Let's discuss.
I started my first online business, TheSkinnyArm.com wayyy back in 2013. Let's just say, things are DIFFERENT now. Right?
If I started my business today, here’s how I would invest my time and money. This also applies if you already have an online blog or business but are ready to take it to the next level and actually start earning real income from it.
If I was starting over, here's what I would invest in...IN THIS ORDER. Ignore everything else and do these steps in order, and I promise success will come faster than if you try to do it all at once.
Whether you have zero clue what your business is going to be, or you have it completely figured out, invest in a coach FIRST and they will absolutely fast-track your success. I've seen this in my own life, and now if I'm serious about getting something done, I'm investing in a coach. Just last week, I put my money where my mouth is and invested in a fitness program. I'm a pretty healthy person and love working out, but a new level requires new work, so I paid for some help.
In 2013, there were very limited resources online. You are *so* lucky now that there are women who went before you and figured things out so now we can share them with you. (YOU'RE WELCOME!)
Your coach will help you with this, but this is crucial or else you'll be wasting time online when you could be helping people, making moves, and earning money in your business. I won’t say I wasted time, but I did spend a lot of time doing a lot of extra things that maybe didn’t serve me long run. I should have gotten more clear in the beginning.
It’s ok to figure it out, it’s ok to evolve, but having that initial diction is KEY to start making moves. It’s ok if you decide to change it later!
Instagram is a free promotional tool that can help you attract your ideal client, grow your business, and earn income when used correctly. You should absolutely be using IG for business growth.
Need help? I created an IG OPTIMIZATION FREEBIE just for you! This will help you get clear on who you're talking to on IG. Use it!
DO THIS IMMEDIATELY if you do not have an email list in place yet. Yes, this comes before a website, before products, before blog posts. Email list is KEY!
Please don't be like me and waste years of your life using Mailchimp. I can't even believe how much time I wasted.
I switched to Flodesk around 2 years ago, and I was shocked at the difference. Here's a 50% off Flodesk code. Don't sleep on this advice and discount!
Listen. You can go a lot of different directions here. I *love* a beautiful website, but you only pursue a website AFTER you have your email list and your IG up and running.
Then, you purchase a NICE template. I like Tonic templates.
I built my own site in 2013 and it was a hot mess. Later, I hired someone and it wassss $10k? So take it from me, grab a beautiful template and fully commit.
If you've been around me for a minute, you *know* I'm always going to push getting branding photography done. If you're serious about making money in this business, this will set you apart and set the visual tone for your brand.
Work with a photographer who will help you communicate your brand vibe and values through imagery. Then use those photos in your web design, profile photos, about me, IG posts, Reels, everywhere.
What kind of content goes your ideal client need or want? What do YOU want to be known for or know as the expert in?
What does she need help with? Start serving that immediately.
Do not wait until you have a large following to offer something of value. Start training your audience now that you have something to offer them/sell them that will help them. Is it a nutrition plan? Is it social media management? Make it clear from the beginning that you have something valuable to offer and do not wait to start selling it.
That's what I would do if I was starting over. To be honest, I'm always revamping and reevaluating, so even after you've been in business for years, you'll still look at these steps and make changes, as needed.
If this episode resonates, and you KNOW that you need to start taking your online business seriously, then I'm going to point you toward my Show Up + Blow Up Intensive Coaching Program. In this group program, I'm teaching you how to level up your business, start attracting your ideal client, and start earning more income online. It's enrolling now - don't miss it.
