Superstar Business: How to Shine in Your Business with Michelle Villalobos

Superstar Business: How to Shine in Your Business with Michelle Villalobos

In this inspiring episode of the Be Create Inspire podcast, I had the privilege of hosting Michelle Villalobos, the brilliant mind behind Superstar Activator. Michelle is a powerhouse in guiding entrepreneurs to align their lives and businesses with their authentic selves, creating energy-rich, profitable, and impactful endeavors.

The Power of Alignment

Michelle emphasizes the importance of alignment—connecting with who you truly are. Her journey of self-discovery is a testament to the transformative power of stepping into your authentic self.

“When we align with our truest values and purpose, everything begins to flow with greater ease and impact.” – Michelle Villalobos

The Model

The “Superstar Model” is built on a five-pointed star that represents essential elements for success:

1.Purpose: A guiding force bigger than oneself.

2.Energy: Vital life force gained through mindful self-care and wellness.

3.Values: Grounding in what truly matters.

4.Healing: Resolving past wounds to create space for growth.

5.Vision: A compelling future that inspires action.

Building a Business That Aligns With You

Her journey of transitioning from a time-for-money model to a scalable business structure is so clear in this interview. She detailed her “front-end, breakthrough, big backend” system:

Front-End: Marketing strategies like YouTube videos, speaking engagements, and networking to attract potential clients.

Breakthrough: High-impact events, such as three-day retreats, designed to deliver immediate value.

Big Backend: Year-long programs offering deeper transformation and long-term growth.

Her focus on sustainable, value-driven business models is a game-changer for entrepreneurs looking to create a meaningful impact while building financial stability.

Personal Reflection: Full Circle Moments

Michelle’s impact on my life has been profound. From attending her workshops and using my wedding savings to join her program, to transforming my yoga business into a thriving enterprise, her teachings have been pivotal. She saw the potential in me before I fully embraced it myself, and her mentorship was a catalyst for my growth.

Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs

Superstar Business advice for budding entrepreneurs is clear:

Believe in Your Offer: Confidence in your value proposition attracts clients and creates trust.

Commit to the Long Game: Success doesn’t happen overnight; persistence and learning from failures are essential.

Lead Yourself First: Before leading others, embody the change you wish to create in your own life.

Watch and Learn

Michelle’s insights are a treasure trove for anyone looking to shine in their business. Watch the full episode here, and follow Michelle on Instagram at @superstaractivator

Mastering Retreat Logistics: Building Profitable and Impactful Experiences

Mastering Retreat Logistics: Building Profitable and Impactful Experiences

In a recent episode of the Be Create Inspire podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Kelly Tolliday, a seasoned retreat manager and host of the Transform with Travel podcast. Kelly is an expert at turning the dream of hosting retreats into a profitable and transformative reality. With her wealth of experience, Kelly shared invaluable insights into creating retreats that not only impact attendees but also support the growth of your wellness business.

The Journey to Seamless Retreat Planning

Kelly’s passion for retreats began with her love for travel and personal transformation. Over the years, she’s honed her skills to help wellness professionals overcome the logistical challenges of planning retreats, so they can focus on creating memorable, meaningful experiences for their clients.

As Kelly said, “Retreats are about creating a sacred container for connection, growth, and healing. When done right, they leave a ripple effect of transformation that extends beyond the event itself.”

Lessons in Retreat Management

During our conversation, Kelly shared key insights for wellness entrepreneurs looking to step into the retreat space:

Start Small: Your first retreat doesn’t need to be a large-scale production. Focus on quality over quantity to build confidence and a strong foundation.

Be Intentional: Every detail, from the location to the schedule, should align with your values and your audience’s needs.

Plan for Profitability: Kelly emphasizes the importance of creating a budget that supports both the attendee experience and your financial goals.

Practical Takeaways for Wellness Entrepreneurs

If you’ve ever thought about hosting a retreat but felt overwhelmed by the process, Kelly’s advice is a game-changer:

1.Map Out the Basics: Define your retreat’s purpose, audience, and goals before diving into the details.

2.Leverage Local Partnerships: Build relationships with local vendors and venues to streamline logistics and enhance the attendee experience.

3.Prioritize Marketing: A well-planned retreat won’t be successful without attendees. Create a clear marketing strategy to promote your event and build excitement.

A Full Circle Moment

Having Kelly on the podcast and sharing her expertise feels like a full-circle moment for me. Retreats were a pivotal part of my journey in the wellness industry, and hearing Kelly’s insights reaffirmed the power of these experiences to transform lives and businesses alike.

Watch and Listen

Kelly’s wisdom and passion for retreats will inspire you to take action. Watch the full podcast episode here and follow Kelly on Instagram @kelly.tolliday for more tips and inspiration.

A Note of Gratitude

To all the wellness entrepreneurs dreaming of creating transformative retreats: your vision matters. By stepping into the retreat space, you’re offering your clients something truly special—an opportunity for connection, growth, and renewal. Let’s embrace 2025 with clarity, intention, and the courage to create experiences that change lives.

Awaken Your Voice: Visibility, Credibility, and Transformative Content with David Trotter

Awaken Your Voice: Visibility, Credibility, and Transformative Content with David Trotter

In the latest episode of the Be Create Inspire podcast, I had the honor of hosting David Trotter, a dynamic force in the world of publishing, personal development, and conscious entrepreneurship. David, co-founder of Awakened Magazine, shared his remarkable journey from being a church planter to becoming a champion of visibility and credibility for wellness entrepreneurs.

The Journey of Transformation

David’s story is one of reinvention and discovery. From his early days as a photographer and pastor, to creating powerful documentaries on humanitarian issues, his path led him to an awakening—both personal and professional. Today, through Awakened Magazine, David amplifies the voices of healers, yoga teachers, and conscious leaders by helping them build credibility and showcase their transformative work.

As David shares, “Our world desperately needs what you have to offer. If you’re a messenger of love, light, and healing, it’s your responsibility to let people know you exist. Visibility isn’t about ego—it’s about service.”

Lessons in Visibility and Credibility

David provided powerful insights into why visibility matters and how to approach it in a way that aligns with your values. Some of his key points include:

Know Your Audience and Their Needs: Visibility begins with understanding the unique challenges and aspirations of your ideal clients.

Content as a Service: Shift from a performance mindset to a service mindset. When you see content creation as an act of service, stress and perfectionism take a backseat.

Consistency Over Flash: Building credibility isn’t about one viral post; it’s about showing up consistently with meaningful, aligned content.

Practical Takeaways for Entrepreneurs

David also broke down the steps to creating a killer article or podcast appearance:

1.Start with the Problem or Goal: Understand your audience’s pain points or aspirations and craft your content around them.

2.Offer a Solution: Align your solution with your unique modalities, whether it’s coaching, yoga, or energy work.

3.Call to Action: Don’t let your content end with inspiration—invite your audience to take the next step, like joining a newsletter or exploring a lead magnet.

A Full Circle Moment

Hosting David on the podcast and partnering with him for The Yoga Expo 2025 is deeply meaningful to me. His work resonates with our mission to bring wellness professionals to the forefront. David will join us in Los Angeles for live podcast recordings and to share his expertise on amplifying voices in the wellness space.

Watch and Listen

David’s journey and insights are truly transformational. Watch the full podcast episode here and follow David on Instagram @jdavidtrotter.

A Note of Gratitude

To every wellness entrepreneur reading this: your work matters. Your voice has the power to heal, inspire, and create lasting change. Let’s step into 2025 with purpose, visibility, and a commitment to service.

Purpose, Faith, and Community: Lessons from Yoga Faith

Purpose, Faith, and Community: Lessons from Yoga Faith

When it comes to weaving spirituality into physical practice, Michelle Thielen, founder of Yoga Faith, has paved a powerful path. On a recent episode of the Be. Create. Inspire. podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Michelle about her journey, the foundation of Yoga Faith, and the profound impact of merging faith and yoga.

From personal struggles to international influence, Michelle’s story is one of perseverance, purpose, and unwavering belief. Her work with Yoga Faith has empowered countless individuals to embrace healing, deepen their connection to spirituality, and integrate faith into every facet of life.

The Transformative Power of Yoga Faith

Michelle shared her deeply personal journey of discovering Yoga Faith after a dark season in her life. It was during this time that she heard a divine calling to create a Christian yoga school. Though the road was challenging, Michelle’s consistency and belief led Yoga Faith to flourish. Today, it stands as the only Christian yoga school accredited by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), offering over 30 courses to a global community.

Her story is a testament to how faith can guide us through adversity and inspire incredible transformation. For Michelle, yoga is more than movement—it’s worship, prayer, and connection to God in every breath and posture.

Integrating Faith and Movement

Yoga Faith uniquely blends traditional yoga practices with Christian principles. Michelle emphasizes the integration of mind, body, spirit, and soul—an approach that resonates deeply with those seeking a faith-based yoga experience. In our conversation, she highlighted how Yoga Faith classes invite the Holy Spirit into practice, making the experience both sacred and transformative.

Michelle’s advice for wellness professionals? Stay aligned with your purpose and let faith guide your path. Whether it’s through teaching, mentoring, or building your business, she encourages others to be intentional about their mission and the communities they serve.

Lessons in Leadership and Purpose

As a fellow entrepreneur and wellness advocate, I found Michelle’s insights on leadership and perseverance particularly inspiring. From teaching her first class to leading an international yoga movement, she reminded us of the importance of showing up consistently, even when the journey feels daunting.

Her journey also underscores the significance of community. Whether she’s leading a class or collaborating with other leaders in the wellness space, Michelle’s work is a reflection of her belief in the power of connection and shared purpose.

Watch the Full Episode

Michelle’s story is one of resilience, faith, and the power of transformation. Whether you’re a wellness professional, yoga enthusiast, or someone seeking deeper connection in your life, this episode is a must-watch.

👉 Watch the full conversation with Michelle Thielen here.

You can also follow Michelle on Instagram for more inspiration: @yogafaith.

Finding Healing Through Music and Yoga with MC Yogi

Finding Healing Through Music and Yoga with MC Yogi

The Transformative Power of Yoga and Music

As the co-owner of The Yoga Expo, the nation’s largest yoga and wellness convention, I’ve seen firsthand the profound ways yoga and music can transform lives. This year, we’re excited to celebrate the 11th Annual Yoga Expo at the 2025 Los Angeles event—a gathering of wellness enthusiasts, yogis, and visionaries. Recently, I had the privilege of hosting renowned artist and yogi MC Yogi on my podcast, Be. Create. Inspire. His deeply personal journey of finding healing through music and yoga is a story of transformation that aligns beautifully with our mission at The Yoga Expo.

🎥 Watch the Podcast with MC Yogi

Get inspired by his incredible journey of healing and transformation. Click below to watch the full podcast episode:

Watch Now on YouTube

Listen Here:

Follow MC Yogi on Instagram: @mcyogi

Healing Through Creativity and Connection

MC Yogi’s path wasn’t always smooth. Growing up in a challenging environment, he found solace in music as a teenager. “When my parents divorced, music became my escape and my relief,” he shared. Yoga entered his life later, providing a sense of balance and connection he had been seeking. Combining these two passions, MC Yogi created a unique form of moving meditation, blending creativity and mindfulness to heal and inspire.

Today, his music and teachings remind us of the transformative power of art, movement, and self-expression. Whether it’s through creating music, practicing yoga, or engaging in another creative outlet, these tools allow us to process emotions, heal from adversity, and connect deeply with ourselves and others.

A Full-Circle Moment for The Yoga Expo

This conversation with MC Yogi holds special meaning for me. Fifteen years ago, when I was launching my yoga career, I had the honor of teaching at one of his events. Fast forward to 2025, and now, as the co-owner of The Yoga Expo, I’m thrilled to announce him as one of the headliners at this year’s Los Angeles event. This full-circle moment highlights the power of connection, community, and perseverance in the wellness industry.

Lessons for Wellness Entrepreneurs

MC Yogi’s inspiring story isn’t just for yogis—it’s packed with lessons for wellness entrepreneurs and creatives alike. Here are a few key takeaways:

1.Creativity is a Powerful Healing Tool

Whether it’s music, writing, or yoga, creativity allows us to process emotions and transform challenges into growth opportunities.

2.The Value of Community

Building a strong support network is essential for personal and professional growth. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals amplifies your purpose and impact.

3.Trust the Process

Life often comes full circle. Embrace each step of the journey and remain open to opportunities that align with your purpose.

4.Balance is Key

Harmony in life comes from focusing on what truly matters. For MC Yogi, the balance between music, yoga, and mindfulness has been transformative.

Listen, Watch, and Be Inspired

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from MC Yogi about how music and yoga have shaped his life. His story is a reminder that healing, creativity, and connection can lead to profound transformation.

🎧 Tune in Now

Watch the full podcast episode on YouTube:

Watch Here

For details on the Yoga Expo’s upcoming events, visit The Yoga Expo. Let’s come together to celebrate, connect, and transform.

Creating a Powerful & Engaged Community

Creating a Powerful & Engaged Community: Insights from Nicole Mastrangelo

You don’t need a massive budget or a sprawling online presence to build something impactful. What you do need is clarity, focus, and a willingness to truly connect.

In this inspiring conversation with Nicole Mastrangelo, co-leader of The Daily Drip, we dive into what it takes to create a community that thrives—not just as a business but as an ecosystem that supports growth, trust, and connection.

Nicole shares her journey of transforming The Daily Drip from a small South Florida initiative into a thriving platform serving thousands of professional women. This wasn’t a story of endless ad budgets or viral hacks—it was about knowing their niche, focusing on quality over quantity, and leading with purpose.

Watch The Video

Listen to The Episode

Key Takeaways for Your Own Community Building

1. Be Specific to Stand Out

Nicole and her team chose to focus on professional women in South Florida—a niche so targeted that it became their greatest strength. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, they honed in on serving their local community with resources and content tailored to their exact needs.

How you can apply this: Narrow down your audience to create a deeper connection and stand out in a crowded market.

2. Relationships Drive Growth

Through meaningful connections and by showcasing local thought leaders, The Daily Drip didn’t just grow—it flourished. The organic nature of their growth came from their contributors’ networks and authentic content that resonated deeply with their audience.

How you can apply this: Tap into the power of collaboration by involving others in your community. Let their stories and networks expand your reach.

3. Start Conversations, Not Campaigns

As Nicole explained, their growth has been entirely organic—no ads, no boosted posts. The Daily Drip focused on delivering content that sparked real conversations, both online and offline.

How you can apply this: Focus on creating value and fostering dialogue rather than relying solely on promotional tactics.

A Real Win: The Daily Drip in Action

With over 4,000 subscribers and an email open rate of 60%—far above the industry average—The Daily Drip is proof that the quality of your audience matters more than its size. Their laser focus on community has led to partnerships with sponsors like TD Bank and Nova Southeastern University, proving that specificity can yield significant results.

Nicole’s story reminds us that building a community isn’t just about business; it’s about creating an experience—one where members feel seen, valued, and connected.

What About You?

If you’re dreaming of creating your own engaged community or scaling your business, take a moment to reflect:

•Who is your ideal audience?

•How can you deliver something valuable and unique to them?

•What small steps can you take today to connect with them meaningfully?

Catch the Replay

Get inspired and dive deeper into Nicole’s journey by watching the full episode of “Creating a Powerful & Engaged Community” here on YouTube.

Now It’s Your Turn:

What’s one action you can take to start building your community today? Share your thoughts in the comments below—your story might be the inspiration someone else needs to take action.

Together, we can create the lives we love and inspire the world around us.

With gratitude,

Arianne Om

 

Building a Wellness Business: The Journey of Hustle and Confidence Jennifer Pansa Rohr

Building a Wellness Business: The Journey of Hustle and Confidence Jennifer Pansa Rohr

You have the power to build a thriving wellness business—and today’s episode will help you unlock that potential.

Ever feel like the hustle is never-ending? Like your goals are floating out of reach? You’re not alone.

In this episode, we dive deep into the power of the hustle and how it lays the foundation for confidence. Jennifer Pansa Rohr shares her journey, from teaching small yoga classes to running a six-figure wellness empire. But it wasn’t just luck—it was built on grit, self-belief, and the willingness to diversify and grow.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

•How embracing the hustle builds the confidence you need to succeed

•The art of stacking small wins to create long-term momentum

•Why diversifying your income stream can be the key to financial freedom

•The importance of relationships and client trust in wellness

If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure how to scale or just lost in the day-to-day grind, this episode is packed with soul and strategy to help you break through.

Like this reminder:

“Confidence isn’t built overnight—it’s earned through every small step forward.”

Watch the Video

Listen to the Episode

Now it’s your turn! What’s one small habit or action you’ve taken that has had the biggest impact on your wellness business? Share your experience in the comments below—your story could inspire someone else to take action.

Thank you for being part of this community. Together, we’ll continue to build, inspire, and grow.

With endless gratitude,

Arianne Om

Micro Stacking for Success: How to Transform Your Business Habits for Maximum Impact

Micro Stacking for Success: How to Transform Your Business Habits for Maximum Impact

You have the power to transform your business, and I’m here to help you unlock it.

“If it’s not on your calendar, it doesn’t exist.”

Ever feel like your business goals are just ideas floating around? That’s where micro stacking comes in.

Micro stacking is the art of building small, strategic habits that lead to major results. And on this week’s podcast, I break down how you can apply micro habits to your business for maximum impact.

Whether you’re stuck in ideation mode or struggling to focus on income-generating tasks, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you break through.

Grab a coffee, take some notes, and let’s dive in.

You’ll learn:

•The power of planning: how to get your ideas out of your head and into action

•How to use strategic mapping to organize your launches, marketing, and growth

•The key to mastering your calendar and making it your accountability partner

•Why focusing on income-generating activities is crucial for your business’s success

•And more…

This episode is filled with practical steps you can implement today, no matter where you are in your business journey. Micro stacking isn’t just about working smarter — it’s about creating momentum that fuels both personal and business growth.

Like this tweetable gem:

“If it’s not on your calendar, it doesn’t exist.”

Watch the Video

Listen to the Episode

Now, I’d love to hear from you: What small habit have you implemented that’s made the biggest difference in your business?

Share your insights in the comments below — your story might just inspire someone else to take action!

Thank you for being part of this community. Together, we’ll continue to build, inspire, and grow.

With endless gratitude,

Arianne Om

Are Marketing Agencies Worth The Investment?

Are Marketing Agencies Worth the Investment?

In a world that’s relying on technology more and more every day, it’s no surprise that marketing has largely gone digital. As trends change and new platforms take off, it’s easy to start feeling left behind. There is a lot to take in and keep up with, even for the most savvy business owner.

Even if you really wanted to, keeping your brand totally offline isn’t really an option these days. Since your marketing is being done online, anyway… would you rather thrive in the digital landscape, or simply survive?

There are digital marketing solutions for all of your needs, to be sure, but many of us are lacking the time and skills to make those solutions a reality. Digital marketing agencies exist to turn your marketing problems into the results you crave. The great debate is whether it’s worthwhile to hand over the reins, or if you should roll up your sleeves and learn how to do it all on your own.

There are countless factors that play into this decision, with pros and cons on both sides. Which begs the question: how do you know if a digital marketing agency is right for you?

Should You Work with a Digital Marketing Agency or Learn It Yourself?

This is a hugely important topic that I have both invested in and been hired for.

First of all, what is digital marketing?

Basically, it’s marketing done online that helps you connect with customers and ideally drive the message (the strategy to a sale).

It’s also a fairly new and growing field that can be quite confusing to most people because there are so many moving parts: automations, tracking, variety, integrations, A/B testing, ads, creative, social media, and then some!

A digital marketing agency should be able to provide solutions to your basic problems of traffic, lead generation, and growth. Not only that, they should be able to show the results as data. For example, a digital marketing agency can create a social media content plan to grow your email list. They may help you execute it by creating the graphics, editing the videos, posting for you, and helping funnel the viewers into a place where they can give you their email (and thus grow your list).

That is just one example of how an agency can help. But you’re probably wondering: is it worth the investment?

To answer this question, let’s work backwards for a moment, because we need to address a few things:

  1. Why do you need a digital marketing agency?
  2. What are some of the goals you are looking for?
  3. How much money can you invest in digital marketing services?
  4. How well-versed are you in digital marketing and the types of results that would help your company move forward?
  5. How long are you willing to work with a digital marketing agency to see results?
  6. Where are you on your growth plan – starting? Wanting quantum leaps? Fairly advanced?
  7. What’s your ideal budget and what specific services can someone else do for you that you perhaps REALLY dislike doing?

Can You Just Get a Virtual Assistant (VA)?

This is the age-old question! Ok, it’s not age-old, since digital marketing is a new industry… but it’s definitely one that comes up a lot in my groups and forums.

A VA is going to be an integral part of your business, but he/she is an assistant… not your executive marketing director.

This is where many people go wrong. They hire a VA and expect them to create a high-level strategy for them, and perhaps don’t get the results they want.

For example, a VA might help you with various tasks, ranging from creative projects, to executive administrative work, to client management. You, the business owner, should tell the VA what to do for the most part– of course, having open communication and being receptive to their suggestions, too.

Depending on their experience level, a VA will be able to take tasks off your hands so you can focus on the top revenue-generating activities for your business: creating content, networking, having sales conversations, and enrolling clients for your services or programs.

If you’ve considered hiring a virtual assistant, there’s a few things I would invite you to think about beforehand!

  1. Write down all the tasks you’d like to get taken off your plate (including those that you probably hate doing).
  2. Categorize all these tasks within themes; for example, social media content creation or managing members of a Facebook Group can fall under social media management/engagement, whereas calendar management and client organization can be under administrative work.
  3. Interview people and don’t settle for the least expensive hire. I know that’s always appealing, but consider their skill level and their speed. Hiring a highly effective and efficient person for a bit extra may be preferable to having a slower assistant that needs micro-management. Time is money, friends!

I’ve Heard of an Online Business Manager (OBM)… What’s That, and Do I Need One?

Enter the online business manager! I would say this role falls somewhere between a digital marketing agency and a virtual assistant.

The exact definition of an online business manager, according to Indeed.com:

“An online business manager is a virtual support professional that helps organizations manage daily projects, processes and team members. They’re in charge of maintaining the operations of the company by tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), establishing goals and measuring their progress.”

Once again, this individual is NOT a digital marketer, but understands digital based business growth and the roles team members play to maximize your ROI.

I think it’s a smart investment to hire an OBM once you’re getting to 6 figures to exponentially grow your business. This way, you can have a clear view of what actions and efforts are needed to double, triple, or tenfold your expansion.

Digital marketing agencies might have an internal OBM that works for them, but this is not always the case.

So Now That I Know About These Roles… What Should I Do?

Digital marketing is a skillset that can take a new business owner from excited and pumped, to feeling confused and not sure what to do next.

  • Grow an email list?
  • Update my website?
  • Start blogging?
  • Run ads? (They didn’t work when I boosted my post!)
  • Should I go live at 2pm or at 8pm?
  • How do I make a reel?
  • These are all questions related to problems that a digital marketing agency can solve, or that a marketing consultant can advise on.

Depending on the agency and the services they provide, since not all agencies do everything, you’ll want to have a list (or at least an idea) of what you’re looking for when hiring someone to help you.

Make sure you’re well-versed in the tasks in your business you need outsourced. That way, you can focus on growth and service.

Focusing On Main Areas

There are several things an agency can handle for their clients on a regular basis, which I will list below.

First, always create an overall marketing strategy for brand positioning, visitor growth and optimization of sales. This can be both for services or product-based brands.

Goals:

  • Start a new brand and brand image
  • Increasing audience and visitors
  • Growing your email list
  • Launch a program or product

Platforms and Technologies:

  • Social Media
  • Instagram: Creating the posts, scheduling, growing the account
  • Facebook: Adding posts to your page or group
  • Paid Advertising
  • Creating FB and IG ads
  • Google Ads
  • Reposting metrics and return on ad spend
  • Installing tracking for metrics
  • Website or Funnel Creation
  • Creative copywriting
  • Graphic design
  • Integrations and automations
  • SEO (Search engine optimization)
  • Email Marketing

 

 

What if I Don’t Have an Agency Budget? And How Much Can That Be?

This is such an important question, because sometimes people hire agencies out of desperation. This happens when they can no longer keep up with all the marketing tasks at hand, plus the sales that need to move the needle forward in their business.

Agencies can charge $3,500 – $20,000 a month, depending on what it is they are doing and the level of management it entails. An 8- or 9-figure business typically has a much bigger budget, which also comes with a higher level of responsibility for the agency to manage.

A personal brand won’t need all of the services listed above when they’re first starting, since most of the business won’t come from paid advertising. Because of this factor, the cost might be on the lower end of the range.

Depending on where you are in business, you can also hire a marketing consultant to do a big picture overview with you, creating the plan and strategy. This will then be given to your virtual assistant and online business manager to implement alongside yourself.

At the end of the day, you want to focus on doing what you’re really good at. If marketing isn’t on your list, then consider working with a professional to get you started on the right path versus throwing spaghetti at a wall and seeing what sticks.

Time lost is much worse than money lost, and most of the time, you need to hire a really terrible agency or consultant to get no value from your investment.

Your business growth depends on wise investment of marketing to grow your sales, so be smart with who you work with. Make sure they’re aligned with your values, your vision and your goals.

I’m here to help you, so please feel free to reach out on a discovery call and see how we can support your growth goals.

Content Marketing 101: Your Complete Guide

The digital landscape has gone through drastic changes over the last decade. Traditional strategies for marketing and advertising are quickly becoming a thing of the past as cell phones and social media platforms command more of our attention. These changes have affected the way we make our buying decisions; people want a consumer experience that feels engaging and personalized.

In the fast-moving world of marketing, standing out as a business is no easy task. It’s more essential than ever for businesses to have a strong social media presence in order to connect with their potential and existing customers. For your business to thrive, it needs to adapt.

Welcome to content marketing.

Whether you’re familiar with this term or not, your ability to master this skill matters to your business. Fortunately, you’re in the right place. Thanks to technology, it’s easier than ever to create fun and compelling content that will catch– and keep– the attention of your ideal clients.

Content marketing is a key tool that you should implement in your client acquisition and retention process right away– let’s break down why, and how to get started!

What Is Content Marketing?

According to the Oxford dictionary, the definition of content marketing is: “a type of marketing that involves the creation and sharing of online material (such as videos, blogs, and social media posts) that does not explicitly promote a brand but is intended to stimulate interest in its products or services.”

For many business owners, the best way to connect to their audience is through teaching, giving value, and creating a trust bridge towards a purchase. This can be done through valuable content. That way, when you release a product or a new service, they know you are a trusted source of information and solutions.

Why Is Content Marketing So Important?

Content marketing helps your customer feel supported through their buying decision, rather than simply being the target of a sale. No one wants to feel like they’re getting bombarded with pressure to “buy, buy, buy,” as it pushes them away. It’s actually a brain function that moves people into safety-and-retreat mode, and can kill a sale almost immediately! Providing valuable and compelling content creates a bond between your customer and your brand that disarms the “escape mode” and establishes trust.

There’s a fine line between content and advertising, and it can sometimes confuse people. Content delivers value! Plain and simple. It could be informational value or even entertainment value. This is why Instagram reels and TikTok are so popular right now. Many companies combine the information and entertainment to teach– while building that trust factor!

An excellent rule of thumb is to give away content that people would pay for. The more you give, the more perceived value you get. This is how you build a brand that your potential clients like AND trust.

Types of Content

There are several types of content you may want to create, depending on your business and target audience.

Website: Your website should connect with your audience and provide opportunities to learn, understand, and connect. Remember, marketing is your chance to solve a problem that addresses a pain point– to which you are the solution. Making your website into a content hub where your audience is heard and seen (rather than a ton of facts) can be a perfect way to establish a better relationship. Also, when you’re focused on content, you improve your SEO ratings!

YouTube: The world’s second leading search engine is a perfect place to show off what you know! Consistently creating valuable content on YouTube is effective because people go there to find videos that will help them learn. Video creation is time-consuming, so make sure it’s something you want to start (and continue!) doing. I teach people about content repurposing all the time, and usually I have them start with long form content (a longer video) that can be reused, chopped up, and shared.

Social Media: Having a solid social media strategy can help a brand stand out. The top social media platforms right now are Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Snapchat, and Pinterest. Having a plan to share your content on these platforms can be a powerful way to grow your visibility. Remember, most people consume hours of social media daily!

Infographics: These are long form graphics that contain valuable information. They might be carousels on an Instagram feed, a blog post on your website, or even a graphic on a YouTube video. These infographics can include statistics, how-tos, guides, or a combination of these elements.

Podcasts: According to The Infinite Dial 2021, US weekly podcast listeners averaged eight podcasts in the last week. Only 11% of US podcast listeners older than 12 listened to only one podcast in the last week. Most (21%) listened to about five, while 19% listened to anything from six to ten podcasts per week. This is a great platform to get right into the ears of a receptive audience.

How to Start Content Marketing

Gary Vaynerchuk once said something so valuable, and it shifted how I create content: “Don’t Create Content, Document Your Process!”

Creating new content all the time is exhausting and not really time-effective. One solution is to document your process as you work through projects, or show behind the scenes– or even just explain the “why” behind what you do. Most importantly, content marketing helps you be seen and understood.

People want to connect with a person as opposed to a brand, which is why brands such as Nike use spokespeople to showcase their products. Human connection also primes your potential customers for an easier purchase, practically crushing their objections before they get to the buy. It makes the runway shorter, and it’s why many companies see a huge return on their marketing.

It might not feel natural to start making videos or showing up consistently on social media. Once you create a strategy, get some coaching, and start implementing it, a consistent online presence will feel easier.

Essential Tools

Technology is advancing so fast, and it’s easier than ever to create right at your fingertips! But, which apps are the best? Which ones are easy to use if you’re not tech-savvy, and which really meet your needs? When it comes to creating content, you’ll want apps and software that either save you time, money, or a headache!

There are many tools and forms of software to help you stand out as a brand. Your content is what shows you off as the expert who will help your potential clients get the results they desire. These are my top suggestions for essential tools that you need in order to create great content.

Tool #1- The Voice Memo App

You don’t have to be sitting in front of your computer if you have a great idea– you can whip out your phone! It’s free, it’s easy to use, and it helps you capture moments when you’re not at the computer.

Any time you have thoughts that you haven’t had the chance to write down, grab the voice memo app and record it.

The second way you can use your voice memo app is to get professional audio while you’re recording a video. This is a little-known hack that can improve your audio quality, and even help you repurpose your content into a podcast! You can even record your next book as a dictation and then transcribe it.

The voice memo is a resource most people underestimate!

Tool #2- The InShot App

InShot has made editing videos for different platforms extremely easy. From cutting clips, trimming, editing sound, adding music, including text and stickers, and even making your own videos, this app is very handy and user-friendly.

There’s many video editing apps out there; I’ve personally tried several, and InShot is still my favorite. It’s $14.99 per year, making it an inexpensive app that’s easy to use. It doesn’t include advanced editing techniques like splitting the screen or adding custom graphics, but you’ll be able to edit a video in minutes.

Tool #3- Later

This app for scheduling on social media can save you hours!

Later is an industry leader for scheduling, as they have been one of the initial softwares to do this type of work. It saves you a ton of time by pre-scheduling your feed posts and stories. It also has an informational blog to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of social media.

This app frees you from the constant hustle and bustle of social media, and you can feel at ease about your content for the week. That way, you can be more focused on engaging with people on social media platforms.

Tool #4- Canva

This is hands-down the best tool for creating your graphics for social media, branding materials, client materials, freebies, video editing, and so much more. Canva has the ability to make anyone a graphic designer.

With pre-made templates for just about anything, Canva helps you stand out as a brand in minutes. It has grown extensively as a graphic editing platform where you can even edit videos and create presentations, websites, and printed materials. One of my favorite tools is the background remover– with one click, it allows you to position a photo anywhere on a canvas and create really dynamic graphics!

As a business owner, Canva can be one of the most useful tools in your deck. At a low price that ranges from $10-$14 a month, it really can’t be beat. Check out my video on how to use Canva.

Tool #5- CRM

A customer relationship management (CRM) software that brings it all together will let you focus on sales!

Once you have the tools to generate content, you can’t forget that you also need to find a provider for your landing page creation, email sending, and customer relationship management.

While there are several options for this type of software, my tool of choice is HighLevel. With this system, you can build landing pages, send emails, SMS messages, and even create pipelines for your potential leads– all in one place! This tool will help you with everything from email marketing to building funnels, as well as having a snapshot of client acquisition and your potential monthly revenue.

It’s one of the most robust tools out there, allowing you to organize your business and create stunning landing pages to help you sell your programs and services.

All in all, the tools you are using for your business mean nothing if you don’t have a thoughtful strategy in place. Make sure you have daily accountability so you can achieve meaningful goals for yourself and your business.

Once you begin applying strategic content marketing, bringing clients will be more fun than ever before! There is nothing more rewarding than the feeling of giving in order to receive. Get started with your content marketing plan today!

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