The Systems and Workflow Magic Podcast

As we close out the year, I wanted to pull back the curtain and share exactly how I’m doing my end-of-year business review — and how I’m planning for 2026 without trying to plan an entire year in one weekend.Whether you’re watching this episode on YouTube or listening on your favorite podcast player, it's designed to give you permission to plan realistically, not romantically.I’m walking you through how I review my yearly rhythms, lean on data (not feelings), and prepare my backend systems so my marketing, launches, and content feel sustainable — especially as a mom, photographer, and systems educator.If you’re a family photographer or creative business owner who wants clarity, structure, and less burnout heading into a new year, this episode is for you.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/how-im-planning-out-my-next-quarter/▸ Snag The Bookkeeping Template For Creatives Here: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/bookkeeping-template▸ Get 25% OFF on Flodesk here: https://flodesk.com/c/DOLLYDELONGEDUCATION▸ Join the Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸ End of year review sheet: https://katschmoyer.com/eoy-gift▸ Master Business Operations Trello Board (only $7): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/master-business-operations-boardConnect with Dolly DeLong Education💻 Website📱Instagram🎥 YouTubeThanks for joining me on The Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode:✅ Sign up for weekly reminders + free resources here → Business Tools🥳 Share a screenshot of this episode on your IG story and tag me @dollydelongeducation so I can cheer you on!🔗 Affiliate links included. I only recommend products I personally use and love.end of year business review, business planning for photographers, how to plan 2026 as a creative business owner, systems and workflows for photographers, 90 day business planning, yearly business rhythms, marketing planning for family photographers, backend systems for creatives, business planning without burnout, Christian entrepreneur business planning, photography business systems, content batching for photographers, email workflow refresh, CRM organization for photographers, Trello business planning board, Flodesk email workflows, Dubsado CRM organization, sustainable marketing strategies for creatives, end of year reflection for small business, systems and workflow magic podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’re listening to this episode around the holidays (or WHENEVER you are listening in to this), I want to encourage you to do something that will instantly bring more clarity into your business for 2026 (and for ANY YEAR): forecast your business expenses.In this episode of The Systems and Workflow Magic Podcast (also available as a YouTube video), I’m pulling back the curtain and showing you exactly how I forecast my business expenses for 2026 using my Bookkeeping Template for Creatives. I’m not starting the new year guessing my overhead.And friend, forecasting is NOT “predicting the future.” It’s taking the best data you already have (like your 2025 expenses + recurring subscriptions) and making an informed plan so you can price confidently, set realistic goals, and run your photography business (or creative business) sustainably.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/end-of-year-planning-family-photographers/▸ Snag The Bookkeeping Template For Creatives Here: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/bookkeeping-template▸ Get 25% OFF on Flodesk here: https://flodesk.com/c/DOLLYDELONGEDUCATION▸ Join the Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸Need a bookkeeper? Check out my amazing Bookkeeper here: https://www.willabbybookkeeping.com/Connect with Dolly DeLong Education💻 Website📱Instagram🎥 YouTubeThanks for joining me on The Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode:✅ Sign up for weekly reminders + free resources here → Business Tools🥳 Share a screenshot of this episode on your IG story and tag me @dollydelongeducation so I can cheer you on!🔗 Affiliate links included. I only recommend products I personally use and love.forecast business expenses 2026, business expense forecasting for photographers, bookkeeping for creatives, photography business expenses list, how to calculate overhead for photographers, pricing family photography packages, photography business budgeting system, Google Sheets bookkeeping template, small business expense tracker spreadsheet, annual vs monthly subscriptions for business, photography business profit planning, tax percentage for small business owners, how to track subscriptions for business, systems for photographer finances, backend systems for photographers, financial planning for creative business owners, plan business expenses for the new year, bookkeeping template for small business owners, how to forecast expenses using last year’s data, sustainable photography business systems Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big reminder, friend: if I were your marketing advisor for your family photography business, I would absolutely have you working on your February Valentine’s mini sessions in December—yes, while everyone else is still wrapping gifts and closing out their holiday minis.This episode (originally recorded as a YouTube video and repurposed as a podcast) walks you through how to think like a marketer, map out a simple mini-session offer for couples or kids, and align your systems, content, and email marketing before the new year begins.Whether you’re a family photographer who loves minis or you’re just curious about adding a seasonal cash-injection to your year, this episode will help you:Decide how to position your Valentine’s minis (kids, couples, or both)Choose simple, on-brand themes and props your clients can easily say yes toPlan locations, timelines, and logistics now so you’re not scrambling in late JanuaryUse Instagram + your blog as top-of-funnel marketing for your minisSet up email segments and nurture using Flodesk (or your ESP of choice)Use your CRM (like Dubsado) to automate booking, communication, and remindersTurn Valentine’s minis into an annual, repeatable revenue streamResources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/valentines-mini-sessions-family-photographers/▸ Get 25% OFF on Flodesk here: https://flodesk.com/c/DOLLYDELONGEDUCATION▸ Join the Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸ Get 30% OFF on Dubsado here: https://www.dubsado.com/?c=dollydelongeducation▸ Free Dubsado Mini Session Roadmap: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-dubsado-mini-session-roadmap-opt-inConnect with Dolly DeLong Education💻 Website📱Instagram🎥 YouTubeThanks for joining me on The Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode:✅ Sign up for weekly reminders + free resources here → Business Tools🥳 Share a screenshot of this episode on your IG story and tag me @dollydelongeducation so I can cheer you on!🔗 Affiliate links included. I only recommend products I personally use and love.valentines mini sessions for family photographers, how to plan valentines minis in december, seasonal mini sessions marketing plan, mini sessions for couples and kids, family photographer marketing 2026, dubsado mini session workflow, dubsado for family photographers, flodesk for family photographers, email marketing for mini sessions, seasonal cash injection offers, planning holiday minis and valentines minis, blog strategy for family photographers, instagram marketing for mini sessions, family photographer marketing membership, family photographers marketing society, systems and workflows for mini sessions, client communication templates for minis, winter studio mini sessions ideas, marketing seasonal minis with email and instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big news, friends! We are officially heading into a brand new year of marketing, and if you’re a family photographer still relying only on Instagram (or whatever the next trendy platform is), this episode is your gentle nudge: it’s time to bring email marketing into your 2026 strategy.In today’s episode—which originated as a YouTube video—you’ll learn why email marketing continues to outperform every other marketing channel, why it future-proofs your family photography business, and how it helps you book more clients with less stress. Plus, at the end of the episode, I’m sharing why Flodesk is my #1 recommendation for photographers who want simple, beautiful, effective email marketing without overwhelm.Whether you’re brand new to email marketing or you’ve been dragging your feet for years (it’s okay, I see you!), this episode will give you the clarity and motivation you need to start strong in 2026.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/email-marketing-for-family-photographers/▸ Watch the YouTube video version of this Podcast: https://youtu.be/5FWPcr3BzAA▸ Get 25% OFF on Flodesk here: https://flodesk.com/c/DOLLYDELONGEDUCATION▸ Join the Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-societyConnect with Dolly DeLong Education💻 Website📱Instagram🎥 YouTubeThanks for joining me on The Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode:✅ Sign up for weekly reminders + free resources here → Business Tools🥳 Share a screenshot of this episode on your IG story and tag me @dollydelongeducation so I can cheer you on!🔗 Affiliate links included. I only recommend products I personally use and love.email marketing for family photographers, photographer email newsletter ideas, Flodesk tutorial for photographers, email marketing 2026 predictions, marketing systems for photographers, how to grow a photography email list, Flodesk for creative business owners, best email platform for photographers, family photography marketing tips, nurture sequences for photographers, sustainable marketing for creatives, automated email workflow for photographers, why email marketing matters, photographer marketing without Instagram, ROI of email marketing 2026, long-term marketing strategy photographers, book more photography clients with email, email vs social media marketing, segmenting email audiences Flodesk, simple email marketing for photographers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’re a family photographer who’s ready to simplify your systems, strengthen your marketing, and finally feel organized heading into a new year, this special Black Friday episode is for you! In this behind-the-scenes catalog-style walkthrough, I’m breaking down every single deal happening November 24–28, 2025, inside Dolly DeLong Education.Whether you're watching this on YouTube or listening via the podcast, this is your go-to guide to bookmark so you can return to each deal on the exact day it goes live. And yes — even if you’re listening in the future, these resources remain available in my shop year-round! (YAY!)Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/black-friday-deals-family-photographers-2025/▸ Watch the YouTube video version of this Podcast: HERE▸ Check out the 5 Days of Deals HERE▸ Missed the Sale but want to see the shop? Check it out HERE Connect with Dolly DeLong Education💻 Website📱Instagram🎥 YouTubeThanks for joining me on The Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode:✅ Sign up for weekly reminders + free resources here → Business Tools🥳 Share a screenshot of this episode on your IG story and tag me @dollydelongeducation so I can cheer you on!🔗 Affiliate links included. I only recommend products I personally use and love.black friday deals for photographers, family photographer black friday sale, creative business black friday 2025, bookkeeping for photographers, digital product launch system, photographer launch planner, client experience workflow photography, dubsado for family photographers, family photographer crm workflow, long form content workflow, blogging system for photographers, podcast workflow for creatives, youtube workflow for creatives, photographer marketing membership, marketing system for photographers, backend systems for photographers, photography workflows trello, launch planning for creatives, photographer marketing strategy 2025, systems and workflow magic podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever look at another family photographer who’s booked out months in advance and think, “What are they doing that I’m not?” Spoiler: it’s not talent, it’s not the “oversaturated market,” and it is definitely not that you’re not good enough.This episode (originally recorded as a YouTube video and repurposed into the podcast) breaks down the eight core foundations—or “cogs”—that keep your family photography business consistently booked instead of stuck in that exhausting feast-or-famine cycle.Whether you’re a few years into business or you’re finally ready to take it seriously as a real, sustainable business, this one’s meant to lovingly call you out and show you exactly where to focus next.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Read the full blog post that goes with this episode (that way, you get all the links mentioned): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/consistent-bookings-family-photographers/▸ Watch the YouTube video version of this Podcast: https://youtu.be/FIjZ3Yv1byA▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-societyConnect with Dolly DeLong Education💻 Website📱Instagram🎥 YouTubeThanks for joining me on The Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode:✅ Sign up for weekly reminders + free resources here → Business Tools🥳 Share a screenshot of this episode on your IG story and tag me @dollydelongeducation so I can cheer you on!🔗 Affiliate links included. I only recommend products I personally use and love.Consistent bookings for family photographers, feast or famine photography business, family photographer systems and workflows, how to price family photography sessions, know your numbers creative business, SEO for family photographers, blogging for family photographers, marketing rhythm for photographers, inconsistent editing posing and lighting, family photographer messaging help, brand voice for photographers, do I need a new website for my photography business, email marketing for family photographers, simple workflows for photographers, CRM for family photographers, systems and workflows for small business owners, Dolly DeLong Education podcast, YouTube to podcast repurposed content, backend systems for photographers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big news, family photographers.. the holidays are almost here, and now is the perfect time to start planting those SEO seeds for next year! In this episode, I’m sharing four blog post ideas you can start writing right now to help your photography business get discovered on Google (and yes, even in ChatGPT searches!) long after the holiday season.Whether you’re a family photographer, newborn photographer, or creative business owner who wants to show up more consistently online, you’ll learn how to:✨ Choose blog post topics that attract your dream clients✨ Create SEO-friendly posts that perform in both Google and AI search tools✨ Repurpose your blog content for social media and email marketing✨ Build long-term visibility for your photography business during slower seasonsResources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Get all of my Black Friday 2025 Deals (dropping the week of November 24th-November 28th): https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/black-friday-deals-2025▸ Watch the YouTube video version of this Podcast: https://youtu.be/HE_cDS43HmY▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-societyConnect with Dolly DeLong Education💻 Website📱Instagram🎥 YouTubeThanks for joining me on The Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode:✅ Sign up for weekly reminders + free resources here → Business Tools🥳 Share a screenshot of this episode on your IG story and tag me @dollydelongeducation so I can cheer you on!🔗 Affiliate links included. I only recommend products I personally use and love.winter family photo ideas, family photographer SEO, SEO for photographers, family photography blogging, winter photography marketing tips, content ideas for photographers, long form content marketing for photographers, indoor family photo ideas, lifestyle newborn sessions winter, local SEO for photographers, blogging for photography business, evergreen marketing ideas for creatives, how to blog for SEO photography, family photographer marketing society, systems and workflows for photographers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever visited a business online and couldn’t tell if they were still open—or if they’d shut down years ago? 😅 This episode was inspired by Dolly’s recent family fall break trip to Buffalo and Rochester, New York, where she experienced that very frustration firsthand!Whether you’re a family photographer, a creative entrepreneur, or a small business owner, you might be unintentionally putting doubt in your potential clients’ minds. Today, Dolly shares three simple, quick updates you can make to your website and marketing to instantly show clients that your business is alive, thriving, and ready to serve them.These tips are all about keeping your business active and relevant—without adding more overwhelm to your plate. Read the entire blog post that goes with this podcast episode hereResources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Watch the YouTube video version of this Podcast https://youtu.be/sZEYB0XBTcM▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-society▸ Get 50% OFF of Flodesk HERE (for email marketing) https://flodesk.com/c/DOLLYDELONGEDUCATIONConnect with Dolly DeLong Education💻 Website📱Instagram🎥 YouTubeThanks for joining me on The Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode:✅ Sign up for weekly reminders + free resources here → Business Tools🥳 Share a screenshot of this episode on your IG story and tag me @dollydelongeducation so I can cheer you on!🔗 Affiliate links included. I only recommend products I personally use and love.show your business is active, small business marketing 2025, family photographer email marketing, update website footer, keep social media current, small business visibility tips, showing your business is open, how to update your website footer, stay consistent on Instagram, email list for photographers, marketing systems for creatives, family photography business growth, systems and workflow magic podcast, dolly delong education, simple marketing tips for small business, how to show you’re still in business Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wish your client workflow could run a little more smoothly — without you spending hours managing inquiries? In this behind-the-scenes episode, I’m sharing the exact automation that saves me hours every week as a Nashville family photographer.You’ll get a step-by-step look at how I connect Dubsado, Zapier, and Trello to automatically organize new client leads — so nothing falls through the cracks and every client gets the same consistent experience.Whether you’re a visual learner who loves Trello or a systems-curious creative ready to automate more of your business, this quick tutorial will walk you through the full process (and yes — I’m holding your hand the whole way through!) Want the FULL blog post of this podcast? Click HEREResources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Watch the YouTube video version of this Podcast (so you can get a full visual of how I break everything down): https://youtu.be/iRSX8mf8HCA▸ Dubsado (30% off affiliate link):http://dubsado.com/?c=dollydelongeducation▸ Showit (affiliate link):https://showit.com/r/40ggld0m▸ The Contact Form That Wows Training (Free!):https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/create-a-contact-page-that-wows▸ The Ultimate Family Photographer’s Workflow: https://dollydelong.thrivecart.com/family-photography-workflow-blueprint/Connect with Dolly DeLong Education💻 Website📱Instagram🎥 YouTubeThanks for joining me on The Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode:✅ Sign up for weekly reminders + free resources here → Business Tools🥳 Share a screenshot of this episode on your IG story and tag me @dollydelongeducation so I can cheer you on!🔗 Affiliate links included. I only recommend products I personally use and love.family photographer workflow automation, Dubsado tutorial for photographers, Zapier setup for creatives, Trello workflow for photographers, client experience automation, photography systems education, how to automate client inquiries, Dubsado Zapier Trello integration, family photography business systems, creative business backend workflows, automation with human touch, Dubsado tips for photographers, Trello templates for photographers, workflow automation tutorial, family photography business consistency Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered what it really takes to host a virtual summit? In this episode, I’m joined by my friends Bekah Read and Mara Kucirek to pull back the curtain on our 2025 Black Friday Summit. Together, we share a full launch debrief—what worked, what didn’t, the data behind 758 signups and 137 All-Access Pass sales, and the behind-the-scenes life moments that happened while running this summit as busy moms and business owners. Whether you’re planning a Black Friday promotion or dreaming of hosting your own virtual summit, this honest conversation is packed with lessons, encouragement, and strategies you can use right away.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe planning process behind a 3-day Black Friday summitHow we grew our email lists by over 700 signups through organic marketingThe role of sponsorships, private podcasts, and an All-Access Pass played in our resultsNumbers, data, and conversions—from 758 signups to $4K+ in salesWhat we’d do differently if we host again in 2026And so much more (click here to read the blog post)Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Watch the YouTube video version of this launch debrief:▸ Get The Simplified Black Friday Planning Kit: HERE▸ Snag the All Access Pass for The 2025 Black Friday Virtual Summit: HERE▸ Follow Mara Kucirek: HERE▸ Follow Bekah Read: HERE▸ Follow Ellen Yin/Cubicle To CEO: HEREConnect with Dolly DeLong Education💻 Website📱Instagram🎥 YouTubeThanks for joining me on The Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode:✅ Sign up for weekly reminders + free resources here → Business Tools🥳 Share a screenshot of this episode on your IG story and tag me @dollydelongeducation so I can cheer you on!🔗 Affiliate links included. I only recommend products I personally use and love.Black Friday Summit 2025, virtual summit launch debrief, Black Friday business strategies, how to host a summit, online summit marketing, Black Friday email marketing, Black Friday sales tips, planning a virtual event, summit sponsorship ideas, organic list building for summits, Black Friday launch recap, private podcast Hello Audio, small business Black Friday strategies, virtual summit lessons learned, collaborative launches, behind the scenes summit hosting, Black Friday planning kit, summit debrief podcast, Black Friday launch 2025, summit results and takeaways Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s officially Q4 of 2025—and if you’re a family photographer, you’re probably deep in busy season. But here’s the truth: now is also the perfect time to plant seeds for 2026 with long-form content that keeps working for you long after the editing rush is over.In this episode (repurposed from my YouTube channel), I’m sharing three SEO-friendly blogging ideas you can batch out this October to attract dream clients, show up in search results, and position yourself as the go-to photographer in your city.Whether you’re a family photographer wanting to book more sessions or a small business owner looking for sustainable marketing ideas, you’ll walk away with practical, keyword-rich content strategies you can implement right away.Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:Why Q4 blogging matters for long-term SEO and future bookingsThree blog post ideas that make you the searchable answer for potential clientsHow to use your existing client galleries to showcase wardrobe inspiration and style guidesAnd so much moreRead the entire blog post hereResources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Watch the YouTube video version of this training (with visuals!) → https://youtu.be/anbj_bb8QVk▸ The Family Photographer's Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-societyConnect with Dolly DeLong Education💻 Website📱Instagram🎥 YouTubeThanks for joining me on The Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode:✅ Sign up for weekly reminders + free resources here → Business Tools🥳 Share a screenshot of this episode on your IG story and tag me @dollydelongeducation so I can cheer you on!🔗 Affiliate links included. I only recommend products I personally use and love.family photography blogging ideas, q4 content marketing for photographers, blogging for family photographers, best family photo locations november, what to wear for november family photos, family photography SEO, how to use family photos after a session, content ideas for family photographers, long form content for photographers, blogging tips for photographers 2025, family photography marketing strategies, dolly delong education podcast, family photographers marketing society, systems and workflows for photographers, SEO content for family photographers, holiday photo session marketing, sustainable marketing for small business, organic marketing for photographers, blog content ideas for photographers, repurposing content for family photographers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are family photographers ready to simplify and automate the backend of their business? In this episode, I’m breaking down the very first step in your client experience: your contact form. Instead of relying on the standard form that comes with your website template, I’ll show you how to replace it with a Dubsado lead capture form so that new inquiries automatically flow into your CRM—saving you time and eliminating the risk of losing leads.Whether you’re on Showit, Squarespace, or another platform, this tip will help you create a smoother, more professional client journey from the very first touchpoint.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why replacing your default website contact form with a Dubsado lead capture form is a game-changerThe exact steps to embed your CRM form into your website (using Showit as the example)Which fields to include (and which ones to skip!) for a streamlined inquiry processHow this one small change can automate your lead management and prevent missed emailsA free training resource to help you build a “Contact Page That Wows”Read the entire blog post here Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Watch the YouTube video version of this training (with visuals!) → YouTube Channel▸ Get 30% OFF of Dubsado Here: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/dubsado-coupon-code▸ Want the free training mentioned? Create a Contact Form that WOWS: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/create-a-contact-page-that-wows▸ Showit (get 1 month free with my link): https://showit.com/r/40ggld0mConnect with Dolly DeLong Education💻 Website📱Instagram🎥 YouTubeThanks for joining me on The Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode:✅ Sign up for weekly reminders + free resources here → Business Tools🥳 Share a screenshot of this episode on your IG story and tag me @dollydelongeducation so I can cheer you on!🔗 Affiliate links included. I only recommend products I personally use and love.dubsado contact form setup, automate family photography business, showit dubsado integration, dubsado crm tutorial, dubsado for photographers, embedding crm forms showit, dubsado workflow automation, contact form automation for photographers, family photographer business tips, backend systems for photographers, lead capture automation, automate client inquiries, dubsado lead capture tutorial, streamline photography business, dubsado vs honeybook for photographers, dubsado for creatives, automating photography inquiries, photography crm setup, workflow tips for photographers, contact page that wows Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you a service-based business owner already thinking ahead to Black Friday 2025? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I prepare months in advance, specifically, how I segment my email audience as early as August, so I know exactly who to promote to by November.I’ll walk you through how I’m using Flodesk (my email service provider) and Showit (my website host) to create smart segments, confirmation pages, and primed audiences that are ready for my Black Friday branding photography offer. This is the same strategy I use with my launch clients, and it’s one you can start applying to your own Black Friday prep today.Whether you’re a family photographer, a service-based business owner, or someone who’s tired of throwing together last-minute sales, this episode will help you:Understand why segmenting your audience months ahead of Black Friday sets you up for successLearn how to use Flodesk to create segments for your warmest leadsSee how Showit can support your email strategy with simple confirmation pagesRead the entire blog post hereResources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ Watch the YouTube video version of this training (with visuals!) → YouTube Channel▸ Flodesk (get 50% OFF your first year with this code): https://flodesk.com/c/DOLLYDELONGEDUCATION▸ Showit (get 1 month free with my link): https://showit.com/r/40ggld0m▸ Ready to map out and plan your Black Friday for 2025? Get The Simple Black Friday Planning Kit HERE Connect with Dolly DeLong Education💻 Website📱Instagram🎥 YouTubeThanks for joining me on The Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode:✅ Sign up for weekly reminders + free resources here → Business Tools🥳 Share a screenshot of this episode on your IG story and tag me @dollydelongeducation so I can cheer you on!🔗 Affiliate links included. I only recommend products I personally use and love.black friday prep 2025, flodesk email segmentation tutorial, showit confirmation page black friday, small business black friday planning, email marketing for family photographers, flodesk segments black friday, showit website strategy, pre-launch runway black friday, black friday marketing systems, branding photography black friday special, q1 booking strategy photographers, service-based business black friday prep, email workflows for black friday, warm audience segmentation, black friday email marketing flodesk, black friday launch strategy small business, showit flodesk integration, black friday deals for family photographers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big news, friends—Black Friday doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or chaotic! In this behind-the-scenes episode, I’m sharing how I’m simplifying my own Black Friday 2025 plan for my photography business and using one clear content strategy: repurposing long-form content to strategically prime my audience ahead of my offer.If you’ve ever felt like you’re throwing spaghetti at the wall with your marketing or scrambling last-minute in November, this episode will walk you through how I’m preparing now (in September!) to ensure my Black Friday promotion is smooth, strategic, and simplified.Whether you’re a family photographer or a small business owner, you’ll walk away with practical tips to help you organize your content, repurpose what you already have, and build momentum that leads directly to your Black Friday offer.Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:How to simplify your Black Friday plan without overwhelmWhy I chose ONE clear offer for Black Friday 2025 and how I’m preparing for itHow to repurpose long-form content (like blogs, YouTube, and podcasts) into weekly pre-launch contentThe importance of segmenting your audience ahead of time to warm them upWhy priming your audience 6–10 weeks out is essential for launch successHow this same approach can help both photographers and service-based business owners📌 Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ The Simplified Black Friday Planning Kit (co-created with Mara Kucirek & Bekah Read)▸ Watch this episode on YouTube▸ Read the blog post that goes with this episode💻 Connect with Dolly DeLong Education▸ Website▸ Instagram▸ YouTube✨ Thanks for joining me on The Systems and Workflow Magic Podcast! If you loved today’s episode:✅ Subscribe so you never miss a new one.🥳 Share a screenshot on your IG stories with your favorite takeaway and tag me @dollydelongeducation so I can repost it!🔗 Please note: Affiliate links are included, which means I might make a small commission when you click. I only recommend tools, products, and resources I personally use and love.Black Friday marketing plan for photographers, simplified Black Friday planning, repurposing blog content for Black Friday, Black Friday pre-launch strategy, Black Friday email segmentation, priming your audience for Black Friday, long-form content repurposing, Black Friday content calendar, family photographer Black Friday tips, small business Black Friday prep, Black Friday planning kit 2025, Black Friday marketing system, branding photos for Black Friday offer, Nashville photographer Black Friday deal, strategic Black Friday content marketing, pre-launch Black Friday workflow, Black Friday offer for service providers, Black Friday campaign organization, how to prep for Black Friday as a photographer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you actually using the real words your clients are typing into Google when they’re searching for a photographer like you? In today’s episode, I’m showing you a simple tweak you can make to your contact form that helps you discover the exact keywords your clients are already using to find you.This small backend shift in your CRM (like Dubsado or HoneyBook) can completely transform how you approach blogging, YouTube, and podcasting—because you’ll finally have client-driven keywords to use in your content marketing. And the best part? It’s 100% organic marketing. No ads required.Whether you’re a family photographer or a creative small business owner, you’ll walk away from this episode with a practical strategy for:Capturing the exact search terms your clients use when they find you onlineOrganizing those keywords in a project management tool (like Trello)Repurposing client-driven keywords into long-form content for SEOBuilding a sustainable marketing system that doesn’t rely on paid adsUsing your contact form as a hidden goldmine for SEO researchRead the entire blog post or watch the whole YouTube video HEREResources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸ The Essential Launch Email Checklist (FREE) → https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/emails-needed-for-a-launch▸ Dubsado (get 30% OFF with this link!) → https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/dubsado-coupon-code▸ Shoutout to Kara Duncan of The Kara Report → https://thekarareport.com/Connect with Dolly DeLong Education💻Website📱Instagram🎥YouTubeThanks for joining me on The Systems and Workflow Magic Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode:✅Sign up for weekly reminders to stay updated on all things systems, SOPS, marketing, and workflows to impact the backend of YOUR family photography OR creative business! You can snag freebies here: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/business-tools🥳Post a screenshot and some of your favorite key takeaways on your IG story, and tag me @dollydelongeducation so I can repost it!🔗Affiliate links included, which means I might make a lil' money when you click. I only recommend people, products, & programs I use & ❤️contact form SEO, keyword strategy for family photographers, client-driven keyword research, SEO for photographers, how to use Dubsado for SEO, organic marketing for photographers, blogging SEO tips for family photographers, how clients find photographers on Google, SEO workflow for creatives, family photography marketing strategies, systems and workflows for small business owners, no ads marketing strategy, CRM tools for photographers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big news, friends...Flodesk and ThriveCart finally released a direct integration, and it’s a total game-changer for small business owners! In this episode, I’m walking you through how the new Flodesk + ThriveCart integration works, why you no longer need Zapier to connect the two, and how this update can save you both time and money in 2025.Whether you’re a family photographer, a creative educator, or a service-based business owner, this episode will show you how to:Connect Flodesk and ThriveCart without ZapierAutomatically add new customers to the right Flodesk segments or workflowsStreamline your tech stack and simplify your backend systemsUse this integration to better support launches, memberships, or digital product salesIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by too many tools or tired of paying for unnecessary integrations, this one is for you.Resources & Links Mentioned In This Episode▸Read the blog (and watch the YouTube Video) that goes with this podcast: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/flodesk-thrivecart-integration/▸The Essential Launch Email Checklist: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/emails-needed-for-a-launch▸Thrivecart: https://dollydelong--checkout.thrivecart.com/thrivecart-pro-account/▸Flodesk (get 50% OFF with this code): https://flodesk.com/c/DOLLYDELONGEDUCATIONConnect with Dolly DeLong Education💻Website📱Instagram🎥YouTubeThanks for joining me on The Systems and Workflow Magic Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode:✅Sign up for weekly reminders to stay updated on all things systems, SOPS, marketing, and workflows to impact the backend of YOUR family photography OR creative business! You can snag freebies here: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/business-tools🥳Post a screenshot and some of your favorite key takeaways on your IG story, and tag me @dollydelongeducation so I can repost it!🔗Affiliate links included, which means I might make a lil' money when you click. I only recommend people, products, & programs I use & ❤️flodesk thrivecart integration, flodesk thrivecart 2025, thrivecart flodesk integration, flodesk thrivecart no zapier, flodesk thrivecart tutorial, how to connect flodesk to thrivecart, thrivecart pro flodesk, flodesk email marketing integration, thrivecart email automation, zapier alternative for flodesk and thrivecart, flodesk thrivecart workflow, flodesk thrivecart setup, email marketing for family photographers, small business email marketing tools, thrivecart learn flodesk, thrivecart automation for creatives, flodesk thrivecart segments, systems and workflows for small business, flodesk thrivecart connection, easy flodesk thrivecart integration Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’re in the first few years of running your small business, chances are you’ve felt buried under all the noise—everyone telling you which tools to use, which platforms to be on, and which strategies are “must-dos.” That overwhelm doesn’t just waste your time; it can keep you stuck and prevent you from making real progress.That’s why in this episode, I’m cutting through the noise and sharing the four simplified marketing tools that actually matter for small business owners. These are the exact platforms I use to streamline my marketing, keep my overhead low, and show up consistently as a team of one. Whether you’re exhausted by daily posting, confused about email marketing, or unsure what website platform to invest in, this episode will help you simplify your decisions and finally feel confident in your marketing system.Resources & Links-Read the blog that goes with this podcast: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/best-marketing-tools-small-business/▸Enji: https://www.enji.co/marketing-for-family-photographers?ref=mjvkymm▸Showit (get ONE month for FREE): https://showit.com/r/40ggld0m▸Flodesk (get 50% OFF with this code): https://flodesk.com/c/DOLLYDELONGEDUCATION▸Showit Template Shop Recommendation (Makena Delaney) https://makenadelaney.com/shopConnect with Dolly DeLong Education💻Website📱Instagram🎥YouTubeThanks for joining me on The Systems and Workflow Magic Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode:✅Sign up for weekly reminders to stay updated on all things systems, SOPS, marketing, and workflows to impact the backend of YOUR family photography OR creative business! You can snag freebies here: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/business-tools🥳Post a screenshot and some of your favorite key takeaways on your IG story, and tag me @dollydelongeducation so I can repost it!🔗Affiliate links included, which means I might make a lil' money when you click. I only recommend people, products, & programs I use & ❤️best marketing tools for small business, marketing tools for entrepreneurs, simple marketing tools for small business owners, small business marketing software, social media scheduler for small business, all in one marketing platform for small business, ENJI review small business, Flodesk vs Kit email marketing, best website platform for small business owners, Showit website review for photographers, tools to grow, your small business, small business marketing made simple, marketing systems for family photographers, affordable marketing tools for small businesses Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 197, Dolly sits down with Mara and Bekah to share the behind-the-scenes story of why the three of us have teamed up to host the Black Friday 2025 Virtual Summit and how it can help your business prepare with actionable strategies for the busiest sales season of the year. To read the blog post that goes with this podcast episode, click HERE🎟️Get your free virtual ticket to the Black Friday 2025 Summit: https://blackfridaysummit.com/Resources & Links🎟️Get your free virtual ticket to the Black Friday 2025 Summit: https://blackfridaysummit.com/🎉 Emails needed for a launch (Free PDF) HERE🎉 Are you a family photographer and need weekly marketing help? Join the Family Photographers' Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-societyConnect with Rebekah Read💻 Website📱Instagram🎁Free Gift From RebekahConnect with Mara Kucirek💻Website📱Instagram🎁Free Resource From MaraConnect with Dolly DeLong Education💻Website📱Instagram🎥YouTubeThanks for joining me on The Systems and Workflow Magic Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode:✅Sign up for weekly reminders to stay updated on all things systems, SOPS, marketing, and workflows to impact the backend of YOUR family photography OR creative business! You can snag freebies here: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/business-tools🥳Post a screenshot and some of your favorite key takeaways on your IG story, and tag me @dollydelongeducation so I can repost it!🔗Affiliate links included, which means I might make a lil' money when you click. I only recommend people, products, & programs I use & ❤️Black Friday 2025, Black Friday summit, Black Friday sales strategies, small business Black Friday ideas, Black Friday marketing tips, virtual summit for business owners, online business Black Friday planning, how to prepare for Black Friday, Black Friday workflow planning, holiday sales strategies 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 196 of the Systems & Workflow Magic Podcast, I chat with Rebekah Read (Bekah) about how to optimize your Black Friday sales page using SEO and AI so your offers are searchable, compelling, and ready to convert in 2025. To read the ENTIRE blog post that corresponds with this podcast, just click HERE🎟️Get your free virtual ticket to the Black Friday 2025 Summit: https://blackfridaysummit.com/Resources & Links🎟️Get your free virtual ticket to the Black Friday 2025 Summit: https://blackfridaysummit.com/🎉 Emails needed for a launch (Free PDF) HERE🎉 Are you a family photographer and need weekly marketing help? Join the Family Photographers' Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-societyConnect with Rebekah Read💻 Website📱Instagram🎁Free Gift From RebekahConnect with Dolly DeLong Education💻Website📱Instagram🎥YouTubeThanks for joining me on The Systems and Workflow Magic Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode:✅Sign up for weekly reminders to stay updated on all things systems, SOPS, marketing, and workflows to impact the backend of YOUR family photography OR creative business! You can snag freebies here: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/business-tools🥳Post a screenshot and some of your favorite key takeaways on your IG story, and tag me @dollydelongeducation so I can repost it!🔗Affiliate links included, which means I might make a lil' money when you click. I only recommend people, products, & programs I use & ❤️black friday marketing, black friday sales page tips, how to optimize sales page, seo for black friday, ai and seo for small business, black friday sales strategy 2025, sales page optimization seo, how to make sales page searchable, seo tips for small business owners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎟️Get your free virtual ticket to the Black Friday 2025 Summit: https://blackfridaysummit.com/In this episode, Mara Kucirek shares why putting everything on sale for Black Friday often backfires and reveals her simple, proven strategy to help you sell more without overwhelming your customers. To read the entire blog post with resources & links mentioned, click hereResources & Links🎟️Get your free virtual ticket to the Black Friday 2025 Summit: https://blackfridaysummit.com/🎉 Emails needed for a launch (Free PDF) HERE🎉 Are you a family photographer and need weekly marketing help? Join the Family Photographers' Marketing Society: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/the-family-photographers-marketing-societyConnect with Mara Kucirek💻Website📱Instagram🎁Free Resource From Mara Connect with Dolly DeLong Education💻Website📱Instagram🎥YouTubeThanks for joining me on The Systems and Workflow Magic Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode:✅Sign up for weekly reminders to stay updated on all things systems, SOPS, marketing, and workflows to impact the backend of YOUR family photography OR creative business! You can snag freebies here: https://systemsandworkflowmagic.com/business-tools🥳Post a screenshot and some of your favorite key takeaways on your IG story, and tag me @dollydelongeducation so I can repost it!🔗Affiliate links included, which means I might make a lil' money when you click. I only recommend people, products, & programs I use & ❤️black friday sale strategy, black friday marketing tips, black friday sale mistake, black friday selling tips, how to run a black friday sale, black friday small business tips, black friday marketing ideas, how to sell more on black friday, black friday offer strategy, black friday for digital products, black friday sales for entrepreneurs, common black friday mistakes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.