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Business-First Creatives

Author: Colie James

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Every creative deserves to turn their craft into a business that brings them joy and profit. Here you'll find a no-BS approach to what it takes to put the business first, prioritizing the systems and strategies that will actually move the needle and ensure your creative business is profitable rather than an expensive side-hustle. Your host is Colie James, a Disney-loving family photographer, and filmmaker turned Workflow and Automations Guru who helps creative service providers automate their sh*t, reclaim their time and get back to living! 

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Are you using your blog for more than your SEO efforts? In today's episode, Jessie Andrew of Inkpot Creative joins us to highlight the value that blogging can provide to your overall client experience. Listen in as we chat through maximizing client experience through blog posts, finding content inspiration from FAQs, optimizing content for SEO, and the power of detailed location guides for photographers. Today’s episode is brought to you by my Content Organization Hub! If you are drowning in a sea of post its trying to keep track of all your content ideas or maybe you're struggling to remember what you posted on which platform and when, I totally get it. That's why I created the content organization hub for air table for just 9. You can finally put an end to content chaos. Imagine having all your marketing content in one central location. Easily linked, perfectly organized, and ready to go whenever you are. Grab the Content Organization Hub and get 10% off with code PODCAST!BUY NOWFind it Quickly:2:24 - The Importance of Blogging for Your Business3:24 - Generating Blog Post Ideas from FAQs5:58 - Expanding FAQs into SEO Optimized Blog Posts8:24 - Linking and Cross-Promoting Blog Content13:52 - Creating Location-Based Blog Posts for Photographers20:22 - Essential Tips for Family Photos20:46 - Maximizing Your Online Gallery Store21:46 - Organizing Your Content with Airtable22:37 - Effective Blogging Strategies for Photographers25:59 - Enhancing Client Experience with Prints28:24 - The Long-Term Value of Client Relationships33:33 - SEO and Blogging Consistency37:20 - Outsourcing Your Blogging NeedsConnect with JessieWebsite: inkpotcreative.comPodcast: cultofpersonality.com/podcastSubstack: copsoapbox.substack.comInstagram: instagram.com/inkpotcreativeTikTok: tiktok.com/@inkpotcreative
Your brand has a voice, you just may not have identified it or honed in on it yet. In today's episode, Samantha Pollack joins us to share the value of crafting a distinct brand voice, how copywriters can help find and match your voice, and why you should integrate that voice through your messaging. Today’s episode is brought to you by my Love Your Leads private audio training! Are you providing an experience for your leads that sets an expectation on when they’ll hear from you, provides them with tools that will help them easily say yes and book you, while also making them feel seen and heard? In my private audio training, you’ll learn how to love your leads and get more booked clients through an automated booking process.Listen Now >>Find it Quickly:00:25 - Meet Sam Pollock: Positioning Strategist and Copywriter01:06 - Understanding Positioning Strategy02:51 - Crafting Ethical and Empathy-Driven Copy04:28 - Voice and Personality in Copywriting05:43 - Challenges of Hiring a Copywriter08:52 - Discovering Your Brand Voice12:06 - The Role of AI in Copywriting21:49 - The Stress of Writing and Overcoming It26:42 - The Art of Revision and Publishing27:38 - Building and Evolving Business Systems28:34 - Crafting Client Experiences29:19 - The Importance of Editorial Passes33:17 - Word Count and Audience Considerations41:02 - Frameworks vs. Processes in Copywriting43:27 - Empathy-Driven CopywritingConnect with LindsayWebsite: cultofpersonality.coPodcast: cultofpersonality.com/podcastSubstack: copsoapbox.substack.comInstagram: instagram.com/cultofpersonality.co
Do you dream of launching a podcast? Maybe even starting with a private podcast? You've likely seen others do it and wondered if it's the right move for your business. In today's episode, Lindsay Padilla, cofounder of Hello Audio, joins us to share the benefits and strategies behind a podcasting, how to determine if a private or public feed is right for you, and some of the latest trends in the podcast industry. Plus, she's even sharing how she cofounded Hello Audio and the hurdles she faced along the way.Today’s episode is brought to you by my Love Your Leads private audio training! Are you providing an experience for your leads that sets an expectation on when they’ll hear from you, provides them with tools that will help them easily say yes and book you, while also making them feel seen and heard? In my private audio training, you’ll learn how to love your leads and get more booked clients through an automated booking process.Listen Now >>Find it Quickly00:53 - Transitioning from Academia to Entrepreneurship01:02 - Identity Shift and Challenges04:07 - Leaving Academia Behind06:15 - Starting a Podcast and New Ventures07:26 - Creating Online Courses14:59 - Building Hello Audio22:36 - Challenges and Successes27:37 - A Challenging Partnership27:48 - Building Hello Audio from Scratch28:28 - Reflecting on the Journey28:56 - Current Market Dynamics29:11 - The Power of Authenticity32:51 - Lessons from Adversity35:40 - The Evolution of Hello Audio37:44 - The Role of Private Podcasts41:59 - Public vs. Private Podcasts45:51 - Discoverability and Future Trends52:24 - The Impact of Listener EngagementMentioned in this EpisodePodcast Movement134: Overcoming Money Mindsets to Generate Wealth as an Entrepreneur with Natalie BullenEpisodes Mentioned from Success Stories with LindsayDiane Mayor's Dual Podcast Approach: Bridging Public and Private PodcastsNatalie Bullen's Strategy for Infinite Leads: A Daily, Paid PodcastHow Jordan Gill Unlocked $48,733 with a Reel and a Private PodcastHow Mariah Coz Replaces Zoom Calls with Interactive Q&A Podcasts in her New ProgramConnect with LindsayWebsite: helloaudio.fmSuccess Stories Podcast: go.helloaudio.fm/success-storiesLaunch Your Private Podcast: a...
Most entrepreneurs know about the power of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Social Media Optimization (SMO), but are you considering the role that Social Search Optimization (SSO) plays in your overall visibility online? In today's episode, Erin Ollila joins us to explore the benefits of optimizing for search across all platforms, along with the critical role social media plays in search queries. Listen in as she provides practical insights into optimizing social media profiles for enhanced visibility and a competitive edge. Today’s episode is brought to you by my Content Organization Hub! If you are drowning in a sea of post its trying to keep track of all your content ideas or maybe you're struggling to remember what you posted on which platform and when, I totally get it. That's why I created the content organization hub for air table for just 9. You can finally put an end to content chaos. Imagine having all your marketing content in one central location. Easily linked, perfectly organized, and ready to go whenever you are. Grab the Content Organization Hub and get 10% off with code PODCAST!BUY NOW >>Mentioned in this Episode:Andrea Jones of Mindful Marketing Podcast Episode 161: Maximize Your Business with AI: Top Tools & Tips with Dawn RichardsonMetricoolSEO Case Study Copywriting & Tracking Metrics w/Erin Ollila (The Basic B Podcast)Listen to Erin in these Episodes:Episode 74: That Time Erin Ollila Interviewed Me on My Own PodcastEpisode 79: Getting Started with SEO | Simple SEO Series with Erin Ollila (Part 1)Connect with ErinWebsite: erinollila.comPodcast: erinollila.com/podcastInstagram: instagram.com/erinollilaLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/erinollilaFacebook: facebook.com/erinollilacreativeTikTok: tiktok.com/@erinollila_
Is your business prepared for bad days—even those worst case scenarios that we don't want to think about? In today's episode, Sandra Henderson joins us to share how she's set her business up for the worst days in business due to the role her chronic illness plays in her daily life. Listen in as she shares the tools, systems, and boundaries that she's set up to make sure her business can still run smoothly!Today’s episode is brought to you by my Client Hub Template inside the DIY Systems Template Shop. Business owners often have their client information spread across a variety of different tools, making it hard to access the information they need to make critical decisions. That’s why I built the Client Hub Template for Airtable, to take the guesswork out of building your own!Buy Now >>Mentioned in this Episode:AirtableDubsadoCalendlyZapierHoneyBookMoody Monthly AppAsanaConnect with SandraWebsite: simplysandrayvonne.caInstagram: instagram.com/simplysandrayvonneTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@simplysandrayvonnePodcast: simplysandrayvonne.ca/keepingitcandid
Gone are the days where your photos is enough to market your photography business—even if you are an amazing photographer. In an oversaturated market, you have to do more and stand out. In today's episode, Sabrina Gabhardt joins us to share how photographers can create valuable, non-salesy content through their email marketing to better connect with their potential clients and book more sessions! Plus listen in as she gives advice on incorporating this approach holistically across all of your marketing channels.Today’s episode is brought to you by my Content Organization Hub! If you are drowning in a sea of post its trying to keep track of all your content ideas or maybe you're struggling to remember what you posted on which platform and when, I totally get it. That's why I created the content organization hub for air table for just 9. You can finally put an end to content chaos. Imagine having all your marketing content in one central location. Easily linked, perfectly organized, and ready to go whenever you are. Grab the Content Organization Hub and get 10% off with code PODCAST!BUY NOW >>Mentioned in this Episode:Ashlyn CarterListen to Sabrina in these Episodes:Episode 5: Avoiding BurnoutEpisode 17: Working Weekend WinsEpisode 48: Investing in OutsourcingEpisode 100: You can change your mind and your offersEpisode 156: Celebrating 2 Years of Business-First CreativesConnect with SabrinaWebsite: sabrinagebhardt.comMarketing that Attracts: sabrinagebhardt.com/marketingInstagram: instagram.com/sabrinagebhardtphotography
Are you leveraging the power of AI in your business? In today's episode, Hattie Dunstan of Funstans Marketing discusses how you can integrate AI into your content creation process and advertising strategy! Listen in as Hattie shares how AI tools like ChatGPT, Meta AI, Gemini, and MidJourney, can streamline various business tasks from crafting marketing content to analyzing ad campaign data.Today’s episode is brought to you by my Content Organization Hub! If you are drowning in a sea of post its trying to keep track of all your content ideas or maybe you're struggling to remember what you posted on which platform and when, I totally get it. That's why I created the content organization hub for air table for just 9. You can finally put an end to content chaos. Imagine having all your marketing content in one central location. Easily linked, perfectly organized, and ready to go whenever you are. Grab the Content Organization Hub and get 10% off with code PODCAST!BUY NOW >>Mentioned in this EpisodeChatGPTMeta AIGeminiMidjourneyConnect with HattieWebsite: funstans.kartra.com/page/linksInstagram: instagram.com/funstansThreads: threads.net/@funstans
Are you looking for a unicorn to help you with your marketing tasks? In today's episode, Emily Reagan joins us to highlight importance of hiring the right marketing assistant to help grow a creative business so you don't have regrets. Listen in as we discuss the differences between general virtual assistants and specialized marketing assistants, exploring the need for business owners to clearly define their goals and expectations when hiring.Today’s episode is brought to you by my Content Organization Hub! If you are drowning in a sea of post its trying to keep track of all your content ideas or maybe you're struggling to remember what you posted on which platform and when, I totally get it. That's why I created the content organization hub for air table for just 9. You can finally put an end to content chaos. Imagine having all your marketing content in one central location. Easily linked, perfectly organized, and ready to go whenever you are. Grab the Content Organization Hub and get 10% off with code PODCAST!BUY NOW >>Mentioned in this EpisodeInkpot CreativeExpanding Your Business through Virtual Summits with KP & Jessie of Inkpot CreativeSuccessfully Delegating to Your Team (Building a Team Series) with Selina JohnsonBuilding a Team Series Part 1ClockworkConnect with EmilyWebsite: emilyreaganpr.com/Website: hireaunicorn.comInstagram: instagram.com/emilyreaganprFacebook: facebook.com/emilyreaganpr Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/digitalmediava TikTok: tiktok.com/@emilyreaganpr Youtube: youtube.com/@emilyreaganpr Podcast: emilyreaganpr.com/podcast
Are you leaving content opportunities on the table because you're not repurposing the content you already have? In today's episode, Felly Day joins us to share the value of repurposing and why it's a crucial component to intentional marketing for business owners. Listen in as she not only shares common mistakes and practical strategies, but also walks us through her CPIA framework to effectively repurpose your content.Today’s episode is brought to you by my Content Organization Hub! If you are drowning in a sea of post its trying to keep track of all your content ideas or maybe you're struggling to remember what you posted on which platform and when, I totally get it.That's why I created the content organization hub for air table for just 9. You can finally put an end to content chaos. Imagine having all your marketing content in one central location. Easily linked, perfectly organized, and ready to go whenever you are. Grab the Content Organization Hub and get 10% off with code PODCAST!Buy Now >>Mentioned in this EpisodeTurn 1 into Ten Private PodcastFelly's Angles Episode on The Unprofessional EntrepreneurConnect with FellyWebsite: fellyday.comInstagram: instagram.com/fellydayPodcast: fellyday.com/podcast
When building out your intentional marketing plan, are you considering the power of in-person marketing? In today's episode, Angie McPherson joins us to highlight the benefits of networking through local events, retreats, and creating your own gatherings. Listen in as she shares how to plan before an event, engage meaningfully during, and follow up afterwards so that you get the best ROI. Plus, we even share how to track the success of your efforts for in-person events!Today’s episode is brought to you by my Content Organization Hub! If you are drowning in a sea of post its trying to keep track of all your content ideas or maybe you're struggling to remember what you posted on which platform and when, I totally get it.That's why I created the content organization hub for air table for just 9. You can finally put an end to content chaos. Imagine having all your marketing content in one central location. Easily linked, perfectly organized, and ready to go whenever you are. Grab the Content Organization Hub and get 10% off with code PODCAST!Buy Now >>Connect with AngieWebsite: angiemcpherson.comInstagram: instagram.com/angiejaninePodcast: angiemcpherson.com/podcast
We naturally share our favorite items and products with our friends, but what if you could make an income by sharing business tools and products with your audience? In today's episode, Candice Coppola joins us to share all about affiliate marketing as a business owner. Listen in as she shares how she got started, how she found success, and what it looks like to develop an affiliate program of your own!Today’s episode is brought to you by my Content Organization Hub! If you are drowning in a sea of post its trying to keep track of all your content ideas or maybe you're struggling to remember what you posted on which platform and when, I totally get it.That's why I created the content organization hub for Airtable for just $9. You can finally put an end to content chaos. Imagine having all your marketing content in one central location. Easily linked, perfectly organized, and ready to go whenever you are. Grab the Content Organization Hub and get 10% off with code PODCAST!Mentioned in this EpisodeHoneyBookEpisode 171: Building a Steady Stream of Potential Customers through SEO and Pinterest with Kara Duncan with KaraEpisode 161: Maximize Your Business with AI: Top Tools & Tips with Dawn RichardsonConnect with CandiceWebsite: candicecoppola.comInstagram: instagram.com/candice.coppolaYoutube: youtube.com/channel/UCp3XF6mQ1bNWry55DsSyUMwPodcast: podcast.candicecoppola.com
Do you hesitate to invest time into email marketing due to all of the different rules you have to follow? In today's episode, Dama Jue joins us to share the rules she's breaking in her own email marketing strategy that are helping her find success! Plus, listen in as she walks us through her approach to a nurture sequence and the one section of her emails that is driving additional revenue with minimal effort!Today’s episode is brought to you by my Content Organization Hub! If you are drowning in a sea of post its trying to keep track of all your content ideas or maybe you're struggling to remember what you posted on which platform and when, I totally get it.That's why I created the content organization hub for Airtable for just $9. You can finally put an end to content chaos. Imagine having all your marketing content in one central location. Easily linked, perfectly organized, and ready to go whenever you are. Grab the Content Organization Hub and get 10% off with code PODCAST!Connect with DamaWebsite: damajue.comInstagram: instagram.com/damajueFacebook: facebook.com/damajuellcThreads: threads.net/@damajueShop: thrivecarttemplateshop.comInstagram: instagram.com/thrivecarttemplateshopFacebook: facebook.com/thrivecarttemplateshop
Marketing takes up a lot of your time and for businesses that are planning to be around for a while, finding sustainable strategies that generate passive traffic and run on longevity is key for long-term success. For many of us, search engine optimization and Pinterest seem to feel like a lot of work, yet the long-term impacts of the efforts on those two platforms is unmatched. In today's episode, Kara Duncan joins us to share the value of blogging and pinning your content to Pinterest, along with a few tips to getting the most out of your content as a business!Today’s episode is brought to you by DIY Template Shop! Grab the exact email, form, and workflow templates that I include inside the CRM Blueprint Course. Steal my templates and customize them to match your brand and process. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off.Mentioned in this EpisodeTailwindMetricoolConnect with KaraWebsite: thekarareport.comInstagram: instagram.com/thekarareportPodcast: thekarareport.com/podcast
Are you being intentional in your marketing? This week, we're kicking off a brand new series on the podcast all about marketing with intention. Our first guest, Tayler Cusick-Hollman joins us to help lay the foundation of intentionality with crafting a marketing plan. After watching entrepreneurs with small marketing budgets struggle, Tayler developed Enji, a marketing solution for small businesses. Listen in as she shares how to prioritize your marketing efforts, determine your channels, and market with intention!Today’s episode is brought to you by my Client Hub Template inside the DIY Systems Template Shop. Business owners often have their client information spread across a variety of different tools, making it hard to access the information they need to make critical decisions. That’s why I built the Client Hub Template for Airtable, to take the guesswork out of building your own!Shop Now >Mentioned in this EpisodeClick to Convert by Inkpot CreativeExpanding Your Business through Virtual Summits with KP & Jessie of Inkpot CreativeConnect with TaylerWebsite: enji.coInstagram: instagram.com/enji_coFacebook: facebook.com/enjimarketingPodcast: prettyokaypodcast.com/Youtube: youtube.com/channel/UCXUQ06KoBdHN91sFu-NSV4Q
Are you using the power of storytelling in your business? Storytelling offers relatability and authenticity for connection with our audience, which builds trust. Storytelling strategist Akua Konadu joins us to share seven storytelling trends that you should implement into your marketing today!Today’s episode is brought to you by my Love Your Leads private audio training! Are you providing an experience for your leads that sets an expectation on when they’ll hear from you, provides them with tools that will help them easily say yes and book you, while also making them feel seen and heard? In my private audio training, you’ll learn how to love your leads and get more booked clients through an automated booking process.Listen Now >>Here are the highlights…01:09 - The Power of Storytelling in Business04:13 - Authenticity and Data in Storytelling11:39 - Relatable and Everyday Stories15:49 - Freedom in Storytelling18:20 - Balancing Personal Sharing and Storytelling18:53 - Embracing Authenticity in Business20:33 - The Power of Micro Stories26:24 - Interactive and Engaging StorytellingMentioned in this EpisodeCreative Educator ConferenceChristina TorresAshlyn CarterReesa Teesa - Who the F Did I Marry?Case Study - Reesa TeesaThe Six Schizophrenic BrothersConnect with AkuaPodcast: podcast.honeybook.comWebsite: akuakonadu.comInstagram: instagram.com/akuakonadu_Youtube: youtube.com/@HoneyBook
In this episode, there are a few life and podcast updates 😉The Business-First Creatives Podcast is brought to you by CRM and Dubsado expert Colie James. Join Colie each week as she discusses how to build a business that brings you joy and a paycheck! From business advice with fellow entrepreneurs to sharing automation tips and tricks, Colie and her guests are sharing industry trends and resources, along with a little bit of sarcasm.
Summer Sabbatical Series - Simplifying Systems for Creatives Using Airtable from Copywriter on CallEver wondered how automating your systems could help you create a more consistent experience for yourself and clients? Today I am sharing a guest episode I did for Sara Gillis' podcast, Copywriter on Call. We’re talking about our former lives as professors + everything related to automating client communications (with a personal touch, of course) to tracking the lifetime value of your clients. If you’re ready to see how a streamlined approach can totally transform your workflow, subscribe and download this episode. Be sure to search for Copywriter on Call in your favorite podcast player and subscribe for more business and copywriting tips from Sara!Today’s episode is brought to you by DIY Template Shop! Grab the exact client hub template for Airtable discussed in today's episode. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off.Shop Now >>Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeClient Hub for AirtablePodcast Planner for AirtableAirtable (aff link)Connect with SaraWebsite - https://whatsarasaid.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hellosaragillis/
Summer Sabbatical Series - Infusing Your Personality into Your Automations from Big Fun ContentDo you struggle with writing emails that don't bore you? Want to avoid sounding like a robot and write automated emails your clients LOVE reading? Well, you're in the right place my friend!  Today I am sharing a guest interview I did for Deanna Seymour's podcast, Big Fun Content. This is definitely one of my favorite conversations about creating automated emails in your customer journey.Be sure to search for Big Fun Content in your favorite podcast player and subscribe for more content creation tips from Deanna!Today’s episode is brought to you by my Love Your Leads private audio training! Are you providing an experience for your leads that sets an expectation on when they’ll hear from you, provides them with tools that will help them easily say yes and book you, while also making them feel seen and heard? In my private audio training, you’ll learn how to love your leads and get more booked clients through an automated booking process.Listen Now >>Connect with DeannaWebsite: deannaseymour.comInstagram: @thedeannaseymourPodcast: bigfuncontent.com
In today's episode, we're diving into the world of Airtable with Colie James and Annemie Tonken, unraveling how this dynamic tool can streamline your business and simplify your life. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by managing your team communication, marketing content, relevant client sales data and offers, get ready to hear how Airtable can tame the chaos in one centralized location!00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:29 Discovering Airtable06:41 How Annemie using Airtable in her personal life11:15 How can Airtable benefit your business?15:12 Where to start with Airtable22:19 Joining Systems Over Stress from Ashley Rose22:49 Trying to find resources to learn Airtable25:57 What kind of automations are there in Airtable27:29 Colie's Favorite Automation: Team Communication32:16 Airtable vs. CRM - Can Airtable replace Dubsado or Honeybook?37:11 Organizing Your Business with Airtable Hubs39:43 Why should you write emails inside Airtable44:15 The Benefits of Airtable for BusinessResources Mentioned in the EpisodeClient Hub for AirtablePodcast Planner for AirtableSupport Ticketing System for AirtableAirtable (aff link)Systems Over Stress Group Program (aff link)How Colie Uses Airtable to Organize Her BusinessWhy Airtable Should Replace Your SpreadsheetsConnect with AnnemieWebsite - https://www.thiscantbethathard.com/Instagram -
Are you ready to automate you social media sales strategy? In today's episode, Dayna Schaaf joins us to discuss the power of ManyChat and automations for marketing. Listen in as we walk through setting up trigger words and automated responses in Instagram DMs and how they can help photographers efficiently handle client inquiries, build engaging waitlists, and provide instant gratification to potential clients.If you’ve tried setting up your Dubsado or Honeybook account, yet aren’t actually utilizing all of the features it offers, I want to invite you to check out The CRM Blueprint. My course includes templates for all of the forms, emails, and workflows that you need to get paid in one easy step. Ready to maximize your use of Dubsado or Honeybook, enroll in The CRM Blueprint today! Use the code PODCAST for 10% off.Learn More >>Mentioned in this EpisodeEpisode 84: Applying the Rule of 7 with Dayna SchaafManyChat (aff link)Dubsado - Get 30% off your first payment (month or year) with code coliejames (aff link)HoneyBook - Get 50% off your first year (aff link)Connect with DaynaWebsite: thiscantbethathard.comManyChat Training: thiscantbethathard.com/manychatConsistency Club: go.thiscantbethathard.com/club (aff link)Instagram: @thiscantbethathard_
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