Growing a Newsletter Without Social Media: Building Sustainable Success with Jessica Lackey

Ever wondered what it takes to plan and sell out an incredible live event? In this episode, I sit down with Kristina Bartold, event marketing pro and co-founder of High Vibe Women, to talk all things event planning, building authentic community, and creating a meaningful attendee experience. We discuss what goes into crafting an event that people actually want to attend, why intentional connection is the real draw, and how to market your event in ways that get people excited without the “hard sell.” Whether you’re hosting your first event or looking to elevate your next one, Kristina’s insights on blending strategy with heart will have you ready to create an event people won’t stop talking about. In this episode of the podcast, we talk about: Building community and making connections at events  Creating a buzz with authentic, community-focused marketing strategies Defining success metrics beyond ticket sales Balancing inclusivity and urgency in event marketing to drive excitement Building lasting brand loyalty by focusing on genuine connections over numbers …And More!   This Episode Was Made Possible By: Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside    About the Guest: Kristina Bartold-Sorgota is the co-founder and CEO of The Social Snippet. She loves helping entrepreneurs and small businesses grow their communities online using social media and podcasting. Kristina has been working in social media almost 10 years as a side hustle, and finally realized it was her passion and calling to pair her extensive experience coaching with her love for social strategy. The Social Snippet was born with her co-founder, Maria, and the rest is history! Kristina spends most of her days recording podcast episodes for the Build Your Digital Community podcast, coaching business owners on how to grow their businesses or hosting events for local female entrepreneurs to grow.  Website: https://thesocialsnippet.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristina.bartold/ and http://instagram.com/thesocialsnippet/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinabartold/   Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/331

Ever feel like your social media could use a reset? Or maybe you’re stuck in the cycle of creating the same kind of content week after week?  In this episode, I sit down with social media strategist Peg Fitzpatrick to explore practical ways to breathe new life into your channels. Together, we dive deep into how to give your social channels the CPR they need, especially if you're noticing tumbleweeds in your engagement. Ready to refresh your social channels and make social media fun again? Tune in to listen! In this episode of the podcast, we talk about: Signs of a stale social media presence The importance of balancing old and new content strategies Sparking creativity through platforms like Pinterest A Marie Kondo approach to social media Embracing video content like reels and b-rolls The importance of rest to prevent burnout …And More!   This Episode Was Made Possible By: Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside    About the Guest: Peg Fitzpatrick is a social media powerhouse, co-authoring The Art of Social Media: Power Tips for Power Users with Guy Kawasaki and now debuting her solo book, The Art of Small Business Social Media: A Blueprint for Marketing Success. As the first head of social strategy for Canva, Peg knows social media, creativity and community. Website: https://pegfitzpatrick.com/ The Art of Small Business Social Media: https://pegfitzpatrick.com/small-business-social-media-book/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pegfitzpatrick/   Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/329

Ever thought about creating a bundle but felt overwhelmed by all the moving parts? Or maybe you’re just wondering if it’s even worth the effort? You’re definitely not alone. In this episode, I sit down with the ever-fabulous Kate Doster, who’s practically a bundle guru. We spill the beans on why having a dedicated domain can give your bundle that extra “wow” factor and how kicking it off with a free bundle can supercharge your email list. Kate and I dive into the nitty-gritty of using bundles as a strategic tool—how to pick the right contributors, the perfect timing, and even some laugh-out-loud moments about marketing myths and hustle culture. Because who needs to be grinding 24/7? (Hint: not us.) So, if you're ready to dive into bundle magic without losing your cool, this episode is your jam. Trust me, it’s got all the practical tips and a sprinkle of fun. Let’s make those bundle dreams happen together!   This Episode Was Made Possible By: Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside    About the Guest: Kate Doster is a 7 figure course creator & the host of the Do The Brave Thing Online Business podcast. It’s her sole & soul’s mission to prove nice people don’t have to finish last in business. Thanks for her spammer-face free sales techniques & bundle hosting ramp up system.  Website: www.katedoster.com Instagram: www.katedoster.com/instagram  Facebook: www.katedoster.com/facebook   Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/329

Let’s talk about the mysterious world of dark social—and no, it’s not some secret, underground social network (though that sounds way cooler than it actually is). It’s the stuff happening in the background, like when someone texts your TikTok video to their friend or shares your latest blog post in a DM. As a business owner, this is big because it means not all engagement is trackable by the usual likes and comments. In this episode, I break down what dark social actually is, why it’s on the rise (hello, Gen Z!), and how it might be affecting your social metrics. You might be getting more engagement than you think—just not where you can see it. And don't worry, I’ll give you some practical tips to actually use this trend without pulling your hair out. Here’s what’s in this episode:  what the heck dark social even is (and why you’ve probably been a part of it) why your Instagram likes might be down, but that doesn’t mean no one’s watching how brands are leaning into dark social with private communities and message-based sharing practical tips to adapt your content strategy for this private-sharing era (without doing the most)   This Episode Was Made Possible By: Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside    Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/328

Ever feel like your brand is just blending into the background? Or like you’re stuck under some kind of invisibility cloak (but not the cool kind from Harry Potter)? Well, good news—Chloé Nwangwu is here to help you break out of that! In this episode, we’re diving into why it’s time to stop calling yourself “underrepresented” and start seeing yourself as underrecognized. Chloé, who started her career in international conflict resolution (no big deal, right?), shares how branding goes way beyond logos and color palettes. We’re talking about how branding and marketing work together to shape the way others treat your business—and how to create those memorable anchors that make your brand stick. Plus, we’re throwing out ideal client avatars once and for all. Seriously, we’re done with those. In this episode: Branding vs. marketing—what’s the real difference? Why “underrecognized” > “underrepresented” How to create branding that sticks Storytelling that actually drives action Ditching ideal client avatars for good … and more!    This Episode Was Made Possible By: Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside    About the Guest: Known as the Brand Scientist, N. Chloé Nwangwu is the director of NobiWorks, a brand visibility consultancy rooted in behavioral science. She unabashedly believes brands and visibility strategies not built with power dynamics and biases in mind should consider disappearing from this plane of existence. That’s the Thanos snap treatment for the nerds out there. NobiWorks equips underrecognized brands with visibility strategies and systems scientifically formulated to help them neutralize visibility biases while commanding — and keeping— attention in an increasingly crowded marketplace. Everything you do to be better seen, heard and understood should work. Full stop. And it is her personal mission to make that so. Most recently, she advised the first refugee delegation to the UN. Website: www.nobiworks.com  Instagram: http://instagram.com/nobiworks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nobiworks/, https://linkedin.com/in/nwangwu   Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/327

Ready to build your email list without becoming glued to Instagram? (Yes, it’s possible!) In this episode, I chat with business strategist and systems guru Jessica Lackey about how she grew her newsletter without the social media hustle. Yep, you heard that right—no reels, no hashtags, just a beautifully crafted newsletter that people actually want to read. 😱 Tune in for: How Jessica built a thriving newsletter without social media and why email might just be the secret sauce to sustainable business growth. Her genius strategy for making sales without turning every email into a “BUY NOW” pitch. Spoiler: It’s all about building real relationships over time. The importance of business systems (minus the overwhelm). Jessica breaks down how to create a structure that works for you—not against you. We’re talking sustainable, repeatable processes that make your life easier. Why podcast guesting > social media for reaching new audiences. If you’re tired of dancing for the algorithm, this one’s for you. How she turns her newsletter into a product and delivers so much value it practically sells itself (no spammy vibes here). Jessica’s approach is a breath of fresh air for anyone who’s over the "always-on" grind. And while you’ll learn some pretty smart tactics, you’ll also leave with a reminder that marketing doesn’t have to be a high-speed chase—it can be cozy, slow, and still wildly effective.   This Episode Was Made Possible By: Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside    About the Guest: Jessica Lackey is a strategy and operations advisor who blends business strategy, practical application, and a human-centric approach to create sustainable businesses. With a background in corporate leadership, McKinsey & Company consulting, and a Harvard Business degree, Jessica knows a thing or two about hustle culture and what it feels like to judge success by the bottom line…at all costs. Now, she combines her deep experience in consulting, Fortune 500 operations leadership, and coaching to help businesses grow without sacrificing the well-being of their clients, team, and community.  Website: https://www.jessicalackey.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicalackey_consulting/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-lackey/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jslackey   Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/326

Social media during election season? Yeah, it's a lot, right? 🙃 If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, you’re definitely not alone. In this episode, I chat with Megan Griffith and Josephine Agrawal about how businesses can keep things real without getting totally swept up in the political madness. Ever wondered if your brand should speak up on social issues? Or if it’s cool to keep things light when the world feels heavy? This episode covers value-based content, mixing humor with serious stuff, and handling tough topics with a little more grace. Tune in as we get real about the challenges entrepreneurs are facing right now, and share some down-to-earth advice to help you stay grounded when everything feels, well… a bit chaotic.   This Episode Was Made Possible By: Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside    About the Guests: Josephine Agrawal is a Social Media Strategist and Agency Owner at Pomona Creative, a long-term social media agency for really smart social that sells. She's been telling brands’ stories, one post at a time, since Facebook called them "wall posts". Josephine is based in Denver, Colorado where she lives with her daughter and husband, spending time hiking, gardening and chasing around a toddler. Follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn. Website: http://pomonacreative.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pomonacreative/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephinewood/  Megan Griffith is a content creator, neurodivergent life coach, and hair dye enthusiast. She is autistic and ADHD, and uses her lived experience and research skills to help other neurodivergent folks cope with their struggles, identify their strengths, and celebrate themselves, disability and all. She specializes in executive dysfunction, emotional dysregulation, and internalized shame, and has several programs and products (not to mention a wealth of free resources) available at her website, theneurocuriosityclub.com. Website: https://theneurocuriosityclub.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theneurocuriosityclub YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theneurocuriosityclub   Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/325

Ever wondered how to make your podcast pitches actually stand out? Or maybe you're kinda stuck on where that line is between sharing your story and, well, not coming off as a walking ad? In this episode, I’m hanging out with podcast pros Angie Trueblood, Mai-kee Tsang, and Brittney Lynn, as we dive deep into the world of pitching yourself for podcasts. We’re talking everything—from handling rejections (yes, they happen!) and tweaking your approach to the magic of being authentic and building real connections. In this episode of the podcast, we talk about: Why ditching PR lingo makes your pitch stand out. How to use rejections to refine your strategy. Tips on making it about the audience, not you. The importance of building real connections over transactional pitches. How to align your pitch with current events. …And More!   This Episode Was Made Possible By: Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside    About the Guests: Mai-kee Tsang (She/Her) is The Sustainable Visibility® Mentor, Podcast Guesting Strategist, & ICF Certified Trauma-Conscious Leadership Coach. She helps human-first business owners get heard & hired for their work in the world. Through the power of Sustainable Visibility® & Podcast Guesting Strategy, she’ll help you show up consistently in your business (not constantly!) without compromising your capacity, boundaries or your bottom line in the process. Website: https://maikeetsang.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maikeetsang/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maikeetsang/ Brittney Lynn is the founder and CEO of The Human Connection Agency, a PR & Partnerships agency that serves purpose-driven entrepreneurs worldwide. She has nearly 15 years of experience working in the online marketing industry and has a passion for helping others grow their reach, revenue, and impact through strategic PR. Brittney and her team have landed clients on hundreds of top-rated podcasts, in publications such as Forbes, Entrepreneur, Bloomberg, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, US News & World Report, and Washington Post and top local and national tv markets such as the Today Show. Website: https://www.humanconnectionagency.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humanconnectionagency/ LinkedIn: https://www.facebook.com/brittneyllynndotcom/ Angie Trueblood brings her entrepreneurial spirit, innovative thinking, and extensive training experience to The Podwize Group, where she and her team specialize in consulting with and training PR firms and business owners on how to successfully pitch and secure podcast interviews for their clients and leaders. With years of experience running a podcast booking agency and hosting her own podcast, Angie has developed a deep understanding of the podcast industry on both sides of the mic. In addition to being featured on over 50 podcasts, Angie shares her expertise on the "Pitched" podcast, where she dives into the intricacies of the podcast industry and offers best practices for successful pitching…none of which include sending robotic, templated emails en masse to podcast hosts. This depth of expertise helps her equip teams with the strategies and insights needed to secure high-impact podcast features that drive growth and visibility. Website: https://thepodwizegroup.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepodwizegroup/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angietrueblood/   Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/324

Is blogging dead? I saw this question floating around Threads recently, and honestly... why are people still asking this? Of course, blogging isn’t dead! But if you’ve been scratching your head wondering if it’s still a good way to grow your biz, drive traffic, and snag some new leads, then you’re in the right place. Today, I’m chatting with KP and Jessie from Inkpot Creative. We’re diving deep into how blogging has evolved, why it still matters, and how you can make it work for you in 2024 and beyond. In This Episode, We’ll Spill the Tea On: Why the “blogging is dead” rumor just won’t die (and why it's so not true). How to use blogging to bring in traffic and leads without losing your sanity. The keyword-first approach—AKA your new BFF for blogging success. How to write blog content that doesn't just sit there collecting dust but actually converts. Our fave ways to promote your blog (hint: we’re all about that repurposing life). Why AI isn’t coming for your blogging job (if you do it right). Tips for staying consistent, updating old posts, and not burning out.   This Episode Was Made Possible By: Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside    About the Guests: Inkpot Creative® is a queer-led design studio founded by KP building unconventional, impactful brand and website experiences for photographers who are leading their industry by creating something different.  Website: https://inkpotcreative.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/inkpotcreative TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@inkpotcreative   Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/323

Okay, we’ve all seen it—those posts that seem designed just to make you angry. Yep, that’s rage-baiting, and it’s everywhere. In this episode, I’m breaking down what exactly rage-baiting is, why it works (ugh, thanks algorithms), and how it sneaks onto your feed. We’ll also chat about how it’s related to other viral tactics like clickbait, satire, and our chaotic cousin, shitposting. As always, I’m keeping it real. I’ll dive into why rage-baiting might drive engagement in the short term, but it can seriously hurt your brand in the long run. Plus, I’ve got some tips on how to steer clear of these tactics while keeping your content positive, authentic, and—most importantly—not rage-inducing. If you’re tired of seeing the internet become one big angry mess, this episode’s for you! What You’ll Learn: What rage-baiting actually is (and why it makes you SO mad) How viral tactics like clickbait, satire, and shitposting are related but not as toxic Why rage-baiting gets tons of engagement but isn’t worth it for your brand How mindful marketers can avoid the temptation of using these negative tactics Some tips for keeping your content authentic and positive (no anger required!)   This Episode Was Made Possible By: Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside Savvy Social School Workshop For those in the Savvy Social School, don't forget our live workshop next week: "Profit from your POV." We're bringing you fresh strategies directly from the Andréa Jones marketing playbook: https://onlinedrea.com/school   Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/322