Writing Off Social: The Podcast | Build Your Platform and Grow Your Email List Without Social Media

Your website is like your digital home base—especially once you've left social media. However, your author website can be much more than just an online business card! If done well, your website can foster that all-important “like-know-trust” factor with your readers and become your book-selling headquarters. Today we tell you how! For show notes go to https://writingoffsocial.com/65If you have a published book and you'd like us to include it in our monthly newsletter, The Weekend Wind Down, in our Ultimate Summer Reading List, then click here. We can't wait to share your books with our followers and possibly discover a few new favorites of our own.

Today, we chat with award-winning author and podcast host CJ Milacci about all things Kickstarter. She explains how Kickstarter builds community and connects authors with readers, and she also shares how it can not only fund your launch but also help pay for things like special editions and purchasing books for in-person events. CJ's insights and experience are incredibly valuable, especially for authors seeking alternative ways to connect with their readers outside of social media. Listen in! For show notes, go to https://writingoffsocial.com/64If you have a published book and you'd like us to include it in our monthly newsletter, The Weekend Wind Down, in our Ultimate Summer Reading List, then click here. We can't wait to share your books with our followers and possibly discover a few new favorites of our own.

Today, we are talking with SEO expert Jana Carlson to explore the importance of search engine optimization for Christian writers. Jana explains how SEO can be a powerful tool for audience growth without the self-promotional aspects often accompanying traditional marketing strategies. Jana makes SEO sound accessible and, dare we say, FUN? Jana also answers the looming question we've been asking in the age of AI: Is SEO dead?  Listen in! For show notes go to https:writingoffsocial.com/63.If you have a published book and you'd like us to include it in our monthly newsletter, The Weekend Wind Down, in our Ultimate Summer Reading List, then click here. We can't wait to share your books with our followers and possibly discover a few new favorites of our own.

Do you ever wonder how other creators manage it all? How they balance work, family, and everything in between? Today, we're giving you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at our own systems and strategies. Listen in as we dive deep into our personal productivity philosophies and share the exact tools that have helped us reclaim our time and create a more balanced and sustainable work life.  For show notes, including how to share your favorite productivity hack or tool with us, go to https://writingoffsocial.com/62

Today we are thrilled to speak with USA Today best-selling author Camy Tang, about her journey as a writer and her innovative marketing strategies. Listen as Camy shares her experiences with blogging, Patreon, and Kickstarter, emphasizing the importance of understanding your audience and leveraging your strengths to connect with your readers. Grab your pen and paper and take notes on this one, you guys, because she is a treasure trove of creativity! For show notes go to https://writingoffsocial.com/61

Today, we welcome Erin Loechner, an author and former social media influencer who left behind over a million followers to embrace a low-tech lifestyle. We discuss the challenges and benefits of stepping away from social media, especially for writers and parents. Erin shares her journey, insights on publishing without social media, and strategies for building connections and marketing books in a digital world. Listen as Erin emphasizes the importance of genuine relationships, the value of long-form writing, and the potential for a fulfilling writing career outside the constraints of social media. For show notes, including all the ways to connect with Erin, go to https://writingoffsocial.com/60

Welcome to Season 5! After two years of working with writers, the number one question we get at Writing Off Social is, "What even is social media?" So, today, we will define social media and then offer you two questions to ask yourself when assessing whether or not a platform is social media and two questions to ask yourself to determine if you should be using it at all. We will also be revealing our theme for Season 5 of the podcast! Lisen in. For show notes go to https:writingofsocial.com/59

This season, we've lavished you with options for growing and nurturing your email list. But if you're anything like us, you want to try them ALL. If you're having shiny object syndrome, today's episode will help you gain some clarity.  Listen in as we review the email growth strategies we discussed this season and offer nine clarifying questions to ask yourself to determine which strategies will work best for you. And just for fun, we will give you a behind-the-scenes look at how we are growing our email list here at Writing Off Social.  This is the final episode of Season 4. See you back here in the Spring! For show notes go to https:writingoffsocial.com/58Only 2 spots left for Writing Off Social: The Course January cohort!Join today forWebsite and email strategy call Zoom calls Voxer access Video training Final strategy call + personalized 90-day planTo learn more and join, click here.

So often, the strategies we share through Writing Off Social are pathways that foster slow growth. Cultivating an email list in a life-giving, effective way often takes a lot of time, and that's okay! But some strategies can play to your strengths and provide exponential growth in just a few days. Today we're speaking to author, podcaster, speaker, and one of our dearest friends, Teresa Whiting about how she more than tripled her email list in one week.  For show notes go to https://writingoffsocial.com/57Only 2 spots left for Writing Off Social: The Course January cohort!Join today forWebsite and email strategy call Zoom calls Voxer access Video training Final strategy call + personalized 90-day planTo learn more and join, click here.

Building your audience can feel like an exercise in futility. Churning out post after post, hoping that one new person will subscribe. But Bryan Harris invites you to step off the "content hamster wheel of death" and try a different approach–the most overlooked and underrated marketing strategy he inadvertently discovered 10 years ago. As the Founder and CEO of Growth Tools, Bryan Harris has used his growth framework to help clients such as Amy Porterfield, Michael Hyatt, and Jerry B. Jenkins.  For show notes, go to https://writingoffsocial.com/56

This season we are focusing exclusively on strategies to grow your email list. But how do you decide what email growth strategies to pursue? And how do you know if the growth you're seeking is healthy growth or simply another version of the numbers game that you thought you escaped when you left social media?Today we have a candid conversation about all things growth. We tell you why we chose this theme (or rather how this theme chose us), how we're trusting God for healthy growth, and 5 questions we ask ourselves as opportunities for growth present themselves to us. Listen in. For show notes visit https://writingoffsocial.com/55

We often joke that social media is where all the people are– and it is. But do you know where else all the people are?? The YouVersion Bible App. With 750 Million subscribers world-wide, the Youversion Bible App is one of the largest sharing platforms available to Christian creatives. So how do you get YOUR content on YouVersion and use it to grow your email list? Cara Ray, writer, entrepreneur, and Founder of The Writer's Bloc will tell you how! For show notes go to https://writingoffsocial.com/54The Course LITE is 50% off!56 training videoshandouts + additional resourcesStart when you're ready and work at your own pace Option to purchase coaching time with Sandy + MK, (Only available to students) Go to https://writingoffsocial.com/the-course/Use coupon code WOS-50 at checkout.Sale ends 12/2/24

Do you want to create a lead magnet with a 40% conversion rate? No matter what you write, a quiz is one of the best, most effective, and most FUN ways to engage your ideal reader and grow your email list. Today we welcome Jackie Aguglia, the Growth Manager at the popular quiz-making software, Interact, to discuss all things quiz-building! This is a power-packed episode full of tactical information that will make you excited to try this email growth strategy. Listen in. For show notes, go to https://writingoffsocial.com/53. EARLY BIRD PRICING FOR WRITING OFF SOCIAL: THE COURSE ENDS NOVEMBER 19, 2024 AT MIDNIGHT EST. $200 discount Free 90-Day Follow Up Call (a $99 value)PlusPersonal CoachingCommunityTraining90-Day Plan 100% money-back guaranteeLearn more at https://writingoffsocial.com/the-course

You spend hours crafting an email– pouring out your heart and soul– you finally hit send aaannnd crickets. It's hard, but don't lose hope! Today, we welcome back to the show Will Parker Anderson. He's the founder of The Writer's Circle, a writing coach, and a Senior Editor at WaterBrook and Multnomah. Listen in as Will shares several proven strategies to build the kind of engagement that goes well beyond the metrics and instead, invites your reader into an ongoing conversation. For show notes visit https://writingoffsocial.com/52If ditching social media sounds great but you'll wonder what you'll do instead, we can help! Writing Off Social: The Course begins January 20, 2025Personal CoachingCommunityTrainingEarly Bird pricing + bonuses 100% money-back guaranteeSpots are limited Learn more at https://writingoffsocial.com/the-course

It's no secret that podcasts are an amazing way to connect with your audience. But have you ever considered starting a secret podcast?  Today we're learning all about private podcasts with business strategy coach, podcaster, and founder of the Crush the Rush brand, Holly Marie Haynes. Listen in as she shares the benefits, the tech, and some tips for using this out-of-the-box strategy to grow your email list. For show notes go to https://writingoffsocial.com/51If ditching social media sounds great but you'll wonder what you'll do instead, we can help! Writing Off Social: The Course begins January 20, 2025Personal CoachingCommunityTrainingEarly Bird pricing + bonuses 100% money-back guaranteeSpots are limited Learn more at https://writingoffsocial.com/the-course

This season we are focusing entirely on methods to grow your email list. Today's method is not only a powerful email growth strategy but also a viable audience metric in its own right, proving to have conversion rates that meet or exceed those of your email list. Our guest is Stefanie Gass, a Christian business and podcast coach, boundary boss, and seven-figure CEO. She believes it's possible to partner with God to create income and impact without sacrificing your family, faith, or buying into the social media hustle Listen in! For show notes go to https://writingoffsocial.com/50If ditching social media sounds great but you'll wonder what you'll do instead, we can help! Writing Off Social: The Course begins January 20, 2025Personal CoachingCommunityTrainingEarly Bird pricing + bonuses 100% money-back guaranteeSpots are limited Learn more at https://writingoffsocial.com/the-course

Today, we're diving deep with Sandy, as she celebrates her one-year anniversary on Substack. We'll discuss her motivations for moving from traditional email platforms to Substack, how she grew her subscriber base by over 500, and the unique features that set Substack apart from the algorithm-driven chaos of social media. For show notes go to https://writingoffsocial.com/49If ditching social media sounds great but you'll wonder what you'll do instead, we can help! Writing Off Social: The Course begins January 20, 2025Personal CoachingCommunityTrainingEarly Bird pricing + bonuses 100% money-back guaranteeSpots are limited Learn more at https://writingoffsocial.com/the-course

Substack is a writing platform, built by writers, for writers with 40 million readers. But how does Substack work and how do you know if it will work for you? Whether you're just beginning to consider Substack, or if you've decided to go all in, today's conversation is for you. This week we're discussing all things Substack with author, professor, and Substack Growth Strategist and founder of Substack Writers at Work, Sarah Fay.  For show notes go to https://writingoffsocial.com/48If ditching social media sounds great but you'll wonder what you'll do instead, we can help! Writing Off Social: The Course begins January 20, 2025Personal CoachingCommunityTrainingEarly Bird pricing + bonuses 100% money-back guaranteeSpots are limited Learn more at https://writingoffsocial.com/the-course

What makes a great reader magnet? Where do you start if you want to create one? And what do you do if you're afraid it won't work? Today we talk with Mackenzie Walters– a national award-winning journalist, business book ghostwriter, and author about crafting a unique and relevant reader magnet. Listen in! For show notes go to https://writingoffsocial.com/47If ditching social media sounds great but you'll wonder what you'll do instead, we can help! Writing Off Social: The Course begins January 20, 2025Personal CoachingCommunityTrainingEarly Bird pricing + bonuses 100% money-back guaranteeSpots are limited Learn more at https://writingoffsocial.com/the-course

We're BACK for Season 4! This week we dive into the results from our Season 3 Listener Survey, we tell you who you are, how you use social media, what you want more of, what you're asking for (but we cannot give you), and--based on YOUR feedback--where we're going this season on the podcast and in the future!  Listen in. For show notes go to https://writingoffsocial.com/46  

Please take our Survey and be entered to win a FREE coaching call or a $100 coupon for The Course or The Course Lite!  Wow! What an incredible season it has been. As we wrap up Season 3, we reflect on Episodes 30-44 and share our top takeaways (a.k.a. what we cannot stop thinking about) and our Writing Off Social Manifesto (a little behind-the-scenes action). Be sure to stay until the end for our most HILARIOUS outtakes yet.  We will be back in October 2024 with a brand new season! Stay in touch during our podcast break by joining our email list.  For show notes, including links to join our email list and complete our Writing Off Social Podcast Listener Survey, go to https://writingoffsocial.com/45.

Please take our Survey and be entered to win a FREE coaching call or a $100 coupon for The Course or The Course Lite! You enjoy listening to podcasts but have you ever considered hosting one? Wherever you are in your book writing journey, podcasting is an an incredible way to build your audience, refine your message, and connect with fellow authors and podcasters alike. Listen in as book marketing strategist and podcast coach Kim Stewart shares about the power of podcasting. For show notes, including the link to our survey, go to https://writingoffsocial.com/44

Your email list is the most powerful and effective tool for nurturing your audience, earning authority on your topic, and selling your books. Today author and podcast host Laurie Christine shares how she added over 500 people to her list by guesting on one podcast. Listen in! For show notes go to https://writingoffsocial.com/43  

Your friend has written a book and you are excited to be part of her launch team. Except you don't use social media. Can you still make a difference?  Why yes, yes you can! This week we're sharing 5 creative and effective ways to support your fellow author friends without using social media. Listen in! P.S.- Mary K. will share 2 more out-of-the-box ways to support your fellow author friends in this week's bonus tip email! Sign up for our newsletter (before July 15, 2024) to receive those tips! For show notes and the link to sign up, go to https://writingoffsocial.com/42  

In today's episode, we delve into the power of live events as a growth and marketing strategy for authors. Laura Richmond, a traditionally published author, shares insights on why live events are effective, how to find events that align with your ideal reader, tips for maximizing your impact at these events, common pitfalls to avoid, and encouragement for authors seeking alternative methods to grow their audience and sell their books without relying solely on social media. For show notes go to https://writingoffsocial.com/41    

In a world clamoring with information overload, you may feel like your words are just adding to the noise.  How do you know when to stay silent…or when to speak up anyway? If you sense the world is drowning in words and you hesitate to add yours to the mix, today we offer three questions to ask yourself so that you can discern whether to hit publish or pause. Listen in. For show notes go to https://writingoffsocial.com/40.

Today, we're continuing our conversation with Gabe Cox as she shares how her business has grown since leaving social media and what she's doing to make it happen, as well as the response she gets from other entrepreneurs in the online space when she tells them she's not on social media, Finally, she offers encouragement and practical steps you can take if you, too, want to leave social media but are afraid to do so. This is Part 2 of a 2-part conversation. For show notes go to https://writingoffsocial.com/39.   

Any writer considering leaving social media will wrestle with fears and questions: How will you stay in the loop? How will you connect with other writers or with your readers? How will you sell your books? What if it doesn't work? Today's guest chose to face her fears and grappled with each of those questions. Join us as she shares how she overcame them. Gabe Cox is an online business and goals strategist, a podcaster, and the author of three books. Through her company, Red Hot Mindset, she encourages women to grow their business without social media. For show notes go to https://writingoffsocial.com/38  

Last week in EP36, podcast host and industry expert, Thomas Umstattd, Jr, unequivocally affirmed that social media is no longer working for authors. Today, in Part 2, Thomas shares three things you can do instead of social media, what marketing strategies are working well for indie authors in 2024, and where he sees the publishing industry headed in the coming years. For show notes, click here.  

In the early days of social media, a writer could speak directly to her reader and even go viral. Today, however, neither of those things are possible. In the first of a 2-part conversation, Thomas Umstaddt Jr. explains the rise and fall of social media and why the publishing industry still clings to a metric that is no longer valid. Click here for show notes. 

As a writer, you are inundated with information on improving your craft and building your business. Whether through a writing group or a mastermind, a course or industry-related newsletters, books, or even podcasts, information overload is real and its effects on your ability to focus and create can be profound. In this week's episode, we discuss information overload: why it's a problem, and 4 ways you can manage it. Listen in! For show notes click here.  

If you are writing a book proposal and do NOT have a social media presence, you may be tempted to neglect the mention of "platform" altogether. But even without impressive numbers, you can still show an editor that you are on a growth trajectory. Today Will Parker Anderson, Senior Book Editor at Waterbrook and Multnomah (the Christian imprint of Penguin Random House, the largest publisher in the world) will tell you how! This is Part 2 of a 2-part conversation. For Part 1, listen to EP33. For show notes, go to writingoffsocial.com/34  

How has social media changed the landscape of the publishing industry and what does that mean for you? This week we're continuing our series of conversations with industry experts by talking to Will Anderson, Senior Editor at Waterbrook and Multnomah and founder of The Writer's Circle. This is Part 1 of a 2-part conversation. For show notes, go to writingoffsocial.com/33.  

Last week in Part 1/EP31, author and literary agent, Mary DeMuth candidly discussed her frustrations surrounding social media. Today, we're continuing our conversation, as Mary openly shares what she considers a viable email list and open rate numbers, what other metrics outside of social medial are attractive to her as a literary agent, and what she would say to an author like you who doesn't want to use social media, but still wants to pursue traditional publishing. We were blown away by Mary's sharp insights and deep encouragement. And we have a hunch you will be, too. This is Part 2 of a 2-part conversation. Click here for show notes. The Course Lite is now available!  

By now you know we firmly believe that writers can choose to leave the life-sucking toxicity of social media platforms and find alternative pathways to grow and nurture their audience. But how does that sentiment stack up against the realities of publishing? To answer that question, we've lined up a series of conversations with a variety of industry insiders. First up on the docket, we have well-known author-turned-literary agent, Mary DeMuth, who graciously offered us the candid conversation we've all been craving. This is Part 1 of a 2-part conversation. Click here for show notes.  

We are BACK for Season 3! Does concentration feel like an uphill battle for you? Do you regularly suffer with brain fog or the inability to pay attention? If that's you, take heart: this is not a personal failure on your part. Turns out, there is much you can do to reclaim your focus if you're willing to fight for it.   Click here for show notes.  

As creatives, opportunities and ideas are never in short supply; unfortunately, time often is. And so we are forced to choose: which opportunities will we pursue? In which ideas we will invest? Each new year provides us with a chance to reconsider what we ‘yes' to, and as we do so, it's crucial to remember that for every ‘yes' we give, we're automatically saying ‘no' to something else. In this final episode of Season Two, we are sharing what we are saying ‘yes' and ‘no' to in 2024 regarding our writing lives and Writing Off Social. For show notes click here.   

TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO REGISTER FOR WRITING OFF SOCIAL: THE COURSE. RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!  Research shows an intrinsic and powerful connection between social media usage and your mental health. Reputable studies conclude that social media causes depression and anxiety, especially in women. If you are a female author who experiences anxiety every time you try to build your platform on Instagram, our guest is here to offer you hope. Today we are talking to Kimberlee Ireton. She's a multi-published author of non-fiction and fiction books, including her latest: A Yellow Wood and Other Stories. After multiple attempts at using Instagram left her feeling anxious and hopeless, she's now confidently building her platform and selling her books off social media.  For show notes, click here.

LAST CHANCE! EARLY BIRD PRICING FOR THE COURSE ENDS 12/17/23 Today, we are thrilled to introduce you to writer and dietician Jane Curry Weber. Jane's mission is to help moms bring peace to their table by sharing words of nourishment for body and soul. While Jane was fully committed to this calling, building a platform on social media felt like a mountain-sized barrier that kept her from living it out. But not anymore! While participating in Writing Off Social: The Course, Jane was introduced to Substack and dove headfirst into the platform! Listen in to hear how much she loves posting for cheerleaders on Substack rather than critics on social media. For show notes, click here.  

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EARLY BIRD PRICING AND BONUSES FOR THE COURSE BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE! You've been told that to grow your audience and reach your reader, building a large, engaged following on Instagram is your only option. So you spend all your time taking beautiful photos, writing catchy captions, and adding all the hashtags. And that leaves you with no time to actually… write. Today we're talking to Cara Dyck. She's a writer and homeschooling mom to 4 young boys and a graduate of Writing Off Social: The Course. Today she's sharing how she was on the cusp of going all in on Instagram (after a 3 year break) when someone shared a link to this podcast. And what she found as a result was friendship, validation, and relief that she could write off social for good. Listen in. For show notes, click here.  

EARLY BIRD PRICING FOR WRITING OFF SOCIAL: THE COURSE NOW AVAILABLE  Are you overwhelmed with the sheer number of activities you “should be doing” to become a successful writer? What if the key wasn't doing all the things, but simply doing the right things for you? Today, we're speaking with a friend whose writing life was transformed when she found the freedom to be selective, as she's choosing new pathways off social media.  For show notes, click here.  

EARLY BIRD PRICING NOW AVAILABLE FOR WRITING OFF SOCIAL: THE COURSE! What do you do when you've been writing on line for 10 years and everything becomes stagnant? Your Instagram feed is nothing but the same 20 writers and business gurus plus some random skincare ads. Your email list stops growing. And you have no idea where to find your reader in real life? Find out how one distracted and discouraged writer is discovering all the places her reader hangs out. Click here for show notes

REGISTRATION FOR WRITING OFF SOCIAL: THE COURSE IS NOW OPEN! SECURE YOUR SPOT TODAY AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EARLY BIRD PRICING AND BONUSES.  We know how frustrating it can be to narrow down your message and find your niche. Today  we welcome Spiritual Life and Health Coach, Regina Sanchez who pushed through this difficult task of niching down and found clarity and results on the other side. Regina was one of the participants in our first-ever Writing Off Social: The Course. In this episode, we're going to chat with Regina about what has changed in her work since she left social media and since she completed the course. Listen in! Click here show notes.  

So, you've found a literary agent who believes in your book idea and a publisher interested in publishing your entire book series! You have a solid email list and a loyal following on social media. Except…you're ready to ditch social media altogether. Is it okay to leave social media now? Or is this the worst idea ever? In today's episode, we answer this listener question by offering 5 questions we'd ask ourselves if we were in this position. Listen in! For show notes, click here.   

Most of us joined social media with innocent motives- we were eager to engage with our friends, follow some interesting accounts, and share our words with the world. But over time, the tables turned, and what was once felt like a playground now feels like a prison. So what do you do when you feel trapped by social media? Join us today for a vulnerable conversation with podcaster and entrepreneur, Stefanie Gass about what it took for her to finally break free from social media. Today we're sharing a pre-recorded conversation between Sandy and Stef. It originally aired in 2022 on Sandy's personal podcast, the Balanced Momcast. So don't be thrown when you hear different music- you're still listening to Writing off Social! Also, stay tuned until the end of this episode when we (Sandy and Mary K) discuss our closing thoughts about Stef's interview. For show notes, click here.  

The key to leaving social media without regret is finding alternate ways to achieve your writing goals outside of social media. This means locating your reader in real life and reaching her there. It also means thinking outside the box and taking some risks. This week we continue to flesh out what the writing life actually looks like off social media, and we are shining the spotlight on our very own Mary K Tiller as she shares an exciting and effective way she's locating and reaching her ideal reader...in the carpool line! You may want to grab a pen and a notebook for this episode because it's inspiring, tactical, and packed with goodness. Listen in! For show notes, click here.  

Leaving social media as a writer sounds amazing in theory. But how does it work in practice? Listen in for the final installment of Sandy's conversation with two-time traditionally published author, Kate Merrick where they ask and answer that question. In Part 3 of this 3-part conversation, Kate and Sandy speak directly to moms who write and run their businesses online but feel trapped by social media. As an author of two traditionally published books, Kate has a lot to share about how and why you should consider publishing your book without social media. She shares what factors contributed to her getting a book deal, as well as where she stood her ground and what concessions she chose to make. Be sure to listen to Part 1 and Part 2 before listening to this. Click here for show notes.  

What is the cost of being on social media? What are you giving away? What are you gaining? If FOMO is the issue, then shouldn't we consider what it is we're really missing out on? If every ‘yes' to one thing is a ‘no' to another, then what could you say ‘yes' to if you chose to say ‘no' to social media? This is Part 2 of a 3-part conversation that first aired on The Balanced MomCast in 2022.  Click here for show notes.  

Many of you have emailed us thanking us for blazing a trail for writers to leave social media. But we are only widening a trail that others had blazed for us. In today's episode, Sandy sits down with author Kate Merrick, who was one such trailblazer. Join us to hear why Kate decided to live off the grid and how it's impacted her life, her business, and her writing career. This is a special episode--a replay of an interview that first aired in 2022 on The Balanced MomCast. It is Part 1 of a 3-part conversation. Click here for show notes.   

As a writer in the Hustle Culture, we are inundated with endless options of what we could do and what we should do to be successful. But in the Kingdom Culture, we have a loving Father who is actively pruning our lives so that the fruit we produce is sweet, abundant, and remains forever. If you are tired of adding tasks to your plate that leave you feeling distracted, drained, and depleted, this episode is for you.  Click here for show notes.  

We live in a culture that values constant and increasing growth. There is a sense that to take a step backward or slow down at all, is to risk everything you're building. But Kingdom Culture offers us another way. If you're feeling burdened or burnt out by seasons of over production and growth, this episode is for you. Click here for show notes