Authentic Online Marketing with Ruthie Gray

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In our latest podcast episode about balancing writing and audience growth, I had the pleasure of welcoming Janet McHenry, a renowned national speaker and author of 27 inspiring books, including her latest release, “Praying Personalities.” Janet shared her invaluable insights on balancing the writing life with entrepreneurial endeavors.

ResourcesTake Janet’s Quiz Praying Personalities

Check out Janet’s website

Use code AUTHENTIC20 for 20% off your next purchase on Janet’s website shop

Follow Janet on Instagram

Listen to Ep. 22: When to trust your instincts for platform growth

Listen to Ep. 111: Efficient Work Methods for the Empty Nest Writer with Michelle Rayburn

4 Secrets to Balancing Writing and Audience growthDiscover Your CallingJanet emphasizes the importance of understanding God’s calling in your life as a filter for prioritizing tasks and saying no to distractions.

Writing Processes for balancing writing and audience growth From concept to publication, Janet walks us through her unique approach to book writing, emphasizing the creation of a solid book proposal as an essential step.

Social Media Mastery and balanceLearn how Janet streamlines her daily social media presence across multiple platforms with an efficient, faith-driven routine.

Email List Building via QuizzesJanet’s engaging online quiz added over 6,000 subscribers to her mailing list, driving significant engagement and book sales.

Ready to deepen your prayer life or find new motivation in your writing journey? Janet’s books, including “Prayer Walk” and “The Complete Guide to the Prayers of Jesus,” are available on Amazon and other leading bookstores. As a special thank you for being a loyal listener, use code AUTHENTIC20 for 20% off your next purchase on Janet’s website.

About Janet McHenryOften described as a life juggler, upon graduation with a degree in journalism from the University of California, Berkeley, Janet McHenry worked as a newspaper reporter and high school English teacher while raising four kids with her high school sweetheart husband Craig (aka The Rancher).

Post-college and post-Army, they settled down in the Sierra Valley in northern California. They raise beef cattle in a county without a single stoplight and love sharing the outdoors with their nine grandchildren.

Janet looks for ways to serve leadership and others when she speaks at retreats and conferences. She also serves as prayer coordinator at The Bridge Church in Reno, on the advisory council of First Place for Health, and on the state leadership team for the National Day of Prayer.

She is a writer, speaker, life and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association Certified Coach as well as the founder of the Sierra Valley Writers Retreat.

She also loves hosting friends new and seasoned at her Sierra Valley Writers Retreats . . . or just for a cup of something yummy. And she looks forward to knowing you better!

The post Ep. 112: Balancing Writing and Audience growth with Janet McHenry appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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Today, we have the pleasure of conversing with Michelle Rayburn, an accomplished writer, podcaster, speaker, and author of several inspirational Christian living books. Known for her delightful sense of humor and knack for repurposing life’s challenges into teachable moments, Michelle joins host Ruthie to share her extensive experience in freelance writing, efficient work methods, and navigating the empty nest phase.

With over 20 years in the field, Michelle reveals her secrets to staying productive while maintaining work-life balance through effective systems and boundaries. We’ll hear about her latest collaborative project, “This Reimagined Empty Nest,” and how embracing her own “repurposed” journey has enriched her life and work. From organizational tips to heartfelt reflections on motherhood, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to thrive in both their personal and professional lives.

ResourcesLearn about Treasure Islands Transformations Retreat

Subscribe to the Private Podcast

Check out Michelle’s website

Follow Michelle on Instagram

Get your copy of This Reimagined Empty Nest

Listen to Ep. 108: 3 Steps for Entrepreneurial Focus with Amy Debrucque

Listen to Ep. 50: Time management for the Christian entrepreneur

Listen to Ep. 90: Empty Nest Awakening: Ruthie Gray’s Inspirational Book on Rediscovering Passion in Life

9 Tips for Efficient Work Methods1. Embrace BoundariesEnsure you have clear boundaries with work and family for a balanced life.

2. Systemize TasksOrganize tasks using folders and digital tools like Asana or Trello to stay efficient.

3. Use What You HaveMaximize your existing tools before investing in new software for productivity.

4. Schedule SprintsWork in focused periods and take breaks to maintain high productivity levels.

5. Prioritize FlexibilityValue flexibility in your schedule to adapt to both professional and personal commitments.

6. Celebrate GrowthAcknowledge the personal and professional growth that comes with an empty nest.

7. Cherish RelationshipsStay connected and involved with family, prioritizing meaningful moments together.

8. Follow Your CallingPursue passions and projects that bring joy and fulfillment in this new phase of life.

9. Trust the ProcessHave faith that God repurposes challenging times into opportunities for growth.

Listen in to get inspired and take actionable advice from a seasoned entrepreneur and author.

This Reimagined empty nest is a heartwarming anthology that brings together twenty-two diverse voices and experiences to support and inspire you as you step into a new chapter of life.

From the joyful to the bittersweet, our contributors share personal stories, poems, and reflections on embracing change, redefining relationships, and finding renewed purpose after the kids leave home.

Get the book on Amazon here.

Meet MichelleMeet Michelle Rayburn, the ultimate trash-to-treasure guru. When life hands her lemons, she not only makes lemonade but also crafts a stunning lemon-themed centerpiece out of the peels. And let’s not forget her love for iced coffee and lazy afternoons in the hammock with a good book – and dark chocolate!

Michelle is a woman of eclectic talents, including writing, podcasting, and mastering the art of lighthearted sarcasm and dad jokes – a language all moms seem to pick up eventually. With an MA in ministry leadership and counseling, she also helps others turn their own trash into treasure, both in life and in faith.

So if you’re looking for a dose of humor and inspiration, look no further. And if you’re lucky, she might even share some of that dark chocolate with you.

The post Ep. 111: Efficient Work Methods for the Empty Nest Writer with Michelle Rayburn appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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Today we’re covering the top 5 episodes from year 4 of the Authentic Online Marketing podcast! Each year we cover the top episodes that you all love the most. This year we covered so many wonderful topics like learning to say “no”, self-publishing tips, and online marketing tools for entrepreneurs.

ResourcesSign up to listen to the private podcast 2024 Marketing for Creatives

Listen to Ep. 85: 7 Online Marketing Tools for Entrepreneurs

Listen to Ep. 91: 3 Reasons to Self-Publish

Listen to Ep. 84: 5 Secrets to Successful Affiliate Marketing

Listen to Ep. 93: How to Reverse Engineer Your Launch

Listen to Ep. 81: Achieving Your Best Yes: Learning to Say No and Prioritize

Top 5 episodes of year 45. Ep. 85: 7 Online Marketing Tools for EntrepreneursAs entrepreneurs we need the right online marketing tools to grow our businesses. I’m all about Instagram and email marketing, but there are so many other things involved in my work on a daily basis.In this episode I’m sharing my top time saving online marketing tools that I use in my business.

Ep. 91: 3 Reasons to Self-PublishEver wondered about the process of writing and self-publishing a book? Today I’m diving into the behind-the-scenes conversation with Kent Sanders on my decision to write a book and the pros and cons of self-publishing.
Ep. 84: 5 Secrets to Successful Affiliate MarketingReady to boost your online marketing game? In this episode, we delve into the world of successful affiliate marketing and how it can boost your sales and business. It’s important to realize how affiliate marketing is an additional income stream for both active and passive sales.

Given these points, when you regularly promote or talk about certain topics on your blog, podcast, newsletter, or social media, you can just pop the links in wherever they apply. Listen to this episode to learn the 5 secrets to successful affiliate marketing.

Ep. 93: How to Reverse Engineer Your LaunchToday, I want to share with you 10 tips on how to reverse engineer your book launch for maximum success. These tips are based on my own experiences and strategies that have served me well. Listen to the episode and use these 10 tips I used myself when you launch your book.
Ep. 81: Achieving Your Best Yes: Learning to Say No and PrioritizeDo you find yourself saying “yes” to too many things? Learning to say “no” can be incredibly challenging!

Time is your most valuable asset. In this episode we dive into the importance of saying “yes” to the right things, breaking down big goals, and achieving those goals while protecting your time.

Saying yes to too many things means you can’t complete the goals you’ve set for your life and business. Learn how to protect your time and market your business more efficiently.

Top 5 episodes of year 4 of the Authentic Online Marketing PodcastThose are the top 5 episodes that you all loved from the past year! Thank you for listening!

The post Ep. 110: Anniversary Special: Top 5 Episodes from Year 4 appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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In today’s episode, we’re talking about effective email ideas and marketing strategies with special guest, Christa Hutchins from the Just One Simple Thing podcast. Ruthie and Christa discuss the importance of nurturing your audience through well-crafted emails, the pivotal role email plays compared to social media, and how consistent communication keeps you top of mind for your audience.

They share practical tips, including maintaining a consistent brand voice, experimenting with different email formats, and fostering engagement by encouraging responses. Also, don’t forget to catch Part 2 of this insightful series on Christa’s podcast.

ResourcesListen to the Just One Simple Thing podcast

Check out Christa’s website

Listen to Ep. 100: Email Marketing Trends for 2024

Listen to Ep. 76: Convert Instagram Followers into Email Subscribers: How It Works

Listen to Ep. 61: Combining Instagram and email marketing in 5 smart ways

3 Email Ideas for Nurturing Your AudienceEmail PurposeThe primary goal of your email should be to develop and strengthen your relationship with your audience. Ensure when your email lands in their inbox, they want to open it because they find value in your content.

Consistent CommunicationIt’s crucial to keep your brand top of mind by emailing consistently. Don’t be discouraged by “lurkers” — individuals who read but don’t immediately interact. Consistent, valuable emails can turn these readers into loyal customers when the time is right.

Personal Touch MattersIncluding a call to action and inviting responses in your emails helps foster engagement. Always aim to reply to your readers’ responses to show that you value their input, nurturing a stronger relationship.

Email Ideas for Your Email MarketingRemember, email marketing isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a journey of discovery and connection. Always offer value to your target audience. Keep experimenting, stay genuine, and your audience will feel that authenticity.

The post Ep. 109: Email Ideas (That Work) For Nurturing Your Audience with Christa Hutchins appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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Amy Debrick joins us on the podcast today to discuss the struggles of entrepreneurial focus. Amy brings a wealth of experience and insight into the world of Christian entrepreneurship. She’s not only a confidence coach and author of “Embolden,” but also a speaker, cancer survivor, host of the Life on Purpose podcast, and co-creator of the Focus retreat. Her journey and dedication are centered on helping women break out of their comfort zones and concentrate on what truly matters in their lives.

Throughout the episode, Amy discusses the common challenges entrepreneurs face, particularly maintaining focus amidst the distractions and comparisons present in today’s digital world. You’ll also receive an outline of three essential tips to help refine and maintain focus.

ResourcesVisit Amy’s Website

Check out the Focus Retreat

Follow Amy on Instagram

Follow the Focus Retreat on Instagram

Listen to Ep. 50: Time management for the Christian entrepreneur

Listen to Ep. 81: Achieving Your Best Yes: Learning to Say No and Prioritize

3 Steps for Entrepreneurial FocusUnderstand What Matters MostAmy places a strong emphasis on identifying the core elements that are most important in one’s life. Recognizing these can help steer focus and make decisions that align with personal and professional objectives.

Revisit Your “Why”It’s crucial to continually revisit the reasons behind your entrepreneurial journey. Understanding your ‘why’ helps navigate through challenges and keeps you aligned with your mission, especially when distractions or discouragements loom.

Evaluating the Costs and Aligning Actions with ValuesAmy advises considering the costs of engaging or not engaging in certain actions and assessing whether these actions align with one’s core values. This helps you make decisions that not only bring focus but also ensure that your actions consistently reflect your beliefs and goals.

Amy’s insights are a testament to her journey and dedication to helping others find clarity and focus in both their personal and professional lives. By embracing her tips and applying them diligently, Christian entrepreneurs can navigate their paths with confidence and purpose.

Amy Debrucque is a Confidence Coach, author of Embolden, Speaker, cancer survivor, Host of the Life On Purpose Podcast, and co-creator of the FOCUS Retreat.

She is passionate about helping women get out of their comfort zones and focus on the things that matter most. Amy encourages women globally with her podcast and featured articles in Darling Magazine, ThriveGlobal, Womenencouraged.com, and many more. Surrendering gave Amy courage in all areas of life, and she is grateful that she’ll never be the same.

The post Ep. 108: 3 Steps for Entrepreneurial Focus with Amy Debrucque appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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Everyone loves a good story, especially Instagram users browsing through their daily feeds. But here’s the catch: so many of us aren’t fully utilizing Instagram Stories. This episode is aimed at changing that. Here are 10 ways you can repurpose Instagram Stories by transforming them into valuable content across all of your neighborhoods — Reels, carousels, highlights, and even platforms like Pinterest and Youtube.

ResourcesGet access to the private podcast

Listen to Ep. 106: Deciphering Instagram Analytics for Optimum Views

Listen to Ep. 105: Ruthie‘s Instagram Sabbatical: Using Only Stories for 30 Days

Listen to Ep. 103: Instagram SEO Simplified: Increase Your Visibility

Listen to Ep. 99: Instagram Trends for 2024

Listen to Ep. 41: What to share in stories

10 Ways to Repurpose Instagram Stories1. Convert Stories into ReelsConvert your stories into immersive Reels with ease, finding new audiences and engaging followers in a fresh format.

Create Graphics from StoriesYou can repurpose the story into an infographic or a quote. Perhaps you don’t care for the actual look of the story, so simply repurpose the content as a quote or some kind of graphic.
Create Carousel Posts from Story ContentYou can repurpose a collection of stories into a carousel for your feed. The longer people swipe through the carousel, the longer they’ll stay on your feed, and that signals to the algorithm that people are interested in your content.
Make New Videos Based on StoriesIf someone comments on your Story you could make a Reel based on the message. Or if you want to talk deeper about something in your Stories you could make a Reel about it.
Strategic Use of HighlightsUse your Instagram stories strategically to enhance your highlights, linking your audience directly to your core content. Use highlights for only important content.
Utilizing Audience InteractionsUse comments or information you gather from polls, question boxes, or conversations. The more engagement and interaction you get from people, the more content ideas you’ll have.
Story Content as CaptionsUse the content in your Stories as captions for another post in your feed.
Designing Reel Covers with StoriesUse Stories to take pictures and add title text for your Reel covers. Download your story to your phone then use it as the cover for your Reel.
Direct Messaging Stories to Enhance EngagementAfter you’ve posted a story, you can send it to people via the DMs or your broadcast channel. You can also post the link to your story and share it anywhere. Just remember that stories expire after 24 hours!
Repurpose Instagram Stories on Other PlatformsExpand your reach by repurposing your stories across different platforms like Pinterest and YouTube, maximizing visibility and engagement.

Repurpose Your Instagram StoriesYou don’t have time to make fresh content all the time

It’s important to repurpose, repurpose repurpose. As content creators, we want to create. We want to make new things, but we don’t have time for all the things. We just don’t have time to create all the time if we really want to use our time wisely. Instagram Stories only last for 24 hours, but by repurposing Stories your hard work can live on beyond its fleeting lifespan.

The post Ep. 107: 10 Ways to Repurpose Instagram Stories appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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For the month of April, Ruthie is embracing an Instagram posting sabbatical and dedicating a whole month exclusively to Instagram Stories. In this episode, Ruthie is talking about deciphering Instagram analytics and how to repurpose content that truly resonates with your audience. Discover the significance of Reach, Replies, Link Clicks, and Profile Visits, and learn to tailor your content strategy like a pro.

ResourcesGet access to the private podcast here

Listen to why Ruthie is taking a sabbatical from posting on Instagram

Listen to Ep. 58: 7 tips for repurposing Instagram stories

Listen to Ep. 41: What to share in stories

Listen to Ep. 30: 2 Easy ways to repurpose stories to Reels

Deciphering Instagram AnalyticsUnderstand Your Story ReachKnowing which stories garner the most views can help tailor your content strategy towards community building and cultivating a loyal audience.

Measure Engagement Through RepliesAnalyze which stories prompt conversations. Replies signal the topics that genuinely interest your followers. Use this information to create more engaging content.

Track Link Clicks for Conversion Identifying the types of stories that drive your audience to take action can refine your approach in transforming story viewers into website visitors or subscribers.

Deeper dive into deciphering Instagram analyticsIf you want an even deeper dive into deciphering Instagram analytics, subscribe to the private podcast to unlock insider tips and discover even more about story metrics and their strategic applications. Just remember to share your content in your voice, in your own unique, authentic way on Instagram.

The post Ep. 106: Deciphering Instagram Analytics for Optimum Views appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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In this episode of the Authentic Online Marketing Podcast, I announce my decision to take an Instagram sabbatical for the entire month of April and only focusing on Instagram Stories.

But hear me out – this isn’t just about taking a break. It’s an intentional effort to explore the power of Instagram stories and share valuable story tricks of the trade with you.

The thing is, we often get caught up in the overwhelming nature of social media, constantly worrying about losing followers or missing out on growth opportunities. But I firmly believe that sometimes, we need to take a step back and reassess our approach. That’s exactly what I’ll be doing, and I’d love for you to join me on this journey.

Throughout the month, I’ll be sharing my insights, tips, and strategies for leveraging Instagram stories effectively to drive traffic, engage with your audience, and amplify your online presence. I want to equip you with the tools and knowledge to make the most out of every story you post.

ResourcesFollow Ruthie on Instagram

Subscribe to the private podcast, 2024 Marketing for Creatives

Listen to Ep. 53: What to do with Pinned Posts

Listen to Ep. 37: How to drive Instagram traffic with stories

Listen to Ep. 99: Instagram Trends for 2024

Ruthie’s Instagram SabbaticalThe Significance of Instagram StoriesLearn how Stories can still drive traffic to your website, podcast, and offerings, ensuring you’re not entirely reliant on the Instagram algorithm. You don’t own Instagram. Make sure you have a website and an email list so people can still build relationships with you.

Leveraging the Grid of 9Discover how to strategically showcase top posts related to your offerings, podcast, and newsletter, ensuring maximum visibility and engagement.

The Importance of Taking Time OffUnderstand the benefits of a 24-hour break from posting stories, and how it can positively impact your view counts upon resuming.

Follow along with Ruthie’s Instagram sabbatical! To make sure you don’t miss out on any of these valuable insights, subscribe to my private podcast. This will be the primary channels through which I’ll be sharing my exclusive content throughout April, providing you with even more resources for mastering the art of Instagram storytelling.

The post Ep. 105: Ruthie‘s Instagram Sabbatical: Using Only Stories for 30 Days appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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In this episode of Authentic Online Marketing, Ruthie talks with Suzanne, Cathy, and Jennifer about authentic Reels ideas that are unique to their message on Instagram. These Christian creatives shared their experiences with utilizing reels on Instagram to reach and authentically connect with their target audiences. Here are some key takeaways from our insightful conversation.

ResourcesFollow Cathy, Suzanne, and Jennifer on Instagram for some Reel inspiration!

Get access to the private podcast, 2024 Marketing for Creatives

Join the Authentic Instagram Engagement Facebook Group

Listen to Ep. 103: Instagram SEO Simplified: Increase Your Visibility

Listen to Ep. 99: Instagram Trends for 2024

Listen to Ep. 97: Content Creation: from overwhelm to clarity with Jennifer Sakata

*Authentic Reels Ideas Reels are for Everyone*At first these ladies were apprehensive, but Suzanne, Cathy, and Jennifer successfully incorporated reels into their online marketing strategies. They each found their authentic voice and style to create engaging and diverse Reels, proving that anyone can utilize this tool effectively.

Niche TargetingUnderstanding your target audience is crucial for successful marketing. Cathy emphasized the value of tailored content, while Jennifer highlighted the use of reels to address her audience’s pain points, provide educational content, and even inject some light-hearted, personal glimpses. Their approach showcases the power of niche-focused outreach.

Evolution and AuthenticityAll three guests expressed initial hesitation towards using Reels; however, through continual practice and experimentation, they successfully incorporated this tool into their marketing arsenal. They discussed the importance of staying true to their brand’s message and identity, proving that authenticity and evolution go hand in hand in the online marketing space.

If you want to be successful with your online marketing, don’t miss out on this eye-opening episode where you can learn how to get authentic ideas for Reels and effectively reach your target audience.

The post Ep. 104: Authentic Reels Ideas for Your Voice And Vision appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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Are you leveraging SEO keywords in your Instagram strategy? In a recent podcast episode on Authentic Online Marketing, we discussed Instagram SEO Simplified: the increasing importance of SEO keywords over hashtags to boost your visibility and engagement on Instagram.

ResourcesCheck out this article from SEO guru Neil Patel

Get access to the private podcast, 2024 Marketing for Creatives

Listen to Ep. 99: Instagram Trends for 2024

Listen to Ep. 100: Email Marketing Trends for 2024

Listen to Ep. 77: How to use AI for Content Writing

Listen to Ep. 82: Maximizing Your Online Presence: Strategies to Fit Instagram into Your Busy Schedule

Instagram SEO SimplifiedIncorporate SEO KeywordsIntegrate relevant SEO keywords into your Instagram account. This practice signals to the algorithm that you are an authority in your niche.

Research and RefineUtilize the search bar on Instagram to discover related keywords. Conduct thorough SEO research to identify the most effective keywords for your content.

Get Found On GoogleInstagram profiles can appear in Google search results if your profile is using keywords. As Instagram continues to prioritize SEO over hashtags, aligning your SEO strategy across platforms can help you reach new people that are actively searching for the solution you offer..

Use these simple Instagram SEO tips so you can elevate your profile’s visibility and connect with your target audience effectively. Stay tuned for more valuable tips and tricks on optimizing your online marketing presence!

The post Ep. 103: Instagram SEO Simplified: Increase Your Visibility appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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On this episode of Authentic Online Marketing, Ruthie helps Jennifer explore her journey in pursuing speaking opportunities and how to pitch for podcasts. From overcoming overwhelm to identifying her podcast content, we dive into practical steps and valuable insights. Discover how to pitch yourself as a guest on other podcasts, find your core message, and connect with the right audience. Listen now for actionable tips and inspiring stories to fuel your own marketing journey.

ResourcesGet Ruthie’s book, Empty Nest Awakening: Weaving the Threads of your Passions into Purpose

Check out Authentic Online Marketing School

Listen to Ep. 28: Podcast pitching for authors with Kim Stewart

Listen to Ep. 38: Podcast Growth From the Ground Up With Eric Nevins

Listen to Ep. 99: Instagram Trends for 2024

How to pitch for podcastsFind Your VoiceYou need to have a core message and topics that resonate with your audience. Reflect on your life experiences and select the most engaging content from your previous work to help generate podcast topics.

Pitch Yourself Compile a list of 3 to 5 potential podcast topics when reaching out to podcast hosts. This demonstrates your preparedness and helps hosts envision how you can add value to their show.

Seeking InspirationListen to some episodes of the podcasts you’re interested in. You’ll need to know the preferences and interests of different podcast audiences.

Podcast RecommendationsRuthie compiled a list of podcast recommendations that you can explore to kickstart your podcast guesting journey:

– Grace Enough podcast with Amber Cullum

– The Confident Christian Women podcast with Michelle Bowman

– Created to Thrive podcast with Laurie Snyder

– Legacy: A Mom podcast with Tina Smith and Brit Fortunato

– Raising Christian Kids by Leanne Mancini

– Made for Hope podcast with Sarah Ward

– Peace in His Presence with Michele Diercks

– By His Grace Podcast with Misty Philip

–Christian Podcasters Association Facebook Group

–Spark Media Facebook Group

–Secure in God’s Embrace Podcast with Cheryl Lutz

–Storming the Gates: A podcast about Prayer with Joni Scott

–The Family Room Podcast with Billie Jauss

–Expedition Marriage with Chris and Jamie Bailey

–Life Repurposed with Michelle Rayburn

–Kairos Moments with Julie Holmquist

These podcasts cover a range of topics, from faith and family to personal growth and encouragement. We encourage you to check them out and consider reaching out for guest opportunities.

Remember, your unique perspective has the potential to resonate with and inspire countless listeners. Don’t be afraid to take that first step. The world of podcast guesting is waiting for you!

The post Ep. 102: Navigating Your Path to Podcasting: From Guest to Host appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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Do you have a new business or perhaps a newly revamped business, but not a website? You know you need one, but it’s just one more thing on the growing list of entrepreneurial duties, and somehow it always gets shoved to the back of the line. A one-page website might be the very thing you need to get started.

Today we’re talking about how to create a simple 1-page website with my guest, website design expert, Lori Lyons of IgnitingYourBusiness.com and the Encore Entrepreneur podcast.

Lori shared how she started her own website design business at age 52, proving that it’s never too late to learn new skills and make a career change.

Simple One-Page website ideas for your small businessBut the real magic in this episode is how a simple 1-page website can revolutionize how small business owners present themselves online. And when I say small business owners, I’m talking to you, writers, podcasters, speakers, bloggers, as well as those of you who sell physical products and services!

ResourcesSign up for the private podcast to hear the full one-page training

Listen to Ruthie’s guest episode, Enhancing Your Instagram Presence, on Lori’s podcast, The Encore Entrepreneur.

Check out Lori’s website, IgnitingYourBusiness.com

Listen to Lori’s podcast the Encore Entrepreneur podcast

Follow Lori on Instagram

Listen to Ep. 86: 5 critical website features you must have with Sara Motes

Listen to Ep. 38: Generate Instagram revenue by driving traffic to your website with Suzy Goodwin

Listen to Ep. 99: Instagram Trends for 2024

Tips for building a simple one-page websiteLori’s insight provided fantastic tips for anyone considering a 1-page website for their business, including:

– The importance of branding and tailored visuals

– The impact of testimonials and social proof

– Easy ways to maintain fresh content with FAQs

We also discussed choosing the right platform for your website, exploring WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, and more.

If you’re ready to take your online presence to the next level or know someone who could benefit from this valuable information, make sure to tune in to this episode of the Authentic Online Marketing podcast.

Make your own simple one-page websiteAnd be sure to stay til the end so you can find out how to watch the entire video of this training because this is just one segment of it from inside my mentorship, and doesn’t include all the valuable answers to our member’s questions about topics like moving content from an old website to your one page, effective tagging for blog posts, how to get an effective photo shoot, plus several other simple solutions to the seemingly big questions all of us have at one time or another in our website journey!

I promise, the full video will deliver even more value, because Lori shows us examples of one-page websites and what they should include, so be sure to sign up here.

And don’t forget to connect with Lori on Instagram @ignitingyourbusiness and check out her podcast, The Encore Entrepreneur, for even more insights into the world of online marketing.

Lori is the CEO of Igniting Your Business, a marketing strategist, website designer and coach that shows entrepreneurs how to get more leads, more clients and make more money with a profitable and captivating digital and website presence.

Lori teaches business owners to “Make Their Marketing Simple” through her individual coaching, group programs and intimate cohorts. She is a sought-after speaker, media guest, and host of the podcast The Encore Entrepreneur where she translates the complicated side of “marketing speak” into simple everyday language for her audiences.

The post Ep. 101: Create a Simple One-Page Website with Lori Lyons appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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In this episode we discussed the top 5 email marketing trends that will shape the landscape this year. As we enter 2024, it’s time to revamp our email marketing strategies to stay ahead of the curve. These tips will elevate your email game and create impactful connections with your audience.

ResourcesJoin the 5-day Instagram Growth Challenge starting Jan. 22, 2024

Listen to Ep. 99: Instagram Trends for 2024

Listen to Ep. 61: Combining Instagram and email marketing in 5 smart ways

Listen to Ep. 11: 6 Email providers for newsletter marketing

Email Marketing Trends for 2024Reimagined metricsYou need to shift your focus from traditional open rates to more meaningful metrics like unsubscribe rate and click-through rate. Listen to the episode to learn more about the evolving email performance indicators and how they can enhance your strategy.

Email Marketing AutomationEmail marketing automation ensures consistent and cohesive communication between subscribers and brand. Moreover, it gives the customer a sense of control over their inbox. In this episode we talk about how to create an email welcome series and how it boosts engagement and revenue.

Using Artificial Intelligence in Email MarketingEmbrace AI to simplify content creation and even for crafting engaging subject lines. AI isn’t going anywhere, and it’s only going to get better. It’s time to learn how to use it effectively so you can grow your business and email list.

Design for Mobile Friendliness FirstDesigning for mobile-first is no longer an option, but a necessity. If your emails aren’t formatted for mobile devices, you’re not just missing out on clicks; you’re missing out on potential business.

Interactive Email ElementsGet ahead of the competition by exploring new interactive email features such as polls, quizzes, and video embedding. Interactive elements have been proven to boost customer engagement and significantly increase email interaction

Which of these are you going to implement first? Send me a DM on Instagram at @ruthie_gray_author. I’d love to see what you’re trying and the results you get!

The post Ep. 100: Email Marketing Trends for 2024 appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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In this episode, we’re thrilled to bring you an in-depth discussion on the 2024 Instagram trends, with my assistant, Sara Motes. This episode highlights the 2024 Instagram trends, including the domination of video content, the impact of short-lived content like Instagram stories, the growing significance of SEO over hashtags, the emergence of hybrid content incorporating AI, and the overarching theme of authenticity.

We’re discussing the implications of these trends and provide valuable insights for your social media strategy in 2024. Join us as we uncover the key Instagram trends that will shape the digital landscape in 2024.

ResourcesCheck out Authentic Online Marketing School

Get Ruthie’s new book, Empty Nest Awakening

Throughout this episode, we discuss content from articles from the Social Insider and GainApp

Listen to Ep. 30: 2 Easy ways to repurpose stories to Reels

Listen to Ep. 29: How to overcome your fear of Reels

Listen to Ep. 27: Reels ideas: Trending sounds, voiceovers, and tips for any personality

2024 Instagram Trends: What You Need To Know1. Video Content DominationReels continue to rule on Instagram. Reels will continue to be the most engaging type of content on Instagram. The important thing about making Reels is using viral audios to increase the video’s chances for virality. That’s the main secret.

Short-lived contentShort-lived content that disappears after 24 hours will still be around in 2024. This type of content is real, authentic, and creates FOMO that encourages user engagement.

Studies show that after viewing Stories on Instagram 62% of users become interested in a brand or product.

SEO on social media will be more powerful than hashtags40% of young adults (ages 18-24) use social media as a search engine. SEO practices on social media will set the distinction between brands that put in the extra effort when it comes to their posts on social media.

Research from Hootsite showed that social media posts which relied heavily on great SEO manage to increate their engagement rate by 30%.

That’s why your social media strategy for 2024 needs to include “keyword research”.

Hybrid contentArtificial Intelligence meets human creativity. AI doesn’t have to be the bad guy – use it as a tool to spark ideas and efficiency. AI stickers, captions, and more can elevate your content game. Just remember, always make it your own!
Authenticity AlwaysAuthenticity takes center stage in 2024! Users are tired of inauthentic brand messaging. They crave real, transparent interactions. In 2024, this means brands should showcase behind-the-scenes looks, candid moments, and even acknowledge imperfections or mistakes.

Be open, be real, and connect with your audience on a personal level. Build trust and brand loyalty by being your authentic self.

The post Ep. 99: Instagram Trends for 2024 appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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Every once in a while you hear of an unexpected Christmas miracle. Three years back, I received mine. You see, 25 years ago, I made a snap decision I would later regret.

ResourcesChristmas gift idea: Ruthie’s book, Empty Nest Awakening

Check out Authentic Online Marketing School

A young wife with 2 kids and a baby, I was packing our house up for a job relocation back home. As is often the case, one accumulates tons of junk when raising little ones, so I feverishly off-loaded to Goodwill like a mad woman.

I packed the boxes, and Jim (after questioning all the stuff I purged – and getting the stink eye from me), loaded them up and whisked them away.

We were finally moving home, and life was good.

Once we relocated, I unpacked necessary items and then stuffed a few unpacked boxes with sentimental possessions in my closet. After all, life was moving at breakneck speed with my new career as the music teacher at the kid’s Christian school… and I just found out I was pregnant. Again.

About 5 months into our relocation, I looked for our wedding memorabilia. Except when I dug through all the boxes – it was missing. No photo album, no signed guest book – it was gone. ALL of it.

With a sinking feeling, I realized I’d given our wedding memories to Goodwill and would most likely never see them again.

Around the same time, Jim discovered his nice black dress coat was also missing. (I got in trouble for that.) He’s often joked that someone in Martinsburg is walking around with his good coat and claiming our wedding memories.

We have just one picture of the wedding, from somebody who attended. Our kids have never seen our wedding pictures. Many times, I’ve lamented the non-passing on of our heritage.

The Unexpected Christmas Miracle
But all that changed today with a mysterious phone call. A guy who owns rental property found our wedding memory box years ago in one of his dwellings, took it home, and set it on a shelf. And that’s where it sat for 20 something years – until he decided to open it.

Mr. Vanmeter from Martinsburg, West Virginia, wanted to know if we were still together (I’d have wondered that too – after all, who gives away their wedding album?!) and he proceeded to tell Jim our engagement story – written in our wedding guest book, so we knew it was legit.

How did he find us? Inside the box was an old bulletin from Maple Valley Baptist Church, where my dad pastored, with his name and home phone number on the front.

Long story short, my dad and mom still had the same phone number and the wedding box found its way home on December 21, right when all of our kids were home for Christmas!⁣

My eldest snapped a photo of Jim and I with our kids gathered ‘round, getting their first peek at our unexpected Christmas miracle– our wedding photos!

When asked why he would do this for us, he responded, “I’ve been married 54 years. I would have wanted someone to mail me my wedding memories too.”

Keep praying, even in the impossible
Crazy, right? I never dared to dream…or even pray that my wedding photos would be returned to me. But my mom did, right from the start. (She’s the prayer warrior in the family – we could all learn a lesson from her! Take it from this former cynic – nothing is impossible with God.)

I guess unexpected Christmas miracles still really do exist. Jim’s coat is still gone though.

“And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.

And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.

For nothing will be impossible with God.”

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.”

Luke 1:34-38

The post Ep. 98: Tidings of Goodwill: An Unexpected Christmas Miracle appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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In the latest episode of the Authentic Online Marketing podcast, I had the pleasure of talking with Jennifer Sakata to discuss her journey in content creation, attracting followers, and building an email list on Instagram. Discover how she overcame creative overwhelm and found a balance in her weekly schedule, prioritizing writing above all. We discussed the challenges of perfectionism and the value of consistency in building an audience.

Resources

Follow Jennifer on Instagram

Visit Jennifer’s website

Listen to Ep. 48: 7 Ways to get followers on your email list

Listen to Ep. 50: Time management for the Christian entrepreneur

Listen to Ep. 96: Create High Converting Content with Authentic Online Marketing School

Check out Authentic Online Marketing School

Time Management and PrioritizationOrganizing her week is key for Jennifer, with specific days dedicated to writing and cleaning. Prioritizing writing over other tasks has been a game-changer for her, reminding us to nurture our creativity with discipline and consistency.

Offering Value to her AudienceHer journey from starting on Instagram to gaining follower engagement and email subscribers is nothing short of inspiring. Jennifer’s content on prayer and grace has struck a chord with her audience, showcasing the power of authentic storytelling.

Building an AudienceJennifer’s success in building an email list on Instagram is a testament to the value of offering engaging content for email opt-ins. She wows us with her brilliant approach to creating captivating welcome series and connecting with subscribers.

Launching a 10-Day Prayer ChallengeJennifer’s faith-centered approach to content has not only resonated with her audience but also showcased the power of showing up consistently. Her 10-day prayer challenge, embraced imperfections, and realness has impacted her audience for the better.

More content creation tipsListen to the rest of our conversation where we talk about the struggles of perfection, the beauty of consistency, and the impact of showing up authentically to attract and connect with an audience. Check out the full episode and be empowered by Jennifer’s journey to grace and success.

The post Ep. 97: Content Creation: from overwhelm to clarity with Jennifer Sakata appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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Are you looking to create a high converting content marketing plan in just 8 weeks? Look no further! Join me and a community of Christian creatives and entrepreneurs in Authentic Online Marketing School as we dive into the perfect blend of Instagram and email marketing.

Authentic Online Marketing School is not just another course – it’s a supportive community and a game-changer for growing your audience and networking opportunities.

ResourcesJoin Authentic Online Marketing School

Listen to Ep. 61: Combining Instagram and email marketing in 5 smart ways

Listen to Ep. 16: Why audience clarity is the secret to driving traffic from your bio

Listen to Ep. 58: 7 tips for repurposing Instagram stories

Check out the Authentic Instagram Engagement Course

What you’ll learn in Authentic Online Marketing SchoolPhase 1: Instagram ExcelleratorCreating a powerful Instagram bioKnowing who you are helping and what your message is crucial for an effective Instagram presence. Get feedback from our supportive community and learn how to drive traffic from your bio.

Social Media Content PillarsOnce you know who you’re talking to you can establish your main pillars of content. Having content pillars helps you have ideas going forward for what to share.

Grow your Instagram followers organicallyThis is when we have a follower growth challenge. It’s very fun. We have prizes, and you will likely pick up anywhere from 20-50 new followers per week. You’ll be able to take advantage of and lean into a larger community. You’re going to learn how to grow your platform with people who want more of what you have to offer and people who can collaborate with you to help you grow your audience.

Driving traffic from InstagramWe will focus on how to drive traffic from instagram. You need to learn how to get your Instagram followers from instagram and get them on your email list because you don’t own Instagram! The email list is where your true dedicated people are that want what you have to offer.

Phase 2: Email OptimizerCrafting an email welcome sequenceLearn how to storytell to market to your audience and get them to respond. Your welcome sequence will be a template you create that you will use every time you get a new subscriber.

Email swipe filesFor ongoing content you will create a story swipe file so that you never run out of content once you’re done with the class.

Graduate from AOMSWhen you graduate from Authentic Online Marketing School you’ll have a fully optimized Instagram bio, new followers, a content strategy, and an email opt in that you can drive your Instagram traffic to. You’ll have a newsletter welcome sequence and a strategy going forward to make both of those powerful platforms work to grow your marketing, and networking.

Authentic Online Marketing School is for people who have been on the Instagram platform for a while and know how it works, but you feel like your growth is stuck. You need at least 200 followers and be able to maneuver the Instagram tech easily.

If you’re new to Instagram or aren’t great at the tech side of things, check out the Authentic Instagram Engagement course. This is a great course for beginners.

Create high converting content in Authentic Online Marketing SchoolYour message matters. And I’m here to help you share it in your own authentic voice.

The post Ep. 96: Create High Converting Content with Authentic Online Marketing School appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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In this episode, Ruthie is joined by three entrepreneurs, Cathy, Suzanne, and Brenda, to discuss their experiences as women in business online. They each share their unique entrepreneurial journeys, from content creation on platforms like Instagram and Newsletter Marketing to selling products through social media and email marketing. These women reflect on their growth as entrepreneurs, the importance of community support, and the impact of authentic online marketing strategies.

ResourcesCheck out Ruthie’s new book “Empty Nest Awakening”

Find out more about Authentic Online Marketing School

Listen to Ep. 61: Combining Instagram and email marketing in 5 smart ways

Listen to Ep. 25: How to build a strong Instagram community (and why you need one)

Listen to Ep. 76: Convert Instagram Followers into Email Subscribers: How It Works

Follow Suzanne on Instagram

Follow Cathy on Instagram

Follow Brenda on Instagram

Growth and Learning as Women in BusinessFirst up, we have Cathy, an online content creator who started with documenting her online journey but has now evolved into building a business. She’s all about serving, learning, and having fun in this season of life as The Retired Empty Nestser. From sponsored posts to affiliate products, Cathy’s entrepreneurial spirit is truly inspiring!

Next, we have Suzanne, a beauty guide with a passion for educating women about skincare and makeup. Despite her initial hesitations, she embraced the world of Instagram Reels and has found her niche. Her dedication to championing midlife women and addressing their unique needs is truly remarkable.

Last but not least, we have Brenda, who bravely embarked on a pivot to become a NuSkin product distributor. In addition to promoting skincare products, Brenda is also busy marketing her Texas Bucket List Series, showcasing her diverse entrepreneurial pursuits.

The Role of Community in Growth and BusinessOne key takeaway from these amazing women is the significance of community and learning from one another. Their collaboration and support have been instrumental in their growth as entrepreneurs. It’s a reminder that success is often nurtured through shared experiences and mutual encouragement.

Insights into Email Marketing and Authentic Online Marketing SchoolCathy shares how her newsletter has become a foundational part of her business, offering unique insights and fostering deeper connections with her audience. Email marketing isn’t just about sales, but about building foundational relationships.

Suzanne emphasizes the value of a God-centered and community-driven approach to online marketing, underscoring the importance of trust and support within entrepreneurial circles. It’s a reminder that authentic relationships are at the heart of successful marketing.

Brenda’s insights also indicate the versatility of skills learned in Authentic Online Marketing School. The knowledge gained doesn’t just apply to Instagram but can be seamlessly transferred to various platforms, demonstrating the breadth and adaptability of their entrepreneurial expertise. This way, women in business can keep things versatile and open up more chances for their business to grow.

Listen to the full conversation on Authentic Online Marketing and get inspired by these remarkable entrepreneurs!

The post Ep. 95: Faith-Fueled Leadership: Empowering Christian Women in Business and Social Media appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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These Empty Nest Case Studies feature my amazing guests, fellow empty nesters, Suzanne, Brenda, Cathy, and Pat, discussing the various unique stages of empty nesting, from being a boomerang empty nester (what’s that?!) to fully retired. Each guest shares how they navigate this stage of life, whether it involves grandchildren, side gigs, or pursuing new passions.

ResourcesGet your copy of Ruthie’s new book “Empty Nest Awakening”

Follow Ruthie on Instagram

Listen to Ep. 90: Empty Nest Awakening: Ruthie Gray’s Inspirational Book on Rediscovering Passion in Life

Listen to Ep. 89: Building Authentic Connections with Kim Stewart

Listen to Ep. 80: Top 5 Episodes of 2022

Empty Nest Case StudiesInvest in yourselfCathy, the retired empty nester, discusses the importance of investing in yourself and how it has propelled her business forward. She advises women to not wait to invest in personal and professional growth. Whether it’s coaching, courses, or joining a supportive community, investing in yourself can accelerate your progress and make you happier in your business.

Community is crucialSuzanne highlights the importance of finding a supportive community. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals and having a guide can help you navigate challenges, make lasting connections, and find new opportunities.

Embrace change and pivotBrenda shares how she took a leap into retirement and moved into new pursuits, such as skincare and social media presence. Embracing change and viewing life as an intentional adventure allows you to discover new passions and unlock new possibilities.

Find gratitude in life’s unexpected twistsPat shares her experience with divorce with grace and gratitude. Life doesn’t always go as planned, but embracing the journey with a grateful heart can lead to newfound joy and fulfillment.

These amazing empty nest case studies are thriving in their own unique ways!
If any of these tips resonate with you check out Ruthie’s new book “Empty Nest Awakening”. This book offers further guidance, practical tips, and inspirational stories to help you make the most of this new phase in life. And if you’re ready to build a business or online platform, get on the Authentic Online Marketing School Waitlist to be the first to know about our Black Friday Launch.

The post Ep. 94: Empty Nest Case Studies: Finding New Purpose in the Digital Age appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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In today’s episode, I’m talking about how to reverse engineer your launch. I recently launched my book, “Empty Nest Awakening: Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose,” and I’ve been sharing my tips for a successful book launch in the previous episodes.

In our recent episodes, we’ve covered the world of book launches and the importance of building a solid platform beforehand. Today, I want to share with you 10 tips on how to reverse engineer your book launch for maximum success. These tips are based on my own experiences and strategies that have served me well.

ResourcesBuy Ruthie’s new book “Empty Nest Awakening”

Join the Authentic Online Marketing School waitlist here

10 tips for launching your book1. Be consistent with postingCheck out episode 87, “Mastering Platform Consistency – The Key to Growing a Super Engaged Following,” to learn how consistent posting and engagement can work wonders for your book launch.

Engage on Social MediaEp. 21: “3 Overlooked Instagram Hacks to Boost Engagement and Keep Them Coming Back,” shares valuable insights on effective engagement strategies to connect with your target audience on social media.
Start an email listAn email list is a powerful tool for building a loyal audience. Discover effective newsletter opt-ins for email list building in episode 9, “Effective Newsletter Opt-ins for Email List Building with Sarah Gehringer.”
Go live and establish trustGoing live on social media platforms helps establish trust with your audience. Tune in to episode 66, “Gain Organic Followers with Live Video,” to learn how to leverage the power of live video to build a connection and boost your book launch.
Share stories and behind the scenesEpisode 30, “Storytelling Tips for Captivating Your Audience,” explores ways to use the power of storytelling to engage and captivate your audience. Stories create an emotional connection, and they can be a powerful tool in your book launch strategy.
Poll your audience in storiesCreate a simple poll in your stories about something relatable. The goal with your poll is to find some common ground with your audience. It could be as simple as asking your audience if they take a morning walk like you do. Listen to episode 37, “How to drive Instagram Traffic with Stories”.
Know your audienceYou don’t always know who your target audience is when you first start on Instagram. If you’re looking for help on how to find your target audience check out episode 16, “Why audience clarity is the secret to driving traffic from your bio”.
Collaborate and share others’ contentLateral community is where you share content from other people that complement your industry or in your industry. Share posts and affiliate for each other. Listen to episode 47: “The most effective way to build your Instagram following”.
Be Authentic“Building an authentic Instagram platform without Compromising Your Calling” is episode 31. Share your real self so that your audience can get to know you. You can do that by sharing behind the scenes in your stories, going live, and just being yourself.
Be Generous with your AudienceAlways deliver value with your content. Take the time to know your audience well enough to give them the insider tips they need. I don’t give away all my tips and strategies, you can get that through signing up for coaching with me or in Authentic Online Marketing School. Listen to episode 72: Grow Your Author Presence On Instagram.

Start with what you needIf you’re overwhelmed right now, pick the number that you need the most and go ahead and listen to that episode. Message me on Instagram and let me know what you’re working on!

The post Ep. 93: How to Reverse Engineer Your Launch appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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Today I’ll be sharing 7 marketable book launch tips for Instagram users. As writers, we know that marketing our books is a daunting task, yet it’s crucial for actually selling the book and getting your message out to the people who need it. So, whether you’re an aspiring author or an experienced writer looking for fresh marketing strategies, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I’ll be sharing my personal journey of launching my own book, “Empty Nest Awakening,” on Instagram. I’ll provide you with practical and effective tips that have worked for me and will undoubtedly work for you too. We’ll explore simple ways to promote your book that are often overlooked, as well as strategies that require a bit more thought and effort. But fear not, because I’ll break it all down and show you it’s easier than you think.

ResourcesJoin Ruthie’s Newsletter

Get the Instagram Growth Kit

Buy Ruthie’s book “Empty Nest Awakening”

Follow Ruthie on Instagram

Listen to Ep. 90: Empty Nest Awakening: Ruthie Gray’s Inspirational Book on Rediscovering Passion in Life

Listen to Ep. 91: 3 Reasons to Self-Publish

Listen to Ep. 61: Combining Instagram and email marketing in 5 smart ways

Listen to Ep. 58: 7 tips for repurposing Instagram stories

7 Marketable Book Launch tips for Instagram users1. Change your Instagram bioMake it reflect your book launch, describe your target audience, and add relevant emojis. Emojis are like hidden gems on Instagram – they catch the eye and add a fun touch. Don’t forget to include your book link in your stories!

Change your profile pictureChange your profile picture to either your book or a professional headshot. Brand yourself and get noticed! People will associate you with your book, even before it’s launched.Stand out and make a memorable impression.
Make an Instagram highlight for your bookCreate a book highlight on Instagram. Share stories, testimonials, and highlights about your book. This is prime book real estate, so make sure to make the most of it! Plus, add a direct link to purchase your book in your stories.
Make video contentEmbrace video content. Share reels, behind-the-scenes peeks, and pain points related to your book. Engage your audience and build excitement! Don’t forget live videos for launch days – it’s your chance to connect with your audience in real-time.
Use a branded hashtagCreate a unique hashtag for your book and use it consistently in your posts. It helps create buzz, organize content, and allows readers to find your book easily. Make your hashtag memorable and share it all around.
Have launch members share and tag you in postsHave your launch team members share talk about your book in feed posts, reels, and stories, and tag you. This works for obvious reasons. People can tap on your user handle and check out more about your book and order from your link in bio. Also, your launch members can share the link to the book and their stories, making it super easy to purchase your book!
Share behind the scenesInstagram Stories are where your dedicated followers live, and they like to know what’s going on. Unbox your book, read snippets from it, share launch team members holding it, show the process of writing it, etc. You can also share behind the scenes content in your newsletter.

Remember, launching and marketing your book doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Take advantage of these easy-to-implement tips and watch your book gain traction on Instagram. If you want to dive deeper into the topic of book launching and learn more about my personal experiences, be sure to listen to this episode.

The post Ep. 92: 7 Marketable Book Launch tips for Instagram users appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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Ever wondered about the process of writing and self-publishing a book? Today I’m diving into the behind-the-scenes conversation with Kent Sanders on my decision to write a book and the pros and cons of self-publishing.

ResourcesGet Ruthie’s new book, “Empty Nest Awakening”

Learn more about Market Refined Media & Publishing

Check out Kent’s website Daily Writer

Listen to Ep. 74: Step into Courageous Authorship with Sherry Ward

Listen to Ep. 71: Transform Book Marketing with Shelley Hitz⁠

Listen to Ep. 69: 10 Ways Writers Can Make Money with Kent Sanders

Listen to Ep. 90: Empty Nest Awakening: Ruthie Gray’s Inspirational Book on Rediscovering Passion in Life

Is self-publishing worth it?When it comes to publishing a book, there’s no right or wrong way. It all boils down to your goals as an author. There were three main deciding factors that influenced my decision to self-publish: the time factor, creative control, and the opportunity to showcase my marketing expertise.

Self-publishing is fasterI decided to self-publish my book because I wanted to write and publish it in 2023, which is possible with self-publishing. Traditional publishing would have required me to go through the process of writing a book proposal, meeting with acquisitions editors, and potentially waiting for two years before getting published.

Self-publishing gives you creative controlSelf-publishing allows authors the freedom to make their own decisions, from cover design to content choices. Traditional publishing may involve compromise as the publisher has a say in various aspects of the book.

Marketing a self-published bookI also felt confident in my marketing skills and saw self-publishing as an opportunity to showcase my expertise in marketing my own book. Plus, I’m able to take what I’ve learned and share it with all of you!

If you’re an aspiring author or curious about the publishing industry, I encourage you to listen to the episode for more insights.

The post Ep. 91: 3 Reasons to Self-Publish appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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I’ve just released my book, “Empty Nest Awakening: Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose.” In this episode, I’m sharing a little about the book, why I wrote it, and how it relates to my work as an online marketing coach. I’ll also give you some insider knowledge on how to successfully launch your own book.

ResourcesOrder your copy of Empty Nest Awakening

Listen to Ep. 75: Email Subscriber Strategies for Authors

Listen to Ep. 74: Step into Courageous Authorship with Sherry Ward

Listen to Ep. 89: Building Authentic Connections with Kim Stewart

Be consistent with your small followingA small, engaged following is better than having tons of followers who never engage with your content. Everyday I have to block fake followers. They’re not going to grow your community or engage with you in a productive way.

Consistency creates opportunitySome people will follow you but not engage for a long time. Make sure your profile name and bio accurately reflect what you do and what you can do for them.

I recently had two followers who were just lurking on my page but were watching me because of my name, Authentic Online Marketing Pod. But because they knew who I was and what I can do for them, they reached out and I was able to book two speaking engagements at their conferences.

Consistency builds communityI knew I needed to write a book this year but I was struggling to reign myself in and get on track.

But at every juncture God sent me who I needed at that time. All I knew is that I didn’t want to format my book and I didn’t want to make the book cover.

Formatting “Empty Nest Awakening”The Lord brought Mandy Roberson into my life who asked me to speak at her conference. I learned what Mandy did for authors and I was so excited to learn that she could do all of the formatting and design work for me!

Small but mightyI might have a small number of followers, but they’re a mighty number and they are excited for my book! People will take notice of you if you’re consistent.

Empty Nest Awakening: Weaving the Threads of your Passions into PurposeIf you’re interested in exploring your passions and purpose in the second half of life, this book is for you. I share insider knowledge, excerpts from the book, and tips on how to launch your own book.

Whether you’re a parent transitioning into the empty nest phase or simply looking for a new direction in life, “Empty Nest Awakening” provides guidance and inspiration on discovering your purpose and weaving your passions into your everyday life.

Order “Empty Nest Awakening”Order your copy of “Empty Nest Awakening: Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose” anywhere books are sold. Available in Kindle and hard copy formats. Order your copy here.

The post Ep. 90: Empty Nest Awakening: Ruthie Gray’s Inspirational Book on Rediscovering Passion in Life appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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Today, I want to highlight my wonderful guest, Kim Stewart, from the Book Marketing Mania podcast, who shared some invaluable secrets on building authentic connections.

ResourcesPreorder your copy of Empty Nest Awakening

Follow Kim Stewart on Instagram @Kimstewinspired

Check out Kim Stewarts’ podcast Book Marketing Mania Podcast

Listen to Ruthie’s interview on Kim Stewarts’ podcast here

Listen to Kent Sander’s Daily Writer Podcast

Check out Ep. 28: Podcast pitching for authors with Kim Stewart

Check out Ep. 88: How to know what your audience wants (and give it to them)

Check out Ep. 34: 5 Steps to experiencing authentic audience growth

In our conversation with Kim, she emphasized the importance of cultivating relationships and the impact it can have on not only our personal growth but also our marketing efforts.

Here’s a few key takeaways:

Embrace authenticityDon’t underestimate the significance of being genuine in your interactions with others. Building relationships that are rooted in authenticity fosters trust and attracts like-minded individuals to our online community.

Seize opportunitiesKim shared her experience of seizing every opportunity to connect with people. Whether it’s a quick coffee chat, a networking event, or an online conversation, she encourages us to take advantage of these moments and explore potential collaborations or partnerships.

Follow your intuitionOften, Kim gets a strong sense or intuition about certain connections. Trusting her instincts, she acts upon these promptings quickly before they slip away. It’s incredible how these spur-of-the-moment connections can lead to great collaborations and opportunities.

Communication is keyWe cannot overemphasize the importance of community. Surrounding yourself with supportive, like-minded individuals can provide the inspiration and motivation needed to grow and expand your reach.

Building authentic connectionsRemember, building an engaged online community is much more than just marketing. It’s about forming genuine connections, sharing valuable insights, and uplifting one another. Let’s continue to grow together and make a positive impact in the digital world!

Check out Ruthie’s new book!Also, a quick reminder that Ruthie’s book, “Emptiness Awakening: Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose” is launching on Tuesday, October 17. Preorder your copy now to enjoy exclusive bonuses before the big release!

Kim Stewart is a book marketing coach and host of the Book Marketing Mania podcast. She helps Christian nonfiction authors build their platforms and market their books on podcasts. When she’s not strategizing with clients, you’ll find her in Dallas enjoying time with her family, and indulging in coffee, caramel and Friends reruns.

kimstewartmarketing.com

Instagram

The post Ep. 89: Building Authentic Connections with Kim Stewart appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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Are you struggling to know what your audience wants? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many of us have been through the “throwing spaghetti at the wall” phase. Let me share some insights on testing your market and finding your audience.

It’s common to have a passion for sharing something but not know exactly who your audience is right away. When you’re starting out, you might think you’re sharing with a specific group, but they may not be the ones responding. It’s trial and error.

ResourcesCheck out Ruthie’s book Empty Nest Awakening

Learn more about Authentic Online Marketing School

Listen to Ep. 87: Mastering Platform Consistency: The Key to Growing a Super Engaged Following

Listen to Ep. 82: Maximizing Your Online Presence: Strategies to Fit Instagram into Your Busy Schedule

Listen to Ep. 83: Threads Unraveled: 5 Pros and Cons on Instagram’s newest app

Listen to Ep. 77: How to use AI for Content Writing

How to find your audience on social mediaI remember when I started growing my Instagram. I was posting, but there was little response. It felt like a waste of time. So I experimented on other platforms like Facebook, where I had more experience. And guess what? People responded differently there.

Building an audience without engagement is like having a one-way conversation. You’re talking, but the person isn’t responding. However, even with a small following, you can test and find out what your audience needs. It’s all about understanding them and learning what your audience wants.

Engaged followers are better than a ton of followersTraditional publishers often want to see a platform of engaged followers, not just a large one. They want to know if your audience is actively involved. It’s crucial to have a pulse on what they want. Your engaged audience is the key to success!

I had a client who had around 1,200 followers on Instagram when she was approached by a publisher to write a book. Why? Because she had created branded content, used targeted hashtags, and stayed consistent. Engagement matters more than just numbers!

How to know what your audience wantsTesting your market helps you understand your audience’s needs better. It’s how I discovered my audience was empty nesters. That’s why I could confidently write a book about this topic. Knowing who you’re speaking to is powerful!

So, whether you’re just starting or trying to find your new audience, testing is key. Look at your analytics, listen to your followers, and adapt accordingly. It’s all about figuring out what resonates with your people.

Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight, but with dedication and insights from testing your market, you can build a thriving platform that speaks to the right audience. Keep experimenting, keep tweaking, and keep connecting with your ideal followers!

The post Ep. 88: How to know what your audience wants (and give it to them) appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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We have a saying here that community grows opportunity and that starts with mastering platform consistency. Networking and being willing to get outside your comfort zone and talk to people builds your community. That’s how you build peace and goodwill and really good relationships. Something I try to teach people is that I’m not going to promise you the moon. I’m going to give you the tools for getting started and being consistent. Consistency goes farther than just about anything else you do.

ResourcesCheck out Ruthie’s book Empty Nest Awakening (pre-order for book bonuses!)

Join the book launch team

Listen to Ep. 63: Leveraging 2023 Instagram Trends

Listen to Ep. 61: Combining Instagram and email marketing in 5 smart ways

Listen to Ep. 82: Maximizing Your Online Presence: Strategies to Fit Instagram into Your Busy Schedule

Listen to Ep. 85: 7 Online Marketing Tools for Entrepreneurs

Mastering platform consistency online is keyIf you’re not consistent, people lose faith and trust in you.
If you’re not consistent with your email or social media they begin to lose faith in you.
Decide what you can feasibly do, whether that’s one time per week or three days per week for mastering platform consistency.

Consistency creates opportunitySome people will follow you but not engage for a long time. Make sure your profile name and bio accurately reflect what you do and what you can do for them. I recently had two followers who were just lurking on my page but were watching me because of my name, Authentic Online Marketing Pod. But because they knew who I was and what I can do for them, they reached out and I was able to book two speaking engagements at their conferences.

Mastering platform consistency builds communityI knew I needed to write a book this year but I was struggling to reign myself in and get on track.
But at every juncture God sent me who I needed at that time. All I knew is that I didn’t want to format my book and I didn’t want to make the book cover. The Lord brought Many Roberson into my life who asked me to speak at her conference. I learned what Mandy did for authors and I was so excited to learn that she could do all of the formatting and design work for me!

My book launches in October. It’s going to be beautiful and exactly what I wanted it to be.

I might have a small number of followers, but they’re a mighty number and people are watching me. People will take notice of you if you’re consistent.

The post Ep. 87: Mastering Platform Consistency: The Key to Growing a Super Engaged Following appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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You need to make sure your website is ready to help you crush your goals for your business. Maybe your goals include getting serious about your blog, or maybe being more consistent with your email list. No matter what your goals are for your business you’re likely going to be sending more people to your website to accomplish those goals.

ResourcesGet your Instagram growth kit + 30 hooks for going live

Listen to Ep. 32: Using the Pinterest search engine to drive traffic with Sara Motes

Listen to Ep. 67: Top 5 Instagram Features For Marketers In 2023

Listen to Ep. 61: Combining Instagram and email marketing in 5 smart ways

Listen to Ep. 38: Generate Instagram revenue by driving traffic to your website with Suzy Goodwin

Let’s get your website ready to go!

Update the copyright dateMake sure the copyright date in the footer, which is the very bottom of your website, says the current year. This needs to be updated every January. The copyright date identifies the content and work on the website as yours. It helps people who want to use or share your work (images, blog posts, podcast quotes, etc) to identify the owner of the content and obtain permission to use your content.
Check your linksClick every single link on your website and make sure you have no broken links. Click on everything in the menu, start at the top, work your way down, start at the homepage, and then move on to the next page. If you have links on your blog that go to someone else’s blog posts, or maybe you’re referencing a PDF somewhere, make sure everything links properly.
Not only is this important for your search engine optimization, but it’s also creating a better experience for your user.
Content is kingDon’t rewrite your whole site! Simply read through your site as if you were a first-time visitor. Do you have a clear call to action? Can people understand what service or product you offer within the first 3 seconds of visiting your site? A simple change can go a long way!
Check Google AnalyticsGoogle Analytics changed a lot this year. Universal Analytics is no longer supported and now we have to use GA4. Contact your webmaster to make sure that you have GA4 installed on your website. Now you can start gathering the data Analyze your data. Look at your analytics every few months or at least every 6 months. Knowing your analytics will help you make informed decisions for your marketing strategies.
Make it easy to sign up for your email listYour email list sign up form should be in multiple places on your website. Make it as easy as possible for someone to sign up for your email list. Pro tip: embed your email sign up form in the footer of your website.

The post Ep. 86: 5 critical website features you must have with Sara Motes appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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As entrepreneurs we need the right online marketing tools to grow our businesses. I’m all about Instagram and email marketing, but there are so many other things involved in my work on a daily basis. I’m sharing my top time saving online marketing tools that I use in my business.

The post Ep. 85: 7 Online Marketing Tools for Entrepreneurs appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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Ready to boost your online marketing game? In this episode, we delve into the world of successful affiliate marketing and how it can boost your sales and business. It’s important to realize how affiliate marketing is an additional income stream for both active and passive sales. Given these points, when you regularly promote or talk …

Ep. 84: 5 Secrets to Successful Affiliate Marketing Read More »

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*This episode contains either affiliate links or links to my products. Should you choose to purchase, the show will go on! Woo hoo! On this episode of Authentic Online Marketing, we dive into the world of Threads, the new app released by Instagram that is generating a lot of buzz. I’ll show you an inside …

Ep. 83: Threads Unraveled: 5 Pros and Cons on Instagram’s newest app Read More »

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I wanted to do a roundup of five different podcast episodes from the archives to delve into the topic of taking breaks from social media, particularly Instagram and how to fit Instagram into your busy schedule. Last summer I did a special series on this very topic and I’ve heard from so many Instagrammers and …

Ep. 82: Maximizing Your Online Presence: Strategies to Fit Instagram into Your Busy Schedule Read More »

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Testing channels.

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Do you find yourself saying “yes” to too many things? Learning to say “no” can be incredibly challenging! Time is your most valuable asset. In this episode we dive into the importance of saying “yes” to the right things, breaking down big goals, and achieving those goals while protecting your time. Saying yes to too …

Ep. 81: Achieving Your Best Yes: Learning to Say No and Prioritize Read More »

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*This episode contains either affiliate links or links to my products. Should you choose to purchase, the show will go on! Woo hoo! Before we jump into the top 5 episodes of 2022, we are celebrating the third birthday of the Authentic Online Marketing Podcast! I just want to say a heartfelt “thank you” for …

Ep. 80: Top 5 Episodes of 2022 Read More »

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Why are my Instagram live video views so low? Do Instagram lives turn into Reels? How long is too long for a pre-recorded video to upload?

Asking questions is key to further your growth, no matter what stage you are at in your Instagram growth journey. As we all know, Instagram gives us plenty of fodder for questions, and I love exploring what they’ve come up with next. Here’s everything you wanted to know and more. Listen in to my conversation with members of my Insider Mentorship as we discuss how to increase your Instagram Live views!

ResourcesCheck out the Authentic Online Marketing Insider Mentorship

Listen to Ep. 66: Gain Organic followers with Live Video

Instagram Live Vs. Reels: Which should you do?If your Instagram Lives aren’t very well attended, Instagram isn’t going to push it out further to other viewers. Quick, consumable video content is what people are looking for instead of long-form video content. It looks like the days of long-form video content on Instagram are gone.

You can upload a longer video (one and half minutes max) and use that as your long form content. Upload it as a post and it will automatically turn into a Reel. Then, share that Reel to your stories and that will help it get more traction.

You want to maximize your work and that’s the best way to do it.

2 ways to create long-form content on Instagram in 2023Since Instagram only wants short form video content (1.5 minutes or less) you’ll have to divide up your longer pieces of content as a series. Try releasing part of it on Monday, the next part on Tuesday, etc.

You could also create longer content in your Stories then save it to a Highlight.

Always be willing to experiment on InstagramExperimenting with posting Instagram Lives to your feed is a good idea if you aren’t sure what your content will look like or how long it will be. Posting a snippet of it as a Reel can bring viewers to your next live if you’re struggling to get followers to join in.

Instagram is constantly changingWe are continually learning the ins and outs of social media as it expands and changes, and we learn better together and continue to encourage each other as we grow our platforms.

If you don’t have a posse and would like to join mine, check out my Insider Mentorship and fill out the application. I’ll contact you, we’ll have a quick Zoom call, and see if our group may be the next step you need to move forward in the online space. You never know ‘til you try!

At any rate, I’m excited to see what you do with this episode. If it helped you in some way, maybe clarified some questions you had about Reels, live video, or any type of video on Instagram, screenshot the show, share it in your Instagram stories, and tag me at @authenticonlinemarketingpod so I can see your feedback, I love seeing who’s listening and reading your comments and questions!

Let’s get busy with video. Lives are still a powerful tool, don’t underestimate them. Experiment uploading pre-recorded video and see what works best for you.

The post Ep. 79: Strategies for Maximizing Your Instagram Live Views appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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Should you get Meta Verified on Instagram? Today I’m sharing insight about this new Instagram feature.

As with anything for your platform, we need to research our options and look into alternatives that can help replicate our authentic voices. While we often need to invest in our businesses to promote growth, other times we can be resourceful with what is already available to us.

In this instance, I’m talking about a paid subscription called Meta Verified. What is it? What purpose does it serve? And are there other ways to achieve the same goal?

*NOTE: At the time of this recording, Meta Verified was not yet available in the US, but has recently been released.

ResourcesJoin my broadcast here.

Episode 67: Top 5 Instagram Features for Marketers in 2023

What is “Meta Verified”?Meta Verification is a paid subscription service to get the blue check on your Instagram and Facebook profile. It protects your accounts from being stolen. You’ll also get access to customer support and will get increased reach and visibility.

The monthly cost right now is between $11-$14 USD per month. They first tested it in Australia and New Zealand, then made it available in the US.

Don’t want to pay a subscription fee for Meta Verification?

Here are a few things you can do instead to protect your account and expand your reach.

Enable Two-factor authenticationIf you haven’t done that yet, you can go to your settings to enable and receive a code to can get back in if somebody tries to take your account.
Increase Reach and VisibilityThere are several ways you can increase reach and visibility. First, if you’re wanting to invest in something, you could try ads. Second, collaborate with other creators in your niche. Finally, you could simply post more content.

You don’t have to use Meta Verified to GrowMeta Verified is a paid subscription that may increase your visibility and keep your account safe, but there are other alternatives. Enabling the two-factor authorization, paying for Facebook and Instagram ads (if you want to put some money into it), increased posting, more Reels, and collaborations are other alternatives to achieving similar goals.

Meta Verified at this juncture is a no-go for me. Will I always say that? I don’t know! Maybe I’ll test it out at some point just like I’m currently testing broadcasts (by the way, let me know if you’re interested in hearing about how to use broadcasts and I’ll do an episode on it, and in the meantime you can join mine).

My goal at Authentic Online Marketing is to teach you to use organic means in your own authentic voice to gain traction. But paying for Meta Verified is similar to paying for ads or a subscription to get more eyes on your content, and that’s not wrong, it just depends on your current goals.

You don’t have to use Meta Verified to grow. Use what you have because there are definitely other alternatives to paying social media to get people to notice you or keep your account safe.

The post Ep. 78: What is Meta Verified and Do I Need it? appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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Today we’re going to talk about a hot topic: Artificial intelligence, otherwise known as AI. What do you think about it? How do you feel about ChatGPT? Let’s talk about how to use AI for content writing.

By now you’ve likely heard about this newest trend designed to help content creators write and design. While saving time and brain space, Artificial intelligence can help you do anything from crafting resumes, email, subject lines, sales pages, SEO descriptions, blog headlines, poems and full blog posts.

But many writers feel very strongly about accepting help. It’s either cheating or, we may lose our voice in the process. And those we deem not “real writers” are going to become writers. And how do we feel about that?

It stifles the creative process.

This podcast episode is an Insider Mentorship conversation with our own writing experts.

*This episode contains either affiliate links or links to my products. Should you choose to purchase, the show will go on! Woo hoo!

ResourcesEp. 73: How to Write Lean and RIPT with Dalene Bickel

Authentic Online Marketing Insider Mentorship

WordHero – AI Content Writer

Is using AI for content writing “cheating”?Writers are starting to use AI more and more. It’s never going to replace your brand voice or how you write. It can aid in inspiration and spark the imagination. It’s a fantastic resource, especially for blog headlines and email subject lines.

Where can writers start using AI?Use it where you need it! If you find yourself getting stuck when writing your email newsletter, plug in some of the lines from your email and see what else it comes up with. The AI might jog your memory or give you the spark of inspiration that you need.

Is content written by AI actually mine?AI is very new and there’s a lot we don’t know about how content from AI can be used. If you write a book, will you have to sign a document stating that you wrote the book 100% without AI’s help? We don’t know. That’s why it’s best to simply use it for inspiration for your writing and marketing.

The AI tool can benefit your writing in a way that is unique to you. It’s not to be used as a way out of writing, but as a way to enhance your writing. My advice is don’t let AI write for you. But if you’re stuck, allow yourself to have a prompt that can get you past your writer’s block.

We cannot stress enough that authenticity is key. But already having an idea of what you want to write and then getting a few keywords to move you forward can make a world of difference.

Using AI for writing your contentWhat are your thoughts? What do you think about this conversation? Don’t forget to come over on Instagram and weigh in. My opinion is this: everyone can use help whether it is AI or a thesaurus online. We all get a little stuck in our writing.

That’s why we encourage each other in these training sessions inside my mentorship to ask questions and discuss current issues with Instagram writing and business.

And by the way, If you are interested in our mentorship, we do have an application here. You need to have a thousand followers and be active on the platform, know all the basics of Instagram, and be able to navigate the technology without a problem.

I can’t wait to hear your opinions about AI. Join the conversation over @AuthenticOnlineMarketingPod on Instagram. Remember to share your message your way, in your own authentic voice. (And don’t rely on artificial intelligence to come up with your unique voice.)

The post Ep. 77: How to use AI for Content Writing appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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For today’s topic we’re going to talk about why you need to move your clients off rented space and onto your email list. Turning Instagram followers into email subscribers can be a game changer for your business.

There are so many platforms at our fingertips now to take advantage of and build your client base. And as you know, my favorite is Instagram. I’ve done a lot of business there and continue to gain leads and generate weekly conversations via direct messages (DMs). Even so, social media platforms are rented space.

The DM’s are a place to take them deeper where they get inside information beyond your surface content while also building a rapport with them. In this snapshot from a previous training inside Authentic Online Marketing School (AOMS), you’ll learn why an email list is essential in those next steps beyond the Instagram DM’s.

ResourcesGet your Instagram Growth Kit + 30 Hooks for Going Live here.

Ep. 10: How to write newsletters they actually WANT to read
Ep. 75: Email Subscriber Strategies for Authors
Ep 45: 3 Newsletter musts for engaged readers

Why you still need an email list when your clients only want to talk to you through social mediaIn a conversation with Pat, a member of AOMS, she mentioned that her clients don’t want to be on another email list. They just want to converse in her Instagram DMs. She doesn’t have their email address and she’s only conversing with clients or potential clients on Instagram. She putting all her eggs in one basket: the rented space of Instagram.

My answer to her was this: you still need their email address in case Instagram fails you. If all her clients and leads want to converse with her on Insta, that’s fine. But at least get their email address in case something happens to her Instagram account.

How to turn Instagram followers into email subscribersHere’s how to ask for an email address in the Instagram DMs:
“As a client, one of the perks is that you have access to my exclusive email list. It’s not going to be a lot, maybe one email per month with helpful information for you. It’s not going to be overwhelming. But I do need a way to communicate with you off Instagram just in case something happens to my account.”

Email lists opens more communicationNot only is a newsletter going to tell your clients what they will receive, but it also opens the door of connection between you and them. You can tell them exactly what to look for from you and then deliver. If you are concise and consistent with them, they’ll know what to expect and it’s welcomed.

Email lists keep you top of mindYou can do a weekly bi-weekly or monthly newsletter to keep your services front and center for your clients. They will continue to view you as their go to resource. Previous clients are often repeat clients. And warm leads are way easier to market to than cold ones. Ask me how I know.

Don’t focus on rented space. Focus where your ownership aligns. This is where things get personal. It’s called social media for a reason. Direct your client to a personal space where they can have some of those pain points relieved and open the door to deeper connection.

How do you feel about this? Do you do a lot of your marketing and transactions through social media? Or do you move them over to your email list?

I’d love to know your thoughts on this.

So hop on over to Instagram and weigh in. Every week I have a carousel with information about the podcast episode. Leave a comment on that post and let me know what you think.

Until next time remember to share your message your way in your own authentic voice.

The post Ep. 76: Convert Instagram Followers into Email Subscribers: How It Works appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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Identifying your main goal in your social media presence can tie directly to your email list. All month long we’ve focused on writers and authors in the realm of online marketing, writing an email, and social media. Stay tuned to learn more about Email Subscriber Strategies for Authors.

In this episode, we are combining a couple of previous episodes with Kent Sanders from The Daily Writer Podcast.

In this episode, we’re talking about how to…

grow your author presence on Instagram
manage a personal and professional Instagram account
tie your business goals into social media
get more email sign-ups from social media

Repurposing content for professional vs. personal brand Instagram accountsIt all depends on what your goal is for your business. If you want to drive traffic to each account, then yes, you should cross-post. Kent’s goal is to get more email subscribers and he needed a strategy. Kent can post to his personal brand account and encourage people to follow the Daily Writer Instagram account.

On that professional account, he can build relationships with his followers and encourage them to sign up for his email list. This is a great email subscriber strategy if you have more than one Instagram account.

Email Subscriber StrategiesDefine your goal and use your assets to help you achieve it. In Kent’s case, we know that email signups are the main goal. So utilizing Instagram through your feed stories and reels can direct your audience to your email.

Talking about your newsletter on Instagram can move people to sign up for your email list. Provide something that solves a pain point right away, like a short ebook, checklist, resource, or template. Show your audience what you have to offer for free and that will keep them coming back for more.

The post Ep. 75: Email Subscriber Strategies for Authors appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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You know you’ve been called to write. You may even have a book. But something’s missing…you can’t seem to bring yourself to tell people about it. Today we are going to learn how to Step into Courageous Authorship with Sherry Ward.

On social, you’ve posted about it one time. Mostly, you just offer encouragement through scripture and quotes. It’s the ‘safe zone”. You’re afraid of someone judging you or your writing, or maybe snide remarks or, “who do you think you are to say this stuff?”

Maybe you’re afraid of getting on video and showing your face. Maybe you’re afraid to actually say HEY I WROTE THIS! Sound familiar? We have a common term for this. In fact, it’s becoming cliché, but it is what it is. Imposter syndrome.

Today’s show is all about how to break through that mindset – and that’s what it is, simply a mindset. You’ll hear from my special guest, Sherry Ward, Founder and CEO of Square Tree Publishing, as we discuss one of the biggest barriers to getting your book seen – fear of being seen and known.

You will learn…

how you can build in time to write (even on a squished schedule)
the surprising reason most authors get held back in their writing
how writing a book fits into your life calling
and Sherry’s huge writing challenge that can get you started toward finally writing and publishing your book!

If, for any reason, fear may be holding you back from writing your book you will come away from the show with a renewed sense of purpose for your high calling.

ResourcesTo sign up to join Writer’s Roadmap email Sherry at info@squaretreepublishing.com

Memorable Memoir Workshop Saturday, March 25, 9am Pacific Time https://sqtrlearning.com/memoir

How to make time to writeSherry says, “I probably sat down for about 10 or 12 hours a day with three kids in elementary school (which, if any of you have kids, you cannot say that’s an excuse). Each of them could invite one friend over too, so I literally had six kids as I was writing my book.

It took me about three and a half months, and I finished the book. Then when I did it, that’s when it started. Just that act of obedience, that one act. People started coming, saying, “How do I do it?” And that’s how we launched Square Street Publishing 11 years ago.”

The problem keeping you from being a courageous writerMany writers deal with Imposter syndrome. “Who am I, who’s gonna read it?” The list goes on forever. It’s a lot of fear-based stuff. Fear of being known. Fear of being seen. A lot of times writers’ voices are stifled for whatever reason, maybe something from their childhood. It’s finding their voice again, being able to speak.

How does writing a book fit into your life’s calling?The number one thing is knowing your “who”. Who are you called to? Second, How are you to serve them? Those are two key elements, knowing your “who”, and how you are supposed to serve them. Your book is a vehicle for ministry.

Writing challenge to help you be a courageous writerSherry says, “We do a challenge a couple of times a year called “Calling Out The Book”. If you feel like God’s calling you to write a book. We go through the challenge, and at the end, we have a writing coaching program called “Writer’s Roadmap” which incorporates all the things that we’re talking about.

It has the prayer team, our mindset coach Dr. Amanda, and a writing coach. Throughout this 90-day program, you’ll get resources every day in a Google calendar, and once a week, you meet live with your coach. One week it’s the writing coach, the next week it’s your mindset coach, and then the writing coach and the mindset.

Next we give you a writing calculator. It helps you set goals for your writing, and we hold you accountable and say, “Did you write this week? How many words did you write?” It’s a really good program for people that feel called to write a book.

If you feel overwhelmed. Where do I even start? We walk them through this entire process, and then at the end, they get a free cohort. It’s a very small group of people that you will be teamed up with, usually your same genre. Every week, you get to meet with your writing coach for a whole month.

About SherryFounder and CEO of Square Tree Publishing Sherry Ward is a seasoned publisher with over eleven years in the publishing industry. Her authors have been featured in media outlets including CNN, Fox News, the Dr. Drew Show, and the Orange County Register.

Square Tree Publishing has given authors a voice, allowing them to cultivate their own platforms and lend their influence to events and organizations from local state task force conferences to the United Nations.

As a film and podcast producer, Sherry is uniquely qualified in production development and podcasting. She has been featured on Good Morning America and The Home & Family Show and has done over twenty interviews on national TV shows.

Sherry is also an executive producer of Infinity System, a western Sci-Fi pilot to be released in 2023.

The post Ep. 74: Step into Courageous Authorship with Sherry Ward appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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March is writer’s month on the podcast and today we’re chatting about how to get your copy lean and RIPT. I don’t know about you, but I struggle with cutting down my verbiage. I’m not so much full of verbal verbosity as I am written verbosity! LOL. We are going to learn together how to write lean and RIPT with Dalene Bickel.

I could go on and on and on with my laptop at my fingertips! But there needs to be a filter, a lens, or something to measure how much stays in and how many of those words need to GOOOOOO. That’s why I’m excited to introduce you to my friend and book marketing coach, Dalene Bickel.

Dalene and I got to know one another in Authentic Online Marketing School and that’s when I came to realize her vast knowledge in the book writing and publishing industry.

How to write lean and RIPTAs a writer, it can be hard to write lean because we are married to our words. Our words are our lifeline, it’s hard to cut and trim. How can writers begin to do this?

Dalene encourages us to think less about the words being our babies and more than just trying to hit a certain word count. Flip that switch in your mind to stop focusing necessarily on the words individually but about what all those words together convey.

The goal is to inform and connect with the reader, not just throw words on a page. Don’t add fluff just for word count.

The RIPT acronymR is RelatedThe reader should relate to what you’re writing. You want them to lean in and read all the way to the end. That’s the goal of every writer. We can do that by sharing relatable experiences.

I is ImpactfulWhen we are willing to share the knowledge that we’ve acquired and provide what our reader is looking for, that’s when we write a book of impact. It’s really a matter of marrying the information you have to provide with what the reader needs in a way that they’ll be receptive to it.

P is PersonableMost of us have a favorite author or two, and they’ve probably written more than one book and maybe even in different genres. But chances are if you were to pick up one of their books and didn’t see their name on the cover, you’d still know it was their book. Why or How? It’s because of what we know in the writing world as voice.

Use the words you commonly use in real life. Don’t try to fit the mold necessarily.

T is TransparentShow the good and the bad of your topic or experience. Share your personal transformation story about your topic. It encourages the reader to see that there’s hope that they can overcome it too. Offer a reminder that negative situations won’t last forever.

And if you’re a Christian writer, point the reader to the source of truth. That can be as simple as sharing a Bible verse or sharing again, your personal testimony. Again, be yourself.

These techniques don’t need to all be applied at once! Start where you are and slowly implement each piece of the acronym. Your writing skills will expand as your practice and grow.

Write that messy first draft. Just get it out there.
Don’t worry about all of this right now. Save it for after that first draft is written, and then go back and incorporate more of your voice and personality. After that’s done, go back and look at where you can now condense and cut.

Don’t stare at a blank page. Just write something and you can edit it later.

About Dalene BickelDalene Bickel is the founder of Lasting Legacies Publishing LLC where she serves as a commissioned biographer, book coach, and legacy speaker. She is also the host of Ink and Impact podcast, the founder of The Inkwell Collective (a membership community for Christian writers), and the author of The One-Year Collection of Weekly Writing Prompts.

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Today’s topic is Grow Your Author Presence On Instagram but before I get to that, you should know that for the Month of March, we are focusing on you, the author and writer, to help you understand how to take advantage of not only Instagram, but email marketing, book promo, writing tips, and more. Join my special guests and me as we bring you the best of the best on how to get your book written and build a platform of raving fans who are ready to read it!

Instagram Strategies for Authors https://dailywriterlife.com/marketing-expert-ruthie-gray-on-instagram-strategies-for-authors/

Recently I was on the Daily Writer Podcast with Kent Sanders and this is just a short snippet of our conversation. You’ll hear Why writers should be on social media, and how the introverted writer can adjust her perspective of society from one of drudgery to actually enjoyment. How to use Instagram to promote your book, behind-the-scenes ideas, and how to build systems so you can still hunker down in your writing shed and channel your inner Jane Austin. I know you’ll enjoy this short conversation with Kent, which is NOT the same conversation we had a couple of weeks ago in episode 69 called 10 Ways writers can make money, again, this is when I guest interviewed on his show. And now, listen in.

10 Ways Writers Can Make Money https://authenticonlinemarketing.com/10-ways-writers-can-make-money/

Why should writers be on social media?Kent: Why should writers be on social media in the first place? I mean, I think we all intuitively know it’s important, but from your perspective, as somebody who’s thought about this a lot, you’ve created lots of resources around it. Why should we be spending time on social media in the first place?

Ruthie: Well, social media is not only a place to make the public aware of your writing but it’s the place to network. It’s like a big networking event, that is how you forage important relationships that are integral to your book lunch and getting the word out about your writing.

Kent: In some respects, does it go back to the question of whether or not we want to put time and emotional energy into relationships?

Grow your author presence on InstagramRuthie: It is, Social media is social, you can be on Google and do your SEO work that’s important. I do think that social media helps you build your authority better because other people, give you shout-outs as they come to know you as a person, then you earn their trust and they become, for lack of a better term, super fans, They tag you and share your work on Instagram and, others see that and start following you, reading your blog or listening to your podcast. it’s just like a never-ending circle of networking.

Kent: That’s really good. It’s an important reminder because a lot of us are introverts and we would prefer just to stay in front of our computers and not have to engage with the world. So for writers, who are introverted and who perceive all of this as a big pain. Is there a certain attitude adjustment that you would recommend or something that we can shift in ourselves that would help us have more fun with this and value this more?

Ruthie: I get that because, there was a time when I was just like, I just want to write, I just want to get my work out there. And yet I realized that if I didn’t actually interact with other people, they could care less about my content.

Kent: Yeah, that’s a great point.

Use social media to build your writing communityRuthie: So how to make it fun? You have to sort of determine that yourself. You have to first be committed to carving out a time niche too and building your community.

Kent: Right, And is that a perception that many of us have sometimes? Is that this is gonna take up my whole day, I’m gonna spend hours and hours on social media wasting away my time. It doesn’t really have to take that much time, does it?

Ruthie: It doesn’t have to take that much time, especially when you put systems in place and boundaries for yourself because it ultimately comes back on you. How much time do you have? and how much time are you willing to spend? And then you just cut it off, I do not let social run my life because there is an important work of content creation to focus on.

Grow Your Author Presence Kent: What are some of the best ways that writers can use Instagram to promote their books or engage people in the book-writing process?

Simple ideas to grow your author presence on Instagram™Ruthie: Well, for instance, for writing, do you have a daily writing practice? So set up a ring light with your camera and put it on fast speed, just a little clip of you doing that or a picture of it. Take a picture of yourself at events like a podcast and say something like; “I’m getting ready to go on Kent Sander’s podcast”. If you’re going to the printers or if you get that manuscript in the mail post about it. Anything that is integral to the writing process.

Kent: This is really, really good stuff and you’ve given me like 10 really good ideas. I had never thought about this.

Sharing is how your develop trustRuthie: Yeah, it’s simple. Sharing, that’s how you develop trust. You’re like, why would anybody not know this? Or Why would they wanna know about it? They wanna know about it. They need to know that behind-the-scenes story. People are nosy on Instagram, and that’s what social is all about, is sharing your life and, developing those relationships.

Posting schedule for authors who want to grow their presence on InstagramKent: What do you think about the idea of having some kind of content posting schedule? For example, on Mondays, I post about this particular thing. On Tuesdays, I post about this thing, like you basically you have three to five topics that you rotate on a weekly basis or a regular basis.

Ruthie: Absolutely, because it’s kind of like your Scripture reading. If you don’t have something laid out that you’re gonna do, then you’re probably going to not do it. Some days you’re just like, “should I read Ephesians today?” I like to have a scripture reading plan. Systems are what keep you consistent and consistency is what brings your audience.

For instance, for my posting schedule: I post three to four times a week. No more than that. Monday is always about the podcast. It’s going to be quotes from the podcast. It’s gonna be a carousel form. Wednesday or Friday is going to be a Reel of me just talking about that podcast, but it’s not, go listen. It’s more of a nugget of information from that podcast and then I cite the podcast in the caption. Then Friday it could be a quote, like an inspirational quote. A lot of my audience. They’re writers, so I love to post writing quotes, a lot of them are also entrepreneurs, so entrepreneurial mindset.

My pillars on Instagram are Instagram and email marketing. A marketing mindset is what drives you to do all the other things, it’s not possible to overshare your core message. Say things over and over again.

Kent: That’s a really good thought. Okay. It’s not possible to overshare your core message.

Authors can repurpose their content to grow on InstagramRuthie: It isn’t, keep focused on your message. Repurpose content, say it in an email, and say it again in a post. Say it again in an Instagram carousel post and in a Reel. Mix it up and say it in a different way, but keep saying it.

Writers think they have to come up with new content all the time and new captions. That’s what makes it so hard for them to do it. I draw from my podcast. On Monday I go with those quote images, and I go grab the quotes out of the podcast. I pop it in there when I’m scheduling and put a hook in the first line, and a call to action and I am good to go. Don’t make it hard.

Kent: That’s a really good piece of advice because I think a lot of us as writers feel like we have to constantly be turning out a lot of new stuff. It takes the pressure off of us, doesn’t it, where we don’t have to come up with something new, all the time.

Don’t create new content, just repurposeRuthie: It really does. That is the biggest drawback for writers is they think they have to create all this new content, You just need to repurpose it. That’s something that I teach the people in my communities all the time. Once you write a stellar email, use that thing again. You need to work smart but not hard. Go back to a post that received a lot of attention and re-share it again with a different image or created in the form of a reel. Share it in your stories. Take the caption that you wrote and just repurpose it.

Kent: That’s really good. I do that on here, on the podcast actually all the time. I reuse content constantly because you have new people come in and listen to it.

People won’t remember all the content you createRuthie: Exactly, we are so close to our content that we’re like, oh, I can’t send that email again. They just got that in the last six months. How many emails do you get in your inbox every week? I mean, no one’s gonna remember.

Kent: Exactly. You get something that you like and you just keep coming back to those same things over and over.

Ruthie: That’s why I like using Stories so much because I repurpose a lot of my content, but just in a different way. You want to cultivate that community.

Kent: It’s almost like, like thinking of yourself, uh, kind of like the Hallmark channel, where really they have one type of thing that they do. They’re known for one thing, every movie is like a variation on the same set of messages. This is true of any brand, isn’t it really, you have a set of core themes and everything is a takeoff on that somehow.

Ruthie: It is, you just wanna keep track of your thoughts. What works well for writers is to focus on bringing in an ideal audience of readers. Don’t be afraid to share yourself, your personality, and your life, be transparent, get on video, make a statement, and put a stake in the ground. Photograph or video behind the scenes, your writing process, amidst dog walking, caregiving, and taking care of grandkids. How did you get inspiration for writing? Network. Repurpose your content. Develop a posting schedule and set a timer so you don’t get sucked down the Instagram hole. Cultivate boundaries and promote your book.

Do you need more concrete ideas for how to do this? Listen to the full episode on the Daily Writer Podcast with Kent Sanders, Instagram strategies for Authors, link is in the show notes. https://dailywriterlife.com/marketing-expert-ruthie-gray-on-instagram-strategies-for-authors/

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*This episode contains either affiliate links or links to my products. Should you choose to purchase, the show will go on! Woo hoo!

Are you a Christian writer or author ready to transform book marketing? If so, I want to invite you to join me at the Kingdom Writers Conference Email Marketing Edition, A FREE one-day virtual conference to help writers unlock the power of email marketing to generate book sales without feeling sleazy, and instead, you’ll create authentic relationships (and you know we’re all about authentic around here)! You’re going to love today’s interview with Shelley Hitz, teaching you how to transform book marketing!

Discover a proven strategy to stay connected with your readers without posting on social media every day!

Join CJ and Shelley Hitz,hosts of the Kingdom Writers podcast and founders of the Christian Book Academy. The conference is just one day with eight speakers so you don’t get overwhelmed, it’s all about email marketing, and I am speaking on 7 Ways to Get Your Followers to Join Your Email List!

Kingdom Writers Conference Email Edition

Transform your book marketingDo you get stuck when it comes to marketing your book (or potential book)? You are not alone, my friend! After I published my first ebook, I struggled with how to present it in a way that wouldn’t seem like I was touting myself or bragging. I was fearful of what people would think of me. She is always talking about herself. Who does she think she is, why does she have a book, why is she doing this, and what is she trying to prove?

And chances are many of you listening struggle with this too. Christian writers feel deeply called to their craft, but when it comes to marketing books they start to shrink and almost lose confidence in everything they built. This is when it’s time to own the fact that you were called to do this, and you will need to transform your book marketing and it will involve book promo.

Marketing pro for self-publishers, Shelley HitzThis is where author, speaker, and entrepreneur, Shelley Hitz comes in. She’s been mentoring writers since 2010 inside The Christian Book Academy. She’s a terrific entrepreneur and has built a business on book writing and coaching others.

Inside Christian Book Academy Shelly helps aspiring authors write words that will outlive them. Self-publish books that fulfill their calling, and reach more readers with their message. Shelley and her husband CJ have often been called “pastors for writers” and together create a powerful team to help you accomplish your God-given goals. They host the Kingdom

Transform Book Marketing Ruthie: Shelly, I started following you back in 2015 and joined your training for how to write a book. You had such a fantastic way of explaining how to do it simply, and quickly so that you could get a simple 10,000-word ebook out there. I did it and that was just such an amazing experience.

Shelley: That’s so exciting, we’re celebrating our eighth member anniversary of the Academy this month. It’s hard to believe, but we now teach that information in Christian Book Academy and also have a separate workshop, Procrastination To Publication.

Unlock your business growth by transforming your book marketingRuthie: It’s super practical and Kingdom-minded. There’s a bigger picture, and I just love all that you stand for. Today, we’re gonna talk about unlocking business growth by teaching you how to transform book marketing tips. You do have to market a book. So, it’s sort of like you have to be business-minded, right Shelley?

Shelley: Right, I always say you give birth to the book, and just like giving birth to a baby, the birthing process is pregnancy and birth. Typically nine months, and then you parent for the rest of your life, right? It never stops. You have that initial burst of the writing and the publishing and giving birth to this book. Then you have the marketing and it’s also true with the business, right? It’s a stewardship thing, I get the opportunity to steward this message that God has given me to impact lives for eternity.

Ruthie: Yes, and I would say, many of our listeners and clients are writers and authors or aspiring authors, probably 75%, and they struggle to market their books. They just don’t know how. We’re going to talk a little bit more about how you can cross that bridge, and how you got into running a business and seeing it as a business too. Let’s talk about when did you first become passionate about entrepreneurship? You were an author first, right?

From physical therapist to entrepreneurShelley: Yes, I was thinking about this and my previous career was as a physical therapist, and I think I already had those seeds of entrepreneurship in my job as a physical therapist. I worked at a special location, just by myself, and I ran that clinic with Whirlpool Corporation. So I was onsite there, and I would create programs for body mechanics and lifting, and I would go out to job sites and create new forms. And I was always thinking and creating and doing new things, and that’s what an entrepreneur does, right?

It started with an ideaWe create something from nothing. Then we were missionaries in Belize for two years. I used my physical therapy degree and did ministry and worked with children with disabilities. I was creating programs, I was training people, I was doing things that make something from nothing.

When we came back from Belize, this experience sparked something in us. What are we gonna do? We loved having our own time freedom and working together. My husband and I actually stumbled across some training on how to write a website that attracts people from search engines. I started my first website in Belize, and so that was 2004. I started some entrepreneurship before I published my first book in 2008.

Ruthie: Okay, and I remember starting my website way back before I met you and thinking, man, this is really hard. I can’t imagine writing a book, but at the same time, I had all those sparks too, so I know what you’re talking about. It’s like those juices start flowing, don’t they?

Shelley: Yes. Now I have written and published over 50 books. With my husband, it’s been over 70, and we’ve created I don’t even know how many programs. God made me to be prolific and to be a teacher and to share my experiences, even my testimonies. God made me an entrepreneur.

Ruthie: Right, and so you just looked at those threads and you saw what sparked you and then you just went with it, didn’t you?

“God can’t direct a parked car.”Shelley: Yeah. Just one thing at a time. And I didn’t wait until it was perfect. I didn’t wait until I had all the plans. I think that’s one of the things that we can do is we just sit around thinking, oh, I need to know exactly what’s gonna happen and how it’s all gonna work. My friend Shea Binds, from Kingdom-Driven Entrepreneur, says “God can’t direct a parked car.”

Ruthie: That’s right, and I hear the excitement in your voice, and the more you talk about it, the more excited I get because we share the same passion. It’s something that I tell our people over and over again. So tell me this, when Christian female writers come to you, what is their biggest hangup about running their own business?

Transform your mindset for marketing your bookShelley: I’ve been mentoring authors now for 13 years, and one of the things that keep coming up is I don’t wanna appear prideful or greedy.

I think sometimes we see worldly ambition or worldly gain, and making money as bad, right? We have this mindset that if I take these gifts and this calling and these desires that I have, and I just start going for it, people are going say, whoa, this woman is greedy, she is prideful.

This is a gifting and a calling He’s given to me and to whom much is given much is required, right? What I do and the actions I take are between me and God. God knows my heart. He knows my motives, and yes, sometimes I get off course. Sometimes he has to course correct but I believe that we are to let our light shine. Matthew five says, and be not for our own glory, not for our own gain. Although we are to earn money, and it is good to earn money, ultimately it is so that people can glorify God in heaven.

You don’t have to explain your calling to everybodyRuthie: Amen. You do have to sell some books, but it’s okay to promote yourself in the name of the Lord if you feel like you have been called to do this and it’s good. I saw a quote, I think it was last week, that said, “You don’t have to explain your calling to everybody.”

Shelley: That’s exactly what I’m saying. I think we live in a culture where everyone knows everyone else’s business, right? Because of social media, because of all the things, and even when you think you know someone, you don’t know everything that’s going on behind the scenes.

Follow God’s calling on your lifeYou know those people that are judging me, they don’t know. They don’t know the blood, sweat, and tears. They don’t know how many hours I spend in prayer with God. I don’t need to explain it to them, but I do have a calling. I do have gifting. When I stand before God one day, I want to hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

You took a little and you multiplied it with My presence, with My power, with My spirit, and many lives were impacted as a result.

Ruthie: Yet another powerful statement and I was just reading this morning about the servants, the ones who hid his talent.

Shelley: The parable of the talents…

Ruthie: This is definitely a God-ordained conversation today. I’m just seeing so many signs that this is something that was supposed to happen, a conversation that our listeners and the authors and potential authors out there need to hear. So what are your top three tips, Shelley, for running your own business? Let’s talk about your business and how can these tips relate to book marketing.

3 tips to transform your book marketing1. Don’t give upWe get discouraged, we don’t see the results we want when we want them, and I get it. I’m in it right now too, of some of the things I’m doing. And it’s “Lord, I wanna see the results faster.” And he’s like “Patience, my daughter. Patience.” And I think if I could say anything to any one of you, stay connected to the vine, stay connected to God. We recommend doing business meetings with God, which is having him lead and guide you in your business.

Engage & InviteTypically, that’s going to be through our email list. We’re engaging them, and then we nurture them. Then you have Invite. This is another step I find my audience has a hard time doing. The call to action to actually buy something from you. We need to actually share with them what are the benefits of working with me or reading this book, or that you even have a book.
Delight & AttractYou’re delighting your readers to the point where they want to share word of mouth. The thing I really wanted to share is that this is a part of the Attract stage. Using SEO – Search Engine Optimization and collabs are an important part of this. I think there are some of you that just simply need to move back a couple of steps to the Attract Phase and say, okay, what am I doing to attract new readers, new people to my business?

Ruthie: For sure. I think that a lot of times writers, we’re a little hesitant. We want to get our book out there. We’re afraid that if we collaborate, it’s going to take away from the time that we need to promote our own book, or maybe our audience is going to go for somebody else with their book, but that is a scarcity mindset.

Marketing is all about relationshipsShelley: Oh yeah. Yeah, it’s amazing, and the thing is, marketing is all about relationships anyway. For someone to grow to know, like, and trust you. Honestly though, if I recommend other books or other marketing books, people are going to typically buy more than one book on a topic. If they’re really interested in it, they’re going to be devouring it. In fiction novels, you think, oh my goodness, they can’t keep up with the demand.

We know the collabs that are right, and that’s one of the prayer requests that we pray for almost every week. The right person at the right time buys the right book or joins our academy, but that it’s the right person at the right time.

Ruthie: It is all in God’s hands. He has it, he’s orchestrated it. I wanna talk about your Kingdom Writer’s conference in just a second, but briefly, can you sum up your best three tips?

The core foundation for how to transform your book marketingShelley: It’s good to remind ourselves of the five-step marketing process, which is, attract: how are you attracting new people through SEO ads or collaborations, engage: having a way for them to sign up for your email list. Then to be able to nurture. To attract, engage, and nurture. There’s some sort of regular content, Then to invite. Lastly, is to actually invite people to buy your book, to work with you.

Ruthie: I just wanted to thank you for reiterating all of that because it was so good. I know that I needed to hear it again.

Evaluate your marketingShelley: This is a core foundation for how to transform book marketing. I think we all need to reevaluate on a quarterly level. How is my marketing going? And on these five steps, how is it going? Maybe you’re really strong in the nurture phase, but you’re not as good with the invite stage. The call to action of I want to invite you to buy my book, however, you wanna say that. It’s such a good thing and it’s just a basic foundational structure that you can refer back to again and again.

Ruthie: That’s so good and we’re not going to be good at all five of those, but the goal is to work on the weak spots so that we get better. Like especially when you said the promotion part and the copywriting. That works our writing muscles. Marketing is not taking away from what we’re trying to do. It’s actually enhancing it. It’s growing us and it’s growing our writing. That’s exciting.

Shelley: Yeah, and for those of you that love to write, there are many ways you can use your writing to market your books. You can write a short ebook that you run on free promotions that’s just 99 cents and it’s an impulse buy. It introduces people to your other books. You can write blog posts, you can guest blog posts. There are many ways that you can use your writing. Email marketing is a great way you can use your writing for your marketing. Test, track, and tweak.

Ruthie: Yes, kind of like the superpower that we talk about a lot. Test, track, and tweak. I like that, and then you said a magic word, a keyword that is going to segue us into your Kingdom Writer’s Conference, and that is “email”. I’m excited about this conference because I get to be one of the speakers and talk about getting your followers on your email list, but why don’t you tell us a little bit more about it and what our listeners can receive from it?

Email marketing for authorsShelley: This will be our fourth Kingdom Writer’s conference, and this one is the email marketing edition. I have been working with authors for a long time, and this is something I see them resist, and I even resisted for a while in my own business. It’s been the number one way that we’ve sold products, books, and programs. It’s sustainable, it works for introverts and extroverts, and you can use your writing to nurture people. We are going to be hosting a free, one-day conference to help writers unlock the power of email marketing to effectively grow their audience, consistently sell more books, and free up valuable time for writing. Email marketing will transform your book marketing.

Social media is rented space. Email marketing is your own.Ruthie: Yes, me too. When you asked me, I was like, “Yes! Email!” Everybody thinks that I love Instagram the most. I study Instagram and I teach it, and I do like it. But what I love is email and I also teach that. As you said, social media is rented space, email is your own. There are so many fun ways to connect with your audience through email. Those are your purchasers. Those are your people.

Shelley: Yes, and there’s this concept of a thousand fans. They say, if you can have a thousand true fans that will buy everything that you offer or that are excited about what you’re doing, you can make a full-time living. You can grow your email list to a place where you’re gathering those people and then you have a way to reach them when you have something new to offer. Not dependent on algorithms, not dependent on if you have the ad spend. You don’t have to spend money to send your email unless you’ve reached a certain number of subscribers and then you’re just paying a monthly fee, but it’s mind-blowing what you can do with email if you will just give it a chance.

Ruthie: Amen, so true. This has been amazing. Y’all follow Shelley. Shelley, where can they find you?

Kingdom Writers Podcast and Social MediaShelley: Yeah, so you’re here, so you’re a podcast listener, so come over to our Kingdom Writers podcast and get connected there. We have a ton of free training for you, and we really try to keep our pieces of training Kingdom-minded. You can find that here. One of those is how to have business meetings with God. You can check that out here.

Listen to what God is calling you to doRuthie: Is there anything else you’d like to tell our audience before we close?

Shelley: Yeah, I just wanna say there are so many voices out there shouting at you. What if you just decided to turn it off and tune into the Lord, what do you have for me right now?

It’s still work, but that work is based upon what God is giving you to do, what he’s leading you to do. Hearing his voice, hearing his promptings, and these things are going to produce eternal results. Yes, you can make some things happen in your own strength (and I’ve done that too), but when you follow the Lord and you’re doing the things he’s leading you to do… mind-blowing.

Shelley Hitz has mentored writers since 2010 from her experience writing 58 books and selling almost 700 million copies. She and her husband CJ are the hosts of the Kingdom Writers podcast and together they create a powerful team to help you accomplish your goals inside their membership Christian Book Academy. They have often been called “pastors for writers.” Find out more at TrainingAuthors.com.

The post Ep. 71: Transform Book Marketing with Shelley Hitz⁠ appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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Welcome back to our entrepreneurial series running all month of February 2023. I’m your host, Ruthie Gray and this is The Authentic Online Marketing Podcast. Today, I’m going to get candid with you about my 5 Tips for Taking The Entrepreneurial Leap of Faith.

*This episode contains either affiliate links or links to my products. Should you choose to purchase, the show will go on! Woo hoo!

Resources CitedLearn more about Authentic Online Marketing School

@authenticonlinemarketingpod on Instagram

The Entrepreneurial Retreat at Trinity

5 Ways Writers Can Make Money with Kent Sanders

Welcome Heart Podcast with Sue Moore Donaldson

A little bit of the background of my entrepreneurial journey. As some of you may know, I am writing a book this year. I’m telling you this so that I will remain accountable. Some of the ideas and background that I’m
going to share with you today is from bare-bones sketches, the very beginnings of my book.
If you read the book, when it comes out, some of this may sound familiar. This is a whole new entrepreneurial journey for me.

If you’re a writer and you’ve written a book, you’re trying to build your platform online, like Instagram. I work with a lot of writers. This is where my expertise comes in. I am both a marketing expert and an author. I have written a couple of eBooks before but this is my first real-life, hold it in your hand…book. It’s not just going to be just an ebook rather it’s going to be a real hard copy. Full-blown launch and all that. I am thankful I know how to market a book.

Authors need social media platformsI’m excited because I already have that foundation laid as far as my platform. This is something that I advise you to have in place if you are at the beginning of writing a book and don’t have a platform yet. If you have already released a book and your platform is a little weak. Do it now. Grow that platform. Here is why…the day that I announced on Facebook, on Instagram that I was going to release a book. I got lots of positive feedback and people saying they want to read the book. That’s because I’ve spent so many years building online communities and developing my platforms. Start now building that community.

Entrepreneurial Leap Now back to today’s topic at hand. In my own entrepreneurial journey, I have had to battle the fear of the unknown. Fearful of what people think of me and fearful of the future. Have even been known to be fearful of what my children think and say about me. In my mind, fear is a kind of force that holds me back from
achieving my goals and living my best life.

I want to overcome this fear, want to be free. If you do too, come along with me. You may think that I’ve already
arrived and that I’ve already conquered my fears. But the truth is. I’ve just faced them and powered through. How am I able to do this? Because I believe this Is where God called me to be. Not because I am a fearless person.

Recently I was interviewed by the lovely Sue Moore Donaldson for her WELCOME HEART: Living a Legacy Life Podcast. Which by the way, is a lovely podcast and very encouraging.

Sue’s question was this: what do you want your legacy to be? And I said I do not want to leave a legacy of fearfulness. I am fearful at my core. My dad was fearful at his core and my grandmother was fearful at her core. Can you see the pattern here? All three of us are basically the same personality type. We are scared. However, we are witty and we love a good laugh. We defer to the louder people and are afraid to express our opinions. Scared to draw a line in the sand. We’re afraid of confrontation. afraid to speak up, to go out, and also afraid of heights.

Breaking the legacy of “scared”Here’s a little bit of background: My dad took a failing grade in his high school speech class because he refused to do a speech. He later became a pastor, preacher, and speaker that was only through the work of the Holy Spirit.
My grandmother, in mid-life, decided to shut down and not go out of the house. No church, no grocery store, no Christmas pageant, even starring her only grandchild yours truly.

Grandma didn’t give me the legacy of confidence to take an entrepreneurial leap. She left me with lots of things. Two of which I own proudly. One is I’m short, just like her. I used to call her grandma tippy toes because one day I came in and she was standing on a chair trying to get into a cabinet in the kitchen and so I called her grandma’s tippy toes. My own grandkids could call me that and the second is a legacy of a great sense of humor.

She also left a legacy of fear. My dad turned the tables and left a legacy of not really being confident, but overcoming fear. Fighting it back with faith. God’s confidence and Holy Spirit infusion, because this is what God asked of him.

Faith Over Fear What if in the second half of life, we don’t give in to our fear? What if we dare to do something we’ve always wanted to do? Learn to knit, try Zumba, go skydiving, or try taking an entrepreneurial leap and build a business. And not just any business, but a business you love. This is what I set out to do, build a business. In the search for legacy because I’d already raised my kids, I started to grow my dreams. My dare, if you will. I dared!

When I answered Sue Moore Donaldson’s question about legacy, I realized so much more. I realized my dreams were rooted in God’s reality. I love my job. Engaging in marketing is basically the opposite of fear. I’m a marketing coach. Most people are afraid to promote themselves. I teach them how to do it in a way that doesn’t feel icky. Doing my own marketing in a way that doesn’t feel icky and I love it.

Marketing is showing, not tellingI know what you’re thinking. You’re asking, “Ruthie, do you really mean you love self-promo?” No, not necessarily. What I love is filling a need that people want, and speaking to their pain points. I am providing a service that they are asking for, whether they know it or not. I’m filling a need. You see, marketing is all about sharing your solution with people and getting them to invest. And by investing, even if you don’t have a product or service. Do you want
them to go somewhere and do something? Click a link to a website, read a blog post, and listen to your podcasts.

Marketing is much more than that. It’s showing not telling. Building confidence, not fear. Earning trust by being good to humans because you are a human. You want others treated as you want to be treated. Marketing doesn’t have to be a hard sell, marketing can be fun. Even the copy, even the sales pages. My mantra is… Authentic Online Marketing is so easy, your mom or Carol Brady can do it. Now that’s funny! (At least the seventies children will think it is.) Marketing can be fun. The fun comes when others realize you have the thing they’ve been searching for. Taking an entrepreneurial leap is easier when it’s fun!

My Story A little bit more background about my legacy in regard to this community and why I’m so passionate about building communities. Believe it or not this did not come easy for me.

My dad was a pastor. Our home surrounded Christ on a daily basis. My parents ministered to others through house calls, prayers, and hospitality. Mom taught me the ABCs of Scripture when I was four. Be kind one to another. My parents were the epitome of what it means to have a church welcome committee. All two of them. They knew how to build community.

Although dad pastored several churches in his lifetime and held special meetings at other churches (see the one about me snoring in the front pew while accompanying him), his longest tenure was at a little country church in the heart of Southern West Virginia. This is where I learned the importance of cultivating community. Dad would stand at the door to grasp a hand and speak encouraging and sometimes witty words as folks mounted the concrete steps and entered the church doors. Meanwhile, mom worked the inside crowd bouncing from pew to pew exclaiming, “We missed you last week!” and connecting with people.

During all those interactions, I was the one sitting on the second row, clipping my nails or reading a book. Talk to people? No, thanks. Sit inside my little corner and answer when spoken to? Yes, please. Only thinking, don’t speak to me unless I like you.

As I said before, My dad was not an extrovert. Remember the failing grade he took in high school speech class?
Mom on the other hand was born with a purse on her arm and a phone in her hand. The woman loves people. In fact, her first love is others. Her second love is connecting with others. She is the ultimate community cultivator. I cringed every time she said, Ruthie, come meet. So-and-so. (“Seriously, I don’t need another person in my life. I have you and dad. And my best friend Mich, that’s enough.”)

Battling introversionBeing an only child didn’t do me any favors in this area for years. Mom battled my introversion like the plague. When I was nine. Mom sent me to summer camp for a week. I did not want to go. I cried I pleaded, and I threw a fit, but I went camping and I hated it. However, she sent me right back to camp the next year and it went a little better. In fact, the year after that I was ready to go and have a good time. I had built a community. From then on, I looked forward to seeing my friends at camp.

Thankfully my mom kept pushing me out of my shell. Some will argue that you shouldn’t push your child to do things that don’t come naturally. I would argue it’s with a larger view in mind that the child’s future potential and legacy are at stake. Years later, I see the value in what she did for me that summer of my ninth year of life. It had a lasting legacy.

The secret sauce to my entrepreneurial leapNow I build communities. Turns out, it’s the secret sauce to my business. Over the past five years, I built a
business that started out with an experiment. The experiment was a success that landed me several contracts until I transitioned into Instagram coaching. Then I transitioned into group coaching. How did I get the guts to make that entrepreneurial leap? The coach of the mastermind saw my potential And suggested it. So I went for it.

I opened a full-fledged, high-level group coaching community. How did I get the guts? By testing new ideas out within the community. Seeing what worked and hiring a long-term coach. Are you seeing a pattern here? Investment is key to advancement in business. When you invest, you commit. And if you don’t use that commitment, it hurts the pocketbook. If you do. It also hurts because it pushes you out of your comfort zone. So, where do you want to be? Stuck floundering on your own? Or, advancing out of your comfort zone.

Walking by faithRemember when God called Abraham to get out of his country, but Abraham had no clue where he was going? That’s the 21st-century walk of faith for the Christian online business owner. Face your fear. And fight back with faith. Cultivate community. Take action and pray.

My book is going to be about how to tie together the various experiences life throws your way. There’ll be some self-help tips in there. It’s going to highlight my story. I know that it will help the midlife mom, the parent, the entrepreneur, or potential entrepreneur, or the marketer. Most definitely the believer that wants to make a difference. Leave a legacy. Take an entrepreneurial leap. Someone who may not want community, or may not even realize she needs community. I want to enlighten her that she does. She may be an introvert, just like me.

In summary. I just want to encourage you. If you are wondering what the second half of life is supposed to look like for you. If you’re a little bit lost, a little bit stuck. Thinking about daring to dream, you’re toying with different ideas. Here are five tips from someone who’s been there right in your place.

5 Tips for Taking the Entrepreneurial Leap of Faith1. Faith over fear.Are you in midlife? You can’t go backward. And now you don’t know what to do to go forward. My favorite verse is when Moses took the Israelites out of Egypt and they were being chased by the Egyptians. God had led them to the Red Sea. Exodus 14: 13-14 says, Moses said to the people, fear not. Stand firm and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. The Lord will fight for you and you have only to be silent. God has a way for you. He will fight for you. But you’ve got to trust him.

Cultivate communityJoin a community, just get into some community.
Weave the threads of your legacyReflect on your past experiences. That will help point you to the next step.
Take the next stepTake action. Move. What is right in front of you that you could do next? I guarantee you there’s something, it might not be the option you want. But it’s there. Do it.
InvestWhat does that look like? It may mean buying yarn materials for your new crochet class that you’re going to take. Maybe, you don’t know anyone in the class, but you know you want to start crocheting. It may mean buying a course or investing in a mastermind or coach. I certainly hope you will consider mine. Authentic Online Marketing School, the perfect blend of Instagram and email marketing. I cultivate community. It’s beautiful. And you’ll get. so much support so you can take your entrepreneurial leap of faith!

Please Leave A ReviewIf you enjoy this podcast. We would really love a review. It gives proof that we are really offering value and it gives us a boost to keep going. When we hear from our listeners, it shows the world that, yes, this is really a valuable show. So, if you wouldn’t mind, just take a minute, tap the five stars, and write a short review. If you sign your name, I will give you a shout-out on Instagram. We would really appreciate it.

Stay tuned for next week’s episode in the entrepreneurial series. It’s the last one called unlocking business growth with book marketing tips with Shelley Hitz. It’s going to be great. Until then be sure to share your message your way. Consistently. In your own authentic voice and don’t give in to fear.

The post Ep 70: 5 Tips for Taking the Entrepreneurial Leap of Faith appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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Welcome back to the Authentic Online Marketing podcast, I’m your host, Ruthie Gray, and all month long we’re covering Entrepreneurial highlights that go with running an online business. Many of our listeners are writers and authors so I know you’re going to especially love listening to 10 Ways Writers Can Make Money with my guest, Kent
Sanders. You’ll learn why he feels so strongly that writers are entrepreneurs, a different mindset about generating funds, and how to develop your writing passion as a way to pay the bills!

dailywriterlife.com https://dailywriterlife.com/

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Ruthie: Welcome to the show, Kent. Tell us a little bit about what you do, your podcast writing, and all the things so our listeners can get to know you.

Kent: Basically, my whole life revolves around writing and books, and there are a few different ways that happen. My main thing and I would say my bread and butter, so to speak, or my day job is that I’m a ghostwriter and I write memoirs. Business books and personal growth books for people.

Kent: I run a membership community called the Daily Writer Club, which is for authors who want to write books, build their writing business, show them that writers can make money and make a bigger impact in the world. Then I also am actually just now launching an upper level mastermind called the Daily Writer Elite Mastermind.
That’s for authors and writers who are already making some income from their business but want to increase it and make a greater impact in the world. Also, I do live retreats as well, so I have a host of things around this daily writer concept.

Ruthie: When did you develop this passion? Or did you al always have a writing passion?

Kent: Yeah, I’ve always loved writing, and even from the time that I was back in junior high school, I loved writing and creating. My favorite teacher’s name was Mrs. Tull, and she was amazing because she was not only a great teacher, but she was also really inspiring. One of the seminal moments in my life. She said, “Kent, I want you to
dedicate your first book to me.” I was, what, 11 or 12 at the time or something. That was such a key moment because I was like, oh wow, somebody implanted the idea in my brain that I could write books and be an author. And I thought about that for about 25 or 30 years.

Ruthie: It’s that mindset thing. That you can actually do this. How did you get all this knowledge?

Kent: In terms of where I am now and how I got here, I would say it’s been a process. Stumbling forward. Started off with blogging and podcasting almost 10 years ago. I think my first podcast was in 2013, which is hard to believe it’s been that long ago. But I wrote my first book and nobody read it or bought it. Maybe 10 people read it if that but it gave me the experience of having written a book and it gave me the joy of seeing a finished product, which was a lot of fun. I went on from there. Began writing more, doing more podcasting, and more freelance work. Over the years, that built into what I have now, which is The Daily Writer stuff, as well as a ghostwriting agency. The hostwriting aspect and the daily writer are currently my containers for my passions and the way that I feel like I can serve people.

Ruthie: Isn’t it fun to be able to do your passion for your work?

Kent: Yeah, I think that’s important. I know there are people who just feel like life is too short to be involved in work that you don’t really like. So many times we get into different types of work, or we take these jobs that we don’t really like because we feel like other people expect us to, or because it’s socially acceptable, or for whatever reasons that we do things that we actually do. However, I think there comes a point in your life where you have to take an honest assessment of yourself and go do what you really enjoy doing.

Ruthie: When Christian writers come to you, what is their biggest hang-up about marketing?

Kent: I would say the number one thing is Christian people, struggle with time and again(I’m painting with a very broad brush stroke here). As a whole, people of faith tend to be very uncomfortable talking about money, and
I think the reason is that we have been taught that money’s bad. It’s not good to want money, that wealthy people are bad or they’re evil, or they’re greedy or whatever.

I thought that way for a long time because I came from the world of church ministry and I worked at a Christian college. There was really an ethos that the more that you’re struggling financially, the more spiritually beneficial that is.

Oftentimes I share something that really impacted me. This has been a few years ago when I still worked at our college. We were doing this big event where we would have all these guys from area churches come in and they would have speakers, take a big offering for the school and things like that. I was standing in our gymnasium and the president of our school at that time was talking about a donor who promised to give a matching gift to the school of up to 40,000, in my mind, I was like that’s a lot of money!

The realization came that if I could be a business person and grow my business to the the point, where I could be the guy who writes a $40,000 check, wouldn’t that be something that was really cool?

Many times there’s a small handful of people who do have money who keep the lights on in those places. And I was like, man, it is good to have funds. It is good to make money and to be generous. Because when you are able to do that then you can really help. There are a lot of good causes. You can give a lot, can establish scholarships for students, or do whatever it is that you want to do. I try to help people of faith see that perspective on things.

Ruthie: Let’s talk about tips for generating funds As a writer, what would your top three tips

Three Writers Can Make Money FastFreelance WorkKent: Number one is just to do some freelance work. I know that sounds really simple, but for me, the number one way that I generated money at the beginning of building a business was just doing freelance work. The very first thing that I did is I wrote podcast show notes for this is a very successful guy in the business world. Probably everybody knows who this guy is. He’s written tons of books. So that’s what I did at the beginning and I loved it and
learned a ton from this gentleman because I was listening to his podcast every week and I was like, That’s cool. His guest would be talking about generosity and business and success and all these things. I found that doing freelance work with the right person actually made me a better business person. The value for me wasn’t just in getting paid for it.

Sell Stuff You Have In Your HomeAnother great way that writers can make money is just to sell some stuff because we all have junk in our houses. You can just go ahead and sell some stuff if you need to hire an editor for your book or a graphic designer or whatever. Just go through your house and sell some stuff. That’s actually how I funded the editing of my second book. I didn’t have the extra money to paint an editor, so I sold a bunch of my books and raised a few hundred dollars and was able to pay for editing that way. That’s so practical.

Stop Spending and Cancel Subscriptions I think the third tip would be just to stop spending money on some stuff, like eating out or canceling some subscriptions that you have. Cancel Netflix for a little while or whatever it is. There are all kinds of ways to generate a few extra dollars. It doesn’t have to be really complex.

Ruthie: Super practical. and probably most people have not thought about just selling their stuff. That brings me to my next question for you. You have, obviously these different hats that you wear. You have the ghostwriting, and then you have your daily writer umbrella of services. How do you market your own writing services?

Kent’s Secret Marketing TipsKent: That’s a really good question, and I would say that. I don’t do any traditional marketing at all for it. It’s all referral and word of mouth.

So I have a little strategy, which seems silly on the surface, but it’s very effective in terms of building a relationship. There’s some cross-pollination between my author coaching and The Daily Writer podcast and the membership group and ghostwriting. But really they’re separate.

In terms of the ghostwriting side of things, my secret strategy is I try to find an excuse to get into people’s mailboxes. What I mean is that I try to find a reason to send a thank you note or to send one of my books. Something in the mail because it’s a really inexpensive way to make a good impression on somebody. It costs what, a couple, two, or $3 for an Amazon author copy of your book, which is really cheap. Costs a few bucks to mail something, and I make my own stationery. This is like super simple. I made this myself. This is my daily writer logo, but it’s just a typewriter.

So this works for ghostwriting stuff too. It just says, from the desk of Kent Sanders, I literally printed this out on my printer. I fold them myself. It’s good to try and find a reason to send people stuff in the mail.

When I have somebody on my podcast I typically send something in the mail to them. A note or a book or something. If I met somebody at a conference, I’ll send ’em a note, or if they’re a client I’ll send them a really nice gift and a note. I just try to find reasons to do some act of kindness. I think that’s effective because most people don’t want to go through the hassle of sending stuff in the mail. Buy mailers from Amazon in bulk. I keep a bunch of stamps. And actually have an account with stamps.com where I post stuff. Get a postage meter, I know how much it weighs. Print out the postage and I put it in my mailbox and it’s really simple.

Ruthie: Yeah, that’s a great tip. I have a big mailing that is supposed to go out, so I’m gonna use that. So you recently got on Instagram. There was a graphic that caught my eye and it was 10 ways to make more money as a writer. Can you briefly speak to those 10 ways?

10 Ways Writers Can Make MoneyKent: I think they’re things that are doable for every author and they’re definitely within reach. Some of them are simpler than others.

Book Sales
Freelance
Ghostwriting
Editing and Publishing Services
Speaking
Coaching
Courses
Products
Memberships & Masterminds
Affiliate Marketing

Ruthie: So you have a membership. Tell us a little bit more about that and how the folks could access that or be involved in that if they wanted.

Kent: It’s called The Daily Writer Club, and this is a membership community that helps non-fiction authors write books and build their platform so they can grow their income and increase their influence and impact.

Essentially, if you’re non-fiction, This community will help you. Number one, it gets around other people who are on the same journey. And that’s half the battle, honestly. It’s not just about knowledge or skills, it’s also about being around a supportive group of people who are running the same race that you’re running and who are going to support you.

That’s huge. We also do weekly life calls. I do teaching almost every week. Sometimes we have guest experts come in. Like yesterday I talked about the power of anti-goals. So not just have goals that you want to accomplish, but what are some things that you need to stop doing to help you become more successful? Stop doing things you don’t want to do, stop committing to extra things, and stop comparing yourself to other people. Those are all things that hinder our success.

We also do a two-hour writing sprint as part of the club. Not everybody does this, but a pretty good chunk of people do. We get on Zoom for a few minutes, then we shut Zoom off, and then we write. Then we check in at the top of the hour, to see how our progress was. We get off Zoom for the next hour. Yeah, it’s really simple. It’s the dailywriterclub.com

Ruthie: Okay. This has all been amazing, Kent. I’m thrilled to share you with our listeners. So tell us, tell the
folks where they can connect with you.

Kent: The best place is to go to my website, which is dailywriterlife.com. Now, if they go to dailywriterclub.com, it really just redirects to dailywriterlife.com to a specific page for the club. Then they can email me at kent@dailywriterlife.com if anybody would like to have to chat or has questions about how to make money writing. Then I do a podcast called The Daily Writer Podcast as well. So as you can see, pretty much it’s all daily writing.

Kent Sanders is the founder of Inkwell Ghostwriting, which helps leaders grow their businesses through books and other content. He is also the author and co-author of numerous books, including 18 Words to Live By: A Father’s Wisdom on What Matters Most and co-author of The Faith of Elvis: A Story Only a Brother Can Tell with Billy Stanley, Elvis Presley’s stepbrother. In addition to writing books for himself and his clients, Kent loves to help other writers. He is the host of the Daily Writer podcast and the founder of the Daily Writer Club, a membership community that
helps writers build a business with their skills. He lives just outside of St. Louis and enjoys spending time with his wife, Melanie, and their son, Ben. You can connect with Kent at kentsanders.net and dailywriterlife.com.

The post Ep. 69: 10 Ways Writers Can Make Money with Kent Sanders appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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For Christian female business owners, the prospects of starting a successful venture can be both exciting and intimidating. And while marketing is a huge part of growing a business, it’s much more than just building a social media presence and email list. The key is finding entrepreneurial ideas that are creative, purposeful, and cost-effective. As you know, entrepreneurial ideas abound for the creative Christian female business owner.

*This episode contains either affiliate links or links to my products. Should you choose to purchase, the show will go on! Woo hoo!

Online business owners wear many hats and it’s hard to discern which one to wear for the day. But even more difficult is choosing a path and sticking to it. Business decisions are hard, and we want to succeed, not throw money down the drain. Whether you’re at the beginning of your career or have been around the block a while, you will enjoy hearing from our special guests and also get a little peek into my own entrepreneurial world.

With an open mind and a willingness to consider new options, Christian female business owners can discover unique opportunities to thrive in their own authentic way.

Are you a Christian female entrepreneur?You’re gonna love our series on entrepreneurship running the whole month of February. Dawn Barton left a thirty-year career in sales marketing as the #7 Sales Director in Mary Kay Cosmetics to follow her calling and write. Her first book, Laughing Through the Ugly Cry, became a best-seller, garnering the prestigious ECPA Christian Book Award for New Author of the Year.

Meet Dawn BartonStunned to be entering her fifties as a successful author, she was inspired to write her second book, My Midlife Battle Cry, urging women to resist the pull of streaming television algorithms and get excited about redefining the mighty second half.

When she’s not smiling at blank pages pretending to write, Dawn is a speaker giving talks about cancer, joy, female empowerment and direct sales She is the podcast host of Porch Ramblings with Dawn Barton, founder of the Retreats at Trinity. She’s living the sandwich-generation dream with her husband, daughter, parents, mother-in-law, and too many animals to count in Cantonment, FL. Retreat at Trinity https://ruthiegray123–dawnbarton.thrivecart.com/retreat-at-trinity-april-21-23/

Ruthie: Tell us a little bit about what you do, Dawn. Your business retreats, books, there are many facets to your life.

Dawn: There are so many facets to what I do today. If you look on Instagram, says I’m an author but being an author is actually not where my heart is. I love it and I acknowledge that it’s a good piece of work. But my love, my
passion this season of my life is hosting retreats and working with women and entrepreneurs. I come from 30-plus years of sales and marketing, and then I pivoted on a fluke into the world of direct sales. And when I left I was the number seven producer out of 600,000 women.

I left that to follow God’s calling, to write a book. Everybody, I thought I had lost my ever-loving mind. Just left and I wrote a book. That book became a bestseller and it worked out okay. But I’m somebody who’s taken huge leaps of faith, I think again and again. Isn’t that what life’s about?

Today, I would say I’m an author, a retreat host, and just a a lover of women, just empowering them to be everything that can possibly be.

Ruthie: Isn’t it interesting how one step builds on another? We were talking a little bit beforehand about this very thing, how you can connect the dots and the threads in your life and you’ve had lots of interesting experiences and then some. You would have a pivot and would decide to write a best-selling book, et al. So speak to that for just a minute.

Building Entrepreneurial Skills Dawn: I think sometimes as we go through life, we believe, I know I certainly did when I was in direct sales, and I would be in it until I retired. That is what I was 100% called to do. Then I heard Steven Feick who was interviewing TD Jakes, and he said, sometimes the thing you think you were created to do for the rest of your life is actually what you needed to do for the next season of your life. Entrepreneurial ideas are important.

I needed to do all of those things I have done in the past. The sales, marketing, the failures, all of the things in Mary Kay Cosmetics. Those things came together when launching my book and putting together launch teams for books. I had so much knowledge and expertise in certain areas that I never thought would’ve played into this world of becoming an author. However, it certainly did. I want women to know that. The thing you’re doing right
now, I promise you, God’s gonna use it as you go further in your business. And even if that’s a failure, he’s gonna use it.

Ruthie: I’ve done a lot of similar things. I was in direct sales with Mary Kay too. I didn’t take it quite to the extent that you did, but I was successful at it. I feel like that is one reason why I do what I do today as far as marketing. So those little dots, add up, don’t they?

Dawn: I do think that’s one of the best training grounds. I believe any top-producing person in any direct sales company could be successful in anything. The training and working with people are phenomenal.

Ruthie: So let’s talk about when you first became passionate about entrepreneurship. How did you realize this passion and how did you gain experience?

Dawn: Part of me was born that way, I didn’t realize it until I worked for other people and I realized I would rather work the old saying, “80 hours a week for me than 40 hours a week for somebody else”. I just liked to work for myself. I really prefer to build something myself and to do something myself versus working for a company. It’s just how I was wired, and then some of that is going to work for other people and realizing you’re just not good at working for people.

I think I really got passionate and really fine-tuned the entrepreneurship thing when I worked with women. That was through Mary Kay, but also through things like leading Life Groups.

Testing Leadership Entrepreneurial Ideas I figured out that I’m a really good leader. Figured out that I’m really bad in the kitchen, but I’m a good leader. I started being able to define what my giftings were as I did that. But working with women definitely came later in life after I figured that one out.

Ruthie: Yeah, you learn as you go. If you take a step and do that thing, then you learn more about yourself than if you just sit around and think maybe I should do this, or maybe I should do that.

Dawn: You go, don’t you? Yeah, absolutely. I think if you can really define the things that you’re good at and embrace that. As women, we’re really bad about acknowledging what we’re good at. Acknowledging where our giftings aren’t is hard too.

Ruthie: Yes. This leads to my next question, which is whether you have to be able to use these entrepreneurial ideas in order to market your business and market yourself. Where did you learn to market?

Dawn: Some of that came from being in the world of sales and marketing, actually doing courses and going through classes and truly educating myself. I don’t think you can ever stop doing that. So first, truly understanding that is a skill and we’re enhancing that skill continually.

Pay Attention to What WorksThe second thing is paying attention to what works. For me, what makes me move? Meaning, if I am online and I am shopping and I am doing things, what are the things that make me move? And I pay attention to that. What did they just show me? What did they talk about that made me move? And then also to listen to my own audience on what makes them move.

If you can really focus on what moves the needle for your own audience, it took me a long time to figure out that. One of my greater gifts in marketing is authenticity. As someone who speaks and talks, every time I tried to become like somebody else and tried to do the way they did, it was really bad. When I would go back to being truly me and authentic when marketing, it really worked.

I would say the greatest skills I have in marketing came from, honestly, training retreats. That was not a plug, but that really worked. Doing Sales and Marketing classes like that worked, Companies would send us away to connect and learn. I also read, and I try to look at things. We’re never done learning.

The Entrepreneurial Journey ContinuesRuthie: We’re never done. I was going to say that too. So it’s a combination of you need to know what’s out there. You need to know the current trends, what’s working with marketing and what isn’t, but also parrot with your own authenticity.

Here at Authentic Online Marketing, we are all about being authentic, leaning into our own unique voice, because that’s how you earn people’s trust, right? Is right through just being you, not being someone else or trying to mimic their own patterns.

When Christian female entrepreneurs come to you, what is their biggest hangup about running their own business?

Dawn: I would say marketing’s a huge one. When I think about when I left the world of direct sales and jumped into this world of being an author and not just being an author, but becoming someone who needed to develop a personal brand and the the publisher wanted me to get all of these followers.

I didn’t know what I was doing and I felt so unbelievably alone. I was 49 or 50 years old when this happened. I felt like I was too old. I felt like a racehorse that had been put out to pasture a little bit. And I wish that I had plugged
into communities and I didn’t. And so I felt alone for a long time.

I think one of the biggest things for entrepreneurial women is that you have to plug in somewhere. To a community of like-minded women because we talk about this thing of being a solopreneur, but I don’t think anybody really needs to be solo. I think you have to have a community of people that you can be frustrated with and talk with, bounce ideas off of when you collectively come together with ideas and frustrations, and cheer
each other on beautiful things happen.

Dawn: So that is my number one thing for female entrepreneurs to find a gang of women. And I think that can be coming from being a part of a marketing group or when you join, stuff like that. But it also can be something, this sounds silly, but there are groups and churches that are like entrepreneurs. Just get creative, and fight for yourself really hard because your business depends on it.

Ruthie: We think we don’t really have time in the online world because we have so many tasks. There’s email marketing. There is building a platform, and there are promos but all of that goes so much better when you have
community.

Community Sparks Entrepreneurial IdeasDawn: I think my business would’ve built probably six months faster. Had I not been so determined to do every stinking thing on my own and actually just reached out to other women who were in the same position.

Ruthie: I feel like a lot of times writers especially have this hangup because they are so passionate about their words and their books that they know that they need time to really work on it and cultivate their craft so they think they really don’t have time to develop the community or the social aspect

Really, it really works to your advantage because if you network, then that’s like your launch team there. Those are your people, and it’s just a whole other facet that is super important.

The whole point of social media is to be social. And I hear a lot of writers say, I don’t have time to be social because I need to write my book. In other words, you got to have some balance.

Dawn: Which I need. It’s nice to have a BU publisher breathing down your neck saying, “You gotta build a following”.

Ruthie: What would you say, Dawn, are your top three tips for running your own business?

3 Wisdom Proof Entrepreneurial Ideas Dawn: The tips usually come from where we failed, right?

Listen to your gutSome of my biggest failures went against what my gut was telling me to do, and I did the thing
because I thought it was what I was supposed to do versus what my gut was telling
me to do, and I knew in my heart.
Hire helpYou cannot be and do all things. And I don’t mean you need a full-time employee. You can hire someone to do the small things. If you wanna focus on your business more and let some of the house stuff go, I’m a big advocate of it.
Community The third thing is that you need to have a community. You can go a lot further with other people that you’ve linked arms with than you can a lot of times on your own.

Ruthie: Amen to that. There are so many varying tasks aren’t there,
that someone else could do.

Dawn: I happen to be in a season, in my life where I am taking care of my mother a great deal. I just don’t have the bandwidth to be able to do both well. So I have hired someone to come pick up the social media piece because I just can’t do it all. I know that it’s for a season and for a little bit, but my business cannot handle me dropping the ball right now.

Ruthie: Let’s talk a little bit about your retreats. You run retreats at your home, and I just want to hear a little bit more about that. How did that come about and what does that entail?

Dawn: The original retreats came out of a season of completely, totally, and utterly flailing for me. I was 50 years old. My world had dramatically changed from running at 90 miles an hour within Mary Kay cosmetics to a complete halt.

I went into this caretaking role and I felt a little invisible. I felt like the world had forgotten me. I was a little unclear about who I was anymore. All of the things that happened during our midlife come apart, shall we say? That’s how the retreat was born.

Equipping Women with Entrepreneurial IdeasThe most requested thing became entrepreneurial retreats. That was what people wanted for entrepreneurs because that was my background. I decided to launch it!

I’m excited for our next retreat In April, Ruthie, where you will be one of our incredible mentors. The retreat will focus on the whole of the woman, with the foundation on Christianity.

How do we come together? I only allow 15 people at a time, and we have seven mentors, so we have seven experts in their fields. I wanted to bring women together in a place where they can learn from the frustrations I have had over the years in my business.

I wanted to bring together women in an intimate space and introduce somebody from branding, marketing, and sales. I have somebody who, she’s an unbelievable life coach. She’ll just rock your world.
There will be e-commerce and so much more! talking about all those different facets of entrepreneurship but in a really tight, intimate setting.

Ruthie: And really, if you are starting your business, if you’re making it legal or if you’re in the beginning, exploratory stages even. This is a fantastic opportunity to take advantage of Dawn. And I think it’s even for the person who’s maybe had their business for a couple of years, and they know that they’re missing those pieces.

Dawn: They have a few of the things going, but they can’t seem to bring it all together in a really solid way. I think that’s what we’ll be able to offer.

Dawn: When I was choosing mentors, I was so convicted about having women that I know are brilliant at what they do but who also are incredible teachers. They know they have the ability to love a woman. There’s a quality needed, they have the ability to love another woman, and God is at the foundation of their business. It will be an incredible time. It’ll be on April 21–23, 2023.

Participants will have access to pristine, gorgeous, crystal-clear beaches. We happen to live on 23 acres and
the property is called Trinity. Everything for the retreat is at Trinity. We have horses. We’re very blessed to have
a beautiful property, and then everyone spends the night in a hotel. Everything is included in the tickets. So it’s three days of getting away, recharging, pivoting from the place that you are and just leaving passionately on fire and clear on the next step steps of your business.

The Retreats at Trinity for entrepreneursRuthie: Go look at the website and what Dawn has to offer because it’s amazing! It’s an intimate setting where you can get personal feedback. You’re not just going to listen to all of us talk, there is a connection and then you
go do your thing. We’re having an intimate time together.

Dawn: You go home to sleep and then you’re back with me to boost your entrepreneurial ideas. We have it catered the entire time. I believe it’s unique. I’ve gone to 50 million retreats and conferences and all that. One of the things that I always wanted and needed was margin throughout the day to process, but also to sit with the experts and talk things through, “Here are my pain points, please help.”

Ruthie: I can’t wait to read it. Dawn, tell the folks where they can connect with you online. Absolutely. Online. The website is dawnbarton.com https://dawnbarton.com/
And then on Facebook and on Instagram, it’s @DawnRBarton. Okay. And I am the one that answers everything.
I would love to hear from you. So just reach out and connect with me.

Dawn is such a joy-filled personality. Y’all are gonna love getting to know her. I know I have. Can’t wait for this retreat. Now, go to the website. And Dawn, thank you so much for being with us today.

DAWNBARTON
AUTHOR | SPEAKER | JOYOLOGIST
online: www.dawnbarton.com
Facebook: @dawnrbarton https://www.facebook.com/dawnrbarton
Instagram: @dawnrbarton https://www.instagram.com/dawnrbarton/?hl=en
phone: 850.525.9595

The post Ep. 68: Wisdom Proof your Entrepreneurial Ideas with Dawn Barton appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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While it’s no secret Instagram LOVES to throw us all the curveballs, I do love a
handful of the features they’ve rolled out. Here they are, from Marsha groovy
to…well…Farrah’s hair. (And let’s be honest, we all wanted Farrah’s hair, am I
right?) Let’s get started with the top 5 Instagram Features!

*This episode contains either affiliate links or links to my products. Should you choose to purchase, the show will go on! Woo hoo!

Top 5 Instagram Features for Marketers in 2023Pinned Posts By far, my most “Marsha” type feature, pinned posts make it easier to
showcase our recent, best, or time-sensitive content. You may recall we used
this feature extensively during our Instagram Story Challenge. Use it like a gallery if you’re taking a break, however, if you’re still hanging out and
you’d like to learn more about pinned posts, listen to episode 53, “What to do
with Pinned Posts on Instagram”. https://authenticonlinemarketing.com/ep-53-what-to-do-with-pinned-posts-on-instagram/

If you’re thinking of taking an Instagram break, listen to episode 38, “When to
take a break from Instagram”. https://authenticonlinemarketing.com/break-from-instagram/ Even though the Instagram story challenge is over, we’ll host one again in 2023, in the meantime for more Instagram story ideas, listen to Episode 56 for Easy Instagram story ideas. https://authenticonlinemarketing.com/easy-instagram-story-ideas/

Ep 58 Tips for Repurposing stories https://authenticonlinemarketing.com/repurposing-instagram-stories/

Stories to Market Workshop: https://ruthiegray.lpages.co/stories-to-market/

Pinned Comments Accolades of your service, product, book, or podcast go here! People notice
that first comment and oftentimes it sets the pace for more positive vibes.

After all, who doesn’t like being featured? It’s a great way to show
appreciation for your followers and build your (groovy) community! To pin a
comment, simply slide the comment to the left (gently – so you don’t delete it),
and click on the grey pin icon (NOT the delete icon).

Repurposing Stories to ReelsThis feature rolled out right at the end of October which was very convenient
for our story challenge participants! We were able to repurpose many of those
30-day stories into Reels and y’all know I’m all about repurposing!

Once you post a story, you’ll notice the Reel icon at the bottom. And as you know, stories are
archived after 24 hours, but you can head to your archived stories and still hit that Reels icon to
repurpose at any time! Episode 58: 7 tips for repurposing stories, will help you with this, and for further help,
worksheets, and a walkthrough of decoding story analytics, you can grab our Stories to Market
self-paced Workshop. https://authenticonlinemarketing.com/shop/

Story Links Still relatively new, this feature by far is the best thing Instagram has done for
users in a long while. Many followers may not take the time to tap over to your
bio, click the link, and find the certain information they’re looking for (hat tip to
creating EASY to-access links). They’re much more prone to tap into the link
in your stories. However, I’ve had great success with story links. Use them for your podcast, newsletter,
events, and products.

Story and Reels Captions Most importantly, one of the first things I learned about Instagram videos is that most people don’t
watch with the sound on. Marketers compensated by typing in the text, but then
Instagram added the captions sticker in stories which was a huge time saver.
Later, they added caption options to Reels. If you’re not using captions in your
Instagram video, start doing it, so you can maximize your follower traffic.

There you have it, the rundown of my top 5 favorite 2023 Instagram Features. In conclusion, remember that
Pinned posts are for showcasing your best work, pinned comments for social proof,
Repurposing stories to Reels for less headache with the creation process, links in
stories for easy access for followers, and video captions for those who keep the
sound on mute.

Which one is your favorite? Or do you have another feature you love? Head
over to my Instagram @authenticonlinemarketingpod https://www.instagram.com/authenticonlinemarketingpod/?hl=en and message me with your
favorite feature and I’ll add it and tag you in my stories!

Thanks for listening today, be sure to tap into the show notes so you can take
advantage of the episodes and resources I mentioned today, including our
Stories to Market Workshop which you can access right away!
Until next week, remember to share your unique message your way in your own authentic voice!

The post Ep. 67: Top 5 Instagram features for marketers in 2023 appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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Today’s masterclass is on how to grow followers and make sure they stick around! I’m sharing 7 ways to reach new followers who want and need your content. (You know – the authentic ones!) Now, here is an important truth. In order to reach new followers you have to get out of your comfort zone.

It’s that time of year again, The Authentic Instagram Engagement Facebook Groth Challenge January 23-27! Be sure to join the Facebook group where we’ll have prizes, drawings, engagement and share threads, and tips for how to grow your following authentically so they’ll stick around for more of your content! You will grow followers this week, make new friends and form new colleagues, so go ahead and request to join our Authentic Instagram Engagement group.

https://authenticonlinemarketing.com/?p=84406

Instagram Growth Challenge and Facebook Group: https://creative-creator-6398.ck.page/d703bbe991

7 Ways to Reach New Followers

Hashtags

Interestingly these are not necessarily hashtags about your industry. For example, I can hashtag content marketing and email marketing all day long, but that is not where my people are. My people are actually caregivers, they’re empty nesters. I use that kind of hashtags, and I also add hashtags to my stories, people get to know you well through your stories, that said, hashtags need to be targeted toward your ideal customer avatar and your industry. Niching down with your hashtags does not exclude other people, they will still come. Just because you’re focused on that one niche doesn’t mean only the empty nesters are going to be attracted. I have plenty of younger women who come to me, They hate social media and they just, want someone authentic that will show them what to do and help them strategize.

Know who your target audience is and use their hashtags. What hashtags are they using? Are you trying to teach people how to grow plants? Then those are the kind of hashtags that you need to be using, things about nature. If you are trying to teach young women who are rearing toddlers how to have time in the Word, then you really need to be hashtagging toddler moms. and toddler mom struggles, not just time in the word, not just prayer time, because chances are the toddler mom and the mom with the struggles. She is not hashtagging your hashtags. Make sure to search hashtags in explorer. You can Tab too to find new ones. Just make if you have a smaller account, just keep them under 10,000. Five to 10,000 is probably best for you.

Friends of Friends

Find new audience members by looking at your friends on Instagram, friends (Her audience members). If you have a good friend that you follow and, you really like her on Instagram, then go check out her followers. The next step is to regularly comment on her posts. Go check them out. If they seem like your target audience or someone that you feel would be a good colleague or someone that you wanna get to know better, follow them, and leave some valuable comments on their posts.

Facebook Groups

Facebook groups are another place to find new people. There are tons of social media Facebook groups, there are even Facebook groups for Christian bloggers. Facebook groups, often have share threads once a week. That’s a good opportunity to make those new connections. This is about finding new people. Just pick one group so if you’re doing the share threads you have time to do these other suggestions that I talked about.

Search Bar

Search bar topics that are pain points of your customer avatar. Find those topics and look for people who are posting about those things. They are not the answer people. They’re the question people. Go check them out to see if they’d be your ideal avatar. You absolutely must engage and you must be social in order to gain Followers.

Read Comments

And here’s a pro tip on your friend’s post or an Instagram follower’s post, read down through the comments. Every once in a while I’ll do this and see if there’s somebody there that you seem like would be a good potential follower or colleague. I start a conversation with her and say: “Say, me too. I can’t stand my dog barking all night”, or whatever the conversation is about. I’ve made some new friends and followers through doing that. Be authentic. You’re not trying to monopolize that person in the comment thread. You’re not trying to take away from the original post. If you do this, please like and comment on the original post before you go talking to other people.

Collabs

Collabs are all the rage! Reels and collaborations are ways you can collaborate with one another. Friend on Instagram and the reel will go in her feed and it will also go in your feed and you’re both. Your names will be at the bottom. Fantastic, right? Live collabs, same thing. You will be able to see collab on her account and your account. A joint Instagram live session is another idea. You can also collab on a static post or a carousel. Here’s another simple thing. Share others’ posts, that compliment your brand or that really resonate with you. The way you do that is to hit the arrow right down there at the bottom of the reel or post and share your stories. The more you give, the more you get.

Comments

Answer all your comments on a post or reel. Oh my goodness, don’t just like the comment. People want to be seen. They need to feel like their comment Is important. If they took the time to make a comment on your Instagram, please comment back. and validate that person. Any comments count, no matter the number of characters. It used to be you needed to write more than seven characters. Now they all count including emojis. This can make your engagement time go faster.

However, you still want to present yourself as authentic. Maybe you’re not into small talk. I’m not usually, if it’s someone that I engage with regularly, I might make the comments shorter, but not always. Take time for at least two value comments when you are engaging, even if you’re engaging for 15 or 20 minutes that day.

Multiply New Authentic Followers

If you want to reach new “real”, authentic followers who want your content and are going to stick around this is how you do it, my friend. This is the long game. The one that builds, one friend at a time. There are other ways to build followers quickly, but they also oftentimes don’t bring the right followers, the dedicated ones you need. You can use a combination of quick followers and long-game followers, I’m not saying don’t try that route. But do treat your followers and potential followers as people and not just a number.

You’re Invited

Please join The Authentic Instagram Engagement Facebook Groth Challenge! There will be prizes, drawings, engagement and share threads, and tips for how to grow your following authentically. You will grow followers this week, make new friends and form new work colleagues, so go ahead and request to join our Authentic Instagram Engagement group. Click HERE!

BONUS TIP OF THE WEEK

Join our Facebook Community because That’s the very first way you’re going to start building real followers that stick around in 2023. If you’re already part of the group, please share it with a friend and tag me @authenticonlinemarketingpod on Instagram so we can get more quality community members which will turn into more quality followers for you!

Until next week, remember to share your message your unique way in your own authentic voice (and join the challenge)!

The post Ep. 65: 7 Ways to Reach New Followers appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

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Honest Marketing YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@honestmarketingpodcast

YouTube is the second largest search engine next to Google. Many of our listeners and followers are growing their own podcasts or Instagram platforms which largely involve video marketing. And I’m all about repurposing video content to grow an audience. That’s why I’m excited to share my guest today Travis Albritton, host of the Honest Marketing Podcast.

Travis has launched more than a dozen podcasts. He has spent almost 4 years as the Head of Content at Buzzsprout producing their YouTube channel. He is the founder of Honest Podcasts, a full-service podcast production agency serving Christian-owned businesses and specializing in high quality video podcasts. We are going to chat about building a strong YouTube presence!

Ruthie: Let’s talk about YouTube. When did you first realize you had a knack for video production and specific?

Travis: So it’s funny, most creators that I know are like overnight successes, seven years in the making. And I would say that’s probably true for me. It took a while to even figure out I was good at it or enjoyed it. Starting a podcast is relatively easy. You just need a microphone, no way to record things and you can post it. So video, you add the extra layer of, I need to also look good while I’m saying things. Whereas if it’s just audio only, you could be in your PJs and nobody even knows.

Repurposing Video Content from Podcast Recordings for YouTubeTravis: I worked at a company called BuzzSprout, which does podcast hosting. If you’ve ever searched for “how to start a podcast”, you may have seen my face on the internet already. I did that for four years, but we noticed that there weren’t a lot of companies teaching podcasting on YouTube. We saw an opportunity since there really wasn’t a lot of competition yet. We got ahead of the curve and positioned Buzz Sprout as the educator of the world for free podcast content.

The very first video I did was a microphone review. It’s a proof of concept to see how would we actually make this video using the resources we have. That was enough to commit to a short period of six months to see what else could we create on YouTube.

We started by taking an audio podcast and simply setting up a camera in the corner. Then we recorded me recording the audio podcast.

We had some strategies behind that and over time started trying different techniques. My team and I learned things about editing and picked up skills over time. Eventually, Buzz Sprout had built one of the largest YouTube channels on podcasting.

Any kind of platform you build is very slow going in the beginning. Not many people know what you’re doing. The strategy is a little bit different when you’re first getting started versus when you have an established audience. But you stick with it and outlast people, which the biggest metric of success is how long have you’ve been doing it.

Then you can create something really meaningful.

How to start a YouTube channelRuthie: If I wanted to start a YouTube channel and transition my podcast content there, what would be some of the first simple things that I would need to do to set up to maximize my reach and time?

Travis: When you’re first getting started, it’s really thinking video by video. What is something that people are looking for? That’s where search engine optimization and search traffic and traffic volume become important. Because if 5 million people a month are looking for how to grow an Instagram account.

That’s a lot of people that you can get in front of versus how many captions do I use? Maybe that’s 5,000 people a month searching for that. And maybe that’s a video worth making. But after I make this other one where more people have an intent to find this information.

YouTube is where people go for tutorialsYouTube is still very much a search engine. It’s the number two search engine in the world behind Google.com. When anyone wants to look for a tutorial or a step-by-step guide, YouTube is where they go.

I would first think through what is the goal of the channel? Is it to grow your business? Maybe to shift people over to your podcast or your email newsletter? Perhaps to sell them products and really identify like what are the core problems you solve for? Not what products do you sell, but what are the problems that you’re fixing in people’s lives?

That’s all a business is, you’re giving me money to fix something for you. And the value of that thing getting fixed is more than what you’re giving me in exchange. Think about what problems you solve for people. And then what are the kinds of questions that people ask around those problems?

Start with the problem you solveIn my business, it’s how do I start a podcast for my business? Or how do I start a branded podcast? Or how do I do content marketing for my business? With my YouTube channel and the content I create, those are all videos that I want to make. Because those are the things that people are looking for. I can throw my name out there and say, I have an answer for you, that’s how people find me.

Now, the YouTube algorithm is the other piece where they’re suggesting your video based on what other people have watched. And that’s not necessarily something you have control over. When I look at my own stats the videos that have done exceptionally well are not the ones I would’ve picked.

Show viewers you have the answers to their problemThat’s the first thing to think about is what problems can you solve for people. Questions that they have that can give them confidence that you can help them with other problems that they have.

YouTube Shorts and Instagram ReelsRuthie: Something that is really easy to do is make a short reel on Instgram, or a story then transition that over into a YouTube short. Do you feel like those are pretty valuable? Is that a smart strategy?

Travis: Absolutely. Instagram and YouTube and TikTok all have they all have the same form factor.

It’s a vertical video, typically 16:9 aspect ratio. And they have various limitations on the length of the video but typically shorter is better. Because what matters to those platforms is percent consumed, average percentage consumed. For YouTube, if you have a one minute YouTube Short and somebody watches 30 seconds, to YouTube that’s 50%.

That’s the number they’re looking at. If you have a 22 second video and someone watches 21 seconds their percentage is 95%. YouTube says that’s a winning video because somebody watched it almost all the way through on average. Shorter ends up being better on YouTube.

And in the same way that Instagram is really leaning into Reels, YouTube is certainly leaning into shorts. There is an opportunity to have a short go viral related to the other content that you have. But you do want to have both YouTube shorts and long form content that goes more in depth.

What to include in a YouTube ShortRuthie: When you post a short, let’s say you are repurposing, what’s the most important thing to include with that? A title and maybe a description? Do we use hashtags?

Travis: Make the title a hook. Because whatever the hook is, that’s going to get someone interested in watching the video. Most shorts are watched on mobile devices, so it’s going to take up the whole screen.

It’s not going to be a traditional YouTube experience on a desktop and you see all this information around it. It’s just going to be the video itself and then a little title at the bottom. Those are the things that matter, the hook of the title and the hook of the video.

The description? Not as important. Hashtags, not as important for shorts. YouTube is just looking at what percentage of this video was consumed on average by this initial audience. And then who are other people that share those qualities that may be interested in this video as well.

That’s really where YouTube shorts optimization kicks in. So it’s not search based, it’s not based on your subscribers. YouTube is really using this as a TikTok copy. Creators that are in the know encourage you to do both kinds of content.

YouTube for CommunityRuthie: One of my mantras here at Authentic Online Marketing is Community grows opportunity. Is it possible to grow community with a YouTube channel?

Travis: Absolutely. The YouTube comment section is a really great place to build community on the internet. Use calls to action in your videos. Tell people to leave comments, asking specific questions, and then reply to those comments.

You also want to convert it into a community that you own. In the same way you encourage people on Instagram to join your email list, do the same for YouTube. You want the call to action to be, “Let’s go from YouTube to somewhere where we can have a more intimate conversation without having to fight with an algorithm in the middle”.

Encourage engagement on your YouTube channelYouTube loves to see lots of likes, lots of comments on videos. That tells them, Oh, this is not just a video. People are actually engaging and interacting here. Reply to people’s comments on your video within 24 hours. That shows them you’re actually there and you actually heard what they said.

But on a practical note, it doubles in number of comments you have on your video . And so if 20 people leave comments and you leave 20 replies, that’s 40 comments. Yeah. That’s one metric that YouTube uses to decide if is this a cool a video worth sharing outside of your current audience.

What to Include with a Repurposed Podcast onto your YouTube channelRuthie: We have several podcasters listening. I know there is a big wave towards repurposing Zooms over onto a YouTube channel. If I did that, what would be the important things for me to include?

Travis: A mistake people make starting a video podcasts is: How do I make my video podcast less podcasty? How do I make it more like a talking head YouTube’s tutorial with a vlog of me walking my dog?

You are basically video recording a talk show like a Joe Rogan style podcast. It’s not edited in any particular way. Just him talking to a person and there happens to be video cameras in the room

Often people will actually start the podcast and then put it over on the side. They’ll listen to it while they do other things.

How it looks is not as important as if you were trying to build a YouTube channel just for YouTube and you’re not trying to repurpose it. Okay.

Posting that to YouTube is a great way to start repurposing your content. You’re not trying to create a whole other system of processes and extra hoops to jump through to create content. That just discourages you for making things.

Repurposing to your YouTube Channel from Other PlatformsTravis: So that’s, that’d be the first piece of advice is just turn on a webcam.

Use the camera on your phone and capture some video as you’re recording your podcast the way you normally do. And then just upload it to YouTube and see what happens. Cause it’s just exposure that you weren’t getting before. Like it’s right. Let’s say you get 100 downloads an episode. Then put it on YouTube and get 10 views. That’s 10 more people than you had before. All you’re doing is putting it on one more platform.

YouTube is another platform to place your PodcastSo I see it more as instead of just being an Apple podcast, Spotify and Google Podcast. Now you discover this place called Overcast and you get it in there as well. YouTube is just one more distribution platform. For your content. Turn your camera on so it’s not just a still image with audio in the background. That will perform better on YouTube.

For my podcast and for my clients, we just record online and use one camera. Whether that’s a web camera or a professional camera. We upload it, and we publish it. Because when people are listening to a podcast on YouTube, it’s for the content.

They’re there to get information. They want to take part in the conversation. And there are some really big podcasts on YouTube have a hundred thousand subscribers.

Using Zoom for your YouTube videosAnd it’s just like Google Hangouts. For Zoom. It’s not even a really professional setup. It’s just them recording their Zoom meeting and uploading it, but people listen to it. People watch it because the content is valuable. So you’re not competing with content that’s YouTube specific. It’s offering.

YouTube can share your podcast to any deviceThe beautiful thing about YouTube is that it works on every single device. Which is always the hard thing with sharing a podcast episode. Instead of, “Do you use Spotify?”, “Do you use Google Podcast?”. Let me find the very specific app you actually use and send you that one. It’ll work for every device that’s connected to the internet can get to YouTube. So that also becomes a really easy link to share that will work for everybody.

Ruthie: My very first podcast that I listened to was on YouTube. It wasn’t even video. It was just a picture of the host and I could listen to her.

Travis’s Tip 3 Tips for marketing on your YouTube ChannelRuthie: What are your top three tips for the entrepreneur who wants to market on YouTube?

Growing on YouTube takes time. Be patient.Travis: Tip one is be patient. It takes time to grow a YouTube channel, it usually takes quite a while to build momentum. That’s just because you’re planting a new flag in the soil.

I would look at YouTube as a one-year experiment. If you haven’t done it before, commit to one year of content. Ride the highs and the lows. You’re going to have some videos that do really well. You’re going to have months where like nothing good happens, and you’re like, Why am I even doing this?

But look at it a year at a time. Because then you’ll notice you spent this much time this year making content for YouTube. Ask not only if the YouTube channel has grown. Also ask how has it impacted you and your skills. Has it improved the way you deliver content, communicate effectively, basically practice public speak.

Every single video you make for YouTube is really valuable as a business owner. Being able to engage with people and explain your ideas in ways that people can understand them. And then you’ll start to see some larger trends, right? So how is YouTube performing versus your podcast or versus your Instagram?

Have a long term vision for your YouTube channelIf if you’re looking at this from a long term view, then that gives you the ability to be patient and to not compare yourself to creators that have been doing it for several years.

Cause that’s the other thing too, is you start to compare yourself with your competition or other YouTube creators and you think, Man, they’ve got 250,000 subscribers. I’ll never get there. It’s like, yeah, but they started with zero one time too.

If you publish consistency consistently, you still don’t have a thousand subscribers at the end of that, but you’ll have a couple of videos that pop off and do well where you’re getting 5,000, 10,000 views. And once that video is there, it continues to work for you.

So I think the other thing about YouTube is you’ll still have people watching videos that are 5, 6, 7, 8 years. Whereas you don’t necessarily get that with social media, you definitely don’t get that where everything lives for 24 hours and then it’s basically irrelevant.

Those are all benefits that you get by starting YouTube and then sticking with YouTube long enough to see if it’s going to move the needle for your business.

2. Start creating YouTube videos with the gear you haveTravis: The second thing I would say is, don’t get too wrapped up in the gear. That can be very overwhelming thinking like, I need to be a videographer, I need to be a video editor, need to learn how to use like these professional software, I need to become a graphic designer so I can make thumbnails, I need to become a copywriter so I can create engaging headlines.

And now you’re wearing the hats of five people all at once and giving yourself no slack for being in the beginning stage of this process.

And so just use what you have. If you have a phone, those cameras are actually pretty good nowadays. And so you can use that to record video. If you have a webcam, you can pop open Zoom. If you have a MacBook, you can use QuickTime, which is an app that’s already installed, and to record video that way.

And post that to YouTube. You can also live stream into YouTube, either on YouTube or using a platform like Riverside or StreamYard. If you wanna do webinars for your students and you live stream it. That’s another way to create content so don’t get so wrapped up in the gear. Just start with what you have, and then over time, add one piece here and there.

Do YouTube shortsTravis: And then the third piece of advice that I would say is make sure you do YouTube shorts, just on a very practical level.

Most of my top performing videos are shorts. Now the engagement’s different, right? So someone might watch 20 or 30 seconds of a short versus four to five minutes of a long form video, but they’ll get 10 to 20 times as many views.

If you’re wanting to capitalize on what’s working on YouTube right now, they’re pushing shorts really hard and they’re in talks of making podcasts. And audio content more a central part of the platform. And so everyone in the industry is waiting for them to announce what the final version of that looks like.

But if you go on the YouTube explore page, you’re going to see a tab for podcasts and that’s relatively new. Stay on top of what new thing YouTube is doing. Cause typically that’s the thing they’ll want to lean into as far as just here’s some extra impressions.

And right now that’s shorts and very soon podcasts will be a new part of the platform as well.

YouTube for MonetizationRuthie: Do you think that YouTube is a substantial platform for generating funds?

Travis: Most creators do not become rich with ad sense. When people think about monetizing a YouTube video, they think I get the channel large enough that brands and companies will spend money to show a video in front of my video or show a banner under the video.

But typically it’s how do you build an audience and then point them to other products, other services that you offer? My monetization strategy with YouTube is not YouTube ads. It’s how do I create content that resonates with my ideal client, so then they give me money to provide a service.

That’s how I monetize. My YouTube channel has nothing to do with YouTube at all. YouTube is just a platform I’m using to get the content out there. It’s not zero, but it’s not going to make you rich is the answer.

Ruthie: But it can be a good avenue to push more potential audience. A larger audience towards your product or your service, or your book, or your platform, whatever it is that you’re trying to grow.

Travis: Think about it more like a megaphone on the internet you can use to tell people what you do, and then a certain percentage will become customers or clients of yours. That’s the best way to monetize YouTube.

So see it as a benefit, as a bonus if you get some money from YouTube ads, but I would not make that the focus.

The Honest Marketing Podcast and Honest Podcasting Ruthie: Tell us a little bit about your podcast and about your company.

Travis: Honest Marketing is the podcast that I launched that is mainly focused on business owners and entrepreneurs that want to learn proven strategies to grow their business without selling their souls so you don’t have to grow at the expense of your values. You can make a really great business that serves people and that service-oriented nature comes through, not just in the products that you sell, but how you sell them.

That’s the tension that as Christian entrepreneurs, we have to hold, and that’s what the podcast is about, what are the things working that you can implement and feel really great about them? And that’s really the focus. We talk about content marketing, podcasts, YouTube, Copywriting, how to create a profitable Facebook ads campaign and really bringing in experts from all different facets. So no matter where you are in your business, you’ll get something valuable out of it.

How Honest Podcasts can help your business’ podcastMy company, Honest Podcasts, is a service to businesses that want a branded podcast. They want a podcast that represents them and connects with their listeners. Or they use it as a networking tool to interact with clients if they’re B2B focused.

I do basically do all the production for them. We do audio video, repurposing blog content, social media, content, all the things that you would want to create a podcast that is building momentum and using that content in different ways. So that’s the company piece that pays for the podcast.

If you are a business owner and you’re thinking, “I think I want to start a podcast,” I want to do a video podcast of you more than happy to help you out. And even if you don’t become a client of mine, I’m more than happy to point you in the right direction so you can at least get the next steps for you to start.

Ruthie: Cause you’re an honest marketer.

Travis: And so part of it is just having that kind of abundance mindset that I’m more than happy to turn people away from my business if it’s going to be in their best interests as opposed to mine.

It’s about how can I use my business as a way to serve people and serve business owners? And sometimes that means not doing business with me, and I feel really good about that.

Connect with TravisRuthie: Where do you want people to connect with you?

Travis: Go to the Honest Marketing YouTube channel.

I’ll give you a link that you can put in the show notes. They can click over there and leave a comment on one of the videos. And I’d love to interact and answer any questions that you have. You’ll see Ruthie’s episode up there soon too. Maybe comment on that one. Give that one a little extra boost so I can get some more.

Ruthie: Thank you so much for spending time with us today, Travis. We sure do appreciate you being here and sharing all of your knowledge about YouTube with the folks.

Honest Podcasts: honestpodcasts.com

Honest Marketing (audio podcast): https://www.buzzsprout.com/1907341

Honest Marketing YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@honestmarketingpodcast

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Note: this podcast episode will officially launch January 2, 2023. Make sure you’re subscribed the Authentic Online Marketing podcast so you can listen in when it’s published!

On this episode our discussion and data for 2023 Instagram trends was pulled from the 2023 Instagram Trends Report & Arisen.

Our guest today is Sara Motes. She’s been on the show before to talk about all things Pinterest.
Listen here:
https://authenticonlinemarketing.com/pinterest-search-engine/

Ruthie: We’re chatting about some 2023 Instagram trends to watch for. Things that you can practically use with your content this year. My special guest is Sara Motes and she’s going to talk us through some of the research, based on the recent Instagram trend report.

Gen Z preferences dictate 2023 Instagram trendsIt’s no secret that Gen Z dictates 2023 Instagram trends because that’s who Instagram is targeting. If your core audience isn’t Gen Z (especially if that’s not your core audience) you are going to want to pay attention to this information. It’s the key to how Instagram will share your content.

Just know upfront that we are not saying you have to cater to Gen Z. We’re saying it’s going to go better for your content if you can sift through the information and use what’s available and comfortable for you to use. And here’s the good news, Instagram is heavily pushing community and connection.

And here at Authentic Online Marketing, we’re all about community. Why?

Sara: Community grows Opportunity.

Ruthie: Without further ado, we give you the 2023 Instagram trends to leverage for building your following.

Sara, take it away.

Sara: We got a lot of juicy things here as far as trends go.

As Ruthie already mentioned, a lot of the 2023 Instagram trends are really targeted toward Gen Z. Reason being, they need to get younger people onto the app in order for the app to continue to thrive. That just makes sense.

Also, let’s define Gen Z real quick. Gen Z is anyone born from 1997 through 2012. Think about that generation in this report. We’re not really talking about new features coming up on Instagram, just trends.

There’s not really a lot of life-changing, new features coming up. You already know how to do reels. Continuemaking Reels, but your content is going to need to be tweaked or shifted a little bit to go with these 2023 Instagram trends, specifically targeted toward Gen Z now.

For most of y’all listening to the podcast, Gen Z is not your target audience. However, if you want to continue to get more eyeballs on your content, you’re going to need to shift a few things. What does Gen Z like even if you don’t have a Gen Z-er in your life? Here’s a quick insight into the way their brains work.

2023 Instagram Trends: DIY & ThriftingThey are very into DIY and thrifting (think clothing, recycling, building something themselves versus going out and buying it). A lot of these kids were growing up in the 2008 recession. It’s what they know. They only know a post 9-11 world.

Anything DIY related, even if you’re not into furniture or clothing, think like, how did DIY your own podcast set up? or just something along those lines, hashtag, All of that could possibly get you more traction if you do that.

I would love to know the results. If you start doing some DIY content, and notice an uptick in your numbers, send us a DM on Instagram. I think that’d be super interesting.

Ruthie: I do too. I like that. Like that Focus

Sara: number two, they’re activists. They are using their social media platforms to support causes and communities, especially as more and more of them are becoming more socially aware.

Sara: They are. Very open to diversity. They they were very young when big, major issues became legal. They were very young when we had our first black president. So they are very familiar with diversity and they’re willing to fight for even more diversity. They’re also very climate conscious, hence other DIY and thrifting options.

But if you’re in like skincare or beauty products, they want good stuff like that to protect them from extreme weather and sun, like 2 out of 3 Gen Z-ers. That was the stat. They’re very aware of stuff like that.

Ruthie: I’m going to say Gen Z is very different from the era that I grew up in.

We didn’t, we were like, We baked in the sun all the time. And we went to the tanning beds and we bought all new clothes and like a frugal and thrifty, that’s what our moms did. We didn’t want to do that and climate conscious, who cares. Some of these things are very, they’re good things.

That they’re becoming conscious of. And if we can take some of our content and leverage some of that think it’ll be great. Yeah. What else have you got for us?

Sara: They are into the metaverse. I have never done anything Metaverse. Have you created your avatar?

Ruthie: No, I do not. I’m not even sure what it is. Yeah. So please help.

Using Avatars according to the 2023 Instagram trendsSara: I just don’t feel like I have time for a metaverse. You know what I mean? I don’t need to make a cartoon out of myself. Is that what we’re talking about here?

But over half of Gen Z social media users plan to get fashion or beauty inspiration from digital avatars or influencers in 2023.

Sara: So if you’re like an influencer, especially in fashion or anything, wow. The metaverse is what YouTube would’ve been in 2005. Get on there early and start now, because that’s the future. And if you think about it, Gen Z crave community. However, they’ve been in a pandemic, like they’re teenagers who have gone through a pandemic. So they’re still trying to get together in a metaverse and social media is how they’re like building community. They’re also craving financial literacy. Side hustles are important to them. They’re really wanting to know about investing and crypto has been so huge over the last few years, whether you agree that crypto’s a good thing to invest in or not.

They still want to know about it. And I don’t think I was super financially literate when I was a teenager. I didn’t know how to buy a stock. What the heck? SE 401k, I don’t know. But they’re actually wanting to learn about that and Instagram is a great way to inform people of financial things.

So if you’re a CPA, if you’re into finance, financial counseling or whatever this is a great way to reach ayounger audience for sure.

They’re into cultural cuisine, which is so cool. 68% a Gen Z social media users will either continue or would like to try food from another culture after discovering it online.

Earlier I was mentioning diversity. They’re also diverse in their pallets too. Like they have friends from all over the world, whether they’ve met them on Instagram or in real life, and they want to try all these different foods. So good for them for not being picky eaters and sticking with their chicken nuggets. They want to try different things.

Ruthie: The moms of the Gen Zs like me are like, why couldn’t you have had this? Change in your palette back when I was trying to just feed you spaghetti. And have fast meals. , . But because I know my own kids, they are like that. They’re very exploratory in their palette.

Sara: If you’re a travel blogger or anything, maybe don’t just focus on the sight and the sounds. Also focus on the food. They would probably love that. I would love that. I would love to see international foods too. The final thing is Gen Z expects they expect, and I maybe you’ve done this too, I have started to expect this as well.

I expect my favorite influencers to branch out into other forms of media. Like if I follow someone on Instagram, I just don’t want to follow them on Instagram. I want to get more of their content via YouTube or a podcast or something like that. Yes. So branching out. It’s going to be huge.

Ruthie: It’s already huge. Which is why I made the leap back in 2020 to podcast. And I know a lot of our people in our insider community, in our mentorship, in our authentic online marketing school have seen that is the wave of the future is to get on the air or on YouTube. And a lot of them are repurposing podcasts to YouTube.

So it’s good to diversify. Please don’t freak out about it if you’re just now getting a hang of Instagram. Don’t freak out, but keep it in mind that it is a good move to make going forward.

Top 5 Instagram trends in 2023The information in this section comes from a report from Arisen.

Sara: Over the next 12 months, There’s going to be a lot of stuff happening on Instagram as far as ways that you can get more reach and get your content in front of more people.

Content is kingAccording to this 2023 Instagram trends report published by Arisen, Content is still king. Creators are creating more true and unfiltered material. Raw, honest posting, like posting in real time and showcasing less curated streams. I am so happy about that.

Ruthie: Yay. Yes. If I had a clapping thing like a button right now. Oh yeah, let’s clap. I would be doing that. Absolutely.

Embrace ReelsSara: I understand creating Reels takes a lot of time. But if you think about 2018, 2017 Instagram. You had to pay a photographer hundreds of dollars to get beautiful custom stock photos for your business,.

Sara: You can just make a reel. It doesn’t have to be picture perfect and fancy. And that’s what your audience wants. Reels are saving you money and time.

Ruthie: That’s what we’re trying to teach you over here at Authentic Online Marketing is just start. You don’t have to have a great big giant studio. You don’t have to have all the ring lights. You don’t have to have a perfect background to start with what you have.

IGTV is goneSara: Let’s say goodbye to IGTV. Regardless of how you feel about Reels, they are still the way to go. Thanks to an aggressive algorithm push reels have become the cornerstone of the modern Instagram experience.

Ruthie: They are. That’s just how it is, folks. Yep. We got to accept it. Jump on that reel’s bandwagon.

Augmented Reality EffectsSara: So what are those? Augmented reality is just like a filter that just changes the way reality looks on your screen. You all have been using filters for years, but I don’t know if you’ve noticed they’ve just gotten a little weirder over time it seems.

Like you can have a filter that makes it look like your eyes are closed. Like, why would you do that? But they’re a thing. So according to this report, utilizing filters like that in your stories makes them more engaging for users probably because people are looking at them longer. And it encouraged them to try them out on their own accounts.

Use interactive elements in your Instagram storiesSara: And then also using things that you’ve probably already been using, such as interactive elements like polls, quizzes, emoji sliders are comparable to using the AR effects as well.

Ruthie: I’m going to get me some giant eyelashes, see how that goes. . Yeah.

Sara: I’m wondering if you can still like use just the more natural looking AR effects they just kind of make it look like you have a nice layer of makeup on.

I’m sure it would probably still work and it depends on who your target audience is.

Personalized HashtagsIf you have been with Ruthie for any amount of time, you know that hashtags are important and relevant. I’m just preaching what she’s already been telling you. Do some research into what hashtags are the most relevant for your brand that can change your engagement rate drastically.

I think what they mean by personalized hashtags isn’t like hashtag Ruthie gray, cuz that’s super niche. I think they mean more of hashtag Instagram hacks or whatever your industry may be.

Ruthie: right or even hashtag your location, your city or your state. And things like that.

Use hashtags in your Reel captionsHashtags do not get that much reach on a regular photo post. Therefore, I wouldn’t spend a lot of time Researching those maybe two or three or five. Use hashtags in your Reel captions. That’s how you rise to the top of the hashtag hub in reels.

If you research a hashtag, and you tap on that hashtag, you’ll see that there is somebody at the front. Their reel is longer than everyone else’s. That’s because they have risen to the hop top. They have risen to the top of that hashtag hub. So that’s why they’re still relevant.

Sara: Hashtags, they’re important guys. Use ‘EM wisely.

InfluencersNumber four is influencers. According to Arisen, more people are following genuine and real influencers who live the average everyday lifestyles in contrast to the picture perfect lifestyles led by celebrity influencers.

I love this so much too. I guess like when I think of a big influencer, I’m thinking like 50K or more followers. Like that’s what I think of a big-ish influencer, and they’re all like normal people who happen to just repeat their message and help people. It’s great.

Ruthie: So authentic online marketing.

People want to follow relatable influencersSara: Yes. And they’re average moms like, “I’m cleaning my house, here’s the cleaning product I’m using.” Or, “Hey, I review cars. This is the type of car I bought.”

Ruthie, have you bought anything from an influencer, like using their links or anything? Have you ever been influenced, Ruthie? I gotta know.

Ruthie: You know what, I have not done it yet, but I’ve come really close. Now I will say this, there are two people that have been in our mentorship community in our trainings that sell items.

One of them sells clothing online and the other sells hair products. And I have bought from both of them. I have researched makeup on Instagram as well. So I take that back and that is where Instagram wants to go, obviously. They wanna be a big market that you come to for your purchases.

Sara: Have you ever purchased something from Amazon from an influencer?

Ruthie: No, I haven’t yet. I have watched a few of them though. I will say I have dabbled .

Sara: I’m a millennial. I’m a ’94 baby and I love it when people are like, “Here’s this new vacuum I have. It works great. We tested 15 of them. Buy this one.” I’m like, great, thank you. You did all the hard work for me because I’m a researcher and they did all the reasearch for me. Yes. I’m buying that vacuum with your affiliate link. Sold. I love influencer marketing.

Ruthie: If you can show quickly why your product works very quickly and succinctly and simply like that it takes the headache out of it for the rest of us researchers. Not trying to decide if we’re gonna buy this or not. And people will pay for convenience. So keep that in mind.

Sara: Absolutely. Users are finding more value in content from people that have similar life experiences to them.

Be a micro-influencerSo while you are developing a long-term relationships in the DM’s that aids in the development of trust, reaching the target audience, driving conversions and connecting to a larger market is also important as well. So you’re just building relationships, even if you’re not like a 50K+ influencer, be a micro influencer.

That’s what I always strived to be when I was doing business on Instagram. I wanted to be a micro influencer. So it’s just building that know, like, and trust factor.
I know you, therefore…
I’ve come to like you.
Therefore, I trust you.
And…I’m sold.
Whatever product you say is good, is likely great. That’s what we’re trying to do on, Instagram

Ruthie: Let’s say a clothing store and the people there that work there immediately start hounding you. That’s not really what you want at the time. You just want to browse first. That’s how it is when people land on your Instagram account.

They don’t want you immediately asking them, “Hey, do you want my product?” They don’t need that. They need to get to know you first. What’s this person like? And oh, she’s got a poodle. I have a poodle too. I might have to vet her a little bit.

And, oh, she sells makeup. And she’s my age, that kind of thing. That’s what people are looking for.

Sara: And maybe this is a millennial thing, but let me know, Ruthie. Do not send me a DM in Instagram selling me your product. If I just met you and if I don’t know you. Don’t do it. I will ignore you.

I’ve actually blocked people too. There’s no and trust factor to me. You’re not an influencer. That’s intrusion.

Ruthie: You’re not going for the jugular right off the bat. Don’t go there. Don’t do that.

Sara: So influencers are very important. Even if you don’t have a lot of followers, be a micro influencer. Just influence the people that you have. Build that know like trust factor over time.

User Generated ContentThe best of the 2023 Instagram trendsNumber five is user generated content. We have so much we could have a whole episode about this, but we won’t. At least not yet. So user generated content is consumer generated content is original and brand specific. It’s content created by your customers that they publish it on their social media or on their channels.

So it’s like your fans, your customers, and your clients are creating content for you. That’s the dream. It can come from customers brand loyalists. You could even think of unboxing videos on TikTok, praise filled posts on Instagram. Your customers are usually the most prominent cohort you’ll look to gain UGC.

You can either ask for it or they could organically decide to do it too. There is no other content type that is more authentic than that.

Ruthie: Yes. Or powerful. It’s just a proven fact. It works for me every time I launch. My people come on live with me and talk about Authentic Online Marketing School and how much it’s helped them to grow their following, grow their email list grow their communities, pivot into a business or better decisions. There are many formats that we can use for user generated content. What are some of those, Sara?

Types of User Generated ContentSara: It could be as basic as like just an image, social media content, like a tweet or someone shouts, gives you a shout out in stories, videos, testimonials, live streams, blog posts, YouTube content, like anything that anyone creates for you is user generated content.

Ruthie: Simple. It’s such great social proof.

Sara: People ultimately trust the opinions of other people versus a sales person. People trust each other. So it’s like the modern day word of mouth. User generated content is the modern day word of mouth.

Ruthie: what are some user-generated content tips that you would give us then?

User Generated Content TipsAlways ask permission to share contentSara: Number one, always ask permission to share their post or story. If they did a story, given you a shout out, or they created a Reel using a product you sell, always ask permission. Don’t just presume you can share it to your feed.

Always give credit to the original creatorNumber 2, always give credit to the original content creator. I don’t think you necessarily need to do this in an Instagram story because their name is already in there. We’ve all seen people take a post from someone else and share it to their feed so that their feed looks beautiful and curated. Then they barely give credit or they don’t give credit at all.

Ruthie: I’ve had that happen. That is so rude.

At least tag the person at least. And I do want to give a caveat here if if they have tagged you in their story or in their post it’s going to be okay to re-share that. But you can ask just to be sure. If they’ve tag you probably it’s going to be okay.

Millennials love user generated contentSara: According to Arisen, 50% of millennials base their decision to buy a product on recommendations from their family and friends. This is where users user generated content can shine because it’s a personal recommendation.

Ruthie: And something that I do constantly with my podcast is I give a call to action to take a screenshot and share the episode on Insta and tag me. And then I will oftentimes re-share and tag them back. That gets us more downloads than anything else because that is showing that people love our podcast.

And they’re gaining value from it. They’re growing from it. That’s what you want to do is give the value so that people are like, “Hey, this person is worthy of me sharing this. I love this person. I’m going to, or I love her content, or I love her product, or her podcast, or whatever.” And that’s the whole thing about marketing you guys is not yelling, “buy my thing!”

It is taking the time to connect on Instagram. And to share value content and take the time to explain. What you do and what, how this can help someone.

And share your user generated content. If you don’t have user generated content, this might be the biggest 2023 Instagram trend that you need to focus on.

User Generated Content for Service-based BusinessesSara: For those of you with service-based businesses, it’s so good to get testimonials from your clients. I have a set of questions that I use every time to get awesome testimonials because if you just ask for a testimonial, “Hey Ruthie, can you give me a testimonial? You’d be like, okay. And then, you’d have to come up content. But you can pull it out of them by asking strategic questions. Then ask for permission to use that testimonial on social media.

So even though you’re creating the post, they created the content for you. That’s another way to promote service-based businesses. Sometimes as service-based businesses we don’t have reviews because we don’t have a product. You can still have testimonials. Another easy thing you could do is just create a survey with those strategic questions.

Ruthie: Just a quick one. At the end of our survey for Authentic Online Marketing School, I say something like, would you be willing to leave a review. And then I will have a fill in the blank form.

If you’ve been around for a while and sharing your content, it’s likely that you have affirmative testimonies. You just don’t realize it. They’re probably in Facebook groups, Dm’s, or reviews.

Look closely. Look right in your yard. You might have some things there.

Sara, this has been great for us to have a little run down of the 2023 Instagram trends.

Ruthie: And I still don’t know about that Metaverse thing, but we’re gonna float with it. And if y’all have avatars, I guess you can use those even more now. I’ve noticed that on Instagram. That they’re pushing that little sticker selfie there.

Sara: I’ve seen avatars on Facebook a lot, but it seems like only boomers use them.

Ruthie: Isn’t that funny? I think that too, and I just, I don’t like it.

Sara: No. I don’t.

Ruthie: I guess that’s what they’re trying to get us to do over there.

Sara: I don’t know. If you are listening to this and you are active in the Metaverse and you know what’s going on there, send us a DM on Instagram.

Ruthie: @AuthenticOnlineMarketingPod

Sara: Yes, please. We want to know what’s going on there. We might have FOMO if there’s actually some cool stuff going on over there. Send us a screenshot of your avatar. I’d love to know what you look like.

Ruthie: Share your avatar to your stories and tag us. That’s your call to action. If you really gleaned something from this show today would help us out with user-generated content? Take a screenshot of the podcast and share it, we would love that. We’d love to see how you’re using 2023 Instagram trends.

Remember to share your own message, in your own authentic voice (or avatar).

Sara Motes is a UX/UI website designer for coaches and service-based businesses. She creates websites that convert dream clients into real clients by making websites that are specifically designed for your target market (no cookie cutter website templates here, folks).

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Lauri Rubinstein is a master at seeing and guiding people to clear the energy constructs, blocks, patterns, beliefs, and behaviors that do not serve them. She holds a powerful space for transformation and healing. Lauri focuses on guiding her clients to claim their magic back, speak their truth, and own their power. Lauri is an Intuitive, Guide, Certified Coach (PCC), Speaker, and Author.

https://www.instagram.com/joyful_play_rx/

https://www.facebook.com/Lauri.Rubinstein

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurirubinstein/

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Today, we’re talking all about easy Instagram story ideas! But first, I have a question. Have you joined our 30-Day Simply Stories Challenge yet? It’s been going on the month of October but you can still hop in! Here’s what participants are saying… I’d love to use stories for community building, so this idea feels …

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The fun thing and the not-so-fun thing about writing is it can be a lifelong journey to improve your writing skills. And the more you know, the more you realize you don’t know, but one of our passions that flourished writers is you gotta start! Like you, you don’t become better by waiting to become …

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Our 30 day Instagram story challenge has begun! Are you ready to simplify posting? Join us Monday, October 3, for our 30-Day Instagram story challenge. By doing stories for 30 days just a few things you will learn: How to create engaging (yea, even entertaining) stories that represent your voice, intrigue followers to get to know you, …

Ep. 54: Join our 30 day Instagram Story challenge and simplify posting Read More »

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Pinned posts on Instagram – have you seen them? Y’all, I LOVE them. And there is a reason why you should use them. On a recent Insider Mentorship group coaching call, the question was asked about Pinned Posts and the most effective way to utilize this new feature. Now if you’re just hearing about Instagram …

Ep. 53: What to do with pinned posts on Instagram? Read More »

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Ever wonder how to secure public speaking engagements as a beginner? Or maybe you know you should speak, but you just can’t get over the fear of speaking. We all have to start somewhere is not real helpful advice, even though it may be true. So today my special guest is someone who’s coached some …

Ep. 52: Public speaking for beginners with Mary Snyder Read More »

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Let’s discuss these 7 easy tips to up-level your productivity! As an online marketing coach, I get this question a lot – how can I spend time on Instagram AND email while writing my book, producing a podcast, or serving clients? I get it. As an entrepreneur myself, life gets a little overwhelming a lot …

Ep. 51: 7 Tips to up-level your productivity Read More »

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Do you have trouble (with time management) – deciding what to do first with your business? If so, you’re not alone, as you’ll see in my conversation with my pal and podcast coach, Wren Robbins. Wren is an award winning podcaster who has interviewed business owners, International Speakers, and New York Times Best Selling author. …

Ep. 50: Time management for the Christian entrepreneur Read More »

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Ah, the perfect Instagram grid. It’s the age old question of Instagram: Is my grid pretty enough? How much time should I devote to that aspect? The rules have changed over time on Instagram, and I’m going to be frank with you today on where you should be spending your time. Today’s show features a …

Ep. 49: Do I need a perfect Instagram grid? Read More »

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Let’s talk about how you can get followers on your email list. Welcome back y’all! I hope your summer is going well. We are wrapping up August and as you well know if you’ve been listening during this month, we have been covering newsletters, hot and heavy, but we wanna circle back to a question …

Ep. 48: 7 Ways to get followers on your email list Read More »

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Let’s talk Instagram following! Have you watched someone go viral only to see your own Reels dive? Do you wish you could gain more traction but the growth seems painfully slow? I get it. It’s tough gaining 5 followers but losing 10. In episode 6 of season 1 way back in the summer of 2020, we …

Ep 47: The most effective way to build your Instagram following Read More »

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Welcome to episode 46, all about marketing transformations. If you’re listening the morning of August 8, 2022 and you’ve not yet signed up for our Brand voice workshop, hit the link in the show notes to register because we’re starting at 1:00 pm, Eastern Daylight Time and I’m going to dive right in and share …

Ep. 46: 4 Marketing transformations Read More »

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Let’s talk engaged readers! Recently I took a poll on Instagram asking what’s your biggest hang-up with email, and overwhelmingly the answer was what to write. Honestly, this is a struggle for most content creators because we have so much on our plates, and quite frankly, we tend to muddle the waters with our overthinking …

Ep 45: 3 Newsletter musts for engaged readers Read More »

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In our episode last week, we discussed what to create for your newsletter freebie and ideas that I started with years ago when first entering the scary world of email marketing. By the way I want to let you know it’s not nearly as scary as you think or as we blow it up in …

Ep. 44: What to do before creating your newsletter freebie Read More »

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Let’s talk about your newsletter freebie. Along the way in the online journey, in our quest for writing a book or building a podcast, a ministry or even just feeling out what in the world we’re trying to accomplish in the online world, somebody mentions email. You should start an email list yesterday, they say. …

Ep. 43: What to create for your newsletter freebie Read More »

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Did you realize that knowing what to include in highlights are one of the best ways to feature your work? Recently, I talked about this in my weekly newsletter, the IG Insider, and how to introduce yourself to your audience through highlights, and by the way if you’re not subscribed to my newsletter, you need …

Ep 42: What to include in highlights Read More »

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Ever wonder what in the world to share in your stories? Honestly, stories have always come easy for me (but I’ve been posting them since their inception about 6 years ago). With all the changes on Instagram and focus largely on Reels, followers and clients wonder how to fit in stories and if they’re even …

Ep. 41: What to share in stories Read More »

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How do you structure enough time into your day to do what you want to do on Instagram? Because really, you could spend your entire day and more because it is your business, so how do you structure enough time into it? INTRO: Well, that’s a loaded question, right?! So before we get into today’s …

Ep. 40: How to fit in time for Instagram Read More »

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Are you planning an Instagram break this summer? Last week’s part one “when to take an Instagram break” advice was based on what I and others have done successfully so listen in this week for how to come back to Instagram. After you take a break, it’s hard to get the wheels moving again, especially …

Ep 39: How to come back to Instagram (after taking a break) Read More »

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Do you ever feel like you just need a break from Instagram? Summertime brings a different schedule, often vacations, and at the time of this taping we’re in June, 2022! So, you may be thinking – when do I take a break? Is that a bad idea? That’s a valid question! Another thing to consider …

Ep. 38: When to take a break from Instagram Read More »

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Ruthie: We’re celebrating two years in podcasting by reviewing our top 5 episodes. This special anniversary show features our top Five most downloaded episodes for 2021 to 2022. Join my family team and I, as we share key takeaways from each episode. We’re so excited to share this with you. We’ve done some research and …

Ep. 37: Authentic Online Marketing’s top 5 episodes Read More »

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One of the best ways to grow on Instagram is to incorporate group Reels collaboration with Reels. We all know that Reels are the effective thing to use right now for growth and gaining more exposure. But when you collaborate, you get even more eyes because you’re sharing audiences. So a month or so ago, …

Ep. 36: How to do a group Reels Collaboration Read More »

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Today’s episode is all about how to grow your biz with Alicia Byers! Alicia is a business coach who helps entrepreneurs create the right business plans and strategies to help them stay well-rested and avoid the hustle. She hosts the well-rested entrepreneur podcast and regularly secures clients on Instagram without having the pressure of a …

Ep. 35: How to grow your biz by doing less with Alicia Byers Read More »

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Hey friends, what’s my Instagram engagement tip? Read on to find out! This week’s episode is an excerpt from one of our Insider Mentorship Zoom calls where one of our members asked for my number one Instagram engagement tip. I’m pulling back the curtain to let you in on what I’ve been doing because I …

Ep. 34: Steal my Instagram engagement tip Read More »

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5 Features for your women owned website. Welcome to our new website! We’re celebrating the official launch of AuthenticOnlineMarketing.com, and this is an invitation to join in! If you are listening the week of May 9th, 2022, we want you to celebrate with us. All week long, we’ll have special activities going, so hop over …

Ep. 33: 5 Features for your women owned website Read More »

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Hey y’all, today’s all about upping your Pinterest search engine game. Welcome back! Today my special guest is Sara Motes, a Pinterest strategist who helps service based businesses learn how to use Pinterest to get more email subs, website traffic, and dream clients. We are so happy you’re here, Sara, welcome to the show! *This …

Ep. 32: Using the Pinterest search engine to drive traffic with Sara Motes Read More »

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Today’s episode is a quick win containing two ways you can repurpose stories to Reels! A lot of times, we create this image in our minds that Reels is too hard, or we just don’t have the right content. We all make excuses, but actually you have the tools right at your fingertips! To repurpose …

Ep. 30: 2 Easy ways to repurpose stories to Reels Read More »

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How to overcome your fear of Reels Do you ever get all in your head about posting and experience a little spark of fear? It ignites then it starts catching. Pretty soon, you are frozen and can’t do anything! You can’t post, so you go back in your hole and decide “I’m not going to …

Ep. 29: How to overcome your fear of Reels Read More »

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Hi Dave! Testing on your site 🙂

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I’m not sure if I believe them.

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A test post for those who ignore what I’m doing.

Authentic Online Marketing with Ruthie Gray: Recent Episodes

Ruthie Gray