Is A Closed Membership Model Right For Your Online Community?

What’s the best search engine around? If you said Google, you’re probably right, but something else is catching up quicker than you think (and no, it’s not Microsoft Bing). It’s social media.  My guest, Erin Ollila, an esteemed podcaster and storytelling expert with a rich background in copywriting, joins me to explore how and why social media is increasingly becoming the preferred search engine of millions.  This isn’t a trend to look at, it’s an evolution that businesses can take advantage of to better connect and serve their online communities.  Listen in and discover the seismic shift in search behavior, particularly among Gen Z, the underestimated power of repetition in marketing, and the long-term SEO game that outlasts instant social media gratification. In this episode of the podcast, we talk about:  How TikTok started the social media search engine evolution Strategies for optimizing your content with keywords The value of recycling content to fit long-term goals Erin’s Thesis on social media’s influence on personal storytelling Differences between follow-for-follow and building authentic connections Erin’s tough decision to leave X, formerly known as Twitter …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  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: Conversion copywriter. Copy Coach. Wing Woman. Word slinger. No matter what you call her, Erin Ollila  believes in the power of words and how a message can inform—and even transform—its intended audience.  When she’s not working with big brands and small businesses to marry strategy, storytelling, and SEO, you can find her hosting the Talk Copy to Me podcast or exploring southeastern MA with her family and friends. Erin graduated from Fairfield University with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing and then co-founded Spry Literary Journal, which celebrates undiscovered and established writers' concise, experimental, hybrid, modern, vintage or just-plain-vulnerable writing.  Website: https://erinollila.com/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/erinollila   LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/erinollila Facebook: http://facebook.com/erinollilacreative TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@erinollila_ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@erinollila   Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/303

I'm taking you behind the scenes to reveal some major shifts happening in my business, especially with the Savvy Social School.  I'll be unpacking the reasons behind our move from an open membership model to a focus on individual products. So brace yourselves because I'm getting real about everything—how member feedback shaped this decision, the challenges of live events, and even how my personal life, including a new pregnancy, influenced the direction of our business.  Plus, I get transparent about the financial nudges that pushed me to this big pivot. If you think this is just a story about the Savvy Social School's evolution. Think again.  It's a deep dive into the tough decisions and the path to alignment between business goals, personal capacity, and the ever-changing marketplace that all businesses have to face at some point.  So tune in to get the nitty-gritty on the lessons learned and discover the exhilarating next steps for our community. In this episode of the podcast, I talk about:  Addressing confusion about the Savvy Social School waitlist Why this new focus is best for my business right now The feedback and community trends that helped me make the decision A beautiful thing that has happened since changing models The Future of the Savvy Social School  …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  Fab Fiesta To celebrate my 10 year anniversary, I'm throwing a Fab Fiesta from April 15-24, 2024.  For 10 days, I'm rolling out 10 exclusive offers – each day, a new surprise. And because I love a good party, I’m slicing prices by 50%. Want in? https://onlinedrea.com/birthday/   Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/302 

Do you have a micro following? Even with a micro following, the world of brand deals is wide open. In this episode, I sit down with Gwen Lane, the founder of CREATORIZE, who shares invaluable insights on navigating brand collaborations for content creators regardless of their follower count. Dive deep into the creator economy's growth, learn practical steps for attracting brands, and discover how to gracefully transition from free products to paid partnerships.  Gwen also gives us a peek into the future of content creation with AI and how to maintain authenticity in a digital world. In this episode of the podcast, we talk about:  How the creator economy has evolved and what it means for you Strategies for micro-influencers to land brand deals The role of AI in content creation and maintaining the human touch Treating your business as a media company What I learned from my time as a fashion blogger on YouTube  …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  Fab Fiesta To celebrate my 10 year anniversary, I'm throwing a Fab Fiesta from April 15-24, 2024.  For 10 days, I'm rolling out 10 exclusive offers – each day, a new surprise. And because I love a good party, I’m slicing prices by 50%. Want in? https://onlinedrea.com/birthday/   About the Guest: Gwen Lane is the founder of CREATORIZE, an online education platform for creators. After working 12+ years in digital marketing in LA's entertainment industry, she launched her travel and lifestyle brand The LA Girl in 2016 and partnered with brands like Disney, Target, Starbucks and more.  She built that into a multiple six figure media business and sold it when she moved to Minnesota. For the last six years, she's helped over 8,000 creators monetize through her digital programs and has built a following of over 300k across platforms.  When she's not creating content, she's reading books or hiking with her husband, Luke, stepdaughter, Winnie, and their Australian Shepherd, Bailey. Website: http://creatorize.me/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heygwenlane Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heygwenlane TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heygwenlane   Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/301   

Navigating a business pivot can stir up a mix of emotions, from fear and uncertainty to excitement about new possibilities.  In our first roundtable discussion, we dive into the heart of mindful marketing transformations. Joining me are special guests Jamar Diggs, Diane Mayor, and Diann Wingert, who share their firsthand experiences of steering their businesses through significant shifts.  From moving beyond traditional marketing roles to redefining their audience and messaging, each story sheds light on the challenges, wins, and lessons learned during their journeys. In this episode of the podcast, we talk about:  Marketing your business through significant pivots The role of feedback and intuition in refining your strategy Lessons learned from navigating business transformations Strategies for communicating and implementing changes The future direction for our businesses in the context of mindful marketing …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  Fab Fiesta To celebrate my 10 year anniversary, I'm throwing a Fab Fiesta from April 15-24, 2024.  For 10 days, I'm rolling out 10 exclusive offers – each day, a new surprise. And because I love a good party, I’m slicing prices by 50%. Want in? https://onlinedrea.com/birthday/   About the Guests: Jamar Diggs is a YouTube Marketing Strategist for businesses who want to leverage YouTube to create a low-lift marketing strategy so they can make marketing only 10% of their focus. He takes his corporate marketing experience from working in large marketing departments like Homes.com and Forrent.com to help his clients create a content strategy and marketing system that will generate results for years.  Website: https://jamardiggs.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamardiggs/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JamarDiggs  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamardiggs/  Diane Mayor is a business strategist who helps entrepreneurs build a strategy that goes beyond the funnel to make more and keep more in their business. Each day as the host of The 5-Minute Strategist podcast, Diane shares one strategic question to get your gears turning and spark new ideas for growth, innovation, and leadership in just 5 minutes. In her spare time, this spreadsheet-crazy, puzzle-solving, systems nerd is passionate about travel, live events, coffee, and Converse though not always in that order. Website: https://dianemayor.com/   Podcast: https://the-5-minute-strategist.captivate.fm/listen   Instagram:  https://instagram.com/diane_mayor   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-mayor   Diann Wingert became a business strategist, coach, and mentor after a 20-year career as a psychotherapist. Her mission is to help female solopreneurs with big ideas and busy brains get focused, fired up and flame retardant. Diann is the creator of The Boss Up Breakthrough and host of The Driven Woman Entrepreneur Podcast. Website: https://www.diannwingertcoaching.com/   Podcast: https://www.diannwingertcoaching.com/podcast   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachdiannwingert/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5qFHTPZTAxtYvVLyip3h0A  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannwingertcoaching/    Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/300-3 

In this episode, I’m continuing the discussion on why this shift to Mindful Marketing is needed now more than ever.  We’re in an era where shouting has replaced conversation, where artificial intelligence threatens the authenticity of our content, and consumers are bombarded with too many choices. How do we rise above the noise instead of getting stuck in the middle of it all? Let’s talk about it in this episode.  We'll discuss the shift from building audiences to nurturing communities, the significance of human connections, and the power of casually curated content. As we aim to resonate deep within the hearts of our community members, we'll ditch artificiality for genuine, human-centric marketing. I'll also share exciting plans for the podcast, including introducing "round tables" for diverse insights and perspectives.  With our 10-year business anniversary and a renewed focus on real stories from online business owners, we're embracing human experience over formulas. In this episode of the podcast, I talk about:  The era of information overload The shift from conversational to "shouting" marketing tactics The need for humanity-centered marketing approaches The concept of "casually curated content" Human storytelling as a brand representation tool My plans for fostering open, vulnerable communication …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  Fab Fiesta To celebrate my 10 year anniversary, I'm throwing a Fab Fiesta from April 15-24, 2024.  For 10 days, I'm rolling out 10 exclusive offers – each day, a new surprise. And because I love a good party, I’m slicing prices by 50%. Want in? https://onlinedrea.com/birthday/   Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/300-2

Episode 300 marks not just an amazing number of episodes but the beginning of a new chapter as we shift from the Savvy Social Podcast to the Mindful Marketing Podcast. In this episode, I’m playing my Uno Reverse card as my guest, Meg Casebolt, takes over as host and interviews me.  We reflect on my journey—from freelancing with Canva designs to creating a full-fledged agency and mentorship program—and how we're now transitioning to new horizons that focus on community facilitation and strategic, mindful approaches to marketing.  Join Meg and me for a heart-to-heart on setting boundaries in an ever-connected digital space, honoring our true selves while confronting the challenges of visibility and reputation.  So, get cozy, listen in, and become a part of our conversation right here on the new Mindful Marketing Podcast. In this episode of the podcast, we talk about:  What Mindful Marketing actually is (and why this shift is perfect for me) My evolution into a marketing strategist who cherishes deep connections and community Key moments driving our shift towards mindful marketing, including the importance of boundaries and mental well-being Celebrating a decade in business, the power of community, and aligning with personal values The inspiration and goals behind our rebrand to Mindful Marketing …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  Fab Fiesta To celebrate my 10 year anniversary, I'm throwing a Fab Fiesta from April 15-24, 2024.  For 10 days, I'm rolling out 10 exclusive offers – each day, a new surprise. And because I love a good party, I’m slicing prices by 50%. Want in? https://onlinedrea.com/birthday/   About the Guest Host: Meg Casebolt is founder of Love At First Search, an agency singularly devoted to helping online businesses get found in search results (like Google, YouTube & iTunes) & turn those new readers into leads, subscribers and sales. Meg’s clients are entrepreneurs who are too busy changing the world to worry about things like website conversion rates and search traffic … but still want their websites to get found on Google for their brilliance and turn readers. Meg lives in Rochester, NY with her husband, 2 boys and 80lb pitbull. She has an insatiable appetite for s’mores, Broadway musicals and romance novels. Website: https://loveatfirstsearch.com/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megcasebolt/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loveatfirstsearch/    Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/300-1 

Ever feel like throwing your phone out the window because social media just feels too overwhelming?  Trust me, I've been there.  In this episode, I opened up about hitting that social media wall and the steps I took to climb over it. I'll share my own story of burnout and how I learned to set boundaries with notifications, cultivate a healthier approach to digital engagement, and why focusing on meaningful content and connections has transformed my relationship with social media.  And don't miss this. I've got a major announcement coming in episode 300 that you'll definitely want to hear! In this episode of the podcast, I talk about:  My social media mindfulness wakeup call  How 40 clients led me to shut off my notifications My approach to creating a balanced and intentional social media routine A LinkedIn Story about patience in client acquisitions on social media Social media mindfulness and its role in preventing burnout A tease to the Big Announcement in episode 300 …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  Instagram Mindset Guide Here’s the thing, you probably know that social media is a powerful tool and you know that when wielded correctly, it can connect you with the right people. You also know that consistent contributions lead to success on the platform. But not at the expense of YOU. Grab the FREE Instagram Mindset Guide and discover 3 key mindset shifts to improve your Instagram marketing skills: https://onlinedrea.com/instagram-mindset/    Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/299   

Feeling overwhelmed by the endless cycle of social media management and content creation? In this fun conversation, automation expert Colie James joins us to pull back the curtain on her journey from a skilled photographer to a systems and automation wiz. Colie shares invaluable insights into how she transformed her approach to social media, making it more efficient, effective, and emotionally resonant through the power of systems and automation. Dive deep with us as we explore practical tips for integrating systems into your social media strategy, ensuring consistent content creation, and maintaining meaningful engagement without sacrificing your personal touch. Whether you're a seasoned content creator feeling stuck in the manual grind or a business owner eager to optimize your social media workflow, this episode is packed with strategies to elevate your online presence through smart automation and systems. In this episode of the podcast, we talk about:  How to simplify content creation and scheduling on Instagram The secrets behind using automation for authentic engagement Using Airtable automation to manage client info Strategies for recycling content across different platforms The importance of keeping a human touch in automated messages …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 Guest: 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    Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/298 

Launching on social media can feel like an overwhelming task, filled with anticipation and a touch of anxiety.  How do you transform hours of hard work into a successful launch that captivates and converts?  Let’s talk about it in this episode as I dive deep into the nuts and bolts of preparing for a social media launch.  From defining what a successful launch looks like to understanding the critical role of emotions in the launch process, I'll guide you through creating a launch strategy that not only captures attention but also fosters deep connections with your audience.  We'll explore the importance of a clear plan, realistic expectations, and the invaluable support of your launch team. Whether you're unveiling a new product, service, or even a podcast, this episode is your comprehensive and mindful guide to making your next social media launch a roaring success without the stress. In this episode of the podcast, I talk about:  The essential elements of a successful social media launch How to define and execute a launch that aligns with your goals The power of before-and-after strategies to connect emotionally with your audience The significance of having a solid sales funnel specific to your launch The importance of assembling a rockstar launch team …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/   Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/297 

Ever wonder if AI is going to take over the creative side of your business?  Let's dive into this juicy topic with Copywriter Sarah Jane Burt as we chat about the balance between using AI like ChatGPT for content creation and keeping our human touch alive and well in our copywriting.  We'll share stories, struggles, and successes in integrating AI tools without losing that personal, heartfelt connection in our messages.  Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, a small business owner, or just plain curious about how AI and human creativity can coexist in the content world, this episode is packed with insights, laughter, and a few ah-ha moments about navigating the AI landscape.  Come join us for a conversation that's all about finding harmony between the efficiency of technology and the warmth of human connection. In this episode of the podcast, we talk about:  The shift from classic copywriting to AI tools ChatGPT's game-changing role in content creation Making AI content feel more "you" and less robotic The unbeatable edge of the human touch in writing Balancing AI tech with genuine human connection AI for inspiration and leaving thought leadership to humans …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  Raise Your Rates 2.0 If you're struggling to have time to keep up with all the updates that happen in marketing or you're ready to hire and you just can't find the space and time to actually hire someone much less train them, that's a sign you may need to raise your rates. Raise Your Rates 2.0 is a free audio training where you'll hear my process from start to finish, how I raise my rates without being rude and maintaining my current clients while gaining an incredible amount of clarity on how to price myself for new clients coming in: https://onlinedrea.com/training   About the Guest: Sarah Jane Burt is the Bad Boy of Copywriting. (It’s true. She bought the domain.) She’s spent the past 12 years leading content teams, creating strategies, and writing copy for brands big and small—from multi-billion-dollar tech giants like IBM and Intuit to executive leadership coaches and even an international churro franchise. Today, she focuses on using ethical marketing and copywriting strategies to help creative entrepreneurs and small businesses build fan clubs and fuel empires. Website: http://www.sarahjaneburt.com/   Instagram: www.instagram.com/sarah.jane.burt LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sarahjaneburt YouTube: www.youtube.com/@sarahjaneburt  X: www.twitter.com/sarahjaneburt    Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/296