The Systems and Workflow Magic Podcast

So many creative entrepreneurs dread sending out weekly emails. Maybe you feel you have nothing to say, maybe you forget, maybe you feel like you've already used your best ideas. Today, I am welcoming back Elizabeth McCravy to the podcast, this time to talk about how her automated email system has improved her business and made her email marketing strategy so much easier. Elizabeth is sharing some of her key tips to get started on successfully automating your emails on your own and smoothing out your workflow today. Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:-Get an inside look at Elizabeth McCravy's automated email strategy, which nurtures her audience for nearly a full year with just 27 emails.-Learn how to build and repurpose your own evergreen nurture sequence without overcomplicating it—perfect for busy creative business owners.-Discover how to balance live emails with automations (plus smart tips on avoiding sending multiple emails at once from different funnels).Want the FULL Blog post with ALL the shownotes? Click HEREResources & Links

In this episode of the Systems and Workflow Magic Podcast, I'm joined once again by my friend and fellow systems-loving business owner, Kat Schmoyer. Together, we're diving into all things quarterly planning—specifically, how to approach the next Quarter with intention, strategy, and a whole lot less pressure. Whether you're gearing up for a packed season or you're slowing down to focus on refining your backend, this episode will give you permission and practical tools to finish the year strong without burning out!Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:-Discover Kat's Four Pillars of Quarterly Planning – Learn how “Time, Money, Dreams, and Dailies” can revolutionize how you approach your business goals.-Stop the Burnout Spiral – Hear Kat and Dolly discuss the importance of realistic planning in busy seasons-Get Inspired to Serve & Sustain – Find out how simply focusing on client care in Q4 can be a powerful business strategy.Full Show Notes Here!Mentioned Resources & Links

In this REPLAY solo episode, I'm diving into four big reasons why contracts are essential for every creative business owner. Whether you're just starting out or you've been in business for a while, having contracts in place isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a must-listen! The Legal Paige Contract ShopShop Now at The Legal Paige Contract Shop >>Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:1- Learn how contracts protect both you and your clients—yes, even for complimentary sessions.2- Hear how having a contract instantly elevates the professionalism of your brand.3- Get practical, non-intimidating steps to start using contracts (even if you're not ready to hire a lawyer).Full Show Notes Here!Mentioned Resources & Links

In this REPLAY episode, Dolly sits down with her husband, Ty DeLong, for a candid conversation about money, marriage, and what it looked like to pay off over $150K in student loan debt while building a business. You'll hear how their different financial backgrounds impacted their relationship, how they finally got on the same page about money, and the exact systems Ty used to help them get out of debt. Whether you're single or married, in debt or thriving, this episode will encourage you to take a closer look at your numbers and build a more sustainable business.Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:Learn how Dolly and Ty tackled six figures of student loan debt as a married couple while Dolly built her business.Understand how Profit First and basic spreadsheets transformed Dolly's relationship with money.Gain tangible steps and mindset shifts for managing finances as a creative entrepreneur, especially if money feels overwhelming.Full Show NotesClick here to access the full show notesMentioned Resources & LinksThe Bookkeeping Template For Creatives and use code PODCAST for 20% off! Do you want to join The Family Photographer's Marketing Society? Click HEREEpisode 20: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/how-to-pay-yourself-as-a-creative-business-owner/Connect with Dolly DeLong EducationWebsiteInstagramYouTubeThanks for joining me on The Systems and Workflow Magic Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode:Sign up for weekly reminders to stay updated on all things systems, SOPS, marketing, and workflows to impact the backend of YOUR business! You can snag freebies here: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/business-toolsPost a screenshot and some of your favorite key takeaways on your IG story, and tag me @dollydelongeducation so I can repost it!affiliate links included, which means I might make a lil' money when you click. I only recommend people, products, & programs I use & Money Mindset for Creatives, Paying Off Student Loans, Financial Tips For Married Entrepreneurs, Budgeting Tips, Profit First for Creatives, Creative Business Finances, Systems for Small Business Owners, How to Name Every Dollar, Bookkeeping Tips for Creatives, Financial Clarity in Marriage Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you ready to gain clarity and confidence in your business finances? Maybe you peek at your numbers every couple of months, but let's be honest, that just isn't good for your business, and it is probably adding to the intimidation and overwhelm of the task. In this episode, Shanna Skidmore, of Skidmore Consulting, shares how she crafted her experience as a Fortune 100 Financial Advisor and is now helping entrepreneurs and her students build a profitable business they are comfortable and aligned with. If you are ready to set up a “money date” that will help make managing money much less stressful, this episode is for you!Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:Learn how to conduct an effective “money date” for your business.Dive into Shanna's easy-to-follow system to kickstart your financial journey.Be motivated to get comfortable with your finances and get over your fear of peeking at the numbers in your business.Full Show Notes Here!Mentioned Resources & Links

If you're thinking about hosting a summit to grow your audience or launch your next offer, this episode is packed with strategies that are still incredibly relevant for 2025. Krista Miller breaks down the exact trends and systems you need to create a high-converting virtual summit that actually works in today's online space.Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:Hear why you should host your own summitLearn how to set your summit apart by having unique messagingFind out how crafting the perfect pitch can help bring in people who are new to summitsLearn the benefits of launching an offer in your summitFull Show Notes Here!Resources & Links

Writing copy for your audience can feel intimidating, especially if you're trying to sell them something. In this episode, I brought on my dear friend, Emily of Emily Writes Well, to share her 3-step system to writing copy that connects and converts. Listen in as she highlights the importance of your words, communication, and connection!✅For the full transcription + blog + all the resources/links mentioned, click HEREMentioned Resources & Links

Are you creating an amazing experience for your clients, but not getting the reviews that reflect it? It's not because your clients aren't enjoying it, it's because you don't have the system set up to pull those reviews.In today's episode, Kate Dye joins us to share how she generates raving client reviews through a simple system! Listen in as she walks us through this workflow, plus she's even sharing a free step-by-step guide to setting up the perfect system for getting raving client reviews.

Are you adding email subscribers to your list pretty regularly, but you're stumped about what exactly to DO with them now that you have them? If that's you, you're not alone. Tune in to hear Liz Wilcox share a simple 3-step approach to converting your new leads into customers with a wicked simple welcome sequence. Get ready to walk away from this episode with tangible tips that will take you less than an hour to implement! Plus, your email list will be primed and ready to buy all of the amazingness you have to share with them. What more could you want?Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:-What to do with new subscribers so they transform into happy customers-Why having a welcome sequence is key to creating raving fans-The 4 things that should be included in every highly converting welcome sequenceWant to see ALL The resources & read the blog that goes with this podcast episode? Click HEREResources & Links

Want to stand out in a sea of sameness? It starts with a customer experience that actually converts.In episode 179, I'm joined by customer experience strategist Nadine Nethery, who's breaking down how to build a thoughtful, streamlined, and stand-out client journey—from inquiry to delivery and beyond. Whether you're a service provider, course creator, or photographer, these practical ideas will help you create an experience your clients can't stop talking about.Tune in now and start building a client experience that does the heavy lifting for you—then head to the show notes (aka scroll below) to grab Nadine's free private podcast, Mastering CX.

Think AI is just for big businesses with big teams? Think again. In this solo episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on how I used AI to streamline, simplify, and strategically execute my latest launch—while working less than 20 hours a week. Whether you're planning a summit, course, or digital product launch, these five actionable ways to use AI will help you ditch the overwhelm and show up with confidence.Ready to launch smarter, not harder? Hit play and take notes because I know you'll want to try at least one of these strategies for your next launch.

Feeling overwhelmed trying to piece together your client experience with clunky systems? In Episode 177 of the Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast, I sit down with Octavia Elease to talk about how to create a seamless and branded client journey using her favorite tools: Showit, HoneyBook, and Flodesk.We're diving into how to strategically connect your website, CRM, and email marketing platforms, why consistent branding across all platforms matters, and how to automate the client experience without losing the personal touch. Whether you're a photographer, designer, or service provider, this episode will show you how to simplify your backend with a tech stack that actually works for you.If you're ready to streamline your systems and elevate your client experience, tune in now!

Are Meta ads really worth it—or are you just throwing money away? In this episode, I'm joined by Meta Ads Strategist Kwadwo Sampany-Kessie, who's breaking down Meta Ads 101 in the most practical and approachable way. We're talking about what systems you need in place before running ads, how to know if your business is actually ready for paid traffic, and why understanding the value of a lead can make or break your ad strategy. Whether you're a service provider or a family photographer, this episode will help you demystify Meta ads and approach them with clarity and confidence.

Struggling to grow your email list with quality leads? In Episode 175 of The Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast, I sit down with Yesenia Faiella on how to create a quiz that attracts and converts your ideal clients.We're diving into why quizzes outperform traditional lead magnets, how to craft engaging quiz questions that segment your audience, and the exact steps to turn quiz takers into paying clients. Whether you're a family photographer, service provider, or digital product creator, this episode will help you simplify your lead generation strategy and build a quiz that works for your business.If you're ready to attract the right leads, personalize your marketing, and grow your email list with ease, tune in now!

Feeling overwhelmed by marketing and struggling to stay consistent? In Episode 174 of The Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast, I sit down with Tayler Cusick-Hollman to break down how to build a sustainable marketing strategy that actually works. We're diving into setting clear marketing goals, avoiding common mistakes, balancing short-term visibility with long-term growth, and using Google Analytics to track what's working. If you're ready to simplify your marketing, attract better leads, and create a system that keeps your business visible without the burnout, tune in now!

Struggling to price your photography services with confidence? In episode 173 of The Systems and Magic Workflow, I sit down with Brooke Jefferson to break down the biggest pricing mistakes photographers make—and how to finally charge what you're worth. We're diving into profit-focused pricing strategies, overcoming mindset blocks, and attracting clients who happily pay your rates. If you're tired of second-guessing your prices, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you build a profitable and sustainable photography business. Tune in now!

In this episode, I'm joined by SEO expert Christy Hunter to discuss the power of an SEO-optimized service page for family photographers. Christy shares her personal journey of mastering SEO, her top six elements of a high-converting service page, and practical ways to improve your website's search rankings. If you're ready to attract better-qualified leads and book more clients, this is a must-listen!What You'll Learn in This Episode:✅ How SEO plays a crucial role in attracting ideal photography clients✅ The importance of a well-crafted service page for conversion rates✅ Six must-have elements to optimize your service page for SEO✅ The impact of pricing transparency on client inquiries✅ Why testimonials and guides can boost trust and engagement

In this episode, Dolly DeLong interviews one of her 1:1 Launch Clients, an ADHD teen life coach, Kelly Biltz, who shares her journey of becoming a coach and its impact on her family. They discuss the importance of finding a niche, launching a group program, and the power of email marketing in the pre-launch phase. Kelly successfully launched a group program using email marketing to drive traffic to her webinar, which had a 26% conversion rate. The launch brought in way more than expected (all because of the power of a pre-launch)! Full show notes HERETop reasons to listen to the entire episode:Real-Life Launch Success Story: Hear how ADHD coach Kelly Biltz turned a past failed launch into a successful $18K group program, offering practical insights for anyone looking to improve their launch strategy.Step-by-Step Launch Breakdown: Learn about the personalized launch strategies Kelly used, including email marketing, webinars, and how to engage your audience for higher conversion rates effectivelyMentioned Resources:

This week, I'm joined by Kinsey Soderberg, the brilliant mind behind Feel Good Social. Kinsey is here to chat with us about something I know we're all curious about: how to use AI tools authentically in your business. She's sharing how she integrates AI into her systems and workflows, trains AI to sound like her brand, and how you can use AI tools authentically in your business to save time and increase productivity.Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:Learn how to use AI to streamline your business systems and workflowsHear how Kinsey uses AI to edit video 4.5x faster than she used toGet practical tips to train AI to sound just like your brand voiceLearn how to start using AI in your business without feeling completely overwhelmed or getting content that sounds like a robot.Mentioned Resources:

Ready to supercharge your lead generation and grow your email list? In this week's episode of the Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast, I sit down with Davey Jones, the CEO of BDOW! An expert in digital marketing strategies. Davey shares his top insights on why building an email list is crucial for any business owner, regardless of where you are in your entrepreneurial journey.Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:Learn why email marketing is vital to scaling your businessGet practical tips to find success with a small email listHear how BDOW! can help grow your audience and streamline your workflowsGet inspired from Davey Jones' best advice and encouragement for business ownersMentioned Resources:

This week, I am joined by SEO expert and web designer Laurel Vines to discuss a comprehensive SEO strategy for service providers. We delve into practical techniques for improving SEO, including website structure, content optimization, and off-page SEO. Laurel also shares her journey into SEO, offers tips for leveraging Pinterest, and provides insights into her contribution to the Systems and Workflow Magic Bundle SEO Edition.Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:Expert Insights: Gain actionable SEO strategies from Laurel Vines, a brand and Showit web designer specializing in helping service providers enhance their online visibility.Practical Tips: Learn how to optimize your website structure, content, and off-page SEO to attract more clients organically and improve your search rankings.Bonus Resources: Discover exclusive tips on leveraging Pinterest for SEO and get a sneak peek into the Systems and Workflow Magic Bundle, packed with tools to elevate your SEO game.Mentioned Resources:The Systems & Workflow Magic Bundle: The SEO Edition (available until November 1st, 2024)Full Show Notes Here!Connect with Laurel VinesWebsite - vineyardcreativeco.comIG- @vineyardcreative.coConnect with Dolly DeLong Education

In this episode of the Systems and Workflow Magic Podcast, I am joined by SEO expert Laura Jawad to discuss the importance of SEO during life challenges. Laura shares her journey as a PhD-trained scientist turned personal trainer and birth doula and how she used SEO to build and sustain her business through some of life's most challenging moments. Whether you're navigating personal hardships or simply looking to create a more resilient business, Laura's insights on the long-term benefits of SEO are invaluable. Tune in to learn how to optimize your business for success, even when life throws unexpected challenges your way.Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:Learn the importance of SEO during life challenges and how it supports your business during tough times.Hear from Laura Jawad on using SEO to build a resilient business without relying on social media.Get insights into starting with SEO basics like keyword research and Google Business Profile optimization.Mentioned Resources:The Systems & Workflow Magic Bundle: The SEO Edition (available until November 1st, 2024) Full Show Notes Here!Connect with Laura JawadWebsite - laurajawadmarketing.comIG- @laurajawadfitnessConnect with Dolly DeLong Education

The Summer of SEO continues as I welcome back business strategist and SEO enthusiast Michelle Pontvert to discuss the importance of structuring your website for SEO. Michelle offers practical tips on maintaining a user-friendly website with straightforward navigation, strategic linking, and the appropriate use of keywords. We also touch on advantageous SEO practices for different types of businesses and offer advice on using templates smartly.

Hey, friend, and welcome to another installment to the Summer of SEO! Today I discuss effective SEO strategies for local businesses with Samantha Mabe, the creative director of Lemon and the Sea. We discuss optimizing your website, incorporating location-specific SEO elements, and enhancing user experience to attract the right clients. Samantha also shares practical tips on how to start researching key terms and the importance of maintaining a good website for Google's ranking.

Hey there! This week, I welcome back Bekah Read of Rebekah Read Creative to delve deeper into the importance of keyword research for improving your website's SEO. Bekah, a Squarespace educator and designer, shares practical advice on how to conduct keyword research using tools like Ubersuggest and Google Analytics and how to integrate keywords effectively into your website's text, headers, titles, and more.

In this episode of the Systems and Workflow Magic podcast, I welcome back Brittany Herzberg for the Summer of SEO series. Brittany shares her expertise in simplifying SEO and maximizing website traffic through blogs, podcasts, and case studies. She explains the importance of keyword research and social proof, breaking down a four-step process: gathering social proof, brainstorming potential search phrases, testing hypotheses, and creating an SEO strategy.

Welcome back as we continue the Summer of SEO! This week, systems and process specialist Bai-Leigh Chapman joined me to discuss SEO for blog posts. Bai-Leigh shares her journey from being a VA to a systems expert. We cover the importance of creating a process for SEO blogging, and Bai-Leigh reveals her contribution to the Systems and Workflow Magic Bundle, the SEO edition. This episode offers practical tips and strategies for small business owners looking to enhance their online presence.

Hey, friend! Today, SEO expert Melissa Arlena joins me. Melissa brings over 14 years of SEO experience, shares her journey from IT to photography, and how she has successfully used SEO for her photography business across different states and genres. We discuss the importance of setting up and frequently updating your Google Business Profile, the dos and don'ts of adding addresses and phone numbers, the significance of photos and reviews, and the benefits of leveraging the Q&A and update sections. This episode offers a masterclass in making the most out of Google Business Profiles!

Hello, and welcome back to the Systems and Workflow Magic Podcast! Today, I am joined by SEO expert and founder of Delegate and Accelerate, Rita Ester. Rita shares insights into optimizing local SEO, emphasizing the importance of creating and maintaining a Google Business Profile and profiles on other search engines like Bing and Yahoo. She discusses the value of joining local organizations and being featured in local media to boost SEO and backlinks. The conversation also touches on practical steps for introverted business owners to enhance their local presence without extensive networking. Get your notebooks and your sunblock ready because the Summer of SEO is just getting started!