 In this episode, with my friend and marketing expert, Alisa Meredith, we're talking the truth about courses vs. memberships. If you've thought of creating one or both, you don't want to miss the episode.   I think you'll be surprised by some of our conclusions.   Topics we discuss in this episode:    Yes, there is a group of people willing to pay your for your expertise, call these your raving fans Setting up a membership or workshop is easier than you think Course are tricky and get outdated People join memberships for the content, but stay for the community People are more forgiving if you show up live We all want connection! Less is more!    Please join the workshop ($10) on Nov. 17th Alisa and I are hosting, showing you how to set up a paid membership in under two hours. It's going to be fun!   If you're looking for new ways to monetize your blog and online business, I think you'll find this episode very interesting!   Show Notes:    MiloTree MiloTree Easy Payments Alisa Meredith MiloTree Easy Payments Workshop Catch My Party Become a Blogger Genius Facebook Group Free MiloTree Blog Post Checklist 5 Secrets Successful Bloggers Already Know Cheat Sheet All Blogger Genius Podcast Episodes    Subscribe to the Blogger Genius Podcast:    iTunes Stitcher YouTube Spotify Amazon Music     Other Blogger Genius Podcast episodes to listen to:     How to Start a Membership to Inspire Others with Roland Denzel  How to Grow a Successful Membership by Loving Your Members with Amy Sadler  How to Set Up a Paid Membership Program with Ease with Melissa Lanz     Imagine a world where growing your social media followers and email list was easy…   If you are looking for ways to grow your community whether that be email whether that be social media, right now head to Milotree.com install the MiloTree app on your blog and it will do the work for you. Let it do the heavy lifting for you.   Let it pop up in front of your visitors and ask them to follow you on Instagram Pinterest, YouTube, Facebook, join your list, check out the exit intent but really get your community growing. And we’d love to help you with MiloTree. And I will see you here again next week.   Sign up for MiloTree now and get your first 30 DAYS FREE!  

#196: The Truth About Courses Vs. Memberships

Welcome! I'm Jillian Leslie, host of The Blogger Genius Podcast and founder of MiloTree.com & CatchMyParty.com, online business thought leader, and Stanford MBA. 

In each episode, I interview other successful bloggers, online entrepreneurs, and online business experts to talk about what's working NOW in the digital space. 

If you're a blogger or an entrepreneur, you'll definitely want to learn how to implement these newest strategies!

I break it down. I'm not afraid to ask hard questions. Real takeaways in every episode! Please read iTunes reviews to see how the podcast has helped others just like you!

This podcast is brought to you by MiloTreeCart, the easiest software for bloggers and online entrepreneurs to sell digital products and MiloTree, the smart social media pop-up app you embed on your website or blog to grow your social media following on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest, plus your email list.

Please reach out to me at jillian@milotree.com with any questions or comments. I'd love to hear from you!

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 Before I discuss the podcast, I’m thrilled to share some updates on MiloTreeCart. We’re transitioning MiloTreeCart to a more traditional subscription model. Therefore our lifetime deal of $349 is being phased out. If you are interested in paying once and owning MiloTreeCart forever and getting a bonus one-hour coaching call with me, Jillian ($300 value), don't wait! Plus, we offer a 30-day guarantee, so there's no risk.   If you want to jump on a free 20-minute exploratory call to see if MiloTreeCart is right for you, just sign up here.   Additionally, we’re introducing in the next two weeks, a new feature to help you offer unlimited freebies and collect email addresses effortlessly! Be on the lookout for my announcement.   And now onto today's, episode...   Content Strategy Will Help You Grow Online   In this episode of The Blogger Genius Podcast, I'm interviewing Amanda Natividad, the VP of Marketing at SparkToro who is also a chef. We talk about current content marketing trends and strategies to get yourself noticed in the crowded online space.   Amanda stresses the importance of creating original and valuable content, going beyond SEO-driven strategies to offer unique insights and expertise to build trust and credibility.   Amanda recommends incorporating personal elements in your content, which is why she adds her own recipes into her marketing newsletter, showcasing her unique perspective and engaging her audience on a deeper level.   Show Notes:    MiloTreeCart  Book a FREE 20-minute call with me  Amanda Natividad  Sparktoro  MiloTree Pop-Up App  Personality Quiz: What Digital Product Should I Create?  Join My Blogger Genius Email List  Become a Blogger Genius Facebook Group  All Blogger Genius Podcast Episodes    Subscribe to the Blogger Genius Podcast:    iTunes  YouTube  Spotify    The Shift in Content Marketing: Originality and Personality   The landscape of content marketing is evolving, with a growing emphasis on having a distinct point of view and injecting personality into content.   In a crowded digital landscape, having a unique perspective can help your content stand out, sharing your own experiences, insights, and expertise. Personal stories and anecdotes can make your content more relatable and engaging.   This also signals to Google and to your audience that there is a real person behind what you create.   Zero-Click Content: Providing Standalone Value   One of the key trends Amanda discusses is the concept of zero-click content. This involves creating content that provides standalone value on social media platforms, without necessarily driving traffic to external websites.   Focusing on creating content that offers value on its own can help you build a stronger presence on social media and engage your audience more effectively. It also makes it easier for potential fans to consume your content without having to leave platforms like Instagram or Twitter.   Amanda also highlights the trend of brands focusing on being people-led, showcasing the people behind the brand and building a more authentic and relatable image.   Dealing with Content Theft and Maintaining a Positive Mindset   Content theft is a common challenge for many marketers and bloggers. Amanda and I discuss the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and focusing on creating new and valuable content instead of dwelling on how bad it feels.   This can help you stay motivated and continue to provide value to your audience. Embracing an abundance mindset by sharing your knowledge and expertise freely can help you build a stronger connection with your audience and establish yourself as a thought leader.   Conclusion: Embracing Originality and Expertise   The conversation between Amanda and me underscores the importance of originality, personalization, and expertise in content marketing. By understanding your audience, injecting personality into your content, and embracing new trends, you can navigate the evolving digital landscape, create more effective marketing strategies, and rise above the noise.   And in the world of AI, when content becomes easier to create, you need new strategies to get noticed. Lean into your humanness and your "vibe."   Other Related Blogger Genius Podcast episodes You’ll Enjoy:    Unleashing the Power of Selling Ebooks: Your Gateway to a Digital Empire with Jillian Leslie  Secret Truths About Selling – Part 1 (Why Is It So Uncomfortable?) with Jillian Leslie   Capitalize on Your “Vibe,” Use It To Grow Your Blog with Jillian Leslie    MiloTreeCart, the Best Tool for Non-Techies to Sell Digital Products     

This Content Strategy Will Help You Rise Above the Noise

 Today's guest on The Blogger Genius Podcast is Danielle Turner from Salt Sanity, a chef and food blogger, who has carved a niche for herself in the world of low sodium cooking.   In this episode, Danielle talks about how she wrote and sold her first successful ebook using MiloTreeCart and how she focused it on all the things she wished she knew after her husband's heart attack.   For the content of her ebook, she used past blog posts. For the marketing and sales, she used MiloTreeCart. She used the AI created sales pages, the launch calendar with daily marketing tasks, and the MiloTreeCart sales email templates to sell with ease.   As a natural over-thinker this strategy worked great for her and she was amazed at the results!   Show Notes:    MiloTreeCart  Book a FREE 20-minute call with me  Salt Sanity  MiloTree Pop-Up App  Personality Quiz: What Digital Product Should I Create?  Join My Blogger Genius Email List  Become a Blogger Genius Facebook Group  All Blogger Genius Podcast Episodes    Subscribe to the Blogger Genius Podcast:    iTunes  YouTube  Spotify    Writing the Ebook You'd Like to Read   Adapting to a low sodium diet (after her husband's heart attack) was a challenge. Recognizing this gap of what she didn't know when she was researching low sodium diets, Danielle was inspired to create a digital guide to help those struggling with similar dietary changes.   Enter MiloTreeCart, the platform that became her ally in this endeavor. With MiloTreeCart, Danielle leveraged her existing blog content to craft her digital guide, simplifying the process with MiloTreeCart's pre-designed email prompts and AI generated sales pages.   Embracing Imperfection and Automation   During our conversation, Danielle admits to being an over-thinker, a trait many of us can relate to. MiloTreeCart provided her with a structured roadmap, encouraging her to take action and embrace the concept of "B-minus work." This mindset allowed her to progress and refine her work, automating tasks like email marketing to focus on what she does best—creating content that resonates with her audience.   The Food Lover's Guide to Low Sodium Living   Danielle's ebook, "The Food Lover's Guide to Low Sodium Living," is a testament to her mission to help people enjoy food while managing their health. The book, a concise yet comprehensive guide of about 58-60 pages, was crafted using a Canva template and initially promoted to her email list. Despite her hesitation to share personal stories, the positive feedback and pre-release interest were affirming.   Beyond the Book: Coaching and Diversification   As Danielle's mentor, I suggest she could expand her offerings by providing coaching calls and creating new ebooks to upsell to her customers. We also discuss the importance of diversifying income streams, especially in light of traffic fluctuations on her blog. By focusing on her engaged audience and exploring avenues like coaching and workshops, Danielle could further solidify her business.   The Takeaway: Overcoming Overthinking   Reflecting on our conversation, my biggest takeaway is the universal challenge of overthinking. Danielle's ability to move past this, to do B-minus work, and to confidently engage with her audience is a powerful transformation. It's a reminder that recognizing our value and exploring new income streams can lead to remarkable growth.   Join the MiloTree Community   If Danielle's story resonates with you and you're curious about how MiloTreeCart can help your business, I invite you to book a 20-minute call with me. Visit milotree.com, and let's discuss your business goals. Remember, we'll soon transition to a monthly subscription, so seize this opportunity!   For any questions, reach out to me at jillian@milotree.com. Share this story with a friend who might benefit, and if you could give us five stars on iTunes, it would mean the world. Join me again next week for more insights and stories from the Blogger Genius podcast.   Other Related Blogger Genius Podcast episodes You’ll Enjoy:    Unleashing the Power of Selling Ebooks: Your Gateway to a Digital Empire with Jillian Leslie  Secret Truths About Selling – Part 1 (Why Is It So Uncomfortable?) with Jillian Leslie   Capitalize on Your “Vibe,” Use It To Grow Your Blog with Jillian Leslie    MiloTreeCart, the Best Tool for Non-Techies to Sell Digital Products   I also want to introduce you to the MiloTreeCart, a tool designed for non-techies to sell digital products easily. It comes with features like fill-in-the-blank sales pages, check-out pages, a sales dashboard, upsells, and customer support. MiloTreeCart is currently available for a lifetime deal of $349 or three easy installments of $116.33. 

Why You Should Write the Ebook You'd Like to Read

 Today I'm sharing a special episode that I recorded based on my conversations with you. I get on calls with bloggers and almost daily. I see where so many of you struggle.   In this episode, I'm sharing the five things I recommend you start putting into place now so that you can thrive in the ever-changing landscape of blogging and online business.   The Importance of Adaptation in Business   The business model for online entrepreneurship has undergone a significant transformation over the last six month. It's no longer just about putting content out there with the right keywords and hoping for the best when it comes to Google.   Biggest takeaway of the episode:  Today, it's about growing an engaged audience and effectively selling to them.  Show Notes:    MiloTreeCart  Book a FREE 20-minute call with me  Catch My Party  MiloTree Pop-Up App  Personality Quiz: What Digital Product Should I Create?  Join My Blogger Genius Email List  Become a Blogger Genius Facebook Group  All Blogger Genius Podcast Episodes    Subscribe to the Blogger Genius Podcast:    iTunes  YouTube  Spotify    Five Key Tips for Online Business Success   With the headwinds bloggers are facing, such as the rise of AI, updates to Google's algorithm, and a decline in revenue from traditional sources like display ads and affiliate marketing things can feel daunting. But with the right approach, they can be overcome.    So here are the five things I recommend you start putting into place to find financial success as a blogger and online entrepreneur.     Define Your Niche    The first step to success is defining your niche. It's essential to narrow down your focus to communicate clearly the problem you solve. This specificity helps attract the right audience who are looking for exactly what you have to offer. Remember, when you try to appeal to everyone, you often connect with no one.     Develop a Strong Personal Brand    Your personal brand, or as I like to call it, your "vibe," is what sets you apart in a crowded market. It's about showing up as a human, connecting with your audience on a personal level, and expressing what makes you unique within your niche. Your authenticity is your greatest asset.     Diversify Your Traffic Sources    Relying solely on Google for traffic is a risky strategy. Diversifying your traffic sources can protect you against algorithm changes and other uncertainties. Platforms like Pinterest and Instagram are not just for sharing content; they're powerful tools for driving traffic and building your personal brand.     Prioritize Your Email List    Your email list is a goldmine. It's the key to developing deep relationships with your true fans and driving sales. Unlike social media followers, you own your email list, and it allows you to communicate directly with your audience without the interference of algorithms.     Choose Easy Tech Tools    In the world of online business, technology can be both a blessing and a curse. While there are countless tools out there promising to make your life easier, it's important to choose simple and effective solutions. Avoid expensive and complicated platforms that can lead to frustration and wasted resources.   Updates on MiloTree and MiloTreeCart and MiloTreeFreebies   I'm thrilled to share some updates on MiloTree and MiloTree Cart. We're transitioning MiloTree Cart to a more traditional subscription model, which will provide even more value to our users. Additionally, we're introducing MiloTreeFreebies, a new product designed to help creators like you grow your email lists efficiently.   The Journey of Online Business   I want to remind you that online business is a journey, complete with its ups and downs. It's a path of continuous learning and adaptation. I'm here to support you every step of the way, and I invite you to reach out with your feedback and questions. Together, we can navigate the ever-changing digital landscape and achieve our entrepreneurial goals.    Thank you for joining me on this adventure. Remember, the key to success is staying informed, being adaptable, and always striving to connect with your audience on a deeper level. Let's keep the conversation going and build our online empires with confidence and creativity.   Other Related Blogger Genius Podcast episodes You’ll Enjoy:    2024 SEO Shifts: Strategies for Success Today with Lily Ray   Capitalize on Your “Vibe,” Use It To Grow Your Blog with Jillian Leslie   Boost Your Blog Pageviews with Pinterest Now with Kayla Watkins    MiloTreeCart, the Best Tool for Non-Techies to Sell Digital Products   I also want to introduce you to the MiloTreeCart, a tool designed for non-techies to sell digital products easily. It comes with features like fill-in-the-blank sales pages, check-out pages, a sales dashboard, upsells, and customer support. MiloTreeCart is currently available for a lifetime deal of $349 or three easy installments of $116.33.   

5 Essential Tips for Growing a Successful Blog Now

 What happens when your blog takes a major traffic hit after years of blogging and steady growth?   I'm Jillian Leslie, host of The Blogger Genius Podcast. I sast down with Nell Foster from Joy Us Garden to talk about this. Nell is a blogger, YouTuber, author, and gardener with over 50 years of experience with plants.   In my interview with Nell, we cover everything from how she stumbled into blogging, grew her business, grew her YouTube subscribers, and now is pivoting her business after getting impacted by Google algorithm updates and after losing 90% of her traffic.   Show Notes:    MiloTreeCart: Digital Product Sales Software  Book Your FREE 20-Minute Strategy Call  Joy Us Garden  Blog Post Checklist FREEBIE  MiloTree Pop-Up App   Become a Blogger Genius Facebook Group  All Blogger Genius Podcast Episodes    Subscribe to the Blogger Genius Podcast:    iTunes  YouTube  Spotify    The Seed of an Idea: Nell's Journey Begins   Nell's career started with selling gardening accessories. As the digital world evolved, she expanded into blogging and creating YouTube content, amassing over 135,000 YouTube subscribers.   Overcoming Digital Challenges   Nell discusses a significant setback when a Google algorithm update drastically reduced her blog's traffic. Instead of giving up, she's diversified her income by selling digital products like  ebooks (which you can now  write easily with ChatGPT), demonstrating the importance of adaptability in the online world.   Diversifying Income Streams   Nell has developed multiple income streams, including ad revenue, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing. She also sells digital products and focuses on business growth, ensuring her business's sustainability.   Expanding Monetization Strategies   Nell talks about her book launch for beginner gardeners and her interest in new monetization methods, such as starting a membership site and converting workshop content into  ebooks she's selling with MiloTreeCart. I encouraged her to use her online presence and expertise to boost sales through her email list, YouTube channel, and blog.   Building a Community and Engagement   Nell is dedicated to growing her email list which is currently over 14,000 subscribers and engaging with her audience through weekly newsletters and social media. She emphasizes community building and drives traffic to her blog and YouTube channel with strategic content. Her team, including virtual assistants and content contributors, is essential in developing her business with new workshops and book projects.   Conclusion:   Nell's story highlights the dynamic nature of online business and the importance of being flexible and resilient. Her journey offers inspiration for anyone looking to establish or grow their digital presence. Keep an eye out for more stories and tips from online entrepreneurs on The Blogger Genius Podcast.   Other Related Blogger Genius Podcast episodes You’ll Enjoy:    2024 SEO Shifts: Strategies for Success Today with Lily Ray  Master Google Updates: Essential Survival Guide for Niche Bloggers! with Steve Wiideman   Boost Your Blog Pageviews with Pinterest Now with Kayla Watkins    MiloTreeCart, the Best Tool for Non-Techies to Sell Digital Products   I also want to introduce you to the MiloTreeCart, a tool designed for non-techies to sell digital products easily. It comes with features like fill-in-the-blank sales pages, check-out pages, a sales dashboard, upsells, and customer support. Mil 

How to Pivot Your Blog If You've Taken a Traffic Hit

 Today I'm diving deep into the ever-evolving landscape of SEO and content creation. I'm thrilled to share with you a treasure trove of insights from my recent conversation with SEO expert and DJ, Lily Ray.   The Quest for Diverse Income Streams   Let's first talk about diversifying your income streams. Are you still tethered to traditional monetization methods like ads and affiliate links? It's time to chart a new course with MiloTreeCart. With MiloTreeCart, you can sell unlimited memberships, digital downloads, workshops, coaching, and mini-courses in a snap. Our AI sales pages are a game-changer, and I'm here to guide you through crafting your personalized digital product strategy. Book a free 20-minute Zoom call with me at milotree.com and prepare to be amazed.   Show Notes:    MiloTreeCart: Digital Product Sales Software  Book Your FREE 20-Minute Strategy Call  Lily Ray  Blog Post Checklist FREEBIE  MiloTree Pop-Up App  Join My Blogger Genius Email List  Become a Blogger Genius Facebook Group  All Blogger Genius Podcast Episodes    Subscribe to the Blogger Genius Podcast:    iTunes  YouTube  Spotify    The SEO Landscape: Decoding Google's Algorithm Updates   In this episode, we delve into the  recent Google algorithm updates that have sent shockwaves through the blogging community. Lily Ray, a seasoned SEO strategist, sheds light on what Google is seeking and how to adapt to these changes. We discuss the importance of expanding your digital footprint, embracing platforms like YouTube, and creating content that resonates with your audience and Google's algorithms.   Deciphering Google's Current Mindset   Google's recent updates, particularly the Helpful Content Update. (HCU), have targeted specific types of content, emphasizing expertise, authority, and trust. Lily emphasizes the importance of understanding that these cycles of updates are not new and that recovery from such hits can take time. She encourages publishers to look beyond SEO and consider  building a brand that engages with audiences across various platforms.   The Plight of Niche Bloggers   The impact of Google's updates on niche bloggers can be devastating, as seen with a Trader Joe's enthusiast who lost significant traffic overnight. Lily advises affected bloggers to diversify their content and presence, such as starting a YouTube channel,  lean into food blogging, or exploring other social media platforms like  Pinterest for traffic. This approach can help break free from the patterns that led to being grouped with negatively impacted sites.   Embracing AI in Content Creation   The rise of AI in content creation presents both opportunities and challenges. Lily cautions against mass auto-generating content, which goes against Google's guidelines. Instead, she suggests using AI tools judiciously to enhance the content creation process while maintaining originality and value.   Final Thoughts and Resources   As we conclude our interview, I invite you to revisit the basics with my updated blog post checklist, designed to ensure your posts are thorough and engaging. Download it at milotree.com/blogpostchecklist and continue building the blog and business of your dreams.   Join me on this adventure as we navigate the tides of SEO, learn from the experts, and embrace new strategies to thrive in the digital world. Stay tuned for more insights and inspiration on the Blogger Genius podcast.   Other Related Blogger Genius Podcast episodes You’ll Enjoy:    Master Google Updates: Essential Survival Guide for Niche Bloggers! with Steve Wiideman  How to Make Money Blogging in 2024 (New Trends) with Jillian Leslie   Boost Your Blog Pageviews with Pinterest Now with Kayla Watkins    MiloTreeCart, the Best Tool for Non-Techies to Sell Digital Products   I also want to introduce you to the MiloTreeCart, a tool designed for non-techies to sell digital products easily. It comes with features like fill-in-the-blank sales pages, check-out pages, a sales dashboard, upsells, and customer support. MiloTreeCart is currently available for a lifetime deal of $349 or three easy installments of $116.33. 

#196: The Truth About Courses Vs. Memberships

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