When we think about growing our businesses, it’s natural to focus on strategy first. What funnel should I build? What offer should I create? How do I bring in more leads? While strategy absolutely matters, many entrepreneurs discover that it isn’t the missing piece at all.

What actually holds us back from scaling is often our mindset.

Why Mindset Outweighs Strategy

It may sound surprising, but building a sustainable business is about 80% mindset and only 20% strategy. That’s because the most well-designed plan can’t succeed if we’re stuck in thought patterns like:

• “I have to work harder to earn more.”
• “No one will pay that much for my offer.”
• “If I’m not launching constantly, my income will dry up.”

These beliefs lead to hustle, burnout, and the exhausting feast-or-famine cycle. On the flip side, when your mindset supports growth, you can confidently apply the right strategies and finally see them work the way they’re supposed to.

The Trap of Always Doing More

Many business owners feel that the solution to slow or inconsistent growth is to keep adding more—more offers, more launches, more content. But more doesn’t always mean better.

In fact, this kind of overwork usually creates the opposite effect: less creativity, less energy, and less joy in running your business. What’s missing isn’t another strategy—it’s the belief that you can build something sustainable without running yourself into the ground.

Shifting Your Perspective

So how do you shift your mindset? Start by asking yourself:

• What assumptions am I making about how money comes into my business?
• Am I undervaluing what I already know or the offers I already have?
• Do I believe it’s possible to earn more while working less?

These questions open the door to scaling in a way that feels aligned, not exhausting.

A Formula for Scaling Without Burnout

This is exactly what my guest, Masha Goins, and I explore in the latest episode of the Smarter Online Business podcast. Masha has developed what she calls the Hybrid Evergreen Formula, a method for creating consistent revenue without the nonstop launch cycle.

In our conversation, she shares:

• Why mindset shifts are the foundation of growth
• How she helped one business owner turn existing 1:1 services into a $300K/year group program
• The practical steps to build a business that allows both income and freedom

👉 If you’ve ever felt like scaling your business means sacrificing your energy, you’ll want to hear this episode.

Listen to the episode here

Conferences are packed with insights, networking opportunities, and fresh ideas. But what happens when you can’t attend in person? Whether it’s scheduling conflicts, travel costs, or simply not wanting to spend days away from your business, you don’t have to miss out on the value a conference provides.

The truth is, you can still leverage conferences—even from afar—to grow your online business. Here are five smart strategies to help you tap into conference wisdom without ever stepping foot in the venue.

1. Follow the Speakers and Hashtags on Social Media

Most conferences encourage attendees, speakers, and even organizers to share insights in real time. By following the event hashtag on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, or X (formerly Twitter), you can catch live takeaways, quotes, and even recordings of key moments.

Better yet, connect directly with speakers. Comment on their posts, ask questions, and build a relationship. You’ll often find they’re happy to share their slides or resources with those showing genuine interest.

2. Tune Into Virtual Sessions or Replays

Many conferences now offer hybrid options, meaning you can purchase or access recordings after the event. Even if you’re not able to attend live, replaying a keynote or panel discussion can give you the same insights attendees are raving about—without the travel hassle.

Keep an eye on the conference’s official website or email list. They’ll often promote access to recordings or summaries after the event wraps.

3. Read Recaps from Attendees and Industry Leaders

Attendees often write detailed blog posts or record podcasts summarizing their biggest takeaways. These recaps give you the “Cliff Notes” version of the conference while saving you hours of sitting in sessions.

Search for “[Conference Name] recap” or “[Conference Name] key takeaways” and you’ll uncover a wealth of insight you can apply immediately.

4. Connect with Your Network After the Event

Chances are, someone you know (or want to know) went to the conference. Reach out and ask them about their favorite sessions or what surprised them the most.

Not only will you get valuable insights, but you’ll also strengthen your professional relationship. Showing genuine interest in their experience can spark collaborations or new opportunities.

5. Turn Insights into a 90-Day Action Plan

Knowledge is only powerful when it’s applied. Take the best nuggets you gather from social posts, replays, or conversations and put them into a simple 90-day plan. Focus on one or two strategies you can implement right away, so the ideas actually move the needle in your business instead of just sitting in a notebook.

Bringing It All Together

Even if you can’t attend a conference, you can still walk away with strategies that fuel business growth. By tapping into the shared knowledge online, leveraging replays, and connecting with others, you’ll gain almost as much value as being there in person.

Want to hear exactly how I put this into practice after Podcast Movement—and the three big takeaways I’m using to grow my business over the next 90 days?

🎧 Click here to listen to the full podcast episode

Have you ever read back over your own copy and thought… “This doesn’t sound like me at all”?

You’re not alone. Writing copy that connects is tricky. Too often, entrepreneurs fall into copywriting mistakes that make their words sound stiff, confusing, or unconvincing. The good news? With a few small shifts, you can turn average writing into conversational copywriting that feels authentic and actually gets results.

Here are three of the most common copywriting mistakes—and simple fixes that will help you write like you talk (but better).

Mistake 1: Writing Too Formally

When we sit down to write, many of us slip into “English class mode.” Suddenly we’re using big words, long sentences, and stiff phrasing we’d never use in conversation.

The result? Readers tune out because it doesn’t feel relatable.

The Fix: Embrace conversational copywriting. Write like you talk—only slightly polished. Pretend you’re explaining your service to a friend over coffee. Keep sentences short and easy to read. Don’t be afraid to break grammar rules if it helps your copy flow naturally.

Mistake 2: Making It All About You

One of the most common copywriting mistakes is focusing too much on yourself: your story, your process, your business. While those things matter, too much “I, me, my” leaves your audience wondering: “But what’s in it for me?”

The Fix: Flip the script. Strong copy that converts focuses on your reader’s needs, goals, and challenges. Use “you” more than “I.” For example:

• Instead of: “I help businesses write better copy.”
• Try: “You’ll finally have copy that connects with your audience and inspires action.”

This simple shift makes your writing feel personal and customer-focused.

Mistake 3: Weak or Missing Calls-to-Action (CTAs)

Even the most engaging copy won’t convert if your reader doesn’t know what to do next. A common mistake is ending with vague CTAs like “Learn more” or leaving them out entirely.

The Fix: Use clear, direct calls-to-action that guide your reader. Great copywriting always has a purpose—whether it’s signing up, downloading, or listening. Instead of “Click here,” try: “Listen to this episode to discover real-life examples you can apply today.”

How to Write Copy That Converts

By avoiding these common copywriting mistakes, you’ll instantly make your writing more natural, engaging, and persuasive. When you write like you talk, you create authentic connections that lead to real results.

But this is just the beginning.

🎧 Tune in to my latest Smarter Online Business podcast episode: Copy That Converts: How to Write Like You Talk (But Better)

In this episode, I’ll walk you through practical strategies, examples, and mindset shifts that will help you improve your copy, strengthen your brand voice, and start creating content that truly resonates.

Running an online business often means living in a constant cycle of multitasking. You’re bouncing from emails to client work, from social media to admin tasks, and it feels like your energy is split into a hundred pieces. What gets lost in the shuffle? The time and focus you need for deep, meaningful, intentional work.

This is where AI steps in—not as a replacement for your creativity, but as a supportive partner that helps you reclaim your energy and attention.

AI as an Ally, Not a Replacement

For many entrepreneurs, AI feels intimidating. The pressure to master every new tool or “keep up” with tech trends can feel draining rather than helpful. But AI doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When used with intention, it can take the repetitive, energy-sapping tasks off your plate so you can spend more time on the work that lights you up.

From Task-Switching to Deep Work

Task-switching comes at a cost: every time you move from one small task to another, your brain has to refocus, and that constant shifting drains energy. By using AI for things like:

• Drafting initial outlines for content
• Organizing and summarizing notes
• Automating repetitive admin tasks

…you free up your brainpower for strategy, creativity, and growth.

Creating Space for What Matters Most

When AI handles the busywork, you create space—not just in your calendar, but in your mind. That space can be used for:

• Rest and recovery
• Big-picture business planning
• Creative projects that move your business forward
• Simply having the energy to enjoy life outside of work

A Regenerative Approach to Business

This isn’t about doing more, faster. It’s about doing what matters most with greater clarity and focus. AI can become a regenerative tool—one that gives back energy instead of constantly demanding it.

And this is exactly what Shawn Every and I explored in the latest episode of the Smarter Online Business podcast. We dive into how women entrepreneurs—especially those managing chronic illness, neurodivergence, or the mental load of running a business—are using AI to reclaim their power and work more intentionally.

👉 Listen to the full conversation here

If someone landed on your website right now, would they instantly know who you help, how you help them, and why they should stick around?

It sounds like a big ask for such a short amount of time—but that’s exactly the challenge every business owner faces. Studies show that visitors make a stay-or-leave decision in as little as five seconds. If your site doesn’t pass that test, they’re gone, and you may never get them back.

Why Five Seconds Matters

Think about your own online behavior. When you click a link, you’re subconsciously scanning for clues:

• Am I in the right place?
• Does this business understand my problem?
• Can they solve it?
• Do I trust them enough to keep reading?

If you don’t get those answers quickly, you click the back button and try the next result. Your visitors are doing the exact same thing.

What Needs to Be Clear, Fast

To pass the five-second test, your homepage—especially the part visible without scrolling—should answer three questions:

1. Who you help – Be specific. “Helping busy working moms…” is more powerful than “Helping everyone.”
2. What you do – State your main offer or service in plain, non-jargon language.
3. Why it matters – Share the benefit or outcome they can expect. Think results, not just features.

Bonus points if your visuals, colors, and design style support your message rather than distract from it.

Signs You Might Be Missing the Mark

• You’ve received feedback like “I wasn’t sure what you did” or “I had to dig around to find your services.”
• Your bounce rate is high, especially on your homepage.
• Your headline could belong on dozens of other websites in your industry.

Want to See How to Put This Into Action?

In my latest podcast episode, How to Make Your Website Your Smartest Sales Tool, I break down exactly how to make a great first impression online. You’ll learn how to attract the right visitors, build trust fast, and guide them to take the next step with confidence.

Because in today’s online world, you don’t just get five seconds to impress—you get five seconds to sell the idea that you are the solution they’ve been looking for.

Rebranding can feel like a big step. You’ve poured time and energy into building your business’s identity. So how do you know when it’s time for a change?

The truth is, even the strongest brands evolve. Markets shift. Audiences grow. Businesses pivot. And sometimes, your current brand just isn’t keeping up with where you are (or where you’re headed).

If you’ve been feeling “off” about your branding lately, here are 7 signs it might be time to rebrand your business.

1. You’ve Outgrown Your Original Mission

What you started offering years ago may not match what you’re doing today. Maybe you’ve added new services, narrowed your niche, or discovered a new passion in your work.

If your brand no longer reflects the heart of what you do, it’s time to update it so your message matches your mission.

2. Your Ideal Client Has Changed

Businesses evolve—and so do your customers. If your current brand is speaking to an audience you no longer serve (or no longer want to), rebranding can help attract the right people.

A refined look and message tailored to your current ideal client can make a huge difference in conversions and clarity.

3. You Cringe When Sharing Your Website or Logo

If you’re embarrassed to send someone to your website, hand out your business card, or share your social media, that’s a red flag.

Your brand should feel like something you’re proud of—something that represents your professionalism, personality, and expertise.

4. You’re Struggling to Stand Out

If your brand feels generic, dated, or just plain forgettable, it might be blending into the crowd.

A strong rebrand can help you carve out your unique space in the market, clarify your voice, and make your presence unmistakable—whether it’s on a sales call, an Instagram reel, or your homepage.

5. You’ve Had Major Business Changes

Mergers, new offers, shifting industries, or expanding into new markets can all signal that a rebrand is in order.

Your visual identity and messaging should align with the scope and direction of your business today—not where you were three years ago.

6. Your Brand Doesn’t Feel Like You

This is especially common for solopreneurs and small business owners. Maybe your current brand was created when you were just starting out and hadn’t found your voice yet.

If your branding feels stiff, outdated, or not aligned with your personality or values, that disconnect can show up in your marketing—and in how confident you feel putting yourself out there.

7. You’re Attracting the Wrong Clients (or No Clients at All)

If you’re consistently getting leads who aren’t a fit—or no leads at all—your brand might be sending mixed signals. A strategic rebrand can help you clarify what you offer, who it’s for, and why it matters.

Clearer messaging = better leads = better business.

Ready for a Change?

Rebranding doesn’t always mean starting from scratch. Sometimes it’s as simple as updating your logo, refining your message, or refreshing your website copy. Other times, it’s a full visual and strategic overhaul.

Either way, your brand should grow with your business—not hold it back.

If you’re nodding your head to more than one of these signs, it might be time to explore your next evolution.

🎧 If this topic hits home, I just released a podcast episode all about why I decided to rebrand a part of my own business and what that process looked like behind the scenes.
👉 Listen here: “What’s Next for eCommerce Made Easy? A Big Update + What It Means for You”

It’s a candid look at how to know when it’s time for a shift and what to expect when you finally take the leap.

You’ve tweaked the colors. You’ve played with your headline. You’ve rewritten your sales copy… again.

But no matter what you do, your website still isn’t converting the way you hoped.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Many business owners assume the problem is something tactical, like a bad headline or not enough traffic, but the truth is, the real issue often runs deeper. And until you fix that root problem, the smaller changes won’t make the impact you’re looking for.

So what is the real reason your website isn’t converting?

Your Website Might Feel Off to Visitors

Conversions don’t just happen because a website looks nice or loads quickly. They happen when your site creates the right feeling, one of clarity, trust, and alignment.

If your website feels disjointed, outdated, confusing, or even just “off,” visitors pick up on that. And whether they realize it consciously or not, they’ll click away long before they ever hit “buy now” or “book a call.”

What Makes a Website Feel “Off”?

Here are a few common culprits:

• Inconsistent messaging: You sound one way on social media, but your website says something else.
• Cluttered design: There’s too much going on visually, so users don’t know where to look.
• No clear customer journey: People land on your site and don’t know what to do next.
• Technical hiccups: Slow loading times, broken links, or mobile issues quietly erode trust.
• It’s not you: The website doesn’t reflect your personality or values, and it just doesn’t feel aligned anymore.

Even if you’re not sure what’s off, your audience can feel it, and it can absolutely cost you sales.

So How Do You Fix It?

That’s exactly what I unpack in this episode of the eCommerce Made Easy podcast:
“Does Your Website Feel Off? Here’s What’s Missing.”

In the episode, I walk you through:

• The signs that your website isn’t aligned with your business goals
• The missing elements that create that “off” feeling
• What you can do today to realign your site so it starts converting again

If your website has been under-performing and you can’t quite put your finger on why, this is the episode for you.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here

If you’re a business owner, chances are you’ve been told “You need to be on social media.” And while that advice isn’t wrong, it’s often incomplete.

The truth is, social media can be an incredible tool for growth—but only when used with intention. Whether you’re a coach, service provider, or eCommerce brand, social media can help you attract the right audience, build trust, and convert followers into paying customers.

But how do you do that without spending every waking hour creating content?

Let’s talk strategy.

1. Choose the Right Platform for Your Business

You don’t need to be on every platform—you need to be where your audience is. If you’re a service provider, LinkedIn might be your best bet. If you’re in eCommerce, Instagram or Pinterest may work better.

Trying to do it all leads to burnout. Focus on one or two platforms where you can show up consistently and strategically.

2. Shift from Random Posting to Purposeful Content

Every post should serve a purpose—whether it’s to educate, inspire, connect, or convert.

Think about the buyer journey:

• Awareness: Help your audience recognize they have a problem.
• Consideration: Show them there are solutions.
• Decision: Position your offer as the answer.

By aligning your content with each stage, you’ll move people closer to saying yes.

3. Use Visual Content to Get Noticed

Social media is a visual space, and platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook reward eye-catching content.

This doesn’t mean you need to be a graphic designer. Use simple tools like Canva to create branded, professional-looking posts that stop the scroll.

Pro tip: Repurpose your content across platforms in different formats. A blog post can become a carousel, reel, or pin—saving you time and extending your reach.

4. Build Relationships, Not Just a Following

People don’t follow businesses—they follow people. Show the human side of your brand by being relatable and engaging in the comments and DMs.

Share stories, go behind the scenes, and start conversations. Social media is a two-way street—make sure you’re not just broadcasting, but connecting.

5. Leverage Search-Based Platforms for Long-Term Growth

While platforms like Instagram and TikTok move fast, others like Pinterest and YouTube act more like search engines. This means your content has a longer shelf life and can bring in traffic and leads for months (or even years) after you post it.

If you’re tired of constantly feeding the content machine, this kind of evergreen strategy might be exactly what you need.

Ready to Grow Your Business on Pinterest?

If Pinterest hasn’t been on your radar, you’re not alone. Many business owners think it’s just for recipes and DIYs—but it’s actually a powerful marketing platform that can generate long-term, high-quality leads for your business.

To learn how to use Pinterest strategically—especially if you’re a coach or service provider—check out this episode of eCommerce Made Easy featuring Pinterest strategist Laura Rike:

🎧 How to Grow Your Service Business Using Pinterest

In this episode, Laura shares how to create content that converts, why Pinterest isn’t social media (and why that matters), and how her clients are seeing six-figure results with a simple pinning strategy.

You’ve got the polished logo, the carefully curated color palette, and a website that looks like it belongs on a design award site.

So why does your brand still feel off?

You’re not alone in wondering this. So many business owners put time and money into branding, only to end up with something that doesn’t quite fit — like a shirt that looks amazing on the hanger but just doesn’t sit right when you put it on.

Let’s talk about why that disconnect happens and how to fix it.

Great Design ≠ Aligned Brand

Good branding isn’t just about visuals — it’s about connection.

When your brand looks beautiful but doesn’t reflect you or resonate with your ideal audience, it creates a subtle tension. You might find yourself hesitating to show up, unsure how to talk about your business, or feeling like you’re performing rather than being.

A polished visual identity can only go so far if it’s not rooted in strategy.

The Real Reason Things Feel Off

Here are a few common reasons your brand feels misaligned, even if the visuals are on point:

• You’ve grown — but your brand hasn’t.
  Maybe you’ve evolved in your offers, your audience, or your values, but your brand is stuck in a past version of your business.
• Your voice and visuals are out of sync.
  Your design says “high-end professional,” but your messaging is casual and playful (or vice versa). The mismatch creates confusion and dilutes trust.
• You were told what your brand should be — instead of discovering what it truly is.
  Branding trends and templates are helpful to a point, but they can lead you away from your authentic tone if you’re not careful.
• You didn’t start with strategy.
  If you skipped the step of defining your core message, your ideal client, and your brand personality before diving into design, the end result may feel beautiful but hollow.

How to Start Realigning Your Brand

If your brand feels off, it’s worth stepping back and asking:

• Does my brand reflect who I am now?
• Am I attracting the kind of clients I want to work with?
• Do I feel excited and confident to share my content?

If not, it might be time for a brand audit — not just of the visuals, but of your message, tone, and how your customer journey supports your business goals.

The Fix Might Be Simpler Than You Think

Realigning your brand doesn’t always mean a full redesign. Sometimes, it’s a matter of tweaking your copy, clarifying your offers, or adjusting how you show up online.

If your brand feels a little off, you’re not broken and you don’t need to start over — you just need to get back in alignment.

🎧 Take Your Brand From “Off” to On-Point

If your brand looks good but still feels a little off, don’t miss my conversation with brand strategist Amber Duffney. She shares how to build a brand that’s not just beautiful, but deeply aligned — so it actually works.

We cover common branding mistakes, what “authentic” really means, and how to create a brand that connects and converts.

👉 Listen here — it’s packed with insights you can apply right away.