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.

Let’s talk about your sales funnel email sequence.

You know that classic email marketing advice?

Create a freebie.
Write a welcome sequence.
Then build out your sales sequence.

That’s the order I followed when I first started my email list. I did everything “right.” Checked all the boxes.

But if I could go back and do it differently?

I’d flip that order entirely. No hesitation.

Because here’s the thing: your welcome sequence doesn’t drive revenue. Not really.
And if your goal is to build a sustainable business, not just collect a list of silent subscribers, you need a sales sequence in place before anything else.

Let’s break down why this shift matters, how it accelerates your ROI, and what to do next (even if you’re just starting out).

Before we dive into strategy, quick clarification:

A sales funnel is the big picture—the full customer journey. It starts when someone first finds you (say, on Instagram or through your podcast), and it ends when they make a purchase. That’s the full funnel.

A sales sequence, on the other hand, is just one part of that funnel. It’s a set of automated emails designed to guide leads toward a specific offer. It’s evergreen. It’s automated. And it’s designed to sell.

Live launches have their place—I’m not saying you can only rely on evergreen funnels. But your sales sequence? That’s what works while you sleep. It’s always running in the background, always giving people a chance to buy from you. It’s the engine that keeps turning even when you’re off sipping hot coffee and watching your cat nap in the sun.

Unless you already have a massive audience, it’s going to take time to run people through your sales sequence.

And you can’t optimize what hasn’t been tested.
You need at least 100 people to go through your sequence before you can analyze what’s working — and what’s not.

So, the sooner you get it up and running, the sooner you can improve it.
That old saying, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is today.”
It applies here, too.

Welcome sequences are great for connection and setting expectations.
But sales sequences?
That’s where the money comes in.

We can’t keep building lists just for the sake of building lists. If you’re spending time creating content, promoting freebies, and growing your list, but you’re not selling, you’re just spinning your wheels.

Your sales sequence is the bridge between interest and income.

It gets your offer in front of people right away and gives them a clear, intentional path to purchase.

When someone buys from you once, they’re much more likely to buy again.

That first purchase builds trust and creates a connection that goes beyond “just another freebie download.” You start to establish yourself as a go-to resource. And you’re not stuck constantly chasing new leads — you’re nurturing customers who already love what you do.

Plus, repeat customers are cheaper and easier to serve than new ones. So the earlier you get someone into your sales sequence, the more momentum (and sustainability) you create for your business long-term.

When you start with a welcome sequence, you’re guessing at what your audience needs.

When you start with a sales sequence, you’re testing that messaging with a clear result: someone either buys… or they don’t.

That’s data you can use.

You’ll learn which pain points resonate. Which benefits move the needle. Which stories lead to conversions. And then? You take that messaging and weave it into your welcome sequence, so it starts planting seeds for the sale early on.

It’s strategic. It’s intentional. And it actually works.

One thing I need to say here: your sales sequence doesn’t have to be perfect to be profitable.

Let me repeat that.
You don’t need the “perfect” sequence.
You just need one that exists.

You can optimize and tweak later. But don’t get stuck in research, or outline mode, or thinking your welcome sequence has to be done first. Sloppy action beats perfect procrastination every time.

If you’re totally new to email marketing and don’t have anything in place yet, here’s your first baby step:

Write one single welcome email.

Just one. That’s it.

Introduce yourself. Share what you do and who you serve. Give them a link or two (to a blog post, a freebie, maybe both). Let them know what to expect. And that’s it.

Then, once you have your sales sequence set up, you’ll direct people from that email into your sales sequence automatically.

It’s a minimalist version of a welcome sequence that still gives your new subscriber a warm hello and invites them into the journey of working with you. And later, once your sales sequence is up and running, you can go back and add to that welcome sequence.

You don’t need a fancy welcome sequence to start building a sustainable business.

What you need is a way to invite people to buy.

And that means a sales funnel email sequence comes first.

It helps you:

So if you’ve been waiting for the “perfect time” to write your sales sequence?
This is it.

Inside the Chasing Simple Playbook, I’ll walk you through exactly how to build a simple, strategic sales sequence that converts—without the guesswork. If you’re ready to take intentional action and start generating revenue from your email list, I’d love to see you inside.

The post Prioritize Your Sales Funnel Email Sequence appeared first on Amanda Warfield.

You know that moment when your brain is spinning with all the things you could say in your marketing —but none of them actually make it to Instagram, your podcast, or your email list because you just have too many opt-ins and offers?

You’ve got a library of freebies, a handful of offers (or maybe more than a handful), and every time you go to promote something, you freeze. Because which thing do you talk about?

That’s exactly what we tackled in a recent live coaching session on the Chasing Simple Podcast. My friend, Colie James, joined me to figure out how to move from marketing chaos to a clear, focused strategy.

If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by all the opt-ins, offers, and resources you’ve created over the years—and you’re not sure what to do with them anymore—this post is for you.

Colie is a client experience system strategist for photographers and creatives. She’s brilliant, she’s a teacher at heart, and she’s created some incredible free and paid resources to support her audience.

The problem?

She has so many freebies and offers that her audience doesn’t know what to focus on—and neither does she.

With everything from templates to trainings to audits to courses, she was stuck in a cycle of indecision: “What do I promote this week? Which freebie should I link to? Is this leading anywhere?”

Sound familiar?

When your marketing gets diluted like this, your audience doesn’t take action because they don’t know where to start. And you end up doing more work to market more things — without seeing more results. OR, you just don’t market any of it at all, and no one knows how much of a genius you are.

In our session, we broke down her freebies and offers to figure out what was really going on.

Here’s what we discovered:

Her “Everything Page” listed all her opt-ins and offers in one place. Helpful for podcast interviews or guest appearances, sure. But for her audience? It was overwhelming.

Some people were opting into three or four freebies within minutes, which triggered three or four separate email sequences. That kind of email overload is a quick way to get unsubscribed, and have your audience too overwhelmed to take the next step.

With so many different resources, there was no obvious next step. One freebie led to one tripwire, another to a totally different offer. Nothing was connected.

And worse, many of her freebies were so good (because #teacherheart) that they unintentionally stopped people from buying. Her audience felt like they needed to finish the free stuff before they were “ready” to invest.

We started by picking one opt-in to lead with. For Colie, it was her “Workflow Magic” training—because that’s what her audience thinks they need most.

Even though she knows people often need foundational support first (like email templates or booking systems), we decided to give them what they want first, then guide them to what they need on the back end.

Instead of sending people into multiple funnels, the Workflow Magic freebie now leads to:

Simple. Focused. Strategic.

We didn’t toss the other freebies—we just repurposed them.

Instead of offering them all up front, Colie now:

This keeps her list warm and supported without sending people in 10 directions.

You might be thinking, “I don’t want to waste all the work I put into those freebies and offers!”

You’re not.

You’re simply reorganizing them to support a more focused strategy.

Here’s how to get started:

Make a list of every freebie you’ve ever created. Which ones are still aligned with your current offers? Which ones get the most traction?

This is your new go-to. Feature it on your homepage, link to it on podcast interviews, and build a funnel that connects it to a paid offer.

Instead of throwing all your resources at your audience at once, share them intentionally:

This creates a supportive journey instead of an overwhelming maze.

You created all those resources to serve. But the best way to serve now is to guide.

When your audience has too many options, they freeze. When your marketing has too many directions, you freeze.

Let’s stop spinning in circles and start building a path.

If you’re drowning in freebies and don’t know what to promote anymore, I want to encourage you to pick one. Just one.

Start there.

And if you’re ready to build your entire content strategy with simplicity in mind, come join the Content Planning Challenge. I’ll walk you step-by-step through building a plan that actually works and gives you your time back.

Your marketing gets to feel clear. Let’s make it happen.

The post Feeling Scattered by Too Many Opt-Ins? Here’s How to Simplify appeared first on Amanda Warfield.

You open up your laptop, coffee in hand, determined to finally send an email to your list.
But as soon as the cursor starts blinking in that blank email draft, your brain does the same, blinking on and off and feeling completely blank…….“What do I email my list when I am not launching?”

If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in that awkward space between launches, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common email marketing hurdles I see course creators and educators face. And the truth is, showing up only during a launch is one of the fastest ways to erode trust with your audience.

So today, I’m sharing five simple, connection-centered emails you can send—even when you’re not promoting a thing. These are pressure-free, value-packed ideas that will help you stay consistent, top-of-mind, and genuinely connected with your people.

We all have that one flaky friend, right? The one who says “Let’s hang out soon!” but never actually follows through?

When you only show up in your audience’s inbox to sell something, you feel like that to them. Like you’re only interested in them when it benefits you. Even if that’s not your heart, that’s the impression inconsistency can leave.

Here’s what consistent emailing (even without launching) does for your brand:

So let’s stop ghosting our audience during “quiet” seasons and instead send them valuable, thoughtful content that serves.

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel or write an entire novel. Just teach one tiny thing.

Think:

Example: Let’s say you’re a productivity coach. Pull one tip from a larger blog post like “10 Ways to Work With Your Energy, Not Against It.” Turn that into a bite-sized email about honoring your natural rhythms.

Bonus tip: If you’ve written long-form content like a blog post, podcast, or YouTube video, take one section and expand on it. You could easily turn a “5 email ideas” post (like this one!) into five separate emails.

People are craving authenticity. They want to see what goes on beyond the polished sales pages.

Here are a few behind-the-scenes ideas:

You can keep it simple, like this one I sent recently:

“I’ve been quietly working on a brand-new member directory for the Playbook students, and I finally added a badge system to highlight our VIP tier. It’s a small thing, but it makes me so happy. Just had to share!”

These emails build trust, spark conversation, and remind your audience that you’re a real human behind the brand.

Not everything has to come from you to be valuable to your audience.

Curation emails position you as a helpful guide—someone who’s already done the research and is pointing them in the right direction.

Try:

Pro tip: Tie your list back to your audience’s goals. For example, if you help people create online courses, share “5 Books That Made Me a Better Educator.”

You are sitting on a goldmine of content. Seriously.

Don’t overcomplicate this. Take something you’ve already made and reshape it into an email. For example:

This is one of my favorite email strategies because it’s fast and strategic. No reinventing, just repackaging.

If you’re sharing weekly content already, make it a habit to send an email pointing to that piece every single time. You’re doing the work—let it work harder for you.

Want engagement? Ask for it.

These are some of the simplest and most effective emails you can send. And they don’t have to be complicated.

You could ask:

A recent email I sent asked my list to help me choose a workshop title. That one email sparked a ton of replies, engagement, and even conversations that led to new ideas.

When your audience replies, it deepens the relationship and increases your deliverability. Win-win.

Here’s a quick summary you can screenshot or copy into your notes app for what to email your list when you’re not launching:

Pick one of these five ideas and draft an email this week. You don’t have to use all five right away. Start small. Start simple. But start.

Even if you’re not launching, feel unsure, or you think your list is too small to matter (hint: it’s not).

Consistency now leads to conversions later, and connection always comes first.

Oh, and because I mentioned it:
My personal book rec this week is How to Winter by Kari Leibowitz I know, recommending it in April feels ironic, but I just finished it and it completely reframed how I approach the hard seasons—literal and metaphorical ones.

If winter makes you grumpy ( hi, it’s me), add this one to your fall TBR.

If this post made you say, “Okay, this is the kind of marketing I can actually do…” then you’re going to love the Chasing Simple Playbook. It’s my signature tool for simplifying your content marketing so you can spend less time creating and more time serving.

Or, if you’re just getting started with content planning, join  Content Planning Bootcamp—it’s the perfect next step to take this email strategy and turn it into a complete plan.

You’ve got this, friend. Just one email. One step. You don’t have to do it all—just do it on purpose.

The post What to Email Your List When You’re Not Launching appeared first on Amanda Warfield.

Ever found yourself elbows-deep in a new offer, podcast pitch, or freebie idea … only to look up weeks later and realize nothing actually got finished? Then it is the perfect time to tackle project management for course creators.

If you’re juggling more to-dos than time, or if the idea of launching something new just makes you want to hide under a blanket (because where would you even start?), episode 261 of the Chasing Simple Podcast was made for you.

I sat down with integrator and systems strategist Manali Sontakke to talk about how course creators can stop spinning their wheels—and actually move their business forward in a way that feels light instead of heavy.

This conversation? It felt like a deep exhale. So, if you’re ready to breathe again in your business, keep reading.

I’m Manali, and I spend my time helping creative entrepreneurs become confident behind their business and lead a free & fulfilling life. My mission is to empower creatives and photographers to thrive with 1:1 coaching, wedding editing and digital product integration and time-saving systems education and templates. You can most often find me cuddling my cat Keegs , enjoying a hazelnut cappuccino at a local coffeeshop, out on the Ohio river kayaking or at a local winery in Covington – bubbly in hand!

Social Links:

Instagram – @manalisontakke

Website – Business Coach Wedding Editor for Photographers, Integrator

We kicked off the episode chatting about something I know so many educators wrestle with—why we feel like we’re working constantly, but still never seem to check the big things off our list. A common struggle when it comes to project management for course creators.

Manali’s answer? We’re too deep in the weeds. When you don’t carve out time to zoom out, you can’t prioritize effectively. It’s just survival mode on repeat.

So her first (and maybe most surprising) tip was this:

Schedule time to take a bird’s eye view of your business. Treat it like a non-negotiable meeting.

This is your space to ask: What am I working toward? Does this project actually move the needle? What can wait?

Without this time, we end up in what she called “reactionary mode”—where everything feels urgent, but nothing is actually aligned.

Next, we dove into Manali’s signature 7-phase project system: 

What I love about this system is how it slows us down—in a good way. Most of us jump from idea straight to creation. But skipping research and testing? That’s where burnout and backtracking creep in.

This system makes project management for course creators a breeze.

Each of her phases ensures you’re:

Want to try this with your next project? She recommends mapping each phase onto your calendar so you can see exactly what fits (or doesn’t) with your real schedule.

Spoiler: Most projects take longer than we think—and that’s okay.

Brace yourself. Because Manali’s hot take was this:

One project per quarter. That’s it.

I’ll admit—when she said it, my stomach dropped a little. But the truth is, it makes sense. She explained how this slower rhythm not only leads to stronger results but also protects our peace.

Instead of feeling like you’re launching something new every 5 seconds, you get to pour into one thing, do it well, and still have breathing room in your life and business.

And yes, that includes things like new opt-ins. She even gave a full example of how to break one down using her 7-phase system!

We wrapped the episode with a fun chat about time management preferences: Are you Team Pomodoro or Team Time Tracking?

Spoiler: We’re different!

Manali thrives with tracking her hours. I’m a diehard Pomodoro girl.

The point? There’s no one-size-fits-all.

Try different tools. Notice your own rhythms. The right system is the one that works for you. Period.

Manali shared so many gold nuggets, but if I had to sum up one actionable takeaway, it’s this:

Block time on your calendar every week or month to zoom out.

And then protect that time fiercely. Use it to look at your goals, evaluate what’s working, and choose what deserves your energy next.

Your project management system doesn’t need to be fancy. But it does need to exist.

You deserve to move through your business with intention, not chaos.

If you’re nodding along with all this but need help putting it into practice, that’s exactly what we do inside the Chasing Simple Playbook. You’ll walk away with a clear quarterly plan, a streamlined workflow, and more space in your week for what matters most.

You don’t have to hustle harder. You just need a better rhythm. Let’s build it together.

The post Project Management for Course Creators appeared first on Amanda Warfield.

Imagine this: You’re scrolling through Instagram when you see yet another creator jumping on a trending audio clip. It’s catchy, it’s clever, and it’s already been used a thousand times. And suddenly, you’re spiraling. 

“Should I be doing this too?”

“ Am I behind?”

 “What if I miss the wave and never go viral?”

Let me stop you right there.

If you’ve ever felt pressure to jump on every trend in order to grow your audience or stay relevant, you are not alone. And honestly? That’s not the strategy that’s going to bring long-term success (or peace of mind). Inside today’s episode of the Chasing Simple podcast, I shared my Content Sundae Formula, a visual and practical way to understand how viral trends can fit into your content—but only when done strategically. Let’s break it down together so you can stop chasing trends and start creating content that actually converts.

Trends can be fun, effective, and even boost your reach—but they shouldn’t be your strategy.

This is where so many educators, course creators, and content marketers go wrong. They pour time, energy, and creative bandwidth into trying to replicate trends that don’t even align with their brand, all in hopes of “going viral.” But the truth is, viral content only works when the foundation of your content strategy is already strong.

My Content Sundae Formula will help ensure that you’re strategically putting out content that moves the needle for your business, while also allowing you to occasionally leverage trending content. 

This is the core of your content. It’s the valuable, actionable, insightful stuff that showcases your expertise and helps your audience learn something new. If you’re an educator, this should be the majority of what you’re sharing online.

Think:

Great educational content attracts the right people. It builds trust. It helps your audience see you as the go-to expert. And without it? Trends won’t do a thing.

The second layer is what makes your Sundae yours. These are the parts of your brand that bring connection and personality to your content.

Your audience needs to know more than what you do—they need to know you. This doesn’t mean sharing everything about your life, but it does mean intentionally incorporating parts of yourself that build relatability.

Choose 3–5 “personality pillars” to weave into your content. For me, that’s things like my love for Disney, Taylor Swift, and my cats. These “drippy toppings” help your audience feel like they know you, and they often make your educational content more memorable.

Here’s where the magic (and the simplification) happens.

Trends are the sprinkles—just a light touch, added on top when it makes sense. Instead of chasing every viral reel or TikTok sound, I encourage my clients to batch their core content first (ice cream and toppings), then stay open to trends as they come.

When you come across a trend that truly clicks with your brand or sparks an idea naturally, that’s when you sprinkle it in. Not because you “should,” but because it fits and you have the capacity to add it in without derailing your entire content plan.

When you build your strategy around what you want to say, not what the algorithm wants, you:

Stay consistent
Save time and energy
Avoid burnout
Actually connect with your ideal clients
Create a sustainable system you can stick to

Following the Content Sundae Formula means your content strategy is rooted in intention, not impulse. It gives you the freedom to be creative with trends without relying on them for your growth.

If you’re ready to create content that works for you, I’d love to invite you to join my free Content Planning Bootcamp. It’s a 3-day challenge designed to help you build out next month’s content with clarity and confidence.

And if you want to go deeper into the strategy behind this approach, grab a copy of Chasing Simple Marketing. Pages 68–71 are all about the Content Sundae Formula and how to apply it to your own business.

Trends will come and go. But a strategy that feels aligned, sustainable, and focused on serving your audience? That’s what builds a business with staying power.

Next time you see a trending audio or viral format that tempts you to drop everything, pause. Ask yourself: “Is this a sprinkle, or am I trying to make it the whole Sundae?”

Choose intentional over impulsive. Strategic over scattered. Because that’s the kind of marketing that moves the needle—and keeps your sanity intact.

Until next time, go out and uncomplicate your marketing and your business.

The post How to Use Viral Trends Without Burning Out appeared first on Amanda Warfield.

Let’s be real: the idea of simplifying your marketing always sounds amazing in theory.

Less stress. Fewer platforms. Clearer messaging. More margin in your day.

But when it comes time to actually do the simplifying? That’s where things get tricky. You’ve got a never-ending to-do list, a brain full of ideas, and maybe a hundred browser tabs open. (No? Just me? Don’t tell my Mac.) Simplifying often requires the one thing we’re short on: time.

Friend, I get it. I’ve got ClickUp lists a mile long. Website updates that always take longer than expected. And big, exciting projects that stay on the back burner longer than I’d like. I know the feeling of wanting to make things easier, but struggling to find the time to even start.

That’s why what I’m sharing in today’s episode is such a breath of fresh air. Because I’m sharing 5 practical ways to simplify your marketing in under an hour. These aren’t sweeping changes that require a full rebrand or weeks of planning. These are quick wins that you can implement today—and they’ll help you save time again and again moving forward.

One of the biggest marketing mistakes I see? Trying to do all the things at once.

Paid ads. Podcast growth. Instagram Reels. SEO. Speaking gigs. Website updates. Pinterest. The list never ends.

Here’s the truth: just because something is a good marketing idea doesn’t mean it’s a good idea right now.

Instead of trying to juggle multiple priorities, choose just one outward-facing marketing goal and (if needed) one inward-focused goal. Maybe you’re promoting a new offer. Or maybe you’re working behind the scenes to refine your funnel.

Keeping your focus narrow makes every other marketing task easier—from writing content to measuring success.

If you’re not sure how to define or track your marketing goals, the Chasing Simple Playbook breaks this down in a super manageable way – and includes an entire workshop on KPIs plus a KPI Tracker Template!

Templates are your best friend when it comes to saving time.

Chances are, you already have graphics you love in Canva. Or Instagram captions that performed really well. Or email formats that felt just right.

Pull those out and turn them into reusable templates.

And don’t forget—AI tools like ChatGPT can help you expand or rework your templates once you’ve identified the tone and structure you like.

No, you don’t need to batch an entire month’s worth of content in one hour. That’s not realistic.

But you can sit down and write your next three emails.

Or draft 4 Instagram captions for the week.

Or outline next week’s podcast script.

Even batching just a little bit buys you breathing room. And once you’ve got a rhythm, you can use that margin to plan a bigger batch week in the future.

If you’re not sure how to make batching actually work in your life, check out this episode.

You do not need to be everywhere to be effective.

If you’ve been trying to keep up with Instagram, Threads, YouTube, Pinterest, your podcast, a blog, AND TikTok—it’s no wonder your marketing feels overwhelming.

So here’s your task:
Write down all the platforms you’re currently trying to show up on, and cross a few off the list.

Ask yourself:

Always, always keep your email list at the center of your strategy (it’s your most valuable marketing asset). But outside of that? Give yourself permission to let a few things go.

You already have gold sitting in your archives—you just need to dust it off and use it again.

Go back and review:

Make a list of those top performers and look for patterns. What messaging resonated? What formats worked well? Which topics really landed?

You don’t need to create something new today. Just make the list. Later, you can:

You don’t need a total marketing overhaul to start feeling less scattered.

You just need a few intentional shifts.

In under an hour, you can:

And guess what? These little steps add up. That’s how we build sustainable strategies—not by doing more, but by doing less better.

If you’re craving that kind of clarity and simplicity in your content planning, join us inside of the Chasing Simple Playbook. It’s designed to help you create a marketing game plan that works for your unique business — simplify your marketing and start filling more seats in your online course.

The post 5 Powerful Ways to Simplify Your Marketing appeared first on Amanda Warfield.

Today I’m sitting down with systems strategist and HoneyBook Pro, Dahlia Orth, to dive deep into how small business owners can streamline their operations and increase efficiency.

In this episode we’re discussing some of the most common misconceptions about systems and breaking down the 5 key systems every small business needs to have in place.

You’ll also hear:

Common gaps and bottlenecks that might be holding your business back

How to tailor your systems to reflect working with higher-level clients

How your personality impacts which CRM tool is the best fit for you

Unique ways business owners are using HoneyBook

Lesser-known features of the platform that could change the game for your business

Dahlia Orth is a system strategist and Honeybook Pro. She is passionate about helping business owners create simple, easy and effective systems and processes that help them gain back time and freedom in their lives. Dahlia started her business as a photographer and then pivoted into being a virtual assistant for a few years before she narrowed her focus down to specializing in systems. She is a born and raised Jersey girl who now resides in Cleveland, OH, loves to travel the world and will never turn down a spontaneous dance party!

Social Links:

Dahlia’s Website – http://www.dahliaorth.com

Instagram – http://www.instagram.com/dahlia.orth

Recently, I worked with a client who was finally gaining traction with her marketing. Leads were coming in. Her inbox was hopping. Things were moving in the right direction.

But behind the scenes? It was a scramble.

She was serving clients, yes—but she was also manually writing onboarding emails, struggling to keep track of who was where in her process, and constantly worried something (or someone) might slip through the cracks.

And if you’ve ever found yourself in that boat, friend, you’re not alone.

This is exactly why I brought system strategist and HoneyBook Pro Dalia Orth onto episode 258 of the Chasing Simple Podcast. Together, we dug into how small business owners can set up simple, effective systems—before burnout hits.

Whether you’re brand new or years into your business, the right systems for your small business can completely shift your time, energy, and capacity to grow.

Spoiler alert: yes.

Dalia shared that one of the most common misconceptions is that systems are something you add later—once your business has hit a certain level. But waiting until things are “busy enough” can backfire quickly.

Because systems aren’t about looking fancy. They’re about functioning efficiently.

Without them, even great marketing won’t lead to lasting results. You might gain attention and fill your inbox—but if you can’t follow through consistently? Those leads will quietly disappear.

Setting up systems before you need them creates sustainability for when the growth comes.

If you’re writing the same emails again and again or sending contracts by hand every time, your business is leaking time and energy.

Automated doesn’t have to mean impersonal. And when you set up templates with intention and personality, you can create consistency that still feels warm and custom.

Most business owners are only using about 50% of the functionality of their current systems. For example: HoneyBook isn’t just for contracts and invoices (we’ll get to more on that in a minute).

Just because you’re “using a system” doesn’t mean you’re getting the most out of it.

There’s a system for client-facing work—and then there’s a system for the rest of your business.

Your content calendar, launch timelines, team tasks, and goals all need a home too. Without an internal project management tool (like ClickUp, Asana, Notion, or Trello), it’s way too easy to forget, delay, or lose track of things that matter.

This one might surprise you, but it’s incredibly common.

So many business owners avoid email templates because they want every message to feel custom and thoughtful. And that’s a beautiful goal—but personalization and templates aren’t mutually exclusive.

Templates that sound like you (quirks, catchphrases, and all) can deliver a high-touch experience—without you typing it from scratch every single time.

This is one of the most brilliant things Dalia shared in our conversation: your CRM should fit your personality.

Yes, your business needs matter too—but if you don’t like using your system, you won’t keep up with it. And that’s where things fall through the cracks.

If you’re more detail-oriented and love a customizable backend? Dubsado might be for you.

If you want a user-friendly interface that covers the essentials with ease? HoneyBook could be your new best friend.

It’s not about picking the “best tool”—it’s about picking the one that fits how you work.

As you grow, your systems need to grow with you.

If you’re targeting higher-level clients or corporate partnerships, your systems should reflect a level of polish and professionalism that matches that value.

That might look like:

Small touches make a big difference—and systems are what allow you to create them consistently.

You probably already know HoneyBook is great for contracts, invoices, and workflows—but here are a few creative uses Dalia and I discussed:

HoneyBook isn’t just for client services—it can support content creators, educators, product sellers, and more with just a little creativity.

Here are a few lesser-known features inside HoneyBook that might just make your life easier:

And one of my favorite underused tools? The client portal. It’s such a simple way to house documents, conversations, and updates in one place, creating a truly seamless experience.

If systems feel overwhelming, start small.

Done is better than perfect. And simple is always the goal.

Inside Content Batching Bootcamp, you’ll find plug-and-play workflows, templates, and a complete system for streamlining your content creation. It’s the perfect first step toward systematizing your business without overwhelm.

Or, if you’re ready to streamline all your marketing systems? The Chasing Simple Playbook gives you access to my full suite of courses, templates, and trainings in one place.

Let’s stop duct-taping your business together and start building something sustainable—and simple.

You don’t need to do it all. You just need systems that support you.

Don’t forget to subscribe so that you never miss an episode! Also, if you would be willing to leave a review on Apple Podcasts, it would mean the world to me. It’s such a small thing that can make a big difference in helping me spread this message of simplicity to other overwhelmed women.

Have a comment about today’s episode, or a topic you’d like to suggest for a future episode? Shoot me an email over at [email protected]!

The post Systems for Small Business: What You Need and Where to Start appeared first on Amanda Warfield.