The Social Circus

EP72 - Meta Month: Mastering Meta Ads Q & A

In this episode of The Social Circus, host Sarah Thomson answers questions from listeners about running successful Meta ads. She covers topics such as targeting specific geographic areas, determining a good cost per acquisition (CPA) or cost per click (CPC), choosing the right audience size, knowing when to make adjustments to an ad, and the order in which to test different components of an ad. Sarah emphasizes the importance of testing and patience when running ads, and shares her personal strategies for achieving success with Meta ads.
Key Takeaways:
Targeting specific geographic areas is possible in Meta ads, and it's important to consider the distance people are willing to travel for events or services.
The ideal CPA or CPC depends on the value and profitability of the desired action or conversion.
A good audience size for Meta ads is between 250,000 and 2 million, depending on the targeting criteria.
It's best to wait until an ad has generated at least 100 results before making any adjustments.
When testing different components of an ad, start with images, then move on to audiences, placements, call-to-action buttons, headlines, and finally ad copy.
Quotes:
"Successful people fail fast and fail often." - Jenny Cole

EP71 - Meta Ads Mistakes

In this episode, Sarah discusses the top mistakes people make when running Meta ads and provides valuable insights on how to avoid them. She emphasizes the importance of understanding ad success benchmarks, testing ads organically before running paid campaigns, optimizing landing pages for mobile devices, defining the ideal customer, and conducting rigorous testing to improve ad performance.
Key Takeaways:
Understand ad success benchmarks to set realistic expectations for your ads.
Test your offers and landing pages organically before running paid ads.
Optimize your landing pages for mobile devices to maximize conversions.
Define your ideal customer and tailor your ads to their specific problems.
Conduct rigorous testing of different variables in your ads to improve performance.
 
 
Welcome to episode 71 of The Social Circus! I'm your host, Sarah Thomson, and we're now in week three of Meta Month. In this episode, I want to discuss the top mistakes that people make when running Meta ads. As a small business owner, it's essential to spend your advertising budget wisely and avoid wasting money on ineffective ads. Meta will gladly take your money, whether your ad is successful or not. It's up to you to understand why your ad may not be performing as expected. So let's delve into the common mistakes and how to avoid them.
 
Mistake 1: Not Understanding Ad Success
Many people don't understand what ad success looks like. They lack knowledge of the benchmarks and metrics they should be aiming for. It's essential to have realistic expectations and know what to measure in terms of click-through rates, conversion rates, and other relevant data. To help with this, there is a document that provides benchmarks for Meta ads by the industry. Understanding these benchmarks allows you to assess whether your ad is underperforming or if there are other factors at play, such as issues with your landing page or sales page.
"Most people think that if I haven't made a sale, my ad isn't working, and that is simply not true. It can be other factors for that." - Sarah Thomson
 
Mistake 2: Not Testing Organically
Before running ads, many people fail to test their offer, product, or service organically. They skip the crucial step of gauging interest from their audience before investing in paid ads. Testing organically allows you to gather valuable feedback and determine if your offer resonates with your target audience. It's important to have a significant number of visits to your landing page or sales page before making any judgments about its effectiveness.
"If your page that you're wanting to run an ad to has not had traffic through it of at least 100 visits, which is like an absolute minimum, you cannot then say, does this page work? Does it convert? Is the offer interesting to my audience?" - Sarah Thomson
 
Mistake 3: Neglecting Landing Page Optimisation
One common mistake is blaming the ad for poor performance when the issue lies with the landing page. It's essential to test your landing page on mobile devices since a significant portion of Meta ad traffic comes from mobile users. Ensure that your landing page renders well and that buttons, images, and other elements are optimised for mobile viewing. Neglecting mobile optimisation can lead to low conversion rates and wasted ad spend.
"Landing pages are often a big culprit for poor-performing ads, and people don't think to look at those. They go straight to their ad and think about what isn't working in my ad, and why is it not working?" - Sarah Thomson
 
Mistake 4: Poor Audience Definition
Understanding your ideal customer is a fundamental aspect of marketing. However, many people make the mistake of thinking their product or service is ideal for everyone. It's essential to define your target audience and tailor your ads to their specific problems and needs. Trying to market to everyone leads to a diluted message that fails to resonate with anyone. Break your audience into logical groups and create ads that speak directly to their unique challenges.
"It is never true that your product or service or offer is ideal for everyone. It is never true. What you need to know is for your ad, who is your audience? And your audience is always those people who are most likely to buy the product." - Sarah Thomson
 
Mistake 5: Lack of Testing
Testing is a vital component of running successful ads, yet many people neglect it. To optimise your ads, you need to treat them like science experiments. Change one variable at a time and track the results. Testing different elements such as images, headlines, and call-to-action buttons allows you to identify what resonates best with your audience. Rigorous testing helps you refine your ads and improve their performance over time.
"One of the biggest mistakes is that most people don't do testing of their ads, and if they do, they do inadequate testing and they don't also have those benchmark data to use." - Sarah Thomson
 
Implications and Potential Impact
By avoiding these common mistakes, businesses can significantly improve the performance of their Meta ads. Understanding ad success benchmarks, testing organically, optimising landing pages, defining target audiences, and conducting rigorous testing all contribute to more effective advertising campaigns. These strategies can lead to higher click-through rates, improved conversion rates, and ultimately, increased sales and revenue.
The impact of implementing these best practices can be transformative for businesses. By aligning ads with the needs and preferences of their target audience, businesses can create more compelling and relevant messaging. This, in turn, increases the likelihood of attracting and converting potential customers. Additionally, optimising landing pages for mobile devices ensures a seamless user experience, leading to higher conversion rates.
 
Conclusion and Future Outlook
Running Meta ads successfully requires a strategic approach and a deep understanding of your audience and their needs. By avoiding the top mistakes discussed in this episode, businesses can maximise the effectiveness of their advertising efforts. It's essential to set realistic expectations, test organically, optimise landing pages, define target audiences, and conduct thorough testing.
As the advertising landscape continues to evolve, businesses must stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices. Meta Month has provided valuable insights into the world of Meta ads, and businesses should continue to educate themselves on the ever-changing advertising landscape. By staying informed and adapting their strategies accordingly, businesses can leverage Meta ads to drive growth and achieve their marketing objectives.
Thank you for joining me on this episode of The Social Circus. I hope you found this discussion on the top mistakes people make when running Meta ads insightful and informative. Stay tuned for next week's episode, where I'll be answering questions from the Blooming Biz Academy members about their common problems with Meta ads. Until then, happy advertising!
 
Quotes:
"Test your concept organically before running paid ads to ensure it resonates with your audience."
"Don't overlook the importance of optimizing your landing pages for mobile devices."
"Your ideal customer is not everyone; focus on targeting the audience most likely to buy."
"Testing is crucial for improving ad performance; treat it like a science experiment."

EP70 - Intro to Meta Ads

Can you believe that Meta (Facebook) introduced ads in 2007. That is a long time and it means that this is not really a new form of marketing – it should be part of your mix.
Advertising is a type of marketing that always involves the spending of money. Many small businesses avoid paid ads in favour of organic marketing. This is a common misconception – that organic marketing is free. However, it still takes time and effort to create content, whether it is organic or paid.
 
The Shift to Digital
It is hard to think that 20 years ago most advertising spend was focused on the traditional mediums such as tv, print, radio and outdoor. Over time, we have watched digital marketing continue to erode the share away from these traditional advertising platforms.
The reality is that for traditional media, the market changed significantly and I am not just talking about social media. Lets consider how we spend our time. 20 years ago we may have all sat around as a family watching tv and tuned in during ad breaks. Now the whole viewing market has evolved and changed. We now have endless choice as to what to watch – think so many more channels, streaming services and apps for all the major stations. This has fragmented our viewing habits.
Add to this the rise in devices in our homes. Once upon a time we had a single tv and we had to agree (or fight) about what to watch. Now we all have our own devices with multiple tvs in our homes. There is no need to compromise on what we watch any longer.
All of this has had a negative impact on what we watch – this has made it harder for advertisers who rely on traditional media to connect with their audience.
On top of all these changes in our homes and habits, the time we spend on social media has been on the rise for years now. Our eyes are glued to our screens and we are addicted to the scroll.
These eyeballs on screens has meant good news for digital advertisers. The more time we spend on social media, the more ads that can be delivered to us.
It is anticipated that Meta will make around $120billion in ad revenue in 2023. This gives it around 13% market share of the digital advertising spend. Google’s share of this is around 28% with Amazon considered to be the other major player whose share of digital ad spend is around 7%.
So why should you consider running paid ads using Meta?
Running ads using Meta means you can get your ads in front of a huge audience. Every month Meta platforms reach almost 3 billion people (out of 8 billion on the planet). This means you can really get seen.
As well as have numerous placement options within each platform, you can push your reach with Meta ads allowing you to place your ads on Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and audience network. It is so much more than Facebook ads.

EP69 - Meta Month - Unveiling the Monolith

Welcome to Episode 69 of our podcast! In this Meta Month special, we're delving deep into the world of Meta, the parent company of Facebook and a host of other influential brands. Join us as we explore the history, acquisitions, and impact of this technological giant.
Segment 1: The Birth of Meta
Meta, originally known as Facebook, was founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg and three Harvard University friends.
 Initially limited to Harvard students, the platform's popularity skyrocketed, leading to rapid expansion to other universities.
 In 2005, the company acquired the domain facebook.com and rebranded, dropping "The" from its name.
Segment 2: Building a Monolith
 Meta's growth strategy involved acquiring numerous companies to expand its reach and influence.
Notable acquisitions include Instagram (2012), WhatsApp (2014), and Oculus VR (2014).
Instagram was purchased for $1 billion and became one of the highest-priced acquisitions of a profitless startup at the time.
WhatsApp's acquisition for $19 billion was initially seen as a risk but has since proven its value.
Oculus VR's acquisition for $2 billion positioned Meta as a player in the virtual reality market.
Segment 3: The Meta Rebrand
To streamline branding and clarify its identity, Meta emerged as the parent company in October 2021, overseeing Facebook and its acquired brands.
Segment 4: The Revenue Machine
Meta's platforms are free for users, with revenue generated primarily through paid advertising.
In 2022, Meta's revenue reached an impressive $116 billion, although there was a slight decline due to substantial investments in the Metaverse, its virtual reality prototype.
Segment 5: Exploring the Metaverse
Meta has invested $36 billion in developing the Metaverse, an ambitious concept with no operational prototype as of now.
 Drawing comparisons to the fictional world of "Ready Player One," the Metaverse aims to revolutionize virtual experiences.
Segment 6: Popularity and Influence
Facebook remains the dominant social media platform with nearly 3 billion monthly active users, surpassing even the global population.
WhatsApp boasts 2.7 billion users, while Instagram follows closely with 2.35 billion.
Messenger, another Meta-owned platform, boasts 931 million users.
Segment 7: The Power Players
Meta is part of an elite group known as "The 4," along with Alphabet (Google), Amazon, and Apple.
Microsoft was formerly included but withdrew due to differences in data collection practices.
Segment 8: Threads' Triumph
In 2023, Meta made a significant comeback with the launch of Threads under the Instagram brand.
Threads, designed to rival Twitter (now rebranded as X), garnered an astounding 100 million users within just five days.
The platform enables users to share posts in concise text format, complemented by images and videos, while excluding in-app editing and messaging functions.
Check out my podcast episode on Threads here
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of our podcast. Stay tuned for more captivating insights into Meta and its evolution throughout this Meta Month!
 

EP68 - Tracy Murray aka The Glasses Lady

In today’s episode, I chat with Tracy Murray aka The Glasses Lady, who is quite well known around Perth for her positivity, zest for life, and passion for inspiring others.  
Tune in to hear what inspired Tracy to follow her dreams and start her own business. Saying “If you believe in the service you can offer someone, follow that talent, and passion and be inspired to do great things… be patient.”
Tracy offers a personalised service taking the time to understand your preferences, characteristics, and lifestyle needs, guiding you on a transformative journey of self-expression, to discover the perfect frames that enhance your features, boost your confidence, and embrace your uniqueness.
Sharing her experience of running a business, making all the decisions, learning how to use social media platforms… “Thank you Sarah”. The importance of networking and being part of the community. She also lets us in on what’s next for The Glasses Lady which is going to have a big impact on many.  
If you’re ready to be inspired to do what you love, you don’t want to miss this episode.
If you want to find out more about what The Glasses lady has to offer, or even help out with what Tracy has got planned next, you can connect with her here:
https://www.facebook.com/theglasseslady
https://www.instagram.com/theglassesladyperth/
http://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-murray-the-glasses-lady

EP67 - Sarah & Elsa Mitchell - Make Bank for Christmas

In today’s episode, I chat with Elsa Mitchell, Business Mentor and Podcast host of Bossy Bitch.
Hear how we met, and why we decided to collaborate since bonding over different life experiences.
Chatting about our upcoming event here in Perth. It’s at a great location, with incredible food… Hello, Morning Tea and Lunch! Fabulous for making connections, and a door prize you won’t want to miss. So much value in the one day!
 
We also chat about the power of stories, our vulnerability and real talk. We’ll be sharing more of our stories at our event.
 
Sharing some of the things we hear our clients struggling with, and tag team our top ideas on how to bring in some extra cash to make bank for Christmas. Here’s a couple to whet your appetite:
Affiliate marketing with integrity
Track and follow-up your leads
 
We’re stronger together!
 
If you’re ready to Make Bank for Christmas, you don’t want to miss our live event in Leederville later this month. Here’s the link to get your hands on a ticket: https://onlinesocialbutterfly.com.au/make-bank-for-christmas-workshop/
 
Also, here’s where you can connect with Elsa
https://elsamitchell.com.au/
 
 
And, here’s the link to the book “Go Giver” by Bob Burg mentioned in this episode: https://a.co/d/0ARkr54
 

EP66 - Priya from Punar Handloom Homewares

In today’s episode, I chat with one of my lovely client’s Priya, Founder of Punar – a word originating from the ancient Sanskrit language in India meaning “again”.
Priya and I have been working together for over 12 months, beginning with her pre- launch and launch phase of Punar.
Tune in as Priya passionately shares what motivated her to start Punar – the event that triggered her to live on purpose. Her incredible business journey so far to creating sustainable gifts and homewares ethically handcrafted by women using handloom fabric made with recycled yarn.
Punars purpose is to enrich lives of women weavers and their communities in India while solving the problem of landfill textile waste. The statistics she shares in this episode will surprise you. 
She also shares their ethical production process, and how Punar is making an impact on the planet, and more. As well as her plans going forward.
Here’s where you can connect and support Priya:
https://punar.com.au/
https://www.instagram.com/punar.co/
https://www.facebook.com/Punar.co/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyaravindra/

EP65 - Talking Reels with Ally from Alyona Social

In today’s episode, I chat with Ally from Alyona Social. She starts by sharing her journey, and how she threw herself into her business with no plan b. Adapting her skills to the world of social media after giving up her day job.
Tune in to hear how Ally went from knowing very few people in Perth to establishing her brand, making amazing connections and becoming known as the “Reels Queen”.   
You’ll hear tips for overcoming the feeling of being scared when it comes to getting yourself out there - remember everyone is feeling the same, speaking on camera is not a skill you are born with.
If you have previously been put off by the dancing, pointing and lip synching of reels. Ally reassures us that 2023 is about keeping it simple, sharing the most popular reels content for this year.
Here’s where you can connect with Ally, as well as some of her offerings:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alyona.social/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ally-polishchuk-972408147/
FREE ‘Six Steps to Speak on Reels’ guide - https://www.alyonasocial.com/speakonreels
 ‘Simple Sell Out Reels’ Masterclass - https://www.alyonasocial.com/masterclass
Instagram Business Strategy Sessions - https://www.alyonasocial.com/strategy

EP64 - Making the most of ChatGPT

If you haven’t used ChatGPT in your business yet, it’s highly likely you will get left behind, simply because your competitors will be able to produce content a lot quicker. I encourage you to give the free version a go as it currently has so many features, but do keep in mind as the platform grows they are likely to add the features to the paid version.
I’m excited to share with you how I use it in my business, and why it’s one of my favourite tools.
I also share some prompts you can use to help you get started. It’s important you know to use these, so you don’t end up sounding like everybody else - remember the platform doesn’t know anything about you when you first join. Plus, other ways you can use ChatGPT to elevate your professionalism.
Once it understands your style, you’ll be blown away to hear how it can help you with social media posts, copy for your sales pages, launches etc...
Don’t forget to tag me @onlinesocialbutterfly and share in your stories so I know when and where you’re tuning in.
 

EP63 - The new Threads App

This episode was recorded and put live on Friday 7th July 2023, just 24 hours after the Threads App went live. Please note that some of this data is date sensitive.
In this episode, we dive into the launch of Threads, the latest app from Meta, which is generating a lot of buzz in the social media world. Threads is an Instagram app and is being touted as a rival to Twitter, offering a predominantly text-based platform.
Where I am in Perth, Western Australia, I downloaded the app at 5.46am and was not able to set up my account. Fast forward an hour or so later and I was on – my account is officially 437,912
According to the official Mark Zuckerberg profile @zuck on threads the first day for Threads was meteoric
2 million sign ups in the first 2 hours
5 million in the first 5 hours
10 million in the first 7 hours
30 million in the first day
Here is a summary of some of the features and limitations of the Threads App
Increased Character Limit: Threads allows users to post up to 500 characters, compared to Twitter's 280-character limit for non-verified accounts.
Links and Media: Unlike Instagram, Threads allows users to add links to their posts. It also supports photos and videos, with a 5-minute limit for videos.
No Reels, Stories, or Messaging: Unlike Instagram, Threads does not offer features such as Reels or Stories. It is primarily focused on text-based content.
Verification: If you already have a blue verification tick on your Instagram account, it will carry over to Threads.
Post Editing and Hashtags: Users can delete posts on Threads but are unable to edit them. Currently, hashtags do not work on the platform.
No Trending Stories: Threads does not have a feature for trending stories like other social media platforms.
 GIF Integration: Users can easily add GIFs to their posts using a simple paste function.
Concerns and EU Launch: Meta's dominance in screen time raises concerns about spending even more time on their platforms. Threads has not yet launched in the EU due to regulatory uncertainty and strict data privacy laws.
Why Threads is gaining popularity:Platform Fatigue: Many users are experiencing fatigue from other social media platforms, especially Facebook.
Twitter Troubles: Meta's acquisition of Twitter for $40 billion and subsequent dismantling of the platform has
caused controversy, with Elon Musk even sending a cease-and-desist notice to Meta over claims of stolen Twitter intellectual property.
Simplified Content Creation: Users appreciate the simplicity of Threads, as it eliminates the need to create complex content like reels and stories.My own personal experience with Threads:
Excitement over the fun, new, and fresh experience of using Threads.
Reconnecting with people followed on Instagram but lost track of.
Level playing field as everyone learns and explores the app together.
 
Join us on this episode as we delve into the world of Threads, exploring its features, limitations, and the impact it may have on the social media landscape.

EP62 - Building the business you desire with Shayla Burtin

In today’s episode, I chat with Shayla Burtin, Business Operations Strategist. Shayla generously shares the start of her business journey - why she started and how it’s evolved into what it is today.
Let’s face it, most of us are in business for the freedom and flexibility it provides, spending more time with our family, taking time off when we like. The reality of having all of this is also a huge challenge because we don’t always know how to make it happen.
Don’t make it difficult to take a break. Tune in to hear a few of Shayla’s strategies when it comes to taking time off, unplanned, or not. Including clear communications, calendar management, setting expectations and boundaries. 
If you’re looking for more flexibility and freedom in your life you don’t want to miss this episode!
If you’d like to hear more about the work Shayla does and how she helps her clients to get the freedom they desire, here’s where you can connect:
www.shaylaburtin.com
www.facebook.com/shaylaburtin
www.instagram.com/buildingherdream

EP61 - How to be a guest on other people’s podcasts with Christina Lenkowski

In this episode, I chat with Christina, Podcast Publicity Strategist and Trainer at Publicity by Christina.  We talk about how and why she got into this super niche business after working for someone else in PR and marketing for over a decade. Hear her laugh and the irony when you hear what she didn’t do when launching her first course.  
She passionately and generously shares a couple of her tips on how to reduce the overwhelm when starting the process of being a guest on someone’s podcast, whether you chose to work with her or go it alone. Plus, lots of other recommendations.
If sharing your story on a podcast to your ideal audience is where you want to be then one thing  you’ll need to learn is how to pitch yourself. Christina has a 2-hour pre-recorded training for this titled “Hey Bitch Let's Pitch” where she teaches you how to pitch, research and follow-up. You can find it here https://www.publicityxchristina.com/a/2147507699/xtFBaewG
If you do work with her she guarantees you will get booked on to 24 podcasts with listeners who are your ideal audience. She touches on the process of what working with her is like, and the commitment from both sides. 
It may surprise you to hear no matter how big the person is whose podcast episode you want to be on, it’s possible to get a booking. Sharing an example of why it’s important you don’t just chase the most popular podcasts.
If you fancy sharing your message via a podcast listened to by your ideal clients, you do not want to miss this episode. What’s the worst that can happen?
 
Here’s where you can connect with Christina:
Website: https://www.publicityxchristina.com/a/2147500720/xtFBaewG
Podcast Pitching 101 Workshop:https://www.publicityxchristina.com/a/2147501873/xtFBaewG
IG: https://www.instagram.com/publicityxchristina/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/publicityxchristina

EP60 - Creating your first digital product

I’ve been creating digital products in my business for a while now. Launching my signature course in 2020. It took a huge effort, and quite honestly some days it felt like I was running another business I almost burnt out creating it. Let me tell you it doesn’t have to be that way.
Tune in to hear lots of examples of what you can create once in your business to sell multiple times without having to do any extra work each time you sell. You may be surprised by what you hear today. You’ll be pleased to know it’s not all about creating an online course.
I share how I’ve broken down digital products in my business, as well as giving you so many examples of what you can create and sell in yours, under the banners of technology, templates, content, and learning. There is so much choice when it comes to what you can come up with… some may give you the light bulb moment you’ve been waiting for. Also, learn the difference between a tutorial, a masterclass, and a webinar, as well as other ways to deliver your digital products.
Tune in, feel inspired and let your creative juices flow.
I really hope by listening to this podcast you come away with a bunch of ideas of the types of digital products you can create for your audience.
Don’t forget to tag me @onlinesocialbutterfly and share in your stories so I know when and where you’re tuning in.

EP59 - Move more with Georgia Galati

Georgia shares her inspiration for starting her business and tells us what remedial massage is. We chat about the stress and pressure we put on our body without even realising it especially if we’re sat on our butt all day working from home.
Tune in for insights and wisdom into some better self-care. Hear some of the things we can do to get ourselves moving. How being sedentary isn’t good for our posture. What we can do to alleviate some of our aches and pains, and why it’s handy to have a heat pack to hand.
The reason movement is key, and tips on what we can do to get up and about even if we don’t plan to leave the house.
Georgia also shares with us her process, and tips on what to do after you’ve had a remedial massage.  
If you’re fed up of living with aches and pains, connect with Georgia on Instagram or Facebook by following @eucalypt.remedial.massage

EP58 - Money Mindset with Diana Todd

Tune in to hear what inspired Diana to start her journey into entrepreneurship in 2015.
We talk about how back in the day money was a taboo subject and not something that was talked about outside of the home, or in schools as part of our education. Yet now, running a small business, knowing our numbers is powerful as it helps us to make strategic decisions to build a sustainable business.
We hear a lot about how much people are earning - $10k months - 6 figure businesses, but what is not talked about is how much it’s costing them to open the doors and serve their customers. Yes, they’re bringing in all this money but how much are they paying out to keep the lights on.
Tune in to hear what happened to Diana that made her re-evaluate the subscriptions in her business, as well as the questions she asked herself before deciding her next move. This is just one of many tips she shares with us today.
If you’ve never paid yourself a wage out of your business, Diana shares a couple of money habits you can adapt starting today!
It’s never too late to learn, it’s never too late to start. If you’re looking to overcome your fear of finances, you can connect with Diana here:
www.balancetax.com.au
www.facebook.com/balancetax/
www.instagram.com/balancetax/

EP57 - When you are feeling overwhelmed

As a coach I get to see inside a lot of businesses, and see what’s going on, and a lot of what I’m seeing right now is a sense of overwhelm.  It feels like whatever we do there’s always more to be done.
Tune in for tips on what to do if you’re feeling overwhelmed and how to turn it around. As well as how to manage the amount of information we’re faced with daily. Your brain is constantly receiving information you just cannot possibly retain all of it, as well as remember what’s already on your list of things to do. I also share a couple of ways to find moments in your day where you can let your thoughts and ideas percolate.
Remember, overwhelm is a steep and rolling path towards burnout. So, be kind to you!
As a regular listener, if you’re interested in appearing on the podcast, and have something to offer my audience, please contact my team with your idea hello@onlinesocialbutterfly.com.au
Don’t forget to tag me @onlinesocialbutterfly and share in your stories so I know when and where you’re tuning in.

EP56 - Feel more confident with Personal Stylist, Alex

Hear not only how Alex can style you, but how she arrived in Australia and what she had to do to make things happen in her new world - never believing she could turn her passion into her job.
 
She talks about confidence and the importance of making connections. What people struggle with when it comes to their wardrobe, saying there is no age to be stylish, no fashion police who come and tell you what you’re wearing is wrong.
Tune in to hear what Alex has to say when it comes to wearing black, and how she helps women who don’t know what their style is. We only live once, so try something you wouldn’t usually wear – feel comfortable confident and beautiful every day.
You can work with Alex online or in-person. Connect with Shine Bright Alex here -  https://www.instagram.com/shine_bright_alex
Here is the link to the 5 SUMMER ESSENTIALS WARDROBE: http://eepurl.com/ib4NTr 
and here is the link for my 20 mins free styling consultation: https://alexandra1986.satoriapp.com/offers/266349-20-mins-free-styling-session

EP55 - Kristy Smith – Hiring Virtual Support

Have you ever wanted to hire a Virtual Assistant (VA) to support you in your business, but don’t know where to start? Perhaps you’ve always wanted to explore the idea but scared to hand over the reins. Tune in to hear the questions you can ask yourself to help understand why you can’t do everything yourself.
Kristy shares how she’s been able to grow her business with virtual support, as well as the most common tasks business owners are asking for support with right now.
You’ll hear how Kristy stays connected with her team in the Philippines and what she offers to graduates there.
If you’re overwhelmed at the thought of handing over tasks to someone outside of your business, connect with Kristy here:
www.virtualelves.com.au
www.facebook.com/virtualelves
www.twitter.com/virtualelves
https://www.instagram.com/kristysmithinc/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/virtualelves/
 

EP54 - Money Mindset with Alpha Schulte

In today’s episode, I chat with Alpha Schulte, Lifestyle & Money Coach. We discuss limiting beliefs, our parent’s expectations, what makes us tick, money, and self-worth.
Alpha helps women work on their money mindset. Asking the right questions to establish what it is you’re trying to achieve as well as educating you along the way. Saying money mindset is an exercise in creativity. Understanding the stories we have told ourselves that are on repeat and why we believe them.
Hear why Alpha makes sure she has tissues handy during her initial 1:1 session with clients – helping you to identify what limiting beliefs you have about money, and how to reframe them to help you.
Money is a tool to help us live the lifestyle we want. Understanding what you want and why makes it easier to then match your money to the life you want!
 
Start saving money today and check out Alpha’s freebies… 
Kick Your Limiting Beliefs Out of Your Life! (money-madesimple.com.au) 
FREE GUIDE: 5 Ways YOU Can Improve Your Finances (money-madesimple.com.au) 
FREE GUIDE - How to Invest with Only $1 (money-madesimple.com.au)
Connect with Alpha here:
https://www.facebook.com/MMSMoneyMadeSimple
https://www.instagram.com/alphamoneymadesimple/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdxVZyzLZA2jw4lrx8zR0KA

EP53 - All things Chat GPT

AI is huge and seems to have come out of nowhere. Although, most of us use it every day without even realising. Tune in to hear what makes Chat GPT – an AI program so popular. How I use it in my business, and tips on how you can use it in yours.
Right now, you can use Chat GPT for free. It’s a great time saving tool especially if you write content, a blog, or simply want to know how to respond to a customer’s email. Not only can it help by writing content, but it can also write it in your tone of voice… I tell you how.
I share some of the impacts it is going to have on SEO (Search Engine Optimisation), as well as the fact the information may not be entirely accurate when it comes to facts, so some research could very well be needed.
If you do not embrace using AI and Chat GPT your competitors will. I recommend giving it a go and have some fun with it. I really think you’re missing a trick if you’re not using it.
Tune in today so you don’t get left behind.

EP52 - Ashley Matkovic – Networking with Fusion Biz Co.

In today’s episode, I chat with Ashley Matkovic who generously shares a story from her childhood that ended up being the catalyst for her creating Fusion Biz Co years later. Ash is on a mission to make real human connection sexy again, in an increasingly disconnected world. In a bid to revolutionise the business networking scene by encouraging meaningful conversations and genuine relationships, rather than focusing on making sales.
As businesswomen, it’s likely most of us can relate to sometimes feeling like we don’t fit in, feeling like we’re not good enough. Ash likes to create unique experiences that make you feel part of it from the moment you’re thinking of attending one of her beautiful events. She makes sure you have all the information upfront, so there are no surprises as you walk through the door, encouraging you to show up as your real self.
Although Fusion is not a salesy networking group, sales happen naturally within the group as women get to know, like and trust each other.  
If you’re looking to network with down to earth, genuine, kind-hearted women, in a non-salesy way then be sure to check out Fuzion Biz Co here:
Fusion Biz Co
https://www.instagram.com/fusionbizco/
https://www.facebook.com/fusionbizco
https://www.instagram.com/ashmatkovic/

EP51 - Writing for your audience with Kara Stokes

In today’s episode, I chat with SEO Copywriter, Kara Stokes, from work life balance to jaw dropping tips when it comes to writing copy for your audience, and why it matters. From keyword research, click-worthy sales pages, website navigation, SEO-friendly content, and more.
Kara shares how and why she became a copywriter, and what it’s like to work with her. The ability she has to give her clients the best of her by having the flexibility to work when she’s most creative.
Tune in to know where to start from a copywriting perspective when it comes to SEO, the common challenges you face and things to consider when it comes to what your customer is searching for and how you fix their problem. You may be surprised to hear it’s not about you.
We also cover the best place to start when reviewing your website, the most important pages to have to give your customer an insight into who you are and how you can help them.
If you’re looking for higher engagement to transform the people that visit your website into paying customers, then this episode is for you.
 
Connect with Kara here:
https://www.facebook.com/karastokescopywriter
https://www.instagram.com/karastokescopywriter/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karastokescopywriter/
Your Friendly Fitness Copywriter - Kara Stokes (karastokescopywriter.com)
 
 

EP50 - Why I created the Blooming Biz Academy Membership

Tune in to hear the main reasons I created The Blooming Biz Academy as a membership. What it’s all about, and what it did for me and my business. One of the reasons I created this new space was to continue to give you a place to go where you can still participate in activities with myself, and enjoy a great community feel.
Your 12-month membership is incredible value and includes:   
A private Facebook community with weekly opportunities to connect with others, and share your offering
20+ classes in one easy to access online portal full of the latest information for you to work through at your own pace
An online monthly group coaching session
An online monthly networking space
I also let you in on some of the selfish reasons the Academy allows me to continue doing my favourite things; teaching, sharing, and supporting others, all while creating ease and flow inside my business.
Sound too good to be true? Wait until you hear this…
If you use the coupon code “podcast” you can join for $99.00 (AUD) for 12 months. That’s right listeners! A whopping 50% off. So, if you’ve been sitting on the fence take this as your sign and join today.
I didn’t want to create something that was out of reach, I made it affordable, so you don’t have to worry about paying every month. This way it gives you lots of opportunities to learn and create new connections without putting you under financial pressure.
As always, I hope this episode inspires you and gives you the confidence to keep moving forward taking imperfect action.  
Here’s the link to join The Blooming Biz Academy Digital Marketing Courses | Blooming Biz Academy | Online Social Butterfly

EP49 - All things Branding Photography with AJ Harrington

In today’s episode, I chat with Amanda (AJ) from AJ Harrington Photographer about why she started her business, and her journey into being an entrepreneur.
Although AJ has a degree in Exploration Geophysics and worked in oil and gas industry for 10 years, after having her daughter she wasn’t so keen to commute to the city every day.  Contemplating her next move, she had her light bulb moment while chatting with a friend about what she loves to do in her spare time. You might be shocked by the consistency of AJ when you hear what she did every day for the 3 years prior to starting her business. 
We chat about the challenges we face as women when running a service based business and putting ourselves out there. We both agree it’s a big thing to show your face but for AJ it’s all about making you feel comfortable.
Tune in to hear tips and techniques AJ uses to help you show up as your best self during your photo shoot. As well as the different photo shoots, how to prepare for them, how to choose the right photographer for you, as well as what’s included in her packages and more.
If you’d like to know if AJ is a good fit for you, why not book a discovery call with her and have a chat. 
Here’s where you can connect with AJ:
www.ajharringtonphotos.com
www.instagram.com/ajharringtonphotos
www.facebook.com/ajharringtonphotos

Ep48 - Why I closed my Facebook Group.mp3

In January 2023, I made the decision to close my Facebook Group. I could see from the outside looking in this would look like a strange thing for me to do, especially as I teach you how to use social media as a marketing tool.
Tune in as I take you on the journey of why I started my free Facebook Group, how it evolved over time, and the reasons I made the decision to close it. You’ll also hear why I created my new paid membership The Blooming Biz Academy, and how it’s become a highly engaged community in such a short time.
This episode has business lessons, marketing tips and where you can still get your hands on some free stuff to help grow your business.
Here’s the link if you’d like to find out more about The Blooming Biz Academy Digital Marketing Courses | Blooming Biz Academy | Online Social Butterfly
 

EP47 - List Builder Lounge Alumni interview with Nina Visic

In today’s episode, I chat with Nina from Mindful Parenting Lifestyle about her business, and her experience of completing my course, List Builders Lounge. Having a corporate background in compliance, lead magnets, trip wires and list building was not part of her vocabulary.
 Tune in to hear how Nina got more than she bargained for when she signed up to the live round of List Builders Lounge. The advantage of attending the course live gave her a community to validate her ideas, receive feedback from other members in the group, as well as provide feedback on their ideas.  
Nina said “It’s really opened my eyes to new things. Before I started, I was like, my coaching program, that’s what I do. Now there’s so many things I can do to add to what I offer.”
Nina’s vision for this year is to create a subscription box for parents. Head over to Nina’s website and join her mailing list to be the first to hear about it. Also, check out some of the free resources she created during the course mentioned in this show while you’re there.
I asked Nina what she would say to anybody thinking of doing the next live round of List Builders Lounge… “Give it a go because you’ve got nothing to lose and so much to gain. The wealth and experience you’ll get from Sarah as well as the other people in the course… it’s mind blowing. I was so surprised at how much I learnt”.  
Here are the links to Nina’s website and socials:
Mindful Parenting Lifestyle | Courses | Australia | Perth
https://www.facebook.com/mindfulparentinglifestyle
https://www.instagram.com/mindful_parenting_lifestyle/

EP46 - List Builder Lounge Alumni interview with Nikki Paterson

This week I chat with Nikki Paterson. Nikki is passionate about education and training. She created a course to fix a problem she knew people were having, but she didn’t think about how she would market or sell her course. She needed help and that’s how she came into the world of the List Builders Lounge.
She shares the confidence it gave her by completing the live rounds, and the support she received from other members of the group. Saying if she hadn’t committed to the live rounds, planned ahead to attend each session to keep her on track she would still be working on it. She walked away with everything she needed.
We talk briefly about tech, software, and the cost involved in launching a course. Nikki uses an all-in-one platform called Zenler. Telling us why she chose to use them, and how it meets her needs.
As a participant to my last List Builders Lounge, I asked Nikki her thoughts on what some of the key elements she thinks are good to have in place before committing to the course. Tune in to hear what she has to say.  
 
More info on List Builders Lounge can be found here
 
Here’s where you can connect with Nikki:
https://www.facebook.com/accomplisheducationau
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWq1RQs_uEUCz143fK4kqZA
 
Feel free to use Nikki’s affiliate link if you’re interested in Zenler https://www.newzenler.com/invite/b48E5e

EP45 - All things Email Marketing with Yael Keon

This week I chat with Email Marketing Expert, Yael Keon. Like many of us, it won’t surprise you to hear Yael started her own business to have a say on her own time.    
Tune in as Yael lets us in on how she came to niche into the world of email marketing.  Sharing a myriad of juicy tips, including how to take the pressure off and give yourself permission to email your audience. Don’t be surprised if you listen to this episode and get straight into writing an email to the people on your list – they want to hear from you!
We talk all things what to share, when to share, why you share, and how to share the information your audience is waiting for. As well as the best place to start, some of the software out there available for email marketing, including her recommendations, and how each one differs depending on what it is you’re trying to achieve.   
If listening to this episode does one thing today, let it be to give you permission to take the next step with your email marketing regardless of where you’re currently at with it.  
Like starting a business, don’t think you need to have everything in place to begin. Just start!
 
Here’s where you can connect with Yael:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaelkeon/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yaelkeon
As promised, here are the websites to the different software mentioned in today’s episodes:
Mailerlite - www.mailerlite.com
Klaviyo – www.klaviyo.com
Active Campaign – www.activecampaign.com
 

EP44 - Why every business needs an email list

Tune in to hear what an email list is, what it’s used for, and the importance of having one of these in your business. I’ll tell you the best place to start, and why you need to be consistent when keeping in touch with your customers, past, present, and future.
Although I’ve been in business for over a decade, you may be surprised to hear it’s only in the last 3 to 4 years I have actively built my email list. I have worked so hard to get it to where it is today, and I just love to share free content with my audience. My list and email marketing are one of the most important marketing activities in my business.
You’ll hear how I effectively use email marketing to make sales in my business and connect with my audience, as well as tips on the opportunities you have for people to sign up to your list.
Don’t worry about whether you’re cluttering up people’s inboxes, they will have a system for catching-up with your news.
I share some of my list building strategies; where to start, and great places to promote it. I also touch on lead magnets, and what this might look like for you. As well as things to consider when you’re creating an opt-in, what your customer journey will look like. Don’t be afraid to test things - put it out to your audience, see what they respond to. We’re always learning and growing in business.
Remember people opted-in because they want to hear from you and want to know about your offers.
If you’re not already on my list, feel free to head over to my website and sign up there - Facebook Marketing Course | Facebook Marketing Specialist | Online Social Butterfly
 

EP43 - Marianne Tansley – Making the most of Teams

Back by popular demand! Today I chat again with my very own Business Manager, Marianne about all things Teams. The difference between Teams and Zoom, how it works and what you need (or not) to use it.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock you will have heard of Zoom, but not everyone talks about Teams in the same way, even though it does all that Zoom can, and more. Teams is a Microsoft application which allows you to video call for up to 30 hours – who knew! Marianne is passionate about making our money work harder in our business… Why would you pay for Zoom if you’re already paying for Microsoft?
It may surprise you to hear you don’t need to have a subscription to use it. So, let’s say you have a meeting set-up with a potential client, if they have sent you a link to join their meeting it doesn’t mean you have to have Microsoft Teams on your computer, laptop, or phone to join, you can simply come in as a guest. You can chat, share files, share links and much more.
Marianne managed to convert me into using Teams, I like to use it best on the go so I have it on my phone. It’s great if I need to contact my VA about something, I can quickly type a message and it’s there for when she’s next online to pick it up. It’s been a bit of a lifesaver.
Tune in to hear why Marianne raves about Teams, how she uses it in her business,  and which one of the Microsoft apps is her favourite.
 
Here’s where you can connect and learn more from Marianne:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveadminservices/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thriveadmin
Marianne also runs a Facebook group which is free to join called “Microsoft Dynamos” where she has a different theme each month to showcase what Microsoft has to offer.
Also, as promised, here is the link to the last episode Marianne appeared on.
EP15 - Marianne Tansley - Online Social Butterfly