Tiny Course Empire Podcast

You've listened to me bang on about email marketing for a few years now. You know how important it is (crucial, in fact). You know how much I prioritize email above all other marketing channels (because it's the only one you own and control). You know my thoughts on list-building and engagement and staying in touch with your subscribers. And I know that for some of you, my email marketing method feels a bit overwhelming—especially if you're just getting started. That's why when I met Amy Kuphal, I knew I had to introduce her to you. Amy is an email marketing ninja, but more than that, she's a systems lover, and she wants nothing more than to make email marketing easy for everyone to do. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! Join me for this interview, and you'll learn: How Amy discovered the power of email marketing How Amy's Lead Generation Pyramid works to grow your mailing list How an email list allowed Amy to scale her 1:1 coaching business while working fewer hours Why you should sell to your email subscribers first, and how Amy does it with integrity The most important part of your lead magnet (this one caught me off guard) Why launching your lead magnet fast is more important than making it perfect Where to promote your lead magnet with some creative ideas you've probably never thought of How to turn new subscribers into raving fans with a short welcome sequence How Amy is using AI in her email marketing content How to make writing a weekly newsletter easy with Amy's email templates Resources mentioned: Amy Kuphal, email marketing specialist and online business coach The Inbox Entrepreneur Six-Figure Systems (snap up a $7 trial here)

This week, I’m joined by my friend, mentor, and one-time coach Kelly McCausey. You may recognize her as the creator of the Stretch Yourself Challenge, an annual event I credit with helping to launch a new era in my business. Kelly recently announced that she’s closing the doors on the content marketing side of her business so she can focus on full-time mindset coaching. To celebrate, she’s hosting one final Stretch Yourself Challenge event, so I invited her to come chat with me about content marketing. We talked about how she got started with creating content, the mistakes she sees some marketers making, and what’s next for her own content as she transitions from a B2B business into a B2C market. What you'll learn in this episode: Kelly’s history with content marketing and why she still thinks it’s the best thing you can do for your business growth Kelly’s experience with SEO and what types of businesses benefit from it most The types of content you should not be creating (even though it feels fun and easy) How the Stretch Yourself Challenge evolved and how you can get involved Whether I prefer brownies or coffee mugs as a finisher’s prize Resources mentioned: Stretch Yourself Challenge #15 (the last hurrah) Me Skills (Kelly’s new home on the net) Six-Figure Systems (snap up a $7 trial here)

Six-Figure Systems has been closed to new members for a while. We've made some changes behind the scenes and introduced some new pricing tiers, and to celebrate our re-opening this week, I want to share a recent Q & A call with you. This call recording gives you a sneak peek into what we do inside Six-Figure Systems, and the support we offer to both new and more established business owners. Give it a listen and learn about things like prioritizing your projects, growing your email list, and selling digital products on third-party marketplaces. Then come join us on a podcast-listener exclusive 7-day trial for only $7. What you'll learn in this episode: How to focus on the most important work and let the distractions go Six ways to grow your mailing list Selling digital products on Gumroad Changes to Gmail and Yahoo! email sender requirements Leveraging an existing audience when you don't (yet) have one of your own How to choose just one idea when you have so many Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems podcast listener trial. Start today for only $7. Atomic Habits by James Clear Gumroad Udemy Google's email sender guidelines What email marketers need to know about Google and Yahoo! email changes

There's something attractive about an online business, and it's not just because you can work from home in your pajamas and fuzzy slippers. For many online entrepreneurs, anonymity is appealing. The thought—whether conscious or not—of hiding behind a laptop screen, never appearing in public, and even using a pseudonym in place of their real name makes introverted entrepreneurs feel safe. But is keeping a low profile, firmly sheltered within that comfort zone cocoon, really doing your business any good? And if not, what steps can you take to expand your cozy bubble, show off your brilliance, and earn what you deserve? That's what we're exploring in this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: Why I believe every online business owner must be willing to step out of his or her comfort zone, especially right now How comfort zones hold you back (including a little-known benefit of pushing yourself just a little further than you like) What the research says about the stress and anxiety you're feeling as you try to put yourself out into the world How your own brain is working against you, and what you can do to rewire it Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems trial offer: Start today for just $7. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome (free webinar February 15, 2024)

Imagine having the confidence to know your next blog post will hit the top of the search results. Or that your next sales page will convert well. Or that your ads campaign will bring in new subscribers. That's what having well-maintained SOPs (standard operating procedures) can do for your business… so why do we not make them a priority? If you've ever said: I know I need better procedures, but I don't know where to start I have procedures and checklists… somewhere I don't need procedures because I'm the only one who works here I don't want procedures—they'll just stifle my creativity Then this episode is for you. We're going to take a deep dive into creating better procedures and checklists, including how to write them, where to keep them, how to keep them updated, and more. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: The critical difference between processes, procedures, and work instructions, and why they're all called simply “checklists” How to make a truly useful checklist by just asking a few questions How to maintain your SOPs without it sucking up all your time Where to keep your procedures The number one way to get your team to use your procedures and checklists—maybe the only way Resources mentioned: Atul Gawande's Checklist Manifesto Sam Carpenter's Work the System Our own Six-Figure Systems Program

“It takes me forever to write a single email.” That's what my friend Tish said when I casually mentioned I had written 10 emails that morning. It's a complaint I hear from other online business owners, too. Content is such a critical part of doing business online, but yet we struggle to create it consistently. Sound familiar? In this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast, I have 17 tips I've learned since I fired up my keyboard for the first time. Some will help you write faster, some will help you write better, and some will maybe just give you food for thought. But if you're a writer (and you are) they'll all help you improve your craft in some way. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: How to make course creation (or slide decks, or planners) take way longer than it should Why your high-school writing teacher was all wrong Two lessons I learned from fiction writers that will make your content more compelling The real reason you need to proofread your writing (and it's not because people will judge you for your typos) The number one way to never run out of ideas What the productivity gurus can teach us about good writing habits Resources mentioned: Tish Lee podcasts about body positivity at Shining Self Stephen King's “On Writing” is one of the best books about the craft whether you're publishing blog posts or trashy romance novels Julia Cameron's “The Artist's Way” is a masterclass on how to be more creative Cal Newport recommends productive meditation for solving problems. I find it useful for being more creative. Shower Thoughts on Reddit is a fun diversion (but don't spend too much time there)

Feeling a little confused about the upcoming Google and Yahoo! email changes? Hearing lots of scary-sounding acronyms and wondering what the heck they even mean? You're not alone. A few months ago both Google (Gmail) and Yahoo! announced that beginning in 2024, they will impose new requirements on senders of bulk email—in other words, email marketers like us—and if we want to keep our email messages out of the spam folder, we'd need to shape up. What exactly are these new requirements, and how can you make sure your emails are compliant? That's what we're going to find out in this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: What are SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records, and how they work to authenticate your email Which of your email subscribers are impacted How sender rules are changing, and when Important dates you need to know How spam complaints are counted, and what's considered an acceptable number Where to get help if you need it Resources mentioned: Google Postmaster Tools Google Email Sender Guidelines Yahoo! Sender Requirements & Recommendations MailerLite blog post/video on domain authentication Verify your domain with ConvertKit SPF, DKIM, and DMARC Authentication on ActiveCampaign How to make sure your emails get through from Email Tool Tester

One of my favorite podcasters, Mike Schmitz, has a rule for his kids: “Create more than you consume.” This is great advice not just for kids, but for all of us—maybe especially for online business owners. With a never-ending supply of webinars, courses, blog posts, TikToks, YouTube, books, and more, it's easy to find yourself consuming more than you produce. That's a dangerous path to follow when your income is dependent on the courses, products, and other content you create. But where should you draw the line between “need to learn” and “need to create”? That's what we're exploring in this week's podcast episode. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: Why you can't learn without creating How to choose what you consume with more intention Why content creation is harder than content consumption Why learning new things feels more productive than it really is The difference between high-value and low-value consumption How not to waste time and money on content you can't use How to schedule enough time to both learn AND implement Resources mentioned: Mike Schmitz on Focused and on Bookworm MyNAMS Six-Figure Systems Lynn Terry's ClickNewz How to Grow an Idea Garden

I'm talking a lot about content lately. It's the first stop on the Online Business Roadmap, and for a good reason: It's one of the pillars of your marketing plan. The only question is, what's your content style? Will you be all business? Will you let your personality determine the direction you take? Or will you approach your content like a scientist, and follow the keyword data to find success? In this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast, I'm breaking down the three distinct content marketing styles. I'll share some examples of each style, plus I'll give you the pros and cons, so you can find the right style for your marketing goals. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: Three styles of content marketing, and how to know which one is right for you How your content style helps shape your business income strategies Which style of content is best if you prefer to stay “behind the scenes” Why most people who identify as “creative” shy away from certain content styles Resources mentioned: Stupid Simple SEO Niche Site Academy Finding Joy Ahrefs The Care and Feeding of Your Idea Garden

The first time I realized that not everyone could easily break big projects into easily finished, bite-sized tasks was when I implemented (what I assumed was) a simple worksheet for tracking and completing a large project. My client—the beneficiary of the project worksheet—was so impressed he shared it with the rest of the team, and asked me to create more workflows for other ongoing projects. That was when I knew that not everyone thinks like me. Not everyone can look at a big project and see the smaller building blocks, and what order to complete them in for best results. Not everyone can easily see where the gaps are, and identify the things that can be safely eliminated. Turns out, that's my superpower. If it isn't yours though, don't worry. I've got you covered with this episode because I'm letting you in on my easy, four-step process for creating efficient, productive workflows in your business. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: My four-step process for creating an efficient, effective, and results-oriented workflow out of any project. Four steps to quickly create a rough draft of a project plan. Why your first instinct (“I'll just outsource this!”) is likely the wrong one. Resources mentioned: Canva Trello Asana Flowlu Text Expander Marketing without social media Six-Figure Systems

Congratulations on completing that brand-new course! Everything is ready to go—the videos are edited, the worksheets are beautiful, the transcripts are done, and you're even proud of the sales page. There's just one thing missing… testimonials. And that's the sticky bit, isn't it? I mean, how are you supposed to get testimonials when you haven't sold anything yet? And how can you sell anything without testimonials? It's a catch-22, online marketing style. The good news is that testimonials aren't strictly required. Nice to have, for sure, but not a requirement. Some people—most maybe—will buy without them. But the even better news is this: You do have testimonials (or you can get them) even if you are brand new, even if you've never launched a course before, even if you just started your business this very morning. Listen up, and I'll tell you all about it. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: What makes for a really great testimonial Why less-than-stellar testimonials still work 4 places to find testimonials for a brand-new product or course 3 examples of social proof that don't require testimonials at all Why your testimonial collection is a living document, and how to keep it thriving How to get really good—I mean REALLY good—testimonials Resources mentioned: Indestractable, by Nir Eyal James Clear Shane Snow Greg McKeown Tiny Course Empire Six-Figure Systems Angela Wills Trello Evernote

As online business owners, we're no stranger to digital tools. We build websites, edit video, create graphics, develop courses, take payments, host video calls, and even sometimes use pen and paper to organize our thoughts. Always in the back of our minds lurks the question, is this the best tool? Is there something else out there I should be using instead? Is there something better? In this episode, I'm taking you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the apps and tools that are running my business, including what's changed in the past year, and what's due for a change in 2024. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: Why I changed up my single most important marketing tool this year, and what I'm using instead. Why I still recommend (strongly) that you own and control your online home, the platform I use, and the one I'd choose if I were just getting started today. Where I host specialty files, such as video and audio. Why I'm abandoning my (formerly) favorite page builder in 2024, and the tool that will replace it. Why my preferred shopping cart isn't what I recommend you use, especially if you're just getting started, as well as my current top pick. Resources mentioned: LiquidWeb MomWebs Vimeo Libsyn Dropbox Google Drive Amazon S3 WordPress Astra Membership Academy ThriveThemes Eliminator SolidWP PostGopher Seriously Simple Podcasting Squarespace ConvertKit MailerLite Medium.com Substack aMember PayPal Stripe ThriveCart Canva Deposit Photos Ulysses Scrivener Audacity Noota.io Camtasia Snagit Trafft Zoom Trello Flowlu MacBook Pro, 16” M1 ATR 2100 USB mic Focusrite Scarlett Solo Logitech web cam LG UltraFine 32” monitor Leuchtturm 1917 notebook Bear Evernote

According to Side Hustle Nation, 39% of employed Americans have a side hustle? And that 30% of those people hope to turn their side hustle into a full-time gig? If you're building a business along side a more traditional jobby-job, you're in good company. It's how lots of small business owners (including yours truly) got their start. That doesn't mean juggling a business and a job is easy though. There are some pitfalls to watch out for, and many people will stumble along the way. Recently a listener wrote in and asked my advice on how to manage a growing business while still working a day job, so let's tackle that question together on this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: The one thing you must do to build a business on the side Where to find the time when you think you don't have a minute to spare My top tip for avoiding overwork and burnout (especially if you're a freelancer) What to focus on first when your time is limited Two things we did to make the transition from employee to entrepreneur less stressful Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly online business coaching program. Carl Pullein is one of my favorite podcasters, and his productivity advice is useful for anyone trying to build a business while still holding a full-time job.

Two and a half years ago I sat down to record the very first episode of this podcast. I'd been a podcast listener for years—right now I'm subscribed to about 25 different shows, and I listen to dozens more on an episode-by-episode basis. So when I decided it was time to really embrace content marketing as a tool in my business, podcasting was my first choice. I knew a few things going in. I knew I had to be in it for the long-run. Content marketing is all about long-term strategy, not quick wins, so I was committed to a long-term plan. I knew I had to be consistent. Probably more than any other content medium, podcasting benefits from a consistent publishing schedule. I knew I wanted to teach, not interview. I've never enjoyed listening to interview style shows, and I never wanted to create one, so I knew going in that this would be a solo show—just me and my thoughts about running an online business. I also thought I was prepared, but there are always things you can't truly know ahead of time. In this 100th episode, I'll share five things I learned (or learned again) over the past 27 months. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: Two big benefits of consistency that go way beyond just earning more money How setting deadlines in public helps ensure I do what I intend to do Why building a sustainable business requires long-term commitment (and that's actually a good thing) Why showing up as your imperfect self is good enough Resources mentioned: Cal Newport's Deep Questions is one of about 25 podcasts I regularly listen to. Letting Go of Perfectionism

There are two ways to make more money in your business: You can either sell more products, or you can increase the price of the products you sell. In this episode, we're going to talk about how simple improvements in your product offers can result in both more sales and in higher revenue. In many cases, you can even make these improvements without adding a bunch of extra work for yourself. How's that for a win/win? Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: Why your customers value proximity, and three ways to offer it without booking 1:1 calls How "perceived value" works to increase your revenue How catering to different learning styles can allow you to charge more for the same product Why making it easier for your customer to succeed can result in more sales Resources mentioned: How to build an audience from scratch (Online Business Roadmap Step 1) How to create your first opt-in offer (Online Business Roadmap Step 2) Create a newsletter habit (Online Business Roadmap Step 3) Creating your first digital product (Online Business Roadmap Step 4) How to write a simple sales page (Online Business Roadmap Step 5) Improving your content marketing results (Online Business Roadmap Step 6) Improving your opt-in funnel (Online Business Roadmap Step 7) Increasing engagement and making more sales with email marketing

One of the biggest lessons I learned in business is that I don't have to work harder to make more money. I just have to improve what's already working. It's all about turning up the dial in a few strategic places so that you can build your list faster, generate more opens, and get more eyes on your offers. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: How incremental improvements increase revenue without having to work harder Why no one can tell you what your open or click rates should be, and why you should still care about them Why you don't need a complicated split-testing system to make improvements to your email marketing efforts How to change up your calls to action to increase click through Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems How to build an audience from scratch (Online Business Roadmap Step 1) How to create your first opt-in offer (Online Business Roadmap Step 2) Create a newsletter habit (Online Business Roadmap Step 3) Creating your first digital product (Online Business Roadmap Step 4) How to write a simple sales page (Online Business Roadmap Step 5) Improving your content marketing results (Online Business Roadmap Step 6) Improving your opt-in funnel (Online Business Roadmap Step 7)

Running an online business is a continuous cycle of improvements. That's how small startups become thriving businesses. That's what phase two of the online business roadmap series is all about. In this week's episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast, we're going to focus on some small improvements you can make to your opt-in offer so that it begins to turn new subscribers into buyers. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: What a tripwire is, and how to add one to your opt-in funnel using the assets you've already created How to quickly write an email follow up sequence (also known as a funnel or autoresponder) to promote your paid products Why email funnels are ultimately better than broadcast emails for making sales Three places to offer your subscribers an opportunity to buy from you Resources mentioned: The Tripwire Toolkit offers checklists to make creating tripwires easier Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where I teach everything I've learned over the past 12+ years about building and growing an online business TheOpt-In Funnel QuickStart Guide details all the steps for creating your first opt-in funnel The Opt-In Funnel Follow Ups are email templates you can edit and add to your funnels

Congratulations! If you've been following along with the last few episodes of this podcast, then you have made it through phase one building an online business from scratch. So far you've established a content publishing routine, created your first opt-in offer, build a newsletter habit, released a paid product, and written a sales page for it. Well done! With that foundation in place, now you're in a great position to start growing, so in this episode, we're going to circle back to your content routine, and look for ways you can improve your results. We'll make plans for getting in front of a wider audience, driving more traffic, and refining your messaging to better appeal to your ideal customer. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: How to know what your audience needs from you (including paid products to create) Why you should be publishing your content on more than one channel Why now is the right time to build your own website if you haven't yet done that How to borrow other people's audiences to boost your own How to get started with search engine optimization Why it's important to pay attention to your own content preferences, too Resources mentioned: How to build an audience from scratch (Online Business Roadmap Step 1) How to create your first opt-in offer (Online Business Roadmap Step 2) Create a newsletter habit (Online Business Roadmap Step 3) Creating your first digital product (Online Business Roadmap Step 4) How to write a simple sales page (Online Business Roadmap Step 5) Stupid Simple SEO is the most comprehensive SEO training I've seen Easy On-Page SEO (for beginners) offers simple strategies for getting started with search optimization Medium.com is a publishing platform used by thousands of bloggers and podcasters in hundreds of niches. Substack.com offers both blogging and newsletter management, and provides a way for creators to get paid, too.

If you find that asking people to buy what you've created feels a little icky, you're not alone. Many of us have negative feelings about sales, and the people who make their living at it. After all, who hasn't bumped into a pushy appliance salesman who just would not take no for an answer? Those unpleasant experiences often lead to discomfort when we're on the other side of the desk, asking potential customers to hand over a credit card to buy something we've created. That means writing emails, hopping on a discovery call, or even writing a sales page is something we'd rather avoid. Here's the problem, though. When you're in business for yourself, it's your job to sell what you create. That's the only way you're going to get paid. The good news is, even if you don't enjoy sales, you can still craft a compelling sales page. All you have to do is follow a simple three-step process. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: The three questions every sales page must answer (if this is all your sales page does, it's a winner) The most important element of your sales page How to let the world know about your new product Where your sales page should live (you have lots of options here) Resources mentioned: Sales Pages That Convert Email Marketing Campaigns Six-Figure Systems Lexi Rodrigo How to build an audience from scratch (Online Business Roadmap Step 1) How to create your first opt-in offer (Online Business Roadmap Step 2) Create a newsletter habit (Online Business Roadmap Step 3) Creating your first digital product (Online Business Roadmap Step 4)

If I could offer you one piece of advice about starting an online business, it would be this: Don't wait to create your first digital product. Sure, there are loads of ways you can make money from an online business. You can be a coach, or a freelance writer, or an affiliate marketer, or build websites or publish a Substack or write a blog. I even know of one couple who hunt for scorpions and tarantulas on their property that they then sell online. #onlyinarizona Clearly, you have a lot of options. But when it comes to leverage, digital products offer the most flexibility and potential for growth. They're what building a Tiny Course Empire is all about. Here's the kicker though. Getting started can feel hard. It can look overwhelming. It can come with a lot of self-imposed pressure to get it just right. And that's the kind of thinking that will keep you stuck right where you're at. I've watched brilliant people with solid skills spend years creating and then updating a “signature course,” while never quite getting to the launch pad, because it's never good enough. It's never done, at least in their eyes. There's a better, more achievable approach, and that's to create a simple digital product. Nothing fancy here. Just a solution your audience needs, in a format they can use, at a price they can afford. It really doesn't get any easier. I'll walk you through how to do it in this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: Three guidelines that make it easier to create your first digital product The question that will instantly determine what your first product should be How we try to talk ourselves out of creating paid products (and why we're wrong every single time) My favorite ideas for quick products anyone can create Top picks for product sales platforms that are perfect for new creators Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where you'll learn online business building strategies that work. Get instant access to all of our courses and toolkits, plus live workshops, Q & A Calls, and more. SendOwl.com is a low-cost, easy-to-use sales platform for digital downloads. WarriorPlus.com is a marketplace where you can sell digital downloads and courses. It mostly caters to the online marketing niche. EJunkie.com is another marketplace for selling digital downloads. PayPal is the most popular payment processor for online transactions. Stripe is an easy-to-use credit card processing company. How to build an audience from scratch (Online Business Roadmap Step 1) How to create your first opt-in offer (Online Business Roadmap Step 2) Create a newsletter habit (Online Business Roadmap Step 3)

If I'm being honest, building your mailing list is the easy part. Staying in touch with those subscribers is much more difficult. Not in the tactical sense, but in the week-after-week practicality of it. It's oh-so-easy to let another week slide by without sending an email to your list. Before you know it, they haven't heard from you in months, or maybe even years. Believe me, I know. I've been there. Sometimes you feel like you don't have anything useful to write. Sometimes you tell yourself you don't have time. That next week will be better. Sometimes you worry that you're just cluttering up your subscribers' inboxes for no good reason. The problem with that line of thinking is that it leads to even more email procrastination. Even more self-applied pressure to do just the right thing, the perfect thing. But if you instead create a repeatable email system that's easy to follow and quick to complete, you'll find it's a simple task to keep in touch with your subscribers, and build those relationships, too. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: How to create your weekly email in 10 minutes or less Why now is the best time to be building a relationship with your subscribers—even when you only have a handful of people on your list Why the day you email doesn't matter, but consistency does Three quick ideas you can use when asking, “What will I mail about?” Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where we not only talk email marketing, but all the other pieces and parts of building a six-figure online business. Get personalized help starting today. Email Marketing Momentum teaches you how I run my email marketing, including how I plan my emails, track my results, and keep all of my email content organized. Email Marketing Campaigns is an advanced training for those who are ready to boost your email profits with multi-day promotional campaigns. How to build an audience from scratch is step one of the Online Business Roadmap How to create your first opt-in offer is step two of the Online Business Roadmap

The single most important asset you have in your business is your mailing list. It's more valuable than your followers on TikTok, more useful than a Facebook group, and more secure than the best SEO strategy. So why do so many of us wait so long to build one—especially when it's as easy as this? Today we're laying out a step-by-step plan you can follow to get your first lead magnet online and collecting email addresses. I'll give you my top recommendations for useful offers you can create, the tools to use, and my three must-follow rules for creating a great lead magnet. When you're all done (and don't worry, this won't take you more than a couple of hours, tops) I'll show you exactly how to start promoting your new lead magnet. What you'll learn in this episode: The two lead magnet formats I recommend when you're just getting started Cindy's three rules for a successful lead magnet (don't skip these!) The easy way to create a landing page and opt-in form (even if you don't have a website yet) A simple, two-paragraph welcome email you can use as a template Three options for hosting your lead magnet so new subscribers can access it How to correctly test your opt-in to make sure it works (no more embarrassing broken links or 404 pages) What to do now that you have a lead magnet set up Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly business-building program where we show you step-by-step how successful digital businesses are created. Opt-In Funnel QuickStart Guide is everything you need to get your next lead-magnet and follow-up email sequence running smooth, with video walkthroughs for both Active Campaign and ConvertKit. How to build an audience from scratch (Online Business Roadmap Step 1) is part one of this series

Quick, what's the most important thing you should be focusing on right now to build your business? Is it traffic? Starting an email list? Creating a product? Branding? Website? Keywords? Something else? Or maybe all of that, plus a dozen more “must do” projects. If that big pile of unfinished, disorganized ideas is weighing you down and causing you to rethink you goal of even starting a business, this episode and those that follow in this series are for you. Grab a notebook and a pen, sit back, and get ready to find your focus and nail those first critical steps towards a sustainable, profitable online business. You've got this. What you'll learn in this episode: The most important place you can be spending your time right now, when you're just getting ready to launch your business A surprising benefit of regular content creation (and it's not about traffic or list-building or even product creation) How to finally get clear on your niche (takes five seconds) Why you should stop worrying about SEO (maybe not forever, but definitely for now) Why you don't need a website to get started (I never, ever thought I'd say that, but it's true) Why it's critical that you focus on just one thing, and that you don't get hung up in the details Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where you'll learn the strategies and tactics that are working right now in the digital marketing space. Dawson Trotman was an evangelist and founder of the Navigators. Brooke Castillo is the founder of the Life Coach School. Medium.com invites content creators in any niche to share their expertise and ideas for free. Substack.com lets independent writers and podcasters publish directly to their audience and get paid through subscriptions.

Branding concerns, tech troubles, clients to serve, a team to manage, email to answer, and don't forget life, family, and laundry, too. Our list of things to do is long and seemingly endless. Oh, and somewhere in there, you're supposed to be creating content. Blog posts, podcast episodes, opt-in offers, emails, and don't forget courses and digital products to sell. It's a lot, I know, and it leaves most of us looking for ways we can lessen the workload. Enter PLR, or private label rights content. These pre-written (and in some cases, pre-designed or even pre-recorded), rebrandable products promise to slash your content creation time while maintaining your quality standards, but do they really? And how can you use content that's sold to hundreds of people and not sound like everyone else in the process? We'll find out on this week's episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast. What you'll learn in this episode: What PLR is and why you might want to use it in your business Legitimate uses for PLR content Some less-than-ethical ways you might be tempted to use PLR Why some uses for PLR will only end up costing you money Smart “rules” for buying and using PLR that will save you time and effort My personal list of trusted PLR sellers Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where we focus on sustainable, profitable business strategies for coaches, digital product sellers, and course creators. Coach Glue is my go-to resource for business coaches in search of rebrandable content. Thrive Anywhere creates the best looking workbooks and planners I've ever seen, and they all come with commercial (PLR) rights. Piggy Makes Bank is my top pick for self-help and business-related content. Color Monthly designs adorable coloring pages that all come with private label rights.

You can't focus on anything. You're frustrated and out of sorts. Stress levels have peaked, and your to-do list gets longer every day. Welcome to the land of overwhelm, where small business owners like you and me work long hours without accomplishing anything, and where every new idea results in feeling even more stuck. It's not a fun place to be, but there is hope. You can overcome the overwhelm, but first, you have to recognize it for what it is. That's what we're talking about today. What you'll learn in this episode: What overwhelm looks like in real life, because it's often disguised as something else. * How we inadvertently increase our feelings of overwhelm, even when we think we're doing the smart thing. Why getting out of overwhelm is all about focus, and not at all about learning more. Four steps you can take to stop feeling like you're in over your head. The ridiculously simple fix I discovered when feelings of overwhelm caused me to have a total anxious meltdown. Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly “end the overwhelm” training program where I'll teach you the exact steps to follow (and in the right order) to make your business dreams a reality.

Overthinking. If you're like me, that's what you do when have a great idea for a new course, but you're anxious about putting it out there for the world to see. Suddenly you're filled with questions. What if you don't know enough about the subject you want to teach? What if you get lost in a sea of others all talking about the same thing? What if what you make doesn't live up to your own (ridiculously) high standards? Just who do you think you are, anyway? Creators in every niche can find these and other questions on endless repeat in our minds. If we're not careful, they'll kill our confidence and shatter our dreams. On this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast, I'll give you a new way to think about these and other confidence-crushers, and I'll share my personal struggle as well. What you'll learn in this episode: The confidence-crushing question that kept me from creating my first digital course (until a smart coach set me straight) Why “expert status” is overrated, and what you should aim for instead Why it's ok (maybe even preferable) to admit when you don't have all the answers What it really means to have a USP (unique selling proposition) How to think about your competition Why you'll never run out of ideas for new courses and content Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is where I'll teach you everything I know about launching and growing an online business. Nicole Dean is one of my favorite people in the world, and a phenomenal business coach, too. Kelly McCausey teaches mindset and marketing—a killer combo. Here's her coaching ladder graphic. Jeff Herring knows more about content marketing than I'll ever know. Letting Go of Perfectionism offers up my best advice and some tricks I've learned for silencing your inner critic. Three New Ways to Think About Your Competition gives you… well, new ways to think about your competition.

Decision matrices, SWOT analysis, pros and cons lists, cost/benefit analysis... there are a multitude of tools you can use to make decisions in your business. Whether you're deciding on a new product line to create, a new marketing strategy to try, or even a new business model to explore, there's no end to the advice you'll hear on how to choose the right path. But what I've found is that one simple question is more important than everything else, and it's often the one we never bother to ask. In this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast, I'm giving you the question I ask all my clients whenever they're making a decision. It will help you decide, too. What you'll learn in this episode: The single most important consideration before you take on any new project or business (and it's not how much money you'll make) What to do when you're feeling stuck or not sure what direction to go next How to plan a business shift when you're not loving your current trajectory The many benefits of simply enjoying what you do every day Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where we make running a six-figure online business as easy as following a checklist. Nicole Dean makes having fun a priority in everything she does. Brooke Castillo turned fun into her company policy. Amy Porterfield's staying power is proof she loves what she does.

There are a lot of confusing terms in the online marketing space, and maybe one of the worst offenders is “funnel.” It means a lot of different things depending on who you ask and what their particular business model is. Just to add to the confusion, it also goes by many different names. In this episode of the Tiny Course Empire Podcast, we're taking a look at funnels. You'll learn what they are, how they're used, and I'll answer the big question: do you even need a funnel at all? Listen in to find out! What you'll learn in this episode: Three different names for funnels, and why they all mean basically the same thing Why the funnel visual works so well for describing your products and services and how they help your customers succeed The many different types of funnels you might use in your business The real benefit of having funnels Why you might not need a funnel at all (yet) Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where I teach everything I know about email marketing and so much more. Take a 7-day full-access trial for just $7 and get instant access to 50+ courses, hundreds of hours of call recordings, and our exclusive Six Steps to Six Figures Roadmap. Jeff Walker perfected the video funnel and used it to launch a multi-million dollar business. Ryan Lavesque is an advocate of using quiz funnels.

We've all been there. A great looking new software solution comes along and promises to solve all our business problems. It will help us make more money, land more clients, create more content. What's more, everyone is talking about it, and many of them are making the move, too. You're tempted. Who wouldn't be? But how can you tell if this is a good move to make, or if it's just another distraction dressed up like progress? In this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast, I'm going to give you a decision-making framework that will have you making better choices even when faced with a shiny new tool that seems to be on everyone's must-have list. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: What shiny object syndrome is, and how it damages your business The hidden costs of switching platforms (there's more at stake then just your time) Three questions to ask before you consider dropping one platform in favor of another Reasons why the “latest and greatest” option might not be so great after all Red flags to watch for when you're considering jumping on a trend Ways to get more out of your current platforms without having to pay the high cost of switching Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where I teach everything I know about email marketing and so much more. Take a 7-day full-access trial for just $7 and get instant access to 50+ courses, hundreds of hours of call recordings, and our exclusive Six Steps to Six Figures Roadmap.

Imagine having a beautifully organized home, a thriving business, healthy relationships with your family and friends, and a fit, healthy body, too. Sound like a pipe dream? It might if you listen to those who say it's impossible to be successful in so many things, like Randi Zuckerberg claims. She says that you must choose only three areas of life in which you can thrive. All the rest? They'll suffer from lack of attention. I have a different take, and in this episode, I want to explore some ways we can “have it all” without feeling overwhelmed and sleep deprived. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: The one thing you need to make everything possible (no matter how busy or overwhelmed you are right now). How putting some things on autopilot lets you focus on other roles. How to “coast” in certain places while you build up others. Why you should let go of perfectionism. Resources mentioned: Angela Wills runs LivingLifestyleFreedom.com Work, Sleep, Family, Fitness, or Friends: Pick 3 A wheel of life is a tool for prioritizing aspects of your life you want to improve. Six-Figure Systems helps you put good systems in place so you CAN have it all. Start a 7-day all-access trial for just $7 and see for yourself. Brooke Castillo says it's ok to turn in B-minus work. Nicole Dean wants you to know that done is better than perfect. I want you to let go of perfectionism.

I've watched students, clients, friends, and colleagues struggle with digital product creation—sometimes taking months or even years to create a single product. When you're just getting started and not earning much (or anything) yet, that's a bad spot to be in. It might be keeping you stuck in a day job you hate. It might erode your excitement about being in business at all. It definitely undermines your confidence about your future business growth. It's also not bringing in any money. A quick win can make all the difference, so in this episode, I'm giving you 14 ideas for digital products you can create in a weekend, including plenty of real-life examples. All you have to do is pick one and get started. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: Two hot niches for easy-to-create digital products. How to repurpose your personal digital assets into something you can sell. Two things you can sell before you even create them. Where to sell digital goods if you don't have a website. Resources mentioned: 6 Online Business Models to Try offers more ideas to earn money in your business. Conjure Clients Out of Thin Air is a product I created from emails I sent to clients and prospects when I was a new freelancer looking for work. Funnel Builder's Checklist Pack is the checklist product I wrote while sitting on the patio watching the husband grill up some dinner. Karon Thackston's Blog Post Shortcuts are created from her own notes to herself, and they're one of her top sellers. Win Back Your Audience is an ebook I wrote in just two days. Stephanie Lewis creates and sells guided meditations on her site and through meditation apps. Etsy is a popular marketplace for digital and physical goods. Teachers Pay Teachers encourages teachers to sell their lesson plans and printables to other teachers.

What you'll learn in this episode: Two things I don't use for list-building. I'm going to start testing one of them soon, though. What I consider to be my most important list-building strategy (they're all important, but this one is a must have, and I'll tell you why). One strategy I'm considering that has me feeling quite a bit out of my comfort zone (and I'll probably do it anyway). Rather read the transcript? Here you go! Resources mentioned: Episode #6: Email Funnels for Non-Marketers: If you're stuck on what to offer or what to say after you get the opt-in, this episode is for you. Missinglettr: This is the social scheduling app I'm testing on a 90-day trial. Operations and Marketing Checklists: The first digital product I sold that really took off. Piggy Makes Bank: Done-for-you content in the business and self-help niche. BC Stack: Dan and Rachel Morris' annual bundle features 65+ business-building resources. Ultimate Bundles: Maybe the OG of bundle sellers, Ultimate Bundles creates and sells several bundles in multiple niches. Val's calendar: Bookmark this one so you can go back to it when you're on the hunt for an online event to participate in. Active Campaign: The email platform I use and recommend. It strikes the perfect balance between power and affordability. My affiliate program: If you reach an audience of online business owners or those who want to be, you'd be a perfect fit. Debbie Gartner: Debbie teaches sustainable blogging strategies with an emphasis on SEO. Business Success Cafe: Weekly 20-minute trainings you can enjoy over a cup of coffee. Blogging Success Zone: Lisa Atkinson's website and training resources. VA Virtuosos: Tawnya Sutherland's annual event for virtual assistants. AppSumo: A marketplace for digital product sellers. Thrive Themes: Makers of amazing page builders, lead forms, quiz engines, and a host of other must-have plugins for online entrepreneurs.

There are almost as many ways to make money online as there are people in the world who are doing it. In this episode, I'm going to break down six popular online business models, including what it takes to get started, the profit potential for each, and how to know which one is the right fit for you. Plus, we'll talk about how to combine business models to create multiple streams of income in your business. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: Which online business to build when you need quick cash. Why even the most passive sounding model requires a lot more work than you think it will (sorry - no free rides here). How bloggers get paid, and why it might not be exactly like you imagine. The one business model that I think is right for everyone (even you). Resources mentioned: How to Choose Your Tech Stack: If you're feeling stuck in marketing technology quicksand, this episode is for you. What Happens to Your Business if You Can't Work: For freelancers and solopreneurs who need a backup plan (in other words, all of us). Membership Site Q & A: Before you dive into creating a membership site, you're going to want to give this a listen. Six-Figure Systems: My monthly training and mentoring membership where you'll get help with all your online business questions. Discover Your Ideal Online Business: Take this quick quiz to see which business model is right for you.

It's not a secret that organic reach on Facebook, Instagram and others is at an all time low. What's worse, even if you've mastered a platform or two, it seems as if every week or so, there's yet another algorithm update that threatens to destroy all the work you've put into it. Pinterest users are even feeling the pinch. The platform is often referred to as a search engine rather than a social network, and as such it's been the go-to traffic source for bloggers in many niches for years. But now, even Pinterest has left some content creators feeling frustrated over a dramatic drop in traffic. But what can you do? How else can you get the word out about your latest course, or your new opt-in offer? Turns out, there are plenty of ways you can market your business without social media, and in this week's episode, I'll give you my top 21 suggestions. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: Why I finally (mostly) left social media, and how I'm making Facebook work on my terms today. The single most important marketing channel all small business owners should be prioritizing, and why. How to leverage search (and not just from Google) to get in front of your ideal audience. The strategy I used to launch my business and quickly grow to six-figures in revenue. What Steve Martin can teach us all about getting noticed in a competitive world. Resources mentioned: Debbie Gartner's SEO guides are worth every penny. Start with this one if you're brand new, or this one if you've been blogging for a while. Stupid Simple SEO is the best full-featured course on SEO I know of. I took it two years ago and it's well worth the time and money investment. Start with Mike's free class to learn more about the topic and his teaching style. Affiliate Program Success was not mentioned, but it's a helpful resource if you're interested in creating your own affiliate program to sell your courses and products. Medium.com has a built in audience and it's easy to get started syndicating your content there. HelpAReporter.com is a great resource if you want to get quoted on high-traffic sites. Sign up as a "source" and then choose the types of notifications to receive. Meetup.com makes live, in person networking easier. Just search your area for your topics of interest. UpViral makes hosting a viral contest as simple as filling in a few details. Steve Martin has the best advice you will ever hear about finding success, and it's not just true for show business. In episode eight I talked more about participating in bundles and giveaways for list building.

I always thought that having a big team was the key to success online. That it would let me make more money and (more importantly) spend more time doing what I really love to do. Turns out, the size of your team has little to do with your success. In this episode, I'm giving you the scoop on how my thinking has changed, and why I prefer to run a tiny business with as few team members as possible. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: The big advantages I enjoy by not having a team Why I changed my thinking about team building Who I do recommend you hire (and when) What's more important to me than having a big team Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly business training program for solopreneurs. Take a 7-day full-access trial for just $7. Outsourcing Success Plan gives you the tools and strategies you need to make smart hires when the time is right. 5 Questions to Ask Before You Hire Your First Team Member helps you decide if it's time to get help for your small business.

Sooner or later, every email marketer finds themselves in a tricky situation. It's been weeks, maybe even months since you sent your last email, and your list has grown a bit cold. Maybe life got in the way. Maybe your business changed. Maybe you simply ran out of things to say. Regardless of the reason for your absence, it's time to re-engage your cold email list, but where do you even start? What's the best way to get back in the game? In this episode, we'll look at what you can do to revive a cold email list, including questions to ask before you start, and some ideas you can use when crafting that first email. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: How to know if you should try to re-engage your cold list or if it's better to simply start over Three ways to re-engage your list, and when to consider each option My personal choice when I let my list go cold a few years ago (and why I'd do it differently today) What to expect from your first few emails Why you'll get more spam complaints initially, and why your email provider probably won't care Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where I teach everything I know about email marketing and so much more. Start your seven-day trial today and get instant access to 50+ courses, hundreds of hours of call recordings, and our exclusive Six Steps to Six Figures Roadmap. If you're drawing a blank about what to email your list, here are 49 ideas you can use.

If you give away a lot of information on your blog or podcast or YouTube channel, do you run the risk of diluting your sales? Will people just continue to learn for free and never pay you for your courses or coaching or services? That's a worry that many small business owners face, and it sometimes causes them to play small, saving all the “best ideas” for their paid products. What they don't know is that people pay for more than just information. When you add that to the equation, you might just change your mind about how much to publish for free. In this episode, we'll dispell some myths about free content and discuss the most often shared advice for deciding what to give away and what to sell. Then I'll explain my personal approach to deciding how much free content to publish. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: Three strategies I learned about how to separate free from paid content, and why I don't follow any of them. How I manage a balance between free and paid resources for my business. Why I feel it's ok to give away your best content. Three reasons your customers will still pay you, even though they can learn everything they need for free. Real life examples of successful online businesses (including this one) that give away far more than they sell, and why it works. Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where we make marketing your small business as easy as following a checklist. Start a 7-day trial for just $7 and get instant access to all the courses, toolkits, workshops, and other resources. I used to help people with their Digital Access Pass membership sites. Brooke Castillo is the founder of the Life Coach School, and her thought download model is a powerful mindset tool. It's available for free here. Michael Hyatt published Free to Focus using the content from a course of the same name.

First it was supply chain disruptions that sent prices skyrocketing for everything from cars to toilet paper. Then inflation joined the party and drove prices even higher. Chickens across the US got sick, and suddenly eggs were the most expensive breakfast food you could buy (assuming you could even find them). Now, you might not be selling cars or toilet paper or eggs, but all of this economic weirdness we've experienced over the past few years is taking its toll even in the online space. In this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast, I'll share four steps you can take to get your business back on track if things have slowed down recently. And truthfully, even if your sales are humming along nicely, it makes good sense to have a plan. Just. In. Case. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: The single most important thing you should be doing right now, even if sales are strong and business is growing. Why it's easy to let important systems take a backseat, especially if you're busy. How to prioritize your efforts for maximum results. Where to find new ideas to boost your profits when times are slow. Why now is the best time to go “back to basics” and polish up your marketing assets and messaging. Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where we make marketing your small business as easy as following a checklist. Start a 7-day trial for just $7 and get instant access to all the courses, toolkits, workshops, and other resources. SEO Crash Course from SEM Rush will teach you the basics of using SEO to drive traffic. Stupid Simple SEO from Mike Futia is my top choice for learning in-depth, proven SEO tactics for bloggers. Affiliate Program Success shows you how to create an affiliate program and attract top affiliates.

It's true that the economy right now is a bit topsy-turvy. Inflation continues to rise, making the cost of everything from a loaf of bread to a new car more costly than it was a year ago. Small business owners—even those who aren't selling bread or cars—are feeling the pinch. Every week I hear from clients, customers, and friends who say their sales are down, their expenses are up, and they're beginning to wonder if they'll still be in business in a year. Now is not the time to panic. Instead, there are some smart, practical strategies you can follow to smooth out that income roller coaster we so often face as small business owners—and not only when the economy is on shaky ground, either. Listen in for tips you can use at any point in your business to take control of your finances, lessen the stress of unpredictible income, and recover quickly when things start to trend in the wrong direction. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: Why budgeting is so hard for new business owners, and how I almost made a whopper of a mistake when I started my business. Why having an emergency fund is especially important for freelancers and others who don't have a “regular paycheck,” plus how much you should save. How much money you might be spending that you're not even aware of, and how to find out the true numbers so you can cut back if necessary. Easy ways to bring in more revenue without working more hours. Put these systems in place today so they can't start bringing in a trickle of cash that will grow over time. How freelancers, course creators, and others can create cash on demand. This is the one skill that will serve you best as a small business owner. Why it's critically important to always have an eye on the future, and to never stop marketing yourself and your business. Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where I teach you everything I know about starting, managing, and scaling a six-figure business. Start a 7-day trial for just $7 and get instant access to all the courses, toolkits, workshops, and other resources. Three Ways to Earn Passive Income in Your Business goes into more detail about setting up passive income streams that will serve you for years. C & R Research reports on subscription service costs. Nerd Wallet recommends having three to six months of expenses in your emergency account.

I remember the first webinar I ever watched about starting an online business. It was about niche blogs, and how to find an SEO-friendly domain, research a few keywords, write a few blog posts, and insert Google Adsense ads and Amazon affiliate links. I was fascinated, and the whole process made perfect sense to me. Until I actually sat down to create the first blog, and I realized it's just not as easy as it looks on a webinar. That was just one of the harsh realities I've learned about running an online business. In the past 12 years I've learned many lessons that I'm sharing with you in this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: Why doing what you don't want to do is a good thing, and not just for your business. The outsourcing secret successful entrepreneurs don't tell you. Why you probably don't want to turn that hobby you love into a business. How to make better use of those courses you buy and the webinars you watch. What I learned about shiny new tools when I was just 17 (and it's just as true now as it was then). The one thing every business has in common, and it just might be the thing you dislike the most. Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where we focus not just on learning new strategies, but also on implementing what you learn. Join us for a 7-day all access trial for just $7. Brooke Castillo says that life is always 50/50, and that we wouldn't want it any other way. The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber reminds us that turning a hobby into a business might not be the best choice Lynn Terry teaches online marketing at ClickNewz.com

Every good email marketer knows you have to nurture your new subscribers, right? But what if it turns out the whole "nurturing" thing has morphed into something it was never meant to be? What if instead of building stronger relationships, you're actually hurting them by trying so hard to "add value" that you forget to sell to them at all? That's what I'm asking in this episode of the Tiny Course Empire Podcast, and I have to warn you, I may have been a little fired up in this one. Tell me in the comments below if you think I'm way off base or if you agree. I'd love to hear your thoughts! Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: How the word "nurture" has come to mean something completely different than it was originally intended. Why nurturing your list might actually be hurting the relationships it's designed to, well... nurture. How we waste time and money by waiting "until the last email of a sequence" to ask for the sale. Why your audience needs you to make offers (in other words, to sell them something). How not to overcomplicate and overthink the whole thing. It's just email, after all. Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems includes more than 60 courses and toolkits to help grow your business. Start your $7 trial today and see everything that's included. Tiny Course Empire Episode #6: Email Funnels for Non-Marketers What can I mail my list today? Use these suggestions to send regular campaigns (broadcast emails) OR as a part of your nurture sequence.

One of the best skills any small business owner can develop is to pay attention to what others do. There are valuable lessons to be learned, both on and offline, if you just know where to look. This week as I walked my dog, considered selling putting our house up for sale, and unsuccessfully tried to make a purchase online, I saw several things that could be improved in my own business—and maybe yours as well. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: What happens when your message doesn't match your brand, and how to spot potential issues in your business Why you're probably not following up enough, and how to make it easy to reach out to potential clients and customers One simple thing you can do to make more sales Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems includes more than 60 courses and toolkits to help grow your business. Start your $7 trial today and see everything that's included. Email Marketing Campaigns offers a system for crafting emails that your subscribers want to read, and that make sales, too.

Everywhere you turn today, people are talking about AI and how it's making business so much easier. And it is, to a point. Unfortunately, there's a subset of people who are taking it a step further, and claiming that tools such as ChatGPT can replace you. They can write your content, create your lead magnets and products, handle your customer service, build your website… everything. Just click a button, and head to the beach. Sounds ideal, doesn't it? If only it were true. Join me for a short, ranty episode where I'll tell you why I've avoided talking about AI, some ways I've been using ChatGPT to help me create content, and how I think you should approach this new breed of tools for your business. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: How to spot sketchy “get rich with AI” offers so you can avoid them How to use AI tools like ChatGPT ethically and sustainably Why push-button solutions are unsustainable as a business model Why AI tools will never replace you, and how they can still save you time and energy Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where I help you plan, build, and grow a six-figure online business. Start your $7 trial today and see everything that's included. ChatGPT is a language learning model that can help you create content. I hope you'll resist the urge to let it do all your work for you though.

If there's one question I hear over and over again, it's “How do I build a mailing list?” There are a few tried-and-true strategies I've used, such as participating in bundles and giveaways or starting an affiliate program. But there is one method that consistently brings in high-quality subscribers to my email list, and that's content upgrades. In this episode, I'm chatting with content creator Jeff Herring about four ways I use content upgrades. I love these methods because they're fast and easy, and they offer loads of value for my subscribers, too. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: What the heck is a content upgrade anyway? How to turn your content into a downloadable resource A clever WordPress plugin that does all the work for you How to do more with content you've already created The types of content that are perfect for content upgrades Why this type of list-building gives you superpowers as an email marketer Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where I help you plan, build, and grow a six-figure online business. Start your $7 trial today and see everything that's included. Designrr.io takes your written content and turns it into beautifully formatted documents with the click of a button. Uncovering Hidden Cash will help you find all those profit streams that are costing you money every month. PostGopher makes creating content upgrades as easy as installing a plugin.

One of the biggest appeals of digital course business—aside from showing up for work in your sweat pants—is that it takes very little cash to get started. You don't need to save for years, or wine and dine angel investors, or wait for an inheritance to land in your bank account. You can get started right now, today, with nothing more than a few dollars shaved off your household budget. That's what bootstrapping is all about, and in this week's episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast, I'll share how I bootstrapped my own startup, and the steps you can take to do the same. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: The only two things you must have to start an online business Why bootstrapping is about more than just finding the money to get started One “rule” that will keep your finances in check The one thing I recommend investing in, right from the start Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where I help you plan, build, and grow a six-figure online business. Start your $7 trial today and see everything that's included. Shopify offers an e-commerce platform for sellers of both digital and physical goods. Active Campaign offers a low-cost “lite” plan for email marketers just starting out. ConvertKit lets you get started for free. WordPress is the only website builder I recommend (and it's free). PayPal is the best choice for payment processing when you're brand new. Grit is Angela Duckworth's book about what makes some people more successful than others. Fiverr is a marketplace for service providers, and it's a good place to earn your startup funds. Upwork is another marketplace for freelancers in any niche. Facebook Marketplace is where to list those unneeded items that are taking up space in your home. OfferUp is an app that connects sellers to buyers. Lynn Terry is at ClickNewz.com. AWeber was the first email marketing platform I used, and they're still a good option for simple lists.

Studies have shown that students learn more effectively when they take notes with a pen instead of a keyboard. I find similar results in my own life. I'm much more likely to remember things I wrote by hand. It's also easier for me to solve complex problems on paper than it is with a keyboard. And sometimes, I just need to dump out all my thoughts into a notebook so I can see them. It makes whatever I'm working on easier to manage. Turns out that even when you run an online business, sometimes the best tool for the job isn't digital, it's analog. In this episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes at Cindy Bidar HQ to explore the analog tools that fuel my creativity, and that keep me organized and productive. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: Why a whiteboard is my favorite brainstorming tool How to make sales funnels easier to build by drawing a map Three ways I use index cards and sticky notes The important job a simple legal pad does for me My favorite journal and how I use it How I migrate ideas from analog to digital storage for long-term use Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where I help you plan, build, and grow a six-figure online business. Start your $7 trial today and see everything that's included. Quick & Easy Course Creation details exactly how I create my courses, including how I plan them using index cards. How to Use Time Blocking to Get Stuff Done How to Create Your Course Outline Fast The basic index cards I use every day. I keep this legal pad on my desk for quick notes. My favorite notebook for journaling, to-do lists, and project planning I often move my temporary notes into Trello or Flowlu. Asana is a good choice as well. The Bullet Journal is Ryder Carroll's method for staying organized using nothing but a notebook and a pen. He wrote a book about it, too.

Let's be honest. Creating a Tiny Course Empire is not for the tech-averse. There are just so many platforms to master, it can all feel overwhelming. You have to build and manage a website, design sales pages, master your email platform, figure out a shopping cart and payment processors, and make sure your students have easy access to their purchases, too. And you have to connect all of those systems together for better branding and a good user experience. All of that can make the ever-increasing number of all-in-one platforms sound pretty appealing. After all, they promise to do it all with a single login and no troublesome tech to hold you back. But are these all-in-one systems the right choice for you? I'll help you decide. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: What makes all-in-one solutions so appealing, especially for new course creators. The pros and cons of using an all-in-one system for your course-based business Pricing “gotchas” to look out for when deciding on which tools to use How to choose an all-in-one platform for launching your business. Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where we create online business success. Join now for just $7 for your first 7 days, and see how Six-Figure Systems can help make your business goals a reality. How did you build that gives you an overview of all the tools I used to build and manage my own Tiny Course Empire. BuiltWith.com shows you all the tech behind any URL. Teachable is my favorite all-in-one platform for course creators. Kajabi is a popular option that includes email marketing in the mix, too. Circle focuses on community building with features for course creators as well. ThriveCart is an all-in-one solution with a big benefit: a one-time payment model.

It's no secret that email marketing offers the best ROI (return on investment) for your promotional efforts. But did you know there's a way you can earn even more from your email list… without mailing more often (although you certainly can) while serving your subscribers better using tools you already have That's what segmenting your email list is all about, and it's a technique every business owner can master. On this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast, I'll share some easy segmentation strategies you can use starting right now, as well as tips for getting started. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: Four reasons you should be segmenting your list (hint: it's all about serving your subscribers better) Eight common segmentation strategies to use Tools that make segmenting your list easier Five ways I segment my list every single week How to get started with list segmenting today Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly online business training. Join 600+ entrepreneurs just like you for only $7 for your first week, and let's create a profitable business you love. Active Campaign is my email marketing platform of choice. ConvertKit is another popular solution. Debbie Gartner blogs about home decor at TheFlooringGirl.com. She also teaches about SEO, affiliate marketing, and blogging. Karon Thackston teaches copywriting and other online business skills at MarkeingWords.com.

There's no escaping the camera when you run an online business. Video content continues to outrank other formats. Social platforms prioritize reels and live streaming. And let's not forget podcast interviews, video-based courses, conferences (both live and virtual) and the many other opportunities involving a microphone and camera. For those of us with a bit of anxiety, stepping up and being seen in this new way is intimidating. In this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast, I'm welcoming a special guest to help calm those nerves and make you a better speaker, too. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: Why it might not be anxiety you're feeling at all, and how to reframe your thoughts around those butterflies in your stomach. A simple technique for instant relaxation when you're speaking. How to recognize the signs of over-excitement, and how they make it difficult to get your point across clearly. Why you should speak slower than you think (and even slower than that). How to practice your presentations with intention. Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly online business training. Join 600+ entrepreneurs just like you for only $7 for your first week, and let's create a profitable business you love. Dancing with Ease is Laura's site. She uses the Alexander Technique to help her clients overcome performance anxiety.

Does this sound familiar? You've put the finishing touches on your latest course or digital product, and you sit down to write your sales page, and… nothing. The words simply will not come. You don't know what to include, or even where to start. You are definitely not alone. Even though writing sales copy is one of the most important skills for online business owners to master, it's also one of the most difficult, and with good reason. Starting at a blank page is hard. It's intimidating. Writing about your own products is uncomfortable. Or maybe you've convinced yourself you're just not a writer. Whatever is holding you back from writing sales pages with ease, in this episode of the Tiny Course Empire podcast, I'm going to help you get past it. I've got a simple framework you can follow that's going to give you the confidence to write those sales pages, and to get them done quickly. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: My number one tip for overcoming writer's block, no matter what you're writing The most important part of your sales page, and how most online entrepreneurs get it wrong How to “chunk” your writing so you're not overwhelmed by it Resources mentioned: Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where I'll show you how to start an online business from scratch, even if you're brand new. Start a 7-day trial today for just $7. Lexi Rodrigo was one of my first online mentors, and she got me started writing sales copy. Sales Pages That Convert takes a deep dive into all things sales pages, from headlines to that final call to action.

Did you know that knowledge workers (that's us) waste up to 2.5 hours per day just looking for the information they need to do their jobs? That means that time you spend hunting down a password, or searching through your email for the link to a meeting that's about to start, or wading through you Canva account looking for your logo adds up to as much as 10 hours every single week. It seems hard to believe, but those few minutes searching really do add up. Over the course of a year, you may have wasted as much as 12 weeks worth of your precious time. As a small business owner, that's disastrous for a lot of reasons. First, because you didn't start your business so you could work longer hours. You probably wanted more time freedom, not less. Not only that, but you probably went into business for yourself so you could do what you really love to do… and I'm guessing that hunting for lost logos isn't high on your list of tasks you love. Finally, if you manage a team (even a tiny one) then your wasted time is their wasted time, too. When you can't quickly put your hands on something they need, you end up paying them to wait while you look for it. So what can you do to get more organized and save those 2.5 hours per day? I have three tools that will help in today's episode. Prefer a transcript? Here you go! What you'll learn in this episode: Why your biggest time-waster might not be Tik Tok after all How I'm using Evernote to keep track of what's important in business and in life How Trello helps me keep track of brand assets, SOPs and more The tool that ensures I always know what to write about next Resources mentioned: My Plug-and-Play Trello Toolkit includes 18 done-for-you boards and six video lessons to get you started (available for a limited time). Six-Figure Systems is my monthly program where I teach online entrepreneurs how to create repeatable, profitable systems to grow their business. Click here to start your 7-day trial today. Evernote is where I keep everything I might need someday. Airtable is how I plan and manage all my content. You can copy my content planner here. Trello keeps my SOPs and brand assets organized and easily accessible.