It’s a place where visitors can learn more about you on your terms. A great website helps you tell your story, build trust, and even create community and fans for life.

Today we’re sharing a primer on branding and website design for online creators and entrepreneurs. We’ll walk you through how to design a website for your brand, whether you’re a creator, solopreneur, or small business owner with a team of employees.

This article won’t function as a step-by-step guide to launching a website or go into too much depth on the topic of branding itself. (For that, The SPI Beginner’s Guide to Branding can help you define your brand’s mission, vision, and more, and decide if it should be a personal brand or a company brand.)

Rather, this is a field guide to designing a website that puts your brand front and center and connects with your target audience.

Photo by Hal Gatewood on UnsplashWhy You Need a Branded WebsiteSo why a branded business website? Along with your email list, a website is a must-have when you’re starting out building your brand. Like an email list, you have more creative and administrative control over a website than you do your presence on other platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Etsy. And with the exception of rare service interruptions or security breaches, your site is much less likely to disappear the way a social media account can be banned or suspended.

Your branded website is like your home base, a focal place for shaping your brand image and narrative. At SPI, we recently revamped our website to focus on our core focus of community building and make it cleaner and easier to navigate.

Here’s what a well-crafted small business website can help you do:

• Control your brand: A website gives you full control over how you show your brand to the world, without the creative restrictions of third-party platforms. It also diversifies your online presence, reducing dependence on any single platform.
• Build trust: A well-designed website lends an air of professionalism and legitimacy to your brand, instilling trust.
• Own your content: You own and control the content on your website, reducing the risk that algorithm changes or platform shutdowns will hurt your content’s reach and visibility.
• Make money: You can use your website to promote and sell products and services or run ads.
• Build community: Websites offer a dedicated space for building a community and a following. You can capture newsletter and email-list sign-ups, and even link to your own membership community.
• Showcase your work: Use your website to share case studies, testimonials, and portfolios of your work with your audience.
• Understand your audience: Website analytics provide valuable data on user behavior, helping you better understand your audience and optimize your content to reach them.

Your Website Should Express Your Brand PersonalityWhen a lot of people hear the word brand, they think logo. And true, a logo is a key part of your creator or online entrepreneur brand — but your brand is also a lot more than just a snazzy graphic. Since your website is your home base, it’s the best place to convey the essence of your brand through the following key elements:

• Clear purpose: Define your unique value and why you exist. At SPI, we’re upfront about our why — our mission, vision, and core values.

Patagonia's purpose statement is simple but powerful: to save our home planet. Color scheme*: Utilize a maximum of four brand-reflective colors. Align colors with professionalism; avoid mismatch. Explore color psychology—the study of how colors affect perceptions and behaviors—for guidance.

Ali Abdaal's site uses a calming combo of grey, black, blue, and white. Tone of voice*: Beyond aesthetics, your branded business website needs a distinct voice — a tone that informs all your written content. Adapt your tone to your personality, niche, and audience, keeping it approachable and jargon-free.

At SPI, we aim for a mix of friendly, even a little casual, but punchy. Tagline or motto*: A concise, memorable tagline helps convey your brand identity and value in bite-size form. It’s a little detail that can matter a lot!

Dollar Shave Club's tagline is #dadjoke perfection, conveying the brand's irreverent nature. Signature font*: Choose one or two readable fonts that reflect your personality, for consistency across everything you write and to bridge your brand’s visual identity with its written one.

SPI's signature font, Figtree, matches our brand voice by being approachable. Unforgettable logo*: Last but not least, an eye-catching logo provides instant brand recognition. Consider enlisting a graphic designer for this one.

The logo for Jay Clouse's Creator Science brand captures both elements (get it?) of the brand name perfectly.Optimizing the Visual Experience of Your Online Business WebsiteFor the most part, visitors will experience your website visually, so there are a few more important considerations when it comes to your site’s visual assets. Make sure the images, background designs, and other visuals you use on your site are:

• Relevant to your brand and content: This may seem obvious, but your website visuals should make sense in the context of your brand and the surrounding content. Each visual asset should complement and enhance the content it accompanies and align with your brand's identity, reflecting its values, personality, and messaging.
• Strategically placed: Place visuals purposefully to guide the user's journey and emphasize key messages. Consider the flow of the website and how visuals can enhance storytelling.

Consultant Paul Furey's website uses text and images to tell a story in a captivating way. Consistent in style*: Maintaining a consistent visual style across all images creates a cohesive and harmonious look and helps with brand recognition. Use those brand colors!

Icons representing different elements of our online community share the same look and feel, including color palette. High quality: Use high-resolution, professional images; grainy or pixelated ones can detract from your brand's credibility. * Accessible: Not all of your visitors will be experiencing your branded business website visually, so ensure that any visual assets are accessible by adding descriptive alt text to all of your images. * Optimized and responsive*: Visual assets should adapt well to various screen sizes, particularly on mobile devices. They should also be compressed to improve loading times (and search engine rankings).

Web design firm Nettl's ad campaign showed the humorous risk of not making your images mobile responsive. Legal: All images should be either original, properly licensed, or fall under fair use. Respect copyright laws, and get permission if you need to! * Timeless: As much as possible, choose visuals that can evolve with your brand rather than trends that might become outdated. * Human*: Human faces and expressions can create a stronger emotional connection with the audience, so incorporate images that feature people.

The SPI community is made up of people, after all!By making sure the visual and written experience of your website is consistent, professional, and aligned with your brand identity and voice, you’ll foster a sense of familiarity and trust with your audience.

A Great Creator Website Needs a Great User Experience: Layout and NavigationYour website isn’t just a static display; it's an interactive experience for your audience. Once you’ve established the key brand elements your website needs, from your brand’s purpose to its voice, tone, and visual identity, it’s time to start designing the actual site layout.

As you’re choosing a layout, think about what will best convey your brand identity and message while making things as seamless and intuitive as possible for your visitors to navigate and find what they're looking for. Here are some popular layout options to consider:

• Single-Column: Clean and straightforward, with a single column for easy navigation.

Seth Godin's famous blog takes advantage of the simplicity of a single-column layout. Grid: Organizes content into a visually appealing grid structure, suitable for showcasing multiple items efficiently, like portfolios or product displays. * Magazine or Blog Layout*: Mimics a magazine or blog with multiple columns — well-suited for content-heavy websites.

The Verge's site is a bold example of magazine layout. Hero Image or Video: Features a striking image or video at the top, capturing immediate attention and often used for product showcases or setting the brand tone. * Split Screen: Divides the webpage into two distinct sections, providing a modern and visually appealing design with room for creative elements. * Parallax Scrolling: Creates a dynamic scrolling experience with background elements moving at different speeds, adding depth and interactivity. * Card*: Presents content in modular and flexible cards, promoting visual hierarchy and easy organization, suitable for various types of information.

We use cards to share member testimonials on our Community page, made using Testimonial.to. Full-Screen Background*: Incorporates a full-screen image or video background for a visually immersive experience.

A quick note on navigation: Whatever layout you choose, your users’ ease in navigating your site will determine how long they stick around and whether they’ll find what they need—or if they’ll get frustrated and give up. You can also help people navigate your branded website through careful placement and organization of menus and footers.

The Strategic Content Your Website NeedsYou’ve figured out your brand’s visual identity and voice and chosen a layout for the site. Now you need to fill it with useful content that tells your visitors who you are, what you do, and how you can help them!

These are some of the key pages to consider for your branded business website—some are must-haves, while others will depend on your business and offerings:

• Home Page: The home page should offer a snapshot of your brand, enticing visitors to explore further, communicating your unique value proposition, and guiding users to key sections of your website.
• Blog: Beyond promoting your products or services, blogs are still a popular way to share valuable content that positions you as an authority in your niche.
• Podcast Page: If you have a podcast, you should definitely have a dedicated page for it on your site. Although your podcast can technically exist without a website, a podcast page can promote your show and help listeners learn more about your brand and offerings.
• Credibility Section: Testimonials, case studies, and press coverage showcase the positive experiences of others, establishing your brand's credibility and reliability and building trust. This content can live on its own page or be placed strategically at different places on your site.
• Product/Service Pages: Each product or service page should provide detailed information, benefits, and a compelling call to action (CTA).
• Brand Story/About Page: Your audience connects with the people and the story behind your online business. Use this page to communicate your mission, values, and the journey that led to the creation of your brand.
• Shop Page: If you want to use your site to sell things, you’ll need a shop page with easy navigation, clear product categorization, and a streamlined checkout process.

Examples of Online Creator and Entrepreneur Branded WebsitesFor a little inspiration, here’s a selection of great branded business websites created by online creators and entrepreneurs just like you! These folks all happen to be members of our SPI Pro community, which you can learn more about at SmartPassiveIncome.com/community.

Gnome AngelAnge Wilson’s quilting-based creator business website has a strong, vibrant visual identity based around a palette of pinks and blues and a playful header font. The Gnome Angel value proposition greets you as soon as you open the home page, and as you scroll you learn about Gnome Angel’s resources and products via a “patchwork” design style that evokes a quilt. The “sticky” navigation menu persists as you descend the home page, providing easy access to the rest of the site.

Gnome Angel's quilting website uses a colorful palette and playful fonts.PiscariThe Piscari site is a company brand website with a simple, clean, functional home page that serves as an About page for the company and its founder, Mike Lander, with a link to join the Piscari email list at the bottom. A top nav menu that displays on every page makes it easy to learn more about the company, its services, and other resources. The “Contact Us” button, framed in bold green, highlights the main call to action visitors are encouraged to take.

Mike Lander's Pisacari website uses a clean, yet colorful homepage design.Jette StubbsCareer and business coach Jette Stubbs’ site introduces her offerings right off the bat, followed by a friendly photo of Jette that humanizes the brand. The simple single-column layout reduces distraction and guides you down the page as you encounter a happy client’s testimonial and learn more about Jette’s services. Graphic elements and images are interspersed throughout, along with subtle font color changes to spark attention. The parallax scroll effect with Jette’s face in the background adds more human dimension and a bit of novelty. A simple top navigation menu is duplicated at the bottom, with links to an About page, Jette’s podcast, and testimonials.

Jette Stubbs' site is built around humanizing her brand and introducing offerings quickly.Still on the Fence about Building a Website for Your Small Business? We’ll end with a few reminders — and by debunking a few common misconceptions about creating a branded business website:

• Yes, you do need a website. Websites aren’t just for big companies, and social media isn’t enough.
• Your website doesn’t have to be complex or aesthetically stunning. Simple, user-friendly designs often perform better, so focus on clarity and functionality above all.
• A website needs attention. Your website isn’t just going to attract traffic on its own. You need to promote it and regularly populate it with fresh, SEO-rich content.
• You don’t have to go it alone. There are plenty of great designers out there who can help you craft a logo and build a professional-looking branded website. (We worked with the good people at Rockbase for our redesign.)

If you’re feeling daunted, don’t! We’ve got all the support you need to start building your brand and designing a killer website to show it off to the world. Check out our site’s Free Resources tab, where you’ll find content for entrepreneurs at any level. If you’re ready to take the next big step in your online business journey, head to SmartPassiveIncome.com/community to learn about our communities for online entrepreneurs. You can learn from others like you who have built their own branded websites, gain access to our full library of courses, participate in live events, and more.

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Meet Steve Huynh, a YouTuber, Principal Engineer, and self-proclaimed “productivity junkie.” In 2023, Steve combined all three specialties to engineer his first-ever course launch, opening up a world of new possibilities and reshaping his path in ways he never imagined.

Here’s how Steve made it happen.

Finding Strength in Community

“The community and content are strong and give you confidence that you're doing the right thing.”

—Steve Huynh

Steve joined the All-Access Pass community in the summer of 2023 with a 100k subscriber head start on his YouTube channel, @ALifeEngineered. But he was looking for more than just incremental audience growth — Steve was aiming to start scaling and monetizing what he could offer his audience.

With 18 years in the tech industry as a software engineer, Steve’s mission is to nurture technology professionals like himself, fostering a growth mindset and accelerating their careers as quickly as possible.

Steve set out to create a course to further these aims and better serve his audience. But like many first-time course creators, he had concerns about the intricacies of launching successfully. What would the pricing structure be? How would he market the course and through what channels? Should he launch the course to a beta group first? Would his students have lifetime access or would he offer a subscription model?

Questions like these can be dizzying for entrepreneurs like Steve; in his search for answers, he found the All-Access Pass. “SPI provides clarity and a recipe for success in areas that are highly ambiguous and frankly scary to confront all by yourself,” he says. “The community and content are strong and give you confidence that you're doing the right thing.”

Ready to ~~find~~ join your people and level up?Like you, we're online entrepreneurs who crave connection, direction, and support from people like us.

Join the SPI Membership TodayLeaving a Career at Amazon to Realize a DreamInside the All-Access Pass — SPI’s premiere community-led education platform specifically designed for early-stage entrepreneurs — Steve uncovered the answers he was looking for. The community provides its members with a library of courses, ways to connect, guided course accelerators, access to experts, and more.

“Without SPI I know for a fact that things would not have gone so smoothly,” Steve emphasizes. “SPI helped me set up the offer, structure the program, and with pricing.” He also mentions that A to Z Webinars, his favorite course, was key to his success.

Steve realized that his program was potentially lucrative for students — helping software professionals get promoted as quickly as possible, their earnings might increase by tens of thousands of dollars or more. Steve decided to design his course around a high-ticket model with two price points: $4,000 for standard access and $8,000 for premium access.

He marketed his course with a combination of YouTube content, an email list of 5k subscribers, and guest spots on other email lists. He then launched the course with a live-stream webinar on YouTube with 445 concurrent viewers at its peak.

“I grossed a healthy six figures in sales for my first cohort,” Steve says. “I can’t believe it still.”

But Steve didn’t stop there, planning to expand his offerings to include a community and more courses at lower entry points. Best of all, with more recurring income in sight, Steve finally realized one of his biggest entrepreneurial dreams: he left his 18-year career at Amazon to focus solely on his business.

After the initial cohort launch, Steve decided to run another. This time, he gave his audience a weekend to join—sales increased by 30 percent, concrete validation that leaving his day job was the right choice. (He released this video on his YouTube channel detailing the move.)

“This was not really concrete for me in 2023,” Steve admits. “After the successful launch, this has all changed. If I can do it so can you.”

Somewhat fortuitously, Steve ran into Pat at VidSummit in 2023, before the launch of Steve’s course. “He really helped calm my nerves,” Steve says. “It really helped give me the confidence I needed to launch the program. A million thanks to Pat and the team. This stuff works, guys.”

Steve selfie-ing with Pat at VidSummit last year.Looking Up

“If I can do it, so can you.”

—Steve Huynh

Steve emphasizes how powerful it is to have your own product to offer on your content, rather than relying on advertisers and ad-sense revenue. “It’s such a pain to maintain relationships and to produce content for needy advertisers,” he says. With the help of the All-Access Pass community, Steve is on the verge of further accelerated business growth.

When asked about the future, Steve says “I'd like to be time rich and not necessarily money rich. That too, but having the freedom to do what I want when I want to is priceless. This is not really an option with my corporate job.”

With his newfound wealth of time, the only way for Steve to go is up. And with a strong community behind him, the possibilities seem limitless.

Lightning Round:Biggest takeaway or aha moment from All-Access Pass

The biggest challenges were emotional. It's a rollercoaster putting yourself out there. Once I got a handle on that the rest was easy in comparison.

Favorite course in All-Access Pass

A to Z Webinars.

Unexpected benefit of All-Access Pass

I still can't believe all of the courses are included for such a small price.

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What is the meaning of life and the world around us?

This question could stop some in their tracks, fostering feelings of uncertainty or fear. However, for Amanda Parker, it serves as a spark, inspiring her to dive deeper and assist others in discovering the magic within themselves.

As the founder of AmandaParker.co and The Courage Factory, Amanda Parker channels her expertise into empowering leaders and entrepreneurs to navigate the complexities of modern business using the wisdom of ancient practices.

With over 15 years of diverse professional experience, Amanda has honed a skillset that allows her to guide visionaries and rule-breakers worldwide.

In February 2023, Amanda had a vision for a podcast but was unsure how to bring it to life. Taking a decisive step, she joined SPI's All-Access Pass — an educational community tailored for entrepreneurs seeking connection, learning, and growth.

Here, she not only found the answers she needed but also gained invaluable insights and support, marking a turning point in her entrepreneurial journey.

From Vision to RealityAmanda's dedication to personal development takes center stage on her podcast, Don’t Step on the Bluebells, where healing and growth are the core narratives.

Back when Amanda's podcast was just an idea, she recalls the challenges she faced:

“I knew I could make an impact in helping people, but I felt overwhelmed by how much I didn't know — namely, where to begin to create, publish, and publicize a podcast.”

Unsure of how to proceed, Amanda sought advice from a friend who recommended Pat Flynn’s Power-Up Podcasting®course. Rather than opting for the standalone course, she chose to sign up for the All-Access Pass, emphasizing that she “saw more value in having access to a community” along with the complete library of courses.

Describing the decision-making process as a “no-brainer” due to the right price and undeniable value, she confidently moved forward.

Amanda’s next step was taking thePower-Up Podcasting course, designed for those in the early stages of creating a podcast. Seeking a successful launch, she diligently progressed through the content, allowing her ideas to grow with each module.

“I went from a good idea to a clear and actionable plan I could work my way through, one step at a time,” she says.

Amanda successfully launched Don’t Step on the Bluebells in August 2023, just six months after joining the All-Access Pass. The podcast now averages 100 downloads per episode, totaling over 900 downloads, with listeners tuning in from 34 different countries.

Ready to ~~find~~ join your people and level up?Like you, we're online entrepreneurs who crave connection, direction, and support from people like us.

Join the SPI Membership TodayBuilding Confidence in CommunityWhile initially drawn to the All-Access Pass for the Power-Up Podcasting course, Amanda emphasizes that the “backbone of support from SPI” gave her the confidence and courage to bring her vision to life. This support has not only positively impacted her brand but has also influenced her overall mindset.

“I had the confidence to launch and publicize my podcast, to make bold requests of high-level guests, and to steer my brand towards more unconventional practices,” Amanda says. “I knew that I had answers to my questions when I needed them and felt grateful for the continuous support from SPI.”

Amanda’s experience with the All-Access Pass has empowered her to redefine her professional identity, shifting her focus from corporate leadership to prioritizing the growth of her coaching practice and podcast.

Reflecting on this transition, she expresses: “I have created my own stage to share wisdom and insight on personal transformation and healing — and am starting to become known for that field of work.”

The Road Ahead: Podcast and Community VisionLooking ahead, Amanda is focused on the ongoing development of her podcast, aiming to attract a broader audience with a shared interest in personal growth and healing.

Amanda is currently participating in SPI’s Amp’d Up Podcasting Course Accelerator, designed for members who have successfully published their podcasts and are seeking exponential audience growth and monetization. The accelerator format allows Amanda to progress through the course alongside a cohort, with added support and accountability from the community and Team SPI.

Amanda's ultimate goal is to create a physical space that unites healers and seekers, fostering a community dedicated to profound and positive change. Meanwhile, she remains committed to growing her impact as a transformational catalyst for individuals and groups.

A Note to Fellow EntrepreneursTo entrepreneurs considering joining SPI's communities, Amanda offers a resounding recommendation:

“Don't hesitate to sign up — it's worth every penny! You get invaluable courses and support on your journey to grow your business and expertise — and you can rest assured you will be perceived as a professional in your craft.”

Amanda's success story with the All-Access Pass exemplifies the power of strategic learning, community support, and the confidence to pursue unconventional paths.

Endless possibilities unfold when passion meets the right resources.

Lightning RoundBiggest takeaway or aha moment from the All-Access Pass

I love watching how Pat runs his business and the value he delivers. He is inspiring and has no B.S. — just practical, relatable, realistic advice and support to build out your vision. I am grateful that I had the backbone of support from SPI to launch this endeavor with confidence (and courage!)

Favorite course in the All-Access Pass

Power-Up Podcasting®.

Unexpected benefit of the All-Access Pass

I hadn't realized there was an active community when I signed up — I was primarily interested in the course. I am pleased to see how the offering is being built out to provide even more support.

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For many entrepreneurs, the first step towards working for yourself full-time comes from necessity — more than just a light shove from the universe. And often — as in Katy’s case — the end results are more than worth the initial uncertainty and challenge.

Katy Widrick serves high-growth founders as a funnel fixer, recovering the biggest expenses in their businesses — lost sales — by using simple, effective systems to increase conversions and decrease top-of-funnel costs.

An EMMY-nominated journalist and multimedia producer, Katy has worked in marketing and revenue expansion for more than 20 years, strategizing and implementing profit-first funnels that help visionary leaders maximize their impact, grow their top-line revenue, and scale their product and service lines to seven, eight, and nine figures.

Katy joined SPI’s All-Access Pass in March of 2023, and it was a turning point in her career.

“Pushed Off a Cliff”Here’s how Katy describes her entrepreneurial leap:

“In November 2021, I suddenly and unexpectedly ended my corporate career. I’d been working at an extremely fast-growing company for three years, as a member of the executive team. While it was an experience that taught me so much about growth marketing, profitability, external and internal marketing, leadership, and more, it also left me severely burned out and, if I’m honest, fairly uncertain about my next steps.

I took a sabbatical from the job and only a few weeks into the break, was notified that my position was being eliminated… so now instead of taking a leap, it felt as though I was being pushed off a cliff.”

It turns out, though, that the push was exactly what Katy needed to “build wings on the way down,” as she put it.

Between November 2021 and March 2023, Katy re-entered the workforce but this time as her own boss. She had previously founded a company called Make Media Over, where she offered online business management, email marketing, and sales funnel designs.

When Katy closed Make Media Over to pursue her corporate career, she thought it would be for good.

“I never imagined that I would go back to entrepreneurship. I truly dismantled the business — I shuttered the website, let all of my software subscriptions lapse, notified all of my clients that I was unavailable, and went all-in on the traditional corporate experience,” Katy tells SPI.

But when her corporate career didn’t pan out, Katy turned to the one asset she’d held onto for all those years: her LLC. It was still active, and Katy decided to go back to self-employment with some big, bold goals.

Ready to ~~find~~ join your people and level up?Like you, we're online entrepreneurs who crave connection, direction, and support from people like us.

Join the SPI Membership TodayA Bold Pivot: Enter the All-Acess PassAfter 14 months, Katy made another bold choice. To empower herself with even more education and skill-building — and to take her business to the next level — she decided to invest in SPI’s All-Access Pass.

“I initially joined so that I could take advantage of the Podcasting Pathway. I’d started my own podcast during those 14 months, and it was fun… but I knew it wasn’t quite what I wanted to bring to my audience. There’s nobody I trust more as a teacher than Pat Flynn, and for that pathway alone, I knew the investment would be worth it.”

Katy had been podcasting and blogging under the brand “Rising Tide Talents,” a nod to her mantra that a rising tide lifts all boats. Her podcast episodes were solo-hosted and focused on marketing funnels and leadership.

A good start, but it wasn’t nearly the show she knew it could be. All-Access Pass gave her the clarity and the confidence to pivot her podcast and take advantage of all of the other materials in AAP.

Katy Widrick's Hard Costs podcast cover art.“I decided to significantly shift everything — from the format of the show to the platform I hosted it on. Once I mapped it out using All-Access Pass’ guides, I immediately felt a sense of alignment and purpose. The first time I interviewed a founder on Hard Costs, I felt magic in the air. Since then, it’s been one improvement after another: I optimized the podcast for advertising, used the email marketing course to amplify my listenership, and much more.”

Part Mastermind, Part MBA, Part Accountability GroupKaty has been very successful at helping visionaries through their own blind spots, even as she continues to lean on the support of the All-Access Pass for help with her own.

“What’s that saying? A cobbler’s kid has no shoes? That’s absolutely been my experience: what I’m very good at doing for others, I’m quite terrible at doing for myself! Joining All-Acess Pass and being part of the community has been part mastermind, part MBA, and part accountability group — and I’m so thankful for my membership.”

Lightning RoundBiggest takeaway or aha moment from All-Access Pass

The Hook/Story/Ending plans for videos that Pat teaches — they work for so many other things, too!

Favorite course in All-Access Pass

Tie with Power-Up Podcasting® and YouTube From Scratch.

Unexpected benefit of All-Access Pass

The member referral program!

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We clinked glasses. The event was finally over, and it was a massive success.

At least on the surface.

Hours earlier, I delivered the closing keynote at a business conference and now, with a drink in hand, I was sitting at a bar with the founder who finally had time to take a breath after months of hard work.

We talked about the future: plans for a bigger and better event next year, revenue goals for our businesses, and the hiring spree he was on to grow his team 3x within 4 months.

He was meticulously detailed and knew exactly what was going to happen and when. Business goals on point.

After about an hour, I was curious and changed the topic:

“What about outside of business? Any big goals with the family this year?”, I asked.

After a quick sip from his 3rd old-fashioned, he said, “Oh, you know. Just making sure we’re all happy and healthy.”

I nodded my head and raised my glass.

Clink.

We continued to chat about random things throughout the rest of the night, and close to midnight we said our goodbyes. He had a debrief with his team the next morning, and I had a flight to catch.

While getting ready for bed, I couldn’t help but think about his answer to my question from earlier and how ironic it actually was.

Underneath the surface, I knew he wasn’t the healthiest of people. He slept poorly and ate worse. At home, things weren’t much better either. People close to his family knew that he and his wife were not doing well, and any relationship with his son was usually just what he could fit into his busy schedule.

Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon story in the world of entrepreneurship. We’re so focused on our businesses and their goals, that other parts of our lives take the backseat.

We can become so specific with our business goals, yet when we’re asked about our personal life, it’s just a generically broad answer that’s more akin to “I’ll eventually get around to it, someday.”

That’s not how it should be.

Since 2011, ever since I caught myself falling into the same trap, I made sure to never let the business become the center of everything in my life again.

Rather, the business is one important part of a much larger whole. Each part is equally important, and each part deserving of time and attention to real, specific, and measurable goals.

[Full Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. As an affiliate, I receive compensation if you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. You can read my complete disclosure statement here.]

The 6-Part Framework for Holistic Goal SettingInspired heavily by Michael Hyatt and his Best Year Ever program, I’ve created my own 6-step process that I run through every year to continue to up-level all aspects of my life, not just the business.

I’ve taken Michael’s program every year since it launched in 2012. Unfortunately, it’s no longer available as an online course. However, I do recommend Michael’s The Full Focus Journal, which coincides with the teachings of Best Year Ever. It’s wonderful.

My framework is a light adaptation of his program, and he deserves full credit for it.

Here’s the breakdown:

Part 1: What Do You Want?

Part 2: Why Do You Want it?

Part 3: Create Your Top 3 Goals for 2024

Part 4: Next Steps

Part 5: What’s the Trigger

Part 6: Who Will Support You?

—

To help you through this process, download our 2024 Goal Design Workshop Workbook. Feel free to download the worksheet, and please consider joining our All-Access Pass to get access to all of our courses, workshops, and a community to help support your work.

Part 1: What Do You Want?The first step is to break down your life into more than just business, but other aspects of life that are important to you.

Emotional, intellectual, physical, relational, business, hobbies, and financial are a few categories you can add to the list, and you can add even more if you’d like.

From there, within each category, what might you hope to one day achieve within that category?

It doesn’t have to be a goal that has to be achieved within the next year, and it doesn’t have to be specific either. You can write down more than one, too.

This exercise simply gets you thinking about what you really want. Think deeply about these things, because they will influence the decisions you make later.

What’s interesting is that each year I do this exercise, much of what I want has changed or morphed in some way. This is why doing this exercise is important every year because we change, circumstances change, and goals should change accordingly, too.

Part 2: Why Do You Want It?“Vision without action is a dream. Action without vision is a nightmare.”
– Japanese Proverb

It’s important to know the WHY behind each of the aspirations you wrote for each category in Part 1. Without the WHY, there will be no drive.

Everything needs a purpose, or else why do anything?

This exercise helps you get to the root of what your actions will be, and can help motivate you when taking action is tough, or if you come across a hurdle.

Part 3: Create Your Top 3 Goals for 2024Let’s start with creating 3 specific SMART goals for the year that support 3 of the aspirations from above (from 3 different categories).

Why 3?

We want to narrow our focus for now and move forward through the rest of the exercises sooner. After you finish with 3, go back and run through the rest of the exercises with more.

For each one that you choose, convert each aspiration into a clearly defined SMART goal or habit to work toward this year.

What is a SMART goal?A SMART goal is:

S: Specific.

Get clear and as specific as you can.

Bad example: I will go to the gym as much as I can.

Great example: I will go to the gym 3 days a week and exercise for at least 45 minutes each time.

Bad example: Stop wasting time in my company.

Great example: Reduce the number of meetings to just twice per week for my employees by the end of Q2, 2024.

M: Measurable.

You cannot track and improve what cannot be measured. Tracking is an important part of goal setting so you can see how far you’ve come toward your goal and it enables you to adjust if needed.

If you have a goal and you’re not quite sure how you’d be able to tell whether or not you’re on your way, then it should be reworked or re-worded.

A: Attainable.

Your goals need to be realistic and attainable. This may be the trickiest because you might lean toward making your goal a little easier so that you can ensure you can achieve it.

Set your goals too low, however, and you aren’t going to achieve or grow much.

Use common sense here.

I love basketball and use it as a sport to stay active, however, if I set a goal to join an NBA team this year, that’s realistically not attainable at this age, my height, and of course, my skill level. (The gentlemen I play with can definitely attest to that, lol.)

R: Risky

The ‘R’ in SMART goals usually stands for Relevant, which is an important one – you want to make sure these goals matter to you, obviously. And I think this is here so that we don’t just place random goals that don’t matter on our list, but in general, especially if you follow this framework, all goals you write down will be inherently relevant, so I decided to use one of Michael’s R’s here in its place: risky.

By risky, I don’t mean dangerous or super consequential. Risky is a word used to ensure you don’t include goals that are “too easy”. There is a risk that you might not achieve it.

Adding a bit of risk makes your goal a little more interesting and potentially more rewarding, too.

T: Time-Based

Having a set day or time included with your goal is what ultimately makes this entire system work, and it can help you create a deadline that drives actions today.

All goals must include a time, whether a month and date to achieve said goal, or a time frame to integrate a habit within.

Part 4: Next StepsThis is simple but powerful.

For each of the goals or habits you’ve written down, write down what the next steps are. From where you’re at right now, what’s the one next thing you need to do to get on your way toward those goals?

For example, I have a hobby-related goal: to compete in four kayak bass fishing tournaments by the end of the year. My first step? Sign up for the SoCal Kayak Fishing Club so I can register my name and begin to add the tournament dates to my calendar.

Once you do this, the momentum begins.

Part 5: What’s the Trigger?For each/goal or habit, write down a trigger that will activate that goal. This is a strategy exercise to give yourself the best chance to keep up with your goals throughout the year.

For example, in James Clear’s book, Atomic Habits, he says that if you want to get into the habit of running each morning, remove as much friction as possible to make that happen. Set your running clothes by your bedside the night before and make that a part of your bedtime routine. When you wake up in the morning, you’ll see the running shoes ready for you right there by your bedside.

Steve Kamb from Nerd Fitness talked about something similar on his way to learning the guitar. Instead of just putting his guitar in the corner of his living room, he put a guitar on a stand at the end of his hallway between his bedroom and kitchen so that every day, for multiples times a day, he would be within arms reach of his guitar and be reminded to practice more.

Perhaps it’s a sticky note next to your computer or an alarm on your phone. We all know life gets busy, so create a trigger to stack things in your favor and actually make them happen.

Part 6: Who Will Support You?This one seems to hit home for many because we often don’t realize there are people in our lives that will champion us — people who will be there to root us on and hold us accountable.

Write down someone who comes to mind who you can call on for support with each of the goals you’ve written. They don’t need to coach you through the process (although they could if they’re qualified), you just need to realize there are other people you can rely on when you might need help.

A business colleague, a member of a community you’re a part of, a friend, a co-worker, a spouse, or even one of your kids. Share the goal with them and ask them to just know that this is something you’re working toward. Tell them that you believe just them rooting for you will help. You’ll be surprised how well this will work.

Sometimes they can provide direct help, but even the fact that they’re there to hold you accountable can get you to do the thing, whatever the thing may be.

—

I hope this has helped you start thinking about your goals differently, in a way that goes beyond your business and revenue goals — this is about you as a whole person. There are so many more aspects of your life that are important, and they deserve your time and attention, too.

If you’d like to connect with other entrepreneurs who are available to support you through your business journey, and if you’d like to get access to our library of business courses and training workshops, please consider joining the SPI All-Access Pass. Community-powered courses are where it’s at, and we’re taking the lead in this industry — we know this is the best way to offer service and help others.

Click here to check out the All-Access pass and join hundreds of entrepreneurs who are in it just like you, and for all the right reasons, too.

Cheers, and best of luck to you. Here’s to an amazing 2024!

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[Full Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. As an affiliate, I receive compensation if you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. You can read my complete disclosure statement here.]

If you're just starting out with podcasting, it's super important to have the right gear. That's why we've put together a list of five fantastic equipment kits for beginners. These kits come with everything you need, like microphones, headphones, and recording software, to make sure your podcast sounds awesome.

We consulted our thriving community of entrepreneurs—many of whom have successful podcasts!—over at SPI Pro for this article.

While a lot of podcast gear guides will suggest mics and other equipment by price, this guide functions a little differently. Each of these kits represents an ideal podcast equipment list based on a certain persona. Is audio quality absolutely paramount to you, or do you need to sound good on a budget? Are you on the go a lot, or recording out of your office? Do you record in person, with more than one guest, or do you only record your podcast over the internet?

Whatever your “persona,” this article will give you, if not a shopping list, at least a good starting point.

Click a link below to jump to the kit that best describes you.

The Jetsetter
The Audiophile
The Frugal Podcaster
The In-Person Host
The YouTuber

Note — the price for each kit was calculated before tax and shipping. Prices are an estimate only and may have fluctuated since this article was written.

On Blue Yetis (A Resounding “No!”)I have to get something out of the way before we continue. When I polled our SPI Pro community on their favorite podcasting mics, there was one throughline: definitely not a Blue Yeti.

If you’re unfamiliar with Blue Yeti microphones, their popularity is understandable at first glance. At under $100, they seem to offer an all-in-one solution, coming with a built-in stand and an attractive design (even in flamingo pink).

But the response from our Pros couldn’t be clearer.

The Yeti slamming ranged from phrases like “mine broke in under one year” to “I hate them” and “great advertising budget, cheap price point.” “It’s designed to bring the audience into a fun environment,” said one Pro, “which most people aren’t in… unless you’re in your backyard with your goats and chickens and talking about farm life.”

The Jetsetter: A Mic Kit for Podcasters in Motion$450For podcasters on the go, it's important to have lightweight, portable equipment that can easily be taken from place to place. Here’s the ideal kit:

Mic: The Rode VideoMic NTG is a shotgun mic made for cameras, but at 3.32 ounces, it’s the perfect microphone for on-the-go podcasting as well. You can connect it directly to your laptop or smartphone.

Stand: At 4 oz, the Rode Tripod Mini Stand is the perfect stand for an on-the-go podcast kit.

Headphones: The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones offer great sound quality and are also foldable, making them easy to pack and take on the go. As with any of these kits, having a solid pair of studio monitor headphones is critical so you can get a good idea of how your recording will sound in real-time.

Remote Recording Solution:A solution like Squadcast is essential for remote podcast recording, and both offer high-quality audio and video recording capabilities. There are some differences between both platforms which may or may not be negatable depending on your situation (if you want the sharpest-possible video, only Riverside can record simultaneously in 4k, for example). As the differences would be best covered in a second article, we’ll leave it to you to decide—both are excellent options at similar price points.

With this podcast kit, you'll be able to produce high-quality podcasts no matter where you are.

Photo by Voxogos on UnsplashThe Audiophile: A Podcasting Setup for Discerning Ears$900For podcasters who are serious about audio quality and have an unlimited budget, here are some high-end equipment options we recommend.

Mic: A toss-up between the Shure SM7B and the Heil PR40!

The Shure SM7B is popular for a reason: it has excellent sound quality and noise reduction design. It is a cardioid dynamic microphone that captures a warm, natural sound and has a pop filter and shock mount to reduce plosives and isolate the microphone from vibrations. Its performance is further enhanced with a bass roll-off and mid-range boost.

The Heil PR40 is also a great choice for audiophile podcasters, featuring a wide frequency range and low self-noise. It also has a unique design that helps reduce pops and plosives, making it a great choice for podcasters who are serious about audio quality. If you’ve tuned into any of Pat’s live streams or The Smart Passive Income Podcast, this is the mic you’re hearing!

(Note that either of these mics will require an XLR cable.)

Mount: The Gator Frameworks Deluxe Desk-Mounted Boom Stand allows you perfect, stable adjustment for your mic. Set your mic up on this stand, plug it in, and never look back.

Preamp: The Audient iD4 MKII is a great choice to pair with the Shure SM7B because it provides high-quality preamps and offers phantom power, which is necessary to power the SM7B. Additionally, the iD4 MKII has a low-latency headphone output, which is critical for real-time monitoring during recording sessions.

Headphones: The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Studio headphones are widely considered to be some of the best in the industry, offering superior sound quality and comfort. They are a classic option that have been used in recording studios for years and are a great choice for podcasters who want to ensure they can hear every detail.

Remote Recording Solution: Squadcast.

With this setup, your podcast will sound as good as anything you hear on the radio!

The Frugal Podcaster: A Mic Kit for Budget-Conscious PodcastersUnder $100If you're looking to start a podcast on a budget, there are a number of great equipment options available. Coming in at under $100, this kit will make your podcast sound great with minimal gear.

Mic/Stand: The Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB — at $79 (as of March, 2023), not much beats this mic at this price point. It offers excellent sound quality and is versatile enough to work with both XLR and USB connections, plus it comes with a simple folding stand*. That means you can plug it directly into your computer and get down to business.

• You may find that you want a stand that adjusts a bit higher, which adds another $16.99 to this kit.

Pop Filter: The Aokeo Professional Microphone Pop Filter — for about $11, it’s a no-brainer. A pop filter is used to prevent plosive sounds (such as “p” and “b”) from being picked up by the microphone. Without a pop filter, these sounds can be picked up as loud, unpleasant bursts of air, which can be distracting and make the recording more difficult to listen to. Don’t skip this piece.

Headphones: Whatever you already have! You likely have a pair of AirPods or other headphones and, since this is a budget kit, we’re not including a dedicated pair of studio headphones.

Remote Recording Solution: If you’re on a budget and need to record guests remotely, you may be tempted to use Zoom for remote recordings. We strongly advise against this though; the subscription cost of Squadcast is well worth the investment. Trust us, your editor (which is probably you) will thank you!

With this setup, you'll be able to produce high-quality podcasts without breaking the bank.

Photo by Marty O’Neill on UnsplashThe In-person Host: A Podcast Kit for Eye-to-Eye Magic$500 – $1600+ (depending on mic selection and number of guests)For podcasters who record in person with guests, it's important to have equipment that can capture high-quality audio from multiple sources. Of course, you’ll want to tailor this package to your specific situation, depending on how many guests you usually record with.

Here are some equipment options to consider:

InterfacesZoom H6 Six-Track Portable Recorder: This recorder is perfect for recording in person, with its ability to record up to six tracks simultaneously. It also has four XLR/TRS inputs, making it easy to connect multiple microphones.

If you want something that’s a cut above the rest in this department, we definitely recommend the Rodecaster Pro II, which includes sound pads, phone connectivity, and a range of sound effects. It also has a large, easy-to-use touchscreen that allows you to control all of its features.

If your live podcast is exclusively a one-on-one situation, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a fantastic option. It’s an affordable, two-channel audio interface that offers excellent sound quality and is easy to use.

MicsAny of the mics mentioned so far are great options for in-person recording, but here’s a little roundup:

High-end: Without a doubt, the Shure SM7B is your pick of choice. A couple (or more) of these puppies and your in-person recordings will sound about as good as they possibly could!

Medium: Shure’s MV7X is another solid option. With voice-isolating technology and an all-metal construction, the MV7x is designed with podcasters and vocalists in mind. And at less than half the price of the SM7B, they’re a bit more budget-friendly too. (Note—the MV7 is a slightly different design, as you can connect it via USB. However, at this price point, we recommend some MV7Xs combined with a solid preamp or audio interface.)

Budget: Again our pick is the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB. With a price point around $80, this is hard to beat for budget options.

Misc. EquipmentMonitor Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Studio Headphones.

Cables: Pig Hog PHM10 8mm Tour Grade Mic Cable, XLR 10ft – 2-pack. (You may want longer cables depending on the space you’re recording in.)

Clamp-On, Boom Stands: Gator Frameworks Deluxe Desk-Mounted Boom Stand

Desktop Stands: InnoGear Desktop Microphone Stand (2-pack)

The YouTuber: An Add-On Kit for Video PodcastersAdd $850 to any of the above kits.YouTube recently announced that they’re bringing podcasts to their YouTube Music streaming service. With the option to switch between video and audio-only consumption, lots of podcasters feel it’s necessary to record video with every episode too. This is our recommendation for a video podcasting add-on kit, the perfect compliment to your mic setup.

Camera: The Canon EOS M50 Mark II with 15-45mm lens offers great autofocus and high-quality video in one simple package.

Stand: The SmallRig Camera Desk Mount has an adjustable height of 13-35 inches, allowing the stand to clamp onto just about any desk.

Lighting: The Elgato Key Light Air is a great lighting option for YouTube podcasters. It’s a compact and lightweight lighting solution that can be adjusted using the Elgato Control Center app. It has a built-in diffuser for creating soft, even lighting, and comes with a desk mount for easy positioning. Plus, it’s portable.

Remote Recording Solution: Squadcast.

With this setup, your podcast will not only sound great, but it will also look great on your YouTube channel.

Pod-on!No matter what your podcasting needs are, there is an equipment kit out there that is perfect for you. By investing in the right gear, you can ensure that your podcast sounds great and is enjoyable for your listeners. With the help of this guide, you’ll be able to find the perfect equipment kit to take your podcast to the next level. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start podcasting!

And if you’re new to podcasting and want to seriously up your game, the All-Access Pass might be your best move. Through community-powered learning, you can work alongside other podcasters, get access to our full course library (including the wildly popular Power-Up Podcasting), attend workshops, and much more.

The post 5 Podcast Kits for Any Type of Podcaster: The Ultimate Guide [Updated 2023] appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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To ramp up to our Pro Appreciation Month, we're highlighting some of the incredible members of SPI Pro. If you're considering applying, these are just some of the phenomenal folks that hold our thriving community together.

The post PROfiles: Jette Stubbs appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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To ramp up to our Pro Appreciation Month, we're highlighting some of the incredible members of SPI Pro. If you're considering applying, these are just some of the phenomenal folks that hold our thriving community together.

The post PROfiles: Jeremy Launder appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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To ramp up to our Pro Appreciation Month, we're highlighting some of the incredible members of SPI Pro. If you're considering applying, these are just some of the phenomenal folks that hold our thriving community together.

The post PROfiles: Trudy Rankin appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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To ramp up to our Pro Appreciation Month, we're highlighting some of the incredible members of SPI Pro. If you're considering applying, these are just some of the phenomenal folks that hold our thriving community together.

The post PROfiles: Julie DeLucca-Collins appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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To ramp up to our Pro Appreciation Month, we're highlighting some of the incredible members of SPI Pro. If you're considering applying, these are just some of the phenomenal folks that hold our thriving community together.

The post PROfiles: Gillian Tietz appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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To ramp up to our Pro Appreciation Month, we're highlighting some of the incredible members of SPI Pro. If you're considering applying, these are just some of the phenomenal folks that hold our thriving community together.

The post PROfiles: Rose Griffin appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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To ramp up to our Pro Appreciation Month, we're highlighting some of the incredible members of SPI Pro. If you're considering applying, these are just some of the phenomenal folks that hold our thriving community together.

The post PROfiles: Brian Piper appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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To ramp up to our Pro Appreciation Month, we're highlighting some of the incredible members of SPI Pro. If you're considering applying, these are just some of the phenomenal folks that hold our thriving community together.

The post PROfiles: Derek Miller appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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We embraced the 4 day work week at Team SPI and we aren't looking back.

The post The 4 Day Work Week Is Here to Stay (Don’t Get Left Behind) appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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Communities are central to what we do at SPI. Here's what we recommend if you're starting one from scratch.

The post How to Start an Online Community That Thrives: A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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Starting a YouTube channel can be an amazing way to share your passion, build a brand, or even earn money. However, it's important to approach it strategically and with a plan, especially in 2023.

The post How to Start a YouTube Channel in 2023 appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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Whether you're a podcast audiophile, recording on the go, or filming your show for YouTube, these podcast kits are an excellent start.

The post 5 Podcast Kits for Any Type of Podcaster: The Ultimate Guide [Updated 2023] appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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If you’re thinking of starting a membership community, which community platform is right for you, Mighty Networks or Circle.so? We've got all the details to help you make a decision.

The post Review: Mighty Networks vs. Circle – Updated appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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This article is from the Unstuck newsletter archives — a 5-minute weekly read about what’s working in the world of entrepreneurship for creators just like you. I hope you enjoy it! If you do, join the 127k+ readers who are getting unstuck (100% free!) every week.

The post How I Made a #3 Top Trending YouTube Video appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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The recommended legal steps to protect your podcast and ultimately stay out of trouble by using trademarks, contracts, LLC's, and staying compliant with the FTC.

The post 5 Steps to Protect Your Podcast appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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This article is from the Unstuck newsletter archives — a 5-minute weekly read about what’s working in the world of entrepreneurship for creators just like you. I hope you enjoy it! If you do, join the 127k+ readers who are getting unstuck (100% free!) every week.

The post How to Guarantee Your Audience STICKS To Your Content appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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Some of the best conversations you’ll ever have are while you’re on the road and in person with people. These are golden opportunities that don't have to be wasted if you are prepared.

The post How to Record a Podcast While Traveling appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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The proven 8-step sponsorship wheel that will help you land consistent, well-paying brand deals allowing you to finally go full-time with your creator business.

The post How Creators Make Consistent Income with PAID Sponsorships appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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A simple 6-step goal-setting process to up-level all aspects of your life, not just your business, to focus on you as a whole person.

The post Designing Holistic Goals (The Best Framework to Avoid Burnout) appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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Best practices to help you create the highest quality podcasts in the least possible time.

The post How the Best Podcasters Do Their Work Faster appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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I select a specific word or phrase each new year that I carry with me throughout the year for inspiration – I recommend you try it!

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This is a guest article by Brian Casel, founder of ZipMessage, a tool for consultants to swap messages with clients using video, audio, screen, or text, all asynchronously in one easy-to-use conversation thread.

The post How to Scale Client Services Using Asynchronous Communication appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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When it comes to community or courses, there is one universal truth: All roads lead to the customer outcome.

The post And Now for Something Completely Different: SPI’s Next Big Thing appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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Joining an entrepreneurial-specific community will help you grow and maximize your business results.

The post Top 5 Reasons to Join an Entrepreneurial Community appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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The future of community and online education is now.

The post We’re Reinventing Online Education for Entrepreneurs (Because It Needs It) appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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This article is from the Unstuck newsletter archives — a 5-minute weekly read about what’s working in the world of entrepreneurship for creators just like you. I hope you enjoy it! If you do, join the 127k+ readers who are getting unstuck (100% free!) every week.

The post The Most Powerful Way to Show Up Online appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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This article is from the Unstuck newsletter archives — a 5-minute weekly read about what’s working in the world of entrepreneurship for creators just like you. I hope you enjoy it! If you do, join the 127k+ readers who are getting unstuck (100% free!) every week.

The post The Most Powerful Way to Show Up Online appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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This article is from the Unstuck newsletter archives — a 5-minute weekly read about what’s working in the world of entrepreneurship for creators just like you. I hope you enjoy it! If you do, join the 127k+ readers who are getting unstuck (100% free!) every week.

The post I Made a Bet with My Son & Taught Him a Lesson appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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This is a guest article by Brian Casel, founder of ZipMessage, a tool for coaches to swap messages with clients using video, audio, screen or text, all asynchronously in one easy-to-use conversation thread.

The post How to Scale Your Coaching Business with Asynchronous Coaching appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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This is a guest article by Brian Casel, founder of ZipMessage, a tool for coaches to swap messages with clients using video, audio, screen or text, all asynchronously in one easy-to-use conversation thread.

The post How to Scale Your Coaching Business with Asynchronous Coaching appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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A vision led Benjamin Yeh to make a huge shift into business and transformation coaching.

The post Success Story: Benjamin Yeh, Who Helps Stuck High Performers Tap Their Intuition appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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Get motivated to tackle YouTube through these interviews with five incredible video creators. (And a sneak peek at our newest course!)

The post 5 Inspiring Podcast Episodes to Get You Amped for Success on YouTube appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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Here are the four keys to making sure your emails end up in your subscribers' inbox—not the spam folder.

The post How to Improve Email Deliverability appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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Conducting a good interview is a great skill to have as an entrepreneur—for your website, for your blog, for your podcast, and so much more. Find out why!

The post Top 10 Tips for Conducting an Exceptional Interview—UPDATED 2022! appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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Freelancing is the number one way to get started with online business. Here's why, plus how you can make more money doing it and transform your side hustle into a full-time, scalable business.

The post How to Start Freelancing (And Get Your FIRST Client!) [Updated May 2022] appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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In the third and final post in our series on cleaning your email list with ConvertKit, we’ll show you how to delete cold subscribers from your list.

The post Deleting Cold Subscribers from Your Email List Using ConvertKit appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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Having trouble coming up with podcast episode ideas? In this guest post, Alban Brooke of Buzzsprout shares four great tips to help you find compelling episode topics.

The post Podcast Topics: 101 Ideas for Things to Talk About appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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If you’ve been on the fence about our private membership community for entrepreneurs, SPI Pro, let us help you make the call.

The post How to Know If You’re a Fit for SPI Pro appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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Cleaning your email list? Here's how to set up a reengagement email sequence in ConvertKit to make sure you're only deleting cold subscribers!

The post How to Create a Reengagement Campaign for COLD Email Subscribers & Automate It appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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If you're ready to quit Facebook (or any other platform) as your community's home, here's what you need to keep in mind.

The post How to Quit Facebook Groups as Your Community’s Home (9 Tips) appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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Here's what you need to know before you start building a website for your business.

The post Why You Shouldn’t Build a Website (Before You Do This) appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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Looking to plan your first remote team-building event? Here's what you can learn from our experience.

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Here's how to design a CX strategy that will carry your community through its first month and beyond.

The post Community Strategy for Your First 30 Days (CX Day, Part 3) appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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In our March 23 CX Day event, Circle's Andy Guttormsen and Alexis Teichmiller shared 12 ideas to make your community a place of belonging.

The post How to Make Your Community More Valuable (12 Ideas from CX Day) appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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Audience building and community building—how do they differ? We tackled this question in the first session of our CX Day event on March 23.

The post Audience Building vs. Community Building: What We Learned at CX Day, Part 1 appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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Here's a look back at some of the best AskPat episodes of the past year!

The post 5 Takeaways from 5 of the Past Year’s Most Popular AskPat Episodes appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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We've learned a lot in the first 25 episodes of the Community Experience Podcast about building meaningful, sustainable, successful communities.

The post 25 Lessons from the First 25 Episodes of the Community Experience appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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The Smart Bar is a new show that unites experts from all over the world on one podcast, answering critical questions from entrepreneurs, makers, creators, doers, and more.

The post It’s Here: The Next Evolution of AskPat 2.0 appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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Identity theft is a big deal, and it can make your life (and your business) a mess. Here's how to deal with it.

The post How Identity Theft Can Stop You & Your Business in Its Tracks appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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Wondering what to do about inactive email subscribers? Delete them.

The post Time to Clean Your Email List? Why We Deleted 40% of Our Subscribers appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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One of the best strategies to build your audience and business could be hiding in plain sight: podcast guesting.

The post How to Be a Guest on a Podcast appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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Here's what the rich conversations on The Community Experience podcast have taught us about making our work more nourishing and sustainable.

The post 6 Things the CX Pod Has Taught Us about Avoiding Burnout and Rejecting Hustle Culture appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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Let's talk about three of the biggest podcasting myths and mishaps you can encounter when you're starting your show, and how to avoid them.

The post 3 Podcasting Mistakes You Need to Avoid appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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Whether you run an online or in-person community, you need to keep both new and old community members excited and engaged. Here are the two programs that will help you do that.

The post The Only Two Programs You Need to Attract and Retain Community Members appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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What is a podcast? Read on to learn what podcasts are used for, how to get started as a podcast listener or podcast creator, and more!

The post What Is a Podcast? How Podcasts Work and How to Get Started appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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Is 2022 the year you’ll finally start your podcast? Or start taking your existing podcast more seriously? Here are some of the keys to creating and growing a successful podcast in 2022—plus an opportunity to turn your podcast dream into a reality!

The post The Keys to Podcasting Success in 2022 appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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As we round out 2021, we wanted to reflect on the biggest lessons we’ve learned this year—and share a few last-minute gift ideas.

The post Team SPI’s Gift Guide & Lessons Learned for 2021 appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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This fall, our team got together in Denver. Yes, in person! Here are the five most important considerations that went into planning and executing our 2021 team meetup.

The post The Five Keys to a Successful Team Retreat in the Age of COVID appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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Our first Audience Driven Summit brought together a stellar collection of entrepreneurial minds to cover the latest strategies for growing an audience. Here's what went down, and what we're looking forward to next time!

The post Audience Driven Summit: The Recap appeared first on Smart Passive Income.

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How would you like to make more course sales? Thankfully, online course platform Teachable has a built-in tool that makes the process easy—using the power of segmentation.

The post How to Use Segmentation to Improve Your Teachable Course Sales appeared first on Smart Passive Income.