Step-by-Step Online Business

How do you describe what you do so people understand? You describe your work using clear outcomes instead of abstract language. A strong description explains who your work is for, what result you help create, and what changes after working with you. For example, instead of saying “I empower people,” you would say “I help new managers lead their first team with confidence.” ***** When someone asks what you do, and you say something like: “I empower women to build confidence,” or “I help people align with their purpose,” you may feel like you’ve explained what you do, but ... From your perspective, it makes perfect sense, but the person listening still doesn't know what they would receive from working with you. They are wondering: What do you do, exactly? Is this something that could help me? What would I even be getting if I said yes? Phrasing like "I empower..." describes a mission, not a service. It puts the burden on them to figure out what you do, and they’ll usually decide it is not something they need. You're describing a feeling. They're looking for a result. That disconnect makes it easy for them to move on without taking action. 👉People Respond to Outcomes They Can Picture When people ask what you do, or read your profile on LinkedIn, they're not there to interpret a mission statement. They're simply looking for a straightforward description of the work you do and who it's for. A better approach is to describe the kind of result your work helps someone achieve. For example, instead, “I help people step into their power”, you might say, “I help new managers lead their first team with confidence”. Instead of, “I guide clients toward transformation”, try, “I work with business owners to streamline their operations so they can focus on growth”. These versions are still professional, but also show what result or transformation your work leads to. That makes it easier for someone to understand if your services are relevant to them or to someone they know. Most importantly, it shows a before and after. It gives people something they can visualize, even if they don't need it right now. Outcome-based language also makes your message easier to repeat. Someone can tell a friend, “She helps people manage their time better so they’re not working nights and weekends.” That kind of phrasing is shareable. What to Avoid Mission-driven phrasing that doesn't reference a result. Abstract language that could apply to almost any field. Descriptions that focus entirely on feelings or internal transformation. Statements that sound inspirational but offer no practical takeaway. My favorite is "descriptions that focus entirely on feelings or internal transformation". This applies to statements like “I help people feel more empowered,” “I support personal breakthroughs,” or “I guide clients toward self-trust”. Each of the statements above describe a journey, but not what that journey involves. While emotional growth or personal development may be part of the work, a description that stops there creates too much distance between the reader and the result. The person on the other end doesn't know what to expect, how it applies to them, or what would change in their life. Emotional language without context makes it difficult for someone to connect the dots between your work and their needs. What to Aim For Phrases that show who the work is for and descriptions that help someone picture (physically picture) what they might gain. ✨✨If someone could take a photo of the result, what would be in that frame? Would it show someone leading a team meeting with confidence? Wrapping up their workday before dinner? Launching a new service? Sending out their first client proposal? If your current description reads like a vision statement, consider adjusting it to show what your work makes possible. The goal isn't to reduce the meaning of your work. It is to make it easier for someone else to understand.   RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →  

Making the shift from corporate to consultant can create more flexibility, ownership, and alignment with the kind of work you want to do. But it also requires a thoughtful transition. If you’ve built experience inside an organization and are now ready to offer that expertise independently, here are seven practical steps to help you move forward. Step 1: Identify What You’re Already Known For Before updating your LinkedIn headline or designing a logo, take a closer look at what people already come to you for. What questions do coworkers ask you? What projects have you led or cleaned up? These are clues that point to your consulting foundation. Your early consulting offers do not need to cover everything you’ve ever done. Focus on the areas where your knowledge already delivers results. Step 2: Define a Specific Problem You Solve Businesses hire consultants to solve problems. Instead of saying you offer strategy or support, define a specific outcome. For example: “Help marketing teams launch email campaigns faster” or “Streamline onboarding processes for remote teams.” The more clearly you define your value, the easier it becomes for potential clients to see how you can help. Step 3: Choose Your Consulting Model Consulting can take many forms. You might work on a retainer, offer a project-based service, provide one-on-one advisory calls, or lead workshops. Choose a format that matches both the type of support you enjoy offering and the kind of result your clients want. You can start with one simple offer, then build from there as your business grows. Step 4: Set Up a Simple Client Process You do not need a full website or fancy funnel to begin. At the start, what you need is clarity. Define how someone can work with you, how they contact you, how you price your offer, and how you deliver the work. This can be a short service menu, a payment link, and a scheduling tool. Keep it easy for both you and your clients. Step 5: Let People Know You’re Available Start by telling people you trust—former colleagues, mentors, or people in your professional network. Share what you’re offering and who it’s for. Focus on being specific and helpful, not promotional. Many early consulting clients come through referrals, especially when people know exactly how to describe what you do. Step 6: Work With Your First Few Clients and Gather Feedback In the beginning, your priority is experience and clarity. Every client helps you refine your process, language, pricing, and positioning. Ask what worked, what felt unclear, and where they found the most value. This feedback is the foundation for strengthening your offer and growing with intention. Step 7: Treat Your Consulting Like a Business As you gain momentum, begin building the infrastructure that supports consistency. This might include tracking inquiries, building a repeatable onboarding system, creating a simple website, and defining your core services. You’re not just offering support—you’re building a business around your expertise.   Becoming a consultant is not about having all the answers from day one. It’s about offering real value based on what you already know and creating a structure that lets you deliver it. Start with what you have, grow through real work, and keep refining along the way. The shift from employee to consultant is not a leap. It’s a series of steps you can start taking right now.  RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →  

  Copywriting is often thought of as writing that sells, but what actually makes it persuasive has little to do with the writing itself and everything to do with the psychology behind it. When someone reads a website, an email, or a sales page, they're not making decisions based on facts alone. They're reacting to how something makes them feel, whether they trust the person behind the words, and whether they believe the offer will help them in the way they want to be helped. The role of psychology in copywriting is to guide people toward a decision by recognizing what they value, what they fear, and what tends to make them hesitate. One of the biggest influences in copywriting is the way we use social proof. When someone sees that others have already taken a certain action and benefitted from it, it reduces the sense of risk. This is especially helpful when what you are offering is unfamiliar or feels like a big commitment. Another example is the principle of loss aversion. People are often more motivated to avoid missing out than to gain something new. This is why phrases that hint at something going away or being limited in some way can create a feeling of urgency. Good copy anticipates questions before someone has to ask them. It addresses concerns without sounding defensive. It makes people feel seen and understood, rather than sold to. This happens through psychology. For example: When someone feels uncertain, they look for simple next steps. When something feels overwhelming, they will delay making a decision. When they feel like the writer understands their situation, they are more likely to keep reading and eventually take action. Coaches and consultants who are not in the business world often feel unsure about how to write about their services. They may worry that persuasive writing is manipulative or overly pushy, but when it's rooted in psychology, copywriting becomes a way to make the decision-making process easier for the reader. It respects their time and their intelligence by giving them what they need to make a decision they feel good about.   Real-life examples: 1. Parenting Coach Before using copy psychology: Her homepage said she helps parents “find balance and connection at home.” Visitors skimmed it and bounced. She wasn’t sure why no one was booking consults. After using copy psychology: She rewrote her site to speak directly to stressed-out parents who “dread the 3 p.m. school pickup.” She used specific phrases parents say like “I feel like I yell all the time.”    2. Grief Counselor Before: Her email opt-in said “Join my newsletter for tools and inspiration.” No one signed up. She felt discouraged. After: She rewrote her opt-in to say “When you’re grieving, people don’t always know what to say. I do. I send one short email every week to help you feel less alone.” People replied to say thank you.   3. Voice Coach for Actors Before: Her offer was “One-on-one voice lessons for all levels.” It sounded professional but bland. Her site visitors didn’t really engage. After: She added copy that said, “If you avoid auditions with singing because you’re not confident in your voice, this is for you.” She included a short client story. Now actors DM her saying, “I felt like you were talking directly to me.”   4. Career Coach for Teachers Before: Her headline said “Helping you transition to a new role.” She thought it sounded professional. But teachers didn’t understand what it meant or how she could help. After: She changed it to “Want to leave teaching but don’t know what else you’re qualified for?” Teachers immediately clicked. Her calendar filled with consults.   5. Creativity Coach for Writers Before: She promoted her offer as “Weekly coaching to help you write more consistently.” Writers didn’t respond. After: She used emotional copy: “You’ve been stuck on the same first chapter for months. Let’s finish that draft together, without the pressure to be perfect.” Sign-ups increased and writers said, “This is exactly what I’ve been looking for.”   6. Body Image Coach for Teens Before: Her program was described as “Body positivity coaching for teen girls.” Parents didn’t understand what it meant. After: She reframed it as “Helping your teen change how she talks to herself, so she stops saying ‘I look disgusting’ every time she sees a photo.” Parents reached out with tears and relief.   7. Wellness Consultant for Nurses Before: She wrote social posts with tips like “Remember to hydrate and stretch during your shift.” Engagement was low. After: She posted stories like “I worked 12 hours without eating and came home crying in my car. That’s when I knew I needed a new routine.” Nurses commented, shared, and started following.    Ready to use copy psychology in your own business? Step-by-step... Think of one person you’ve helped. Picture a real client, not a general audience. Write down what things looked like for them before they worked with you. What were they frustrated with? What had they already tried? What were they unsure about? Now write down what changed after they worked with you. What became easier? What started to work? What did they feel more confident doing? Keep it simple and specific. Use regular language. Don’t try to make it sound fancy. Use what you wrote to shape your copy. These before and after details can show up on your website, in your emails, and even in how you talk about your work. When someone sees their own situation in your "before" and their hope in your "after," they are much more likely to feel like your service is a fit for them.   They'll read more of what you write. Once you start using psychology in your copy, people begin to respond in more meaningful ways. Instead of skimming and leaving, they stay longer and keep reading. You might notice more replies to your emails or hear someone say, "It felt like you were talking directly to me." Your words feel relevant because they speak to what someone is actually experiencing. Rather than focusing on what you offer, you begin focusing on what your clients are going through. Maybe they feel overwhelmed. Maybe they're unsure where to start or stuck in the middle of something they thought they could finish on their own. When your copy reflects those moments, it builds trust because the reader feels like you understand them. Using psychology helps you move from describing your services to showing someone what life could look like after working with you. Your message becomes a way of saying, "I understand where you are, and here's how I can help you overcome obstacles." You don't need a background in marketing to do this well. You just need to listen closely to what people say before they choose to work with you and notice what changes for them afterward.  Good copy doesn't rely on clever phrases or complicated frameworks. It speaks to one person who wants support and wants to feel understood. RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →    

From Career to Consulting: Turning Expertise into Opportunity Step 1: Job Most professionals begin their working life with a single goal in mind: get a job. In those early stages, the focus is on gaining experience, developing skills, and finding a reliable place to grow. A job provides structure and the opportunity to learn from others. It's the foundation on which everything else is built. Step 2: Career As time passes, that job often evolves into a career. You begin to make strategic decisions about where you want to go, what industry you want to shape, and how you define success. You become more confident in your abilities and start making contributions that have a visible impact. A career demands more than just skill. It requires initiative, resilience, and purpose. Step 3: Coach/Consultant Eventually, with enough time, reflection, and repetition, something deeper happens. You move from being capable to being trusted. You develop a reputation not just for doing the work, but for doing it well and doing it consistently. Others begin seeking your input. You're asked to mentor new employees, lead complex projects, and fix what others cannot. At this point, you're no longer just building a career. You've become an expert. This is when consulting becomes not only possible but practical.   Why and When Consulting Makes Sense Consulting isn't simply a career change. It's a shift in ownership. When you consult, you're no longer offering your skills in service of someone else’s business. You're offering your perspective, your process, and your ability to solve problems as the product itself. This transition works best when you already have a strong foundation of knowledge, experience, and relationships. You're likely already helping others informally by answering questions, reviewing plans, or providing recommendations, all without thinking much of it. These moments are not just favors. They're signals. They suggest that your insights hold value. Consulting allows you to turn that value into something structured and sustainable.   Indicators That You're Ready to Consult or Coach There is no single formula, but several signs suggest it may be time to consider this path: You're frequently asked for advice or guidance in your area of expertise. You see patterns and solutions more quickly than others do. You feel ready to work with more autonomy and choose the projects you take on. You're motivated to create something of your own, even if you remain passionate about your field. If these statements feel familiar, it's likely that you've already outgrown the role you were hired to do. Consulting offers a next step that respects your experience and gives you greater control over your time, income, and direction.   How to Build a Business Around What You Know Becoming a consultant doesn't mean you need to figure it all out at once. It starts with identifying a problem you're uniquely qualified to solve and then packaging that solution in a way that others can access and benefit from. 👉This may take the form of one-on-one advisory work, project-based contracts, group training, or digital products. The format can evolve, but the value remains centered on your expertise. Consulting is starting from where you are and building something new with what you already know.   Jobs give us a beginning. Careers help us grow. Expertise offers us a choice. If you've spent years becoming excellent at what you do, there may come a point when the most strategic move is not to keep climbing, but to pivot. Consulting is not the right path for everyone, but for those who are ready, it can be the most rewarding step in a professional journey. Now may be the time to ask not where your next job will take you, but where your knowledge can take others. RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →  

"Well, how did I get here?" Those lyrics from Once in a Lifetime by Talking Heads refers to the surreal feeling of waking up one day and questioning how your life got to where it is. 👉Take a poll of how many people are actually doing what they went to school for. You’d be shocked. Most of us ended up somewhere completely different, not because of failure, but because life redirected us to something better. And maybe... that unexpected detour was the real path we were meant to follow all along! I know because that was me. I didn’t follow a straight path. I followed curiosity and it led me somewhere more fulfilling than I ever planned. I spent years in school, earned my Doctor of Chiropractic, and fully expected to spend my career helping people heal, but life has a funny way of rewriting the script. Back when I was in my early 20s, the internet was barely a thing and Zoom definitely did not exist. Running a business meant physical locations, printed marketing materials, and face-to-face networking. (OMG, how old am I, ha!) Obviously, the world changed. The way we connect, sell, and build businesses transformed and I found myself evolving with it. I moved away from chiropractic and into the digital space. What started as curiosity turned into mastery, and before I knew it, I was helping other entrepreneurs build their own online businesses, teaching them how to create digital products, market themselves, and build scalable income streams. If you had told me back in grad school that this would be my career, I would have laughed. But here I am, running a thriving online business, helping others do the same. And you know what? I wouldn’t change a thing (except for that student loan ha). Sometimes, the best things in life aren’t planned. They’re discovered. Like a lot of people who start their own thing, I kind of stumbled into it. I was freelancing, figuring things out as I went, and saying yes to projects that felt interesting. Some were great. Some… not so much. Along the way, I found myself working with people who had incredible knowledge to share. They were struggling to turn that knowledge into something sustainable online. They needed someone to help piece together the tech, strategy, and moving parts of a digital business. So, I started helping. One project at a time, one problem at a time. Somewhere in the middle of all that, I realized: Oh. This is what I do now. Now, I spend my days making the messy, complicated parts of online business way easier for people who just want to focus on what they love, like coaching, teaching, and sharing their expertise. I love it. It’s funny how things work out. What about you? Did you take a straight path to what you do now, or did you figure it out along the way like I did? RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →    

You already know your subject and have years of experience, stories from the field, and/or a method that delivers results. You've seen what works. People already come to you for advice, and now you are ready to package that knowledge into something more structured and scalable. ⭐A course is simply a focused way to help people reach a specific outcome. It gives your audience a way to learn from you on their own time while positioning your expertise in a professional, organized format. Begin Conversations While Building Your Course Instead of waiting until your course is done to start talking about it, consider sharing what you are creating as you go. This invites people into the process and will help build your audience. It also provides helpful feedback on what people want most. People enjoy being part of something from the beginning. By sharing your process, you're building interest and trust at the same time. Offer a Small Resource That Builds Toward Your Course A great way to connect is to give away a small win. Think of this as an introduction to your teaching style. A checklist, a short video, or a quick guide can show people that your approach works. Design your free resource around the same topic as your course. Make it simple to use and easy to apply. Focus on Connection Over Scale The size of your audience matters less than the level of trust. When a few people feel seen, helped, and supported, they often become your best clients and biggest advocates. Look for places where your potential audience already gathers. This could be a professional group, social platform, or online forum. Step by Step Plan for Your First Course Launch Step One Pick a specific result that your course will help someone reach. Write it as a statement with an action and a benefit. Step Two List the steps needed to reach that result. These will become your course modules. Organize them in the order that makes the most sense for someone brand new to your method. Step Three Visit conversations online where your ideal audience is already spending time. Look for the phrases they use, the struggles they describe, and the outcomes they're seeking. Step Four Create a free resource that helps someone take the first step. Keep it simple. A one page guide, a short how to video, or an email mini series works well. Step Five Mention your resource in conversations naturally. Share it inside online groups, on social posts, or in comments. Begin building your email list by offering value first. Step Six Invite five to ten people to join your first version of the course. This can be taught live over video or pre-recorded behind a paywall. Offer personalized support in exchange for feedback. Step Seven Use what you learn from your first group to adjust your content, delivery, and message. Keep improving your course with each round.   The sooner you begin helping someone with your expertise, the sooner you begin building momentum! You already have the knowledge and know how to guide someone through a process. With an online course, you'll have a way to share that with more people (and create a supplemental income stream).   RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →  

In reality, holding off on growing your email list until everything feels just right means missing out on valuable momentum.  The best time to start growing your list is before you even have something to sell. Yes, even if you are still figuring out your offer.   ⭐FIVE REASONS why starting your email list now is a smart business move. 1. Build trust before you sell anything People are more likely to buy from people they know and trust. By showing up in their inbox regularly with helpful or inspiring content, you become familiar and credible. When your offer is ready, your audience will already be warmed up and more likely to buy. 2. Use your email list to test ideas Your email list is not just for promoting. It's also a space for learning what your audience wants. You can share ideas, ask questions, run simple polls, and see what topics spark the most interest. This feedback helps you shape the offer your audience wants (rather than create something that they don't want, without even realizing it). 3. Have a ready audience when you launch Launching something to no one is discouraging. If you start building your list now, you'll have a group of interested people ready to hear about your offer the moment it's ready. This gives your launch a strong head start and increases the chance of making early sales. 4. Gain confidence Writing to your email list helps you practice talking about your niche and the value you give. The more you do it, the more confident you'll become in your messaging. This also helps you get clear on who you serve and what problems you solve. 5. Attract the right people  You can begin by offering a simple free resource. It gives people a reason to join your email list and helps you attract the kind of people who are a good fit for your future offer.   How to Get Started Building Your Email List Step 1: Choose your email platform Kajabi is a great all-in-one option for building your list and automating follow-up emails (see profile for details) Step 2: Create a simple free resource Think about a common question or challenge your ideal client has. Turn your answer into a short PDF or video. Step 3: Set up a landing page Use your platform to create a page where people can enter their name and email in exchange for your free resource. Step 4: Write a welcome email sequence This email thanks them for signing up and introduces who you are, what you do, and what kind of content they can expect from you. Step 5: Share your landing page Post it on social media, add it to your website, or mention it in conversations with people who fit your audience. Step 6: Email your list consistently You don't need to email every day, but aim for regular weekly or every other week contact. Focus on providing value and building trust over time. Starting now means you are planting seeds for your future success. Your email list will grow alongside your business and become one of your most valuable assets. Your success is inevitable!   RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →  

If you had the cure to cancer, wouldn't you do everything in your power to share it with the world?! So why is it that we don't put forth the same effort if we have an online course we spent months creating, but not sharing as much as we "should"? I think it's fear. We fear becoming annoying to our email list. We fear looking unprofessional on camera. We fear public speaking. We fear that there's no one out there to collaborate with, so we don't even try researching who'd be interested in a collaboration. Unless it's just me. Yep, I'm a victim of it as well. I have been wanting to start a YouTube channels for at least a year, but would see others in my space on their channels, compare my speaking and training skills to theirs, and think "there's no way anyone is going to be interested in watching a ten-minute video of me talking" or "I don't have the skills to edit my videos like they do." So, I didn't start. I just continued thinking about it. ...until my accountability partner started doing short 1-minute videos. She said she was nervous the whole time filming, but I sure couldn't see that when I watched. I thought, "she's being ridiculous, she's great on camera." And then I reflected back on my own fears. The difference between the two of us is that she took action and just did it, kicking fear to the curb. 👉I finally did the same. Launched the YouTube channel.  Of course they're cringe. I'm a new channel. Aren't they supposed to be that way? I'm reaching out hoping you'll be my accountability partner too. If you subscribe and keep watching, I'll keep posting.  And meanwhile...what fearful activity are you going to take step one on this week? Don't leave me hanging.  RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →    

You’re staring at your website again, thinking, “Something’s not working. Maybe I need to change the layout… or get a new logo… or hire a designer.” It’s tempting to believe a fresh design will finally bring in more sales. But after spending days (or months) rearranging your site, the lack of sales is still a problem. What if... it’s not the design that’s broken. What if it’s your business strategy. What You Really Want is More Sales, Not Just a Prettier Website. It’s easy to assume that if your site looked just a bit more polished, clients would be lining up, but the truth is that a beautiful website doesn’t automatically lead to sales.  What does? A strategy that guides your visitors from “just browsing” to “ready to buy.” Design plays a role, yes. But strategy is the engine under the hood.   Focusing on Strategy, Not Just Aesthetics Here’s what that means in practice: 1. Start With the End in Mind Before you design a single page, ask yourself: What’s the one clear action I want someone to take? Do you want them to book a free consult? Download a lead magnet? Purchase a self-paced course? This is your Conversion Goal. Everything else (buttons, copy, layout) should support that one goal. If your homepage is a buffet of options with no clear direction, visitors will bounce or get distracted. If you're selling coaching or consulting, your goal is likely to get them to schedule a consultation. If you're selling a digital product, the goal is likely a purchase or opt-in to a lead magnet that brings them down a sales funnel.   2. Map the Customer Journey Think about the steps a cold visitor goes through before they buy: Awareness: They discover you via social media, search, or a referral. Interest: They click through to your site or landing page. Consideration: They consume your free content or read about your services. Decision: They either buy, book, or bounce. If your journey skips a step, you’re losing them. Is your lead magnet related to your main offer? Are you asking them to book a consultation before you've build any trust? Are you bombarding them with too many CTA buttons? Solution: Walk through your site pretending you know nothing about your business. Is the next step obvious and logical at every point?    3. Tighten Your Messaging Design is important, but messaging sells. Is this front and center on your homepage? Who you help What problem you solve What result they can expect from working with you If visitors land on your page and can’t answer these questions in 10 seconds, you’ve lost them. No amount of fancy fonts can fix bad copy. Try this exercise: Imagine your dream client found you at 11:45 p.m. after a stressful day. Would your site instantly convince them you’re the answer to their problem, or would it cause even more stress so they click away?   4. Build Trust Along the Way People rarely buy from someone they just discovered. That’s why your website (and emails!) should be structured to build trust over time. It might include a sales funnel similar to this: A high-value freebie (lead magnet) that solves a quick problem An email sequence that shares your story, values, and wins Case studies or testimonials that prove your method works An explanation of your process, pricing, and next steps Consistency builds confidence. From your website, to your emails, to your Instagram stories, the tone and message should align and feel personal.   5. Audit Your Automation A beautifully mapped journey can still fall apart if your tech isn’t supportive. Your Kajabi automations should: Tag leads based on what they clicked or downloaded Trigger nurture or sales sequences at the right time Send reminders for expiring offers Deliver thank-you emails and onboarding content seamlessly When these steps work, your customer journey feels effortless, like they’re being personally guided, even when it’s all automated. What to look for: Check that all your links work, your sequences are triggered correctly, and your thank-you pages are warm and welcoming (not AI obvious). If your backend is messy, your sales will be too.   ⭐The takeaway?  Your business might not need a new coat of paint. Instead, it may just need a better customer journey. When your strategy is solid, even a simple website can become a powerful sales tool.    RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →    

Never in my life have I had a job where I sit at a desk for 8 hours. This is my first one and I'm only open to it because I don't have to commute! One of the joys of working at home is that my husband and I often have a mid-morning walk around a few blocks in the neighborhood. The goal is to ensure we don't turn into C-shapes. You know, the shape that you become when sitting at your desk day in and day out. (Did your posture just straighten up?!) During our walks, we like to talk through business problems we're trying to solve. Yesterday, I was talking about the fact that the biggest struggle I hear from my clients is that they built a fantastic online program, but for some reason it's not selling.  He suggested that perhaps the path they're taking their customer on doesn't lead to the purchase. That gave me a lightbulb moment.  I think what sometimes is happening they're so concentrated on making an amazing sales page that they forget there are other parts involved in the buying process. When potential customers don’t know where to go next, then they do nothing.    👣 Think of The Customer Journey Like This: Imagine you’re at a museum. The first exhibit is stunning, but there are no signs on where to go next, just long hallways and closed doors. You have to guess what's around the corner.  Now think of your offer as that exhibit. It might be brilliant, but if your visitor doesn’t know where to go next, they’ll wander off. That’s where your navigation menu and call-to-action buttons come in. They guide your visitor step by step through the experience, helping them understand what you do, why it matters, and how to take action. The path you lead them through is as important as the offer you want them to purchase.   How to Create an Optimized Customer Journey If your program isn’t selling, it may not be the offer that’s the problem. It might be the path. Here's how to guide your audience from “just found you” to “I’m in.” Step 1: Start with a Single Entry Point Pick one way your audience discovers you: maybe it’s a lead magnet, a podcast interview, a LinkedIn post, or your YouTube video. → Ask yourself: If someone lands here first, what would they need next to understand who I am and what I offer? Step 2: Make the Next Step Obvious Don’t assume they’ll know what to do. Point them to ONE next step - read an article, check their email, watch this video, etc. → Example: After someone downloads your freebie, have you set up a short welcome sequence that introduces you and your brand? Or, do you go straight for the $997 offer (to a cold audience, argh)? Or worse, there's no welcome sequence so they're left hanging? Step 3: Build a Warm-Up Sequence Most people need a little time to trust, understand, and feel ready. Designing a short email sequence that does three things: Builds trust with helpful, relevant value Shifts beliefs that are holding them back Creates clarity around what your offer helps them do → Think: 3–5 touchpoints that warm them up, not wear them out. Step 4: Revisit the Sales Page Instead of focusing on making the sales page “prettier” or longer, focus on making it feel like a continuation of the journey they’ve already been on. → Does it answer the questions they’ve been asking all along?  → Does it reflect what they’ve been learning from you already? When the page feels like the next logical step, not a sudden leap, more people say yes.   Your audience wants to say yes. But without a path, they do nothing. If your offer feels invisible, don’t build a new offer. Just build a better way to get to your current offer. 👣   RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →  

...Also, why I still use it in my business today. On the weekends, I cooked elaborate meals for bachelorette parties in Virginia wine country.  Before I ever launched an online course or logged into Kajabi, I was a personal chef. The parties I worked were mostly at elegant estate home Airbnbs. The house would be filled with about a dozen girls who had just spent the day wine tasting (you can imagine). They’d hired me as their personal chef to come in and make a multi-course dinner as the close to their weekend. It would begin with an inquiry through my website while they were in the planning stage. I’d reply with a personalized estimate that included groceries, menu prep, and travel. 👉And then… silence. Over and over again, I would take the time to reply, customize a menu, send my pricing, then hear nothing. At first, I assumed I was being price-shopped. I figured they went with someone cheaper or changed their plans. But then I decided to try something different. I set up a basic follow-up system. Every two weeks, I would send a quick email. Something simple like: “Just checking in to see if you’ve made any decisions about the chef for your weekend.” “Still holding your date if you're finalizing plans.” “Let me know if you’ve booked with someone else so I can release the slot.” That’s it. The result? My bookings doubled. The best business systems are really that simple.   I Still Use This System Today I left the personal chef business behind, but that follow-up system came with me. Now, I help professionals who want to launch online courses, coaching and consulting with business strategy and website platform support. Just like back then, people reach out and sometimes go quiet after our consultation. Instead of assuming they’re gone, I stay in touch. Not constantly, but at regular intervals and with the right tone. Sometimes they’re waiting for the right time. Sometimes they’re overwhelmed with other projects. Sometimes they want to buy, but need a little nudge. The point is, business relationships can take time. And the people who buy aren’t always the ones who reply instantly.   💗 Now for the step-by-step that you love... Here’s a Follow-Up System You Can Copy If you’re working with leads, consults, or inquiries and things go quiet after the first conversation, here’s a simple follow-up system: Step 1: Create a “Pending” List Any time someone expresses interest but doesn’t buy, add them to a list. This could be a Word doc, spreadsheet, or label in your inbox. What matters is that they don’t disappear from your radar. Step 2: Write Three Simple Follow-Up Messages (your templates) These are not long or pushy. They’re respectful check-ins spaced a couple of weeks apart. Message 1 (Week 1): “Just circling back in case you had any questions about moving forward. Happy to help with whatever you’re still considering.” Message 2 (Week 3): “I know timing can be everything. If this offer is still on your mind, I’d love to help you take the next step whenever you're ready.” Message 3 (Week 6): “Sometimes people just need space to think or shift priorities. Want me to check back a little later this season?” You'd adjust the tone to sound like something you would say, of course. Step 3: Set Follow-Up Reminders or Automate It You can schedule these with automations inside Kajabi, or use a simple calendar reminder. The key is to make follow-up part of your system, not something you remember last minute. Step 4: Track and Respond If someone tells you they’re waiting three months, tag that. If they say they’re not ready, that doesn’t mean never. It just means revisit later.   Your Systems Matter More Than You Think Most people think they need more content or a bigger audience. What they really need is a systemized, repeatable process. Follow-up is not about becoming a stalker. It’s just staying top of mind while respecting their timeline. It’s one of the most overlooked ways to increase your sales without increasing your output.   RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →  

I would drive to a client's house and dread my day before it began. I was offering 1:1 services and I just could not see a way to make it 1:Many. But my goodness, I was determined to find the answer of how to get out of this fixed income life.  As you probably already know, offering 1:1 work is limited by how much time is available in a day. I could only help two clients a day so my income was capped. I just knew there had to be a better way.  One afternoon, I took a deep breath, opened my laptop, and committed to finding a way to help others, but at scale. That decision changed everything. If you're reading this, you may be in that same moment of decision.  Maybe your schedule has thinned.  Maybe you've realized your time is better spent creating something with long-term freedom.  Or perhaps you're just curious about what life could look like if you didn't have to drive to an office or rely on local clients.   To be clear: if you have a full-time job right now, keep it.  Your online business will grow, but growth is rarely instant. Use the security of your current position to support your transition. Build your business in the margins of your day in early mornings, lunch breaks, and evenings. This methodical approach will help you create something sustainable without the pressure of needing instant results. The steps below are a roadmap that I, and many others, have followed to create online consulting businesses from the ground up. No matter your expertise, this is how you begin building your online business from where you are right now.   Roadmap to Pivot into Online Coaching & Consulting Step 1: Define your online service Start by translating your in-person offer into something that can be delivered virtually. Think through what people consistently come to you for help with. What outcomes do they achieve because they work with you? Structure your service around the result they’re looking for, not the time they spend with you. If you’ve been offering hourly sessions, consider switching to a result-based package. For example, instead of one-off sessions, you might create a three-session bundle that helps clients reach a specific goal. This gives your offer structure and value, even in a digital format. Clarity is everything. If you can describe what you help people achieve in one sentence, you’re on the right path. Step 2: Select the business model that matches your time and energy The three most common models are private coaching, group consulting, and digital programs. Each has its own rhythm. Private coaching gives you the deepest connection with clients and is ideal if you’re starting with a small audience. It’s also the easiest to begin because it doesn’t require content creation up front, just your presence and expertise. Group consulting allows you to leverage your time while still offering personal support. Clients get the benefit of learning from others while you serve multiple people at once. This can be delivered over video calls, with supporting resources to guide their progress. Digital programs are pre-recorded or pre-written lessons that clients can move through on their own. These take more time to build but allow you to serve clients at scale. They’re especially useful for topics that are repeatable or structured. Start with the one you feel most confident about. You can evolve into the others later. Step 3: Create your first offer Once you know your model, build a simple offer. It doesn’t need to be fancy or filled with extras. Your goal is to help someone solve a specific problem. Give your offer a name. Write out what’s included. Be honest about the outcomes. Keep your price straightforward. A low-to-mid-tier offer is usually best in the beginning because it builds trust while you learn what your audience needs. Don’t wait for it to be perfect. It will improve as you gain experience and client feedback. Step 4: Set up a simple system to deliver your service This is where you need to become a little more organized. Set up a way for people to schedule a session with you. Use a calendar tool that links to your availability. Make sure clients receive confirmation emails and know how to connect with you, whether that’s Zoom or another platform. If you’re creating digital materials, organize them into folders or an online course layout. Label everything clearly. Clients should never feel lost or confused. The easier you make the experience, the more likely people are to refer others and return themselves. Step 5: Build your online presence one piece at a time You don’t need a full website right away. You need one page that communicates who you help and how. Add your photo, your bio, and a call to action to schedule or apply. Link your calendar and you’re ready to start sharing your offer. Start talking about your work on the platform where your people already spend time. Share stories, tips, and behind-the-scenes moments. Speak directly to the problem your offer solves. Don’t be afraid to repeat yourself. Consistency builds trust. Think of every post, email, or video as a doorway into your world. You’re building a relationship, not just selling a service. Step 6: Focus on connection, not perfection The online world moves fast, but trust is still earned slowly. Instead of chasing trends or obsessing over likes, focus on connecting with the people who genuinely need your help. Reply to messages. Thank people for their interest. Ask questions that lead to meaningful conversations. Referrals, testimonials, and repeat clients all grow out of genuine relationships. Stay present with your audience. Show them that you care and that you’re paying attention. Your first few clients may come from your existing network. Let them know what you’re offering. Ask them to share with anyone who might benefit. Momentum often starts close to home. Step 7: Reinforce your systems and reflect often As your business begins to grow, you’ll notice where things feel clunky or confusing. Take time to fix those friction points. Streamline your intake process. Improve your client onboarding. Refine your communication templates. Start keeping track of your wins (client results, positive feedback, and income milestones). These notes will help you stay encouraged and make better decisions as you grow. Also, give yourself permission to pause and reassess every few weeks. Look at what’s working. Double down on that. Let go of anything that feels forced or unsustainable. You’re building something that supports your lifestyle, not the other way around. The journey from in-person to online consulting isn’t solely moving your business to virtual. It’s reclaiming your time, expanding your reach, and building something resilient. You already have what it takes. Now, you have a map to follow. Take the first step today. Your future self will thank you. 😉 RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →  

A resume gap raises eyebrows. Consulting changes the conversation. You have experience. You’ve led teams, solved problems, managed systems, improved workflows, coached people. That doesn’t expire when you leave a job. It becomes leverage. Consulting turns that leverage into income. Why Consulting Works You solve problems others aren’t equipped to handle.  That’s the value you bring.  You provide structure, direction, and solutions in areas like operations, marketing, strategy, finance, or mindset. If you’ve done it before, someone is ready to invest in your support. You are in charge. You move forward without interviews or traditional gatekeepers. You choose who you serve and how you deliver your expertise. 👉That gap in your resume? It becomes the start of your business.    Here's that STEP BY STEP you love 😉... How to Start 1. Focus on the problem you solve. Choose something meaningful and specific that creates real impact. Let your expertise be defined by the solution you offer, not just a title. Examples: “My operations are a mess.” “I don’t know how to market my service.” “I need help with employee retention.” 2. Package your offer.  Don’t overthink it. 60-minute session: $200 2-week strategy sprint: $1200 Monthly retainer: $2,500 Define the offer. What’s the outcome? How do they get it? 3. Build your online home. Use Kajabi. Set up a simple page: who you help, what you offer, how to book. Connect your calendar and payment gateway. 4. Start talking. Pick one platform as your podium. Post insights, share wins, explain how you help. No need to go viral. Show up consistently and with value. 5. Get one client. Reach out to your network. Offer free consultations. Run a workshop. Automate booking and follow-up.  Gain results, get testimonials, repeat.   👉Consulting doesn’t just fill the gap. It replaces the old model entirely. Consulting is a forward move. You choose the work. You set the pace. You lead with what you know. Your expertise speaks through action and outcomes. The next step is simple. Begin. Allow your results to tell the story. 💖 When you're new to consulting, one of the quickest ways to land your first clients is by starting with the people who already know you.  Reach out to former coworkers, managers, peers, or friends and let them know what kind of problems you solve now.  Offer a short working session or a free consultation to demonstrate how you can help. Focus on service, not selling. These early conversations often lead to referrals, testimonials, and yes, paid work. Turn your past experience into a story of results. Take one challenge you helped solve in a previous role and write it up as a simple case study. Highlight what the problem was, what actions you took, and what changed because of it. People connect with stories. They want to see that you understand their challenge and that you can lead them to a better outcome. Keep showing up with insights, small wins, and proof of how you think. When your message stays consistent and your "schedule a consultation" button is easy to access, your first few clients will come through.   RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →  

If I had a dime for every consultation with a highly educated professional that begins with, “I've had this platform for a year, but have been procrastinating on beginning my business because it all just feels so overwhelming.” These are people who have built websites before, led projects, presented to executives, and made complex decisions in their day jobs. They’re capable and sharp. They know what they’re doing.  But when it comes to starting this kind of business, something shifts. The pressure to do things the “right way” grows louder. Suddenly, everything feels high stakes, even when it’s just a homepage. So they pause and stay in research mode. Underneath all this is a strong desire to build something that reflects their expertise and fits their next chapter.  When the tech feels complicated, it is often because someone is aiming for the finished version. But what actually moves things forward is a first version that works. 👉You don’t need another platform walkthrough. You need someone to admit that tech overwhelm is a real reason people don’t start their business, and it’s not because they’re lazy. It’s like putting on full hiking gear just to take a walk around the block. Backpack strapped tight. Headlamp on. Trekking poles in hand. Maybe even a water filter and a first-aid kit. And where are you headed? Around the block.  That’s what most people do when they start their consulting business. They prepare for a cross-country expedition when all they really needed was one solid step in the right direction.   You're about to receive straight answers to the three questions that stall most smart professionals before they ever talk to a client: What’s the bare minimum tech I need to get started What tools or setup can I skip for now Why does this feel harder than it should Before we get into it, I want to show you how this plays out in real life. Because it is easy to read a list like that and think, “Okay sure, that sounds simple,” while still feeling stuck in the weeds.  You need three things. Not fifteen. A one-page website  A way to allow someone to book a call with you A system for getting paid That’s it. If someone can understand what you offer, schedule time with you, and pay you, you’re open for business. You don’t need to build a course, write a funnel, or set up automations. You need a front door that opens. This part 👇 matters just as much as what you do need. You can skip: CRM software Email sequences Downloadable freebies Branding exercises Sales pages with countdown timers Anything that isn’t helping a real person reach out to you Most of these tools were made to support a business that’s already running. If you're still trying to get a first client, they’re just distractions wearing productivity costumes. Because the tools weren’t made for someone at your stage. They’re designed for scale-focused businesses. And because you’re a smart, high-functioning person, being confused by this stuff doesn’t just feel frustrating. It feels disorienting. "If I can lead teams or solve complex problems at work, why can’t I figure out a website builder?" This isn’t about your intelligence. It’s about the pressure to make it all look polished before you’ve even started. That pressure will keep you stuck unless you recognize it for what it is. Procrastination dressed as preparation. If you’ve been circling the block with your hiking gear on, here’s your permission to take off the backpack. Start with a simple setup. Make your offer findable, bookable, and payable. That’s it. RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →  

You're absolutely right that LinkedIn’s algorithm can limit reach if you drop external links inside your article. Instead of making a hard sell, your article ending should naturally guide readers toward the next step, whether that’s joining your email list, following you, or checking out your offer.   Here’s a better way to structure your newsletter ending so that it feels organic and still moves people closer to buying. How a New Consultant Can End LinkedIn Articles to Get Clients  So you’ve just written your first or second LinkedIn newsletter as a consultant. You shared some useful ideas, offered your perspective, maybe even a tip or two... And now you’re at the end thinking: “How do I end this in a way that helps people and brings in clients... without sounding like I’m selling something?”   Here’s how: 1. Use a Soft Call to Action Instead of ending your article with something like “Book a call” or “Hire me,” try using a call to action that feels like an invitation — not a pitch. Try this: If you’re trying to build relationships or grow your audience: Want more tips like this? I share a few extra ideas each week. Just hit “connect” and I’ll add you to my list. If you’re offering consulting services: Curious what this could look like in your business? I’m happy to walk you through it. Just reply “curious” in the comments and I’ll reach out. Why this works: You don’t need a sales link You encourage conversation People are more likely to respond when there’s no pressure     2. Ask a Thought-Provoking Question at the End Want more people to comment on your article? Ask them something that invites reflection or personal experience. Try this: What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing with [your topic] right now? Have you tried something like this before? How did it go? What’s one thing you’d add to this? I’d love to hear your take. Then say: Drop your thoughts in the comments. I reply to everyone. Why this works: Comments = more reach Conversations = more trust Trust = future clients     3. Create a Curiosity Loop Instead of putting all your best stuff in the article, hint at something more valuable they can get, if they reach out. Try this: I actually have a breakdown of how I’ve used this exact framework with past clients. If you’d like a copy, just comment “send it” and I’ll DM you. Why this works: Creates curiosity Keeps people engaged after they read Opens the door to private conversations, where real consulting happens     4. Use a Story-Based Outro When you’re new, stories go a long way. They show that you’re real, you’ve helped people, and that your offer comes from experience. Try this: A few weeks ago, I walked someone through this exact process with a client. They messaged me a week later saying, “I finally feel like I know where I’m headed.” That’s why I do this work. If you’re stuck and want to talk through your next step, reply “next step” and I’ll reach out. Why this works: Stories feel natural, not salesy They show results, not just features They give someone a reason to connect Consultant-Friendly Formula to End Your LinkedIn Newsletter Try this 3-part format next time you write: 1️⃣ One-sentence summary of your takeaway “Most new consultants overthink their offer. It’s really about solving one clear problem.” 2️⃣ Open-ended question to spark comments “What’s one thing you’d change in your own offer based on this?” 3️⃣ Soft CTA “If you want a copy of the worksheet I use for this, comment ‘worksheet’ and I’ll send it over.”     RECAP How to End Your LinkedIn Article Without Sounding Like a Salesperson Use a soft CTA (invite, don’t push) Ask a thoughtful question (get engagement) Create curiosity (so they DM you)  Tell a short story (build connection) The more human your article feels, the more likely someone is to raise their hand and say, “Can we talk?” You don’t need a big audience. You just need a good ending. Go try this in your next article, and see what unfolds.   RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →    

When you’re transitioning into consulting, the challenge isn’t figuring out what you offer. It’s structuring your business around it, packaging it, and building the systems that make it sustainable. This 90-day framework is designed to help you do exactly that. It’s organized into three phases, with focused, strategic actions that take around 15–20 minutes a day.   Days 1–30: Foundation Set the strategic groundwork. Every strong consulting business starts with clarity. Objectives: Define your niche and specialization Identify your target market and what they’re actively trying to solve Clarify your offer’s value and positioning Choose a pricing model aligned with your goals (project-based, retainer, etc.) Sketch a lean business model that reflects your availability, revenue goals, and services Key Assets You’ll Build: A positioning statement Client profile and problem/solution mapping Messaging guide for use in marketing and consult calls Revenue model draft   Days 31–60: Offer + Platform Setup With the strategy defined, now you’ll build the systems that present, deliver, and sell your offer. Objectives: Build your initial offer structure (including format, timeline, deliverables) Set up a basic Kajabi website (home, about, offer, and contact pages) Design a lead magnet that speaks to your target client's key pain point Create a basic nurture or welcome email sequence Set up automation for lead capture and delivery Key Assets You’ll Build: One consulting offer with clear scope and outcomes Website live on Kajabi with branded visuals and copy Lead capture page and delivery system Email sequence for nurturing new leads   Days 61–90: Launch + Growth You’ll now start attracting leads, testing messaging, and building consistency in your outreach. Objectives: Launch your lead magnet and begin list-building Start promoting your offer through email and organic content Build a weekly content rhythm (e.g., LinkedIn, blog, email) Systematize your consult/sales process Create a simple client onboarding workflow Key Assets You’ll Build: Launch email campaign 30-day content plan Consultation call process (outline or script) Basic CRM setup (Kajabi or external tool if needed) Referral request system   Recommended Tools (Minimalist Stack) Kajabi: Website, landing pages, lead capture, email, product delivery Calendly or Kajabi Scheduler: For consultation bookings Zoom or Kajabi Built-in Video: For consultations and paid 1:1 sessions Canva: For any visuals (lead magnet, simple brand assets)   👉 Want the Daily Version of The Above with Microsteps? If you want this 90-day framework broken down into bite-sized daily tasks, delivered in order and designed for real progress, you’ll find it inside the Expert to Offer program.   What’s Included in the (affordable) Expert to Offer Program: ✅ Daily Email Tasks (Mon-Fri) Receive one focused task per weekday, designed to move your business forward in just 15–20 minutes. Tasks are clear, specific, and easy to implement, even with a busy schedule. ✅ Complete Curriculum Each phase is structured to build on the last. You’ll progress from business foundation → offer packaging → platform setup → launch and marketing. Every step is intentional. ✅ Private Kajabi Portal Access All content is also available in a Kajabi member portal, so you can revisit any lesson, catch up at your own pace, and track your progress. ✅ Templates & Video Tutorials Includes customizable templates for your: Positioning and messaging Website copy (homepage, about, services) Lead magnet planning Email sequences Consultation call outline Launch checklist So, so much more... ✅ Regular Progress Checkpoints At the end of each month, you’ll receive a recap with suggested adjustments and optional reflection prompts to stay aligned and focused. ✅ Consulting Business Launch Plan By the end of the program, you’ll have a complete, client-ready offer, a functioning website, a lead generation system, and a plan to scale.   RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →      

You know it. I know it. The “Hey, can I pick your brain?” conversations. The casual coffee chats that somehow turn into full-blown strategy sessions.  And those DMs asking you to explain how you'd do it, for free. You care. You want to be helpful.  And giving generously has probably built a lot of trust. For a while, that was fine. But if you’ve been saying yes to these moments over and over, let me say what you might need to hear: You’re not just helpful.  You’re ready to be paid.   You don’t need to have it all figured out.  You just need to decide that your advice has value. You don’t need to be a guru. You need to be a guide. Some of the highest-selling online programs? Built by people just one step ahead of their audience.   You don’t need a massive audience. You need a hungry one. Everyone’s chasing big follower counts. But a small, focused group of people who trust you and are willing to buy from you will outperform vanity metrics every time.   ✅ Here’s a Simple 3-Step Process to Move From Employee to Consultant: Step 1 – Define the Problem You Solve Not your niche. Not your title. What pain do you take away for others and how can you say it in plain English? Step 2 – Build Your First Offer Don’t wait for perfection. Package what you already know how to help with. A one-hour session. A three-part strategy. A “done-for-you” jumpstart. Start where you are, not where you think you should be. Step 3 – Create a Simple Page That Shows People How They Can Pay You 👉This is where I come in. Let me put together a simple one-page website for you (within a week) so you can stop keeping your consulting behind the scenes and finally share it with the world. Imagine checking your inbox and seeing someone book, not just a chat, but a paid session!   “But what if no one buys?” “But I don’t have a framework yet.” You don’t need a framework. You need one person willing to pay you to solve a problem they can’t figure out on their own.   The coffee chats helped people. But a consulting business? That changes lives, starting with yours. Are you ready to take the first step?  RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →  

Unsuccessful consultants misunderstand time. They see someone's website who has been in business for years and think they're going to have the same success if they build a similar website. “I’ll build something like that and get the same results.” But they’re missing the bigger picture. That sales page? It didn’t build the business. The business built the right to use that sales page. The testimonials. The trust. The audience. All earned. Over years.   When you’re starting out, you don’t have that yet. You need more than a headline and a checkout button.  You need proof. You need people. So what happens? You launch. You do a webinar. You make a pitch. Nobody buys. And you think... “Maybe I’m not cut out for this.” Nope. You're just early. Really early.     🍅Think of building a business like planting a garden. You don’t toss in one seed and expect a tomato the next day. You water. You wait.  You chase squirrels away. You hope. You tweak the sunlight.  You Google “why are my leaves yellow?” Same with business. Month 1: Dirt.  Month 2: Still dirt.  Month 3: Tiny green sprout.  Month 12: First bloom.  Year 3: A few veggies in your basket.  👉 Year 5: Your neighbor asks for tips. That’s the game.   Unfortunately, most people quit before the magic happens. They want instant wins.  They want their first product to be perfect.  They want applause before the effort. It doesn’t work like that. You have to be bad...  before you can be good...  before you can be great.   Put it out anyway. Let your audience watch the journey. Watch you learn. Watch you improve. Watch you try. People don’t follow perfection. They follow progression. If you don’t cringe at your old stuff a year from now... you probably launched too late.   Success isn't a moment. It’s a collection of boring reps. You don’t need more talent. You need more patience. You might be thinking that you don't want to put your stuff out there until it's really good.  But the truth is that you have to be terrible before you can be good.  You have to be good before you can be great.   Your audience will be watching you. They are going to see that you're getting better and better at the content you're putting out.  It's the long term, long view focus that is going to win.    Your success is inevitable.  Consistency is exactly where success lies.   RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →  

You’ve learned things. Lived things. Built skills. Solved problems. And all of that? It’s worth something. The question isn’t “Can I make money with what I know?” The question is “Which path should I start with?” So I made a list of 21 ways my clients are taking what they know and turning it into real, sellable offers. No guesswork. No overwhelm. Just options. 👉In this article, I’m breaking down 3 of the 21 Ways to make money with what you know, so you can start to see what’s possible, and what’s next. 1. VIP Day: One Client, One Day, Big Results Imagine this: Someone hires you to spend one day focused entirely on helping them solve a big problem. Not a course. Not an hour-long consult. A full day (or half day) dedicated to one person’s transformation. That’s a VIP Day. You get paid well. They get their problem solved fast. Everyone wins. What you'll need to get started: A problem you can solve in a day An outline of what you’ll cover A calendar link Real example: Let’s say you're a systems pro. You could offer a VIP Day called: 🛠 “Streamline Your Back Office in One Afternoon” You walk your client through organizing files, setting up client workflows and automating their calendar, all in one focused session. Charge $750. Or $1,500. Whatever makes sense for the outcome you’re delivering. This works because it’s easy to understand, fast to deliver, and easy to sell once you’re clear on the result. More Real Examples: 🎭 You’re a voice coach → “Let’s prep your full audition package in one day including monologue polish, vocal warm-ups, and mindset rehearsal.” 🏥 You’re a project management consultant for private medical practices → “Let’s map out your entire patient onboarding workflow, from intake forms to follow-up systems, so your team runs like clockwork.” 💍 You’re a wedding officiant & ceremony planner → “In one VIP session, we’ll write your entire ceremony script, choose your readings, and walk through how to make it uniquely yours.” Clients love VIP days because they skip the slow drip of a multi-week process and get a result faster. You love them because they’re efficient, impactful, and premium-priced. It’s also a perfect way to start building your body of work, one day, one client at a time. The beauty? You can do it over Zoom. You don’t even need to wear pants. Yes, I can help you set it all up.   2. Monthly Membership: The Modern Neighborhood This one’s for people who want consistency. A monthly membership is essentially: “Pay me monthly and get access to _______.” The blank is up to you. Could be content. Could be live calls. Could be templates, trainings, accountability, or community. But here’s the kicker: People don’t join for content. They join for support. If you create a space where they feel seen, motivated, and guided, they’ll stay. Real Examples: 🧠 You’re a productivity coach → “Monthly goal planning sessions, weekly check-ins, and a habit tracker community.” 🍽 You’re a wellness pro → “Access to a rotating recipe vault, monthly meal planning sessions, and mindset coaching calls.” ⚖️ You’re a project management consultant for boutique law firms → “Monthly workflow reviews, customizable intake + case management SOPs, and live Q&A sessions on optimizing client communication, paralegal delegation, and docketing systems.” 🎨 You’re a creative writing mentor → “Monthly writing prompts, critique circles, and guest author Q&As inside a members-only community.” 🎓 You’re an academic advisor for first-gen college students → “Monthly planning workshops, scholarship alerts, and weekly motivation texts, all in a private student hub.” You don’t need 1,000 people to make this work. You need 10 people at $50/month = $500/month. Then 20. Then 50. Then 100. You’re not just offering content. You’re offering structure and progress. And that’s what people pay for. This isn’t just “content every month.” It’s about creating a space people want to return to. A monthly membership can include: Weekly calls Q&A threads Templates + tools Exclusive trainings Or even just curated accountability and check-ins It’s about creating momentum. People stay for the support, the structure, and the chance to grow alongside others. And yes, I help with building the branded community space, onboarding content, subscription setup, thank-you emails… all of it.   3. Freelance Packages: Productize Your Skill Set If you’re offering a service, packaging it as a whole beats pricing it by the hour every time. Instead of saying “I do writing” or “I offer coaching,”, offer clarity because clarity is what sells. ✍️ Messaging Strategist → “A 3-part brand voice audit with action steps to improve clarity, tone, and consistency across your site and emails.” 👩💼 Corporate Culture Consultant → “Team Alignment Blueprint: 1 leadership session + 1 team feedback survey + a 10-page internal communication strategy you can roll out immediately.” 🧱 Construction Project Manager → “Builder’s Workflow Kit: We’ll map out your full project timeline, subcontractor communication plan, and change-order process, all in one day.” 📈 Operations Consultant for SaaS Startups → “Founder’s Process Pack: 1:1 session + ClickUp buildout for client onboarding, team workflows, and sprint planning.” 📊 Fractional Sales Manager for Agencies → “3-Part Revenue Review: Sales pipeline audit, proposal template cleanup, and client journey map, delivered in 2 weeks.” This also provides clients a list of what they’re buying and gives you a repeatable structure to deliver. Then once your first package is working? You can build it into a digital product or group offer down the road. That’s the strategy I can help implement: Start small. Systemize. Scale.   Recap (Because You Scrolled Too Fast) 3 of the 21 Ways to make money with what you know... VIP Day: 1:1 intensive session for fast results. High-ticket. Low ongoing commitment. Monthly Membership: Ongoing access to you and your insights. Builds community and recurring income.  Freelance Packages: Productized services. Easy to sell. Easy to deliver. No fluff. No fancy. Just workable ways to get paid for what you already know. And these are just three ideas. Want the Other 18 Ideas? I wrote out all 21 ways in a no-nonsense list you can scan, save, and use as a springboard for your next offer. No opt-in drama. Just the next step if you're ready to stop sitting on your knowledge and start monetizing it. 📥 Grab the full list here. Just pick one. Package it. And put it out there. You’re not starting from scratch. You’re starting from experience. Now go make it work for you.    RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →    

How to Turn Your Knowledge Into a Coaching Business (The Real-World Way)   Here’s the truth most aspiring coaches don’t want to admit 👇 You’re not stuck because you lack experience. You’re stuck because you’re waiting for permission. And spoiler: no one’s coming to give it to you. If you’ve been wondering whether you’re “qualified” enough to start your own coaching business, let me offer this… TL;DR: You already know enough. And it’s time to turn that knowledge into income, impact, and freedom. Expertise Isn’t a Certification. It’s Experience. As someone who helps coaches and consultants launch their businesses every day, I see it constantly: people sitting on real value (stories, skills, and solutions) but holding back because they think they need “one more thing.” More time. More credentials. More confidence. But here’s what I know after working with hundreds of professionals in all kinds of industries: You don’t need to be the most experienced person in the room — you just need to be a few steps ahead of the person you want to help. That’s what coaching is. You’ve lived it. You’ve solved it. You’ve figured something out that someone else is still stuck in. That’s not just “experience.” That’s a blueprint.   TL;DR Thinking = Coaching Clarity One of the biggest barriers to starting is being able to explain what you do. 🪄Who do you help?  🪄What problem do you solve?  🪄 What outcome do they get? That’s the core of your offer. Your program. Your marketing. Your message. When you lead with clarity, people lean in.   Here’s what it looks like: TL;DR: I help overwhelmed parents teach their toddlers sign language through fun, five-minute daily games. Step-by-Step How to Turn Your Knowledge Into a Coaching Business (The Real-World Way) No fluff here, just actual steps: 1. Define your niche Not “everyone.” Not “anyone.” Who do you really want to help, and what’s the problem you’re equipped to solve? 2. Map your method Write out the steps you took to get the result you now help others with. This becomes your signature process and builds trust. 3. Package it simply Start with a 1:1 service, a short-term coaching program, or a one-hour offer. You don’t need a 12-week course on Day 1. 4. Set it up on Kajabi Use a platform that supports your coaching business all in one place - sales page, email list, payments, community. No tech juggling. Ask me for a 30-day free trial link.  5. Market it with clarity Use TL;DR thinking in every part of your content. Because people don’t need inspiration. They need solutions.   People assume coaching success comes from perfect branding and viral content. Coaching success starts with clarity. Clarity builds confidence. Confidence builds momentum. And momentum builds a business.     TL;DR (Because of Course This Article Has One 😉) If you’ve helped someone solve a problem, you have something to offer. You don’t need permission to start. You need a plan, a platform, and a little guidance. Let’s turn what you know into something that serves others and supports your life.   TL;DR: Turning Your Knowledge Into a Coaching Business, The Checklist If you can check these off, you're ready to start: 🔲 I’ve solved a problem others are still struggling with  🔲 I know who I want to help (and why)  🔲 I can outline the steps I took to get my result  🔲 I’m willing to start simple with 1:1 work  🔲 I can describe what I do in one clear sentence  🔲 I’m ready to stop overthinking and start offering value  🔲 I’m open to using Kajabi to run everything in one place  🔲 I want to create impact and income doing what I love RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →    

Are you hesitating to launch your online course because you’re afraid the competition is too fierce? Maybe you’re worried that AI, massive marketing budgets, or an endless supply of free content on YouTube will make it impossible for you to succeed. You may be watching others already doing what you dream of. They're selling courses, coaching clients, and building an audience. It may feel like the market is too crowded for you to break in. 👉But what if the real challenge isn’t the competition, but your perspective?   BRUTAL HONESTY Most online course creators don’t fail because of competition. They fail because of the wrong mindset, lack of strategy, and poor execution. They get trapped in fear, spread themselves too thin, or underestimate what it truly takes to stand out. But, the online business world is far bigger than you realize, filled with endless opportunities. The real obstacle isn’t the competition. It’s how you choose to see the game. Shift your perspective, and success becomes possible.       Are You Viewing the World as a Sea of Competitors When you focus on competition, it’s easy to feel defeated before you even start.   Do any of these resonate with you: 🔹 "AI is replacing experts. Why would anyone pay for my course?" With artificial intelligence generating content and answering questions, it’s easy to wonder if your knowledge is still valuable. But AI can’t replace real-world experience, personalized guidance, or human connection, all things that your course or coaching can offer. 🔹 "People can buy courses from others for way less. How can I compete?" Yes, there will always be cheaper options, but people don’t just buy courses. They buy trust, transformation, and convenience. If your course helps them get results faster, easier, or with more clarity, they’ll happily invest in it over a budget alternative. 🔹 "Big companies have huge marketing budgets. I can’t afford to stand out." Corporate brands might dominate advertising, but they lack authenticity and personal connection. People don’t just buy from brands. They buy from individuals they trust. Your unique story and perspective are your biggest assets. 🔹 "There are already so many courses and coaches. Why would anyone choose me?" It’s true. There are thousands of courses out there. But no one teaches it like you do. Your experience, personality, and approach make your course different. People will choose you because they resonate with your teaching style and trust you to help them. 🔹 "YouTube and Google already have free content. Why would someone pay me?" Information is free, but structured implementation, accountability, and expert guidance are not. Your course organizes the knowledge, saves people time, and helps them take action, things free content alone cannot do.   Competition isn’t your enemy. It’s proof that the market is thriving. The only thing holding you back is how you choose to see the opportunity in front of you.     What if, instead of seeing obstacles, you started seeing opportunities? Shifting to a World of Opportunity Successful entrepreneurs don’t focus on competition. They focus on serving their audience.   Here’s how you can shift your mindset and finally start your online business: 1. Competition Means There’s a Market If other people are selling courses, coaching programs, or digital services, that’s a good thing. It proves there’s demand. If no one was making money in your industry, that would be a real problem! 💡 Action step: Instead of fearing competition, study what others are doing. What gaps can you fill? What’s missing that you could offer?   2. People Buy from People They Trust Think about why you follow certain influencers, brands, or creators. It’s not just because they sell something. It’s because you connect with them. The same goes for your business. There might be hundreds of people teaching what you want to teach, but no one has your unique voice, story, or experience. 💡 Action step: Share your journey. Whether it’s through social media, emails, or blog posts, let people see your personality and why you do what you do.   3. AI and Technology Are Tools, Not Threats AI and automation aren’t replacing online businesses. They’re making them easier to run. Instead of fearing AI, use it to your advantage: Automate repetitive tasks so you have more time to focus on clients. Use AI tools for content creation, research, and marketing. Let AI handle customer service while you focus on selling. 💡 Action step: Start exploring AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, Canva, and email automation to make your online business easier to manage.   4. Don’t Compete on Price. Compete on Value. Yes, someone overseas might offer the same service for $5. Yes, free YouTube videos exist. But people don’t pay for just information. They pay for guidance, transformation, and convenience. For example: Anyone can watch free workout videos on YouTube, but they still pay for personal trainers. Anyone can Google business advice, but they still hire coaches. Anyone can read a book on marketing, but they still pay for courses that break it down step by step. 💡 Action step: Instead of worrying about being the cheapest, focus on offering better results, a better experience, and personalized attention.   5. Free Content Builds Trust—Not Competition You might be thinking, “If people can get information for free, why would they pay me?” Here’s the secret: People pay for structure, clarity, and accountability. Yes, they can find free information. But it’s scattered, unorganized, and overwhelming. Most people don’t want to spend hours piecing everything together. They want a shortcut. That’s where your paid content comes in. 💡 Action step: Start creating free content to build trust, then offer a paid solution that helps people apply it faster and more effectively.     From Scarcity to Abundance: The Business Mindset Shift If you believe there aren’t enough customers or opportunities, you’ll hold yourself back.   But when you realize there are millions of people looking for guidance, you’ll focus on: Attracting the right audience instead of competing for everyone. Providing value instead of worrying about price wars. Building a personal brand that makes people trust you. Using AI and automation to grow your business instead of fearing it.   Scarcity mindset: “There are too many competitors. Why even try?” Abundance mindset: “There are more than enough customers. How can I help them?”   Scarcity mindset: “I’m not experienced enough to start.” Abundance mindset: “I can start where I am and grow from there.”   Scarcity mindset: “I need a big budget to compete.” Abundance mindset: “I can attract customers with value and connection.”     Your Next Step: Take Action If you’re waiting for the “perfect time” to start your online business, you must realize that there is no perfect time. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll grow. The online world is filled with potential customers.   RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →  

You’re already solving problems. Already answering questions. Already getting asked, “Hey, can I pick your brain?” You don’t need permission to start consulting. You’re already doing it. But here’s the problem: You’re taking people from A to B… and you’ve never actually defined what B is.   🎯 This is where most people get stuck. They say things like: “I help companies grow.” “I streamline operations.” “I offer strategic guidance.” Cool. But what does that mean? If your service sounds like a TED Talk title, no one is going to bite.   👉Here’s what clients actually want to know: “Can you help me stop losing customers after the free trial?” “Can you shorten our hiring timeline from 90 days to 30?” “Can you reduce my 14-hour days to 6 and still hit revenue goals?”   They don’t want “consulting.” They want a result. Point B.   So here’s the real first step: Define the transformation. Before you build a website. Before you buy a domain. Before you write “Founder” in your Instagram bio. You’ve got to know what you're selling. Not “consulting.” Not “strategy.” Not “advice.” You're selling a bridge from Point A to Point B. And right now… You're standing on it.     Most people miss this. They get caught up in logos and LLCs. Tinkering. Tweaking. Hoping it’ll “look legit.” But the ones who actually get paid? They define Point B so clearly, it practically writes the invoice for them.   You don’t need a fancy funnel. You need a well-defined transformation, and a simple way to package it up so people get it, want it, and pay for it. That’s exactly what the next step is: 👉Define Your Point B & Productize.    Now... for the Step-by-Step:   🧩 The 3-Step Shift from Employee to Consultant Step 1: Spot the Pattern Look at what people already come to you for. What problems are you constantly solving at work? What fires do they always throw you at? ✨ This is your expertise in disguise. If you need help defining this step, there's a free resource in my profile - 21 Ways to Make Money With What You Know   Step 2: Define Point B What result are you helping them reach?  It’s not “strategic alignment”. It's: ✅ “Shorter sales cycles”  ✅ “Better team retention”  ✅ “Less founder burnout”  Give it a name. Make it specific. This is what they’ll buy.   Step 3: Package the Path Map out how you get someone from stuck (Point A) to solved (Point B).  Turn that into a simple offer.  Now you’re not “freelancing.”  You’re leading a transformation.   RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →    

  What's the difference between a $20 coach and a $200 coach? The difference between charging $20 an hour and $200 an hour isn’t just about skill. It’s about positioning, confidence, and knowing your value.  When you charge low rates, you attract price-sensitive clients who see you as just another expense. But when you raise your prices, you attract clients who respect your expertise and are willing to invest in real results.    ☹️ The $20/hour Mindset: The Time-for-Money Trap At $20/hour, you’re playing the affordability game, pretty much a race to the bottom.  Real talk: You’re probably undercharging not because your skills aren’t valuable, but because you’re afraid people won’t pay more.  You attract bargain-hunters. These clients are looking for the lowest possible price, not the highest quality. They see you as an expense rather than an investment. You’re stuck trading hours for dollars. Your income is limited to how many hours you can physically work. If you want to make more, you have to work more. There’s no leverage. Your expertise is undervalued. If you charge low rates, people assume your services aren’t that valuable, even if you’re amazing at what you do. Pricing influences perception. You get exhausted. Working long hours for low pay isn’t sustainable. You’ll eventually hit a wall of burnout.   You’re probably focused on being “affordable,” which might seem like a good thing at first. But, affordable usually means attracting clients who are shopping for the cheapest option, not the best option. These clients tend to micromanage, haggle over prices, and expect a lot for a little. At this rate, you’re trading time for money, which means your income is capped by how many hours you can work. Want to make more? You have to work more. And that’s a fast track to burnout.     😀 The $200/hour Mindset: Owning Your Value At this level, you’re not selling your time. You’re selling your expertise, strategy, and results. Clients are investing in the transformation you help them achieve.  Higher-paying clients tend to be easier to work with. They value what you do, respect your time, and trust your expertise. They’re not nitpicking your rates. They’re focused on the outcome.  Plus, when you charge more, you don’t need to overload your schedule with clients just to make ends meet. You work with fewer, higher-quality clients. When you charge $200/hour (or more!), here’s what shifts: ✔ You stop selling your time and start selling results. Clients aren’t paying for an hour of your time. They’re paying for the transformation you help them achieve. They care about outcomes, not minutes. ✔ You attract serious, committed clients. Higher-paying clients are looking for expertise. They respect your time, follow your advice, and don’t nickel-and-dime you. They want a premium experience and are happy to pay for it. ✔ You position yourself as an expert. Experts don’t charge $20/hour. They set premium prices because they know the value they bring. When you confidently charge more, people assume you’re better and they’re willing to invest.   💡 Ask yourself: Are you pricing based on what you think people can afford? Or are you charging based on the value you actually bring? What’s the real impact of your work? How much is it worth to your clients? If you're delivering $200/hour results, why not charge accordingly?   Step-by-Step How to Make the Shift From $20 to $200/hr 1. Stop thinking like an employee and begin thinking like a consultant. Employees get paid for hours worked. Consultants get paid for solutions delivered. If your work generates thousands (or even millions) in value, why would you charge hourly at all? 2. Package your services for value, not time. Instead of selling hourly work, create offers that focus on results. For example, if you’re a coach, don’t sell 1-hour sessions. Sell a 90-day transformation program. 3. Improve your positioning & messaging. Higher rates require stronger positioning. Your website, social media, and consultations should reflect your authority, expertise, and value, not just your availability. 4. Own your price with confidence. The first time you tell someone your new rates, you might feel terrified. That’s normal! The key is to say your price without flinching. Confidence is everything. 5. Focus on attracting the right clients. Not everyone will pay premium rates and that’s okay. Instead of trying to convince low-budget clients to pay more, focus on marketing to people who already value quality solutions.   TLDR ... ☹️ The $20/hour mindset: Focuses on being affordable, attracting clients who want to pay less, and competing on price. You're trading time for money. 😀 The $200/hour mindset: Positions you as an authority. Clients pay for your knowledge, strategy, and results, not just your hours. You attract higher-quality clients who value your expertise. Now...which are you operating at?   RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →    

My Wake-Up Call: Trading Business for Brushes One night, after spending yet another evening staring at my screen, I realized I was missing something I used to love, creating art.  I had completely abandoned my creative side.   So, I made a decision.  Instead of sitting at my desk working on my website every evening, I picked up a canvas and pulled out the acrylics. As I became lost in the colors and brushstrokes, I could instantly feel the stress melting away.   The next day, something magical happened. I started showing up differently in my business.  My ideas flowed easier. I had more patience. I was delighted in my work.  It turns out, creativity isn’t a distraction.  It is the missing piece.     Why Creativity is the Key to Fulfillment We often associate creativity with artists, musicians or writers but I truly believe we are all creative beings.  Creativity isn’t just about making art.  It’s about tapping into self-expression, exploration, and play.  It’s a key ingredient in feeling alive. It's easy to get trapped in productivity mode.  You can become so focused on efficiency that you forget to nurture the part of our being that thrives on creativity.    👉Productivity without creativity leads to burnout. When we give ourselves permission to be creative, it fuels everything else, including business success.   Step by Step, How to Reclaim Your Creativity  If you’re feeling stuck, restless, or unfulfilled, chances are you need to create more than you need to optimize. Here’s how to get started: 1️⃣ Schedule Creative Time. Treat your creativity like a business meeting. Use that time to begin a painting, write, garden, dance, whatever fuels you. Give yourself permission to play without a goal. 2️⃣ Disconnect from Screens. The best ideas often arrive when you step away from the laptop. Take a walk, doodle, cook, anything to get you out of business mode. 3️⃣ Start Small, but Start Now! You don’t need hours of free time. Even 10-15 minutes of creative activity can make a difference.  4️⃣ Let Go of Perfectionism. Creativity isn’t about being good at something. It’s about expressing yourself. Allow yourself to create just for fun.   Creativity Fuels Productivity.  When you make space for creativity, you perform better in business.  Your ideas are fresher.  Your stress is lower.  You avoid burnout.     You don’t need more efficiency. You need more creativity. So, what’s something creative you used to love but stopped making time for?  It might just be the missing piece you’ve been looking for. 🎨✨ RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →    

There are so many possibilities of making money from what you already know.  As I like to say on the blog, "You have $1M trapped inside your head. Your expertise is worth even more, but only if you have a plan." If you aren't already in the online business, it’s not too late! Yes, it can just be a side hustle or the plan for your retirement income. Here are the three most popular types of digital products (and how to sell them)...     1. Online Course What is an Online Course: structured program designed to teach a specific skill or topic, typically consisting of video lessons, quizzes, and downloadable resources like PDFs or worksheets Who is Best to Launch an Online Course: ideal for educators, subject matter experts, and professionals to share expertise on topics like fitness, marketing, personal development, or technical skills Step-by-Step How to Sell an Online Course: How to Offer - Choose a Platform: The course is uploaded into a portal that only paid buyers can access through a secure login. The student will be able to view but not download your video course as well as download any PDFs or accompanying workbooks. As you know I'm a big promoter for Kajabi as your platform since you can house your online course, design a website, collect payment, and send emails from one place. 30-day Kajabi trial + BONUSES. How to Present It - Create a Sales Funnel: A funnel is really just a series of pages and emails. The path of a potential customer landing on your website, filling out a form, arriving at a thank you page, and receiving an email is a sales funnel. Think of it like the path you've built to guide them through your website. In this case, the buyer would likely fill out a form on your website in exchange for a bite-size version of your course as a free sample. From there, you would send emails sharing the benefits of joining the full paid course.  How to Price: As a first-time course creator, it would not be a good idea to build a full 10-module signature course that includes everything you know about the subject matter. The reason for this is that it's not quite yet a proven concept. You must first prove that there are people out there that want to learn from you and want to learn what you're sharing. This is why a mini course is often the first online course suggested to create. The mini course could be anywhere from $47 to $297 and then as you build credibility, your premium course can be designed and launched. How to Market an Online Course: This is often the most mystifying part of launching an online business. New course creators often make the mistake of jumping right into paid ads. The truth is that you'll lose a lot of money that way since marketing to strangers is 45x harder than marketing to those that already look up to you as an expert. Yes, I'm suggesting you start with sharing free knowledge and advice on social until you build up an audience of followers or a blog to build email subscribers. It's so much easier to launch your first online course to a waiting list rather than being hopeful that people you don't know will see an ad and pull out their credit card. FYI, I do offer an affordable step-by-step email program that provides a single 15-minute task every weekday to help you go from 0 subscribers.     2. Membership Site What is a Membership Site: a program of exclusive content, resources, or community access with a recurring subscription fee, such as a coaching community for others in your niche, a resource library, or niche hobbyist group Who is Best to Launch a Membership Site: you're interested in offering ongoing value such as monthly content, group coaching, or regular live Q&A sessions Step-by-Step How to Sell a Membership Subscription: How to Offer - Choose a Password-Protected Platform: Each month, you'll add content and/or host live sessions in a portal that only paid buyers can access through a secure login. The member will be able to participate in online meetups, watch replays, and/or download resources. I'm sure you're aware that I'm a big promoter for Kajabi as your platform since you can house your online membership, design a website, collect payment, and send emails from one place. 30-day Kajabi trial (+ BONUSES). How to Present It - Use Community-Driven Strategies: Webinar, email campaign, social media content featuring testimonials from happy members, and referral programs are best for memberships. The goal is encouraging word-of-mouth growth. Selling a membership is about positioning it as an ongoing transformation, not just a product. Your members must understand the value of consistent support, networking, and continual education rather than a one-time solution. How to Price - Use Tiered Pricing: Offering different membership levels such as a free plan, basic plan with downloads, and VIP plan with regular meetups could entice varying budgets and needs. Creating a sense of urgency can also boost conversions. Limited-time enrollment, special bonuses for early sign-ups, or exclusive content for founding members can encourage people to join sooner rather than later. The major selling point is the interactive nature of your membership. Unlike a static course, members can engage with you, participate in challenges, and join meetups. Yes, this can all be done inside the Kajabi platform. Master Retention - Engage Often: Being actively involved in your membership community is just as important as creating it. It really needs to be something you want to be a part of because it thrives on leadership and connection. Members join because they’re looking for guidance, support, and belonging. It’s your presence that makes it truly valuable. By showing up consistently through live Q&A sessions, responding to posts, and acknowledging member wins, you're creating a culture of trust and accountability. When members feel seen and supported, they’re more likely to participate and invite others to join.      3. Digital Download What are Digital Downloads: one-off eBooks, templates, checklists, stock photos, or design resources Who is Best to Offer Digital Downloads: when you want to generate passive income without committing to ongoing updates or interaction - perfect for writers, designers, and photographers  Step-by-Step How to Sell Digital Downloads: How to Offer - Sales Page: Yep, you can offer unlimited downloads on Kajabi as well as design sales pages, collect payment, and send emails. 30-day Kajabi trial (+ BONUSES). How to Present It - Offer Bundles: Bundling products together increases perceived value and encourages your customers to buy more. Instead of selling a single item, several can be bundled together. If selling Canva templates for example, you could offer a complete set instead of individual files. If you have multiple eBooks on a similar topic, they can be sold as a Starter Kit or Master Bundle, which will increase your average order value. How to Price - Coupons: Creating a sense of urgency can increase conversion, in particular, using a limited time coupon or flash sale with a deadline. This could be a holiday sale, launch discount, or VIP upgrade offer. Blog to Leverage SEO: Drive Instagram, LinkedIn and Pinterest traffic to your blog and improve your chances of getting found in Google by writing articles in blog form on your Kajabi website. In reverse, a blog also gives you content to share on these platforms, helping to attract new customers. Instead of sales posts, the focus can be on educational content that naturally leads readers to your products. For example, if you sell meal-planning templates, a blog post titled “How to Save 5 Hours a Week with Meal Planning” can link to your product. Over time, your blog becomes a valuable traffic source, bringing in leads and sales on autopilot.     RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →  

Is this you 👉 Do you scroll through social media, spot someone in your industry, and instantly feel like you’re in competition with them?   Or do you see the internet for what it really is, countless people searching for the right fit, maybe even the one you provide?   The way you look at the world is affecting your personal brand, positively or negatively. Are you wasting energy worrying about competition, or are you focusing on connecting with the people who actually need what you bring to the table?   🌟What if... What if shifting your attention from competition to connection made everything feel different? What if sharing your expertise felt less like trying to keep up and more like having genuine conversations with those who truly benefit from it? What if showing up online wasn’t about proving yourself but about making it easy for the right people to find you? It’s a different way of looking at things, but a perspective shift can make a significant difference.   EXPANDING YOUR REACH Let’s put this mindset into practice. If you’re ready to move beyond focusing on others in your industry and start reaching those who need you, try this:   Step 1: Identify Who You Serve Instead of worrying about what others in your industry are doing, take a step back and ask yourself: Who is experiencing challenges that I can resolve? What questions do they already have that I can answer? How can I make it easier for them to find me? When you’re clear on your people, competition becomes irrelevant—because no one else will serve them exactly the way you do.   Step 2: Make It Stupid-Easy for People to Know What You Do If a stranger came across your social media, website, or email, would they quickly understand what you provide and how to work with you? If not, simplify. One direct message. One way to take the next step. Swap out vague phrases like “I help people reach their goals” with direct messaging like “I help coaches turn their expertise into a profitable online course—without overcomplicating it.” People don’t respond because they deciphered your message. They move forward because you made it unmistakable.   Step 3: Talk to the People Who Are Already Listening Instead of trying to stand out in a crowded space, start looking at who’s already engaging with you. Who’s liking, commenting, and replying? Who’s asking questions in your DMs or emails? Who’s been silently watching but might just need a little nudge? Try this: Instead of creating more content, spend some time starting more conversations.   RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →      

A book funnel will help you sell your book while also building an audience. This way, you can sell other offers to the audience such as a course, membership, coaching, etc. The book acts as social proof that you are the authority on this subject. Q: I thought the purpose of a book funnel is to sell more books. Am I wrong? A: Traditional book publishing royalties are around 10 to 15% while self-publishing royalties are 35 to 70%. Google and you'll find that the average book sells less than 500 copies. Reality check is that you're not going to become wealthy from selling your book.    The big picture goal of becoming an author is to build credibility then design offers your audience would be interested in purchasing such as paid speaking gigs (to sell more books), courses, or consulting services.   Once you have a book, you now have the foundation to build other revenue-generating offers that align with your audience’s needs.  Four Ways to Monetize Beyond Book Sales Paid Speaking Engagements: Being an author makes you more attractive to event organizers who are looking for credible speakers. Each speaking gig is an opportunity to not only get paid for your expertise but also to sell more books. Courses & Digital Products: A book provides a great outline for an online course. You can take the concepts from your book and expand on them with videos, worksheets, and interactive exercises. Consulting & Coaching Services: Many readers will want deeper, one-on-one support. By offering coaching or consulting, you give them an opportunity to work with you more closely. Membership Communities: If your book covers a topic that people want ongoing support for, a membership community can provide them with access to exclusive content, group discussions, and live Q&A sessions.   Why You Need a Sales Funnel to Sell These Offers Having a book is a great start, but to successfully sell your higher-ticket offers like courses, coaching, and memberships, you need a well-structured sales funnel. A funnel is a step-by-step customer journey that moves someone from being a casual reader to a paying client.   Step #1 Getting Readers Onto Your Email List Most people who buy your book won’t automatically go on to purchase your other offers. That’s why you need a way to capture their contact information. Inside your book, include a free bonus, such as a downloadable worksheet, checklist, or video training. To access this freebie, readers must enter their email address on your website. Now, you have a way to follow up with them and nurture the relationship.   Step #2 Build Trust Once a reader joins your email list, don’t immediately pitch them an offer (because who wants that?!). Instead, send a series of value-driven emails that: Expand on key concepts from the book Share success stories and testimonials Address common challenges and how you help solve them The goal here is to build trust and authority before introducing your paid offer.   Step #3 Consider Offering Something Lower Priced (An Easy Yes) Before pitching a high-ticket course or coaching program, consider offering a low-cost digital product such as a $27 mini-course or $47 workshop. This small, easy-to-purchase product could turn turn a reader into a paying customer.   Step #4 Finally, Pitch the High-Ticket Offer Once someone has engaged with your content and purchased a small offer, they are much more likely to invest in a higher-ticket service such as: A full online course ($297–$997) Group coaching program ($1,000+) One-on-one consulting ($2,500+) At this stage, you’re presenting your premium offer as the logical next step for readers who want more in-depth support.   Putting It All Together: The Full Funnel Strategy Here’s an example of how this all works together in a structured funnel: Book Purchase → Reader finds your book on Amazon or your website. Free Offer → They sign up for a freebie inside your book. Email Nurture Sequence → They receive automated emails that provide value and build trust. Low-Ticket Offer → They are invited to purchase a mini-course, workshop, or template. High-Ticket Offer → They receive an invitation to join your premium course, coaching, or consulting service. By using a sales funnel, you’re ensuring that your book isn’t just a one-time purchase. Instead, it’s a gateway to a sustainable business model with multiple revenue streams.   Without a funnel, most website visitors won’t buy on their first visit because they don't know, like and/or trust you enough. A funnel warms them up so they’re more likely to purchase. A funnel is a series of landing pages and emails that guide potential customers from awareness of your product to purchasing it. It’s called a funnel because a large amount of your audience enters the system, but only a small percentage convert to buyers. 🚫 No Funnel: People visit your site, see your book, and leave.  ✅ With a Funnel: They get value first, trust you, and are more likely to buy.   Book Funnel FAQ:   Q: What are some ways I can promote my book? Book signings or author readings at bookstores, libraries, and niche-related events Hosting a webinar, online book clubs, or live Q&A session Guest blogging for popular e-zines related to your book's genre or topic Guest podcast on platforms relevant to your book's audience Promote your book on social media by sharing updates, behind-the-scenes content, and reader reviews Organize giveaways or contests on social media or your website where participants can win signed copies of your book Film a book trailer to share on social media, your website, and at promotional events Partner with other authors, influencers, or organizations for joint promotions, giveaways, or events related to your book's niche Send out press releases to media outlets, book review websites, and literary magazines    Q: What are some ideas for a freebie offer inside my book? A: The answer will depend on what your audience wants from you as well as your niche subject matter.  in-depth backstories that provide additional insights into the characters featured in your book exclusive bonus content of additional chapters that are not included in the published book workbook or guide related to your book such as reflection questions or practical exercises exclusive video of your sharing of inspiration behind the book or behind-the-scenes anecdotes sneak peek or preview of an upcoming project a companion resource resource list of other recommended readings or websites   Ready to Monetize Beyond Book Sales?  Your book is just the beginning! If you’re looking to turn readers into paying clients, scale your expertise, and build a profitable business, you need a book funnel that works for you 24/7. I'll help you set up a system that turns your book into:  ✅ Paid speaking gigs  ✅ High-ticket coaching & consulting  ✅ Online course or membership Don’t let your book be a one-time purchase. Turn it into a business growth engine!  RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →      

It can make or break your personal brand.  Those words you sprinkle on your website, ads, and emails can either captivate your audience or make them scroll right past.  It’s not as complicated as you think!  I'm about to arm you with some golden nuggets to create copy that grabs attention.   Words that Wow #1  Change your timeline to upgrade the impact. EXAMPLE 👇👇👇   Words that Wow #2  Describe the transformation a student/client is going to receive by going through your program. They are not actually buying your program, they're buying a transformation (moving from point A where they are now, to point B where they want to be).  Avoid focusing on WHAT it is you're teaching them and instead focus instead on what they're going to gain from your teachings.    EXAMPLE 👇👇👇   Words that Wow #3  The more specific you are in your copy, the more likely your target market will read it and say "wow, that's me!" which causes them to pay more attention to what you have to say next. EXAMPLE   Words that Wow #4  The more specific the promise you're making, the more powerful the headline comes across.   EXAMPLE👇👇👇 instead of this... NO (too vague) My acrylic painting course covers the subject of: preparing a canvas choosing paintbrushes mixing colors   try this... YES (precise) By the end of this course, you're going to be able to: gesso linen canvases to prepare for a painting session choose the right paintbrush for fine, precise lines using just three primary colors, mix the exact shade of your subject's skin color   EXAMPLE👇👇👇   Words that Wow #5  Images and sub-headlines can slow down the urge to skim a page, potentially skipping important parts of the copy.  EXAMPLE👇👇👇   Words that Wow #6  Use a bigger timeframe to make a number have more impact.   EXAMPLE 👇👇👇 Sales Page, "Earn $5,000 a month with our online course." Timeframe Enhancement: "Earn $60,000 annually after completing our online course."   EXAMPLE 👇👇👇 Sales Page, "Get 300 new leads in your first campaign." Timeframe Enhancement: "Grow your audience by 3,600 new leads over the next year."   EXAMPLE 👇👇👇 Sales Page, "Save $25 a month with our membership plan." Timeframe Enhancement: "Save $300 annually with our exclusive membership."   EXAMPLE 👇👇👇   To wrap it up, here are 6 copywriting tips to keep in your back pocket as you work your magic: Know Your Audience: Write like you’re having a conversation with your ideal client. Start with a Hook: Grab attention in the first sentence, or risk losing your reader. Keep It Simple: Forget jargon. Clarity always beats cleverness. Focus on Benefits: Show how your product or service solves their problem, not just what it does. Break It Up: Use short sentences, bullet points, and white space to make your copy easy to skim. Write, Then Edit: Your first draft isn’t your best draft. Cut the fluff and polish it up. Great copy doesn’t just happen. It’s a skill you refine over time.      RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →  

This question comes up a lot! At the beginning, creating an online course seems like a huge, complicated project, but when you break the whole process into smaller steps, it becomes doable. Filming your course is the most exciting part. It's your ideas and expertise coming to life! If you’re completely new to online courses, know that you don’t need to be a professional filmmaker or have a Hollywood-style film studio to create it. Using the tools you have right now, you can film a course that looks great, sounds great, and makes your audience excited to learn from you. 👉Step #1 - Choose one of the three types of filming for an online course.   1. Talking Head This involves filming yourself speaking directly to the camera. It’s great for building a personal connection with your audience, sharing information, and explaining concepts. It works well if you're including hand demonstrations, using a whiteboard, or engaging in a lecture-style presentation.   2. Screen Share This method is ideal for demonstrating how to use software, presenting slides, or navigating digital tools. You record your computer screen while narrating the process.   3. Over-the-Shoulder Filming This style combines the two techniques above and is especially useful for hands-on tutorials or physical demonstrations. Over-the-shoulder camera angle: Perfect for tasks like cooking, crafting, or tech setups where viewers need a detailed view of your hands or workspace. Split-screen editing: A view of your talking head alongside a screen share or demonstration to provide context and personality while showing technical details.   👉Step #2 - Choose the platform to film your online course. Kajabi - Includes built-in tools for recording coaching sessions, group webinars, or course videos. Great for all-in-one content hosting and management. 30-Day Free Trial (+ BONUSES) here. Zoom - Ideal for recording with or without screen share that can later be edited into course material. Loom - Simple and fast for quick screen recordings with voiceover. Each platform offers unique features, so your choice will depend on your level of experience with filming and editing.    FAQ How long should my videos be? How do I create an outline or script? How do I organize my content into videos? How do I make my videos interactive? I've covered much of these questions in my other article, Step-by-Step How to Structure an Online Course   👉Step #3 - Gather filming equipment. You don’t need to splurge on high-end gear to create a professional-looking course. Many successful course creators began with just a smartphone, an inexpensive microphone, and a naturally lit room. What matters most is the value you’re providing to your audience, so focus on making your content shine, and don’t stress about having the perfect gear.   1. Camera Beginner Option: Start with what you have! Most modern smartphones have excellent cameras that can record high-quality video. Just make sure to use a tripod to keep your shots steady. Upgrade Option: If you’re ready to invest, consider an entry-level DSLR or mirrorless camera like the Canon EOS M50 or Sony ZV-E10. These provide great quality without breaking the bank. Pro Tip: Ensure your camera can record in at least 1080p HD for clear, sharp videos.   2. Microphone Audio quality is just as important (if not more) than video quality. Even with great visuals, poor sound can turn people off. Beginner Option: A lavalier (clip-on) microphone like the Rode SmartLav+ is affordable and works with most smartphones or cameras. Upgrade Option: A USB microphone like the Blue Yeti or Samson Q2U is perfect if you’re recording in a quiet space and don’t need to move around much. Pro Tip: Record in a quiet room and test your audio before filming to avoid echoes or background noise.   3. Lighting Good lighting makes a huge difference in how professional your videos look. Beginner Option: Use natural light by filming near a window during the day. Just make sure the light is even and doesn’t cast shadows on your face. Upgrade Option: Invest in a ring light or softbox lights for consistent, flattering lighting. A popular option is the Neewer Ring Light, which is easy to set up and affordable. Pro Tip: Avoid harsh overhead lights, which can create unflattering shadows.   4. Tripod or Stabilizer A shaky video can be distracting, so keep your camera stable. Beginner Option: A simple smartphone tripod or tabletop tripod is inexpensive and effective. Upgrade Option: If you’re using a DSLR or mirrorless camera, get a sturdy tripod with adjustable height, like the Manfrotto Compact Action. Pro Tip: Make sure the tripod is set at eye level for a natural angle.   5. Background Your filming environment matters! Keep it clean and professional but don’t overthink it. Simple Option: A tidy corner of your home with good lighting works great. Remove clutter and add a personal touch like a plant or a framed picture. Upgrade Option: Use a collapsible backdrop or wall-mounted options for a distraction-free background. Neutral colors like white, light gray, or soft blue work well. Pro Tip: Test how your background looks on camera before filming to make sure it’s not too distracting.   6. Editing Software After filming, you’ll need to edit your videos to polish them up. Free Option: Start with user-friendly programs like iMovie (Mac) or Clipchamp (Windows). Even Canva now offers video editing features. I use a free software called Shotcut. Upgrade Option: Consider software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro if you want more advanced editing tools. Pro Tip: Focus on trimming out mistakes. You don’t need fancy effects to make a great course.   7. Optional Extras Teleprompter App: If you’re nervous about forgetting what to say, use a teleprompter app on your phone or tablet. Headphones: Good headphones help you check audio quality while editing. Extra Batteries/Chargers: If you’re using a camera, have backup batteries or keep your device charged.   👉Step #4 - Set up your home filming studio. With a little creativity, you can transform a corner of your home into a functional and professional-looking space.   1. Choose the Right Location Quiet Space: Find a room with minimal outside noise. Avoid high-traffic areas or spaces near noisy appliances. Good Lighting: Ideally, pick a space with plenty of natural light (like near a window). If natural light isn’t an option, make sure you have sufficient artificial lighting. Keep It Simple: A neutral or minimal background works best. A tidy bookshelf, a clean wall, or a tasteful plant can add a touch of personality without being distracting. Custom Branding: Add a subtle personal touch with a branded poster, your logo, or décor that reflects your course’s theme.   2. Set Up Lighting Natural Light: If using sunlight, position yourself facing the window for even lighting on your face. Avoid having the window behind you as it can cause overexposure. Artificial Light: Position softbox lights or a ring light at a 45-degree angle on either side of you to minimize shadows and create flattering light. Background Lighting: Add a small light to brighten up your background for depth and visual interest.   3. Position Camera and Tripod Place your tripod at eye level to create a natural angle. Frame yourself in the center of the shot with some space above your head and your shoulders in view. Keep the background in focus by maintaining a reasonable distance between you and the backdrop. Check for echoes or background noise. If your space feels too “echoey,” add soft furnishings like rugs, curtains, or cushions to absorb sound. Test the microphone audio before filming.    Filming Tips... Solid clothing colors work best, so avoid busy patterns or shiny fabrics. Before beginning, skim through your script or outline to familiarize yourself with the flow of your content. Do simple vocal exercises or say a few tongue twisters to warm up your voice. Do a quick 10-second test to check lighting, audio, and framing before diving into full recording. Smile, take a deep breath, and start with a warm introduction. Speak as if you’re having a one-on-one conversation with your ideal student. Perfection is not required. Don’t stress about tiny mistakes. Those mistakes make you more relatable and can be edited out. Hydration is key, especially if you’ll be talking for a while. Maintain a positive and engaging tone throughout. It’s okay to exaggerate your enthusiasm slightly. It translates well on camera. Include questions or prompts to encourage your audience to think or reflect (e.g., “What do you think so far?” or “Take a moment to try this yourself.”). If you stumble, pause, gather your thoughts, and continue. It’s better to keep the flow than start over every time. End each video with a summary, next steps, or a call-to-action (“Download the workbook” or “See you in the next lesson!”). Keep an organized digital file system for your videos.   RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →    

You've probably heard the advice "know your audience" when crafting messaging for your sales page. It’s one of those phrases tossed around in digital marketing like it’s the golden key to success, but what does it actually mean?  Does it mean reading their minds?  Guessing their problems?  Following some magical checklist that everyone but you seems to have?  For most people writing a sales page, “know your audience” sounds frustratingly vague and can even feel like a roadblock when you don’t know where to start.    When you don’t know exactly who your audience is, it’s like trying to have a conversation in a language they don’t speak.  You might be throwing out ideas or solutions, but not capturing any attention because you're not addressing the frustrations your audience is actually facing.  What problems are they struggling with (that you have the solution for)?  What outcomes are they desperately seeking (that you have the solution for)?  Without clarity, it’s nearly impossible to position yourself as the person with the answers they need. This disconnect can lead to a sales page that feels generic or confusing and one that doesn’t resonate and, ultimately, doesn’t convert. W 👉Whether you’re building your first sales page or trying to fix one that’s falling flat, understanding your audience is the essential first step to crafting messaging that connects and compels. What are they frustrated by (that you solve)?  What solutions are they searching for (that you have the answers to)?    What exactly does "know your audience" mean? If you’re in the process of writing a sales page for an online course, coaching program, or membership, these steps will help you write messaging that feels like a conversation with a friend rather than a generic sales pitch.  Before you can write a single word, you need to know who your ideal customer is. Think of this as creating a character for your messaging. The more specific you get, the easier it becomes to write words that feel like they’re speaking directly to them.  This clarity doesn’t just help you write better. It also causes your audience to feel seen and understood. When you show your audience that you understand where they're coming from, they will assume you have the solution to their problem (because you do) and will be more compelled to purchase your services or program.    👉Messaging Action Step #1: Pinpoint The Challenge (that you solve) Your audience isn’t coming to you because everything is fine. They’re searching for solutions to something they’re struggling with. When you understand their pain points, you can position your offer as the perfect remedy. That's messaging that instantly grabs attention and builds trust because it’s clear you "get" them. Be specific in defining your audience's biggest challenge (that you have the solution for). Instead of saying, “they’re overwhelmed,” move past surface level and consider the internal struggles that keep them from moving forward.  Are they a new entrepreneur trying to juggle business and family life?  Are they frustrated because they’ve tried other solutions that haven’t worked?  Are they nervous about making an investment because they’ve been burned before?  Example: “Megan is a busy mom of two who dreams of launching her own coaching business but feels overwhelmed by all the tech and marketing advice online. She’s frustrated because every program she’s tried assumes she already knows the basics, and she’s starting to doubt if she’s cut out for this.”   👉Messaging Action Step #2 Define The Achievement (that you help with) Your ideal customer isn’t just defined by their pain. They also have goals. It’s not enough to know their struggles. You also need to know what success means to them. What's their dream outcome when their problem is solved? By showing them how your solution bridges the gap between where they are now and where they want to be, you’ll create messaging that’s both relatable and inspiring. What are they hoping to accomplish with your help? “They want to feel successful” isn’t enough. What does success look like? Maybe they want to launch their first course in 90 days. Maybe they’re looking for strategies to grow their email list to 1,000 engaged subscribers.  Knowing what success looks like to them will shape how you position your offer. Example: “Megan’s dream is to create a sustainable coaching business that allows her to work from home while earning enough to pay for family vacations. She wants a step-by-step system that’s actionable and doesn’t assume she’s a tech wizard.”   👉Messaging Action Step #3 Design Your Approach (how do you help) Now, bring their personality to life.  Are they analytical and detail-oriented, or do they prefer big-picture strategies?  Are they the type to research thoroughly before making a decision, or do they value quick wins and action?  This helps tailor your tone and approach. For example, a detail-oriented customer might appreciate thorough explanations and examples, while someone more action-focused might prefer bullet points and concise steps. Example: “Megan is practical and action-oriented but gets overwhelmed when there’s too much information at once. She values efficiency and proven strategies. She’s not looking for fluff. She wants real-world advice she can trust.”   👉Messaging Action Step #4: Visualize 1 Audience Member (that you're writing all your messaging for) Pull all this together into a short profile, like this: Profile Example: “Megan is a 38-year-old mom of two who dreams of launching a coaching business. She’s overwhelmed by conflicting advice online and frustrated with programs that assume too much technical knowledge. Her goal is to create a sustainable, family-friendly business that pays for her kids’ activities and family vacations. Megan is practical and action-oriented, preferring step-by-step guidance and real-world strategies over fluff. She values clarity, efficiency, and support she can count on.”     When you build this level of detail into your customer profile, you’re no longer writing for a vague “audience.” You’re writing for Megan. You’ll know exactly what to say, how to say it, and what will make her stop, nod her head, and think, “Wow, this was written for me.”  This specificity transforms your messaging from generic to irresistible. That’s the power of truly knowing your audience.   😲👉Okay, NOW it's finally time to write your sales page... Now that you know who they are, what they’re struggling with, and where they want to go, it’s time to connect the dots. You're going to show your audience exactly how your offer solves their problem and helps them achieve their goal. This is what turns website browsers into buyers. Those new to digital marketing often make the same mistake. They begin their sales page with the solution. They talk about their program, coaching service, or product right from the top of the page.  Your website visitor isn’t ready to hear about the solution (your service or program) until they fully see that you understand their problem. By skipping talking about their problem first, your messaging instantly become disconnected and you'll lose them.  Instead, starting with the problem and then transitioning into the solution allows you to build trust, create emotional resonance, and set up the perfect pitch for your offer. By the time they’re halfway through your sales page, your readers should already be nodding along, thinking, “Yes, this is exactly what I’m struggling with. I need this program.”   👉Writing Action #1: Start with The Problem (that your program solves) Your first goal is to grab their attention by talking about the problem they have but can't seem to solve. This is your chance to show that you understand their world better than anyone else. The more specific you are, the more relatable your message will be. Write a paragraph that describes your audience’s biggest pain points in detail. Use their words and focus on how those problems impact their daily lives. Example: You sell a career transitioning program. “You’re stuck in a job that doesn’t light you up anymore, but every time you think about making a change, the overwhelm sets in. You’ve read all the career advice blogs and downloaded free resources, but instead of clarity, you’re buried under a pile of options and questions: ‘Should I go back to school? Can I afford to take this risk? What if I fail?’ The day-to-day grind leaves little energy for figuring out your next step, and every week that passes feels like another missed opportunity to create a life you love. You want to move forward, but you feel paralyzed by the fear of making the wrong choice.” Example: You sell coaching services helping moms start online side hustles. “You’re juggling work, kids, and a million other responsibilities, but deep down, you’re craving something more. You’ve been dreaming about launching an online business that gives you freedom and flexibility, but every time you sit down to start, the questions flood in: ‘What kind of business? How do I even begin? What if I fail and waste precious time?’ You’re exhausted just thinking about it. Between soccer practices, endless meetings, and trying to stay sane, there’s no time to sift through the sea of advice online. You’re stuck in a cycle of dreaming big but feeling like you’ll never have the time, energy, or know-how to make it happen.” Each example creates a visual, relatable picture of your audience’s struggle and how that problem affects their daily life.   👉Writing Action #2: Build a Vision of What’s Possible (after completing your program) Once you’ve connected with their pain, shift the focus to the dream scenario they’re chasing. What does life look like once their problem is solved? Help them see the gap between where they are now and where they want to be. Make them feel excited about closing it. This creates a natural segue to your solution. Write a paragraph describing their ideal outcome. Use sensory details to make it feel tangible, as if they’re already living that reality. Example: You sell a monthly fitness membership subscription. Imagine waking up each morning feeling energized and strong, no longer dreading the mirror or feeling uncomfortable in your clothes. You have a simple, sustainable routine that fits seamlessly into your life, even on busy days, and the results speak for themselves. Your confidence is back, you’re sleeping better, and you’re even starting to enjoy working out. Best of all, you’re proud of the example you’re setting for your family, showing them what it means to prioritize health and happiness. Example: You sell coaching services for parents of pre-teens. Imagine dinner time without the meltdowns, bedtime routines that end in laughter instead of frustration, and a home filled with calm and connection. You’ve learned exactly how to handle tough moments without losing your cool, and your child is responding in ways you never thought possible. Instead of feeling drained and defeated, you wake up each day with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing you have the tools to guide your child through whatever challenges come your way. It’s not just parenting. It’s joyful parenting.   👉Writing Action #3: Introduce the Roadblocks (why they haven't solved their problem yet) Before you introduce your solution, talk about the obstacles standing in their way.  This step builds the case for why your audience needs your help. What’s keeping them from achieving the outcome on their own? What solutions have they tried that didn’t work? Position yourself as the missing piece that will finally get them to the finish line. Write a few sentences that describe why your audience hasn’t solved their problem yet. Show empathy and acknowledge the frustration they feel. Example: Your sell a community program of moms desiring better time management. You’ve tried every planner, app, and productivity hack under the sun, but nothing seems to stick. Between work, kids, and everything in between, your to-do list feels like it’s growing faster than you can manage. You’re constantly rushing, yet it feels like you’re falling further behind. It’s not that you’re not trying. You’ve given it your all, but without a system that works for your chaotic lifestyle, it’s hard to feel in control. Example: You selling coaching services to authors struggling to write books. You’ve always wanted to write a book, and you’ve even tried starting a few times. But every time you sit down, you get stuck, likely second-guessing your ideas, overthinking every sentence, or feeling overwhelmed by the sheer size of the task. You’ve read books about writing, listened to podcasts, and joined groups for motivation, but the blank page still stares back at you. It’s not that you lack passion. It’s that you don’t have a clear path forward to turn your ideas into a finished draft.   👉Writing Action #4: Transition to Your Solution (what you're selling) Finally! Now that you're about halfway down your sales page, you can begin showing your audience what it is that you're selling. The website visitor is invested in solving their problem and understands why they need help. Now, you can introduce the solution (your service or program).  Specifically, you'll lead with the benefits as opposed to listing features. Benefits are what will cause your audience to purchase your program, not a bullet point list of your program's features.  Features are the tangible “what” of your program: number of modules, weekly calls, or downloadable workbooks Benefits are the “why” and the transformation your features enable. For instance, if your course includes six modules on marketing strategies, that’s a feature. But the benefit is that your students will finally have a clear, step-by-step roadmap to attract clients and grow their business with confidence. Benefits resonate emotionally because they speak directly to your audience’s desires and the outcome they’re striving for. By leading with benefits, you help your audience see how your program bridges the gap between where they are now and where they want to be. Let’s say you’re offering a fitness coaching program. Instead of emphasizing that the program includes three weekly live training sessions (a feature), focus on the fact that these sessions provide personalized guidance, keeping them motivated and on track to finally achieve their fitness goals (the benefit). Benefits are what create excitement and make your audience feel like your offer is the solution they’ve been searching for. It’s what makes them say, “I need this!” Write a statement that answers this question: “How does my product or service solve their problem and help them achieve their desired outcome?” Example: You sell a behavioral training program for pet owners. Feature: This pet behavior training program provides actionable strategies to address common issues like barking, separation anxiety, and leash pulling, ... Benefit: ... creating a more harmonious relationship between you and your pet. Example: You sell a community group of artists who want to sell their work online. Feature: This art marketing course teaches artists how to build an online presence, attract buyers, and create sales funnels that showcase their work to the right audience, ... Benefit: ... transforming creative passion into a thriving business. 👉Writing Action #5: All About the Offer (the second half of the page) The second half of your sales page is finally all about showcasing your program or service. You'll break down exactly what they’ll receive, including features, benefits, bonuses, and what makes your offer unique. Testimonials and success stories help build trust and credibility.  Action Step: Create a detailed list of everything included in your offer. For each item, add a brief explanation of how it benefits your audience or solves a specific challenge. Example: You sell an elite nutrition program for professional athletes. This program is designed to take your performance to the next level by giving you the tools, knowledge, and personalized support you need to fuel your body like a pro. You’ll start with a customized nutrition plan tailored to your sport, training schedule, and performance goals.  (benefit) No more guessing about what to eat or when. This plan makes sure your meals and snacks are working as hard as you are, so you can train smarter and recover faster. You’ll also have access to weekly one-on-one consultations with a sports nutrition expert to fine-tune your plan, troubleshoot challenges, and ensure you’re always on track.  (benefit) Think of it as having a personal coach for your nutrition, someone who knows exactly what it takes to perform at your peak. To make life even easier, the program includes meal prep guides and recipes specifically designed for athletes. These recipes aren’t just healthy. They’re quick to prepare and packed with the nutrients your body craves. (benefit) You’ll have everything you need to stay fueled without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll also get exclusive access to educational workshops and masterclasses on topics like hydration strategies, supplements for peak performance, and avoiding common pitfalls in athletic nutrition.  (benefit) These sessions give you a deeper understanding of how to use nutrition as your secret weapon on and off the field. And because we know consistency is key, you’ll join a supportive community of like-minded athletes.  (benefit) Share tips, celebrate wins, and stay motivated alongside others who understand the demands of high-performance sports. What Makes This Program Unique? This isn’t a one-size-fits-all meal plan. Everything in the program is tailored specifically to the needs of professional athletes. Whether you’re prepping for competition, recovering from injury, or navigating a demanding training schedule, this program meets you where you are and evolves with you. The focus is on sustainable changes that enhance your performance, not quick fixes that leave you burned out. Bonuses Included: You’ll also receive some amazing extras to keep you on track. Start with a personalized supplement guide to ensure you’re only using products that enhance your performance safely and effectively. Plus, enjoy a pre-season nutrition audit, where we evaluate your current habits and identify quick wins to optimize your results right away. Success Stories "I didn’t realize how much my nutrition was holding me back until I started this program. Within weeks, my energy levels soared, and my recovery time was cut in half. It’s been a total game-changer for my career!" — Chris T., Professional Cyclist "This program completely transformed the way I think about food. I went from winging it to fueling like a pro. Now, I feel stronger, faster, and more confident heading into every competition." — Maria L., Olympic Swimmer Call to Action If you’re ready to fuel your body for peak performance and take your game to the next level, this is the program for you. The Elite Nutrition Program for Professional Athletes is your shortcut to smarter training, faster recovery, and consistent success. Don’t leave your performance to chance. Start fueling like a pro today!      Bottom Line Sales page messaging isn’t about gimmicks. It’s about truly understanding your audience and guiding them on a journey from their struggles to your solution.    RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →    

Gamification is such a buzzword these days. As a coach or consultant, it's creating points, badges, leaderboards and challenges to make everyday activities more engaging and fun.  Your clients love it because it taps into basic human psychology. We’re naturally motivated by things like achieving goals, gaining recognition... and friendly competition. Instead of feeling overwhelmed inside your program, gamification cause the task list to feel like you’re playing a game. For example, you could create challenges in your Kajabi community such as a 30-day goal to complete a course, then reward those who participate with exclusive content or private coaching. You can also use leaderboards to showcase top contributors. Action 1: Set Program Milestone Goals Milestones: Outline the goals or milestones your clients should achieve (completing a module, implementing a strategy, hitting a personal target). Tracking: Use Kajabi’s course progress tracking feature to see how each client is progressing. Reward: Assign points, badges, or certificates for completing milestones. Use personalized congratulatory messages. Action 2: Design Interactive Learning Modules Quizzes: Add quizzes to your Kajabi course (tailored to your program). Drip: Set up Kajabi’s drip-release feature to unlock new content as clients progress. Multimedia: Use multimedia (videos, infographics, PDFs) to add to the learning experience. Recap: Include end-of-module challenges where clients summarize what they’ve learned and how they’ll apply it. Connecting the course to a community allows challenges to be implemented. Action 3: Introduce Engagement Activities  Tasks: Assign real-world challenges, such as applying a learned skill immediately before moving to the next module. Automations: Set automations to cheerlead clients along as they complete one module and approach another. Incentivize: Offer a reward (private coaching, exclusive resources, coupon code) when clients complete a module. Weekly: Assign short, actionable tasks clients can complete quickly to build momentum. Worksheets: Provide downloadable resources or templates they can fill out as they progress. Action 4: Add Competitive Elements and Leaderboards Leaderboards: Within the community, use the leaderboard to encourage friendly competition. Participation: Highlight top performers in your email newsletters or community posts. Competitions: Divide your community into groups and reward the most collaborative or successful team. Events: Organize limited-time competitions tied to holidays or specific themes. Action 5: Implement Reward Systems Rewards: Choose tangible incentives, such as discounts on future services or exclusive access to bonus content. Automate: Optionally, use Kajabi’s offers and email sequences to automatically deliver rewards upon task completion. Rewards: Let clients choose their reward from a predefined list, such as coaching calls, resources, or discounts. Bonus: Unlock exclusive lessons or content when clients achieve key milestones. Physical: Offer branded merchandise or mailed certificates for significant accomplishments. Recognition: Create a “Wall of Fame” in your community or website to showcase top clients. Action 6: Provide Instant Feedback Scoring: Set up quizzes in Kajabi with instant feedback for correct and incorrect answers. Badges: Award badges for specific achievements, such as completing a module or mastering a skill. Action 7: Build a Community for Collaboration Community: Set up a dedicated space where clients can interact, share progress, and participate in group challenges. Teamwork: Launch group activities and challenges within the community, encouraging peer learning and support. Celebrate: Post shout-outs for achievements to motivate others and build camaraderie. Action 8: Self-Assessment Tools Reflection: Incorporate self-assessment quizzes and surveys in your Kajabi courses to help clients evaluate their own progress. Content: Create engaging simulations or role-play scenarios that clients can complete within the platform. Logs: Encourage clients to maintain a personal log of lessons learned and applied. Checklists: Provide downloadable checklists to help clients measure their own growth. Scenarios: Add “what would you do” exercises to reinforce decision-making skills. Step 9: Get Feedback Request: Use Kajabi forms or surveys to collect feedback on the gamified experience. Strategies: Update challenges, rewards, and tools based on client preferences and results. Step 10: Host Live Gamified Events Challenges: Host real-time competitions during webinars or live sessions. Trivia: Organize fun, educational trivia events related to your course topics. Q&A: Gamify Q&A sessions by awarding points for insightful questions. RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →    

So, you have an idea for an online course that you’re super excited about. Before you spend the next few months filming, you should make sure your idea has what it takes to succeed.  That’s where an Online Course Feasibility Rating comes in.  This rating score is your reality check in whether your course idea is ready to launch or if it needs a little more love to stand out in the market.    Scoring System: Online Course Idea Feasibility Rating Scorecard For each of the below questions, rate each criterion on a scale from 1 to 5:  1 = Low feasibility  5 = High feasibility Add up the scores at the end for a total feasibility score out of 30 points. Ready? Begin...   1. How easily can you develop the course content? Do you already have expertise in this area? 1 Requires significant research or new skills 3 Moderately challenging but manageable 5 Effortless, based on existing skills and knowledge 2. What are your financial requirements for creating the course? (hosting platform, filming, marketing) Are there ways to minimize costs? 1 High upfront costs 3 Moderate investment required 5 Minimal to no upfront costs 3. Can the course be sold repeatedly without much additional effort? Does it have the potential for passive income? 1 Highly dependent on live delivery or one-off sales 3 Moderate potential for automation 5 Fully scalable with automation 4. Is there a large enough audience interested in this topic? How niche is the idea? 1 Small, niche audience 3 Moderate audience size 5 Large, broad appeal 5. How competitive is this niche? Can you stand out with your unique approach? 1 Highly saturated market 3 Moderate competition 5 Limited competition or unique angle 6. How quickly can you launch the course? Are there external factors that might delay progress? 1 More than six months required 3 Three to six months to launch  5 Less than three months to launch Total Feasibility Score Add up the scores for all criteria. 25–30 Highly Feasible 18–24 Feasible with some challenges 12–17 Moderately Feasible, reconsider 6–11 Not Feasible Next Steps Highly Feasible (25–30): Move forward with developing this course. Feasible with Challenges (18–24): Identify and address obstacles before proceeding. Moderately Feasible (12–17): Reevaluate the idea or adjust your approach. Not Feasible (6–11): Explore alternative course ideas.   Is Your Score a Low Feasibility? If your course idea gets a low feasibility score, it’s not the end! Think of it as valuable feedback to help you refine and improve. Start by taking a closer look at your target audience and getting clear on who your course is for by conducting surveys and engaging in forums. Validating your idea is possibly by testing with a freebie, a poll, or a mini version of your course to gauge interest. Pre-selling your course is also great way to confirm demand before fully committing. Next, consider what makes your course stand out? Whether it’s your teaching style, the specific problem you solve, or a unique framework, emphasize what makes your offer special.  If your idea feels too broad, consider niching down to solve one specific problem for one specific group of people. Specialized courses often perform better than generalized ones.  Improving your market positioning is another important step. Polish your messaging and branding to make your course irresistible. If you’re new, build credibility by offering a beta version of your course for free or at a discount, and use the feedback and results to improve your offer.  Review your pricing strategy. Sometimes a high price suggests exclusivity, while a lower price makes it more accessible. Consider offering tiered pricing or bonuses to create more value. Finally, don’t give up! Every successful course creator started somewhere, and a low feasibility score is just a sign to tweak your approach, not abandon your dream. Treat this as an opportunity to learn, grow, and create a course your audience will love.  Your Success is Inevitable! 💖   RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →    

You have an idea for your online course (or you've already created it). But...how do you get people to buy it? How does your audience find out that you even exist? You may be surprised to hear that what is going to set you and your course apart from others in your niche is not what you think (your education, your skill, or your amazing course).  The secret is actually in your ability to market for leads and convert those leads into buyers.    Did you know that the average conversion rate for those on your email list is 2% to 5%? If you have an email list of 1,000 people, then 20 to 50 people are likely going to purchase. Look at your numbers right now. How big is your email list?   Marketing overall is about creating an experience that grabs your audience's attention, builds trust, and makes them say, “you're exactly who I’ve been looking for!” If you’re currently overwhelmed by all the marketing jargon, tech setup, or just figuring out where to start, you’re not alone.  With a well thought out plan of strategy, you can absolutely attract buyers and turn your knowledge into a thriving revenue stream. It isn’t about luck. It’s about using proven tactics to connect with your ideal audience and show them the value you’re offering.   Step #1 Build a Professional Online Presence Step #2 Leverage Lead Generation Strategies Step #3 Master Marketing Funnels Step #4 Utilize Community Building ...plus Bonus Content   Your success is inevitable!     TELL YOUR AUDIENCE ABOUT IT! Step #1 Build a Professional Online Presence To get buyers into your online course, your website needs to shine as the ultimate first impression. This is where potential students decide if your course is the right fit for them, so it should be inviting and conversion-focused.    Strategy A: Build a Conversion-Focused Landing Page Your landing page is your course’s “front door,” so it needs to grab attention and make your offer clear.  Here’s how to make it irresistible: Write a Compelling Headline: Make it centered on results. For example, “Master Digital Marketing in 30 Days” tells visitors exactly what they’ll gain. Share Testimonials or Case Studies: Include quotes, videos, or screenshots from satisfied students who’ve benefited from your course. Social proof builds trust. Don't have buyers yet - get a friend of colleague on board (yes for free or at a deep discount) to gain those testimonials. Highlight Your Course Structure: Break down what’s included in easy-to-read sections like modules, lessons, and bonuses. Use bullet points or icons for a quick overview. Be Transparent with Pricing: Whether you offer one-time payments, subscriptions, or payment plans, display pricing so the buyer can make an informed decision. Include an Obvious Call-to-Action: Make your “Buy Now” button impossible to miss. Use action-oriented text like “Enroll Today” or “Start Learning Now.”   Strategy B: Focus on Memorable Branding Consistent branding isn’t just about looking good. It’s about building trust and recognition. Here’s how to create a cohesive identity that sticks in your audience’s mind: Choose a Color Palette: Pick 2-3 colors that reflect your brand’s personality (calming blues for a wellness course or bold red for a business topic). Stick to these colors across your website. Pick the Right Fonts: Avoid going overboard with too many styles. Incorporate Your Logo: Place your logo prominently on the page, such as in the header or footer, to reinforce your brand identity. Use Consistent Imagery: Whether it’s photos, icons, or graphics, choose visuals that align with your brand’s vibe. If you’re teaching yoga, soft and calming images make sense. Create a Style Guide: Document your colors, fonts, and design rules so your website and marketing materials always look cohesive.   Strategy C: Design for User-Friendly Navigation Even the best-looking website won’t convert if visitors get lost or frustrated. Make your website a breeze to explore: Simplify the Menu: Keep your navigation bar simple, with essential links like Home, About, Course Details, and Contact. Use Sections to Guide the Journey: Lay out your sales page with distinct sections including a welcome message, course overview, testimonials, and a pricing breakdown. Optimize for Mobile: Most users will view your site on their phones, so ensure everything looks great and functions smoothly on mobile. Add Easy Support Options: Include an FAQ section or a chat widget to answer common questions, making it easier for buyers to take the next step.       DESIGN A MARKETING STRATEGY Step #2 Leverage Lead Generation Strategies Lead generation is all about drawing potential buyers into your world, sparking their interest, and giving them a taste of the value you offer. A great way to do this is by offering a lead magnet, nurturing your followers through an email sequence, and building trust with social proof.    Strategy A: Create and Share Irresistible Lead Magnets A lead magnet is your way of saying, “Here’s something awesome, no strings attached (except your email).” It builds trust and starts the relationship. A strong lead magnet can generate a ton of high-quality leads. Choose a Valuable Freebie: Whether it’s an eBook, checklist, webinar, or mini-course, make sure your lead magnet solves a real problem for your audience. Design It to Impress: Use tools like Canva to create a professional, eye-catching resource. People judge freebies by their cover, too! Set Up an Opt-In Form: Use Kajabi to create a sleek form where visitors can enter their email in exchange for your lead magnet. The lead magnet is completely automated so you're pulling leads in as you sleep. Promote It Everywhere: Share your lead magnet on social media (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook), in online communities like Reddit or Facebook Groups, and during guest webinars or podcasts.   Strategy B: Nurture Leads with Email Campaigns Once you have someone’s email, the relationship begins. Use email to keep the connection alive and guide them toward becoming a buyer. Here’s how: Set Up a Welcome Sequence: Automate a series of emails introducing yourself, your course, and the transformation it offers. Keep it friendly and helpful. Send Value-Packed Content: Share tips, resources, or mini-wins related to your course topic to keep followers engaged and interested. Include Soft Pitches: After delivering value, occasionally mention your course as a next step to deepen their learning. Analyze and Refine: Check click-through rates to see what resonates with your audience. Tweak your emails to improve results.   Strategy C: Share Credibility through Social Proof Trust is everything when it comes to online courses. Social proof shows potential buyers that others have already benefited from what you offer. Here’s how to make it work: Share Testimonials: Ask happy students for a quick review or quote about their experience. Display these prominently on your website and in your email campaigns. Post Success Stories: Create case studies highlighting specific results students have achieved with your course. Include real numbers or before-and-after transformations if possible. Get Social Shoutouts: Encourage your audience to tag you in their posts when using your freebie or course content, then reshare their excitement. Collect Reviews on Social Media: Platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook let users leave reviews. Ask satisfied customers to write one and link to it in your promotions.     SALES FUNNELS ARE JUST A SERIES OF LANDING PAGES & EMAILS WITH SEGMENTATION, SIMPLE AS THAT. Step #3 Master Marketing Funnels Mastering marketing funnels is all about guiding potential buyers through their journey, from discovering your course to clicking Buy Now.  With these strategies, you’ll create a seamless funnel that meets your audience where they are and helps them feel confident about enrolling. From raising awareness with smart content to sealing the deal with bonuses and payment options, your marketing funnel ensures you’re turning interest into action and building a steady stream of students for your course. Here’s how to do it step by step, broken down into three actionable strategies for each stage of the funnel.   Strategy A: Create Awareness (Getting on Their Radar) The first step in your funnel is making sure your audience knows your course exists. This is where you show up and grab attention. Optimize Your Website for SEO: Write blog posts or create a resources page on your site that incorporates keywords your audience is searching for. This helps your course pop up on Google. Post on Social Media Platforms: Share bite-sized tips, behind-the-scenes insights, or short videos that showcase your expertise. Focus on platforms where your audience hangs out, like Instagram or YouTube. Leverage Content Marketing: Write articles, record podcasts, or create videos that offer valuable insights related to your course. Position yourself as the go-to expert in your niche. Engage with Your Audience: Comment on posts, reply to DMs, and participate in community discussions. Build relationships and trust before making the pitch.   Strategy B: Move Them to Consideration (Building Interest and Trust) Once people know about your course, they’ll start evaluating whether it’s right for them. This is where you highlight the value and offer a taste of what you provide. Host Free Previews or Webinars: Let potential buyers experience your teaching style and the transformation your course offers.  Offer a Community Group: Create a free group on Kajabi where members can interact, ask questions, and explore your offerings without pressure. Answer Common Questions: Use Q&A sessions or a dedicated FAQ section to address hesitations or concerns. Show that you understand your audience’s needs. Send Valuable Free Content: Use your email list to deliver tips related to your course. The more value you provide upfront, the more confident buyers will feel.   Strategy C: Drive Decisions (Turning Interest into Action) This is the final stage, where you guide interested leads to take that leap and enroll in your course. Offer Limited-Time Discounts: Create urgency with a short-term offer, such as “enroll by Friday and save 20%.” Add Bonuses: Sweeten the deal with exclusive perks, like a free eBook, extra coaching session, or bonus module for those who sign up early. Provide Payment Plans: Make your course more accessible by offering options like monthly payments, which can reduce hesitation for budget-conscious buyers. Send Follow-Up Emails: Use Kajabi’s automation to send reminders, highlight benefits, and address objections. A series of well-timed emails can nudge hesitant buyers toward a decision.     CONSIDER YOUR FOLLOWERS PART OF YOUR COMMUNITY Step #4 Utilize Community Building Creating an interactive community builds loyalty and may attract new buyers for your online course. Communities give students a sense of belonging. The community can host live virtual events or present more advanced content as part of their journey.   Strategy A: Build an Interactive Community on Kajabi A thriving community transforms your course from a one-time purchase into an ongoing experience.  Set Up a Branded Community Space: Use Kajabi’s community feature to create a dedicated hub for your students. Customize it with your logo and a welcoming introduction. Create Discussion Topics: Offer prompts that encourage engagement, like “What’s your biggest win this week?” or “What questions do you have about [your course topic]?” Encourage Peer Support: Prompt students to share tips, resources, or experiences with each other. A sense of collaboration strengthens the community. Stay Active: Check in regularly to answer questions, share updates, and engage in discussions. Your presence sets the tone for an active, supportive environment.   Strategy B: Host Live Events to Boost Engagement Live events are an incredible way to connect with your students in real time, address their concerns, and build excitement about your course. Schedule Regular Webinars or Q&As: Use Kajabi to host live events where students can ask questions, get advice, or chat about course content. Host Live Workshops: Offer practical, interactive sessions where students can work on a specific skill or task related to your course. Invite Guest Experts: Bring in guest speakers to share fresh insights and provide additional value to your community. Record and Replay Events: Make recordings available for those who couldn’t attend live. This adds ongoing value to your course and keeps everyone in the loop. Use Live Events to Upsell: During webinars, mention advanced courses, memberships, or bonus resources.   Strategy C: Implement Retention Strategies Keeping your students engaged and coming back for more is key to long-term success.  Offer Memberships: Create a subscription-based model that gives students access to exclusive content, ongoing support, or bonus materials. Introduce Advanced Courses: Develop follow-up courses that allow students to continue learning and growing in your niche. Provide Certifications: Offer certifications for completing your course, which students can use to showcase their new skills or knowledge. Send Personalized Follow-Ups: Use Kajabi’s email tools to check in with students after they complete your course, suggesting next steps or offering tailored recommendations. Gather Feedback: Ask students for their input on what they’d like to see next. Incorporating their ideas makes them feel valued and keeps them engaged with your offerings.     IS THERE A SECRET TO SALES?   BONUS CONTENT 👇👇   There’s no single secret to skyrocketing your online course sales, but there are often overlooked strategies and perspectives that can make a huge difference.  The real “secret” to selling courses is constantly refining your marketing approach, listening to your audience, and most importantly, never stop testing new ideas. In reality, you’re not just selling a course. You’re creating a compelling journey that resonates with your audience’s needs and aspirations. When your messaging is consistent, you’ll naturally attract more buyers.   Messaging - Dial Into Your Audience's Emotional Drivers It’s not just about the information your course provides; it’s about the transformation. Many course creators focus on features instead of emotions, but people buy solutions to their pain points or desires. What to Try: Tap into your audience’s dreams and struggles in your messaging. Use phrases like “Imagine finally [achieving a goal]” or “Say goodbye to [a frustration].” This makes your course feel like the solution your followers have been searching for.   Create a Free-to-Paid Pathway Some buyers need a taste of your teaching style before committing. By offering free or low-cost entry points, you can build trust and move them up your value ladder. What to Try: Offer a “mini-course” or “starter bundle” priced affordably, or creating a high-value free resource like a webinar or eBook that naturally leads into your paid course. This can all be automated through a Kajabi funnel.   Use Personalization at Scale Buyers love to feel seen and understood, and automation tools make it possible to deliver a personalized experience to large audiences. What to Try: Use Kajabi’s segmentation features to send tailored emails based on user behavior, like clicking on specific content or visiting your course page without purchasing. Try sending follow-up emails that address common objections, like affordability or time constraints, and highlight solutions (payment plans or self-paced learning).   Test and Tweak Your Offer Sometimes it’s not the course content but how it’s packaged or priced that impacts sales.  What to Try: Experiment with your pricing structure (offering payment plans), bonus incentives, or how your course benefits are described. Run A/B tests on Kajabi to compare different headlines, pricing options, or CTAs and see what drives conversions. For example, try one version emphasizing urgency (limited spots available) and another focused on transformation (start your journey to success). Use the results to optimize the sales page.   Leverage FOMO and Scarcity People are more likely to take action when they feel like they’re missing out on a valuable opportunity. What to Try: Offer time-sensitive bonuses, limited spots for live coaching, or discounts for early enrollees. Add a countdown timer to the sales pages and send reminder emails about upcoming deadlines. Incorporate urgency into your messaging with phrases like “offer ends soon” or “only 10 spots left”.   Go Where Your Audience Hangs Out If you’re not seeing traction, it might be because your marketing isn’t reaching the right people in the right places. What to Try: Join niche-specific Facebook groups, Reddit threads, or LinkedIn communities where your ideal customers are active. Share value-packed content in those spaces to establish yourself as an expert before mentioning your course. Adapt your messaging to fit the tone and style of the platforms your audience frequents. For instance, use more professional language on LinkedIn and a conversational tone on Instagram.   Partner With Influencers or Affiliates Your audience may trust others in your industry more than they trust ads. Leverage these connections to reach new buyers. What to Try: Partner with influencers, bloggers, or affiliates who share your target audience and incentivize them to promote your course. Use Kajabi’s affiliate program features to track referrals from partners. Share endorsements from influencers or affiliates, "as recommended by [trusted name]”.   Over Deliver in Messaging Surprising your audience with unexpected value builds goodwill and creates raving fans who spread the word about your course. What to Try: Add bonuses like extra templates, an exclusive Q&A session, or additional lessons for free. Use email to surprise your students after they’ve enrolled, thanking them and providing an unexpected perk. Frame your bonuses as unexpected extras, using phrases like “Enroll today and get these exclusive perks, free!”    Keep Showing Up Consistently Many creators launch their course and then stop promoting it. Sales often happen after repeated exposure, so consistency is key. What to Try: Create an ongoing marketing calendar that includes weekly social posts, monthly webinars, and seasonal promotions. Use consistent language across all touchpoints (social media, emails, and your website) to reinforce your core message. For example, if your course promises to help “reduce stress and improve productivity,” make sure this benefit appears everywhere your audience interacts with your brand.   Now, what one idea are you implementing in the next 24 hours?!    RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →    

How to win friends and influence people on LinkedIn 🤣 Similar to Instagram or Facebook, LinkedIn is a social platform. Some folks look at it solely as a job seeking platform...and they're wrong! As a friend or colleague, you have the opportunity to support and uplift your peers on LinkedIn, helping them expand their professional reach and achieve business goals.  Here are five meaningful ways you can personally contribute to their success on LinkedIn.    👉👉I'm hoping you take the time to implement all five today for a friend who needs your help.   #1 Endorse Their Skills Click on their LinkedIn profile then roll down to the Skills section. It takes about five seconds to endorse them for these skills and adds credibility to their profile. Bonus if you take the time to endorse the particular skills in their CURRENT ROLE. Endorsements not only validate their abilities but also increase their visibility to potential employers or clients. #2 Write Thoughtful Recommendations A well-written recommendation can significantly boost someone's profile. If you've collaborated with your friend on a project or have insight into their work ethic and abilities, consider crafting a personalized recommendation for them.  Highlight specific accomplishments and strengths to give potential connections a clear understanding of their value. You'll get a warm fuzzy writing it and your recipient friend will beam with delight when reading it. #3 Engage with Their Content When any of your friends or colleagues share content on LinkedIn, whether it's an article, a post or an achievement, show your support by engaging with it. It's easy to scroll and read but when you stop and take the time to like or comment on their post, it really amplifies their message and increases their visibility.  Genuine engagement not only encourages your friends but also helps to broaden their reach. If an article or post really resonates, the highest and best helpfulness is a REPOST with thoughts. Their article will be shared with your entire network...and also gives you content to work with as you build your own LinkedIn authority. #4 Introduce Them to Your Network Similar to in-person networking, virtual networking on LinkedIn is a thing! As a friend, you can facilitate valuable connections. If you know someone who could benefit from connecting with your friend professionally, make the introduction.  Personal referrals carry weight and can lead to meaningful opportunities for both parties plus you get that warm fuzzy again. Win-win. If you hear about job openings, freelance projects, or speaking engagements that align with your friends' skills and interests, consider recommending them or forwarding the opportunity directly. #5 Celebrate Their Achievements When your friends achieve milestones or receive accolades in their professional journey, take the time to celebrate with them on LinkedIn. Congratulatory messages, likes, and shares not only acknowledge their accomplishments but also demonstrate your genuine support and encouragement. See! LinkedIn really is a social platform and not just a place where you're reminded to update your profile because you're in the market for a new job.   ACTION STEP 💖 Is there someone right now that you'd like to celebrate? Do it now.   RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →    

Step-by-Step How to Improve Your Website for Search without paying for pricey software or being a tech genius From a Kajabi Expert, you're about to learn how to leverage SEO to improve your Kajabi site's visibility and attract more organic traffic. It's what we all want to improve website sales - more eyeballs on our stuff! In case you didn't know already, Kajabi is a popular platform for creating and selling online courses, memberships, and other digital products. SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is the process of improving your site's visibility on search engines like Google.  Higher visibility increases the chances of attracting organic traffic. The goal is to optimize your website to rank higher in search engines for keywords that relate to your business.   Step 1: Choose Keywords you want to rank for You want to be the website that comes up first in search, but have you thought about what key words or phrases you would like to be known for?  The words a user types into the search bar in Google are known as keywords, usually 1-3 words. If you're first thinking you want to rank for "project management consultant" or "wedding planner", remember that you would likely be directly competing alongside companies with big bucks to spend on paid advertising. Because of their budget, they're always going to outrank you for those most searched keywords.  Instead, the strategy is to be known for more specific, longer phrases of 4+ words such as "wedding planning for Texans" or "project management consultant for Agile methodologies".  But...how do you know what phrases are going to work best for you? 👉TAKE ACTION: Open up Google search and begin typing keywords for your niche. Notice how Google tries to fill in the search for you, offering 4+ word phrases that others are searching for - also your opportunity to rank for these phrases. As well, you can roll further down the search page and see even more short phrases highlighted in gray ovals.    Google Search: Kajabi SEO   Step 2: Kajabi SEO - Landing Pages In Kajabi, navigating to Website >> Landing Pages reveals a list of pages you've created.  Clicking the 3 parallel dots to the right of the webpage name reveals "Edit Details". This is where you can update the page's URL, page title and page description to enhance it's SEO.  If you don’t update this information, Kajabi will use the name you gave to the page, such as “Home" or "About" which is doing nothing for your search ranking. Of course you'll want to include your keywords here. URL: using lowercase only, keep it short while briefly describing the page with hyphens to separate words (not underscores) and include a keyword if possible Page Title: include a keyword that is relevant to your page and give each page a unique title Page Description: give each page a unique description - note that this description doesn’t influence rankings, but a good description helps people decide if they want to visit your website   Kajabi On-Page SEO    Kajabi SEO - Website Pages The difference between a Kajabi Website Page and a Landing Pages is that landing pages are standalone, meaning you can change the header and footer and it will only affect the one page.  On the other hand, updating the header or footer on a Website Page will cause all the pages in that list to update. SEO for all Website Pages are located in just one area. You'll head to the main navigation and click Settings >> Site Details then roll to the bottom of the page to find "SEO and Social Sharing".    How to Improve SEO for Kajabi Website & Landing Page Content You may have created your web pages considering the aesthetics but choosing from the various font sizes using (Heading1, Heading 2, etc.) actually helps or hurts your SEO. On-page SEO Best Practices: Use just one Heading1 per page  Include your main keywords in Heading1 (relevant to the page) Use no more than two Heading2 to include your 4+ keyword phrases Feel free to use an unlimited number of Heading3, Heading4, Heading5, Heading6 (to include keywords) as needed  Perform a word count on the page noting that the best performing are 2,000 words or more Include the keywords in the first 200 words of the page Attempt to choose .jpg images over .png images as the first will upload faster and site speed is everything  Before uploading an image to a page, consider renaming the file to describe it in a few words (key phrases), while avoiding vague file names such as "image 5" In the area for uploading any image on a page, you'll see "Image Alt Attribute" where you can add any SEO keywords that would apply to this particular photo. This can be completed with different keywords for every image on the page.  If a paragraph has an internal or external link, attempt to highlight real words from the paragraph as the hyperlink (instead of "click here")  When designing navigation or linking to another Kajabi page, better SEO is gained by using the full URL (http://www.website/landingpage) of the page rather than the shortcut of "/landingpage"   Heading1, Heading2, Heading3 - Kajabi SEO   Step 3: Kajabi SEO - Mobile View At the top of any Kajabi webpage is an option to view on desktop or mobile. Take a look at the mobile version for every single page. If any text or images are cut off, that really needs to be improved to be considered "a good website" for Google standards.   Step 4: Kajabi Blogging for SEO With the emergence of Chat GPT and other LLMs, there's no excuse for not having a weekly blog at minimum.  The more words on your website, the more Google has to work with. They would be more likely to offer your website in search if a blog post contained exactly the keywords your audience would likely type into search. If your website has a simple home page, sales page, and no blog, it is not a likely candidate that Google would suggest as an authority on your subject. A blog could change that. This weekly blog could consist of informative articles, transcript of your podcast, or script from your weekly YouTube channel. Consistency is everything in keeping your website appearing alive and relevant. Kajabi SEO - Blog Page From the main navigation, choose Setting >> Blog Settings where you'll see the area to update the SEO settings of your blog. Page Title: include a keyword that is relevant to your website and give each page a unique title Page Description: this description doesn’t influence rankings, but a good description helps people decide whether or not they want to visit your website How do I optimize my blog posts on Kajabi for SEO? Insert keywords into the title, headings, and throughout the blog post Within the blog post, include links to other relevant posts related to the article topic with the goal of including 1 link for every 200 or so words When linking, avoid "click here" or "learn more" as the clickable phrase but instead hyperlink to your favorite keywords Include external links to provide additional value (ensuring each link opens in a new window so the visitor is not leaving your website altogether) Before adding an image, consider renaming the file to describe it in a few words (key phrases), while avoiding vague file names such as "image 5" When designing a blog post URL with keywords, use lowercase only and keep it short while briefly describing the page with hyphens to separate words (not underscores)  Step 5: Set up a Custom Domain Kajabi does not offer URLs for purchase. It will need to be purchased elsewhere then set up on Kajabi to become a beautiful URL: https://www.digitalcoursefreelancer.com If you do not set up a custom domain, it will look like this: https://www.digitalcoursefreelancer.kajabi.com Not only does the latter looks unprofessional, the search engines will not enjoy it either.    RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →    

Focus on strategic growth instead of constantly chasing the next client.    Clients who invest in a recurring membership aren't just customers. They're committed partners in their own success. For you, it means higher retention and lifetime customer value. With a membership model, you can offer exclusive content, personalized support, and a thriving community of people who are supportive of one another. You're not just delivering a service, you're creating an ecosystem where your clients feel deeply connected and engaged. It's the ultimate leverage, turning your expertise into a powerhouse of recurring revenue and lasting impact. Building this new model requires shifting from a transactional approach into building a scalable, loyal enterprise.    But, how do you go about designing a membership? Read on...   Step 1: Define Your Audience Start by identifying the demographic and psychographic characteristics of your ideal members. Consider age, gender, occupation, interests, and pain points. Their behaviors, preferences, and motivations will drive decision-making.  WHO will be invited to be a part of your membership... #1 Hobbyists Your audience has the common interest of a shared hobby. This type of community will have people coming and going, often due to their own time constraints and interest in the subject matter. #2 Business Owners An audience of business owners, on the other hand, have a drive to make more money as their side business or main business. As long as they are implementing your strategies and their business is growing, they will likely maintain in your membership. If you're currently offering a hobbyist community, could you also help those hobbyists become business owners in this niche?   Step 2: Clarify Your Membership’s Purpose and Focus Identify the core objectives of your membership. What problems are you solving? This involves understanding the unique needs and aspirations of your target audience and aligning your membership benefits to fit them.  Clarifying the mission and goals of your membership helps ensure that your membership offerings are aligned.  Which of the following fits your membership... a. Entertainment b. Community c. Mastering a Skill   Step 3: Determine Your Role and Responsibilities As a leader, your primary responsibility is to set the vision and direction for the membership.  Your role involves strategic planning, content creation, and engagement with the community as well as delivering value through exclusive content, resources, and events. Additionally, you'll have administrative tasks such as managing subscriptions, tracking metrics, and analyzing feedback for improvement. Which of the following describes your role in the membership... a. Subject authority or teacher b. Facilitator of bringing in guest authorities c. Community leader over group discussions d. Coach or therapist   Step 4: Choose Your Membership Style Each membership style offers unique benefits and caters to different audience needs.  For instance, a tiered membership can provide various levels of access and benefits. An all-inclusive membership might attract those looking for all encompassing value. A content-specific model could cater to niche interests or specialized expertise.  Consider what aligns best with your business goals and the preferences of your target audience. Think about the type of content and resources you can consistently provide to maintain engagement.  a. Regular Content Publications: This would be similar to a monthly magazine subscription, but instead could take the form of a monthly paid podcast, video, blog or PDF packed within current information. b. Mailed Box: Each month, a package arrives full of tangible products, all with a central theme. c. Group Coaching: Once monthly or bimonthly group coaching is over Zoom during which you either present new information or coach individuals in a hot seat format. d. Community: Connect like-minded people into one group for discussion, either as an ongoing chat model or weekly/monthly meetup, creating a bonded gathering. e. Drip Content: Evergreen content works well if dripped one stage at a time, from beginner content to more advanced as the member grows into what they need to move along in their journey.   Step 5: Inclusive or Exclusive? Despite today's movement of inclusivity, a private membership is exclusive by definition. You've designed your membership for a particular audience with a similar interest, problem to solve, or demographic. Those not fitting the membership requirements are not invited to join. That said, it helps your member retention if you're able to specifically define the purpose of the community. How will they become different (or undergo a mini transformation) from the moment the join? What will they be left feeling that was not the case prior to joining? Give your community a name that defines the group.  Give it a single rule that defines the group. Is there a NEED for this type of group? Is there a DESIRE for this type of group? You're creating a space for others to connect inside a private community. Their transformation begins once they feel they've found "their people" because you've defined the purpose of the group.   Step 6: How Much Info to Provide, choose 👇 Striking the right balance between quantity and quality is key.  Too much information can overwhelm members, making it difficult for them to find and digest valuable content. On the other hand, too little information can leave them feeling short changed and questioning the value of their membership.  Focusing on delivering high-quality, relevant, actionable content that directly addresses the needs and interests of your members is the answer. Consider organizing the information into manageable segments, such as weekly or monthly updates to prevent overload. Use member feedback to gauge the effectiveness of content delivery and make adjustments as needed. a. Weekly Lesson: Deliver one lesson a week that doesn’t exceed 60 minutes; do not overwhelm b. Weekly Template or Project of the Month: deliver one template a week that includes a tutorial; could also be "project of the month" c. Weekly or Bimonthly Coaching: a course shows what to do and how to do it; coaching membership is about support and/or implementation with coaching calls or live Q&As d. One-Time Creation for Drip: content is laid out for months, then dripped out so information is received a little at a time to avoid overwhelm e. Community Membership: groups with common experience come together for support, though there’s often some teaching in this type of membership   The #1 Reason Why People Leave a Membership is Overwhelm. The only way you're going to know if the members are feeling overwhelm is to ASK. Design regular surveys requesting feedback.   Step 7: Consider the Membership Structure Will your membership be open for members to join at anytime? Or will it be only open once or twice a year to new members? Will the members be in one cohort together or will there be a different group each season? Will they have access to the membership as long as they maintain their subscription? Or will they only have access for a limited time period?   Step 8: Choose the Perfect Membership Pricing Model Various models, such as tiered pricing, flat-rate subscriptions, and pay-per-use, each offer unique advantages and cater to different customer needs.  Tiered pricing allows you to offer multiple levels of access and benefits, appealing to a broader range of members with diverse budgets.  Flat-rate subscriptions provide simplicity and predictability, making it easy for members to understand the value they receive.  Pay-per-use models, on the other hand, can attract members who prefer flexibility and only want to pay for what they use.  How will your membership be priced? a. Annual membership or Monthly membership (or both) b. 7-day free trial or 30-day free trial (or no trial) c. Initial set-up fee, then monthly membership fee (or no setup fee) d. Ongoing free membership with limited content or a paid membership with more extensive content and interaction (or two memberships - free and paid levels)     Step-by-Step of a Membership Launch Setting up a membership program can be a transformative move for your business, providing a steady stream of recurring revenue and a loyal community of engaged customers.  However, the process requires careful planning and strategic execution to ensure success.  By following this step-by-step guide, you'll be well-equipped to create a membership program that not only attracts members but also delivers lasting value and builds long-term loyalty.   #1 Design your membership model - pricing, content release timing, open all the time or only once a year, define your target market #2 Write down point A, where you audience is now, and point B, where they want to be. Next, outline all the micro-steps in between. This is where you will pull all your content ideas. #3 Schedule your content planning and content creation days. #4 Determine how you will market the membership. #5 On an LMS platform (such as Kajabi), design a password-protected area for content to include sections for onboarding, foundational information, and regular monthly or weekly content posting. #6 Set up community to include onboarding, regular challenges, meetups, and resources. #7 Schedule launch date of cart open for founding members and set up the offer, welcome email, and thank you page. #8 The membership is now available for purchase. #9 Design regular surveys and polls to assess the membership model and content delivery. #10 Continue to refine based on feedback. RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →  

Have you designed a brand kit before?   A brand kit is like your brand’s cheat sheet.  It’s a collection of visual guidelines that bring your company’s personality to life. It's your go-to reference for keeping your website, social media, emails, and presentations on the same stylish page.   Why do you need one?  Consistency is key! When your brand looks the same everywhere, it builds recognition and trust. People start to associate those colors, fonts, and vibes with you. Plus, it saves you tons of time because you’re not reinventing the wheel every time you design something.   💗Because your business deserves to look as good as it is.   Brand Kits usually include: Logo: as a JPG or PNG with white, black, and transparent backgrounds Color Palette: hex codes Typography: heading and body text Imagery Style: guidelines for the types of images that align with your vibe Brand Voice: guidelines for the tone and style of your written content   When you're just starting out, your business and brand are still evolving and creating a DIY brand kit is the perfect way to play around with different brand personality ideas. Performing a little DIY will allow you to experiment with colors, fonts, and visuals that connect with your vision. That brand kit can grow alongside your business, evolving as your style and audience become more defined.   Step-by-Step DIY Brand Kit    #1 Logo Creation The most memorable logos are simple and adaptable, avoiding complex shapes or intricate details. Geometric shapes (like circles or squares) convey professionalism, while free-form shapes feel more unique. Decide if your logo will be primarily text-based (just your brand name in a stylized font) or if it will include an icon or symbol. It’s a good idea to work with black and white first so you can focus on the form without being influenced by color. Intricate details can get lost or become blurry at smaller scales.    #2 Color Palette Select 3 to 5 core colors that reflect your brand’s personality. Hex codes are essential for digital consistency. Note which colors will be primary, secondary, and accent to create a hierarchy of use. Think about the emotions you want to evoke as each color can subtly influence brand perception. Ensure color contrasts are strong enough for readability, but not too bright.   #3 Select Typography Choose one font for headings and another complementary one for body text. Kajabi has about 50 to choose from (without needing custom coding). Avoid overly decorative or script fonts that might compromise readability. Match your typography style to your brand's tone. Sans-serif fonts often convey modernity and simplicity while serif fonts evoke tradition and elegance.   #4 Imagery Style Decide on the emotion you want your images to convey (vibrant and energetic, calm and neutral, minimalistic...). Outline the type of images you’ll use (lifestyle shots, product images, abstract). If you prefer a particular filter, level of saturation, or contrast, add that to the brand kit to maintain visual consistency.   #5 Brand Voice Are you friendly and conversational, formal and professional, or inspirational? Note any preferred language nuances, phrases, or terms that align with your voice (for example, if you’re conversational, you might avoid formal jargon). Describe the feeling you want to leave with your audience (motivated, informed, supported) and create a few sample sentences to guide your content strategy.   RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →    

Ha! My AI bots call it a "lead" magnet like "lead pipe" haha. Or what about sharing with your audience that they can get their money back if they don't like the lead magnet. Doh. And where is this book they mentioned at the end, I have no idea. Sometimes my AI bots just make their own stuff up! Back to the message of the podcast 👇   Your current lead magnet may not be performing well for several reasons. One common problem is that it may not address a specific, urgent problem for your target audience. If your audience doesn't see immediate value or relevance in your offering, they are less likely to engage.   Identifying the reason why your lead magnet is underperforming is the first step to improvement: Too Broad: doesn’t address an urgent problem for your target audience Low Visibility: not prominently displayed or promoted on your website, social media, or in marketing campaigns, so your audience doesn’t know it exists Misaligned Goals: attracts the wrong audience, leading to unqualified leads that don’t convert into customers Overly Complex: too long, detailed, or overwhelming, discouraging users from engaging with it Outdated Content: information is not fresh or relevant so fails to provide value   👉😲Do you think any of these may apply to your lead magnet?   Step-by-Step: Lead Magnets The first step when creating anything for your business is to consider who you're designing it for. I'm sure you've heard so many times over, “If you try to speak to everyone, you’ll end up speaking to no one.”   STEP #1👉ACTION:  Close your eyes and image the work you love doing most. These tasks make you feel fulfilled and energized. Now, imagine doing this work for someone who fully appreciates and values your expertise. Consider the struggles they might share if you were having an honest, heartfelt conversation. What obstacles are stopping them from reaching their goals? What is their biggest "I wish someone could just solve this for me" problem? Understanding your audience is about empathy. The more you can tap into their desires and fears, the more effective your messaging will be. And when you get this right, your lead magnet will feel like a personalized gift, making them think, “Wow, this is exactly what I needed!”   STEP #2👉ACTION:  Based on revelations above, what small, actionable step could you give your ideal client that would provide immediate progress? What’s a common mistake they're making and how can you help them avoid it? Picture someone downloading your lead magnet. They use it and experience a lightbulb moment. What would make them say, “wow, I needed this”?   STEP #3👉ACTION: Spend some time gathering all your existing content - your blog posts, YouTube videos, podcast episodes, social media posts, or lead magnets you’ve created in the past. Skim through all that content and figure out which pieces received the most engagement (likes, comments, shares). Also, which provided actionable advice, as opposed to advice without action steps. Highlight your top five pieces of content that could be transformed into a PDF.   STEP #4👉ACTION: With each of the five pieces, consider how you could expand and create bonus value like worksheets or step-by-step instructions. What actions could they take after learning this information? How can you make it easier or more fun for the reader?  Write down at least three things that would help you as a beginner, such as a visual diagram or a troubleshooting guide to avoid common mistakes. Could you provide examples of someone who has implemented this advice and how they did it?    STEP #5👉ACTION: Finally, choose the one idea that feels the most valuable and easiest to implement. Set a date for creating or refining it, and get excited about how it will help your audience and grow your business.   RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →    

You've probably noticed over on LinkedIn the fairly new role of Fractional CMO, Fractional CTO, Fractional Sales Manager, etc. but... Is it a new role? Not really. Fractional roles aren’t a brand new concept, but they’ve gained more attention lately. The idea of sharing or dividing resources, whether it’s talent or assets, has been around for decades. What’s new is how it’s being packaged and renamed.   Is it just another trendy term we’ll forget in a few years, or does it actually mean something useful? “Fractional” means splitting something into smaller, more manageable pieces. In the business world, it’s using only what you need instead of going all-in on something big and expensive. It's the business version of ordering a slice of pizza instead of the whole pie. Sometimes, a slice is all you need. How a Fractional Executive Works:  You're a top level professional that works with individuals or companies on a part-time or project basis instead of full-time. They're receiving the benefits of something awesome without breaking the bank.   👉FAQ: Fractional Roles   Why Is “Fractional” Such a Big Deal Right Now? Turns out, it fits right into some big shifts happening in how we work and live. Saving Money For a smaller company, the fractional option is a smart way to access high-level talent without going broke.   Tech Makes It Easy Thanks to tools like Zoom and Slack, companies may not need the fractional CFO sitting in house every day. Remote work has made fractional roles more accessible than ever.   Sharing Is the New Owning From ridesharing to Airbnb, we’ve gotten pretty comfortable with sharing stuff instead of owning it outright. Fractional roles takes that same idea and applies it to business.   Is It Just a Fancy Buzzword? It’s fair to ask if “fractional” is just a flashy way of saying “part-time” or “shared.” And yeah, it definitely sounds cooler. Sure, it’s trendy, but it’s also practical. And when something is both trendy and useful, it has a good chance of sticking around. That said, like any buzzword, it can get overused. Not every part-time gig needs to be labeled “fractional.” The term only works if it actually adds value or solves a problem.   What is the the Future of “Fractional”? Right now, “fractional” feels trendy. But it’s also solving real-world problems. As more industries figure out how to make fractional work for them, it could become less of a buzzword and more of a normal way of doing business.   Should I (or am I already) become a Fractional Consultant? Becoming a fractional professional can be an excellent fit if you already work part-time with multiple companies under contract.    Why should I consider becoming a fractional consultant? It communicates a specific value proposition. This rebranding can make you more appealing to businesses looking for strategic leadership on a flexible basis. Fractional roles are in high demand for those wanting access to experienced professionals but can’t justify a full-time position. By framing your work as a fractional role rather than general consulting, you signal high value expertise, which can command premium rates as a strategic leader. Fractional work often involves ongoing contracts or retainer based arrangements, providing more financial stability than one-off consulting gigs, so easier to establish recurring revenue streams since the company will consider you a part of their team. You have the freedom to diversify your client base, work across industries, and control your workload which is great way to scale your business on your terms.   Things to Consider Before Going Fractional: Are you providing strategic leadership? If you’re doing more tactical or project-based work, you might be better positioned as a consultant or contractor. Since you’ll work with multiple companies, it’s essential to define your scope, hours, and availability in your contracts. Fractional roles can sometimes blur into full time expectations if boundaries aren’t clear. Juggling multiple clients means you’ll need excellent time management and need to be cautious of any potential conflicts of interest between companies in similar industries.   Is it a matter of just changing my career title? In many ways, yes, but it’s also about how you position yourself and the way you deliver your services.  First, define your strategic value. Fractional roles focus on leadership and strategy, not just execution so you'll want to highlight your ability to solve high level problems as well as how you contribute to a company’s overall goals such as growth, efficiency, and/or profitability. Next, you'll package your services in a way that reflects the fractional model to include retainer agreements for consistent work, outline of deliverables tied to business outcomes, and defined hours of availability. Finally, you'll rebrand to include updating your LinkedIn, website, and portfolio, using language like “Fractional [Role]: Strategic leadership without the full-time cost.” Your new target market will be startups, small-to-medium businesses, and/or companies in transition, so your new messaging will reflect this.   How to Test the Waters #1 Update your LinkedIn headline by adding “Fractional [Role]” to your title and see how people respond. #2 Talk to your current clients, “I’ve been thinking about positioning my work as a Fractional [Role], as it reflects the leadership and strategic input I'm providing for companies similar to yours.” What's their response?  #3 Experiment with outreach by updating your pitch and website to position yourself as a fractional expert and see if you attract different opportunities.   In conclusion, positioning yourself as a fractional professional can open doors to new opportunities while showcasing your expertise in a way that resonates with modern business. This shift could change how potential clients perceive your value.   RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →    

You've planned an entire social media campaign and several email blasts about the excitement you have for introducing your new product or service. You've put hours of time and energy into this launch. ...and then Crickets. One person bought your offer. And it turned out to be your mom.   Not only is your ego crushed, but so is your business bank account. Okay, maybe that example was a bit exaggerated, but obviously a failed launch was not your intended outcome.  But why did it fail?  Why was the launch of this product/service not successful?    A Failed Launch Happens for one of Three Reasons... #1 It could be the offer Problem: It's possible you created an offer that nobody wants (not worth paying for). Solution: Find out post- launch by sending a “why didn’t you buy” survey. Their answers may surprise you.   Problem: The offer could have been irrelevant to your audience, meaning they don’t want it, they’re not ready for it, or they’re too advanced for it. Solution: Revisit your target market to understand their needs better. Is there are gap between where they are now to where they need to be in order to gain from your offering? Did you design an offer they want or did you design an offer you think they need (but don't know they need)?   Problem: The value of the offer may not have been well communicated.  Solution: Revisit your sales copy in social media, email sequences, and sales page. Are you using the exact words your customer is using to describe their problem? Have you begun your sales page by introducing the problem then showing how your offer is the solution - or did you skip all that and jump straight into introducing your offer?    #2 It could be the sales mechanism Problem: It's possible you did not choose the best method to sell your product.  Solution: Did you use email marketing, a live webinar, video series, or other sales mechanism? It's possible this was not the most effective way to sell the offer. Promoting a $997 online course is going to take more than just a sales page and a handful of emails.   Problem: Technical issues could have resulted in a poor user experience and low sales. Solution: Consider reaching out to a tech mentor to improve the customer journey.   #3 It could be a numbers game. Problem: If you calculated a good earnings per launch, but launch revenue was low, it’s likely just a numbers game.  Solution: For the next launch, you'll increase relevant numbers. You didn’t have enough traffic, leads, webinar attendees, video views, etc. but are going to take steps to improve this for next time.   You're always a winner in my book.   In conclusion Failed launches are not uncommon.  We're entrepreneurs. We're used to failing. Right? Well, maybe we are, but our egos may not be.   You've probably heard it a million times. Failure is a learning lesson. By identifying what went wrong, you are increasing your chance of success for next time. You just have to check your ego at the door. While a failed launch is disappointing, it is not necessarily the time to scrap everything and start over. As Thomas Edison said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."    Have you had a failed launch recently?  Sharing it would show you're human.   RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →    

You’ve likely noticed the surge in new community platforms emerging lately.  Businesses are recognizing the value of community building. They know that they are no longer selling a product or service. Instead, it’s about creating a loyal customer base that feels a sense of belonging and connection to the brand.   A strong community can lead to increased customer retention and brand advocacy. Community members become ambassadors who spread the word organically. There's currently a shift toward a more purpose-driven society, which has amplified the trend of community building. People want to be part of something bigger than themselves, contributing to causes and movements that align with their values.    👉Isn't my social media platform my community? No. Your social media platform is not your community, and here's why: Reason #1 Lack of Control When you rely on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to build your community, you’re essentially renting space in someone else’s ecosystem. The rules, algorithms, and features can change at any moment, often without warning, affecting how you engage with your audience. In contrast, building your own community on a dedicated platform like Kajabi gives you complete control over the environment, the content, and how your community interacts. 30-Day Free Kajabi Trial + BONUSES >> Reason #2 Distraction Overload Social media platforms are designed to keep users scrolling, often bombarding them with ads, notifications, and unrelated content. These distractions dilute your message and make it harder for your community members to stay focused on the purpose of the group. A dedicated community platform provides a distraction-free space where members can engage with your content and each other more meaningfully. Reason #3 Limited Customization On social media, your ability to customize the experience for your community is minimal. You’re confined to the platform’s layout, features, and branding options. On your own platform, you can tailor the experience to reflect your brand, create a unique atmosphere, and offer features that specifically meet the needs of your community. Reason #4 Data Ownership When you build a community on social media, the platform owns the data. This means you have limited access to insights about your members and little control over how that data is used. By hosting your community on your platform, you own the data about member behavior, engagement, and preferences so you can fit your business to better align with the community. Reason #5 Monetization Challenges Monetizing a community on social media can be challenging, as these platforms often take a cut of your earnings or limit how you can charge for access. With your own platform, you have more flexibility in how you monetize your community, whether through paid memberships, exclusive content, or other revenue streams, without sharing profits with a third party. Reason #6 Community Focus Social media is a public forum where conversations can be scattered and unfocused. Building your own community platform allows you to create a focused, purpose-driven space where members come together with shared goals and interests. Conclusion: Social media is awesome for visibility and outreach, but is not a substitute for a dedicated community. By investing in your own platform, you can cultivate a more engaged, loyal, and purpose-driven community that aligns with your long-term business goals. 30-Days of Free Kajabi + BONUSES >>   👉Why Kajabi is the Go-To Platform for Turning Communities Into Iconic Brands Kajabi is a robust platform that acts as your coaching/consulting website as well as client interface for your online program and community. What makes so Kajabi great is that it's All-In-One Platform: Create website pages (optionally replace your current site) House your email contacts (replace MailChimp or other service provider) Design a course or coaching program behind a pay wall Offer group or 1:1 coaching sessions right inside Kajabi Make coaching session recordings available for replay behind a login wall Community forum includes online Meetups, Challenges, Feed & more Automate opt-in, purchase and onboarding email sequences Collect payment via credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, After Pay, Klarna, or PayPal Craft offers of full pay, payment plan, subscription, or "pay what you can" Segment email contacts based on filling out forms or clicking on links Set up webinar funnels, live workshops, open/close cart, and more 30-Days of Free Kajabi + BONUSES >>   Kajabi Community: New Design is Coming 👇👇👇 There's a new design coming to Kajabi Community in late 2024   How Kajabi Communities Can Help You Build a Brand People Can’t Ignore Kajabi Community is an integrated feature within the Kajabi platform that can be completely branded and styled to fit your business needs. 30-Days of Free Kajabi + BONUSES >> Course/Membership Integration: Kajabi Community allows you to easily connect your course, coaching program, digital product, or membership inside the forum. Yes, you can even have a page of offers and upsells. Engagement Tools: The community forum provides you with public (meaning everyone in the community) or private (only those you invite) "circles" to focus chats toward a single topic. Within each chat forum is the ability for anyone to post video, image, a PDF, and/or text. You even have the ability to design a poll. Members can also directly message each other privately. Monetization Options: You can monetize your community by offering paid memberships and/or a free membership. Both communities are behind a password-protected area so are not indexed by Google. You must have a login to enter. Content Delivery: Within Kajabi Community, you can create live, pre-scheduled Meetups. This could be a one-time meeting or recurring. Members will receive notification of ap upcoming Meetup and can RSVP accordingly to receive showup reminders. At the time of Meetup, just click "go live" right inside the community that also records for rewatching later. Yes, you can also screenshare and have a full group coaching experience similar to Zoom. Analytics and Insights: Kajabi provides analytics on member activity and engagement levels to help understand your community’s behavior and make business decisions for improvement. Member Management: If you have virtual assistants, they can become moderators inside the community to include adding or removing participants and moderating discussions. Mobile Access: Kajabi Community is available via mobile app. For an additional fee, you can also get your own business branded app in the Apple and Android stores   RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →    

    How each one works, examples, and the pros and cons of each.   You want to attract more clients and grow your coaching or consulting business, but you’re stuck trying to figure out which sales funnel is the right one for you.  By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly which funnel to pick and why it’s going to work wonders for your business.    1. Lead Magnet Funnel How It Works: You offer a free resource (eBook, checklist, or webinar) in exchange for the visitor’s email address. The funnel nurtures leads through automated emails that build trust and promote your services.  Example: “Download a Free 5-Step Guide to Finding Your Niche.” Pros: Builds an email list of potential clients. Low upfront commitment from leads. Increases your perceived authority. Cons: Requires a valuable lead magnet to attract interest. Email follow-ups need to be well-written and consistent. 2. Webinar Funnel How It Works: Participants register for a free or low-cost webinar where you provide valuable content. At the end, you pitch your services or offer.  Example: “Attend My Free Masterclass: How to Build a 6-Figure Coaching Business.” Pros: Showcases your expertise in real-time. Creates a high-touch sales experience. Converts warm leads who are invested in your topic. Cons: Time-intensive to create and host live webinars. Can feel salesy if not executed correctly. 3. Free Consultation Funnel How It Works: Visitors book a free consultation call to discuss their goals and learn about your services. The goal is to sell your high-ticket coaching or consulting offers.  Example: “Schedule Your Free 30-Minute Business Growth Strategy Call.” Pros: Allows for personalized, high-conversion sales conversations. Attracts clients who are serious about working with you. Effective for high-ticket services. Cons: Time-consuming to conduct multiple calls. Unqualified leads can waste time if vetting isn’t done. 4. Challenge Funnel How It Works: Leads participate in a free or paid multi-day challenge Each day provides actionable tips, culminating in a pitch for your paid program.  Example: “Join the 5-Day Find Your Niche Challenge.” Pros: Engages participants with interactive content. Builds community and trust. High conversion rates from participants who complete the challenge. Cons: Requires significant planning and promotion. Drop-off rates can occur during multi-day challenges. 5. Tripwire Funnel How It Works: You offer a low-cost product to convert cold leads into paying customers. You upsell your coaching services after they purchase.  Example: “Grab My 30-Day Business Planner for $27!” Pros: Converts leads into paying customers quickly. Low barrier to entry for new clients. Easy to automate. Cons: Requires a high-value tripwire offer to attract interest. May not convert to higher-ticket services without nurturing. 6. Quiz Funnel How It Works: Prospective clients take a short quiz. After the quiz, they’re shown personalized results and offered your services.  Example: “Take the 3-Minute Quiz to Discover Your Entrepreneurial Strengths.” Pros: Interactive and engaging for users. Collects detailed insights on your leads. Drives email opt-ins effectively. Cons: Requires advanced setup and customization. Results need to feel personalized and actionable. 7. Evergreen Course Funnel How It Works: Sell a pre-recorded online course through a funnel that drives traffic to a sales page. Leads are nurtured with emails and upsells for coaching.  Example: “Enroll in My Self-Paced Confidence Coaching Course for $197.” Pros: Passive income potential. Low-maintenance once set up. Appeals to self-starters. Cons: Requires upfront effort to create and market the course. Limited interaction with participants. 8. High-Ticket Funnel How It Works: Tailored for premium coaching or consulting services. A multi-step funnel qualifies leads through application forms, webinars, or video content, leading to a discovery call.  Example: “Apply Now to Join My 1:1 Coaching Program.” Pros: High ROI from fewer clients. Attracts serious, high-value clients. Builds exclusivity and authority. Cons: Requires a strong personal brand to justify pricing. Time-intensive qualification process. 9. Content-Driven Funnel How It Works: Use blog posts, YouTube videos, or podcasts to attract traffic. Include lead magnets to guide readers into your email sequence or offer.  Example: “Check out My Blog Post: 10 Ways to Overcome Impostor Syndrome.” Pros: Builds organic traffic and authority. Provides long-term visibility. Attracts highly targeted leads. Cons: Slow to gain traction without a solid audience. Requires consistent content creation. 10. Book Funnel How It Works: You offer a book as the initial point of entry, often at a low cost. Buyers are then presented with upsells such as courses, coaching, or memberships during the checkout process or via follow-up emails.  Example: “Get My Bestselling Book for $27 – Plus Exclusive Bonuses!” Pros: Establishes instant credibility and authority. Turns cold leads into paying customers. Easy to upsell high-ticket services to readers who trust your expertise. Cons: Requires upfront effort to write and publish a book. Low initial profit margin. Success depends on upsell conversions. Start with what feels the most aligned with your style and audience. There’s no such thing as a “perfect” funnel, just the one that works best for you right now. If you’re just starting out, begin with a simple lead magnet funnel to build your email list. As you gain more confidence and insights about your audience, you can layer in other funnels, like a webinar or even a challenge, to keep scaling your business. Growth is a process, and every small step adds up. Funnels work best when they’re designed to provide value at every stage so you'll want to make sure they're walking away feeling like they’ve gained something meaningful. This is what will turn your leads into loyal clients. Of course, there will be trial and error. Some funnels might not work as well as you’d hoped, and that’s okay. You can always improve them to get better results. It's the game of being an entrepreneur.   RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →    

Remember when the internet came out (wait, how old am I?!).  If you do, then you'd also remember those people who said, "the internet" or "phones with chat messaging, whaaaa" and they may have said, "I'm just not going to learn that." Eventually that group had to convert if they wanted to receive communication in their business or actually in any job that doesn't involve talking from a sliding window.  At this point, it's unimaginable that someone who owns a business doesn't have internet and a smartphone. I promise that you have more text message exchanges on your phone compared to actual phone calls.   Fast Forward to 2025... Now, there's a whole wave of folks I'm encountering who flash an emotion of disgust on their face when hearing about Chat-GPT or roll their eyes at AI.  For the internet naysayers from 25-30 years ago, here we are in 2024. AI is here to stay whether you embrace now or later when it becomes mainstream. And it's not hard to learn.  Keeping an open mind will get you excited about the possibilities of what the new GPT-4o can offer in your business, starting today.     Now, onto the promise of the title of this article.  Here are 10 prompts that will not only spark new business ideas, but also design a system for generating all the money you need to pay off your mortgage in full next year.    Let's use the subject of marketing so we'll use an example of how a marketing consultant can improve their solopreneur business.   Prompt #1: Find the top 10 solopreneur marketing consultants and provide their websites, the three main services they're offering and how much they're charging.   Prompt #2: Based on the 10 competitors, what 3 services could I offer that is different from my competitors but also scalable. I could have probably combined Prompt 2&3 but you get the idea in how a prompt can be refined once entered.   Prompt #3 Turn those 3 suggested services into 10 services and provide details about what I need to create and also how much I should charge for each.   Choose 1 of the suggestions at a time and run with it... Prompt #4 Design a long form sales page based on this service (insert service suggestion).   Prompt #5 How can I turn this service into an evergreen product so I can build it once and sell many. How much should I charge for the hands on service versus the evergreen model. You'll be surprised when not only does it answer this question, but full sales page copy will also appear.   Prompt #6 What kind of opt-in freebie should I offer for this product. Not only will numerous examples appear, implementation steps will be designed along with sample page copy. Do you see how the bot is getting to know you. See, this can be fun!!   Choose a step you'd like to know more about and ask additional questions... Prompt #7 "Use various channels to promote your freebie, such as social media, blog posts, and email marketing" design a day-by-day plan on what I should do for the next 30 days.   Each of those 30 days, you can use GPT-4o to do more work for you. For example, one of the tasks was, "Write a guest blog post for an industry website or partner with another business to feature your freebie." So... Prompt #8 Provide 10 websites in this niche that accepts guest blog posts. Provide contact information for each and write a sample email that will likely get me a response.    Prompt #9 Write 10 Instagram posts that promote the fact that I'm guest blogging on this platform talking about this niche. Include ideas for accompanying images.   Prompt #10 Using the Kajabi platform, outline an overview of everything I need to accomplish to get my consulting business started, from setting up my website to getting my first 20 clients.   You've got a ton of work to do now 😂😂   RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →  

As a M-F Kajabi Tutor, I've heard all the questions and concerns about whether or not Kajabi would be a good fit for a particular business model. These are the top questions.   But first, an overview: What is Kajabi? Kajabi is a platform that allows you to showcase your knowledge and experience into a sustainable online business with diversifying revenue streams of digital products and services such as online courses, communities, and coaching programs. Expanding beyond this, you could also design a virtual live event, live weekend workshop, or a weekly cohort coaching group.   What makes so Kajabi great is that it's All-In-One Platform Create website pages (optionally replace your current site) House your email contacts (replace MailChimp or other service provider) Design a course or coaching program behind a pay wall Offer group or 1:1 coaching sessions right inside Kajabi Make coaching session recordings available for replay behind a login wall Community form includes online Meetups, Challenges, Feed & more Automate opt-in, purchase and onboarding email sequences Collect payments with credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, After Pay or PayPal Craft offers of full pay, payment plan, subscription, or "pay what you can" Segment email contacts based on filling out forms or clicking on links Set up webinar funnels, live workshops, open/cart cart, book funnels ...   Kajabi FAQ: Which Kajabi plan should I get? It's difficult to know which plan to get when you haven't yet launched your program. My suggestion is to start out with the Basic plan then move up as you progress. At the Basic level, you can have up to 10,000 email contacts, unlimited website pages, three products (course, coaching program, and/or community) and 1000 paying customers. It's one-click to upgrade your subscription instantly and just as easy to downgrade by emailing support. 30-day free Kajabi trial + BONUSES >>   Is there any advantage to migrating my website? It's really just a preference. If you've built a really amazing website, there's no need to migrate it over. You can just use Kajabi to house your program and community, send emails, and collect payments. It will seamlessly integrate into your current site. Your sales page can be either built on your current website with the Buy Now buttons linking to Kajabi checkout, or choose to build a sales page on Kajabi. Of course if you did end up migrating your website over to Kajabi, it would save you having to pay for 2 websites. At the same time, it's an additional cost of money or time to move your site over. As you can see, it's really just a preference on what works best for your business.   Should I move my contacts over or use Mailchimp? There's really no reason to use Mailchimp anymore once you have Kajabi. With Kajabi, you can automate, tag, segment, and see click rates just as you did over on Mailchimp. It would be easier to manage if all your email contacts were on Kajabi. If you chose to integrate Mailchimp with Kajabi, you would need a third party app such as Zapier to connect the two platforms.    Should I purchase a Kajabi website template? It's your choice to purchase a template and build your new Kajabi website that way, however, almost any template can be recreated right in Kajabi. Templates are not necessary, just a preference. In summary, it's a choice on whether you'd like to pay for a template, pay for someone to recreate the template for you, or take time to learn how to use the platform and build it all yourself. 30-day free Kajabi trial + BONUSES >>   How easy is it to build a course on Kajabi? Even the least techy person can upload their program into Kajabi. Courses are broken down by Module and Lessons. A module is like the title of a group of lessons and includes a thumbnail. A lesson has a title, an area for one video or one audio, a thumbnail, and an area for PDF downloads. Quizzes and certifications can be optionally added at the end of a module. Your course can be available all at once, dripped out one module per week or month, or locked by the lessons prior, meaning that a student is unable to progress to the next lesson until the prior module is marked complete.    Am I able to offer quizzes and workbooks through a Kajabi course? Yes, inside the course upload area is the ability to design a quiz with multiple choice,multiple selection, short answer, or file upload. You can choose whether the quiz is graded or not graded and what that passing grade needs to be for the student to move onto the next lesson.   What marketing does Kajabi offer? The Kajabi platform has email marketing capabilities, but Kajabi the company does not perform any marketing on your behalf. 30-day free Kajabi trial + BONUSES >>   What business would Kajabi NOT be good for? If your plan is to offer hundreds of courses, Kajabi may not be the right fit for you. The maximum plan possible has a limit of 100 products. When your goal is to give your course or coaching program away for free, Kajabi would not likely be a good fit because of its price point. Have more than 100,000 emails to import into Kajabi? That won't work either since that is the max number of emails it can hold. From there, you can continue to use the Kajabi platform but an outside email marketing service will need to be integrated. Kajabi is designed for offering online courses, memberships, coaching programs, digital downloads, and a community forum. If you plan on selling tangible products, this platform may not be your best choice.   What type of business would Kajabi be a good fit for? Kajabi is designed for offering online courses, memberships, coaching programs, digital downloads, and community forums. Payments can be full pay, payment plan, ongoing subscription, and free/paid trials with optional set-up fee.   Is Kajabi any good with SEO? Yes, you can provide Google with information to suggest your page with an image, title and description, a different one for each landing page. Each page also has the ability to block itself from search (such as when creating a thank you for your purchase page). As well, each image has the ability to provide a description for SEO purposes. The best website SEO, however, comes from blogging. Your blog can include images, a video, audio, and/or text. It's highly suggested to create a weekly blog post using material from your YouTube channel, podcast, or classic blog with the use of keywords. 30-day free Kajabi trial + BONUSES >>   Can I accept payment inside Kajabi? Yes! Kajabi easily connects with Stripe for accepting credit cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay, After Pay, and Klarna. You also have the option of adding PayPal. You keep 100% of your income minus the Stripe or PayPal fee (around 3%). For offers under $4,000, After Pay charges 6% but in exchange, you receive all the money upfront and they chase after anyone who defaults on their payment. Klarna has a similar fee structure for offers over $4,000.   How good is email segmenting for marketing? Excellent! You can filter to send only emails to those who have purchased, have not purchased, filled out a form, all customers, recently added contacts, those that clicked or did not click on a recent email, completed an assessment, registered to an event, used a coupon code...and more.    Can I record videos inside Kajabi? Yes, you can do 1:1 or group coaching right inside Kajabi using your computer/mobile camera. Group coaching or going live to record course videos weekly can also be performed inside Kajabi. The community feature also has the ability for Meetups which has a feel similar to Zoom with a chat area. Live webinars, however, will need to be done over Zoom as live videos are only available for viewing behind a firewall. Your students/clients would have to log in to access the live video. If you're interested in setting up an evergreen webinar, that can simply be done by uploading your pre-recorded video onto a landing page. 30-day free Kajabi trial + BONUSES >>   Does Kajabi come with an app? Yes, Kajabi is an app available in the Apple Store or on Google Play. Your student/client would download the app then log in just like they would on desktop version. It is a Kajabi branded app, however. Kajabi does have an upgrade to a private app of your own for $100 (courses and coaching only) or $200 a month (with community).   While the other platforms are only a space to house your video course, Kajabi is an all-in-one platform to include your email campaigns, online course, blog and basically replaces your current website. As a Kajabi Tutor, I'm always available for questions about whether or not Kajabi is a good fit for your business. You're right to do your research. It's not a fit for ALL businesses! RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →  

You’re an expert at what you do. It’s time to share that expertise through 1:1, group coaching, and/or an online course. This is your roadmap to success, a step-by-step guide.   You may be wondering: "How do I know if I’m expert enough to offer online coaching or consulting?" When someone sets up a consultation for your services, all they're thinking is, "how can you help me?" They just want to know if you’re able to help them with their problem.  They’re not at all wondering where you went to school or how long you’ve been in business. Their only concern is how you can help them.  Regardless of your education or business experience, there are clients for every background, experienced or novice. Everyone had to start somewhere and everyone has a first day in business. Do you have a solid foundation of education, training or knowledge in your niche? Do you hold any certifications, degrees, or specialized training in your niche? Have you successfully applied your knowledge in real-world situations? Are you a good communicator and have great interpersonal skills? Have you worked or studied in your niche for a sufficient amount of time to gain expertise?   If you’re confident in your knowledge and skills as well as genuinely passionate about helping others, you are well-suited to offer coaching or consulting.   You would start by offering your services on a small scale and gradually expand as you gain more experience and positive feedback from clients.     Stage 0: Introductory Stage - "How Do I Begin?" Introductory Stage: "How Do I Begin?" You're in this stage if you are currently contemplating whether or not starting a consulting or coaching business is for you. You have a million questions and are in the research phase. You may be wondering "how will I get clients" or "how much do I charge" or "how do I even begin". You're ready to move from Stage 0 to Stage 1 once each milestone in this checklist is complete: Release imposter syndrome of not being experienced/expert enough >> Willing to go forth and take risks, especially when facing difficult obstacles Understand your success is inevitable and that all failures are merely learning lessons in your business growth process Release perfectionism or your coaching/consulting program will never launch; done is better than perfect Willing to dedicate time each day or week to getting the business up and running starting first as a side job, later optionally moving into full-time  Aware that it will never be the "right" time to start a new business   Stage 1: One-to-One Coach/Consultant - you're currently coaching individuals Stage 1: One-on-One Coach/Consultant You're in this stage if you are currently coaching individuals. You've either received or are in the process of receiving testimonials that your coaching methodology has been effective. You now understand that your time in a day is limited and are ready to expand your reach through an online course or group coaching program, which is what you're in the process of researching. You're ready to move from Stage 1 to Stage 2 once each milestone in this checklist is complete: You're ready to move to the next stage once each milestone is complete. Receive numerous testimonials that your coaching methodology works Describe who is your target market and where they're at right now Get clear on how your target market defines "success"  Design repeatable processes to make it easier for others to replicate success in your coaching program Define your niche and what makes you stand out from your competitors     Stage 2: List Builder - you're new to moving your business online Stage 2: List Builder You're in this stage if you are new to moving your business online. You may either be starting an email list from scratch or building on your current email list. You know that you need to have an audience to market your program, but are not quite sure how to go about it, which is what you're in the process of researching.  You're ready to move from Stage 2 to Stage 3 once each milestone in this checklist is complete: Design a professional website with Home, About, Services & Contact pages Produce a thoughtful freebie PDF or mini course that your audience desires Create high converting website op-tin page to trade audience emails for freebie Set up an email welcome sequence (5 to 10 emails) to guide toward your "join the waitlist" paid offer Receive an honest review of your email sequence copy and opt-in page   Stage 3: Website Traffic Driver - you're driving traffic to your opt-in page Stage 3: Website Traffic Driver You're in this stage if you have set up an opt-in system to collect leads and are now trying to figure out how to get traffic to the opt in page. You know that you need to implement a marketing strategy, but are not quite sure how to go about it, which is what you're in the process of researching. You're ready to move from Stage 3 to Stage 4 once each milestone in this checklist is complete: Understand the difference between marketing strategy and marketing tactic Choose 2 platforms your target market frequents and plan to post regularly Design a marketing strategy with organic and borrowed audience tactics Craft a 30-day repeatable social media posting and implementation strategy Consider collaborations from a borrowed audience - podcast guest, guest blogging, speaking, social media collaboration   Stage 4: Program Launcher - you're presenting an offer to your email list Stage 4: Program Launcher! You're in this stage if you have a decent amount of email subscribers who are interested in purchasing your services. You're now ready to design a compelling sales page and plan how you're going to present the offer to your email list which could be via a live or pre-recorded webinar, video series, challenge, or other method. You're ready to move from Stage 4 to Stage 5 once each milestone in this checklist is complete: Understand all the parts of a high converting sales page Write copy for the sales page that shows an understanding of your audience Choose a sales mechanism for your launch that's appropriate for offer price point Craft a clear plan and implementation strategy for your launch including dates Design a sales email sequence from cart open to close   Stage 5: Group Coach - you've launched and are now actively coaching online Stage 5: Group Coach You're in this stage if you've launched your offer and are ready to do what you do best, provide the best coaching services possible to paying clients. You're now ready to design an onboarding system to welcome them and keep them accountable for showing up and completing the program in its entirety. You're ready to move from Stage 5 to Stage 6 once each milestone in this checklist is complete: Provide a clear and tangible promise of your program's transformation Outline the path a student or client will take to move from point A (where they are now) to point B (where they want to be and where your program will take them) Design each lesson in your program to move the student through milestones Complete filming (unless program is live) along with accompanying handouts Complete the first cohort in the program so you can  understand what could be improved for the next launch   Stage 6: Project Manager - you're systematizing future launches Stage 6: Project Manager You're in this stage if you've launched your offer and are now deciding whether to launch over and over or place your program on evergreen.  Either way, it's time to design repeatable business systems. You're ready to move from Stage 6 to the Final Stage once each milestone in this checklist is complete: Map out 5 to 10 buckets of content topics as they relate to your audience Design a 12-month marketing strategy for social media using topics above Craft an implementation strategy for the above 12 months of social posting Create a plan to increase website search engine optimization Choose a regular content posting platform for weekly blog, YouTube video, or podcast Sketch a template for sending weekly or twice monthly emails of value to your list Outline an implementation strategy for weekly content posting and weekly emails Implement appropriate email sales sequences using segmenting     Final Stage: Thought Leader - your message is dialed in Final Stage: Thought Leader Your message is dialed in. You have a clear roadmap to success and are ready to scale by attracting even more customers and improving conversions. You've hired a team to help scale so you can work solely on content and product creation.   RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →  

    As a coach, consultant or service provider, your income comes from working with clients one-on-one. The problem with this business model is that there are only so many hours in a day so your income potential is capped.  You can only raise your hourly or package rate so much before being priced out of the market.    Is this you: "I'm already running a successful coaching/consulting business and for what I'm doing, each client receives an individualized program based on where they're at." You may be thinking that you couldn't possibly expand because you design a special program for each individual. But, what happens to those that can't afford your services?    There are likely basic foundational principles you're teaching over and over. This is the material that can be pre-recorded and presented as an online course, a prelude to working with you at a deeper level as well as becoming an additional income stream for you.    This is why the coaching/consulting business has tiered offerings. The goal is to help every person at every stage and at the price they can afford.  Free Level: free weekly podcast, blog post, or YouTube video with the call-to-action to download a freebie PDF available on your website which moves them from a social platform to your email list where you'll build funnels to move them into purchasing a paid program Signature Course: $497 foundational program principles Group Coaching with Signature Course: $997 One-to-One Sessions: $200  One-to-One Program: $5,000   Here are the 4 Income Streams that could be a part of your NEW business structure... Active Income (1:1) If you’re not working, you’re not earning. Your income potential is limited. Leveraged Income (Group) Offering group coaching, workshops, events, or masterminds costs you the same amount of time, but is offered to many clients at once so an exponential income stream. The group also receives the added benefit of community and learning from each other.  Passive Income (Foundational Course) A pre-recorded online courses can be taken by anyone in the world at any time of day and can be sold repeatedly along with workbooks and templates. You'll record it once then sell it 1,000 times. Membership Model (Monthly Content to a Group) Designing a resource library with content being added monthly creates a recurring income stream.   Each of these four types of income streams can be created with with the all-in-one online platform of Kajabi. Kajabi acts as your website, email service provider, house online courses, collect payment, and has the ability to design segmented sales funnels.   Kajabi can move your 1:1 business to limitless income potential   Why Kajabi 30-day free Kajabi trial + BONUSES>>   What makes so Kajabi great is that it's All-In-One Platform Create website pages (optionally replace your current site) House your email contacts (replace MailChimp or other service provider) Design a course or coaching program behind a paywall Offer group or 1:1 coaching sessions right inside Kajabi Make coaching session recordings available for replay behind a login wall Community form includes online Meetups, Challenges, Feed & more Automate opt-in, purchase and onboarding email sequences Collect payments with credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, After Pay or PayPal Craft offers of full pay, payment plan, subscription, or "pay what you can" Segment email contacts based on filling out forms or clicking on links Set up webinar funnels, live workshops, open/cart cart, book funnels ...   Which Kajabi plan should I get? It's difficult to know which plan to get when you haven't yet launched your program. My suggestion is to start out with the Basic plan then move up as you progress. At the Basic level, you can have up to 10,000 email contacts, unlimited website pages, three products (course, coaching program, and/or community) and 1000 paying customers,  It's one-click to upgrade your subscription instantly and just as easy to downgrade by emailing support. 30-day free Kajabi trial + BONUSES >>   Is there any advantage to migrating my website? It's really just a preference. If you've built a really amazing website, there's no need to migrate it over. You can just use Kajabi to house your program and community, send emails, and collect payments. It will seamlessly integrate into your current site.  Your sales page can be either built on your current website with the Buy Now buttons linking to Kajabi checkout, or choose to build a sales page on Kajabi. Of course if you did end up migrating your website over to Kajabi, it would save you having to pay for 2 websites. At the same time, it's an additional cost of money or time to move your site over. As you can see, it's really just a preference on what works best for your business.    Should I move my contacts over or use Mailchimp? There's really no reason to use Mailchimp anymore once you have Kajabi. With Kajabi, you can automate, tag, segment, and see click rates just as you did over on Mailchimp. It would be easier to manage if all your email contacts were on Kajabi. If you chose to integrate Mailchimp with Kajabi, you would need a third party app such as Zapier to connect the two platforms. 30-day free Kajabi trial + BONUSES >>   Should I purchase a Kajabi website template? It's your choice to purchase a template and build your new Kajabi website that way, however, almost any template can be recreated right in Kajabi. Templates are not necessary, just a preference. In summary, it's a choice on whether you'd like to pay for a template, pay for someone to recreate the template for you, or take time to learn how to use the platform and build it all yourself.    How easy is it to build a course on Kajabi? Even the least techy person can upload their program into Kajabi. Courses are broken down by Module and Lessons. A module is like the title of a group of lessons and includes a thumbnail. A lesson has a title, an area for one video or one audio, a thumbnail, and an area for PDF downloads. Quizzes can be optionally added at the end of a module. Your course can be available all at once, dripped out one module per week or month, or locked by the lessons prior, meaning that a student is unable to progress to the next lesson until the prior module is marked complete.    Am I able to offer quizzes and workbooks through a Kajabi course? Yes, inside the course upload area is the ability to design a quiz with multiple choice, short answer, or file upload. You can choose whether the quiz is graded or not graded and what that passing grade needs to be for the student to move onto the next lesson.    What marketing does Kajabi offer? The Kajabi platform has email marketing capabilities, but Kajabi the company does not perform any marketing on your behalf. 30-day free Kajabi trial + BONUSES >>   What business would Kajabi NOT be good for? If your plan is to offer hundreds of courses, Kajabi may not be the right fit for you. The maximum plan possible has a limit of 100 products. When your goal is to give your course or coaching program away for free, Kajabi would not likely be a good fit because of its price point. Have more than 100,000 emails to import into Kajabi? That won't work either since that is the max number of emails it can hold. From there, you can continue to use the Kajabi platform but an outside email marketing service will need to be integrated. Kajabi is designed for offering online courses, memberships, coaching programs, digital downloads, and a community forum. If you plan on selling tangible products, this platform may not be your best choice.   What type of business would Kajabi be a good fit for? Kajabi is designed for offering online courses, memberships, coaching programs, digital downloads, and community forums. Payments can be full pay, payment plan, ongoing subscription, and free/paid trials with optional set-up fee.    Is Kajabi any good with SEO? Yes, you can provide Google with information to suggest your page with an image, title and description, a different one for each landing page. Each page also has the ability to block itself from search (such as when creating a thank you for your purchase page). As well, each image has the ability to provide a description for SEO purposes.  The best website SEO, however, comes from blogging. Your blog can include images, a video, audio, and/or text. It's highly suggested to create a weekly blog post using material from your YouTube channel, podcast, or classic blog with the use of keywords.   Can I accept payment inside Kajabi? Yes! Kajabi easily connects with Stripe for accepting credit cards, Google Pay, After Pay, Apple Pay, and Klarna. You also have the option of adding PayPal. You keep 100% of your income minus the Stripe or PayPal fee (around 3%). For offers under $4,000, After Pay or Klarna charges 6% but in exchange, you receive all the money upfront and they chase after anyone who defaults on their payment.  30-day free Kajabi trial + BONUSES >>   How good is email segmenting for marketing? Excellent! You can filter to send only emails to those who have purchased, have not purchased, filled out a form, all customers, recently added contacts, those that clicked or did not click on a recent email, completed an assessment, registered to an event, used a coupon code...and more.   Can I record videos inside Kajabi? Yes, you can do 1:1 coaching right inside Kajabi using your computer/mobile camera.  Group coaching or going live to record course videos weekly can also be performed inside Kajabi. The community feature also has the ability for Meetups which has a feel similar to Zoom with a chat area. Live webinars, however, will need to be done over Zoom as live videos are only available for viewing behind a firewall. Your students/clients would have to log in to access the live video. If you're interested in setting up an evergreen webinar, that can simply be done by uploading your pre-recorded video onto a landing page.    Does Kajabi come with an app? Yes, Kajabi is an app available in the Apple Store or on Google Play. Your student/client would download the app then log in just like they would on desktop version. It is a Kajabi branded app, however. Kajabi does have an upgrade to a private app of your own for $199 a month.   While the other platforms are only a space to house your video course, Kajabi is an all-in-one platform to include your email campaigns, online course, blog and basically replaces your current website.   As a Kajabi Expert, I'm always available for questions. Schedule a free consult here.   Disclaimer: I am not an employee or representative of Kajabi, LLC. I am an independent Kajabi Partner and I receive referral payments from Kajabi in this role. All opinions expressed herein are my own and are not official statements of Kajabi or any party affiliated with Kajabi. 👉Really, I'm just a huge fan of Kajabi! Just check out everything it can do! 30-day free Kajabi trial + BONUSES >>   RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →  

One-to-one services are limited by the time and attention you can give to each client individually. By expanding beyond this model, you can reach a larger audience without necessarily increasing your workload proportionally.  With 1:1 services, income potential is capped by the number of clients you can serve individually. By diversifying into group coaching and online courses, you can potentially serve more people at once, thus increasing your revenue streams. Group programs and online courses can be created once and sold multiple times. Also, not everyone can afford or is willing to invest in 1:1 services. By offering alternative options such as group coaching, an online course, or digital products, you can reach individuals who may not be able to afford your personalized services.   Two years from now, if you don't look back and cringe a little bit at your very first online course, that's the sign you put it out there way too late.   How do I go about creating an online program? A common perception is that online courses require students to just watch videos. Your program doesn't have to be that boring.    5-Part Step-by-Step Creating an Online Course We'll break each step down further in the article. Design a Framework: Designing a visual framework is the way to make your unique approach memorable and easy to understand. Map the Student Journey: Map out their journey for which your program brings them from point A to point B. Create the Modules & Lessons: How long should it take to complete the course? How long is each video? How many lessons? Name the Program: There are only two things that truly motivate people to take action. It's the promise of gain or the fear of loss. Go Beyond for an Extraordinary Program: You'll gain tips and ideas for making your online program engaging for the students to keep them coming back.   If there’s nothing different about your approach of solving your customer's problem, then they will not have a compelling reason to buy your program.   Step #1: Design a Framework If there’s nothing different about your approach of solving your customer's problem, then they will not have a compelling reason to buy your program. The goal is to be memorable by sharing why you think the conventional wisdom in your niche is wrong and how your approach is different. Designing a visual framework to explain your unique approach will make the concept memorable and easy to understand. Your framework provides the comfort of a certainty to an outcome.  Your customer will see the framework and think, “oh there’s a process I can follow. I can do this.” They want to reach the solution to their problem and you've provided a framework to get there. sample framework   Step #2: Map the Student's Journey from Point A to Point B Describe your student's situation right now. This is point A. Describe the transformation after they've completed your program. This is point B. Next, map out all the phases or steps in between point A and point B. Each phase or step must be a clear yes or no. The student must be able to state that they have completed each phase and are able to move into the next step of the journey by completing a yes/no question at the end of each phase. Example: yes/no, "I have practiced my elevator pitch 20 times. I have shared my pitch with three people and asked for feedback." The student will know either yes, they have completed this step, or no, they did not complete this step. There is no ambiguity.   Finally, give each phase a name, list the topics you plan to cover, and provide a phase completion goal (one or more yes/no questions) to be able to move into the next phase. Example: “By the end of the first module, you’re going to lock in your target market and have a clear idea of where to find them.” Your student will then check off all the items on the checklist you provide of action steps to complete before moving into the next phase. "In this module, you're going to learn xyz. I've attached a PDF with a checklist of all the items that should be completed in order to move into the next phase and achieve optimal progress. Once all the items are checked off, you can be confident that you're ready for the next phase of your journey to (the transformation)."   TIP: Be sure to include a visual map of your customer's journey so they can follow along and know they're making progress in your course. This is also your course outline. sample customer journey Your Proprietary Process (as sampled above) Describe the final outcome or transformation after the customer completes your program. Define the milestones in between. Define the action steps to reach each of these milestones.     Step #3 Create the Modules & Lessons:  How long should it take to complete the course? How long is each video? How many lessons? While you may be wondering if you're providing enough information to bring your customer from point A to point B, the truth is that too much information is going to overwhelm and deter from the results they deserve. You've already defined point A and point B.  You've filled in milestones of the customer journey.  Each of these milestones is going to be one module and inside each module are multiple lessons.  Each module completion is a milestone completion.    To avoid overwhelm, 4 to 8 modules is ideal.    Each lesson ideally contains one video 5 to 10 minutes long with one topic or action item to accomplish. If surpassing 8 lessons in a module, ask yourself if perhaps that module should be split into two modules instead. (begin point A) Module 1 milestone topic to overcome (Lesson subtopics 1, 2, 3 4, 5, 6) Module 2 (Lesson 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) Module 3 (Lesson 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) Module 4 (Lesson 1, 2, 3, 4) (end point B)   Your goal is move them from point A to point B as quick and easy as possible without giving them "too" much information so they feel overwhelmed. The "extra stuff" could be added as a bonus presented as "If you've reached this milestone, this bonus lesson could be helpful, but not required to achieve the final transformation."   Keep in mind that the real desire is a short distance without the fluff. Longer programs do not equal more value. Your customer just wants to reach the end goal. Given the opportunity to watch forty hours of video to reach their goal versus two hours of video, they would choose the two-hour version every time.    Step #4 Name the Program There are only two things that truly motivate people to take action. It's the promise of gain or the fear of loss. There are only two things that truly motivate people to take action. It's the promise of gain or the fear of loss. Of the two, fear of loss is the stronger motivator.  The best programs titles are specific: NO: “How to Make Money" YES: "How to Get Your First 100 Sales with a $197 Online Course”  NO: "How to Increase Sales in Your Coaching Business" YES: "How to Get Your First $1,000 Coaching Client”   Would you rather buy a program on "How to Improve Your Dying Marriage" or "How to Stop Your Divorce?" The fear of loss will win every time.   Don't forget about your module and lessons titles! Go through the program and ask how you can make each topic desirable. Each though your customer has purchased your program, you still have to sell them into completing the next lesson so they can be a success story. NO: "Ad Creation" YES: "The 6-Part Anatomy of a Perfect Ad"   Two Frameworks to Name Your Program "[Desired Result] in [length of time to achieve]... even if {objection 1}, {objection 2} and {objection 3}."Example: "Unlimited Tinder Dates in 30 Days … even if you’re new to the game, allergic to selfie sticks and too nervous to swipe right." "[Your Niche] 101: Quickly [point B transformation] so that you can [benefit] without [problem they want to solve]." Example: "Step-by-Step Guide to Adoption 101: Quickly cut through the adoption red tape so that you can bring home your new child without waiting years to make it happen."   Step #5 Go Beyond for an Extraordinary Program Be on the lookout for ways to use memorable acronyms, graphics, or formulas in each lesson Your program has an overall framework and so can each module of your program Design a visual map of the entire program with each module also having a visual customer journey map Give context by showing examples, proof and results in each lesson End each lesson should with an action item End each module with a checklist of items that should be completed before moving into the next module, basically a checklist of the module's action items in summary form Set up automated emails to go out following completion of challenging lessons with messages of inspiration, encouragement, and momentum Example, “I see you’ve made it through module 1, yay! There’s some really cool things coming in module 2 you’re going to love such as xyz.” Example, "Congratulations on completing module 3! You're moving closer to your goal of (this transformation). In the next module, you're going to learn xyz..." Record an introductory welcome module where you'll restate the program promise, assure them that they made the right decision in joining the program, then provide a quick actionable win so they can start off with success Include an overall workbook for the program Build an accountability community where questions can be asked and answered as a group Add enticing thumbnails for each module along with actionable and benefit-driven titles Provide other unique experiences inside the program such as meditations, visualization exercises, or affirmations End the program with a congratulatory video, recap the progress they made, and outline the potential next steps beyond your program   RESOURCES Outlining, Scripting, Recording: How to Create An Online Course → The Perfect Launch Checklist: Kajabi FAQ + BONUSES → How to Build an Audience: Market • Monetize • Scale → Designing a Membership Model: Content • Marketing • Retention → How to Create Multiple Income Streams in Kajabi → Add a Sales Page Countdown Timer: Deadline Funnel Affiliate → Hire Virginia: Zoom Tutorials + Do It For Me Services →