642: Strategies for Sustainable Content Creation - How to Avoid Burnout as a Creator and Business Owner with Bjork Ostrom

In episode 642, Megan chats to Bjork Ostrom about how to protect your time and mental well-being as a creator and business owner, so you can continue producing your best work and building the business you desire. Bjork loves to find ways to maximize potential - of people, of technology, of life. His wife Lindsay started a food blog a few years ago and they decided to do just that - maximize its potential. They hope to share what they've learned with other food bloggers here on Food Blogger Pro. Bjork is a terrible chef. In this episode, you'll discover effective strategies to organize your workday for maximum focus and reduced mental clutter, while also uncovering ways to find deeper fulfillment in your work. Key points discussed include: - Purpose prevents burnout: Clearly define the purpose and mission behind your work to stay motivated and avoid burnout. - Recognize "enough": Determine what "enough" looks like for your business and personal life, and set boundaries accordingly. - Implement effective systems: Develop repeatable processes to manage tasks, priorities, and projects, keeping your brain uncluttered. - Practice self-care: Prioritize your mental and physical health, as your brain is the primary tool for your creative work. - Embrace imperfection: Accept that you'll never be "done" and that some level of imperfection is inevitable - focus on continuous improvement. - Seek alignment: Ensure your daily work aligns with your deeper purpose and brings you a sense of flow and fulfillment. - Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries around technology, work hours, and other commitments to protect your time and energy. - Reflect and adjust: Regularly reflect on what's working and what needs to change, then make small, incremental adjustments. - Leverage support systems: Build a team or community that can provide a "fallback" when you need it, reducing stress. If You Loved This Episode… You’ll love Episode 536: Is Social Media Ruining Your Productivity? How to Prioritize Deep Work and Minimize Distractions with Mike Cleavenger Connect with Foodblogger Pro Website | Instagram | Facebook

In episode 641, Laura Arnold teaches us how to set realistic goals for SEO in 2025, staying ahead of AI and algorithm changes. Laura Arnold is a New York City-based Emmy-Nominated Culinary Television Producer, Cookbook Consultant, and award-winning Content Creator with over a decade of experience. She currently is the Supervising Culinary Producer for Food Network’s The Kitchen, and has worked previously at ABC’s The Chew, DotDash Meredith, Good Housekeeping, Food52, kitchn.com, and with many more brands. After learning about SEO through several food clients and brands over the past several years, she kept hearing from clients that they wished a food media expert had an SEO consultancy. She then founded Dang Good Digital, her own SEO consulting business specifically for food creators and bloggers to help them grow their brands, sites, and social media exposure. In this episode, you’ll learn how to analyze your content and niche down to get more traction, why it’s worth investing in video, even if it's not perfect, and ways to build a strong community. Key points discussed include: - Niche down your content: Analyze your past year's performance to identify your content strengths and focus on building out those areas. - Experiment with content pillars: Try increasing content in your top-performing areas, like salads, while maintaining a balance of other recipe types. - Research keywords strategically: For newer bloggers, look for high-volume, low-competition keywords to target and build content around. - Adjust your publishing cadence: Aim for 5 new posts and 12 post updates per month, adjusting as needed based on your blog's size and goals. - Write with a conversational tone: Incorporate trigger words and a more personal approach when writing blog post introductions and meta descriptions. - Embrace video content: Experiment with creating simple video content to accompany your blog posts, even using a smartphone. - Build a community presence: Invest time in building a community on 2-3 platforms, such as Instagram and Facebook. - Expect SEO changes: Stay adaptable as search algorithms and AI continue to evolve, focusing on creating high-quality content. - Understand domain authority: While it's important, don't let a low domain authority discourage you, as newer bloggers can still achieve success. Connect with Laura Arnold Website | Instagram

In this episode, we're going to talk about five healthy distractions that can help you stop focusing on negative thoughts and feelings. As a business owner, wife, and mom, I totally get how easy it is to fall into cycles of stress, overwhelm, and anxiety. I've been there myself—it's tough to climb out of those dark moments. That’s why I’m excited to share some super practical tips you can try in just five minutes to reset your mindset and recharge your energy. Whether you’re feeling a little off or spiraling into full-on stress mode, these simple distractions can help you get back on track. Action Plan: 1 - 5 minutes of moving your body: Engaging in a quick physical activity like dancing, walking, stretching, or strength training can shift your mood and focus. 2 - 5 minutes of creativity: Tapping into your creative side through doodling, writing, or making something can help you get out of a negative mindset. 3 - 5 minutes connecting with a loved one: Reaching out to someone you care about, whether through a text, call, or making plans, can provide a healthy distraction. 4 - 5 minutes of gratitude: Intentionally reflecting on things you're grateful for, either by writing a list or visualizing, can pull you out of a negative rut. 5 - 5 minutes of mindful breathing: Practicing deep, conscious breathing exercises can help calm your mind and body when you're feeling stressed or anxious. Get in touch with Megan: Website | Instagram

In episode 639, Megan chats to Justin Moore about how to secure, price and carry out brand deals to generate consistent income using Moore’s eight-step process - “the sponsorship wheel framework”. Justin Moore is a Sponsorship Coach, author, and the founder of @CreatorWizard, a school & community that teaches you how to find & negotiate your dream brand partnerships so that you stop leaving thousands on the table. His latest book, "Sponsor Magnet," offers a succinct distillation of his ideas and frameworks for securing successful brand collaborations. Along with his wife April, he has been a full-time creator since 2014 and has personally made over $5M working with brands. He also ran an influencer marketing agency for 7 years that helped other creators earn millions more. Justin brings a very unique perspective because not only has he been a creator in the trenches doing sponsorships for years but by running an agency, he has insider knowledge behind how big brands choose which influencers to partner with and why they pass on others. Justin's mission is to enable creators big and small to land 1 million paid brand partnerships by 2032.  In this episode, you’ll learn how to pitch effectively and build lasting relationships with the brands you admire and why it's essential to avoid exchanging work for free products. Key points discussed include: - Proactivity is key: You need to be proactive in your approach to sponsorships, not just reactive to brand inquiries. - Relationships matter: Building strong relationships with the humans behind the brands can lead to recurring partnerships. - Knowledge is power: Researching your audience's psychographics and the brand's needs can give you a competitive edge. - Avoid the free stuff trap: Be cautious when accepting free products, as there may be hidden terms that could harm your rights. - Negotiate platform terms: Brand deal platforms can be valuable, but you should negotiate the terms to protect your interests. - Showcase your professionalism: Delivering high-quality content on time and being responsive can make you a brand's favorite to work with. - Leverage post-campaign reports: Providing detailed post-campaign reports, including testimonials, can lead to repeat collaborations. - Manage your mindset: Approach sponsorship opportunities with a mindset of learning and growth, rather than fear or resentment. - Prioritize your own advocacy: Consider managing sponsorship opportunities in-house rather than relying solely on agents or managers. Connect with Justin Moore Website | Instagram | Facebook

In episode 638, Leslie Shreve teaches us strategies for increasing efficiency and reducing stress during our workdays. Leslie Shreve is a workload management and productivity expert, and the Founder and CEO of Productive Day®, which was established in 2003. Leslie is also the creator of Taskology® The Science of Getting Things Done, a unique, proprietary, and all-encompassing system for workload management and productivity that includes the management of tasks, time, email, information, and more. Leslie works with corporate executives and professionals to show them how to increase efficiency and productivity by up to 300% in as little as 4 weeks, gain 1-2 hours back in their workday—EVERY day, spend up to 50% LESS time in their email Inbox, and reduce stress by up to 90%. In this episode, you’ll learn how to centralize tasks using a digital system, how to create a streamlined process for email and information management and the importance of protected time blocks. Key points discussed include: - Centralize your tasks: Gather all your tasks from various sources (email, notes, calendar, etc.) into one central digital task list to improve planning and prioritization. - Protect your time: Block off dedicated time in your calendar each day for focused work on tasks and email management to avoid getting distracted. - Streamline your processes: Develop efficient systems for managing tasks, email, and information to save time and reduce stress. - Avoid paper-based task management: Using paper to track to-dos is less effective than a digital task management system. - Make quick decisions on emails: Process emails immediately and either take action, file, or delete them - don't let them accumulate in your inbox. - Categorize your digital files: Organize your documents, photos, and other digital assets into a structured folder system with main categories and subcategories. - Don't let your desktop accumulate: Build a habit of immediately filing or deleting temporary files like screenshots to prevent clutter. - Start small and work backwards: Even small improvements to your productivity processes can make a big difference. Connect with Leslie Shreve Website | Facebook

In this episode, we're going to talk about five invitations that can help shift your energy and bring more positivity into your life, especially during challenging times. At the time of recording, I’ve been having one of those weeks where everything feels like it's falling apart. But I realized that in the midst of the chaos, I had forgotten to extend the simple invitations that have the power to shift my energy and bring in the good things I'm seeking. Whether it's inviting guidance from a higher power, support from trusted friends, or peace and rest for myself, these invitations can make all the difference. I encourage you to try extending these five invitations - they may just be the key to turning things around. Action Plan: 1 - Invitation for guidance: Extend an invitation for guidance from your higher power (universe, God, etc.) to find clarity and solutions. 2 - Invitation for support: Reach out to a trusted friend and extend an invitation for support when you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed. 3 - Invitation for peace and rest: Start your day by extending an invitation for peace and rest to yourself, as it is essential for resetting your energy and mindset. 4 - Invitation for celebration: Extend an invitation for celebration with others, even if you don't feel like you have a specific reason to celebrate. 5 - Invitation for opportunity and favor: Extend an invitation for opportunity and favor from the universe, shifting your focus from problems to possibilities. Get in touch with Megan if there is a specific mindset and self-care topic you'd like her to cover. Website | Instagram

In episode 636, Megan chats to Madeline Anderson about transitioning from a 9-to-5 job to becoming your own boss and what matters more when choosing a career - pursuing your passion or making money? Madeline is the Author of Girl Dad and Founder of Girl Dad Network. She was born and raised in Southern California and graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a degree in Business Economics. She believes we should all leave the world a better place than we found it, which is why she created and advocates for Girl Dad Network. In this episode, you’ll learn how Madeline managed to balance her full-time job while building her side hustle, Girl Dad. She also shares insights into navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, including overcoming isolation and handling financial uncertainty after becoming her own boss. Key points discussed include: - Leverage your unique background: Your upbringing and relationships can inspire you to create meaningful work that makes a difference. - Prioritize passion over profit: When starting a side hustle, focus on pursuing activities that truly excite and fulfill you, not just what seems lucrative. - Harness creative inspiration: Be open to spontaneous ideas, as they can lead you to discover your true calling and purpose. - Cultivate self-awareness: Regularly reflect on your skills, interests, and values to ensure your work aligns with who you are. - Experiment with different paths: Trying out various roles and experiences can help you identify the best fit for your long-term career goals. - Overcome obstacles with resilience: Challenges and setbacks, like being laid off, can often lead to unexpected breakthroughs if you approach them with an open mindset. - Embrace the entrepreneurial journey: Understand that building a successful business takes time, effort, and the willingness to navigate both the rewards and difficulties of self-employment. - Prioritize authenticity: In your work, strive to be true to yourself, as this will help you connect with the right audience and create meaningful impact. - Maintain a positive mindset: View obstacles as opportunities for growth, and approach your entrepreneurial endeavors with optimism and determination. If You Loved This Episode… You’ll love Episode 593: 3 Simple Ways to Successfully Blog Part-Time While Working Full-time with Kimberly Ho. Connect with Madeline Anderson Website | Instagram

In episode 635, Prerna Malik teaches us how to create a welcome sequence to share content from our blog as well as sell digital products, like courses and ebooks, without being salesy or icky. Co-founder of Content Bistro and a Copyhackers-certified, conversion copywriter, Prerna is the sales strategist and copywriter behind multiple million-dollar launches and 6-figure evergreen sales funnels in niches as diverse as astrology and homesteading! She has written for iconic brands such as Pat Flynn, Amy Porterfield, Copyhackers, Vanessa Lau, Handle the Heat, School of Traditional Skills, and 1000s of others! She is also the creator of the strategy-focused sales copywriting program — Ready-to-Sell. Prerna and her co-founder-slash-husband, Mayank have built an intentionally profitable business while living in India and raising their daughter, Manini.  In this episode, you’ll learn about how to sell in a way that you would want to be sold to, Prerna’s 6C framework for an effective welcome sequence, and why you should not use generic email templates. Key points discussed include: Avoid using generic, plug-and-play templates for your welcome sequence: Your welcome sequence should be personalized and reflective of your brand and connection with your audience. A welcome sequence is not just one email: It should be a series of emails that guide your new subscribers through getting to know you and your offerings. Connection-based welcome sequences work best for food bloggers: Lead with building a personal connection before asking for a sale. Sell in a way you'd want to be sold to: Avoid tactics that make you or your audience feel icky, like fake promises or guilt-tripping. Use the "6C" framework: Celebrate the sign-up, Connect with your audience, Cultivate community, Convert with a sales pitch, Connect again with social proof, and Close by preparing them for your regular emails. Space out your welcome emails: Send them one day apart to improve deliverability and engagement. Include a story, specific details, and your expertise ("3S") in each email: This makes the content more engaging and valuable. Vary your offers in the email signature/footer: This allows you to show relevant products to different segments of your audience. Pay close attention to your subject lines and preview text: These are crucial for getting your emails opened. Remember that "selling is serving": Your products and offerings are valuable, so don't be afraid to promote them to your audience. Connect with Prerna Malik Website | Instagram

In this episode, we're diving into why setting goals is key to creating the life we’ve always dreamed of—and how you can start today by planning for an amazing new year ahead. As an entrepreneur, I’ve seen just how life-changing goal setting and planning can be. Taking the time to figure out my “why,” look back on what worked (and what didn’t), and map out a solid plan for the year has helped me crush 90% of my big goals. In this episode, I’m breaking down the five steps that keep me focused, motivated, and moving toward making my dreams happen. Action Plan: 1 - Define your “why": Understand your deeper motivation for being an entrepreneur and keep this at the forefront. 2 - Reflect on the previous year: Review what worked and what didn't work to inform your goals and plans for the new year. 3 - Set clear goals, focuses, and projects for the coming year: Envision your ideal future and set specific, actionable goals to work towards. 4 - Identify upgrades to make: Make a list of small, daily improvements that can lead to significant changes over time. 5 - Create a detailed plan: Develop a 1-year plan, quarterly plans, and weekly action steps to stay on track and achieve your goals. Got a question or feedback? Get in touch with Megan! Website | Instagram

In episode 633, Megan chats to Joe Rodichok about achieving website success in 2025, covering practical strategies for making GA4 analytics more accessible, enhancing technical SEO, and boosting site performance. Joe is the Co-Founder of Phynite Solutions with over 20 years in tech, including 15 years professionally in roles from engineer to Chief Technology Officer at start-ups and later with FAANG companies, solving complex challenges. I’m passionate about helping small business owners grow their websites through clear, straightforward support—something that’s personal to me as the son of two small business owners. My goal is simple: to help you succeed with no BS, just honest solutions. In this episode, you’ll learn about understanding GA4, how to simplify it with the tool Phynite Analytics, while also exploring strategies for monitoring core web vitals to enhance SEO and the impact of AI content scrapers. Key points discussed include: - Understand GA4's focus on ad spenders: Google's restructuring of Google Analytics is aimed at generating revenue from ad-spending customers, which impacts the data and functionality available to free users. - Leverage Phynite Analytics for simplified data access: Phynite Analytics curates your Google Analytics data in a user-friendly way, providing easy access to the metrics and insights that matter most to food bloggers. - Integrate Pinterest analytics for a holistic view: Phynite Analytics integrates with Pinterest's API to provide insights into your Pinterest performance, helping you optimize your content for that platform. - Monitor core web vitals to improve SEO: Staying on top of your website's core web vitals is crucial for maintaining good search engine rankings, and tools like Google Search Console can help you identify and address any issues. - Understand the impact of AI content scrapers: Be aware of the potential threat of AI-powered bots that may be scraping your content, and use tools like Cloudflare to manage and protect your site. - Optimize site speed with properly sized images: Ensuring your images are properly sized can have a significant impact on your website's performance and core web vital scores. - Take control of your online presence: Don't blindly follow advice or accept the status quo; instead, question and understand the strategies and tools you use to grow your food blog. - Diversify your traffic sources: Relying solely on Google for traffic can be risky, so explore and invest in other platforms, such as Pinterest, to build a more resilient and sustainable online presence. - Persevere through challenges: Even the most successful food bloggers face ups and downs, but with determination and a willingness to adapt, you can overcome obstacles and see your hard work pay off. Connect with Joe Rodichok Website | Instagram