Priority Pursuit

36. Small business owner friends, just like you do your best to serve your customers well and meet their needs, Google does the same for its users. As the world’s leading search engine, Google’s goal is to to help its users find the information they’re looking for as quickly, directly, and as easily as possible. As a result, Google is constantly making improvements and updates to its algorithm. 

If you’ve listened to past Priority Pursuit episodes about SEO, you know this is a topic I’m very passionate about and that I firmly believe I’m able to be a full-time wedding photographer because of SEO. 

Every year, 40% of my couples find me through Google, meaning SEO is responsible for 40% of my income. And, while it took time to get my website to the first page of Google, every lead I receive from Google is (1) 100% free and (2) highly qualified because these leads are already actively looking for my services and content. 

I’ve been working with SEO in one capacity or another since 2012, and in the last 10 years, I’ve witnessed countless Google algorithm changes and SEO trends. And, I can honestly say that I’m really excited about what Google is doing in 2022, because these changes are truly beneficial to you and me as both Google users and small business owners. 

If you’re sweating thinking about these changes, take a deep breath. As of right now, in my opinion, there are eight SEO trends for 2022 small business owners need to be aware of, and they’re all positive.

1. Google has switched to the “MUM” update.
2. 1. Learn more about the MUM update here: https://blog.google/products/search/introducing-mum/. 
   1. Install Google Search Console to access your Core Web Vitals: https://search.google.com/search-console/about. 
3. Load speed matters more than ever before. 
   1. Remember that keywords still matter. If you have questions about keywords, listen to “Episode 009: How to Identify & Use Strategic Keywords to Improve Your SEO”: https://victoriarayburnphotography.com/how-identify-use-strategic-keywords-improve-seo/.  
4. When developing content, make “user intent” your top priority. 
5. To be featured as a “direct snippet,” you need to answer questions clearly & concisely.
6. In terms of SEO, mobile experience matters more than desktop experience. 
7. Begin optimizing new content with Voice Search in mind. 

35. In this week’s episode of Priority Pursuit, we’re changing things up a bit. And, to be honest, I’m sharing something on the show that I never planned to share—my testimony (AKA how and why I believe in God). 

Now, this isn’t necessarily a Christian podcast, but I am a Christian, and over the last few months, I’ve been talking to many creative entrepreneurs who (1) also struggle with many of the same things I do and (2) have had similar life experiences. As a result, I feel called to share my story. 

And, in case this episode helps just one person feel less alone or know they have inherent value regardless of their accomplishments or their business’s revenue, I’m honored to get to share my testimony—why I find my worth in Christ and not my work—with you (or whomever takes the time to listen). 

• Receive 50% Off Your First Order with Photographer’s Edit: http://victoriarayburnphotography.com/pe/ 
• Save 50% on Your First Six Months of Quickbooks Self-Employed: http://victoriarayburnphotography.com/quickbooks/ 
• Receive $20 Off Your First Pair of Rothy’s: http://victoriarayburnphotography.com/rothys
• Join the Priority Pursuit Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/179106264013426
• Follow or DM Victoria on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victorialrayburn/ 

34. As a small business owner and creative entrepreneur, do you truly understand how to market your business?

I mean, I don’t know about you, but whenever I scroll through Instagram, my podcast feed, or even my inbox, I feel like I’m hit with countless marketing ideas and tactics. And, for a lot of small business owners, this can feel overwhelming. 

Afterall, which tactics actually work? How do you develop a marketing strategy as a small business? How do you ensure the time you dedicate to marketing your business is time and energy well spent? And, how do you market your business in a way that actually leads to more money? 

Thankfully, in this week’s episode of Priority Pursuit, Treefrog Marketing Founder and Chief Marketing Strategist Kelly Rice is sharing a three-step marketing strategy that is proven to work for small businesses of all kinds. 

Located in Lafayette, Indiana, Treefrog Marketing is a marketing agency that specifically works with small businesses. Since 2000, Kelly and her team have been helping small businesses grow and increase their revenue through science-based marketing protocols that actually work. 

While I highly recommend listening to this episode and downloading out Treefrog’s “Three Steps to Effective Marketing” guide for more details, below you’ll find an outline of Kelly’s complete marketing strategy for small businesses:

1. Stop talking about yourself. 
2. Get the brain’s attention.
   1. Audience
   2. Website
   3. Content
   4. Promotion
3. Build a solid plan of action that includes:

For a more detailed written version of this episode, visit http://victoriarayburnphotography.com/complete-marketing-strategy-small-businesses. 

Mentioned Links & Resources

• Show Notes: http://victoriarayburnphotography.com/complete-marketing-strategy-small-businesses
• Treefrog Marketing’s Website: https://www.treefrogmarketing.com/ 
• Treefrog’s Blog: https://www.treefrogmarketing.com/small-business-marketing-blog/ 
• “Three St

33. As a creative entrepreneur, other than money, what’s one thing you wish you had more of? For most of us, the answer is time. 

There just never seem to be enough hours in the day to accomplish all the things, get to passion projects, spend time with the people who matter most, or rest. And, unfortunately, time isn’t a commodity that can be purchased. 

However, there are tools, services, and resources you can invest in (or put on your Christmas list) that will save you time and, thus, give you more time to do what you love and focus on the needle-moving tasks within your business. 

In case you’d love to be gifted with more time, in this episode of “Priority Pursuit,” we’re discussing 11 time-saving gifts to ask for this Christmas as a creative entrepreneur! (Side note: Many of these are also tax-deductible business expenses. So, don’t hesitate to treat yourself!)

1. A Roomba - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QNM7YDM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07QNM7YDM&linkCode=as2&tag=victoriaray01-20&linkId=9d96f71956975215b8148b01efe79167 
   1. Blue Apron - https://www.blueapron.com/ 
   2. Hello Fresh - https://www.hellofresh.com/ 
2. Any Service That’s Going to Allow You to Do Less Thinking, Planning, or Work
   1. Amy & Jordan Demos Courses - https://www.amyandjordan.com/ 
   2. Katelyn James Courses - https://katelynjames.com/ 
3. Courses or Education
   1. TSA PreCheck - https://www.tsa.gov/precheck 
   2. CLEAR - https://www.clearme.com/ 
4. TSA PreCheck or CLEAR
   1. Wine & Watercolors with Roseberry & Co - https://roseberryandco.com/ 
   2. Adventure Challenge -

32. Practicing and prioritizing self care as a creative entrepreneur is often a challenge because self care just never seems to fit in with all the work that has to be done, especially during busy seasons. And, even when busy seasons wind down, self care still tends to get put on the back burner because—well—there’s always more work that can be done. (Enneagram 3’s, do you feel this in your bones right now?)

But, according to Mental Health Therapist Courtney L. Porter, who’s coined herself as the “self care therapist,” making self care a priority is a must for creative entrepreneurs who want their lives and businesses to thrive. (Side note: This probably goes without saying, but creative entrepreneurs aren’t notoriously great at taking care of themselves or prioritizing their mental health.)

Based in Memphis, Tennessee, Courtney has dedicated her practice to helping creative entrepreneurs and small business owners better understand and practice self care. Between her professional niche, being a business owner herself, and the fact that Courtney is married to a photographer and works alongside him, Courtney truly knows how hard self care can be for creative entrepreneurs.

And, in this episode of Priority Pursuit, Courtney defines what self care means, shares the six key elements of self care, explains why self care is important, and gives practical steps to help you start practicing and prioritizing self care as a creative entrepreneur. 

If you’ve been meaning to make self care more of a priority, this episode of Priority Pursuit is for you! 

In this episode, Courtney explains:

1. The six key elements of self care
2. Why creative entrepreneurs need to prioritize self care
3. Why creative entrepreneurs tend to be bad at self care
4. How to start practicing and prioritizing self care with just 15 minutes a day 

For a more detailed written version of this episode, visit http://victoriarayburnphotography.com/practice-prioritize-self-care-creative-entrepreneur. 

Mentioned Links & Resources

• Show Notes:

31. Does the thought of creating Instagram reels intimidate you? Do you feel like you’re creating reels blindy? I mean, what content do you share? What audio do you use? What trends do you follow?

Well, friend. Don’t worry. In this episode of Priority Pursuit, we’re breaking down how you can practically and strategically create Instagram reels in just four easy steps. 

1. Make a list of potential ideas for reels that stem from your brand topics, frequently asked questions you receive from clients, and things you wish your clients knew.
2. Create your reel to trending audio to boost engagement.
3. Batch reels to make the most of your time. 
4. Use your reels to create other content (blogs, posts, etc.) 

You can find a more detailed version of the show notes at http://victoriarayburnphotography.com/practical-strategic-steps-create-instagram-reels. 

Links & Mentioned Resources 

• Show Notes: http://victoriarayburnphotography.com/practical-strategic-steps-create-instagram-reels
• “Episode 007: How to Develop & Communicate Your Brand as a Creative Entrepreneur”:
• https://victoriarayburnphotography.com/how-develop-communicate-brand-creative-entrepreneur/ 
• Receive 50% Off Your First Order with Photographer’s Edit: http://victoriarayburnphotography.com/pe/ 
• Save 50% on Your First Six Months of Quickbooks Self-Employed: http://victoriarayburnphotography.com/quickbooks/ 
• Join the Priority Pursuit Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/179106264013426

30. If you’re currently doing something on the side that you’re passionate about, let’s be real for a second. It would be amazing if you could quit your 9-5 job tomorrow, go out on your own, and make money doing whatever it is that you love. 

However, for most of us, quitting a steady job tomorrow isn’t wise, and it will take time, work, and patience to make your side hustle your main hustle.  

I spent a little more than two years building my photography business while also working a 9-5 job before I was ready to go out on my own. And, in case you’re dreaming of doing what you love full time, in this episode of Priority Pursuit, we’re discussing how to make your side hustle your main hustle in 11 steps!

1. Master your craft.
2. Do the math.
3. Have an expert double check your math.
4. Determine when you can realistically go full-time & patiently hustle in the meantime.
5. Build TWO emergency funds. 
6. Develop a strong online presence so your ideal clients can find you easily.
7. Foster genuine relationships with others in your industry.
8. Purchase the equipment you need while you still have a steady income.
9. Automate and outsource what you can.
10. Serve your current clients well.
11. Love what you do!

You can find a more detailed version of the show notes at http://victoriarayburnphotography.com/how-make-side-hustle-main-hustle.

Links & Mentioned Resources 

• Show Notes: http://victoriarayburnphotography.com/how-make-side-hustle-main-hustle
• Katelyn James Courses: https://katelynjames.com/store 
• Amy & Jordan Demos Courses: https://www.amyandjordan.com/store 
• BlueSafe Financial: https://www.bluesafefinancial.com/ 

029. In the 21st century, there are countless ways to learn. I mean, there are podcasts, online courses, YouTube videos, conferences, workshops, masterminds, and so many other options. 

These are all great resources and opportunities; however, I don’t know about you, but sometimes, I need to learn the old fashioned way with black text on white paper where I can write notes in the margins, make highlights, and dogear the pages I want to return to. 

With this in mind, in this episode of Priority Pursuit, we’re talking books. And, I’m excited to share what I believe are 10 must-read books for creative entrepreneurs! 

Note: You’ll find links to purchase each of these books from both Amazon and Second Flight Books below each description. Second Flight Books is a wonderful bookstore in Lafayette, Indiana. If you can, I want to encourage you to show Second Flight Books a little love by shopping small and purchasing from this local bookstore!

 

10 Must-Read Books for Creative Entrepreneurs

1. Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen by Donald Miller
2. 1. Purchase from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1536693154/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1536693154&linkCode=as2&tag=victoriaray01-20&linkId=f594615b64884bb04bd13e3a4437031e 
   2. Purchase from Second Flight Books: https://www.bookmanager.com/scndflt/?searchtype=keyword&qs=Building+a+StoryBrand&qs_file=&q=h.tviewer&using_sb=status&qsb=keyword 
   1. Purchase from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1400217644/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1400217644&linkCode=as2&tag=victoriaray01-20&linkId=eea08d84004a9fcb4f7290277250e22c 
   2. Purchase from Second Flight Books: https://www.bookmanager.com/scndflt/?searchtype=keyword&qs=Marketing+Made+Simple&qs_file=&q=h.tviewer&using_sb=status&qsb=keyword 
3. Marketing Made Simple

What began as a fun, unique way to raise money for a mission trip through watercolor artistry became a passion, a way to connect with others, and a successful business. 

Jessie Roseberry of Roseberry & Co. is a watercolor artist and educator based in West Lafayette, Indiana. While Jessie’s business started small in 2017, she quickly had more work than she could handle on her own. Jessie knew she needed to add help if she wanted to continue serving her clients well.

In this episode of Priority Pursuit, Jessie shares valuable insights into the process of hiring and building a team that will grow and support your business—even if this simply means hiring one person to help you a couple hours per week. 

Jessie explains:

1. How to know you need help within your business
2. The process of adding and training new team members
3. Strategies for overcoming challenges when building your team
4. Helpful tips for when you’re feeling overwhelmed in your business

The insights, honest stories, and wisdom Jessie shares about her business and building a team as a creative entrepreneur are valuable nuggets for any business owner who is feeling a little (or very) overwhelmed and is ready to make a change!

For a more detailed written version of this episode, visit http://victoriarayburnphotography.com/build-your-team-as-a-creative-entrepreneur-jessie-roseberry. 

Mentioned Links & Resources

• Show Notes: http://victoriarayburnphotography.com/build-your-team-as-a-creative-entrepreneur-jessie-roseberry 
• Roseberry & Co.’s Website: https://roseberryandco.com/
• Follow Jessie on Instagram: @roseberryandco or https://www.instagram.com/roseberryandco/

• Follow Jessie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoseberryandCo
• The Goal Digger Podcast with Jenna Kutcher: https://jennakutcherblog.com/goal-digger-podcast/
• The Business Boutique Podcast with Christy Wright:

028. In August, I had the opportunity to attend WPPI—a photography conference in Vegas. I learned a lot and had a great time with my good friend Jasmine Norris. 

But, since attending this conference and specifically Ben Hartley’s “Work Hard on Your Business, Make a Salary. Work Hard on Yourself, Make a Fortune” lecture, there’s been one piece of advice that I can’t stop thinking about, and that’s Ben’s recommendation to “have high standards but low expectations.” 

In this episode of Priority Pursuit, we’re exploring:

1. What it means to have high standards but low expectations
2. Examples of high standards and how to set them
3. How having low expectations can improve your mindset 

You can find a more detailed version of the show notes at http://victoriarayburnphotography.com/why-important-have-high-standards-low-expectations-creative-entrepreneur-according-ben-hartley. 

Links & Mentioned Resources

• WPPI - https://wppiexpo.com/ 
• Ben Hartley - https://benhartley.com/ 
• Booked Solid Course - https://sixfigurephotography.com/booked/ 
• Six Figure Photography Podcast - https://sixfigurephotography.com/ 
• Receive 50% Off Your First Order with Photographer’s Edit - http://victoriarayburnphotography.com/pe/ 
• Save 50% on Your First Six Months of Quickbooks Self-Employed - http://victoriarayburnphotography.com/quickbooks/ 
• Join the Priority Pursuit