Online Business Launchpad | Start An Online Business | Online Business Growth

“It doesn't have any friction with the real world. It doesn't have the contact with the real world that we do, you know, to like immerse ourselves in experience.”

That’s how Emily Aborn describes the difference between AI and human writers — and it perfectly sets the tone for this conversation.

If you’ve been wondering how freelance writers (or anyone who uses their words to make a living) can continue finding clients in today’s economy, this episode is for you. We talk about what’s actually working right now — from collaborations and in-person networking to brand cohesion and creating a client experience people can’t stop talking about.

This isn’t hype. It’s practical strategy grounded in lived experience.

Emily Aborn has been running her copywriting business since 2018, though writing has always been the undercurrent of her life. She works with entrepreneurs and small businesses to create clear, compelling messaging that reflects who they truly are. Beyond writing, she’s deeply focused on community, collaboration, and building long-term business relationships that lead to sustainable growth.

WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT

• Why collaboration is one of the most powerful (and underused) growth strategies for service providers
• How in-person connections can lead to unexpected opportunities and referrals
• The importance of cohesion between your online presence and your real-world personality
• How Pinterest can become a long-term traffic driver when used strategically
• Why your client experience is your most reliable marketing asset
• The role AI can play — and where it still falls short

If you’re building a business using your expertise, your creativity, and your words — this conversation will give you practical ways to strengthen your visibility and client pipeline.

Tune in to hear the full discussion.

Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business:
https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Emily Aborn’s podcast: Small Business Casual
• Pinterest (as a long-term content strategy platform)
• LinkedIn (for conversations and professional visibility)

My newsletter is for people who need a way to make money from home so they can build a better life for themselves and their families.: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Shoney’s origin story is the kind that makes you sit up straight: six months into launching a major fitness exhibition, he had sold less than 50 tickets, while already committed to over 200,000 pounds of outgoings at 21 years old. Facebook ads were a last-ditch roll of the dice, but after spending around 110 pounds and seeing ticket sales come in, everything clicked. “So if I keep putting that money back in. I can almost choose how many people I want to to be at the show.” This episode is a practical, confidence-building look at ads that actually lead somewhere.

Neil Shoney is a Facebook and Instagram ads strategist who has worked with just short of 3000 service-based businesses. He focuses on building repeatable ad frameworks that get people into a system designed to turn a click into a client, rather than chasing vanity metrics.

WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT

• Why the most important part of ads is where you send people after they click, and whether your system can convert that click into a client.
• Neil’s standard for a system: he is not interested if it cannot take a stranger to a client in under seven days.
• Why small businesses do not need to spend money on brand awareness like major consumer brands.
• Using lead magnets to collect name, email address, and phone number, with the goal of getting clients and also growing the list as a by-product.
• The thank-you page approach that can convert between 23% and 26% into booked calls.
• Why clear offer naming and simple messaging tends to outperform complex wording and puns on Facebook and Instagram.
• Using Facebook lead forms to reduce friction, and why you do not need a fancy landing page to start.
• A follower campaign approach: boost a simple direct-ask video, then message new followers with a short yes-or-no question to open a conversation.

If you have been avoiding ads because they feel risky or confusing, this episode will give you a simpler way to think about them: build the path first, then amplify it.

Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Neil on Instagram: Neil Shoney Mac
• Neil’s course/workshop recordings: adsandfunnels.com/course

My newsletter is for people who need a way to make money from home so they can build a better life for themselves and their families.: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Like there’s this weird thing of the disappearing lawn guy… he shows up two or three times and then just drops off the face of the earth.”

If you’ve ever hired a service provider who mysteriously vanished, you’ll appreciate this episode. Bryan Clayton took that exact frustration and turned it into a multi-city marketplace now used by 300,000 people every week. But this isn’t just about lawn care. It’s about systems, scale, simplicity — and why this might actually be the best time in 30 years to start a business.

Bryan Clayton is the CEO and co-founder of GreenPal, the largest lawn care marketplace in the United States. Before launching GreenPal, he built a landscaping company from the ground up to $8–9 million in annual revenue and 150 employees before selling it to a national firm. He combines deep operational experience with tech-driven innovation.

WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT

• Why reliability matters more than price when building a service-based business
• The power of niching down to one core use case instead of trying to do everything
• How to manage a two-sided marketplace (customers and service providers)
• Why cancellation policies must balance fairness on both sides
• The difference between starting in an established industry vs. inventing something new
• Why Bryan believes this is the best time in decades to start a business
• How AI acts as “middle-to-middle” acceleration rather than end-to-end replacement
• Why founders should personally handle customer support — even years into the business

If you’re building a service business — or even thinking about starting one — this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately.

Tune in to hear how Bryan built two businesses in completely different ways — and why simplicity, customer feedback and systems thinking made all the difference.

And if you want to stay updated on future episodes:

Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business:
https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• GreenPal – https://www.greenpal.com/
• Bryan Clayton on LinkedIn 

My newsletter is for people who need a way to make money from home so they can build a better life for themselves and their families.: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jared Bauman didn’t expect to compete for his own name online.

But when a state representative with the exact same name started appearing everywhere in search results, it forced him to confront something bigger: search engines — and now AI tools — don’t guess who you are. They connect dots.

And if your digital presence isn’t clearly connected, someone else may become the “expert” instead.

In this episode, we take a calm, strategic look at how search is evolving from traditional SEO into what Jared calls “GEO” — Generative Engine Optimization — and what that means for solopreneurs and small business owners who want to remain visible in an AI-first world.

No panic. No hype. Just clarity.

Jared Bauman is the founder of 201 Creative, a marketing agency specializing in SEO and emerging AI search optimization strategies. He’s also the host of the Niche Pursuits podcast and has been an entrepreneur for more than 25 years, building and selling multiple businesses. As AI began reshaping search behavior, Jared studied the data, adapted his agency, and developed practical frameworks to help businesses stay visible and credible.

WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT

• Why SEO isn’t dead — it’s evolving.
• What “Generative Engine Optimization” (GEO) actually means.
• The shift from focusing on keywords to focusing on entities.
• Why AI tools care deeply about accuracy, consistency, and freshness.
• How inconsistent business information erodes trust with AI systems.
• What schema (structured data) is — explained in plain English.
• Why third-party mentions and citations matter more than ever.
• The danger of “set it and forget it” websites.
• What a GEO Snapshot Audit reveals about your visibility gaps.

CALL TO ACTION

If you want your business to be recommended — not overlooked — in an AI-driven search landscape, this episode is essential listening.

Remember to subscribe so you don’t miss future conversations that help you grow the online side of your business strategically and sustainably.

Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business
https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• 201 Creative Website - https://201creative.com/ 
• GEO Snapshot Audit (free audit discussed in the episode) - https://201creative.com/geo-snapshot/ 
• Niche Pursuits Podcast - https://www.nichepursuits.com/category/podcasts/ 
• Jared Bauman on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredbauman/ 

My newsletter is for people who need a way to make money from home so they can build a better life for themselves and their families.:
https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“If I really want to make wealth for myself, I need to bet on myself.”

That’s how Juzbi Walia explains the moment she stopped playing the corporate game and started building her own. And that same energy runs through this whole episode: sell with integrity, don’t slime people into a ‘yes’, and stop guessing what your audience is thinking. If you’ve ever read bro-marketing copy and felt like you needed to wash your eyeballs afterward, you’ll love Juzbi’s approach to persuasion that’s effective and ethical.

Juzbi Walia has spent over a decade in persuasion and influence, working in corporate communications with major global agencies and a wide range of organisations across sectors. Now she brings that same influence skillset into the online business world as a conversion copywriter and email strategist, helping course creators launch with messaging that converts without crossing into manipulation.

WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT

• Why most course creators don’t actually know their real objections (and keep answering outdated ones).
• The hidden cost of over-persuasion — even if it “works” in the short term.
• Why “copy is assembled, not written” (and how customer research is the real work).
• How to find your sales argument (the unique point of view that makes your offer stand out).
• The power of message hierarchy: primary promise first, then secondary angles in the right order.
• Using a custom GPT to pressure-test messaging angles (without randomly “testing everything”).
• Why copywriters who step into the strategist role will thrive (and “selling words as a service” won’t).
• A very real take on business growth: “spaghetti on the wall” is sometimes the job description early on.

If you’re building a course (or launching anything online) and you want to sell without sounding like a late-night infomercial, you’re going to get a ton from this one. 

Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Juzbi on Instagram: @juzbi.copy
• To get Juzbi’s free resource -  “How to Write Non Manipulative Emails That Sell” (a checklist of persuasion triggers for launch emails).  Or you can send her a DM on Instagram.

Suggested Timestamps

• 00:00 – Intro + why “non-sleazy persuasion” matters
• 00:01–00:04 – Juzbi’s background in persuasion + corporate comms
• 00:05–00:08 – Why she left corporate: “bet on myself” + designing work around life
• 00:13–00:17 – Objections, customer research, and the danger of over-persuasion
• 00:19–00:25 – Messaging hierarchy + sales argument example (Instagram course)
• 00:25–00:26 – GPT bot + Danny Page
• 00:32–00:34 – Copywriter vs strategist (and why strategy is the moat)
• 00:35–00:38 – Lead gen experiments + “spaghetti on the wall” phase
• 00:40 – Where to find Juzbi + free checklist

My newsletter is for people who need a way to make money from home so they can build a better life for themselves and their families.: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"I was working 18-hour days, seven days a week, and my mum said, 'You're making good money, but we have something you don't—free time.'"

Sara Vezensek had the kind of job most people fantasize about—flying on private jets, managing superyachts, and earning big. But it came at a cost. In this episode, she shares how she walked away from the dream lifestyle to build a business on her terms—one with time, financial, and location freedom.

Sara Vezensek is an online business coach who specializes in helping women build businesses that give them “ultimate freedom.” After leaving a high-flying career managing multimillion-dollar projects, she went all in on organic marketing and intentional strategy to grow her own thriving business—all while working just 15 hours a week.

WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT

• Why success on paper doesn’t always mean happiness
• How to prepare for a business pivot before burning out
• Strategies for building a business on 2 hours a day (or less!)
• Why content strategy beats going viral
• The glass ceiling of “200 views” and how to break through it
• Using EFT tapping and mindset work to stop sabotaging success
• How to rewire your relationship with money and self-worth
• The unexpected power of speaking to just one person in your audience

Tune in for a grounded conversation about building a business that supports the life you actually want.

👉 Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Free Masterclass: Your Million Dollar Course Idea – Sara’s step-by-step guide to turning your current knowledge into a course
• Money Breakthrough Masterclass – Learn the exact strategy Sara used to hit $100K in 30 days
• Sara’s Instagram: @saravezcoach

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Just because someone’s great at marketing doesn’t mean they can teach."

When Jasmine Jonte invested in a high-ticket online course and discovered it was badly designed and nearly impossible to learn from, she had an epiphany: great teaching is a skill — and it’s one most experts don’t have. So, she used her background as a teacher to build a business that helps experts teach well, turning their brilliance into scalable, binge-worthy programs.

Jasmine Jonte is a former kindergarten teacher turned founder of a course creation agency. She’s helped build over 140 programs across more than 70 niches — from real estate investing to tarot to dentistry — helping experts turn their intellectual property into powerful learning experiences that actually get results.

WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT:

• The real reason most online courses fail (hint: it’s not lack of expertise)
• How Jasmine went from teacher to six-figure business owner with a 14-person team
• The difference between being an expert and being able to teach effectively
• The framework Jasmine uses to turn expert knowledge into curriculum
• What to ask in market research interviews to truly understand your audience
• The two pathways for experts: build a team or build a scalable offer
• Why completion rates and student results matter more than flashy marketing
• Using AI in ethical, efficient ways to streamline course creation
• The surprising AI tools Jasmine uses in her own business

CALL TO ACTION

If you're ready to turn your expertise into a powerful, scalable program — or just want a peek behind the curtain of what that takes — you won’t want to miss this episode.

👉 “Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business” https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• Jasmine’s website: https://www.creation.co (note: creation is spelled with an 8)
• Free guide: https://www.creation.co/netflix — “10 Next Level Strategies to Make Your Program as Binge-Worthy as Netflix”
• Tools mentioned: 
• ChatGPT - AI tool, 
• Claude - AI tool 
• Descript (affiliate link) - audio and video editor, transcript maker and AI tool
• Senja - Collect, manage and share testimonials

My newsletter is for people who need a way to make money from home so they can build a better life for themselves and their families:
👉 https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“When New Zealand won the America's Cup, it wasn’t the biggest budget that won, it was one key question: Will it make the boat go faster?”

That same philosophy drives Colin Clapp’s content strategy in a world now ruled by AI-driven search. If you’ve been told that SEO is dead, buckle up because Colin is here to explain why that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Colin Clapp has been in the content trenches for years, helping creators and businesses grow visibility through smart, structured content strategies. From traditional SEO to adapting to the rise of AI search, he brings experience, clarity, and actionable frameworks, like his One Click Content Optimization approach, that get results.

WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT

• Why SEO is not dead—and what small business owners need to understand instead
• The “table stakes” every piece of content needs (hint: meta titles and descriptions still matter)
• How structure helps AI and traditional search engines find and rank your content
• Why internal linking is crucial—and how to avoid content cannibalization
• What schema is, and how it quietly powers discoverability (even if you're not a developer)
• Colin’s “F1 car” analogy that makes optimization strategies finally make sense
• The rise of AI search—and what it means for your content's future visibility
• Practical ways non-techies can improve their site's structure and speed

CALL TO ACTION

Tune in to this episode and find out what still works—and what’s changed—when it comes to being found online.

👉 “Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business”
https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Colin’s Website:  Online Marketing Done 4 You
• Colin’s YouTube Video: The 5 Pillars Framework - How to Optimize Content for Traditional SEO & AI Search (AEO & GEO):
• Colin’s framework: One Click Content Optimization

My newsletter is for people who need a way to make money from home so they can build a better life for themselves and their families: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“When I was six, my grandmother gave me a blank book and said, ‘This is for your first novel.’ I didn’t write in it because it had to be perfect.”

That’s how Emily Aborn’s writing journey began.  And it’s a relatable tale for anyone who's ever struggled with perfectionism in their content. In this episode, Emily shares why copywriting success is not about perfection.  It’s about connection, clarity, and curiosity.

Emily Aborn is a seasoned copywriter, content creator, and podcast host who helps entrepreneurs craft messaging that reflects their personality and drives action. With over eight years of experience, she’s developed a unique process for helping clients find and use their true brand voice.

WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT

• The surprising difference between content writing and copywriting and why it matters for your business
• How to get people to stay on your website with clear, benefit-driven messaging
• The importance of curiosity in connecting with your audience
• Emily’s transition from content writing to persuasive website copy
• Tips for using AI as a collaborator, not a crutch
• How visibility through collaboration, not just SEO, boosts trust and reach
• Why niching is less about narrowing and more about clarity
• Using AI tools ethically while staying true to your own voice
• The power of coffee chats and real human connections for growing your business

Tune in and learn how to craft copy that clicks with your audience.

Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business
👉 https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Emily’s website: emilyaborn.com
• Emily’s podcast: Content with Character
• Donald Miller's book StoryBrand (affiliate link)

My newsletter is for people who need a way to make money from home so they can build a better life for themselves and their families: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’re feeling stuck, maybe it’s not because you’re doing something wrong, but because you’re using the wrong business model.

That’s exactly what happened to Stefanie Carlstedt. She’d built a business that looked successful on the outside.  But it felt completely off on the inside … and she was burning out.

Then came a moment that changed everything:

“I thought it was fluff—just another personality test. But then I read my Human Design chart and started crying. For the first time, I felt seen.”

If you’ve ever felt like your business isn’t quite working for you, you’re not alone. In a world of burnout and one-size-fits-all strategies, Human Design might offer something surprisingly useful.  Especially if the usual advice hasn’t gotten you where you want to go.

Stefanie has 13 years of experience, multiple businesses under her belt, and hundreds of clients behind her. Today, she helps entrepreneurs design businesses that align with how they’re actually wired—using Human Design as a tool to unlock clarity, confidence, and momentum.

WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT

• The pivotal moment Stefanie walked away from the corporate world after a personal crisis
• How she built a “successful” business that still left her feeling empty
• What Human Design is (and why she was initially sceptical too)
• The link between your energy type and your ideal marketing strategy
• How your personal design might reveal fears holding you back with money
• Why people-pleasers may need to unlearn business “rules” that don’t fit
• Using Human Design to rebuild a business that feels good to run
• Whether AI tools can support authenticity, or risk replacing it

Tune in to this episode for a fresh perspective on finding the right-fit business approach for you.
Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Stefanie’s free Human Design Business Report & Audio Series: https://stefcarlstedt.com/hdreport 
• Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell (re: how birth timing can affect success)

My emails are for people who need a way to make money from home so they can build a better life for themselves and their families: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.