The Self Made Life Podcast

Instagram just made a major move into the world of search — and it could transform your visibility. In this episode of The Self Made Life Podcast, Ashley Wyatt breaks down Instagram’s July 2025 SEO update, which now allows your Reels, carousels, and captions to show up directly in Google search results.

Ashley explains what this change means for small business owners, how to prepare your content for maximum reach, and why your website and email list are still the ultimate tools for long-term growth. You’ll learn practical Instagram SEO tips, from keyword-rich captions to alt text optimization, and the exact setting you need to turn on to benefit from this update.

Whether you’re a creative entrepreneur, service-based business owner, or marketer, this episode will help you show up in more places — without creating more content.

What you’ll learn:

What Instagram’s SEO update means for your business

How to make your posts Google-friendly

Why your website and email list still outrank any social media platform

Actionable steps to boost your Instagram SEO today

Episode Links:

Instagram Viral Post

Monarch Design Co.

The Monarch Experience

In this solo episode of The Self Made Life Podcast, Ashley Wyatt pulls back the curtain on what life has really looked like behind the scenes. From welcoming baby #2 just months ago, navigating postpartum anxiety and depression, to scaling her design business Monarch Design Co.—this is an honest conversation about the messy middle of entrepreneurship and motherhood.

Ashley shares the truth about what it’s been like going back to work just 3 weeks postpartum, managing two kids under two, rebuilding momentum in her business after a challenging season, and learning to ask for help. She also talks about how she's restructured her offers, leaned into support systems, and continued to grow her brand despite unexpected curveballs—like her husband being out of work for months.

Whether you're a mom, entrepreneur, or creative juggling too much and wondering how others do it—this episode is for you. It’s not about doing it all. It’s about doing what matters, with intention, grace, and the support you deserve.

If you’ve ever struggled to write your own website copy or thought AI could do the heavy lifting for you, this episode is a must-listen! Ashley is joined by expert copywriter Laura from Copy by Laura to break down why strategic, human-crafted copy is a game changer for your business.

We chat about:

Plus, Laura shares her journey from a government 9-5 to building a thriving copywriting business while balancing motherhood. If you’re considering investing in professional copy, this episode will help you see why it’s worth every penny.

Find Laura at:

https://www.copybylaura.com/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/copybylaura/

Struggling to keep up with content creation? What if I told you that you don’t need to create MORE content—you just need to repurpose it strategically?

In today’s episode, I’m sharing my best-kept secrets for repurposing content across multiple platforms so you can maximize your reach without burning out. Whether you’re posting on Instagram, Pinterest, your blog, email newsletters, or even your podcast, I’ll show you how to take one piece of content and turn it into endless marketing gold.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

Stop overcomplicating your content strategy—start repurposing like a pro! And don’t forget to grab my free Instagram Content Guide to help you plan, create, and repurpose content with ease.

Hit play now and let’s make your content work harder for you!

Download your free IG Content Guide here: Freebie - 50 Instagram Prompts & 12 Canva Templates

In this episode of The Self Made Life Podcast, host Ashley Wyatt sits down with Simcoe County-based brand photographer Brandyn Hollands to discuss his unexpected journey into entrepreneurship. Brandyn shares how he transitioned from retail management to full-time brand photography, the importance of strong visual branding, and why professional brand photos are more than just an expense—they’re an investment in business growth.

Tune in as we chat about the real ROI of brand photography, how to show up confidently in front of the camera, and why every business owner needs a cohesive visual identity. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refresh your branding, this episode is packed with insights to help you level up.

Hit play and get ready to transform your brand visuals!

🔗 Connect with Brandyn: @BrandynHPhoto

Our Website:

Think saving money on DIY branding is smart? Think again. In this episode, we reveal how not investing in professional design is draining your business—resulting in lost clients, wasted time, and missed revenue opportunities. Discover why a strategic brand and website aren’t just extras but essential investments that deliver real ROI. Ready to transform your brand and attract dream clients? Tune in now for insights that could change your business forever.

Want to know how understanding your Human Design can transform your business? In this episode, multi-passionate entrepreneur Elyse Berendson shares her incredible journey from her first taste of entrepreneurship to now running four successful businesses including coaching, a local market, networking events, and speed dating ventures.

Learn the basics of Human Design types, how they affect your work style, and why some entrepreneurs get labeled with ADHD when they might just be Manifesting Generators! Elyse breaks down how Human Design readings help her clients make aligned decisions, build confidence, and create businesses that feel authentic.

We also chat about her brand transformation story - from using basic Canva templates to creating a website that perfectly captures her edgy, soulful vibe and attracts premium clients.

Find Elyse at:

Ready to transform your brand?

What if your dream clients could find you instantly? Fresh from a game-changing ads summit, brand designer Ashley Wyatt shares why being findable is more important than being the best. Learn the real difference between Google and Meta ads, why boosted posts are burning your budget, and how to actually get ROI from your ad spend. Plus, get exclusive access to a founder's-rate beta program that's helping businesses double their visibility. Whether you're just starting with ads or ready to scale, this episode reveals the strategies big brands use to stay at the top. Perfect for business owners tired of throwing money at ads that don't convert.

Our Website:

Are you tired of staring at your phone, unsure what to post for your business? In this episode, social media strategist Julia Walsh shares exactly how to stop stressing and start connecting authentically on social media. You'll learn why the perfectly curated feed is out, and what's actually working in 2025. Julia breaks down practical strategies for building genuine connections, maintaining consistency without overwhelm, and turning followers into paying clients. Perfect for business owners who want to grow their social presence without spending hours creating content.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Connect with Julia:

Ever wonder what really happens when a business owner takes maternity leave? Join Ashley as she returns to The Self Made Life podcast after a two-year break filled with major life changes. She shares the raw truth about running her brand design studio while welcoming her son Grayson, managing postpartum anxiety, buying and renovating a house, and preparing for baby #2. Get the real numbers behind her business during mat leave (including that revealing chat with her bookkeeper!) and practical insights for entrepreneurs balancing parenthood with business growth.

Perfect for creative business owners looking for honest conversations about building a thriving company while growing their family. Whether you're a current parent, planning for the future, or just curious about sustainable business growth, this candid comeback episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build success on your own terms.

Freebies & Resources 

https://view.flodesk.com/pages/623542d17e7ec064e82a1e5c

https://view.flodesk.com/pages/61f86f0c60ada4164ea70198

Our website 

https://themonarchdesign.co/

Follow us on instagram 

https://www.instagram.com/monarchdesignco/

https://www.instagram.com/selfmadelifepodcast/

Listen & Watch on Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_P51cLollAN9EK_4NMvAHQ