The Blogger Genius Podcast

In my recent episode of the Blogger Genius Podcast, I'm interviewing Megan Porter, host of the Eat Blog Talk podcast, about the world of food blogging now. Megan shares her thoughts on the current trends and challenges in the food blogging space including how food bloggers are finding success right now in diversifying their traffic and selling their knowledge as digital products. Key Trends in Food Blogging Diversifying Traffic Sources One of the most significant trends Megan highlights is the shift away from relying solely on Google for traffic. With recent algorithm changes causing fluctuations in traffic, many bloggers are turning to alternative sources like Pinterest. Leverage Pinterest as a Search Engine: Treat Pinterest not just as a social media platform but as a search engine. Conduct keyword research to optimize your pins and ensure they are discoverable. Create Multiple Pins for Each Post: Develop various pins for each blog post, targeting different use cases and scenarios. For example, a chili recipe could be marketed for family dinners, camping trips, or potlucks. Consistency is Key: Plan to invest at least six months to a year into your Pinterest strategy before expecting significant results. Create around five unique pins for each new blog post and update older content regularly. Updating Older Content Another trend Megan discusses is the practice of updating older blog posts. This strategy helps maintain or boost traffic by improving the relevance and searchability of your existing content. Audit Your Content: Regularly review your blog archives to identify posts that could benefit from updates. Focus on improving the quality, adding new information, and optimizing for current SEO best practices. Repurpose Content: Consider repurposing older content into new formats, such as videos, infographics, or social media posts, to reach a broader audience. The Impact of Google Changes Building Authority and Expertise Google's algorithm changes have made it more challenging for newer bloggers to gain traction. Megan emphasizes the importance of building authority and expertise over time. Consistency and Persistence: Stay committed to producing high-quality content consistently. It may take time, but persistence is key to building credibility.   Develop a Unique Point of View: Differentiate yourself by sharing your opinions and personal experiences. Authenticity can attract a loyal audience who resonates with your perspective.   Focus on Domain Authority: Work on building your domain authority by earning backlinks from reputable sites, guest posting, and collaborating with other bloggers. Monetization Strategies Exploring Digital Products Megan and I discuss digital products as a potent revenue stream for food bloggers. With a solid email list, bloggers can effectively market ebooks, online challenges, and other digital offerings. Understand Your Audience: Conduct surveys or engage with your audience to understand their needs and preferences. Tailor your digital products to meet these demands. Start Small: Even with a smaller email list (around 1,000 to 2,000 subscribers), you can find significant potential for income. Focus on delivering value and building trust with your audience. Evaluate and Double Down: Regularly assess your monetization efforts to identify what is generating income. Double down on successful strategies and refine those that are underperforming. Affiliate Marketing Despite the challenges posed by Google’s algorithm changes, affiliate marketing remains a viable income source for many bloggers. Create High-Quality Content: Focus on producing content that genuinely serves your audience. High-quality, informative posts are more likely to attract and retain readers. Diversify Affiliate Programs: Don’t rely on a single affiliate program. Explore various programs and products that align with your niche and audience interests. Transparency and Trust: Be transparent about your affiliate relationships and prioritize building trust with your audience. Authentic recommendations are more likely to convert. Leveraging AI in Blogging Embracing AI as a Tool Initially, there was concern about AI's impact on blogging. However, many bloggers are now embracing AI as a valuable tool for brainstorming and content creation. Use AI for Idea Generation: Utilize AI tools to brainstorm content ideas and generate prompts. This can help overcome writer’s block and provide fresh perspectives. Collaborative Writing: Treat AI as a supportive companion in your writing process. Use it to refine your writing and explore new angles. Stay Updated: Keep abreast of the latest AI tools and technologies that can enhance your blogging efforts. Experiment with different tools to find what works best for you. Community and Support Building a Supportive Community Megan highlights the importance of community among bloggers. She runs various groups and memberships designed to provide support and connection for food bloggers. Join Blogging Communities: Participate in online groups, forums, and memberships where you can share challenges, seek advice, and celebrate successes with fellow bloggers. Network and Collaborate: Build relationships with other bloggers in your niche. Collaborate on projects, guest post on each other’s blogs, and share each other’s content. Mentorship and Learning: Seek out mentors and learning opportunities within the community. Continuous learning and support can help you navigate the ups and downs of blogging. Overcoming Burnout and Staying Focused Managing Burnout Burnout is a common struggle among bloggers, especially those who are creative and often drawn to new ideas and projects. Regularly Assess Priorities: Ensure that your efforts are directed toward activities that will yield the best results. Focus on what aligns with your goals. Set Achievable Goals: Break down your long-term vision into smaller, manageable goals. This can help you stay motivated and track your progress. Stay Connected to Your “Why”: Understand the reasons behind your blogging journey. Staying connected to your purpose can help you push through challenges and remain focused. Other Related Blogger Genius Podcast episodes You’ll Enjoy: The Essential Mindset Shift Every Blogger Needs for 2025 Level Up Your Blog with These Game-Changing AI Tools Embracing Imperfection: The Power of B-Minus Work MiloTree, the Best Tool for Non-Techies to Sell Digital Products and Grow Your Audience I also want to introduce you to the MiloTree, a tool designed for non-techies to sell digital products easily. It comes with features like AI-generated sales pages, check-out pages, a sales dashboard, upsells, and customer support. With MiloTree, setting up your products takes less than five minutes, and you can start generating income without any hassle. Plus, MiloTree offers unlimited freebies and lead magnets to grow your email list, and social media pop-ups to increase your followers, all in one place. Sign up today and get your first 30 days free to see how easy it is to start selling your own digital products and growing your audience with MiloTree!

👉 Get the 3 AI Prompts You Need to Create a Freebie in 10 Minutes.👈 In my latest episode of The Blogger Genius Podcast, I welcome back Kate Ahl, founder of Simple Pin Media, for her fifth appearance on the show. Together, we delve into the current challenges faced by content creators and online entrepreneurs and opportunities, particularly in the realm of Pinterest marketing. This episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice to help you navigate the ever-changing digital landscape and find success on Pinterest. Show Notes: MiloTree Simple Pin Media The 3 AI Prompts You Need to Create a Freebie Cheatsheet Join The Blogger Genius Newsletter Personality Quiz: What Digital Product Should I Create? Become a Blogger Genius Facebook Group Subscribe to the Blogger Genius Podcast: iTunes YouTube Spotify Understanding the Current Digital Marketing Landscape The Shift from Traffic to Problem-Solving Kate and I kick off the conversation by addressing the uncertainty that has characterized the past year for many in the digital space. Kate emphasizes the importance of shifting one's mindset from merely focusing on traffic to solving problems for the audience. This approach can lead to significant success, especially in a time when many creators are feeling the impact of changes in ad revenue and traffic patterns. The Role of Pinterest as a Visual Search Engine Despite the challenges, Pinterest remains a powerful visual search engine that can drive traffic, sales, and email signups. Kate confirms that while organic traffic is still viable, creators should not shy away from utilizing paid ads. Pinterest is enhancing its ad integrations, which can help in selling products and generating leads. Key Strategies for Pinterest Success Clarify Your Purpose Reassess why you are using Pinterest and what you hope to achieve—whether it's driving traffic, generating sales, or building an email list. Define clear goals and align your Pinterest strategy accordingly. Optimize Your Profile Ensure that your Pinterest profile accurately reflects your brand and offerings. Use relevant keywords in board names, descriptions, and pin titles to enhance visibility. Regularly update your profile to keep it fresh and relevant. Conduct Keyword Research Use the Pinterest trends tool to identify popular topics and incorporate those keywords into your content. Refresh your keywords periodically to stay aligned with current trends. Analyze what is currently trending on Pinterest and adapt your content strategy accordingly. Analyze Your Pins Regularly review your pins to determine which images and keywords are performing well. Use this analysis to inform future content creation and optimization strategies. Experiment with different pin formats and styles to see what resonates with your audience. Adapting to Seasonal Trends Kate emphasizes the importance of tailoring Pinterest content to seasonal trends. For instance, the approach to promoting gold earrings may differ based on the time of year—focusing on styling tips during summer events like weddings, while shifting to gift-giving ideas around holidays like Mother's Day or graduations. This adaptability is crucial for maximizing engagement and performance on Pinterest. The Impact of Emerging Technologies Embracing AI in Marketing We touch on the role of AI in content creation and marketing. Kate discusses the potential of AI-generated images, particularly in the context of Pinterest. While acknowledging the benefits, she cautions against using AI images that may misrepresent products, especially in the food industry. Authenticity and integrity remain paramount in maintaining trust with audiences. Looking Ahead to 2025 As the episode wraps up, we reflect on the future of business in 2025. We discuss the importance of being open to learning new skills and adapting to changes in the market. we both feel optimism about the opportunities that lie ahead, particularly in leveraging AI and fostering genuine connections. Building a Community and Authentic Connections Networking and Authentic Connections Both Kate and I stress the importance of networking and building authentic relationships in the business landscape. We encourage listeners to engage in person, attend events, and connect with others to foster collaboration and growth. This human connection is seen as vital in navigating the complexities of online business. The Importance of Personal Connection Kate emphasizes that Pinterest users often start their searches with specific pain points rather than brand names. This insight highlights the need for content creators to position themselves as solutions to these problems, making it essential to connect with users on a personal level. Conclusion Kate and I recommend content creators embrace change, prioritize authenticity, and leverage the evolving tools at your disposal to thrive in the digital marketplace. By focusing on foundational strategies, staying informed about trends, and engaging with their audience, creators can navigate the evolving digital marketing landscape and build sustainable businesses. Try MiloTree for 30 Days Free Try out MiloTree, the software we've created to help users grow and monetize their audience. The first 30 days are completely free, making it an easy option for those looking to experiment with new freebies and digital products. Learn more here! Other Related Blogger Genius Podcast episodes You’ll Enjoy: The Essential Mindset Shift Every Blogger Needs for 2025 Level Up Your Blog with These Game-Changing AI Tools Embracing Imperfection: The Power of B-Minus Work MiloTree, the Best Tool for Non-Techies to Sell Digital Products and Grow Your Audience I also want to introduce you to the MiloTree, a tool designed for non-techies to sell digital products easily. It comes with features like AI-generated sales pages, check-out pages, a sales dashboard, upsells, and customer support. With MiloTree, setting up your products takes less than five minutes, and you can start generating income without any hassle. Plus, MiloTree offers unlimited freebies and lead magnets to grow your email list, and social media pop-ups to increase your follow

In my recent episode of The Blogger Genius Podcast, I recorded my newest Thanksgiving guided meditation reflecting on our past year, expressing gratitude, and setting our intentions for the year ahead. Here's the transcript of the meditation to read and enjoy. Happy Thanksgiving! Transcript of my 2024 Thanksgiving Meditation: Embracing Gratitude and New Beginnings Jillian Leslie 00:00:04 Hello and welcome back to The Blogger Genius Podcast. I am Jillian Leslie, your host. If you've been listening to my podcast for a while, you know, at Thanksgiving I like to record a short guided meditation. So today I'm calling this meditation "Gratitude and New Beginnings" because these are two concepts I hope to focus on in my own life in the coming year. And I thought you might like to also. So together right now, let's put our busyness aside for these ten minutes and focus on the abundance in our lives and the bright possibilities of the year ahead. So let this be a space for clarity, curiosity, and optimism as we set the stage for new beginnings. So let's take a deep breath. In and out. And again, in and out. And let's settle into the present moment. Allow your body to relax. Your shoulders to soften your mind to quiet and your heart to open. And let's start with gratitude. So right now think about the people experiences and lessons that have shaped you this year. Jillian Leslie 00:01:50 So just take a moment and think about what it is that you're grateful for. Now I'm going to pepper this meditation with just a few of my favorite Mark Twain quotes, because I have been seeing them pop up in things I've been reading, and I've been thinking, Mark Twain just has a way of saying things that penetrate. So let's start with this first quote. The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else. Have powerful, right? So take a moment to reflect on how those small acts of kindness, both given and received, have brightened your life. Is there someone you've said something nice to you and you've watched them smile, and then you smile in response? Or has someone said something nice to you recently and it's touched you, and you know that it's touched them right back. So feel the warmth of those moments and allow yourself to savor them. We all Impact each other. And now consider how gratitude connects us to something larger than ourselves. So let's meditate on the idea that kindness and gratitude transcend all barriers. Jillian Leslie 00:03:28 Picture yourself surrounded by this light of kindness, radiating outward to touch everyone you meet. And as you do. Take a deep breath. In and out. In and out. As we reflect on the year that's passed, it's easy to hold on to worries and regrets. Now, this quote I looked up recently because if there is one that could sum up my life, it would be this quote. I've had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened. So yes, I am a worrier. I'm a planner. I'm always looking for the other shoe to drop. I'm looking for where danger is lurking. And I ask you, does this sound familiar? Because I never go back and say to myself, That turned out okay because I've moved on to the next worry. So reminding myself that sometimes I can spend a lot of my effort consumed, consumed with fear about things that never come to pass. And if I could even take one tenth of that energy and put it toward faith, my overall time on this planet might be a lot lighter. Jillian Leslie 00:05:02 And if only I could channel that energy into more positive uses. So this is the intention I'm setting for myself in the new year. It's trusting in myself, trusting in my friends and family, and knowing that if something does not work out, I have the inner strength to deal with it and move forward. I do believe it's better to live in a world of faith than fear, and I will be working on that. And if you're a worrier too, I challenge you to do the same. Even if it's just in little ways. So please join me. And I'm also going to ask myself, what worries am I holding on to that no longer serve me? Can I say goodbye to them? Can I see them for what they really are? Things that keep me stuck and paralyzed. So together, let's call up a worry. So think of a worry and visualize it in your hands and place it in a box in front of you. And now conjure up another worry. Hold it in your hands. Jillian Leslie 00:06:33 And place it in the box. And finally, a third worry. Hold it and then place it in the box. Now in your mind. Shut the box and push it away from you. So it's no longer near you. So it's completely out of sight. Our fears don't have to define us. And now feel the space we've just created within ourselves a space of peace and openness and readiness for what's to come. And with that, let's take a deep breath. In and out and in and out. Now let's turn our focus toward the future. Imagine what 2025 could hold for you and your business and your family and your dreams. So Mark Twain said, the secret of getting ahead is getting started. I use this exact quote in a bunch of my presentations just to get people to take that first step. So think about what new beginnings you want to embrace in the year ahead. Where can you take that small step forward even today? Please let go of perfection. Embrace, be minus work and lean into progress. Jillian Leslie 00:08:30 So as we picture ourselves moving forward, let's take a deep breath. In and out and in and out. As we envision 2025. Let's approach it with curiosity. Here's another Mark Twain quote I really like. The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why. Let's start that again. As we envisioned 2025, Let's approach it with curiosity. And here's another Mark Twain quote I really like. The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why. Ask yourself, what's my deeper? Why? What fuels me? What lights me up? So let's take a moment to ask yourself that. And now make a note of the first thought that popped into your mind. And make a note of the feeling that idea brought up. Did it light you up? Get you a little excited? So let that purpose guide your vision for the new year. Put on the hat of the helper. Who can you impact? Whose life can you change? This is where you want to go deeper in both your business and your personal life. Jillian Leslie 00:10:26 And I call this having real impact. In fact, picture picture yourself waking up each morning in 2025 with a feeling of hope, creativity and excitement for what lies ahead. So with that vision, take a deep breath. In and out and in and out. Building something new isn't always easy, but it's always worth it when it's aligned with your purpose. 2025 is a year to celebrate your wins, big and small, and let them leave marks of pride and happiness on your heart. You are stronger than you think. With courage, curiosity and resilience, you can create something extraordinary. Take a deep breath in. And out and in and out. One more intention for the year ahead. Think about traveling outside of your comfort zone. Try new things. Meet new people. Take risks. Because this is where the growth happens. What new connections, ideas or opportunities can you open yourself to in 2025? How can you expand your perspective to embrace growth and innovation? Let go of what's not working and instead get curious about what could work. Jillian Leslie 00:12:20 The future is bright. It's full of possibility, and it is waiting for you. So as I close, take one more deep breath. In and out and in and out. Carry with you the gratitude of this moment and the optimism of new beginnings. Remember, 2025 is yours to create one courageous step at a time. Thank you for joining me in this meditation of gratitude and new beginnings. I am so grateful for you, for your vision and your journey. Happy Thanksgiving! I want to hear from you! Now I'd love to hear from you. What are you hoping to create or achieve in 2025 for your business and life? What small, courageous steps are you ready to take? Share your thoughts with me—whether it’s an idea for growth, a goal you're setting, or a worry you're ready to let go of. Let’s make 2025 the year we embrace curiosity, gratitude, and bold action. I’m here cheering you on every step of the way! Email me at [email protected] or DM me on Instagram—I can’t wait to hear your vision for the future.

✨MiloTree Black Friday Sale starts November 22nd! Join the waitlist here!✨ In my newest episode of The Blogger Genius Podcast, I interviewed online business coach, Jenny Melrose, where we delve into the evolving landscape of online business and blogging, particularly as we look ahead to 2025. Shifting Mindsets: From Pageviews to People One of the central themes of the episode is the critical need for bloggers and online entrepreneurs to transition from merely chasing pageviews to focusing on building meaningful connections with their audience. Jenny and I argue that the landscape of online business has changed, and success now hinges on how well one can serve and educate their audience rather than just generating traffic. MiloTree MiloTree Black Friday Sale Waitlist The 3 AI Prompts You Need to Create a Freebie Cheatsheet Join The Blogger Genius Newsletter Jenny Melrose Personality Quiz: What Digital Product Should I Create? Become a Blogger Genius Facebook Group Subscribe to the Blogger Genius Podcast: iTunes YouTube Spotify Key Takeaways Focus on Relationships:Building a loyal audience is more important than ever. Instead of focusing solely on pageviews, prioritize creating content that addresses the specific needs and problems of your audience. Educator Mindset: See yourself as an educator and expert in your field. This shift in perspective can help you create more valuable content and build stronger connections with your audience. Building a Strong Foundation Jenny highlights that many entrepreneurs struggle at the foundational level of their business. She points out that a significant number of clients come to her with websites that are cluttered and unfocused, making it difficult for visitors to understand what they offer. A well-structured website is essential for nurturing relationships and driving sales. Website Essentials Opt-in Opportunities: Your homepage should prominently feature an opt-in or freebie to encourage visitors to join your email list. This should be placed above the fold, ensuring that it’s visible without scrolling Clear Navigation: Ensure that your website has clear navigation to three main areas of your business, such as educational resources, services, and products. This helps visitors quickly understand what you offer and how they can benefit. Content Integration: Showcase your latest blog posts, podcast episodes, and other content, along with additional opt-in opportunities to keep visitors engaged. Nurturing Your Audience I reiterate the importance of an email list as the most effective way to nurture relationships with potential customers. The number of social media followers is not as important as having a dedicated list of engaged subscribers who are interested in what you have to offer. Actionable Tips: Email Marketing: Focus on growing your email list and regularly engage with your subscribers through valuable content and offers. Personal Touch: Use your email list to build personal connections with your audience. Share your story, insights, and behind-the-scenes content to foster a sense of community. Clarity and Strategy Jenny positions herself as an educator who provides clarity and strategic plans for her clients. She encourages entrepreneurs to focus on solving specific problems for their audience, which can lead to the development of products and services that people are willing to pay for. Strategic Steps: Identify Problems: Conduct keyword research to understand the problems your audience is searching for solutions to. Content Distribution: Choose three platforms to distribute your content consistently, whether it be through podcasts, blog posts, or videos. For instance, if you start with a podcast, transcribe the audio into a blog post for greater visibility and engagement. Product Development: Develop products and services that address the specific needs of your audience. This positions you as an expert and creates additional revenue streams. Overcoming Overwhelm Many entrepreneurs feel overwhelmed by the myriad of options available to them. Break down your goals into manageable tasks and prioritize them based on their impact on your business. Don’t hesitate to seek support from mentors, coaches, or online communities to help you stay focused and motivated. Learning from Experience Jenny reflects on her journey as a former lifestyle blogger and the lessons learned from her experiences, including the challenges of algorithm changes and the importance of adapting to the evolving digital landscape. We both stress the value of sharing these lessons to help others avoid similar pitfalls. Lessons Learned: Adaptability: Stay flexible and be willing to adapt your strategies as the digital landscape changes. Continuous Learning: Invest in your education and stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in your industry. Final Thoughts Focus on building a solid foundation for their businesses, prioritize nurturing your audience, and embrace a mindset of education and problem-solving. By doing so, you can position yourself as an expert in your field and create sustainable, scalable businesses in the ever-evolving online landscape. Other Related Blogger Genius Podcast episodes You’ll Enjoy: Set Yourself Up For Successful Brand Work with Jenny Melrose The Future of Blogging: Why Authenticity Beats AI Every Time with Kimberly Espinel Embracing Imperfection: The Power of B-Minus Work MiloTree, the Best Tool for Non-Techies to Sell Digital Products and Grow Your Audience I also want to introduce you to the MiloTree, a tool designed for non-techies to sell digital products easily. It comes with features like AI-generated sales pages, check-out pages, a sales dashboard, upsells, and customer support. With MiloTree, setting up your products takes less than five minutes, and you can start generating income without any hassle. Plus, MiloTree offers unlimited freebies and lead magnets to grow your email list, and social media pop-ups to increase your followers, all in one place. Sign up today and get your first 30 days free to see how easy it is to start selling your own digital products and growing your audience with MiloTree!