Take Your Shot Podcast

Are you ready to make your website more effective and user-friendly? In this episode of the Take Your Shot podcast, I sit down with SEO and marketing expert Rachel Woods to discuss essential tips for optimizing your website for both user experience and SEO. Whether you’re a creative business owner or photographer, Rachel shares actionable advice on improving your site’s performance, increasing visibility, and converting visitors into clients.

• Why your website’s mobile performance matters most for SEO
• Common mistakes in website SEO and how to fix them
• Tools for auditing your site’s performance, including PageSpeed Insights and UberSuggest
• Practical tips for optimizing image sizes, alt text, and meta descriptions
• How to audit and fix broken links to improve your site’s ranking

• Free SEO Resources:
• Page Speed Insights
• UberSuggest
• Broken Link Checker
• TinyPNG
• My Website Image Workflow (this blog post goes through the steps Rachel discussed on the pod)
• Contact Me & Free Tips/Tools:
• Rachel's Website
• Rachel's Blog (lots of free resources!)
• Join Rachel's Email List (2x per month tips and tools)
• Rachel's Free SEO Toolkit
• Instagram: @woodsmarcom
• LinkedIn: Rachel A. Woods

We're all about supporting and elevating creative business owners, and so along with our weekly business podcast, we have so much more to share with you! Get plugged in, take what you need, and let me know how I can continue to support you in your business.

• Join our free online community
• Free resources and discounts!
• Coaching opportunities with Halle
• More business resources

If you enjoyed this episode of the Take Your Shot Podcast, don’t forget to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Follow on Spotify

Thank you for tuning in! If you found this conversation helpful, let’s connect on Instagram, where I share more tips and support for creative entrepreneurs like you.

Instagram: Take Your Shot Collective

Episode Show Notes: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/how-to-optimize-your-website-for-seo-and-user-experience-with-rachel-woods/

Are you a creative business owner who cringes at the thought of sales? In this episode of the Take Your Shot podcast, I sit down with Nikki Rausch, CEO of Sales Maven, to discuss how you can approach selling in a way that feels natural, authentic, and not pushy. Nikki’s expertise in sales and neurolinguistic programming will help you reframe the sales process into something collaborative and confidence-boosting.

• How to reframe sales as a collaborative process rather than a “convincing game”
• The 5-Step Selling Staircase framework for successful sales
• Tips for creating a powerful introduction and making the right first impression
• How to ask the right questions during a discovery call
• Presenting your proposal and closing without feeling awkward or pushy
• The concept of inviting clients to work with you, rather than "selling" to them

Download Nikki’s Free E-Book: "Closing the Sale" for tips on boosting your confidence during the closing process. Get it here

Connect with Nikki Roush:

• Sales Maven Website
• Sales Maven Podcast

We're all about supporting and elevating creative business owners, and so along with our weekly business podcast, we have so much more to share with you! Get plugged in, take what you need, and let me know how I can continue to support you in your business!

• Join our free online community
• Free resources and discounts!
• Coaching opportunities with Halle
• More business resources

If you enjoyed this episode of the Take Your Shot Podcast, don’t forget to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Follow on Spotify

Thank you for tuning in! If you found this conversation helpful, let’s connect on Instagram, where I share more tips and support for creative entrepreneurs like you.

Instagram: Take Your Shot Collective

Episode Show Notes: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/selling-without-feeling-salesy-insights-from-nikki-rausch/

Are you looking to build stronger connections in the wedding photography industry? In this episode of the Take Your Shot podcast, I chat with Katy Murray from the Ginger Biz podcast about how to leverage styled shoots to expand your network. Katy shares her journey from photography to becoming a human resources professional and how she has used styled shoots not just to build her portfolio but to create meaningful relationships with other vendors and professionals in the industry.

We dive into strategies for hosting styled shoots that go beyond just taking pretty pictures. Katy explains how to use these shoots as a tool for networking and getting your name out there, leading to more opportunities, publications, and real wedding bookings. Whether you're new to styled shoots or looking to enhance your networking game, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Key Takeaways:

• How to use styled shoots for networking and not just for building a portfolio
• Tips on choosing the right vendors and creating meaningful connections
• The importance of follow-up and maintaining relationships
• Best practices for coordinating styled shoots and ensuring everyone benefits

Follow Katy Murray:

• Katy’s Instagram: Ginger Biz
• Katy’s Website: Ginger Biz

Follow me on Instagram

Instagram: Take Your Shot Collective

More From Take Your Shot Collective 

We're all about supporting and elevating creative business owners, and so along with our weekly business podcast we have so much more to share with you! Get plugged in, take what you need, and let me know how I can continue to support you in your business!

Join our free online community

Free resources and discounts!

Coaching opportunities with Halle

More business resources

Did you find this helpful? 

If you enjoyed this episode of the Take Your Shot Podcast, don’t forget to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts 

Follow on Spotify

Episode Show Notes:

https://takeyourshotcollective.com/how-photographers-can-leveraging-styled-shoots-to-build-their-network/

Thank you for tuning in! If this episode was helpful, share it on your story and tag me—I’d love to hear how you’re leveraging styled shoots to network and grow your photography business. Let’s keep the conversation going!

Tips for automating and selling out your mini sessions

Are you thinking about hosting mini sessions this season but unsure how to make them successful? In this episode of the Take Your Shot podcast, I’m diving into all things mini sessions! Whether you love them or feel like you’ve struggled to make them work in the past, I’m sharing practical tips from my own experience to help you succeed.

We’ll cover everything from what mini sessions are, how to structure them, marketing strategies, pricing, and even mistakes I’ve made so you can avoid them. I’ll also share ideas for making the booking process easy for both you and your clients, using tools like Dubsado and PickTime to automate the process and deliver an amazing client experience.

Key Takeaways:

• How to define and structure mini sessions for your business
• Finding the right pricing sweet spot for your target audience
• Marketing strategies, including email lists, social media, and incentives
• Tools for automating the booking process and delivering galleries
• Post-session upselling tips to increase your revenue

Connect with me on Instagram:

Instagram: Take Your Shot Collective

Tools and resources

Episode Show Notes: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/tips-for-automating-and-selling-out-your-mini-sessions/

Thank you for tuning in! If you’re hosting mini sessions this year or have questions, reach out to me on Instagram—I’d love to hear your plans and help support you. Don’t forget to subscribe for more tips on running a successful photography business!

Are you struggling to get your website noticed? Have you ever wondered how cornerstone content can boost your SEO strategy and drive qualified traffic to your site? In this episode of the Take Your Shot podcast, I sit down with SEO expert Eden Sloboth, founder of Maven Made Copy, to discuss the importance of cornerstone content in transforming your website's SEO strategy.

We dive into what cornerstone content is, how to choose the right topics, and why it’s a game-changer for improving search engine rankings. Eden shares practical tips for structuring your cornerstone posts, optimizing for keywords, and maintaining fresh, updated content to keep Google interested.

Key Takeaways:

• What cornerstone content is and how it can transform your website
• How to choose the right cornerstone topics for your business
• The SEO advantages of cornerstone content in ranking for more keywords
• Tips for structuring and updating your cornerstone blog posts
• Tools for keyword research and practical steps to get started

Connect with Eden Sloboth:

• Eden’s Website: Maven Made Copy
• Eden’s Instagram: @mavenmadecopy

Resources Mentioned:

• Download Eden’s free blogging template here
• Get your free SEO Ebook here
• Access the brand audit workbook here

Follow me on Instagram:

Instagram: Take Your Shot Collective

More From Take Your Shot Collective 

We're all about supporting and elevating creative business owners, and so along with our weekly business podcast we have so much more to share with you! Get plugged in, take what you need, and let me know how I can continue to support you in your business!

Join our free online community

Free resources and discounts!

Coaching opportunities with Halle

More business resources

Did you find this helpful? 

If you enjoyed this episode of the Take Your Shot Podcast, don’t forget to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts 

Follow on Spotify

Episode Show Notes:

https://takeyourshotcollective.com/how-cornerstone-content-plays-a-role-in-seo-strategy-with-eden-sloboth/

Are you looking to grow your photography business and connect with clients on a deeper level? In this episode of the Take Your Shot podcast, I chat with Kendra Swalls, a marketing expert, photographer, and host of the Girl Means Business podcast. Kendra shares her insights on how photographers can effectively use email marketing to build strong client relationships, increase bookings, and create a sustainable business model.

We dive into why email marketing is a foundational strategy that every photographer should embrace. Kendra talks about common misconceptions, the importance of nurturing your email list, and practical tips on creating lead magnets that attract your ideal clients. She also covers how to segment your audience, craft engaging emails, and leverage automations to save time and maintain consistent communication.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of building an email list from the start of your business
• How to create lead magnets that appeal to your ideal clients
• Strategies for nurturing your email list and turning subscribers into loyal customers
• Tools and platforms for building and managing your email marketing

Connect with Kendra Swalls:

• Kendra’s Instagram: Girl Means Business
• Kendra’s Website: Girl Means Business

Looking to grow your business even more? Check out my business resources page:

Take Your Shot Collective Business Resources

Interested in 1:1 coaching to take your photography business to the next level? Learn more here:

1:1 Coaching with Halle

JOIN US IN ARIZONA for our next workshop!!!

Apply to the workshop! Use code “TYS600” to get an additional $600 off!

Link to Apply

Follow me on Instagram

Instagram: Take Your Shot Collective

Are you struggling with wearing too many hats in your business? Have you ever wondered how to effectively scale and outsource to free up your time? In today's episode, we chat with Christi Johnson, a business strategist for creative entrepreneurs, about how to identify what tasks to outsource and the key steps to scale your business. Christi shares her journey from wedding photography to business strategy and offers practical advice on growing your email list, conducting market research, and executing successful launches.

Learn More from Christi:

• Website: christijohnsoncreative.com
• Instagram:  https://instagram.com/christijohnsoncreative

EPISODE SHOW NOTES: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/scaling-and-outsourcing-for-creative-entrepreneurs-with-christi-johnson/

Stay Connected:

• Join our free online community
• More resources here

Are you a wedding photographer wondering if it’s time to adjust your pricing? In this episode of the Take Your Shot podcast, I dive into the ins and outs of photography pricing—specifically when to raise your rates and when you might need to lower them. With the wedding photography market constantly shifting, it's crucial to evaluate your current pricing strategy to ensure it aligns with your business goals.

I discuss key indicators that it might be time to raise your prices, such as booking weddings too quickly, experiencing increased demand, or recognizing the investments you've made in your photography business. On the other hand, I also cover scenarios where lowering your photography prices might be the right move, such as entering a new market or adapting to changes in your target audience’s needs.

This episode is packed with practical advice for wedding photographers on how to evaluate and adjust their pricing strategy. Whether you're overwhelmed by too many bookings or struggling to book weddings at the right price, this episode will help you find that sweet spot.

Key Takeaways:

• How to recognize when it’s time to raise your wedding photography prices
• Situations where lowering your photography pricing might make sense
• The importance of understanding your market and ideal wedding clients
• Strategies for adjusting your prices without devaluing your work

JOIN US IN ARIZONA for our next workshop!!!

We’re hosting an in-person, 5-day workshop in Scottsdale Arizona where we will be kicking off 2025 with incredible community, business coaching, and some content shoots! Join us January 5-9 for our next Take Your Shot Workshop! Link to Apply

Resources:

• Free Business Resources to help you scale your wedding photography business
• Connect with Halle on Instagram @takeyourshotcollective

EPISODE SHOW NOTES: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/when-to-raise-or-lower-your-photography-prices-a-guide-for-wedding-photographers/

Thank you for tuning in! If this episode was helpful, share it on your instagram story and tag me—I’d love to hear how you’re navigating your wedding photography pricing strategy. Let’s keep the conversation going!

Are you struggling with inefficiencies in your business? Have you ever wondered how to streamline your processes to save time and money? In this episode, we chat with Sandra Henderson, a photographer and systems strategist, about five common mistakes business owners make and how to avoid them. Sandra shares insights on improving client communication, automating processes, and simplifying workflows. Tune in to learn actionable tips that can help you enhance client satisfaction and boost your business efficiency.

Learn from Sandra:

Sandra Henderson is a systems strategist, HoneyBook Educator, photographer, and host of the Keeping It Candid podcast. As a neurodivergent entrepreneur who navigates chronic illness life, she takes a unique approach to utilizing systems, workflows, and automations to help her run two different businesses while still being able to give her mind and body what they need. Her goal is to use that same approach to help photographers and wedding pros create strategic systems for their businesses so they can continue to thrive no matter what life throws their way.

• Sandra’s Instagram: Life is Beautiful London | Simply Sandra Yvonne
• Sandra’s Masterclass: https://simplysandrayvonne.ca/masterclass 

Additional resources:

• Join our free online community
• Apply for 1:1 coaching with Halle
• More resources here

We've reached a major milestone—one year of Take Your Shot Podcast! In this ONE YEAR episode, I reflect on the past year, sharing the valuable lessons learned and the challenges overcome. From navigating unexpected roadblocks to embracing imperfection, this past year has been such an impactful one and it’s been so fun to see the fruits of the hard work. So,  whether you've been with us from the start or are just joining today for the first time, thank you for being part of this community.

More From Take Your Shot Collective 

We're all about supporting and elevating creative business owners, and so along with our weekly business podcast we have so much more to share with you! Get plugged in, take what you need, and let me know how I can continue to support you in your business!

Join our free online community

Free resources and discounts!

Coaching opportunities with Halle

More business resources

Did you find this helpful? 

If you enjoyed this episode of the Take Your Shot Podcast, don’t forget to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts 

Follow on Spotify

Say hi on Instagram

Instagram: Take Your Shot Collective

EPISODE SHOW NOTES: https://takeyourshotcollective.com/celebrating-one-year-of-take-your-shot-reflecting-on-lessons-learned/

It’s time to take your shot - let’s do this!