If you're a studio owner who’s tired of spinning your wheels on social media and wondering how to actually get more clients in the door… this episode is your roadmap.

I'm pulling back the curtain on the one strategy that changed everything for me: SEO.

As a single mama of five (yes, five!) running a local brick-and-mortar business, I needed a marketing strategy that worked while I worked—and even when I didn’t. So I doubled down on optimizing my Google Business Profile and creating content that kept me visible and trusted in my community.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why SEO is your best friend as a studio owner
• How I started (imperfectly!) back in 2016 and never looked back
• What you can do TODAY to attract more of the right clients, with less hustle
• How visibility fits into building a studio that works for your life

And if you're ready for accountability, strategy, and a no-fluff community to grow with—check out my LEVEL UP mastermind. Because running a studio shouldn't mean running yourself ragged.

Your GO-TO LINK for all things Melissa Rose-: Level UP : Your Business, Your Life, Google Business Profile Workshop, Visibility Workshop, Hire Newsletter, & Referral Partners.

Love today’s podcast? 🙌

1. Take a screenshot and share it to your IG stories. Tag me @brickandmortarvisibility 
2. Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcast!
3. Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. 

In 2009, Melissa Rose started her business, The Dancing House, in the basement of her home. There, she taught the art of dance to students of all ages while her babies were right along with her, in the pack and playing.  With passion, resilience, and tenacity - she created a business that has become "The Highlight of Your Week" for her tribe, her team, and her community, along with running a successful brick-and-mortar business and an online dance membership.

Melissa's also a visibility coach and consultant for other local brick + mortar businesses. Providing direction by leveraging SEO best practices, encompassing Google Business Profile optimization, blog writing, and email/text campaigns. When not inspiring or empowering, Melissa's a mama of five kiddos, enjoys long hikes and playing in her garden.  

In this episode of the Brick and Mortar Visibility Podcast, we’re stepping beyond the studio and into the world of boutique retail. Whether you're running a Pilates, yoga, or music studio—or any class-based business—there’s a good chance you’re also selling something on the side. From merch to gear, retail is a powerful revenue stream, and it’s time we treat it like one.

Our guest, Sarah Kowal, knows this firsthand. She went from broke to building two thriving businesses and now mentors and markets for retail brands nationwide. Sarah shares her real-talk wisdom on marketing for small businesses, particularly those running brick-and-mortar or boutique retail operations.

Plus, we kick off the episode with a quick check-in about Profit First—because it’s Q3, and if you’re following the method, it’s time to take that 50% profit and celebrate your progress!

Tune in to hear:

• Why boutique retail deserves a real marketing strategy
• Simple shifts to increase your retail sales
• How to think like a retailer inside your service-based biz
• A dose of inspiration from Sarah’s journey and hard-won lessons

🎧 Press play to learn how to make your boutique retail space more profitable—without the overwhelm.

More about our guest:
An entrepreneur, Sarah Kowal went from broke-a$$ to owning two successful businesses. She has spoken at numerous business forums (various chambers of commerce, the MN Retailers Association, other business groups, and as a mentor with Twin Cities SCORE) and serves as a judge, mentor, and marketer for business pitch competitions. She has made a difference for thousands of entrepreneurs. Her startup, WeatherVane Creamery, was recognized by the American Cheese Society for its innovation in dairy retail. She hustled to generate funding from over 70 private individuals, pitched to Howard Shultz of Starbucks (and over 10,000 Starbucks shareholders!), and generated a ton of media coverage, including FOX Morning News. Currently, she is the Founder and Master Biz Hacker of Project Biz Lab, an online business academy, and Owner/Operator of InSIGHTful Low Vision, LLC, a boutique marketing agency.

Your GO-TO LINK for all things Melissa Rose-: Level UP: Your Business, Your Life, Google Business Profile Workshop, Visibility Workshop, Newsletter, Referral Partners, and more.

Love today’s podcast? 🙌

1. Take a screenshot and share it to your IG stories. Tag me @brickandmortarvisibility 
2. Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcast!
3. Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. 

In 2009, Melissa Rose started her business, The Dancing House, in the basement of her home. There, she taught the art of dance to students of all ages while her babies were right along with her, in the pack and playing.  With passion, resilience, and tenacity - she created a business that has become "The Highlight of Your Week" for her tribe, her team, and her community, along with running a successful brick-and-mortar business and an online dance membership.

Melissa's also a visibility coach and consultant for other local brick + mortar businesses. Providing direction by leveraging SEO best practices, encompassing Google Business Profile optimization, blog writing, and email/text campaigns. When not inspiring or empowering, Melissa's a mama of five kiddos, enjoys long hikes and playing in her garden.  

Think SEO is only for the big-budget brands? Think again.

In this episode of the Brick and Mortar Visibility Podcast, I’m joined by SEO strategist Jade Pruitt, who’s flipping the script on what local search optimization really looks like for studio owners like you.

We’re talking:

• Why SEO doesn’t have to cost thousands (really)
• Where to start if you’re DIY-ing it—and how to avoid the common overwhelm
• How Jade helps studios dominate search results without a giant marketing budget
• And the ridiculously generous offer she drops at the end of the episode (no, seriously—don’t miss it)

I’m stepping away from SEO consulting to go all-in on my Level UP program—and Jade is the expert I trust to take the reins. She gets studio life, understands what matters locally, and is leading the charge on integrating AI into modern SEO.

If you’ve ever felt like SEO is out of reach, this is the episode that will change your mind.

🎧 Plus: Grab my free Google Business Profile Workshop to make sure your studio shows up where it counts most—on Google.

A bit about Jade Pruett: A leader in the SEO world, the founder of HelloSEO and SEO specialist, Jade Pruett. Jade has pioneered strategies that streamline workflows, amplify client outcomes, and foster human connections in business. With over a decade of expertise in navigating and leveraging Google’s algorithm to help hundreds of brands and businesses gain visibility and connect with their ideal clients, she has also created influential SEO strategies for CNN, Business Insider, and notable SaaS brands. 

Jade is also a mentor at Columbia’s tech incubator, the Boyd Center, as well as an Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business. Jade also shares her forward-thinking approach to integrating AI into SEO by leading AI workshops.

Your GO-TO LINK for all things Melissa Rose-: Level UP: Your Business, Your Life, Google Business Profile Workshop, Visibility Workshop, Newsletter, Referral Partners, and more.

Love today’s podcast? 🙌

1. Take a screenshot and share it to your IG stories. Tag me @brickandmortarvisibility 
2. Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcast!
3. Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. 

In 2009, Melissa Rose started her business, The Dancing House, in the basement of her home. There, she taught the art of dance to students of all ages while her babies were right along with her, in the pack and playing.  With passion, resilience, and tenacity - she created a business that has become "The Highlight of Your Week" for her tribe, her team, and her community, along with running a successful brick-and-mortar business and an online dance membership.

Melissa's also a visibility coach and consultant for other local brick + mortar businesses. Providing direction by leveraging SEO best practices, encompassing Google Business Profile optimization, blog writing, and email/text campaigns. When not inspiring or empowering, Melissa's a mama of five kiddos, enjoys long hikes and playing in her garden.  

Hey there, studio owner. Let’s talk about something that can make or break your business—your team.⁠

Now, if you’ve ever hired someone, handed them a task, crossed your fingers and thought, “I hope this works out…”—this episode is for you.

Because hope is not a strategy.

In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the exact framework I use to onboard new team members—from teachers to admin—and how I set them up for success from day one. I’ll share how we measure growth, create momentum, and yes…how we gently level up expectations as your business grows.

Whether you’re hiring for the first time or realizing it’s time to get more intentional with the team you already have—this episode will give you the steps to create a team that not only performs, but thrives.

And if you want support putting this into action, that’s exactly what we do inside my Level UP Mastermind—so stay tuned till the end for more on that.

Let’s get into it.

Your GO-TO LINK for all things Melissa Rose-: Level UP : Your Business, Your Life, Google Business Profile Workshop, Visibility Workshop, Hire Newsletter, & Referral Partners.

Love today’s podcast? 🙌

1. Take a screenshot and share it to your IG stories. Tag me @brickandmortarvisibility 
2. Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcast!
3. Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. 

In 2009, Melissa Rose started her business, The Dancing House, in the basement of her home. There, she taught the art of dance to students of all ages while her babies were right along with her, in the pack and playing.  With passion, resilience, and tenacity - she created a business that has become "The Highlight of Your Week" for her tribe, her team, and her community, along with running a successful brick-and-mortar business and an online dance membership.

Melissa's also a visibility coach and consultant for other local brick + mortar businesses. Providing direction by leveraging SEO best practices, encompassing Google Business Profile optimization, blog writing, and email/text campaigns. When not inspiring or empowering, Melissa's a mama of five kiddos, enjoys long hikes and playing in her garden.  

Ever feel stuck in your business—like you're showing up, doing the work, and still wondering… “Why isn’t this working?” Yeah, I’ve been there.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a challenge I gave myself: 100 days of going live. No script. No editing. Just one take, one minute, one daily nugget while walking each morning.

What started as a test turned into a transformational business habit. Not only did I grow engagement across my podcast, YouTube, and socials, but a major opportunity started unfolding—one that I had been dreaming about for years.

Inside this episode:
 ✨ Why a 90-day test is the best way to spark momentum
 ✨ What I learned from doing 100 days of consistent content
 ✨ How to test your big idea—without burning out
✨ What I’m doing in Q3 to get closer to my dream goal
✨ And how you can do it too—with support from my Level UP program

Whether you're feeling stuck, need a fresh spark, or want to challenge yourself to show up differently—this episode is your invitation to take action (and let go of perfection).

🎧 Listen in, get inspired, and then commit to your next 90 days.

Because growth isn’t a mystery—it’s a decision.

Your GO-TO LINK for all things Melissa Rose-: Level UP : Your Business, Your Life, Google Business Profile Workshop, Visibility Workshop, Hire Me as an SEO Marketing Consultant, Newsletter, Referral Partners and more.

Love today’s podcast? 🙌

1. Take a screenshot and share it to your IG stories. Tag me @brickandmortarvisibility 
2. Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcast!
3. Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. 

In 2009, Melissa Rose started her business, The Dancing House, in the basement of her home. There, she taught the art of dance to students of all ages while her babies were right along with her, in the pack and playing.  With passion, resilience, and tenacity - she created a business that has become "The Highlight of Your Week" for her tribe, her team, and her community, along with running a successful brick-and-mortar business and an online dance membership.

Melissa's also a visibility coach and consultant for other local brick + mortar businesses. Providing direction by leveraging SEO best practices, encompassing Google Business Profile optimization, blog writing, and email/text campaigns. When not inspiring or empowering, Melissa's a mama of five kiddos, enjoys long hikes and playing in her garden.  

You’ve got a studio to run, a team to manage, clients to care for, and the last thing on your list? Legal documents. 😅

But here’s the thing—we all tend to think “It’s fine… until it’s not fine.”
And that’s why I brought today’s guest onto the podcast.

Cory Sterling is the go-to legal expert for studio owners. Yoga, fitness, dance—you name it. He gets our world, he speaks our language, and he’s helped thousands of business owners protect what they’ve worked so hard to build.

In this episode, you’ll hear:
 ✨ Cory’s epic story of how he designed a life and business on his terms (seriously, you’ll be inspired)
📄 The 5 legal documents every studio owner must have
⭐ And how Cory has over 400+ 5-star Google reviews—with actionable tips you can swipe today

Cory is a preferred referral partner here at Brick and Mortar Visibility, and that’s because I trust him with my own business—and I want you to have that same support. (Psst—check out my full list of trusted experts under the “Work With Me” tab → “Referral Partners.”)

So pour your coffee, pop in those earbuds, and let’s get into this power-packed conversation.

Connect with Cory for Legal Help

Conscious Counsel on IG

Your GO-TO LINK for all things Melissa Rose-: Level UP : Your Business, Your Life, Google Business Profile Workshop, Visibility Workshop, Hire Me as an SEO Marketing Consultant, Newsletter, Referral Partners and more.

Love today’s podcast? 🙌

1. Take a screenshot and share it to your IG stories. Tag me @brickandmortarvisibility 
2. Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcast!
3. Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. 

In 2009, Melissa Rose started her business, The Dancing House, in the basement of her home. There, she taught the art of dance to students of all ages while her babies were right along with her, in the pack and playing.  With passion, resilience, and tenacity - she created a business that has become "The Highlight of Your Week" for her tribe, her team, and her community, along with running a successful brick-and-mortar business and an online dance membership.

Melissa's also a visibility coach and consultant for other local brick + mortar businesses. Providing direction by leveraging SEO best practices, encompassing Google Business Profile optimization, blog writing, and email/text campaigns. When not inspiring or empowering, Melissa's a mama of five kiddos, enjoys long hikes and playing in her garden.  

Summer might mean slower class counts and more beach days—but your Google visibility should still be working hard for you.

In this quick, actionable episode, I’m sharing 5 simple ways to give your Google Business Profile and website a refresh that builds trust, improves SEO, and keeps new clients walking through your doors (even if your current ones are pausing for the season).

Inside the episode:
✅ The one photo mistake that could be costing you clicks
✅ Why your business name might be confusing Google—and how to fix it
✅ What to do right now if a client says they’re taking a break
✅ The review tip that boosts both SEO and conversions
✅ How to audit your website pages for maximum trust-building power

If you want your studio to be the only option in town—this episode is your summer checklist.

🎧 Tune in now, take 15 minutes, and implement these today.

Referred to podcast:
Google Reviews 101: Listener Q&A on What NOT to Do - Mastering Excellence with Your Google Business Profile
How to Give (and Respond to) Exceptional Google Reviews Without Losing Them - Mastering Excellence with Your Google Business Profile 

Your GO-TO LINK for all things Melissa Rose-: Level UP : Your Business, Your Life, Google Business Profile Workshop, Visibility Workshop, Hire Me as an SEO Marketing Consultant, Newsletter, Tools for Business, and more.

Love today’s podcast? 🙌

1. Take a screenshot and share it to your IG stories. Tag me @brickandmortarvisibility 
2. Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcast!
3. Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. 

In 2009, Melissa Rose started her business, The Dancing House, in the basement of her home. There, she taught the art of dance to students of all ages while her babies were right along with her, in the pack and playing.  With passion, resilience, and tenacity - she created a business that has become "The Highlight of Your Week" for her tribe, her team, and her community, along with running a successful brick-and-mortar business and an online dance membership.

Melissa's also a visibility coach and consultant for other local brick + mortar businesses. Providing direction by leveraging SEO best practices, encompassing Google Business Profile optimization, blog writing, and email/text campaigns. When not inspiring or empowering, Melissa's a mama of five kiddos, enjoys long hikes and playing in her garden.  

This week, I’m inviting you behind the curtain for a very real, very personal episode.

As we officially wrap our 16th season at the studio, I’m sharing the 16 most powerful lessons I’ve learned from running a brick-and-mortar business—from the early hustle days to the now. The mistakes, the mindset shifts, the marketing wins, and the moments that changed everything.

Inside this episode:
 ✨ Why hiring before you're ready might be the smartest move you make
 ✨ The onboarding experience your clients are craving (and how to create it)
 ✨ What happens when you stop trying to do it all yourself
 ✨ How to build trust in a world that’s short on it
 ✨ And why your success line might not be what you thought it was

If you’re a studio owner who’s ever felt the highs and lows of this business, this one’s for you. Whether you're on year 1 or year 21, I hope you walk away feeling seen, inspired, and fired up for what’s next.

🎧 Tune in, and then tell me—what’s your biggest lesson this year?

Referred to podcast:
Ten effective ideas to WOW your clients, team & community
How to Give (and Respond to) Exceptional Google Reviews Without Losing Them - Mastering Excellence with Your Google Business Profile 

Your GO-TO LINK for all things Melissa Rose-: Level UP : Your Business, Your Life, Google Business Profile Workshop, Visibility Workshop, Hire Me as an SEO Marketing Consultant, Newsletter, Tools for Business, and more.

Love today’s podcast? 🙌

1. Take a screenshot and share it to your IG stories. Tag me @brickandmortarvisibility 
2. Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcast!
3. Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. 

In 2009, Melissa Rose started her business, The Dancing House, in the basement of her home. There, she taught the art of dance to students of all ages while her babies were right along with her, in the pack and playing.  With passion, resilience, and tenacity - she created a business that has become "The Highlight of Your Week" for her tribe, her team, and her community, along with running a successful brick-and-mortar business and an online dance membership.

Melissa's also a visibility coach and consultant for other local brick + mortar businesses. Providing direction by leveraging SEO best practices, encompassing Google Business Profile optimization, blog writing, and email/text campaigns. When not inspiring or empowering, Melissa's a mama of five kiddos, enjoys long hikes and playing in her garden.  

Today’s episode is a little different—but oh-so-important. Because as business owners, parents, and partners, we don’t just want to show up… we want to perform at our best. And that means having the energy, clarity, and stamina to do it all—without burning out.

Enter: peptides.

I’m sitting down with a special guest — Andrea Olson, a deeply knowledgeable rep who knows these products inside and out. She’s helped dozens of clients (including me!) feel more energized, focused, and supported in their wellness journey. She’s a user, an advocate, and someone who truly gets the pressure high-performing women face when trying to do all the things.

Whether you’ve heard the buzz around peptides or have no idea what they are, this conversation will leave you curious, inspired, and maybe even ready to try something new.

🎧 Tune in to hear how a simple wellness shift could be the game-changer your body—and your business—have been craving.

MakeWellness - learn why I love it!

Your GO-TO LINK for all things Melissa Rose-: Level UP : Your Business, Your Life, Google Business Profile Workshop, Visibility Workshop, Hire Me as an SEO Marketing Consultant, Newsletter, Tools for Business, and more.

Love today’s podcast? 🙌

1. Take a screenshot and share it to your IG stories. Tag me @brickandmortarvisibility 
2. Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcast!
3. Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. 

In 2009, Melissa Rose started her business, The Dancing House, in the basement of her home. There, she taught the art of dance to students of all ages while her babies were right along with her, in the pack and playing.  With passion, resilience, and tenacity - she created a business that has become "The Highlight of Your Week" for her tribe, her team, and her community, along with running a successful brick-and-mortar business and an online dance membership.

Melissa's also a visibility coach and consultant for other local brick + mortar businesses. Providing direction by leveraging SEO best practices, encompassing Google Business Profile optimization, blog writing, and email/text campaigns. When not inspiring or empowering, Melissa's a mama of five kiddos, enjoys long hikes and playing in her garden.  

The sun’s out... and if you’re a studio owner, you know what that often means:
Enrollment slows down.
Buyers get flaky.
Cash flow feels tighter than ever.

But here’s the deal—your buyer hasn’t disappeared. They’ve just changed.

 They’re more hesitant, more distracted, and waiting until the very last minute to commit.

If you’re feeling the summer slump sneaking in, today’s episode is your game plan for getting ahead of it.

Inside, I’m sharing: ✨ Why buyers are stalling—and what to do right now

 ✨ Smart ways to create urgency without feeling pushy or desperate
 ✨ How flyers, text messages, and other simple systems can outperform email alone
 ✨ Why making your buying process Amazon-easy could be your summer secret weapon

PLUS — I’ve got a free gift for you:

 "40+ Places to Promote Your Studio for Free"

 Because visibility = enrollments. And it costs you nothing but a little action. 🙌

Your GO-TO LINK for all things Melissa Rose-: Level UP : Your Business, Your Life, Google Business Profile Workshop, Visibility Workshop, Hire Me as an SEO Marketing Consultant, Newsletter, Tools for Business, and more.

Love today’s podcast? 🙌

1. Take a screenshot and share it to your IG stories. Tag me @brickandmortarvisibility 
2. Leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcast!
3. Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. 

In 2009, Melissa Rose started her business, The Dancing House, in the basement of her home. There, she taught the art of dance to students of all ages while her babies were right along with her, in the pack and playing.  With passion, resilience, and tenacity - she created a business that has become "The Highlight of Your Week" for her tribe, her team, and her community, along with running a successful brick-and-mortar business and an online dance membership.

Melissa's also a visibility coach and consultant for other local brick + mortar businesses. Providing direction by leveraging SEO best practices, encompassing Google Business Profile optimization, blog writing, and email/text campaigns. When not inspiring or empowering, Melissa's a mama of five kiddos, enjoys long hikes and playing in her garden.