Instagram Threads: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly One Year Later

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

I RETIRED MY SERVICES. Sorry to shout but I'm scared-cited about this huge change. In this episode, I share my journey through an emotional and strategic pivot. From the challenges of balancing work and motherhood to the decision to retire from my social media management agency, I'll walk you through it all. We'll dive into reflective marketing, leveraging personal brands, and how leaning into my values of communication and integrity helped guide my way. Plus, I'm planning some exciting future events and will give you a sneak peek! Join me as we untangle the complexities and rewards of making a business pivot.   This Episode Was Made Possible By: Sked Social A pivot is not just about survival; it's about seizing new growth opportunities. With Sked Social, you’re equipped to scale your brand or agency, no matter how the market shifts. Sked’s social media management platform provides advanced scheduling, streamlined collaboration, frictionless approvals, in-depth analytics and multi-account oversight—all from a single, powerful dashboard. Plus, Sked knows pivoting platforms can be a headache, so they’re making it simple and affordable. Join Sked today and pay nothing until your current contract ends. Terms and conditions apply: https://skedsocial.com/switch-without-a-hitch/switch-to-sked-social-for-free?utm_source=mindful_marketer&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=marketing_pivot_episode   Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/321

Is saying "link in bio" old news?  Or maybe you've heard the chatter about ManyChat and want to know more?  You’re in the right place! In this episode of the Mindful Marketing Podcast, I’m talking about how Instagram's go-to CTA is evolving, what could be next, and how you can keep up. I’ll also spill the tea on what’s actually working for conversions right now. Tune in to stay ahead of the game and learn how to roll with these changes without the stress.    This Episode Was Made Possible By: Sked Social In a world where link-in-bio functionality could be fading, consolidating your social media management tools is the key. Choose a platform that not only keeps up with the trends but brings all the essentials together. Sked Social has you covered—with advanced auto-posting (including Instagram Stories with link stickers), AI-powered reporting and content creation, and a link-in-bio featuring a clickable image grid. Plus, Sked offers fair, predictable pricing, and because they know switching platforms can be a hassle, they're making it easy: join Sked Social today and pay nothing until your current contract ends. Terms and conditions apply: https://skedsocial.com/switch-without-a-hitch/switch-to-sked-social-for-free?utm_source=mindful_marketer&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=link_in_bio_episode   Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/320

Curious about how real business owners are leveraging Threads for growth?  In this roundtable episode, I’m joined by four incredible entrepreneurs—Melissa Litchfield, Lennox Saint, Jereshia Hawk, and Becky Mollenkamp—who share their hands-on strategies for building community and driving interest in their businesses on Meta's Threads platform.  We discuss everything from engaging authentically to creating content that resonates, all while navigating the unique opportunities and challenges Threads presents. In this episode of the podcast, we talk about: The diverse approaches these entrepreneurs take on Threads How to define success on the platform The balance between transparency and privacy in personal posts Tips for engaging effectively with your community on Threads Real-life examples of how Threads can drive business results …And More!   This Episode Was Made Possible By: Sked Social Why settle for a lackluster social media management tool when you could be using Sked Social? With unlimited collaborator access, streamlined approvals, and advanced auto-post technology that lets you post to all major platforms (including Threads!), Sked Social offers everything you need. They provide 24/7 support from real humans, and transparent, scale-friendly pricing. Sked understands the fuss and cost involved in switching platforms, so they’re making life easier. Join Sked Social today and pay nothing until your contract with your existing provider ends. Terms and conditions apply: https://skedsocial.com/switch-without-a-hitch/switch-to-sked-social-for-free?utm_source=mindful_marketer&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=threads_round_table_episode 2024 Instagram Bootcamp You don’t need to go ✨Viral✨ on Instagram... you need to get Profitable! Learn the IG Strategies that focus on profitable engagement, NOT empty attention, at the FREE 4-Day Instagram Bootcamp for Founders, Biz Owners, & Content Creators. From August 19-22, invest 4-days of rewarding work into setting your business up for a major success shift on Instagram: https://onlinedrea.com/bootcamp   About the Guests: Melissa Litchfield is a 36-year-old, southern California native, currently living in Mobile, Alabama. For the past 9 years, she’s been helping online entrepreneurs and small businesses market themselves online with paid and organic traffic.  She owns Litchfield Media Co, a digital marketing company that helps small businesses and entrepreneurs skyrocket their impact and revenue with paid traffic. Melissa also manages two rental properties and a new custom clothing apparel brand for babies and toddlers. She lives with her husband, who serves in the US Coast Guard, and her daughter, Madeline.  Website: http://www.litchfieldmedia.org/ FREE Ad Resource: https://litchfieldmedia.org/proven-pixel-permit   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-litchfield/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/litchfieldmedia Facebook: www.facebook.com/litchfieldmedia Threads: www.threads.net/@litchfieldmedia   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZo0yDnY8j037krj0722eRw   Twitter: twitter.com/litchfieldmedia Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/litchfieldmedia1 Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@litchfieldmedia Becky Mollenkamp is a business accountability coach who guides entrepreneurs through the transition from small business owner to agency CEO (without selling their soul). Website: https://feministfounders.co/ Podcast: https://feministfounders.co/episodes/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckymollenkamp/ Lennox Saint is the Threads Guy. In 2021, Lenny graduated with a Juris Doctor law degree from the University of Western Australia. However, a year earlier, he became depressed, realized he hated law, and couldn’t envision a career in it. So on graduation day, he quit to start Saints Coaching — inspired by his late mum’s emphasis on quality education and her own business, Saints Clothing. Despite investing 3,000 hours and $80,000 into a failed course, Lenny persevered. Since July 2023, he’s spent 1,500+ hours creating Threads content, building a community of over 6,000 followers.  Recognized by Buffer as one of “7 Creators on Threads to Watch,” Lenny continues his mum’s mission with Saints College, a Skool community for Threads creators, now boasting over 500 members and ranked as a Top 500 Skool group. Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lennox_saint Jereshia Hawk is a sought after business coach and sales expert who grew her business from $0-5 million in less than 5 years with organic marketing, a lean team, and high profit margins. She helps high-achieving, industry experts launch scaleable group coaching programs by packaging and positioning their intellectual property and strategically repurposing live videos to generate new leads. She's dedicated to seeing more coaches leave a positive impact and creating a lasting legacy by leveraging the profit from their business to contribute to the growth of their personal net-worth. For more information, head to jereshiahawk.com.   Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/319

It's been one year since Meta introduced Threads, and there's a lot to unpack. In this solo episode, I dive into the good, the bad, and the ugly of using Threads as a business owner. We'll explore whether you should be on this platform, how to make it work for your business, and what you need to be cautious about. From personal connections to algorithm quirks, this episode covers it all. In this episode of the podcast, I talk about: How Threads fosters personal connections The refreshing ad-free experience on Threads The charm of unprocessed, real-time content The good and bad of Threads’ algorithm Challenges with real-time updates and search functionality How scheduling posts can impact the platform's charm Why Threads might not be suitable for every business Success stories and real-world examples of leveraging Threads …And More!   This Episode Was Made Possible By: Sked Social Ready to elevate your social media game? With Sked Social, seamlessly add Threads into your mix. Auto-post Threads, Instagram Reels and TikToks with custom covers, mixed media carousel posts, and even Instagram Stories with link stickers. Love batching content? Sked’s got you covered. Upload your media in bulk and customize captions across platforms in one go. Save time and get more done. Plus, Sked is with you every step of the way. Enjoy expert support from a real person you'll come to know well. Your dedicated Customer Success Manager will guide you through onboarding and provide all the training you need to maximize the platform.  Get started with Sked Social today and watch your social strategy soar: https://skedsocial.com/why-sked-social?utm_source=mindful_marketer&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=threads_birthday_episode 2024 Instagram Bootcamp You don’t need to go ✨Viral✨ on Instagram... you need to get Profitable! Learn the IG Strategies that focus on profitable engagement, NOT empty attention, at the FREE 4-Day Instagram Bootcamp for Founders, Biz Owners, & Content Creators. From August 19-22, invest 4-days of rewarding work into setting your business up for a major success shift on Instagram: https://onlinedrea.com/bootcamp   Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/318

What if curiosity could be your secret weapon in marketing? I’m thrilled to have Emily Aborn on the show to explore how sparking curiosity can transform your content and engage your audience like never before. Emily broke down the four types of curious people plus shared some oh so needed practical tips for making your content irresistibly engaging. The insights you’ll gain in this episode will help you connect more deeply with your audience and drive more meaningful interactions.  Dive in and discover how to make your marketing strategy not just effective but also fun and engaging! In this episode of the podcast, we talk about: The four types of curious people How to use curiosity to engage your audience Practical tips for infusing curiosity into your marketing content Why less detail can sometimes lead to more engagement How storytelling can be a powerful tool in curiosity marketing Curiosity Marketing beyond social media …And More!   This Episode Was Made Possible By: Sked Social Are you looking for seamless collaboration on your social media management platform? Don't risk security by sharing seats, or paying extra just to add team members. With Sked Social, you get unlimited seats at no extra cost. Simplify your workflow by managing all your social media accounts from a single, easy-to-use dashboard, and keep all your stakeholders in one place. Spend less for effective social media management, with flexible, predictable pricing that grows only when your social portfolio grows. Get started with Sked Social today and take your social strategy to the next level: https://skedsocial.com/why-sked-social?utm_source=mindful_marketer&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=curiosity_episode 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  2024 Instagram Bootcamp You don’t need to go ✨Viral✨ on Instagram... you need to get Profitable! Learn the IG Strategies that focus on profitable engagement, NOT empty attention, at the FREE 4-Day Instagram Bootcamp for Founders, Biz Owners, & Content Creators. From August 19-22, invest 4-days of rewarding work into setting your business up for a major success shift on Instagram: https://onlinedrea.com/bootcamp   About the Guest: Emily Aborn is a Content Copywriter, Speaker, and Podcast Host of Content with Character and She Built This. Since 2014, she’s owned and operated brick-and-mortar as well as two online businesses. She’s worked with 100+ industries as a copywriter, helping her clients increase their visibility, and build relationship and community-based businesses. She has a knack for unlocking her client’s unique voices and bringing their personality to life.  For fun, she enjoys the nerdiest of word games, reading, listening to podcasts, and hiking with her husband, Jason, and their dog, Clyde.  Website: https://emilyaborn.com/  Instagram: www.instagram.com/emilyaborn LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/emilyaborn Facebook: www.facebook.com/emily.catherinegrace/ Content with Character Podcast: https://emilyaborn.com/content-creationpodcast/   Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/317

Ever feel like your marketing efforts are getting lost in a sea of tech tools and automation jargon? Let's cut through the noise and get back to basics with systems that actually work for you! In this episode, Nikki McKnight joins me to dive into the often overlooked side of marketing automation—what we need to consider before getting lost in the tech and tools. We'll explore the foundational elements of systems and operations, breaking down the essentials that ensure your business runs smoothly and effectively. Nikki shares her journey from a curious kid fascinated by how things work to a seasoned systems and ops expert. We discuss the critical questions to ask before choosing tools, the difference between automated and automatic systems, and how to make decisions that keep your business flexible and resilient. In this episode of the podcast, we talk about: Understanding the difference between systems and operations Key questions to ask before choosing project management tools Why striving for automatic over automated systems can make a difference How to avoid being overly reliant on a single person or platform Real-life examples of simplifying processes to improve efficiency Insights into selecting the best tech tools to support your business goals …And More!   This Episode Was Made Possible By: Sked Social Sked Social champions the power of automation to elevate your social media marketing game. Stop wasting hours posting manually and instead claim back your work/life balance with advanced auto-post tech that even lets you post Instagram stories with link stickers. Plus, simplify internal approvals and share review links with clients for easy sign-off with Sked’s streamlined approvals process; and harness the power of Sked’s AI to automate reporting and other tedious tasks. Sked gives you the insights you need to supercharge your socials and the freedom to keep your content fresh and creative: https://skedsocial.com/why-sked-social?utm_source=mindful_marketer&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=automation_episode 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  Digital Brain PowerPack Your past content has stories, insights, and value that deserves another day in the spotlight. The Digital Brain PowerPack guides you in the tools and methods I use for my done-for-you clients to resurface your content treasures, allowing you to tell richer, deeper stories without the constant pressure of starting from scratch: https://onlinedrea.com/digital-brain/    About the Guest: Nikki McKnight is the operations and systems strategist behind the success of founders driven to build businesses beyond themselves. With over 15 years of experience in operations and logistics, Nikki has honed her craft in optimizing operations, enhancing communication, and nurturing high-performing teams across diverse business landscapes. Driven by a fascination for the magic behind the scenes of film and TV, Nikki sees herself as the director of the unseen processes. She believes that true admiration for success lies not just in the spotlight but in understanding the backstage mechanics that make it possible. Outside of ops, Nikki is a speed reader of queer romance novels, a connoisseur of stand-up comedy, a devotee of feminist movie podcasts, and an enthusiastic consumer of all things caffeinated. Website: https://theopsshop.biz/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnikkimck/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkimcknight/   Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/316

Struggling to keep up with important dates and client engagement? Ever wondered how automation can help you manage your business and personal life better? I’m sitting down with powerhouse guests Colie James, Brianca Kirkman, and Dama Jue to unravel the magic of marketing automation. We dive deep into how automation tools like Airtable, ManyChat, and ThriveCart can transform your business, help you remember those crucial dates, and keep your operations running smoothly, even when you're offline. From Brianca’s unique approach to using automation to personalize client experiences to Colie’s game-changing birthday sale strategy, and Dama’s insightful take on maintaining a human touch. On top of that, we share real-life stories of how automation has saved our bacon and the emerging trends in marketing automation. Tune in and get inspired to take your automation game to the next level! In this episode of the podcast, we talk about: Our marketing automation origin stories Real-life examples of how automations have save our businesses Favorite tools and why we can't live without them Practical tips for balancing automation with personal engagement Trends in marketing automation and what to expect in the future Strategies for making automations align with your business values …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  Social Media Launch Planner If you are launching anything on social media right now, check out my free launch planner. Inside, you'll find a launch tool kit, pre- and post- launch planning questions, and a FULL 24-day social media launch outline. Download this free resource so that your next launch can go off without a hitch: https://onlinedrea.com/launch/   About the Guests: Brianca Kirkman, MA is a Marketing Operations and Automations Consultant and the author of It Ain’t Rocket Science, Friend! How to Position Your Expertise, Build an Authentic Personal Brand, and Plan a Profitable Launch in 90 Days. Brianca specializes in helping executives, entrepreneurs, and CEOs  build, launch, and grow sustainable marketing systems through simple online marketing strategies and advanced automations. Brianca has assisted her clients in generating over $500,000 in first time launches and has coached over 600 women between three core programs since July 2020. Website: https://www.briancajohnson.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebriancajohnson   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebriancajohnson/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebriancajohnson  Colie James is a Disney-loving family filmmaker, Workflow & Automations Guru, and the host of the Business-First Creatives podcast. Based in Boulder, Colorado, her heart pumps in helping photographers & creative service providers automate their systems, reclaim their time and get back to living!  With 10+ years in the creative space, Colie believes every creative deserves to build a business that is sustainable and profitable, and no one should quit their 9 to 5 only to work 24/7 [in their business]. The truth—automated systems can save us all from being overworked and overwhelmed. When Colie isn’t building killer workflows and automations, you can find her spending some much needed time with her husband, James, daughter Chloe, or [you guessed it] at Disneyland. Website: https://coliejames.com/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coliejames/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxcLZK2bRicOuay5SiQ8luw  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colie-james-936ab0252/  Business-First Creatives Podcast: https://pod.link/1626652456 Dama Jue is a funnel strategist and Thrivecart expert who loves helping biz owners build a profitable and impactful online presence through strategic funnels and all the automation you never knew you needed with high-impact-low-stress trainings and templates. Don't miss her collection of modern, conversion-optimized Thrivecart templates!  Websites: https://damajue.com/, https://thrivecarttemplateshop.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/damajue, https://instagram.com/thrivecarttemplateshop  Facebook: https://facebook.com/damajuellc, https://www.facebook.com/thrivecarttemplateshop  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@damajue   Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/315