When you overcomplicate blogging, you create a level of stress that doesn't need to exist. Successful blogging does take work, but it shouldn't leave your head spinning. 

So instead of dreading, whining, and procrastinating about what you should be doing, use simple and effective strategies that will help you to get it all done!

Yes, I know there are a lot of moving parts to a blog. But, overcomplicating blogging isn't going to do you, or your Google ranking, any favors. 

So, have you been overcomplicating blogging? Tell me how.

Podcasting is HOT these days! Everyone is jumping on the bandwagon of not only listening to them - but also starting them. So should YOU start a podcast?

Personally, I think that every single business has the potential to start a podcast. I mean, come on, if you start a business that you're crazy passionate about, I'm sure you have a lot to say on the subject, right?

Not only that, there's something about listening to words versus reading them. You can hear the tone, the excitement, the frustration, every little nuance that just can't come across in the written word nearly as effectively.

So if you're trying to decide if you should start a podcast, here's a recent Facebook Live (turned podcast) that I did to help you think it through and decided if it's right for you:

HIT PLAY TO LISTEN TO "HOW TO START A PODCAST"

 

Ever wonder why you're not getting Google traffic? You need better Blog Post Titles! Learn the trick to getting more clicks to your blog!

Wanna get more of that beloved search engine traffic? You need better blog post titles! Whether that traffic comes from Google, Bing, Yahoo or even Pinterest (because it's a search engine - NOT a social media), then you've got to write better post titles. 

Why? Because no matter how great your information or idea is, unless you can catch someone's eye in a fraction of a second while they're scrolling quickly to find what they're looking for, then you're going to get left out.

Think of it like this: If you see a dozen kind of donuts in a case - your eye will immediately be drawn to the one that looks the most delicious. You may love apple fritters, but if the hot pink donut with sprinkles has stolen your attention, you may not even realize that the mediocre looking apple fritters in the last slot on the bottom row are there. So you've missed out on something great, only because the hot pink option caught your eye.

Blog posts work the same way - but there's a SEO trick using Yoast you might not even know about to make the most of every blog post title... and that's what today's podcast is all about. 

*This podcast was pre-recorded from a Facebook Live*

Looking for free blogging resources? These five free blogging tools can help you to grow your business without spending a dime!

Blogging can get expensive - FAST! With hosting & email services & scheduling platforms and the list goes on and on and on. 

So when you can find free blogging resources - especially ones that are worth using - it can change the course of you blog, and your business! From graphic design to scheduling tools to SEO help, these programs can help your productivity & make you a better blogger.

On today's episode, I'm sharing my five favorites - including a brand new one (to me!)

*This episode was pre-recorded from a Facebook Live*

Best Five Free Blogging Resources

Referenced:

* Free Pik

* Canva

* Asana

* Headline Analyzer Tool

* My Community

 

Tired of struggling to figure out why you have money blocks? These three simple mind shifts can transform your business & your life!

Money blocks...... oh they're powerful - but it's all in your head. You know that, right? Success blockers are all about getting rid of old mindsets, usually ingrained in us since childhood. 

If you grew up poor, like I did, then you've been tainted with the idea that money is basically evil. But it's NOT. And we are sabotaging success that we could find in life if we don't fix our broken money mindsets.

Whether you feel like you "don't deserve" it - or if you feel like you just can't get past all the emotional and subconscious garbage that's weighing you down, hopefully this episode of the podcast can help you to let it go and start to grow your blog & business to new heights!

*This episode on Sabotaging Success was pre-recorded as a Facebook Live*

Are you Sabotaging Your Own Success?

Do you know where to use affiliate links to make the most money online? Try these three tips to maximize your affiliate earnings!

When you want to start making money as a blogger, learning how to use affiliate links should be at the very top of your to-do list. Why? Because affiliate marketing is one of the best ways you can build up an income stream without depending on millions of page views. 

I've already shared tips on affiliate marketing as well as where to find the best affiliate programs before, so in this episode of my podcast, I'm sharing my top three places to use affiliate links to make more money online. 

*Please note: This episode about was pre-recorded as a Facebook Live*

Where to Use Affiliate Links to Make Money Online

Looking for the best affiliate programs? These tips and tricks will help you to discover the very best affiliate programs that's right for your business.

Affiliate marketing is one of the smartest ways for almost any blogger to make extra money - and it doesn't rely on traffic, but on the ability for a blogger to match the needs of his or her reader. But finding the best takes a bit of time and effort.

Need a little help? In this episode of my podcast, I'm sharing some of the best affiliate programs out there for bloggers to partner with and starting bringing in that passive income we all love so much! 

In the last episode I shared Four Dos and Four Don'ts of Affiliate Marketing, so if you missed that episode - be sure to check it out as well. 

The Best Affiliate Programs referenced in this episode:

* Share A Sale

* Vig Link

* Amazon Affiliates 

* RewardStyle

On the next episode we'll discuss where to use the affiliate links (and not just on your blog!)

Want to learn how to start affiliate marketing easily? Get started the right way with these dos and don'ts from an affiliate marketing veteran!

I believe that all bloggers would learn how to start affiliate marketing as soon as they set up their blog. Like immediately. Why? Affiliate marketing is the fastest way to create a blogging income without killing yourself chasing page views. 

And it's absolutely not dependent on your traffic - even small bloggers can make money blogging if they align themselves with the right affiliate programs. See, it's not about quantity - it's all about quality. If you can write a CRAZY good post that people connect with and buy from, then you can generate quite a lot of income with just a simple plan. 

But wait... is it really that easy? Yes and no. There's a lot to think about when you're putting together your game plan on how to start affiliate marketing:

* What your audience will respond to...

* Which affiliate programs work best in relation to your brand...

* Finding products & services to promote that you can actually stand behind...

* The list goes on and on.

But, don't think it's an impossible mission. All you need is a good solid base of information to help you create an actionable plan you can stick to. And time... you need to be patient. While affiliate income may trickle in quickly - it takes a long term strategy to actually create a sizable income. Like months - possibly even years.

Don't get discouraged, though! Depending on your niche, you might find that income will come faster than in some others. 

In today's episode, I'm sharing a few of my best dos and don't when learning how to start affiliate marketing.

Referenced in this episode:

* Bluehost

* Orange Geek (use coupon code SHABBYCREEK to save 10% on hosting)

* KWFinder

* ConvertKit