62: The Real Tea of What it’s Like Having a Content Creation Business

Text me your content win!What if I told you that you could build a full-time travel lifestyle without a huge following, an email list, or a trust fund? 🤯 Today’s guests, Kim and Isaac, did exactly that — and they’re here to spill all their systems-savvy secrets that let them work part-time while traveling full-time. In this episode, I sit down with Kim and Isaac, the powerhouse duo behind LocalFi, an award-winning SEO and digital marketing agency that helps locally-owned businesses get found online (think Google Maps, Yelp, and their websites).Now, they not only run a thriving digital business, but they also created a second brand: Full-Time to Travel Time, dedicated to helping others break free from the 9–5 by building systems that actually work.We dive into:How they only work 10 hours a week in operations (yes, really).The exact systems they use to run a business that doesn’t run them.How to start building systems even if you’re overwhelmed or solo.Real-life advice on delegating, working with VAs, and using AI to streamline your biz.Why you should not fill your free time with more work (guilty 🙋🏻‍♀️).Their favorite personal systems — including Kim’s game-changing calendar routine.And the power of knowing when you’re in the wrong seat in your business.Book a FREE website audit  with Merveille Creative Studios OH — AND THE COURSE!Kim and Isaac created a seriously powerful program called the Systems = Freedom Course. It’s a 4-week system-building bootcamp that helps you clone yourself in your business (dreamy, right?). Best part? As a listener, you get an exclusive discount just for being here 🎉.Audience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyNEW: Watch our Youtube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@TravelContentWriting Sign up for the 7-Day Newsletter Challenge: https://travel-content-writing.kit.com/c07db27158 Schedule a call with me: https://travelcontentwriting.hbportal.co/public/66ddf21fc4f45e00190a4e0e Schedule a coaching call LIVE on the podcast: https://travelcontentwriting.hbportal.co/public/6750837edf524d0027c155ef Want to be featured on the pod?https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrPYGf4l_wWSGQgul4vY-8DS-5Kloj0owstVehKn9r_oabRA/viewformSign up to be the first to hear about my DIY Content Repurposing Course:https://travelcontentwriting.hbportal.co/public/6711a7aae9d903002c5f3c57/1-Inquiry_formAI Prompts to Grow Your Travel Content: https://www.tra...

Text me your content win!Ever found yourself doing everything but the one thing you absolutely need to get done? Laundry folded, fridge organized, random Wikipedia pages explored—and your big project still untouched? You're not lazy—you're human. And in this episode, we’ll unpack why procrastination happens and how you can finally outsmart it.🧠 What You'll Learn:The real psychological drivers behind procrastination (hint: it’s not just poor time management).How perfectionism and fear of failure feed the procrastination cycle.The concept of “emotional regulation” and why it matters more than willpower.Practical strategies to break the habit—and build momentum.🔑 Key Takeaways:Procrastination is an emotional regulation problem, not a character flaw.Avoidance offers short-term relief but compounds stress in the long term.Awareness is the first step—recognize your triggers and emotional responses.Tools like the “10-minute rule,” setting low-friction goals, and self-compassion can radically change your behavior.📌 Resources Mentioned:Tim Urban’s Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator (TED Talk)“The Now Habit” by Neil FioreMindfulness-based practices for self-awarenessNEW: Watch our Youtube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@TravelContentWriting Sign up for the 7-Day Newsletter Challenge: https://travel-content-writing.kit.com/c07db27158 Schedule a call with me: https://travelcontentwriting.hbportal.co/public/66ddf21fc4f45e00190a4e0e Schedule a coaching call LIVE on the podcast: https://travelcontentwriting.hbportal.co/public/6750837edf524d0027c155ef Want to be featured on the pod?https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrPYGf4l_wWSGQgul4vY-8DS-5Kloj0owstVehKn9r_oabRA/viewformSign up to be the first to hear about my DIY Content Repurposing Course:https://travelcontentwriting.hbportal.co/public/6711a7aae9d903002c5f3c57/1-Inquiry_formAI Prompts to Grow Your Travel Content: https://www.tra...

Text me your content win!Dreaming of passive income through digital products, but don't know if it's actually possible? This episode is for you. Today we have Maddy Garrett, the UGC content creator expert back on to tell us how a simple $17 digital product catapulted Maddy into a six-figure business and why digital products might be the missing piece in your creator journey. Maddy breaks down her journey from creating UGC full-time to building a sustainable income with digital products that serve and scale. 🔑 What You’ll Learn:How to find and validate your digital product idea before creating itWhy saturation in the market is a good thingThe behind-the-scenes of Maddy’s first $17 PDF and how it earned her $3,800 in one monthContent strategies that actually convert — including the power of Instagram Stories and chat automationsWhy low-ticket info-only products may not work anymore, and what to do insteadThe truth about the “pit of despair” in business and how to climb out of itHow to build a funnel and eventually run ads for passive incomeA realistic breakdown of time and effort needed to scale as a digital product creatorDM @travelcontentwriting for a special discount code for Maddy's UGC Program🎧 Listen to Maddy’s New Podcast:👉 Paid to Travel — Podcast is out May 12th 2025! 📲 Connect with Maddy Garrett:InstagramWebsite Podcast: Paid to TravelAudience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyNEW: Watch our Youtube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@TravelContentWriting Sign up for the 7-Day Newsletter Challenge: https://travel-content-writing.kit.com/c07db27158 Schedule a call with me: https://travelcontentwriting.hbportal.co/public/66ddf21fc4f45e00190a4e0e Schedule a coaching call LIVE on the podcast: https://travelcontentwriting.hbportal.co/public/6750837edf524d0027c155ef Want to be featured on the pod?https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrPYGf4l_wWSGQgul4vY-8DS-5Kloj0owstVehKn9r_oabRA/viewformSign up to be the first to hear about my DIY Content Repurposing Course:https://travelcontentwriting.hbportal.co/public/6711a7aae9d903002c5f3c57/1-Inquiry_formAI Prompts to Grow Your Travel Content: https://www.tra...

Text me your content win!Imagine waking up to an engaged audience that actually sees your content—without battling social media algorithms. That’s exactly what a newsletter can do for your travel content business. In this episode we’re breaking down why email marketing is the secret weapon for content growth and how you can use it to grow your newsletter, strengthen your content strategy, and create a loyal community.Episode Highlights:How newsletters help travel content creators build a loyal audience 📨The 80/20 content strategy to make email marketing easy ✍️Why newsletters outperform social media for engagement & monetization 💰How to create content growth by repurposing what you already have 🔄Why owning your audience (vs. relying on social media) is a game-changer 🚨NEW: Watch our Youtube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@TravelContentWriting Sign up for the 7-Day Newsletter Challenge: https://travel-content-writing.kit.com/c07db27158 Schedule a call with me: https://travelcontentwriting.hbportal.co/public/66ddf21fc4f45e00190a4e0e Schedule a coaching call LIVE on the podcast: https://travelcontentwriting.hbportal.co/public/6750837edf524d0027c155ef Want to be featured on the pod?https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrPYGf4l_wWSGQgul4vY-8DS-5Kloj0owstVehKn9r_oabRA/viewformSign up to be the first to hear about my DIY Content Repurposing Course:https://travelcontentwriting.hbportal.co/public/6711a7aae9d903002c5f3c57/1-Inquiry_formAI Prompts to Grow Your Travel Content: https://www.tra...

Text me your content win!Everyone is chasing passive income, but how do we achieve it with digital products?Whether you’re a content creator or a travel content creator, adding digital products to your income streams can help you create passive income and more financial freedom. But here’s the thing—most people make one huge mistake when launching their first product. In this episode, I’m exposing my entire 2025 digital product strategy so you can avoid the pitfalls and start profiting faster.📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ The BIGGEST mistake most content creators make with digital products ✅ My step-by-step strategy to validate, create, and sell digital products ✅ How I use newsletters as the foundation of my digital product funnel ✅ The exact automation tools I use to turn followers into paying customers ✅ Why coworking sessions and accountability are game-changers for productivityNEW: Watch our Youtube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@TravelContentWriting Sign up for the 7-Day Newsletter Challenge: https://travel-content-writing.kit.com/c07db27158 Schedule a call with me: https://travelcontentwriting.hbportal.co/public/66ddf21fc4f45e00190a4e0e Schedule a coaching call LIVE on the podcast: https://travelcontentwriting.hbportal.co/public/6750837edf524d0027c155ef Want to be featured on the pod?https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrPYGf4l_wWSGQgul4vY-8DS-5Kloj0owstVehKn9r_oabRA/viewformSign up to be the first to hear about my DIY Content Repurposing Course:https://travelcontentwriting.hbportal.co/public/6711a7aae9d903002c5f3c57/1-Inquiry_formAI Prompts to Grow Your Travel Content: https://www.tra...

Text me your content win!In a world where Instagram Reels and TikToks dominate, is long-form content still relevant? Spoiler alert- um yes!  As a travel content creator, mastering content strategy means going beyond quick clips. Podcasts, newsletters, and YouTube videos create deeper connections, build trust, and make your content work smarter, not harder.✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Why long-form content is essential for growing your brand ✅ How to repurpose one piece of content into multiple Instagram posts ✅ The easiest way to start long-form content without fancy equipment ✅ Why newsletters are a must-have tool for any content creator ✅ A 7-day challenge to launch your first newsletterNEW: Watch our Youtube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@TravelContentWriting Sign up for the 7-Day Newsletter Challenge: https://travel-content-writing.kit.com/c07db27158 Schedule a call with me: https://travelcontentwriting.hbportal.co/public/66ddf21fc4f45e00190a4e0e Schedule a coaching call LIVE on the podcast: https://travelcontentwriting.hbportal.co/public/6750837edf524d0027c155ef Want to be featured on the pod?https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrPYGf4l_wWSGQgul4vY-8DS-5Kloj0owstVehKn9r_oabRA/viewformSign up to be the first to hear about my DIY Content Repurposing Course:https://travelcontentwriting.hbportal.co/public/6711a7aae9d903002c5f3c57/1-Inquiry_formAI Prompts to Grow Your Travel Content: https://www.tra...

Text me your content win!What if I told you that going viral might actually hurt your brand more than it helps? If you've ever chased virality only to feel stuck afterward, this episode is for you. Today, we're breaking down why going viral isn’t always the best strategy for content creators—and what you should focus on instead to build a loyal, engaged audience that actually wants what you have to offer.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ The hidden downsides of going viral as a content creator✅ Why viral followers aren’t always your ideal audience✅ The impact of virality on engagement and content strategy✅ When going viral actually makes sense (hint: physical products vs. digital products)✅ How to build a sustainable, engaged community instead of chasing trendsKey Takeaways:Virality brings in everyone and their aunt—not just your target audience.A surge in followers doesn’t always mean long-term engagement or sales.There’s no blueprint for what happens after you go viral.Building a loyal community matters more than chasing fleeting attention.Resources & Mentions:🎙️ Listen to my episode on what happens after you go viral- Ep 37NEW: Watch our Youtube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@TravelContentWriting Sign up for the 7-Day Newsletter Challenge: https://travel-content-writing.kit.com/c07db27158 Schedule a call with me: https://travelcontentwriting.hbportal.co/public/66ddf21fc4f45e00190a4e0e Schedule a coaching call LIVE on the podcast: https://travelcontentwriting.hbportal.co/public/6750837edf524d0027c155ef Want to be featured on the pod?https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrPYGf4l_wWSGQgul4vY-8DS-5Kloj0owstVehKn9r_oabRA/viewformSign up to be the first to hear about my DIY Content Repurposing Course:https://travelcontentwriting.hbportal.co/public/6711a7aae9d903002c5f3c57/1-Inquiry_formAI Prompts to Grow Your Travel Content: https://www.tra...

Text me your content win!Should you turn your passion for travel and content creation into a freelancer business?Today our guest Emily from @emilywhoexplores gives us the real tea about  standing out in the digital space, securing brand deals, and managing the ups and downs of self-employment.Learn how to transition from freelancer to full-time travel content creator.Discover business strategies to land brand partnerships and steady income.Gain insights on work-life balance while traveling and creating content.Connect with EmilyInstagramResources Mentioned:Check out the podcast Entrepreneur Honestly for more honest business [email protected] ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyNEW: Watch our Youtube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@TravelContentWriting Sign up for the 7-Day Newsletter Challenge: https://travel-content-writing.kit.com/c07db27158 Schedule a call with me: https://travelcontentwriting.hbportal.co/public/66ddf21fc4f45e00190a4e0e Schedule a coaching call LIVE on the podcast: https://travelcontentwriting.hbportal.co/public/6750837edf524d0027c155ef Want to be featured on the pod?https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrPYGf4l_wWSGQgul4vY-8DS-5Kloj0owstVehKn9r_oabRA/viewformSign up to be the first to hear about my DIY Content Repurposing Course:https://travelcontentwriting.hbportal.co/public/6711a7aae9d903002c5f3c57/1-Inquiry_formAI Prompts to Grow Your Travel Content: https://www.tra...

Text me your content win!Is Travel Con worth it for travel creators or is online networking better?I just got back from Travel Con and wanted to give you my hot takes and lessons. If you've been feeling stuck in your content creation journey, struggling with community building, or debating how to create content that lasts, this episode is packed with insights straight from TravelCon. Discover why in-person networking is a game-changer for content creators and how to use it to grow your brand.Learn how to balance creative passion with smart business strategies so you can thrive without burning out.Get practical tips on avoiding "shiny object syndrome" and staying focused on your long-term content goals.Resources & Links Mentioned:📍 Follow me on Instagram: @travelcontentwriting and let me know if we met at TravelCon! 🎙️ Want to learn more about building a community as a creator? Search "community" in my podcast archives. 📚 Book Recommendation: Essentialism – Learn how to work proactively instead of reactively. 🔥 Interested in UGC for travel? Check out Maddie Garrett's UGC program (DM me for a discount code!).Let me know which travel conference you're attending next—I’d love to connect! 🚀NEW: Watch our Youtube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@TravelContentWriting Sign up for the 7-Day Newsletter Challenge: https://travel-content-writing.kit.com/c07db27158 Schedule a call with me: https://travelcontentwriting.hbportal.co/public/66ddf21fc4f45e00190a4e0e Schedule a coaching call LIVE on the podcast: https://travelcontentwriting.hbportal.co/public/6750837edf524d0027c155ef Want to be featured on the pod?https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrPYGf4l_wWSGQgul4vY-8DS-5Kloj0owstVehKn9r_oabRA/viewformSign up to be the first to hear about my DIY Content Repurposing Course:https://travelcontentwriting.hbportal.co/public/6711a7aae9d903002c5f3c57/1-Inquiry_formAI Prompts to Grow Your Travel Content: https://www.tra...

Text me your content win!Today I want to spill the Youtube secrets on how you can start and grow your youtube channel as a travel content creator. We sit down with Wyatt and Reyka my friends from college on how they started and have grown their travel youtube channel to almost 26k subscribers. We dive into: Practical advice on starting a YouTube channel with no experience and how consistency can lead to success.Wyatt and Reyka’s best strategies for creating engaging travel content, from how to choose the BEST thumbnail design to choosing the perfect music.Get insider tips on how analytics and audience insights influence their travel decisions and content creation.Follow Wyatt & Rika:Instagram: @wyattandreykaYouTube Channel Audience ConnectionDiscover how top storytellers build content that connects and converts. Follow us!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyNEW: Watch our Youtube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@TravelContentWriting Sign up for the 7-Day Newsletter Challenge: https://travel-content-writing.kit.com/c07db27158 Schedule a call with me: https://travelcontentwriting.hbportal.co/public/66ddf21fc4f45e00190a4e0e Schedule a coaching call LIVE on the podcast: https://travelcontentwriting.hbportal.co/public/6750837edf524d0027c155ef Want to be featured on the pod?https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrPYGf4l_wWSGQgul4vY-8DS-5Kloj0owstVehKn9r_oabRA/viewformSign up to be the first to hear about my DIY Content Repurposing Course:https://travelcontentwriting.hbportal.co/public/6711a7aae9d903002c5f3c57/1-Inquiry_formAI Prompts to Grow Your Travel Content: https://www.tra...