Feeling lost in the world of SEO, AI, and backlinks? You’re not alone, and you don’t need to have it all figured out to make real progress. In this fun and super helpful chat, Amy sits down with longtime friend and SEO pro Erica Julson to break down what’s actually working right now to get noticed online. Whether you’re brand new to creating a website or you’ve had a blog for years, Erica explains how to build trust with Google, grow your authority, and use media features (even without a link!) to strengthen your business. They talk about what Google wants to see, how to choose the right page to link to, and the small changes that can lead to big results. It's an honest, encouraging conversation with zero tech snobbery, and packed with easy wins for health pros at every level.

Erica Julson is a registered dietitian and the founder of The Unconventional RD, a brand and community that helps wellness professionals grow their businesses online—especially through SEO, content strategy, and passive income. Since launching her Facebook group in 2017, Erica has supported thousands of dietitians and health experts in building sustainable, profitable brands outside of the traditional 9–5. She’s known for breaking down complex topics like search engine optimization into clear, step-by-step strategies anyone can follow. Erica also runs a membership program, shares insights on The Unconventional RD Podcast, and is a mom balancing business with family life.

Connect with Erica:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1678624302467757
Tune in: https://www.theunconventionalrd.com/podcast/

Don’t miss the invite to Amy’s free live Q&A sessions happening on November 5. Details at https://masterthemedia.co/qa/


Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(2:19) Who is Erica Julson
(4:02) What SEO really is 
(5:46) How AI is changing search and what to do about it
(7:02) What “being an authority” actually means online
(9:06) Google’s E-E-A-T framework explained simply
(12:49) Why you can’t compare yourself to big media brands and what to do instead
(14:30) What is domain authority, and why does it matter less than you think
(18:29) Even mentions without links still help your SEO
(24:15) Where should backlinks go?
(27:12) LinkedIn, Instagram, or your hospital bio? Best practices for health pros
(30:28) Why backlinks matter
(41:14) How to make a simple website work for you
(43:41) Pillar content ideas that help you stand out even with limited time
(51:27) How to make sure AI knows who you are and what you do
(55:21) Focus on visibility and reputation, not perfection
(59:56) Where to find Erica
(1:01:43) Outro

• Master the Media for Dietitians, Physicians & Healthcare Professionals Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy
• Dietitians on the Blog Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/789355101157569
• Need a Guest Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/264636544981623

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip on growing your income and impact through the media! And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a review—it helps more healthcare pros like you find the show. Thanks for being here—I can’t wait to hang out with you again next time!

What if that free event you’re hosting could actually help you get paid, and not just a little, but a lot? In this episode of Master the Media, Amy walks you through exactly how healthcare professionals can turn simple talks, demos, or even book signings into sponsored events. She shares real-life examples, including her own, and explains how even a low-key event with a small crowd can attract big-name brands. You'll learn what to offer sponsors, how much you can realistically earn, and why your first event doesn’t have to be perfect, it just needs to get started. Whether you're chatting with a local running club or dreaming up your own big gathering, Amy’s here to help you stop working for free and start getting paid for the value you bring.

Don’t miss the invite to Amy’s free live Q&A sessions happening on November 5. Details at https://masterthemedia.co/qa/

Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(2:22) What a sponsored event actually is
(3:13) Types of events you can get sponsored
(4:27) What brands might pay
(5:34) Tangible & intangible value you can offer brands
(8:58) Why and how to start small with a “proof of concept”
(12:03) A real student example: turning a free talk into paid packages
(13:11) How to get paid to speak at unpaid conferences
(14:02) Tips for authors: how to get books sponsored at events
(14:58) Sponsored webinars & virtual events
(15:44) Outside-the-box ideas brands actually want
(16:35) Outro

• Master the Media for Dietitians, Physicians & Healthcare Professionals Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy
• Dietitians on the Blog Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/789355101157569
• Need a Guest Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/264636544981623

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip on growing your income and impact through the media! And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a review—it helps more healthcare pros like you find the show. Thanks for being here—I can’t wait to hang out with you again next time!

In this episode of Master the Media, I’m sitting down with my friend and fellow dietitian Chrissy Carroll to talk about something that’s on everyone’s mind: AI. What’s it really doing to our media landscape, and how does it affect things like blog traffic, media features, and getting found online? Chrissy’s been in the blogging and digital space for over a decade, and she breaks down what’s changing with Google search (hello, AI answers stealing clicks), how media mentions still matter, and how we can all use AI tools in smart, responsible ways without losing our own voices. If you’ve been feeling unsure about how to work with AI or whether you should at all, this chat will give you clarity, encouragement, and plenty of actionable tips.

Chrissy Carroll, MPH, RD, is a registered dietitian, marathoner, and longtime blogger who’s been working in the digital media space since 2010. She's the creator behind Snacking in Sneakers, a blog that blends nutrition and fitness advice for runners and triathletes, and she also runs Build a Wellness Blog, where she helps fellow health professionals grow their online businesses with blogging, SEO, and smart use of AI. Chrissy has a passion for helping others turn their expertise into sustainable, income-generating platforms, and she’s known for making even the most technical topics (hi, AI!) feel fun and doable. When she’s not writing or coaching, you can find her logging miles on the road or hanging out with her husband, son, and rescue pup.

Connect with Chrissy:
Website: https://buildawellnessblog.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildyourblogtoday

Catch the Masterclass Replay: http://masterthemedia.co/replay


Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(2:09) Who is Chrissy Carroll?
(3:55) What’s happening with AI tools, like Sora and ChatGPT
(6:57) Why Google traffic is shrinking and what zero-click searches mean
(8:39) Do media mentions still matter for SEO in the age of AI?
(13:49) Should you use AI to respond to media queries?
(16:03) How AI “hallucinates” and why that’s risky
(20:53) Why AI isn’t great at keyword research or stats (yet)
(23:46) Best AI tools: ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, GenSpark & more
(27:54) How to write better AI prompts
(30:16) What’s next for AI and the future of media
(35:44) The importance of adaptability in media careers
(37:13) Ethical questions and staying informed on AI policies
(38:08) Where to find Chrissy Carroll online
(39:11) Outro

Support the show

• Master the Media for Dietitians, Physicians & Healthcare Professionals Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy
• Dietitians on the Blog Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/789355101157569
• Need a Guest Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/264636544981623

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip on growing your income and impact through the media! And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a review—it helps more healthcare pros like you find the show. Thanks for being here—I can’t wait to hang out with you again next time!

Not sure what to say after chatting with a brand at a trade show? You’re not alone, and Amy’s got you covered. In this episode of Master the Media, Amy shares her go-to steps for following up with brands after events like FNCE, in the kind, encouraging way she’s known for. From figuring out who to contact to writing an email that feels natural (not salesy), she walks you through exactly what to do, when to send it, what to say, and how to stand out. If you’re a health pro hoping to turn those expo convos into paid partnerships, this episode will make you feel like you’ve got a coach in your corner.

Learn how to earn $50,000 in brand partnerships in just 6 months: https://masterthemedia.co/masterclass/

Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(2:18) Why post-trade show follow-up matters
(3:38) What to do after meeting brands at an expo
(4:58) Who to talk to at booths and what to ask
(6:37) When to and when not to follow up
(7:55) Writing a follow-up email that gets responses
(12:14) What to do if they don’t reply right away
(13:45) Info on the free masterclass for health pros
(14:14) Outro

• Master the Media for Dietitians, Physicians & Healthcare Professionals Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy
• Dietitians on the Blog Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/789355101157569
• Need a Guest Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/264636544981623

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip on growing your income and impact through the media! And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a review—it helps more healthcare pros like you find the show. Thanks for being here—I can’t wait to hang out with you again next time!

Is it really possible to take time off as an entrepreneur without everything falling apart? In this episode, Amy shares her honest story of taking 12 full weeks off for maternity leave after welcoming her daughter, Annabelle. She talks about what worked, what surprised her, and how her business not only kept going... it grew. Amy walks through the exact steps she took to prepare her team, support her students, and keep things running while she stepped away to focus on family. If you’re a business owner wondering how to take real time off (and actually enjoy it), this episode is for you. Amy’s warmth, honesty, and practical tips make this feel like a conversation with a good friend who’s just a few steps ahead.

Learn how to earn $50,000 in brand partnerships in just 6 months: https://masterthemedia.co/masterclass/

Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:21) Amy returns from maternity leave and the first months of motherhood
(3:11) Transitioning back to work
(4:40) How Amy planned her business for time off
(5:57) Key staff and automation strategies
(8:04) Extending student memberships
(9:29) Keeping lead generation going
(11:25) Advice for solopreneurs
(13:38) Lessons learned & what’s next for her business
(15:33) Sign up for the free masterclass on Oct 22
(15:51) Outro

• Master the Media for Dietitians, Physicians & Healthcare Professionals Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy
• Dietitians on the Blog Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/789355101157569
• Need a Guest Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/264636544981623

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip on growing your income and impact through the media! And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a review—it helps more healthcare pros like you find the show. Thanks for being here—I can’t wait to hang out with you again next time!

Ever felt like speaking on camera or in front of a crowd just isn’t your thing? In this episode of Master the Media, Amy shares her personal story from being super shy in grad school to showing up confidently on national TV. She opens up about the small steps that helped her feel more at ease, like going out to eat alone or chatting with strangers at work. Amy also walks you through how she gets ready for speaking events today, from what she wears to how she protects her energy as an introvert. If you’ve ever been nervous about public speaking, this episode will give you real, simple tips to help you feel more prepared and way less overwhelmed. No perfection needed, just progress.

Free Guide to Get You Started: https://masterthemedia.co/start

Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:58) A terrifying first on-camera experience
(3:46) How a surprise TV assignment changed everything
(5:07) Building confidence through everyday work
(6:49) Media training tips that still apply today
(9:10) Embracing mistakes and imperfection on camera
(11:46) The pre-presentation routine that changed the game
(15:21) Why preparation is everything for on-camera success
(17:28) Showing up fully, no matter the size of your audience
(19:04) Free guide to help you get started with media work
(19:16) Outro

• Master the Media for Dietitians, Physicians & Healthcare Professionals Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy
• Dietitians on the Blog Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/789355101157569
• Need a Guest Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/264636544981623

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip on growing your income and impact through the media! And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a review—it helps more healthcare pros like you find the show. Thanks for being here—I can’t wait to hang out with you again next time!

Think you need a big social media following to land media features or get paid by brands? In this episode, Amy shares how even a small (or brand new) social media presence can help you grow your brand, land interviews, and get noticed by companies. Amy breaks down why it’s helpful to have just one solid platform, what to include in your bio, and how to make it super easy for reporters and brands to find and contact you. She also shares simple tips for turning media features into content that builds your credibility, and might even lead to new clients or paid partnerships. No need to do it all or be everywhere online. Just start small, be strategic, and let people know what you’re up to.

Master the Media Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy


Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:27) Why a large following is not required for brand or media work
(3:01) Identifying your target audience and platform
(5:04) Growing your social visibility and why it’s critical
(7:08) Showcasing media features to attract more opportunities
(10:00) Using tags and reposts to expand reach
(10:50) Turning articles into content across platforms
(12:31) Key tips for building a professional, searchable social profile
(14:02) Automating engagement and growing your email list
(15:06) It's not about follower count
(15:33) Outro

• Master the Media for Dietitians, Physicians & Healthcare Professionals Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy
• Dietitians on the Blog Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/789355101157569
• Need a Guest Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/264636544981623

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip on growing your income and impact through the media! And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a review—it helps more healthcare pros like you find the show. Thanks for being here—I can’t wait to hang out with you again next time!

Ever wonder how some healthcare pros get paid thousands to work with brands even without a big social media following? In this episode, Amy breaks down the key difference between being an influencer and being an expert with influence. If you're a dietitian, doctor, nurse, or other health expert, your education and experience matter a lot, and brands know it. Amy shares real stories, simple tips, and one honest lesson from a brand deal that didn’t go as planned. You’ll walk away knowing why your credentials are so valuable and how you can confidently charge what you're worth.

Master the Media Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/mediamasterywithamy

Grab the FREE pricing guide: https://masterthemedia.co/pricing-guide/

Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:35) Expert with influence vs. influencer
(3:30) Why follower count doesn’t matter
(5:25) Why brands hire influencers vs. experts
(6:35) The power of long-term, indirect influence
(7:51) Amy’s personal story about a failed brand partnership
(10:29) Ways brands can work with experts
(11:56) Pricing ranges for expert services
(13:44) Why your endorsement carries more value than you think
(14:50) Outro

Support the show

• Master the Media for Dietitians, Physicians & Healthcare Professionals Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy
• Dietitians on the Blog Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/789355101157569
• Need a Guest Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/264636544981623

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip on growing your income and impact through the media! And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a review—it helps more healthcare pros like you find the show. Thanks for being here—I can’t wait to hang out with you again next time!

Think you need a huge social media following to land brand deals? Not true. In this episode, Amy shares some of her favorite real-life partnerships, including a $5,000 coffee machine, helping make Panda Express’ menu healthier, and speaking on stage in NYC. She explains how creativity, connection, and offering real value matter more than follower count. If you’re a dietitian, doctor, or health pro dreaming of working with brands you love, this episode will give you ideas, inspiration, and a big confidence boost.

Master the Media Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/mediamasterywithamy

Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:35) What brand partnerships really look like
(3:42) Trading value, not just content
(8:26) Behind-the-scenes consulting with Panda Express
(12:09) Creating healthcare toolkits for brands
(14:18) Speaking gigs with supplement brands and going above and beyond
(17:07) Takeaways and free Facebook group invite for more opportunities
(17:37) Outro

• Master the Media for Dietitians, Physicians & Healthcare Professionals Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy
• Dietitians on the Blog Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/789355101157569
• Need a Guest Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/264636544981623

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip on growing your income and impact through the media! And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a review—it helps more healthcare pros like you find the show. Thanks for being here—I can’t wait to hang out with you again next time!

What is media reach, really, and why does it matter so much? In this episode of Master the Media, Amy breaks it all down in a way that’s easy to understand and actually fun to learn. She shares why media reach is a big deal when it comes to working with brands and how your audience size can open doors to exciting opportunities. Amy walks you through real examples, from huge outlets like AARP to personal blogs, and offers practical tips to help you track your own reach and grow it over time. You'll also hear how to build great relationships with reporters, pitch the right way, and even earn income through sponsored TV segments. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to take things to the next level, Amy’s here to guide you every step of the way.

Master the Media Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/mediamasterywithamy

Tools to Calculate Media Reach:
https://coveragebook.com/
https://www.similarweb.com/

Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:39) What is media reach and why it matters
(3:31) Different types of brand media opportunities
(5:21) Building media relationships for brand collaborations
(7:41) How to feature brands in TV segments
(9:48) Understanding what counts as “impressive” media reach
(12:26) Best tools to calculate your media reach
(14:47) Final tips and how to get started today
(15:30) Outro

• Master the Media for Dietitians, Physicians & Healthcare Professionals Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy
• Dietitians on the Blog Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/789355101157569
• Need a Guest Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/264636544981623

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip on growing your income and impact through the media! And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a review—it helps more healthcare pros like you find the show. Thanks for being here—I can’t wait to hang out with you again next time!