The Virtual Assistant Advantage is the podcast for Christian Virtual Assistants and the ministry leaders, business owners and bloggers who hire them! Learn the tips, tricks and advantages of working together.
Welcome back to The Christian Business Advantage podcast! I'm your host, Alyssa Avant, and today we're wrapping up our May series on Email Marketing Reset with a practical and powerful final episode: "Tools, Templates & Time-Saving Tips."In this episode, we're diving into the tech side of email marketing. I'm sharing my top three recommended email service providers—MailerLite, ConvertKit, and ActiveCampaign—plus a comparison chart (available in the blog post at http://alyssaavantandcompany.com) to help you choose the right one for your business needs. Whether you're brand new to email marketing or ready to scale, you'll find guidance here.We'll also explore:How to repurpose your existing content into engaging email sequencesTime-saving strategies like building a vault of reusable templatesSimple systems to streamline your email process and reduce overwhelm
In this episode of the Christian Business Advantage podcast, host Alyssa Avant welcomes special guest Claire Winson—conversion copywriter, funnel strategist, and former lead copywriter for Dave Ramsey—to help us reset our email marketing strategies. If you've been struggling to stay consistent with your list, feel weighed down by guilt, or just want to better engage your subscribers, this episode is packed with clarity and encouragement. Claire shares powerful insights on how to re-engage cold subscribers, create a high-impact welcome sequence, and align your content with your offers—while taking the pressure off and making email fun again. Don't miss this one!
Welcome back to the Christian Business Advantage podcast! I'm your host, Alyssa Avant, and today we're continuing our May series, Email Marketing Reset — all about refreshing and strengthening your email marketing strategy.This week's episode is all about how to switch email service providers without confusing or losing your audience. Whether you're feeling stuck with your current platform or you're reacting to recent changes (looking at you, MailChimp!), this episode will guide you step-by-step through making a smooth and strategic transition.Here's what you'll learn: ✅ How to properly back up your list before switching ✅ What to do with automations, tags, and templates ✅ How to communicate clearly with your subscribers during the change
Welcome to a brand-new series on the Christian Business Advantage Podcast! I'm your host, Alyssa Avant, and this month we're diving into an Email Marketing Reset—a fresh start to help you clean up, level up, and better connect with your audience through email.In today's episode, we're talking about a critical question: Is it time to switch your email service provider? I've recently helped several clients make the move, and with major updates from platforms like MailChimp and ActiveCampaign, it's something you might be considering too.You'll learn:5 key signs it's time to switch email platformsCommon pain points like rising costs, missing features, and poor deliverabilityHow to choose the right email tool based on your goals and budgetA comparison of MailerLite, ConvertKit (now Kit), and ActiveCampaign—and who they're best forPlus, I'll share questions to ask yourself before you make the move, and preview a special free checklist coming next week to help you transition smoothly.
In this final episode of our Spring Clean Your Online Presence series, Alyssa Avant walks you through creating a simple, Christ-centered spring marketing plan. Learn how to set realistic goals for May, choose your marketing channels wisely, repurpose your content, and stay faithful and focused without getting frantic. Plus, get a sneak peek at what's coming for the podcast in May!
In this episode of the Christian Business Advantage Podcast, host Alyssa Avant continues the April series, Spring Clean Your Online Presence, with a focus on how to freshen up your WordPress website. Your website is often the first impression potential clients or ministry partners get—so it's important to make sure it's clean, updated, and functioning well.Alicia shares practical tips to help you:Review and update your homepage, about page, and services/productsCheck for broken links using the Broken Link Checker pluginRefresh visuals to stay on-brand across platformsEnsure mobile responsivenessKeep plugins and backups up to date with tools like UpdraftPlusAudit each page to maintain functionality and relevanceShe also discusses the value of having a website maintenance plan and shares how her team helps Christian business owners keep their websites running smoothly.✨ Need help maintaining your WordPress site? Visit alyssaavantandcompany.com to learn more about Alyssa Avant and Company's website maintenance packages.
Welcome back to the Christian Business Advantage Podcast! I'm your host, Alicia Avant, and today we're continuing our April series, Spring Clean Your Online Presence. In this episode, we're diving into social media and how to give your profiles the TLC they deserve. I'll walk you through a practical audit of your bios, links, images, and content strategy. Plus, I'll share tips for updating visuals, refreshing lead magnets, and staying on-brand. Don't miss this helpful info—including a heads-up on upcoming changes to Facebook Lives!
In this first episode of our April series, Spring Clean Your Online Presence, we're diving into how to declutter and refresh your email marketing strategy. From cleaning up your list and updating your welcome sequence to creating a nurture sequence and staying consistent with your schedule, this episode is packed with practical steps to help Christian authors, speakers, and coaches realign their email marketing with their current message and goals.Plus, I'll share how setting a monthly content theme can help you simplify your email strategy and repurpose content across platforms.
Struggling to keep up with content creation? In this episode, I'm sharing my go-to tools, templates, and time-saving hacks for effortless content repurposing. From Descript for transcription and video editing, to Headliner for audiograms, and Canva for plug-and-play social media templates, these tools will help you work smarter, not harder. I'll also cover scheduling tools like PostPlanner and the importance of having reusable email templates. Tune in to learn how to streamline your content process and stay consistent without the overwhelm![Need help with content repurposing? Schedule a free 20-minute consult at alyssaavantandcompany.com/]
In this episode, we're continuing our content repurposing series by helping you determine which content format—podcast, blog, or video—is best for connecting with your audience. I'll walk you through the pros and cons of each format, how to assess where your audience is spending their time, and how to make one core message work across multiple platforms. Tune in for practical tips on building an online presence as a Christian author, speaker, or coach.
In this episode of the Christian Business Advantage Podcast, we're diving into how to transform your existing content—whether it's a sermon, keynote speech, or book chapter—into multiple formats that expand your reach and impact. Learn how to repurpose your words into blog posts, social media captions, lead magnets, courses, devotionals, and more!I'll also share my top tools for transcribing and repackaging content quickly, including Descript and ChatGPT, to help you streamline the process.Don't let your valuable content sit unused—tune in and discover how to maximize your message effectively!
In this episode of The Christian Business Advantage Podcast, host Alyssa Avant continues the March series on content repurposing. She breaks down a step-by-step framework to maximize your content, ensuring it works for you long-term. Learn how to identify evergreen content, create a content bank, and implement the 3-to-1 rule (or even 5-to-1!) to repurpose your content efficiently across multiple platforms. Whether you're a Christian author, speaker, coach, or virtual assistant, this strategy will help you streamline your content creation and marketing efforts. Tune in to discover practical tips to save time while expanding your reach!
In this episode of The Christian Business Advantage Podcast, we're kicking off a brand-new series on how to effectively repurpose content to expand your reach. If you struggle with consistently creating fresh content while managing your ministry or business, this series is for you!This week, we're diving into why content repurposing is a game-changer for Christian entrepreneurs. Learn how to save time, reduce overwhelm, and maximize your message by leveraging what you already have—just like the biblical principle of stewardship. I'll walk you through my step-by-step process for repurposing content so you can reach more people without constantly creating from scratch.Be sure to stay tuned for the rest of the series, where we'll cover practical frameworks, content formats, and time-saving hacks! Join the Christian Business Advantage Facebook group for more training and support.
Today we're wrapping up our Organized for Success series with an important discussion on how mental clarity and an organized space can boost your productivity.If you've ever felt overwhelmed by a cluttered mind or a never-ending to-do list, this episode is for you. We'll explore practical strategies like brain dumping, journaling, and structured to-do lists to help you clear mental clutter and stay focused. Plus, we'll discuss the power of daily and weekly routines, setting deadlines, and even delegating tasks to maintain an organized workflow.Tune in for actionable tips that will help you reduce stress, increase productivity, and create a work environment that supports your success. Don't forget—taking breaks and practicing self-care are just as important as staying organized!Listen now and start creating better habits for a more productive and peaceful work life.
Today we are continuing our series on Organizing and talking about how to save time and reduce overwhelm in your life and business.
Struggling to find important files or keep up with your schedule? In this episode, we're tackling digital clutter and sharing simple, effective strategies to organize your files and calendar for maximum productivity. Learn how to set up a streamlined folder system, create an efficient naming structure, and optimize your digital calendar with time-blocking and automation. Tune in for practical tips and tools to help you take control of your digital workspace and boost your efficiency!
In today's episode I answered a round up of questions from the audience in celebration of my 200th episode of the podcast. The podcast began in August 2020 and is almost 5 years old. Thank you for helping me celebrate.
In today's episode we wrap up our series on Email List Building with the topic of tools needed for building an email list.
In today's episode we discuss the basic steps for building your first email list.
This week on the podcast we are talking about the necessities of an email list.
Building an email list is an important part of your business. In this new series for the month of January we will talk about the many different aspects of email list building.
The most popular episode of the Christian Business Advantage Podcast for 2024 is Newsletter Dos and Dont's.
This is the 3rd most popular episode from 2024. Podcasting First Steps gives you the questions to ask yourself before starting a podcast.
This is the 2nd most popular episode of the podcast for 2024. Greatest Hit #2 is But First, Lead Magnet.
For the month of December we are airing our top 4 episodes of the podcast for 2024. Today's episode is the 4th most popular episode of 2024 - Podcast Guesting.
In this episode of The Christian Business Advantage podcast, we wrap up our November series, A Month of Thanks and Reflection in Your Business, with a heartfelt discussion on Showing Appreciation to Clients and Thankfulness in Your Business.Join me, Alyssa Avant, as we explore practical ways to express gratitude to your clients, such as thank-you emails, small gestures, or special deals. We'll also reflect on the blessings of your business journey, from meaningful client relationships to the opportunities your work provides.Take time this week to embrace gratitude, reflect on your growth, and intentionally thank a client in a unique and impactful way.Plus, hear an exciting announcement about our upcoming Greatest Hits Series in December! Tune in and finish the month with a spirit of gratitude that will carry you into the holiday season and beyond.
In this episode of the Christian Business Advantage Podcast, host Alyssa Avant continues the "Month of Thanks and Reflection" series with a practical and impactful topic: How to Ask for Testimonials.Discover why testimonials are essential for your business, whether you're an author, speaker, coach, or a combination of the three. Alyssa explains the power of testimonials in establishing credibility, attracting new clients, and enhancing your marketing efforts.You'll learn:The different types of testimonials and how to use them effectively.Simple, actionable strategies for requesting testimonials, including specific questions to ask and tools to make the process seamless.Creative ways to integrate testimonials into your website, social media, email marketing, and more.Tips for following up, showing gratitude, and making it easy for others to share their feedback.Alyssa also shares a helpful template to simplify the testimonial process, available in the show notes. Tune in and get inspired to start asking for testimonials today!✨ Scripture Inspiration: As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. — Proverbs 27:17Don't miss this valuable episode to strengthen your business through the power of testimonials.
In this episode, we discuss the vital role a supportive community plays in business and life. From encouragement to collaboration, having like-minded professionals around you can transform your journey. Alyssa shares tips on how to connect with others, cultivate meaningful relationships, and practice gratitude to deepen those connections.With over 17 years of experience in online business, Alyssa reflects on how key communities have nurtured her journey. She'll spotlight a few invaluable groups, like the Christian Indie Publishing Association (CIPA) and the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA), and provide insights on building your own community online.As a special touch, Alyssa challenges listeners to reach out to one person this week who has offered support and to express appreciation—whether through a heartfelt thank-you note or a simple act of acknowledgment. Let's celebrate the power of community together and find encouragement in the support of others.Tune in, take on the challenge.
Welcome to a new episode of The Christian Business Advantage Podcast with your host, Alyssa Avant! This November, we're embracing a theme of Thanks and Reflection in business, starting with today's episode, “Celebrating Wins in Your Business.” In this episode, Alyssa shares why acknowledging achievements, big or small, can build momentum and boost morale. Reflecting on personal wins and sharing stories, Alyssa offers tips on documenting progress and cultivating gratitude. Tune in to explore practical ways to recognize your accomplishments and uplift your journey. Don't miss this encouraging series designed to help you thrive through gratitude and reflection!
In this week's episode of the Christian Business Advantage podcast, we're wrapping up our October series on fourth-quarter marketing strategies! Join me as we take a closer look at how to assess this year's marketing efforts and lay a solid foundation for a successful start to the new year. We'll cover essential steps, including analyzing your marketing metrics, gathering and using customer feedback, budgeting for next year's initiatives, and setting fresh marketing goals for 2025.Whether you're promoting books, services, or speaking engagements, this episode will guide you in reviewing what worked well, what to adjust, and how to make data-driven decisions for next year. Plus, I'll share insights on how to gather valuable customer feedback and budget effectively to maximize your marketing impact. Don't forget to join our free training this Thursday in the Christian Business Advantage Facebook group, where I'll walk you through creating a fourth-quarter marketing plan that sets you up for success!
In this episode of the Christian Business Advantage Podcast, host Alyssa Avant welcomes business coach and marketing strategist, Theresa Taylor, to discuss social media strategies for finishing the year strong in quarter four. Theresa specializes in helping women simplify their business strategies to increase income without feeling overwhelmed. She emphasizes focusing on mastering one social media platform at a time rather than trying to be active on multiple platforms, which can be time-consuming and ineffective.The conversation highlights key strategies for social media success, such as mastering mundane tasks like audience growth and lead generation. Teresa shares her insights on the importance of building an engaged community, especially using Facebook groups, and explains how to use events as a tool to attract the right audience and drive engagement. She encourages listeners to be consistent in lead generation, content creation, and sales efforts, suggesting that business owners plan two events—one for November and one for December—to stay focused on year-end goals.Theresa also advises entrepreneurs to create conversations with potential clients around the topic of their events, even before the event occurs, allowing them to start building relationships and offering their products or services early. The episode wraps up with practical tips for Christian authors, speakers, and coaches on how to use social media platforms strategically to expand their reach and grow their businesses. Theresa invites listeners to join her free Facebook group, Productive and Profitable: Consistent 5K Months for God-Led Entrepreneurs, to learn more about her strategies.
In this episode of the Christian Business Advantage podcast, I'm sharing how to leverage email marketing to boost holiday sales. We'll talk about why email marketing is so important, especially during the holiday season, and I'll give you actionable strategies to reach your audience with faith-centered messages that resonate.I'll walk you through building your email list, even if you're starting from scratch, and how to create engaging holiday email campaigns. You'll learn tips for offering limited-time discounts, creating holiday bundles, and automating your emails to save time. My goal is to help you connect with your audience, grow your business, and spread your message in a way that honors God.If you need help with email marketing, feel free to reach out to me or check out my services at Alyssa Avant & Company
In this episode of the Christian Business Advantage podcast, I kick off a new series on how to effectively market your business in the fourth quarter. Today's episode, "Preparing for Q4 Success," walks you through practical steps to ensure a strong finish to the year. I explains why Q4 is a pivotal time for business owners—whether you're an author, speaker, or coach—and how to evaluate the first three quarters of the year in areas like finances and marketing.
In this bonus episode I celebrate 17 years in business by sharing the five greatest needs for business success that I've learned throughout my journey. Reflecting on my experiences, I cover the importance of having a business coach, staying accountable, creating a clear marketing plan, implementing systems, and surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals. Whether you're in your first or seventeenth year of business, these practical insights will inspire and guide you on your entrepreneurial journey. Tune in for an encouraging and valuable discussion!
In this episode of the Christian Business Advantage Podcast, host we wrap up the series on the powerful concept of the 12 Week Year. Joined by my friend Trisha, we share the real-life results we've achieved by breaking down big goals into manageable 12-week sprints. From launching a virtual summit to staying on track with business and personal milestones, we discuss how systems, accountability, and celebrating small wins can transform your approach to goal-setting. Tune in for practical insights, encouragement, and a reminder that "a dream is just a wish without a plan." Don't forget to grab a copy of The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran to start your journey to success!
In this episode of the Christian Business Advantage Podcast, I continue my conversation with my friend and accountability partner, Trisha. Together, we explore the significance of having an accountability partner in business and how it strengthens focus and commitment. We dive into the 12-week year concept, sharing how it has helped them set and track goals, stay motivated, and maintain balance in their busy lives. Tune in to learn how accountability can drive success and foster encouragement without competition!
In this episode of the Christian Business Advantage Podcast, my accountability partner, Trisha and I continue their discussion on implementing the "12 Week Year" method to achieve business and personal goals. We focus on creating an effective weekly plan that involves setting daily and weekly tasks. We share their unique approaches to planning and tracking progress—I prefer using a Passion Planner while Trisha utilizes a combination of digital tools and printed checklists. We emphasize the importance of tracking and scoring their progress weekly to stay motivated, make necessary adjustments, and maintain accountability. By using these strategies, we demonstrate how consistent small steps can lead to significant progress. Next week, we'll discuss the value of having an accountability partner and what to look for in one to help stay focused on your goals.
In this special series for September, we're shaking things up on the podcast! I'm thrilled to have a guest with me for the entire month, my long-time friend and accountability partner, Trisha Cordes. Today, we're diving into one of my favorite productivity tools, "The 12 Week Year" by Brian P. Moran—a book that has revolutionized how we set and achieve goals in our lives and businesses.Trisha and I met in 2016 when she became an intern for my virtual assistant business, and we've been using the "12 Week Year" system together ever since. In this episode, we'll break down the core principles of the "12 Week Year," which focuses on setting goals in 12-week increments rather than annually, creating a sense of urgency and encouraging consistent action. We'll share how we both implement this system in our businesses and personal lives, the importance of setting focused and attainable goals, and how it has helped us stay on track without procrastination.Join us as we discuss practical tips for goal setting, balancing personal and professional aspirations, and using shorter planning cycles to achieve more in less time. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just looking for a fresh way to organize your life, this episode will provide valuable insights to help you reach your goals faster and more efficiently.
This week we wrap up this month's theme of Email Marketing for Beginners with the topic of Newsletter Content Ideas. If you are interested in getting assistance with beginning your email llist or growing it let my team and I at Alyssa Avant and Company help you. Learn more here: https://alyssaavantandcompany.com/all-services/
In this week's episode we talk about comparing email newsletter providers including Mailer Lite, Convert Kit and Active Campaign. Learn which one is best for you and your business and email newsletter.
On today's episode of the podcast we continue our series on Email Marketing for Beginners with the topic of email subject lines. These could make or break your email marketing. RELATED EPISODES:Everything You Need to Build an Email List (An Overview)
Send us a Text Message.We are starting a new series here on the podcast, the Basics of Email Marketing. In this first episode we are going to talk about how to start on Email newsletter.As mentioned in the episode there are several related episodes that you can listen to as well including:But First, Lead MagnetNewsletter Dos and Donts
In this week's episode we talk about the tools to use when hosting a virtual summit.
In today's episode we discuss how to go about marketing your virtual summit.
In today's episode we are going to be talking about the elements that are included in a summit.
In today's episode we are beginning a new series for the month of June on the topic of Hosting a Virtual Summit. In today's episode we discuss the purpose of a virtual summit.
In this episode I share with you my favorite AI Tools and the best ways to incorporate them into your business.
In this week's episode I share with you some valuable tips for using AI in your business.
In today's episode we talk about the pros and cons of using AI. I reference several articles in today's episode that you will find in the blog post on my website.
In today's episode we are beginning a new series on "Using AI". Today we tackle the topic "Is AI Good or Bad?" This is very much targeted to the idea of us as Christian Business owners, writers, speakers and coaches using AI in our businesses. I referenced several different articles that will be in the show notes later on http://alyssaavantandcompany.com
Today's episode is a bonus episode. It is a replay from when My friend Allison Scholes joined me on the podcast to share with us her expertise in content pillars. You can find Allison on Instagram here: http://www.instagram.com/allisonscholesor on her website at http://bossladyinsweatpants.com
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