Chasing Simple Marketing for Entrepreneurs

Let’s picture your cash flow. I want you to imagine cash flowing through your business, like water in a stream—steady, purposeful, visible. 

Unfortunately,  most of us? We’re stuck upstream, trying to splish and splash our way through “making money” without thinking about where it goes. That’s how I was for the longest—pouring heart and hustle into my biz, but watching profit slip away like sand through fingertips.

Thankfully, that’s going to change for both of us thanks to this interview with Geily Romero, a fractional CFO and all-around Cashflow Queen. She turned my “murky money fears” into a clear path: not just tracking what’s coming in and going out… but actually using cash flow to grow my business with confidence.

Geily broke it down in a way that stopped my eyes from glazing over:

Imagine having clarity on WHEN money needs to come in (timing), HOW MUCH needs to come in relative to what goes out (amount), and what system you have to manage it all. That’s what makes cash flow strategic, not just arithmetic.

Geily is all about simplicity—and she starts by helping you build a system instead of sweating over the next dollar.

If you don’t have a bookkeeper—or your books feel like sticky notes and mystery expenses—start there. Without records, clarity is just a dream. 

She describes four “levels”:

Knowing your level helps you stop trying to sprint from chaos—so you can build upward, not spin in overwhelm.

Think four bank accounts, not a dozen:

As income comes in, it hits each account by percentage—not manually toggling numbers each time. I personally use Navy Federal for my banking, but Geily let us know that Relay Bank, the Profit First–friendly bank, can automate this for you.

You don’t need 75% for profits on day one. Geily recommends starting with something like 5% profit, 10-15% for taxes, and letting the rest build your pay and operations. Grow it over time.

Figure out your minimum monthly burn—your true baseline for running the business. Anything over that isn’t “just sitting there”—it belongs in one of those designated accounts.

I want you to picture your business not as a trickle or a flood, but as a steady, manageable river—flowing toward your goals, not backwards into overwhelm. Cash flow isn’t boring math—it’s your tool for freedom, sustainability, and yes, paying yourself what you truly deserve.

If your finances feel entangled, you’re not alone—and there is clarity on the other side. Let’s not just survive our numbers—let’s make them work for us.

This week, take a breath and start one small, clear step:
If you don’t have a bookkeeper—or if your records are a hot mess—spend 30 minutes gathering your income and expenses (even if it’s just Excel or your bank statements). Then, figure out how much your business actually costs to run, and then only move from there. That clarity is powerful.

Geily recommended a book that shifted her mindset—and mine might be next on the list: “10X Is Easier Than 2X“. It helps you dream bigger (and smarter), by scaling in a way that doesn’t burn you out.

Geily Romero is the founder of Cutting Edge Financial Solutions — a Fractional CFO, financial consultant, and all-around cash flow queen. She helps service-based small businesses nearing or making six figures master, manage, and multiply their money so they can scale sustainably and strategically. Whether you’re barely scraping by or just unsure where your profit is going, Geily brings the clarity and tools to help you go from surviving to thriving.

Website – Cutting Edge Financial Solutions

Instagram – @cuttingedgefinancialsolutions

The post Mastering Your Cash Flow with Geily Romero appeared first on Amanda Warfield.

You’ve poured hours—maybe weeks—into your sales page. You’ve mapped it out, written thoughtful copy, designed beautiful sections, and even added testimonials. You hit publish with a mix of nerves and excitement… and then? ……Crickets…..

Before you start questioning your offer or throwing out your entire funnel, I want to gently suggest something else might be the problem:

Your headline.

Because if you are not creating marketing headlines that sell, your audience isn’t going to stick around long enough to read all that amazing copy you’ve created. Your headline has one job: to hook your reader and earn their attention long enough to show them how you can help.

And most sales pages? They’re not doing that.

We’re in the middle of a sales page sprint inside Chasing Simple Marketing: The Community, and this week’s private podcast lesson was all about headlines. So I wanted to share a little sneak peek with you here, because this simple shift could change everything about how your sales page performs.

Here’s the truth: you only have about three seconds to stop the scroll. And if your headline doesn’t immediately speak to your audience’s problem or desired transformation, they’re going to start skimming—or worse, leave altogether.

A good headline is:

But most importantly?

Clarity beats cleverness every time.

I know—it’s tempting to write something catchy. Something witty. Something that feels really creative and “on brand.”

But your headline is not the place for cleverness.

This is the place for clarity. It should instantly communicate:

Let’s look at an example:

The first one? It’s vague. It sounds nice, but it doesn’t tell me what I’m getting or how it helps.

The second one? That’s specific, clear, and speaks directly to a problem most course creators are facing.

Your headline is not a tagline. It’s not a slogan. It’s the gateway to the sale, and it sets the tone for everything that follows.

You don’t have to be a copywriter to write a strong headline. You just need to focus on the right things.

Here’s your quick 3-step framework:

What’s the actual result your audience wants? Not the number of lessons or how many calls are included, but what their life or business looks like after working with you.

Think outcome, not features.

What’s keeping them stuck right now? Your headline should reflect that you see their struggle and offer a solution.

“Launch your course without second-guessing every step.” ← This shows the problem (second-guessing) and the solution (a clear launch path).

Once you’ve nailed clarity, you can sprinkle in a little curiosity to keep them reading.

Think: “Ooh, tell me more…”
Not: “Wait… what does this even mean?”

Here’s a simple formula you can try:

The method or framework that helps you [desirable outcome] without [common obstacle]

Example:

What if launching your course didn’t feel like a full-time job?

Then refine from there!

Whether your sales page is brand new or already live, I want you to carve out 10 minutes and write three different headline options using the framework above.

Ask yourself:

Then (and this is key!)—get feedback.

Share your options with a business bestie, a mastermind group, or inside the Chasing Simple Marketing community Slack. Don’t get stuck in your own head here. Outside eyes make all the difference.

If you loved this bite-sized lesson, you’ll love what’s happening inside Chasing Simple Marketing: The Community.

Every quarter, we focus on a new theme (this one’s all about sales pages that convert), and every Thursday you get a short private podcast episode with intentional action steps—just like the one this post was based on.

Plus, you get access to:

And all of that? It’s just $27/month.

Join us Here

Organizing Solutions for People with Attention Deficit Disorder by Susan Pinsky

While I didn’t love every tip in the book, it really helped me rethink the way I approach organizing. Especially as someone who probably sits somewhere on the ADHD spectrum—and is married to someone who’s diagnosed—it gave me a lot of insight into how my systems affect others.

Highly recommend if you or someone in your family thinks differently about organization. 

If your sales page isn’t converting, it’s probably not your offer.  It’s your headline.

Here’s what to remember:

Your headline sets the tone for your entire page. Make it count.

The post Marketing Headlines That Sell: Why Your Sales Page Might Be Falling Flat appeared first on Amanda Warfield.

I get it.

August feels way too early to start talking about Black Friday. You’re still in summer mode, sipping iced coffee (I’ll stick with mine hot, thank you very much), maybe squeezing in the last bit of vacation, and the last thing you want to do is think about November.

But let me gently challenge that thought: what if now is actually the perfect time?

Because if you create your Black Friday marketing strategy now—while things are still relatively calm—you’ll have the time and space to set yourself up for a simple and strategic sales season. No scrambling, no burnout, and no 30-step funnels you’ll never actually finish.

Just a sticky note.

Literally.

That’s all you need.

It’s easy to believe you need a massive strategy to stand out during Black Friday. After all, everyone’s inbox is full, and your social feeds will be flooded with “last chance” graphics and flashing sale alerts.

But here’s the truth: you don’t need a big, complex plan.

You just need one you’ll actually follow through on.

That’s why I swear by the Sticky Note Method. It’s fast, it’s focused, and it gives you just enough structure to be strategic without overwhelming you. And the best part? It’s totally scalable.

Use it as-is—or layer on more when (and if) you’re ready.

So grab a sticky note (or open your Notes app) and let’s map out your entire Black Friday marketing strategy in less than five minutes.

Here’s what you’re going to write down:

What are you selling?

Keep it simple. The easiest options:

Avoid creating a brand-new offer unless you’ve already validated it with your audience. Black Friday is not the time to test something totally new.

Why? Because the market is loud. You’re better off promoting something your audience already knows about, is familiar with, and is likely to buy.

What’s your promo window?

Here’s what to consider:

You can even note your tease dates—when you’ll start dropping hints, sharing waitlist links, or planting the seed that something’s coming.

Mapping out these dates now makes content prep 10x easier.

Pick 2–3 platforms—max.

Seriously. You don’t need to be everywhere.

Prioritize email marketing (non-negotiable), then choose one or two other places to show up consistently.

Options include:

But again—if you do nothing else, show up in your subscribers’ inboxes.

Email is where your sales will come from. Full stop.

That’s it.

Just three lines:

Everything else flows from there.

Want to do more? Go for it.
Want to keep it simple? Great.
You’ve got your foundation in place—and that’s what matters most.

If you’re thinking, “Okay, I’ve got the basics… but I do want to layer in more,” you’re in luck.

I’m speaking at the Black Friday Summit, and I’d love for you to join me! It kicks off on August 26th, and it’s packed with practical, fluff-free sessions to help you create a profitable Black Friday launch.

Grab your free ticket: amandawarfield.com/black-friday

You’ll also hear from past Chasing Simple Podcast guests like:

And of course, I’ll be sharing a behind-the-scenes look at 8 strategies my clients used in 2024 to increase sales without increasing stress.

Again, grab your free ticket at:

amandawarfield.com/black-friday

The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza

A mix of mystery, adventure, and a touch of true crime, this story follows a woman who travels to Italy after her grandmother’s death to uncover unexpected family secrets. It’s fun, fast-paced, and full of intrigue—perfect for late summer reading.

If you take nothing else from this post, let it be this:

You don’t have to stress, scramble, or show up everywhere. You just have to show up with intention.

So, grab your sticky note, map out those three things, and take your next step—whether that’s prepping emails, writing content, or grabbing your spot in the summit.

You’ve got this.

The post Your 5-Minute Black Friday Marketing Strategy appeared first on Amanda Warfield.

It usually starts when I can’t sleep.

I lay there, wide-eyed in the dark, and my brain starts asking the hard questions:

What would happen to my business if I died?
Would Russell know what to do?
Who would email my clients? Cancel subscriptions? Find the tax info?

And even if it wasn’t death, what if I got in a car accident? Or needed to take an unexpected leave to care for a loved one? Or just couldn’t keep going for a while?

As entrepreneurs, we spend so much time planning for success. But very few of us take the time to plan for life happening.

That’s exactly why I brought my friend Julie Fried onto the podcast for a conversation I know we all need to hear—whether we’re ready for it or not.

Julie is a former luxury wedding planner turned systems strategist. Today, she’s the creator of the Entrepreneur’s Death Folder and host of The System for Everything podcast.

Julie is also a mom, a chronic migraine warrior, and someone who deeply understands the messy overlap between life and business. And she’s on a mission to help entrepreneurs protect what they’ve built without the doom and gloom.

Her approach is practical, compassionate, and honestly—so needed in the online business world.

Because here’s the truth: most of us don’t have a plan for what happens to our business if we can’t be there to run it.

If there’s no plan in place? Chaos.

Clients are left wondering. Projects are abandoned. Subscriptions continue charging. Income disappears overnight. And grieving loved ones are left to untangle a digital mess they never signed up for.

Julie shared that even business owners with solid systems often forget to put this kind of emergency planning in place.

If your business brings in income—or serves people—it needs protection.

Yes, the name might make you pause. That’s intentional. It’s memorable. But it’s not just for death.

Here are just a few other times this system comes in handy:

Whether you’re stepping away temporarily—or permanently—having a clear “just-in-case” system allows someone else to step in, support your people, and carry the work forward.

Let’s be honest—it’s easy to put this off.

But as Julie says: this isn’t about fear—it’s about generosity.

You’re creating a gift.
Serving your people—your clients, your family, your business besties.
You’re reducing stress for the people who care about you.

It’s also a gift to yourself. Because once you’ve created your plan, you get to breathe easier knowing that you’re not holding all the strings alone anymore.

Julie calls it a “clarity file.” It’s not just SOPs and passwords—it’s everything someone would need to gracefully manage, pause, or close down your business in your absence.

Here’s what’s included:

And the best part? It’s built to be simple and editable. Julie recommends updating it quarterly, just like you would your content plan or your goals.

You don’t need to buy software, hire a lawyer, or create a 40-page manual to get started.

Julie recommends this as your first action step:

Pick one trusted person.

 Send them a short note or voice memo. Tell them what you do, who you serve, and where your core systems live.

That’s it. That’s the first brick in your “just-in-case” foundation. You can build on it from there.

And if you want help pulling the rest together? Julie’s Entrepreneur’s Death Folder gives you a clear, step-by-step process to make it easy.

Get the Entrepreneur’s Death Folder here

That’s the dream, right?

But as Julie puts it, it’s like having car insurance—you don’t plan to use it, but you’re glad it’s there when you need it. And this is a whole lot cheaper than your monthly premium.

And here’s something we don’t talk about enough: this kind of system doesn’t just protect your business in an emergency—it can make your day-to-day operations easier too.

Because building a business is about more than what you earn—it’s about the legacy you leave behind.

Whether you’ve got a full team or it’s just you in your home office… your business matters. Your people matter. Your impact matters.

You don’t have to be perfect or have every SOP documented.

You just need a system that someone else could follow—if and when they needed to.

So here’s your nudge:

And if you’re looking for more practical, heartfelt conversations like this, be sure to listen to the full episode of the Chasing Simple Podcast.

This week’s pick (courtesy of Julie): The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

A whimsical, thought-provoking children’s book packed with adult-level insight. Julie reads it every summer, and it’s a beautiful reminder of why we build systems in the first place—to free up our minds and hearts for what really matters.

You may not get to choose what happens to you—but you can choose to leave behind peace instead of panic.

This isn’t about being morbid. It’s about being responsible. It’s about leading with love.

So let’s do this—together.

The post What Happens to a Business When the Owner Dies? appeared first on Amanda Warfield.

It’s hard to believe it’s been two full years since Chasing Simple Marketing officially launched into the world. In some ways, it feels like it’s been a decade. In others, it feels like I blinked and here we are.

To celebrate, I thought I’d do something special today and share a little piece of the book with you. Specifically, I’m reading from the heart of it — the part where I break down how to determine what your marketing strategy should even be in the first place.

Because let’s be honest: marketing can feel overwhelming fast. There’s no shortage of strategies out there, and when you’re trying to sort through them all without a business degree or a marketing background? It’s enough to make you want to throw in the towel and go live in the woods.

If you’ve already read the book, I’d love to ask a small favor as part of this celebration: I’m hoping to hit 26 book reviews on Amazon this week. If you’ve read Chasing Simple Marketing and haven’t left a review yet, would you take a few minutes to do so? It would mean the world to me.

Okay — ready to dive in? Let’s talk strategy.

When I was early in my business, I remember sitting at my desk — rainbow pens lined up, a fresh calendar spread in front of me — feeling so proud of myself. I had finally invested in a marketing course. I was ready to figure this thing out once and for all.

Except… as I went through the course, confusion crept in.
The instructor talked about monthly themes but never explained why or how to pick them. They told me what to do, but not how to think about my marketing in a strategic way.

I felt like there were giant holes in the information.
I’d paid money for this. Shouldn’t I understand it? Shouldn’t it make sense?

I started wondering if maybe I just wasn’t good at marketing.

Friend, if you’ve ever had that thought, please know: It’s not you.
It’s a lack of foundational teaching. Most of us were never taught what strategy actually is — or why it matters — in the first place.

One of the biggest mistakes I see online educators and course creators make is confusing content strategy with content planning. They are not the same thing.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Your plan is the rainbow-pen-on-the-calendar, “here’s what’s going out this week” outline. It’s tactical. It’s helpful. But it’s not strategic on its own.

A strategy informs the plan. Without a strategy, your content won’t necessarily drive results — even if you’re posting every day of the week.

Think of it this way:
A plan is the paint color and throw pillows.
The strategy is the structural blueprint of the house.
You need both… but you have to start with the blueprint.

If you want a sustainable, effective marketing strategy, you need both a nurture strategy and a growth strategy.

This is the content you create for the people already in your audience. It’s about consistency, value, and building trust over time.

Your nurture content should always include:

This is the heart of content marketing: relationship-building, trust-building, guiding people gently toward your offers.

This is how you bring new people into your audience.
It’s not content marketing (surprise!).

Content might help with growth as a byproduct (shares and virality). But if you can’t guarantee it will get you in front of new people, it’s not a growth strategy.

Growth strategies could include:

Notice the common thread? They rely on building connections and tapping into other people’s audiences to expand your own.

Not every strategy makes sense for every season of business. And that’s where the overwhelm creeps in — when you try to do all the things, all the time.

Instead, match your strategy to your current season:

Focus: Visibility and Education

Focus: Converting Audience to Buyers

Focus: Efficiency and Systems

Your strategy will evolve as your business does. It’s not meant to stay the same forever. It’s meant to meet you where you are.

Here’s the truth I want you to hold onto:
You don’t need to do it all at once.
You don’t need the perfect 5-year strategy mapped out today.

Start where you are.
Focus on one step at a time.
Simplify. Then scale.

That’s the heart behind Chasing Simple Marketing.

This blog post just scratched the surface of what I cover in Chapter 6 of the book. If you want the full breakdown — including how to align your marketing strategies with each business phase and how to track the right data to ensure it’s working — grab your copy of Chasing Simple Marketing.

You can order at amandawarfield.com/book or search Chasing Simple Marketing on Amazon.

And if you’ve already read it and haven’t left a review yet? Your kind words help this book reach more small business owners who desperately need simpler marketing. Thank you in advance.

The post Chasing Simple Marketing (EP 167 Rewind) appeared first on Amanda Warfield.

Well, this feels a little silly. I’ve never recorded an introduction to an introduction before. But after I finished recording the podcast episode for the Click to Cancel Rule for Small Business, I found out something important: the FTC’s Click-to-Cancel Rule?
Potentially canceled. Maybe just on hold. Who knows.

Here’s the deal though — even if this specific ruling doesn’t move forward right now, I still believe the conversation we’re having here matters. The suggestions I shared in the episode? I’m moving forward with them in my own business either way. And honestly, I hope you’ll consider doing the same.

Because yes, compliance is important. Of course we want to follow the rules and make sure our businesses are legally protected. But beyond compliance? These kinds of changes can genuinely improve student and client satisfaction. And isn’t that what we’re really after? Serving people well.

So even if you’re a little confused right now (don’t worry, I’ll clear things up in a second), this conversation still feels timely. Helpful. Worth having.

Let’s dig in.

You sign up for a new membership. There’s a free trial. The onboarding is smooth. You’re feeling good.

But when you’re ready to cancel?
You’re redirected to menu after menu. A chatbot pops up and won’t give you a straight answer. You can’t figure out how to stop your membership — and that recurring payment.

Frustrating, right?

That feeling? That’s exactly what the FTC’s now possibly-paused Click-to-Cancel Rule was trying to prevent.

And honestly, it’s something we as small business owners should be trying to prevent too — not because we’re scared of fines, but because it’s just good business.

The FTC’s Click-to-Cancel Rule was an update to their Negative Option Rule. In plain English? If someone could sign up for something online easily, they should be able to cancel it just as easily.

The rule was supposed to go into effect July 14, 2025. Businesses who didn’t comply could’ve faced penalties of up to $53,000 per violation.

But here’s the thing: even if this rule doesn’t go forward, the principle behind it still matters for us as educators, course creators, and membership providers.

It’s about trust. Transparency. Building a reputation people feel good about referring to their friends.

We’re not Comcast. We don’t want to be Comcast. The Click to Cancel Rule for Small Business is still important even with the ruling being blocked.

We want satisfied students and happy alumni, not frustrated people who feel trapped. Because happy alumni give testimonials. They tell their friends. They come back for more. Frustrated people just quietly unsubscribe… or not-so-quietly post about you on social.

Whether or not the FTC enforces this tomorrow, next year, or never… here’s why the Click To Cancel Rule for Small Business matters:

Clear, easy cancellation builds trust. Full stop.

Satisfied students are more likely to refer, re-enroll, and leave glowing feedback.

We preach ethical marketing. Let’s practice it in how we operate behind the scenes too.

If you have:

Go through your own process like a student would. Sign up. Then cancel.

Ask yourself:

If not, it’s time for a tweak.

Be crystal clear about:

Make sure this info is front and center next to the consent button.

What I’m doing: I already have a “terms and conditions” checkbox at checkout. But I’m adding a simple, clear explanation about renewals and billing right underneath that checkbox. No one should have to dig to find this info.

Your dashboard should have:

If people are emailing you asking how to cancel… it’s probably not as clear as you think. (Speaking from experience here.)

Keep proof of consent for three years.
Make sure any cancellation action immediately stops billing.

Double-check your systems. Automate where possible. Protect yourself.

Look, I get it. This feels like “one more thing” on your plate.

But this isn’t just about staying ahead of potential regulations. It’s about showing your people that you respect them. That you trust them to make decisions. That you’re not trying to sneakily hold onto their payments.

In a world where trust is hard to earn, this small tweak to your systems could make a big difference in how your brand is perceived.

And that alignment — between how we market and how we operate — it matters. It’s how we build businesses with longevity.

The post Click to Cancel Rule for Small Business appeared first on Amanda Warfield.

It’s 9:00 AM. You’re sitting at your desk, phone in hand, scrolling Instagram—not because you’re feeling inspired, but because you’re trying to keep up. Engaging, liking, commenting, posting… wondering if this is what it really takes to build a business these days. Is Instagram still worth your time?

You’re tired. Your sales aren’t where you want them to be. And that nagging question keeps creeping in:
Is Instagram even worth my time anymore? Or is it just draining me?

If this sounds familiar, you’re in good company. In fact, I recently made the decision to step back from Instagram in my own business. Not forever, not dramatically. Just… stepping back, intentionally, for this season. And it’s got me thinking about how we, as business owners, evaluate whether Instagram is still serving us—or simply taking from us.

So today, I want to help you walk through that same evaluation for your own business.

Let’s just say it plainly: Instagram is noisy. It’s constantly shifting, evolving, and honestly? A lot harder to see results from these days. Organic reach is down. Engagement is harder to earn. And without a clear, intentional strategy, it often feels like shouting into the void.

If you’re feeling like you’re pouring effort into Instagram and getting very little back, that frustration is valid. But does that mean it’s time to quit?

Not necessarily.

Instead, it’s time to get super clear on what role you want Instagram to play in your marketing strategy—and how much energy it’s truly worth for you right now.

When I was evaluating this for my own business, these were the exact questions I asked myself:

If Instagram is actively helping you grow your email list, bring in traffic, or make sales—there’s your answer. It’s still working for you.
But if you’re spending hours creating content, engaging, and showing up… and you’re not seeing any tangible results? That’s worth questioning.

I firmly believe that most businesses benefit from having some social platform in their strategy—but it doesn’t have to be Instagram.
What’s more important is finding a platform that feels sustainable for you. Something that energizes you, not drains you. If another platform is working better, it might be time to shift your focus.

If creating for Instagram sparks creativity and feels aligned with how you want to show up? Keep going.
But if every post feels like pulling teeth, if you dread logging in, if the thought of another reel makes you want to scream… it might not be worth your energy right now.

If you’ve answered those questions and decided Instagram still has a place in your strategy, great. But that doesn’t mean you need to go all in. In fact, simplifying might be the best next step.

Here’s how I recommend doing that:

Stories, reels, carousels—pick just one. You don’t need to use every feature Instagram offers. Choose the one that feels the most sustainable and enjoyable for you, and let go of the rest.

Leverage your long-form content (like your blog, podcast, or YouTube) and repurpose it for Instagram. Batch-create content in advance so you’re not constantly reinventing the wheel.

Think of Instagram as a visibility tool—a place to remind people you exist, share your message, and build connection. But let your email list or another platform carry the weight of your conversions.

Maybe you’re leaning towards stepping back altogether. That’s okay too. I don’t recommend deleting your account entirely unless you’re 100% certain it’s the right call (and truly, most of us don’t need to go that far).

Here’s how to step back with intention:

Pin 1-3 posts to the top of your feed that explain you’re less active and share the best ways to stay connected with you.

If you want to make your absence super clear and still helpful, you can create a curated 9-grid that acts almost like a mini website for anyone who stumbles upon your profile.

Ensure your bio leads to either your best lead magnet or a current offer—something that’s still active and beneficial for your business.

There’s no rule that says you have to post consistently forever. If you want to pop in occasionally, that’s perfectly fine. Your business, your rules.

At the end of the day, this isn’t really about Instagram.
It’s about stewardship. About being wise with the resources—your time, your energy, your creativity—that God has given you.

Instagram can be a helpful tool. But it shouldn’t be the thing running you ragged, stealing your joy, or pulling you away from the work that matters most.

If this is the season where you need to simplify? Honor that. If this is the season where you want to show up more intentionally? Honor that too.

Either way—give yourself permission to evaluate and adjust. Marketing isn’t meant to be one-size-fits-all, and it certainly isn’t meant to be a burden.

If you’re feeling unsure about where Instagram fits into your marketing right now, take a quiet moment this week to ask yourself:

Let your answers guide your next steps.

And if you’re looking for a simpler, more sustainable way to plan your content strategy overall?
Join me inside the Content Planning Challenge where I’ll help you map out a content plan that supports your business without requiring you to be everywhere, all the time.

The post How to Decide If Instagram Still Worth Your Time appeared first on Amanda Warfield.

The post Conversations Over Coffee – July 2025 appeared first on Amanda Warfield.

When I first walked into Conquer Live in January 2024, I felt that electric mix of nervousness and excitement. I didn’t just hear amazing talks, I found a community of wildly supportive educators and attendees who blurred the line between stage and audience. Many of whom have become close friends. That weekend changed the way I think about conferences…and how I plan for them. Today I spill the tea on how to get the most out of a conference

Whether you’ve dreamed of speaking at a conference or simply want to get more out of attending one, today I’m pulling back the curtain on how to actually leverage these events. Because let’s be honest: Conferences are an investment — of time, energy, and money. Let’s make sure you walk away with something that transforms your business.

If you’ve ever left a conference with a notebook full of ideas but no clue what to do next, you’re not alone. What makes events like Conquer Live different is the intentionality behind every moment.

You don’t need another folder full of notes. You need clarity, action, and connection. And conferences like Conquer deliver exactly that.

What is the one thing you want to leave this event knowing, doing, or understanding better? Before you pack a single outfit, take an hour to look at your business and pinpoint one major pain point. That’s your north star.

It could be streamlining your client experience. Or finally starting your email list. Whatever it is, write it down. This gives you focus and direction as you move through the weekend.

Some of the most transformational moments don’t happen during scheduled talks—they happen late at night on the couch or over an unplanned breakfast chat. Fight the urge to retreat to your hotel room and instead lean into connection. Block off the day after the event to recover so you can be fully present while you’re there.

You don’t have to be a numbers expert, but bring the stats that matter: sales, email list size, engagement. These give educators something concrete to help you with. Bonus tip? Write down how you want to feel in your business 12 months from now. It’s a powerful way to guide your questions and decisions.

Speaking at a conference isn’t just about the talk you give. Here’s how to deepen the impact:

Wondering how to land a speaking slot at an event like Conquer Live? Jamie and Heather shared exactly what they look for:

Want to stand out? Ask them a question in your application. Show you care about their audience. And don’t skip any parts of the process — yes, that means the video, too.

I can hardly wait for this one, y’all. Here’s a sneak peek:

If you’re going to make the investment, make it count:

The truth? The magic isn’t just in the speaker lineup or the breakout sessions. It’s in the way you show up—with intention, with an open heart, and with a clear plan for how this one weekend can spark real growth.

Guest Bio:

Hi – Jamie & Heather here! Two photographers turned educators who are passionate about truly moving the needle in photographer’s businesses. By breaking down the barriers between educators and small business owners, we’ve taken what started as a free weekly coaching call cultivated a community and built a one-of-a-kind in-person education event. Through both the community and Conquer Live, we’re here to support the building of sustainable businesses, together. You bring the heart and the drive – we bring the education, support and community.

The post How to Get the Most Out of a Conference as an Educator appeared first on Amanda Warfield.

Who is not obsessed with figuring out how to improve SEO for Small Business? I was deep into yet another book about SEO and loving it. 

The explanations made sense… at least while I was reading. But the moment I tried putting any of it into practice? It felt like I was back in high school chemistry class—completely lost and wondering if I’d ever use this in real life.

Maybe you’ve been there too. SEO feels confusing. Overwhelming. Like some sort of digital sorcery.

But here’s what I’ve learned (and what this week’s Chasing Simple Podcast guest, Victoria Rayburn, reinforced): SEO isn’t magic. It’s strategy. And it’s incredibly powerful for small business owners like us, especially when you’re looking to grow sustainably without spending hours on social media or pouring money into ads.

Victoria is an SEO strategist and coach who’s experienced the power of search firsthand. First, as a wedding photographer, where 40% of her bookings came from Google, and now as an educator helping other creatives grow using the same simple tactics.

In this post, I’m breaking down the 11 ways Victoria says we can all start boosting our rankings—and showing up as experts in Google’s eyes—without the overwhelm. Let’s simplify SEO and uncover how to improve SEO for Small Business together.

Here’s the thing: when someone knows they need a solution, they’re not scrolling Instagram hoping to magically land on the right post. They’re going to Google.

And 97% of people searching for a product or service use Google to do it. That’s huge.

If your website isn’t showing up when your ideal person is actively searching for what you offer, that’s a problem. Not because your product or service isn’t good, but because they can’t find you.

And that’s where SEO comes in.

When you focus on search engine optimization, your marketing starts working for you long after you’ve created the content. You spend less time chasing leads because your strongest leads are finding you.

And for us as educators and course creators? That’s gold. It frees up your time, your budget, and your energy.

At its core, SEO is just the process of helping Google recognize your website as a trustworthy, helpful resource so it can serve your content to the people searching for it.

And Google doesn’t just want to know you exist. It wants proof that you’re the expert.

That’s where this acronym comes in: E-E-A-T—Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness.

Your goal with SEO is to show Google (and your audience) that you know what you’re talking about and that you can be trusted. When you do that consistently, your content starts ranking better, and your leads get stronger.

Let’s dig into the practical steps of how to improve SEO for your Small Business so you can start implementing to improve your E-E-A-T and help Google see you as the expert you are.

Google wants to serve its users great content. So, your job is to create it. The best places to start?

And if you’re a podcsater or YouTuber, transcribe your audio and turn them into blog posts that live on your website and are optimized with keywords your audience is searching for.

Need help choosing those keywords? Check out Victoria’s free keyword guide.

2. Use Data and Cite Sources

It might feel counterintuitive, but citing other experts and including relevant stats actually boosts your credibility. It tells Google—and your readers—that you’re informed and trustworthy.

Think: survey results, academic studies, credible industry sources, or even your own case studies.

Ask a peer to write a guest blog post for your site—or offer to do the same for theirs. This cross-pollinates your audiences and shows Google that you’re connected to others in your industry. Or, have an expert on your podcast and write a blog post about it.

Use your About page to highlight your experience, education, certifications, features, or anything else that proves you know your stuff.

And yes—link to media features, awards, or guest articles. Just don’t forget to frame it around how you serve your people, not just about you.

Social proof is one of the fastest ways to build trust, for both your audience and Google. Sprinkle testimonials throughout your site—on your homepage, your sales pages, your About page.

Bonus points if you include photos, full names, or business names.

This one is so simple and so overlooked. Ask past and current clients to leave you a Google review! It’s free, and it sends a powerful trust signal to Google that you’re a legit business providing real value.

To start collecting them, you’ll need a Google Business Profile. Yes—even if you’re an online business.

Google prioritizes fresh, accurate content. So set aside time once a quarter to update old posts with current info, especially if you reference dates, tools, or statistics.

Not everything needs a total rewrite—sometimes it’s just a tweak.

Backlinks (links from other websites to yours) are like little digital endorsements. And the more quality ones you have, the better.

Some simple ways to earn backlinks:

Share your perspective. Weigh in on industry topics. Speak at events, post regularly on your blog, or show up on podcasts.

Google notices when your name and business pop up across the web—and it builds your authority.

You know that warning that pops up when a site isn’t secure? That happens when there’s no SSL certificate.

Install one (usually free with your domain host), and you’ll avoid that bounce-inducing message and give Google another reason to trust your site.

When your messaging and visuals are consistent across your website, social media, and content, it tells Google that you’re legit and professional—and it helps users trust you, too.

I know that was a lot. But here’s the good news: you do not need to do everything at once.

In fact, Victoria recommends starting with just one simple step: make asking for Google reviews part of your workflow. That alone can significantly improve your SEO and takes just a few minutes to implement.

From there, focus on content. Start small. Be consistent. Use what you already have and tweak it to show off your expertise.

You don’t need to master SEO overnight. You just need to get started with Victoria’s steps and you will see how to improve SEO for your Small Business.

If your content isn’t working harder than you are, it’s time to make a shift.

That’s exactly what we tackle inside the Content Planning Challenge—a simple, intentional approach to planning content that actually grows your business. No more creating just to keep up.

Let’s build a plan that’s aligned, sustainable, and yes, optimized for SEO.

You in?

Guest Bio:

Victoria Rayburn is an SEO strategist and coach dedicated to helping small businesses rank at the top of Google search results, consistently generate leads, and achieve sustainable growth. With years of experience in SEO and content marketing, Victoria built a successful wedding photography business by leveraging strategic SEO to fill her calendar year after year. Now, she empowers small business owners and creative entrepreneurs to improve their search engine rankings and experience similar results. As a passionate advocate for small businesses, Victoria understands the challenges of entrepreneurship. Through SEO strategy development, SEO coaching, and done-for-you SEO services, she is committed to helping small businesses get found on Google, attract their ideal customers, and build thriving businesses. Victoria resides in Indianapolis with her husband, daughter, and goldendoodle. She comes from a long line of small business owners, and as a result, she’s very passionate about supporting small and local businesses.

Website: https://victoriarayburn.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victorialrayburn/

The post How to Improve SEO for Small Business appeared first on Amanda Warfield.