The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations Tue, 12 May 2026 06:05:16 -0400 https://thekarareport.com en-us © 2026 The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations yes d4e9ab9e-b509-5dfe-95b7-9d75eb76f2bc Kara Duncan episodic false Hey there, welcome to "The Kara Report"! Each week, we’re sharing what we see real businesses doing to grow their business and expand their reach to help you grow your business and become a marketing pro. In each episode, we get granular and talk about real-world marketing strategies, what DOESN’T work when scaling your business, and host candid conversations on the latest business and marketing trends. We'll even share the juicy data we collect and behind-the-scenes bloopers as they come.

No fluff, no filler; just authentic, in-depth discussions that explore the key factors that truly make a difference in your business success. After all, we know that marketing your business is about more than Instagram Reels tips and social media algorithm hacks, and great marketing also doesn’t always mean you’re running a successful, profitable business. 

While we specialize in content marketing, blogging for SEO, Pinterest marketing, and website copy for our own content marketing agency, all marketing strategies are welcome (and discussed) here. Whether you're an established entrepreneur looking to refine your business or marketing strategy or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, we’re serving up valuable insights designed to help you navigate the ever-changing world of business and marketing. 

We believe when you do the work, you’ll reap the rewards and we promise we will focus on results-driven action steps (not the busy work) to help you hit your goals this year.

Now let’s get started!



]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Marketing strategy, marketing tips, growing your business, scaling your business, content marketing, Blogging for SEO, Pinterest marketing, website copy, copywriting, blogging tips, online business owner, business coach Kara Duncan https://storage.buzzsprout.com/t7mwgzvachmfu76rdohm15dmmm71?.jpg The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations https://thekarareport.com 122 | If I Had One Hour to Work on SEO, This Is Exactly What I'd Do 122 | If I Had One Hour to Work on SEO, This Is Exactly What I'd Do Most SEO advice assumes you have unlimited time. But what if you only have one hour? In this episode, I'm sharing exactly what I'd do with that hour (and it's probably not what you'd expect).

Spoiler: I wouldn't tell you to write a blog post. Instead, I'm walking through the specific website SEO tasks that actually move the needle, require zero technical expertise, and can realistically get done in 60 minutes or less.

 Whether you're brand new to SEO or just doing a tune-up, this episode will give you a clear action plan you can start today.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What NOT to do with your one hour (and why SEO rabbit holes are a trap)
  • The one page on your website that matters most for SEO
  • How to check your heading structure in five minutes with a free Chrome plugin
  • When to build out individual service pages and location landing pages
  • How to use Google Search Console to find quick wins in posts you've already written
  • One of the most underrated SEO moves


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Most SEO advice assumes you have unlimited time. But what if you only have one hour? In this episode, I'm sharing exactly what I'd do with that hour (and it's probably not what you'd expect).

Spoiler: I wouldn't tell you to write a blog post. Instead, I'm walking through the specific website SEO tasks that actually move the needle, require zero technical expertise, and can realistically get done in 60 minutes or less.

 Whether you're brand new to SEO or just doing a tune-up, this episode will give you a clear action plan you can start today.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What NOT to do with your one hour (and why SEO rabbit holes are a trap)
  • The one page on your website that matters most for SEO
  • How to check your heading structure in five minutes with a free Chrome plugin
  • When to build out individual service pages and location landing pages
  • How to use Google Search Console to find quick wins in posts you've already written
  • One of the most underrated SEO moves


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Buzzsprout-19116387 Tue, 12 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400 1139 full false 121 | The Pinterest Algorithm Has Changed. Should Your Business Still Be On Pinterest in 2026? 121 | The Pinterest Algorithm Has Changed. Should Your Business Still Be On Pinterest in 2026? If you've been wondering whether Pinterest is still worth your time and money in 2026, this episode is for you (my answer will surprise you).

I run a Pinterest marketing agency — it's one of the main services I sell — and I am telling more business owners to WAIT on Pinterest than I ever have. In this episode, I'm sharing exactly why, what needs to be in place before Pinterest can actually work for your business, and how to know when you're ready.

This isn't about scaring you off the platform. Pinterest is still one of the best long-game visibility tools out there for the right business. But it's not the missing piece for everyone — and I'd rather be honest with you upfront than take your money and leave you frustrated.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The reason Pinterest traffic doesn't always turn into clients
  • What six to twelve months actually feels like (and why most people quit too soon)
  • The foundation piece most business owners are missing
  • Why I'll probably tell you to do something else first
  • Pricing, ROI, and the question I get asked most
  • The real answer to "should I be on Pinterest right now?"


Links Mentioned: 

]]> If you've been wondering whether Pinterest is still worth your time and money in 2026, this episode is for you (my answer will surprise you).

I run a Pinterest marketing agency — it's one of the main services I sell — and I am telling more business owners to WAIT on Pinterest than I ever have. In this episode, I'm sharing exactly why, what needs to be in place before Pinterest can actually work for your business, and how to know when you're ready.

This isn't about scaring you off the platform. Pinterest is still one of the best long-game visibility tools out there for the right business. But it's not the missing piece for everyone — and I'd rather be honest with you upfront than take your money and leave you frustrated.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The reason Pinterest traffic doesn't always turn into clients
  • What six to twelve months actually feels like (and why most people quit too soon)
  • The foundation piece most business owners are missing
  • Why I'll probably tell you to do something else first
  • Pricing, ROI, and the question I get asked most
  • The real answer to "should I be on Pinterest right now?"


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-18990180 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400 1691 121 full false 120 | Everything You Wanted to Know About Hiring a VA (But Were Too Afraid to Ask) with Sarah Roberson 120 | Everything You Wanted to Know About Hiring a VA (But Were Too Afraid to Ask) with Sarah Roberson If you've been thinking about hiring a VA but keep talking yourself out of it… this episode is for you.

I sat down with Sarah Roberson, a virtual assistant who specializes in helping wedding pros and photographers run smoother businesses behind the scenes. She's also been on my own team since August 2024! So I knew she's be the right person to have on for this conversation.

We get into everything you've been too scared to Google. Let's dive in.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The biggest misconception about hiring a VA 
  • How long it actually takes to see ROI — and why that's normal
  • What to have in place before your first hire
  • The difference between a VA and an OBM
  • How to be a good client (yes, that's a thing)
  • What a VA should and shouldn't be responsible for
  • The minimum budget to expect
  • How to find the right fit and what to look for on a discovery call


Links Mentioned: 

]]> If you've been thinking about hiring a VA but keep talking yourself out of it… this episode is for you.

I sat down with Sarah Roberson, a virtual assistant who specializes in helping wedding pros and photographers run smoother businesses behind the scenes. She's also been on my own team since August 2024! So I knew she's be the right person to have on for this conversation.

We get into everything you've been too scared to Google. Let's dive in.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The biggest misconception about hiring a VA 
  • How long it actually takes to see ROI — and why that's normal
  • What to have in place before your first hire
  • The difference between a VA and an OBM
  • How to be a good client (yes, that's a thing)
  • What a VA should and shouldn't be responsible for
  • The minimum budget to expect
  • How to find the right fit and what to look for on a discovery call


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-18991828 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400 2022 120 full false 119 | 4 (Very) Unpopular Opinions I Have About Blogging and SEO in 2026 119 | 4 (Very) Unpopular Opinions I Have About Blogging and SEO in 2026 Blogging and SEO advice is everywhere right now — but a lot of it? I don’t agree with.

In this episode, I’m sharing my honest (and probably unpopular) opinions about SEO and blogging — what’s actually working in 2026, what I think is a waste of your time and money, and what I see small business owners getting wrong over and over again.

This isn’t about saying other people are wrong or that there’s only one way to grow your business. It’s about adding nuance to the conversation and helping you think critically about what you’re being sold (especially when it comes to blogging strategies, SEO services, and AI).

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting advice around blogging and SEO, or you’re trying to figure out what’s actually worth your time, this episode will help you cut through the noise and make more aligned decisions for your business.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why I don’t believe what's marketed right now is a long-term SEO strategy
  • Are blogs getting too expensive?
  • My perspective on using AI for blog writing 
  • A surprising example of a blog post that drove major traffic for me
  • How to evaluate marketing advice in a “trust recession”


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Blogging and SEO advice is everywhere right now — but a lot of it? I don’t agree with.

In this episode, I’m sharing my honest (and probably unpopular) opinions about SEO and blogging — what’s actually working in 2026, what I think is a waste of your time and money, and what I see small business owners getting wrong over and over again.

This isn’t about saying other people are wrong or that there’s only one way to grow your business. It’s about adding nuance to the conversation and helping you think critically about what you’re being sold (especially when it comes to blogging strategies, SEO services, and AI).

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting advice around blogging and SEO, or you’re trying to figure out what’s actually worth your time, this episode will help you cut through the noise and make more aligned decisions for your business.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why I don’t believe what's marketed right now is a long-term SEO strategy
  • Are blogs getting too expensive?
  • My perspective on using AI for blog writing 
  • A surprising example of a blog post that drove major traffic for me
  • How to evaluate marketing advice in a “trust recession”


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-18971954 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400 1169 full false 118 | 9 Ways I Use AI Without Losing My Voice (From Someone Who Thinks About This Every Day) 118 | 9 Ways I Use AI Without Losing My Voice (From Someone Who Thinks About This Every Day) Everyone's using AI. But are you using it in a way that actually sounds like you — or are you slowly handing your voice over to a chatbot and hoping no one notices?

In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on ways I use AI in my content writing business every single day without losing what makes my writing mine. This isn't about being anti-AI or pretending it doesn't exist — it's about being strategic with how you use it so your content stays in your voice, your frameworks, and your point of view.

I'm sharing nine specific ways I use AI for writing, including a few that might surprise you, and one that I'd argue is the most important thing you can do if you want AI-assisted content that actually sounds human.

If you've been using AI but something still feels off about your output, or you're scared to use it at all, this episode is for you.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why treating AI like a ghostwriter is a race to the bottom
  • The document that changed how I prompt AI (and where to get it)
  • The tasks I'll never write from scratch again — and why that's totally fine
  • The one question to ask AI before you start any piece of content
  • The best AI editing trick I know


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Everyone's using AI. But are you using it in a way that actually sounds like you — or are you slowly handing your voice over to a chatbot and hoping no one notices?

In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on ways I use AI in my content writing business every single day without losing what makes my writing mine. This isn't about being anti-AI or pretending it doesn't exist — it's about being strategic with how you use it so your content stays in your voice, your frameworks, and your point of view.

I'm sharing nine specific ways I use AI for writing, including a few that might surprise you, and one that I'd argue is the most important thing you can do if you want AI-assisted content that actually sounds human.

If you've been using AI but something still feels off about your output, or you're scared to use it at all, this episode is for you.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why treating AI like a ghostwriter is a race to the bottom
  • The document that changed how I prompt AI (and where to get it)
  • The tasks I'll never write from scratch again — and why that's totally fine
  • The one question to ask AI before you start any piece of content
  • The best AI editing trick I know


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-18868669 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400 1582 118 full false 117 | A Masterclass On How to Scale Facebook Ads With a Lead Magnet with Melissa Litchfield 117 | A Masterclass On How to Scale Facebook Ads With a Lead Magnet with Melissa Litchfield You've got a lead magnet. Maybe it's a checklist, a guide, or a template pack. You've promoted it, maybe even gotten some downloads — but those downloads aren't turning into clients. So what's actually going wrong?

In this episode, I handed the mic to Meta ads expert Melissa Litchfield or Litchfield Media, and she is breaking down exactly why most lead magnets don't convert, what needs to be true before you spend a single dollar on ads, and how to test with just $5–$10 a day so you're not throwing money at something that isn't working. 

I've personally invested in Melissa's offers and recommend her to everyone who asks me about ads — she genuinely knows her stuff, and she makes it all make sense for service-based business owners.

If you've ever wondered whether your freebie is actually set up to grow your business — or whether you're even ready for ads in the first place — this one is worth a listen.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The backwards way most people build lead magnets (and how to fix it)
  • The 4 things that need to be true before you run ads
  • How to test your lead magnet for under $200 a month
  • What a good cost per lead actually looks like (and the math that makes it profitable)
  • The 3 moments that make people want to slam their laptop shut — and what to do instead
  • Melissa's Test Drive Ad Sprint Live challenge happening April 13–17


Links Mentioned: 

]]> You've got a lead magnet. Maybe it's a checklist, a guide, or a template pack. You've promoted it, maybe even gotten some downloads — but those downloads aren't turning into clients. So what's actually going wrong?

In this episode, I handed the mic to Meta ads expert Melissa Litchfield or Litchfield Media, and she is breaking down exactly why most lead magnets don't convert, what needs to be true before you spend a single dollar on ads, and how to test with just $5–$10 a day so you're not throwing money at something that isn't working. 

I've personally invested in Melissa's offers and recommend her to everyone who asks me about ads — she genuinely knows her stuff, and she makes it all make sense for service-based business owners.

If you've ever wondered whether your freebie is actually set up to grow your business — or whether you're even ready for ads in the first place — this one is worth a listen.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The backwards way most people build lead magnets (and how to fix it)
  • The 4 things that need to be true before you run ads
  • How to test your lead magnet for under $200 a month
  • What a good cost per lead actually looks like (and the math that makes it profitable)
  • The 3 moments that make people want to slam their laptop shut — and what to do instead
  • Melissa's Test Drive Ad Sprint Live challenge happening April 13–17


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Buzzsprout-18870410 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400 1897 117 full false 116 | Behind the Scenes of My First Social Media-Free Launch: What I Did, How Much I Sold, & Launching Without a Sales Page 116 | Behind the Scenes of My First Social Media-Free Launch: What I Did, How Much I Sold, & Launching Without a Sales Page What does a social media-free launch actually look like — numbers and all? Before you assume you need a big audience, a sales page, or an Instagram strategy to launch something new, let's talk about what's actually possible with just an email list and a well-thought-out offer.

In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on my AI Blog Sprint beta launch: how I planned it, how long it actually took to build, what my goals were with only 274 email subscribers, and what the numbers looked like from day one. I'm also getting honest about what I spent, what I earned, and why I still consider this one of my biggest wins.

If you've been sitting on an offer because you're not on social media (or don't want to be), this one's for you.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why I capped the beta instead of trying to sell as much as I can
  • What happened in the first 30 minutes of the launch
  • The reality of launching from a Google Doc with no sales page
  • Conversion rates, realistic expectations, and what the numbers actually mean
  • Why this offer isn't profitable yet (and why I'm totally fine with that)


Links Mentioned: 

]]> What does a social media-free launch actually look like — numbers and all? Before you assume you need a big audience, a sales page, or an Instagram strategy to launch something new, let's talk about what's actually possible with just an email list and a well-thought-out offer.

In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on my AI Blog Sprint beta launch: how I planned it, how long it actually took to build, what my goals were with only 274 email subscribers, and what the numbers looked like from day one. I'm also getting honest about what I spent, what I earned, and why I still consider this one of my biggest wins.

If you've been sitting on an offer because you're not on social media (or don't want to be), this one's for you.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why I capped the beta instead of trying to sell as much as I can
  • What happened in the first 30 minutes of the launch
  • The reality of launching from a Google Doc with no sales page
  • Conversion rates, realistic expectations, and what the numbers actually mean
  • Why this offer isn't profitable yet (and why I'm totally fine with that)


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-18862841 Tue, 24 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400 1865 116 full false 115 | Making Your Next Hire (4 Types of Hires to Consider in 2026) 115 | Making Your Next Hire (4 Types of Hires to Consider in 2026) Are you ready to make your next hire but not sure whether you need a VA, an OBM, or a specialist — or whether you're even ready to outsource at all? Before you hire the first person who shows up in your feed talking about your exact pain point, let's slow down and think this through.

In this episode, I'm breaking down the four most common hires for online business owners, what each one actually does (and doesn't do), and my honest take on generalists vs. specialists — including why hiring one person to do all your marketing platforms might not get you the results you're hoping for.

If you've been counting down the days until you can hand something off and never think about it again, this one's for you.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The difference between a VA and an OBM
  • When a generalist makes sense (and when it's a mistake)
  • What to think about when outsourcing your marketing 
  • Why you shouldn't outsource anything until your business model is solid


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Are you ready to make your next hire but not sure whether you need a VA, an OBM, or a specialist — or whether you're even ready to outsource at all? Before you hire the first person who shows up in your feed talking about your exact pain point, let's slow down and think this through.

In this episode, I'm breaking down the four most common hires for online business owners, what each one actually does (and doesn't do), and my honest take on generalists vs. specialists — including why hiring one person to do all your marketing platforms might not get you the results you're hoping for.

If you've been counting down the days until you can hand something off and never think about it again, this one's for you.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The difference between a VA and an OBM
  • When a generalist makes sense (and when it's a mistake)
  • What to think about when outsourcing your marketing 
  • Why you shouldn't outsource anything until your business model is solid


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Buzzsprout-18827275 Tue, 17 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400 1752 115 full false 114 | My Honest Take On AI And Blogging In 2026 114 | My Honest Take On AI And Blogging In 2026 A few months ago, I saw the headline: “Google announces that traditional SEO is dead.” (or something like that lol). I paused. I re-read it. I rolled my eyes if I'm being honest. There are a lot of things to spiral about in 2025 but search-driven marketing going away is not one of them. 

That said, all of the conversations around "is SEO still a thing" did get me thinking deeply about how blogging fits into the world we're suddenly living in. A world where AI is writing everything from wedding vows to business strategies, and where the internet is flooded with content that’s technically correct… but kind of lame lol.

So in this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the real questions so many of us are asking but maybe too nervous to say out loud: Is blogging still a smart marketing strategy for small businesses with limited budgets and time? 

This isn’t a tutorial or a hot-take. It’s a conversation. A look at what I’m seeing in my own business, what’s shifting under the surface, and how we can adapt without becoming robots ourselves. If you’re a service provider wondering how to stand out in a world of one-click content… you’ll want to tune in.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What I really think about what's going to happen in a post-AI world
  • The rise of “digital footprints” and why multi-platform content matters more than ever
  • Pricing in the age of AI (this might be a hot take) 
  • A hard look at the surface-level content epidemic 
  • The uncomfortable question: Are you still saying the same things you were five years ago?

🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> A few months ago, I saw the headline: “Google announces that traditional SEO is dead.” (or something like that lol). I paused. I re-read it. I rolled my eyes if I'm being honest. There are a lot of things to spiral about in 2025 but search-driven marketing going away is not one of them. 

That said, all of the conversations around "is SEO still a thing" did get me thinking deeply about how blogging fits into the world we're suddenly living in. A world where AI is writing everything from wedding vows to business strategies, and where the internet is flooded with content that’s technically correct… but kind of lame lol.

So in this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the real questions so many of us are asking but maybe too nervous to say out loud: Is blogging still a smart marketing strategy for small businesses with limited budgets and time? 

This isn’t a tutorial or a hot-take. It’s a conversation. A look at what I’m seeing in my own business, what’s shifting under the surface, and how we can adapt without becoming robots ourselves. If you’re a service provider wondering how to stand out in a world of one-click content… you’ll want to tune in.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What I really think about what's going to happen in a post-AI world
  • The rise of “digital footprints” and why multi-platform content matters more than ever
  • Pricing in the age of AI (this might be a hot take) 
  • A hard look at the surface-level content epidemic 
  • The uncomfortable question: Are you still saying the same things you were five years ago?

🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> Buzzsprout-18817925 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0400 1630 114 full false 113 | Building What You Can Embody: Prioritizing Joy, Setting Down Easy Money and Embracing Seasons of Hustle with Sabrina Gebhardt 113 | Building What You Can Embody: Prioritizing Joy, Setting Down Easy Money and Embracing Seasons of Hustle with Sabrina Gebhardt If you’ve ever wondered whether slowing down will cost you everything you’ve built… this episode is for you.

In this conversation, Sabrina Gebhardt shares what it actually looks like to build a business you can embody — not just teach. We talk about the long game of entrepreneurship, why rushing from “doing the thing” to “teaching the thing” rarely works, and how true authority is built through years of lived experience.

Sabrina opens up about something that made absolutely no sense on paper: intentionally setting down two significant (and easy) revenue streams in her business. She walks us through what it felt like to trust her intuition, navigate the fear of losing momentum, and create space for both her family and a massive internal business transformation.

We also talk about the reality no one wants to admit: when you slow down, you will lose momentum. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. Sabrina shares what it really takes to rebuild and why seasons of hustle aren’t failure… they’re part of running a business.



🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why embodiment builds more authority than strategy alone
  • The danger of rushing your business evolution
  • Setting down “easy money” and trusting your intuition
  • What actually happens when you pause a profitable offer
  • Why you will lose momentum (and why that’s okay)
  • Rebuilding after a slowdown
  • Choosing family, beauty, and joy without sacrificing growth
  • Embracing seasons of hustle without living in burnout


Links Mentioned: 

]]> If you’ve ever wondered whether slowing down will cost you everything you’ve built… this episode is for you.

In this conversation, Sabrina Gebhardt shares what it actually looks like to build a business you can embody — not just teach. We talk about the long game of entrepreneurship, why rushing from “doing the thing” to “teaching the thing” rarely works, and how true authority is built through years of lived experience.

Sabrina opens up about something that made absolutely no sense on paper: intentionally setting down two significant (and easy) revenue streams in her business. She walks us through what it felt like to trust her intuition, navigate the fear of losing momentum, and create space for both her family and a massive internal business transformation.

We also talk about the reality no one wants to admit: when you slow down, you will lose momentum. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. Sabrina shares what it really takes to rebuild and why seasons of hustle aren’t failure… they’re part of running a business.



🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why embodiment builds more authority than strategy alone
  • The danger of rushing your business evolution
  • Setting down “easy money” and trusting your intuition
  • What actually happens when you pause a profitable offer
  • Why you will lose momentum (and why that’s okay)
  • Rebuilding after a slowdown
  • Choosing family, beauty, and joy without sacrificing growth
  • Embracing seasons of hustle without living in burnout


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Buzzsprout-18723995 Tue, 03 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0500 1927 113 full false 112 | Get Ready, Stay Ready: A Business Reminder For All Of Us in Q1 112 | Get Ready, Stay Ready: A Business Reminder For All Of Us in Q1 Do you ever feel like you’re waiting for the moment — the big opportunity, the big client, the big breakthrough — and telling yourself you’ll rise to the occasion when it gets here?

This episode is your reminder that most opportunities don’t come with prep time. They come fast. And if you haven’t been getting ready behind the scenes, you’ll feel it.

If Q1 flew by for you too, this is your nudge before Q2: don’t wait until it’s urgent.



🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What “get ready, stay ready” really means in business
  • Why opportunities rarely give you time to prepare
  • The “Oprah moment” question every entrepreneur should ask themselves
  • How viral growth can actually hurt your business if you’re not ready
  • The subtle ways we procrastinate the very things that would move us forward
  • Practical ways I’m preparing my business for momentum in 2026


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Do you ever feel like you’re waiting for the moment — the big opportunity, the big client, the big breakthrough — and telling yourself you’ll rise to the occasion when it gets here?

This episode is your reminder that most opportunities don’t come with prep time. They come fast. And if you haven’t been getting ready behind the scenes, you’ll feel it.

If Q1 flew by for you too, this is your nudge before Q2: don’t wait until it’s urgent.



🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What “get ready, stay ready” really means in business
  • Why opportunities rarely give you time to prepare
  • The “Oprah moment” question every entrepreneur should ask themselves
  • How viral growth can actually hurt your business if you’re not ready
  • The subtle ways we procrastinate the very things that would move us forward
  • Practical ways I’m preparing my business for momentum in 2026


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Buzzsprout-18700013 Tue, 24 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0500 700 112 full false 111 | The Hidden Cost of Saying Yes, Bringing Back Hospitality, and Building the Wrong Business with Frances Ledgewood 111 | The Hidden Cost of Saying Yes, Bringing Back Hospitality, and Building the Wrong Business with Frances Ledgewood If you’ve ever felt like your business slowly turned into something you never meant to build... this episode is for you. What starts as being helpful, flexible, and “open to anything” can quietly turn into burnout, resentment, and a business that no longer fits your life. And often, it’s not because you’re doing something wrong, it’s because you haven’t given yourself permission to niche down.

In this conversation, Francis Ledgewood shares what it really cost her to say yes to everything, and how learning to set boundaries changed not only her business, but her peace of mind. We talk about niching down without burning bridges, why saying no feels so personal (especially in creative work), and how building a focused business can actually attract better clients—not fewer.

We also talk about hospitality in modern business: how to build something that feels elevated without becoming cold or untouchable, and why analog experiences (like handwritten notes) still matter in a digital-first world. Francis offers an honest look at comparison, confidence, and what it takes to stay in your own lane when social media makes that harder than ever.



🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The hidden cost of always saying yes in business
  • What it really looks like to niche down over time (not overnight)
  • Why boundaries are essential for building a sustainable creative business
  • How hospitality can coexist with luxury and professionalism
  • Letting go of comparison and staying in your own lane
  • Why analog touchpoints still matter in a digital world
  • The mindset shift that comes with experience and confidence


Links Mentioned: 

]]> If you’ve ever felt like your business slowly turned into something you never meant to build... this episode is for you. What starts as being helpful, flexible, and “open to anything” can quietly turn into burnout, resentment, and a business that no longer fits your life. And often, it’s not because you’re doing something wrong, it’s because you haven’t given yourself permission to niche down.

In this conversation, Francis Ledgewood shares what it really cost her to say yes to everything, and how learning to set boundaries changed not only her business, but her peace of mind. We talk about niching down without burning bridges, why saying no feels so personal (especially in creative work), and how building a focused business can actually attract better clients—not fewer.

We also talk about hospitality in modern business: how to build something that feels elevated without becoming cold or untouchable, and why analog experiences (like handwritten notes) still matter in a digital-first world. Francis offers an honest look at comparison, confidence, and what it takes to stay in your own lane when social media makes that harder than ever.



🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The hidden cost of always saying yes in business
  • What it really looks like to niche down over time (not overnight)
  • Why boundaries are essential for building a sustainable creative business
  • How hospitality can coexist with luxury and professionalism
  • Letting go of comparison and staying in your own lane
  • Why analog touchpoints still matter in a digital world
  • The mindset shift that comes with experience and confidence


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Buzzsprout-18641894 Tue, 17 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0500 1858 111 full false 110 | 11 Business Lessons from Working With Multi-6 + 7 Figure Business Owners 110 | 11 Business Lessons from Working With Multi-6 + 7 Figure Business Owners Do you ever wonder what people who have more successful businesses are doing? I know I always swipe through on carousels and listen to episodes like this, and often it's the same kind of things, like "they're consistent", "they charge their worth", kind of basic advice like that. This episode is not like that.

Instead, I have gathered 11 things that I genuinely see people doing who have multi-six and seven figure businesses, (and I know this BECAUSE I am behind the scenes in their business). I guarantee you haven't thought of or noticed some of these things before.

Also, YAY for this being episode 20 already! If you haven't left a review yet, I would really appreciate it you would take a moment to now!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • 11 things that almost every multi-six and 7 figure business owner I work with is doing
  • What these things have in common (they aren't exciting lol)
  • What I'm going to be working on doing better in my own biz based on these "findings"


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Do you ever wonder what people who have more successful businesses are doing? I know I always swipe through on carousels and listen to episodes like this, and often it's the same kind of things, like "they're consistent", "they charge their worth", kind of basic advice like that. This episode is not like that.

Instead, I have gathered 11 things that I genuinely see people doing who have multi-six and seven figure businesses, (and I know this BECAUSE I am behind the scenes in their business). I guarantee you haven't thought of or noticed some of these things before.

Also, YAY for this being episode 20 already! If you haven't left a review yet, I would really appreciate it you would take a moment to now!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • 11 things that almost every multi-six and 7 figure business owner I work with is doing
  • What these things have in common (they aren't exciting lol)
  • What I'm going to be working on doing better in my own biz based on these "findings"


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-18631710 Tue, 10 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0500 1953 110 full false 109 | Nine Non-Negotiables After Nine Years in Business 109 | Nine Non-Negotiables After Nine Years in Business Nine years in business is wild — and this week I’m celebrating my “business birthday” by sharing nine non-negotiables I’ve learned across nearly a decade of running my own business. Entrepreneurship truly is the craziest personal development journey there is lol.

Some of these are tactical (things I actually do).

Some are mindset (things I had to learn the hard way).

None of them came naturally, and I’ve slipped on all nine at different points, but they’ve shaped how I think, how I work, and are true non-negotiables for how I run my business today.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The unexpected mindset shift that changed how I run my business
  • What I stopped obsessing over (and what happened when I did)
  • A repurposing habit that quietly compounded over nine years
  • A polarizing philosophy on getting paid (and why I stand by it)
  • The leadership skill that took me the longest to learn
  • Why I assume my clients are smarter than I am
  • The “hard” I choose on purpose
  • A belief that keeps me sane around friends + family


🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/109

Grab my private podcast, Build it Once, Get Found For Months: https://thekarareport.com/private-podcast

Sign up for my newsletter: https://thekarareport.com/newsletter

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

]]> Nine years in business is wild — and this week I’m celebrating my “business birthday” by sharing nine non-negotiables I’ve learned across nearly a decade of running my own business. Entrepreneurship truly is the craziest personal development journey there is lol.

Some of these are tactical (things I actually do).

Some are mindset (things I had to learn the hard way).

None of them came naturally, and I’ve slipped on all nine at different points, but they’ve shaped how I think, how I work, and are true non-negotiables for how I run my business today.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The unexpected mindset shift that changed how I run my business
  • What I stopped obsessing over (and what happened when I did)
  • A repurposing habit that quietly compounded over nine years
  • A polarizing philosophy on getting paid (and why I stand by it)
  • The leadership skill that took me the longest to learn
  • Why I assume my clients are smarter than I am
  • The “hard” I choose on purpose
  • A belief that keeps me sane around friends + family


🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/109

Grab my private podcast, Build it Once, Get Found For Months: https://thekarareport.com/private-podcast

Sign up for my newsletter: https://thekarareport.com/newsletter

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-18575066 Tue, 03 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500 2246 109 full false 108 | The Missing Piece in Your “Automated” Booking Process (+ What Really Gets You Paid Faster) with Colie James 108 | The Missing Piece in Your “Automated” Booking Process (+ What Really Gets You Paid Faster) with Colie James If you’ve ever gotten a little too excited about “workflows” and “automation” only to realize that something is still not clicking... this one’s for you. We talk about an overlooked, not-so-glam part of your CRM that can quietly change everything: the actual words your clients and leads are reading. Because it doesn’t matter how slick your setup is if your actual communication feels like an afterthought. 

If you’ve been dealing with people who hesitate, disappear after inquiring, or need a whole sales call just to figure out what happens next—this conversation will make you rethink what “good communication” really means. Colie breaks down how your emails can do the heavy lifting: build trust, guide people without hand-holding, and even shorten your sales cycle (especially if you do not want to live on discovery calls). 

And we don’t just stay in the “getting hired” stage. One of my biggest takeaways is what happens after someone books—because so many businesses go quiet once the invoice is paid, then wonder why clients feel unsure, needy, or less excited. We get into how to nurture people through the experience so they feel taken care of the whole way (and so you’re not stuck answering the same questions on repeat). 

Also: I share what changed for me when I started emailing weekly—even with a small list—and how that helped me stay top-of-mind without relying on Instagram. If you’ve been thinking “email marketing feels like a lot,” you’ll like this part. 

If you want to go deeper, Colie’s next “Email Like You Mean It” sprint runs February 2–6: https://coliejames.com/email



🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why “automation” doesn’t work if you are undercommunicating
  • How to make your CRM emails build trust and shorten the sales cycle
  • What to include in inquiry emails so clients don’t hesitate (or ask 10 follow-up questions)
  • How to write emails that do the “sales call” work for you—without being pushy
  • How post-booking emails lead to raving fans, referrals, and rebookings
  • The overlap between client communication and weekly email marketing


Links Mentioned: 

]]> If you’ve ever gotten a little too excited about “workflows” and “automation” only to realize that something is still not clicking... this one’s for you. We talk about an overlooked, not-so-glam part of your CRM that can quietly change everything: the actual words your clients and leads are reading. Because it doesn’t matter how slick your setup is if your actual communication feels like an afterthought. 

If you’ve been dealing with people who hesitate, disappear after inquiring, or need a whole sales call just to figure out what happens next—this conversation will make you rethink what “good communication” really means. Colie breaks down how your emails can do the heavy lifting: build trust, guide people without hand-holding, and even shorten your sales cycle (especially if you do not want to live on discovery calls). 

And we don’t just stay in the “getting hired” stage. One of my biggest takeaways is what happens after someone books—because so many businesses go quiet once the invoice is paid, then wonder why clients feel unsure, needy, or less excited. We get into how to nurture people through the experience so they feel taken care of the whole way (and so you’re not stuck answering the same questions on repeat). 

Also: I share what changed for me when I started emailing weekly—even with a small list—and how that helped me stay top-of-mind without relying on Instagram. If you’ve been thinking “email marketing feels like a lot,” you’ll like this part. 

If you want to go deeper, Colie’s next “Email Like You Mean It” sprint runs February 2–6: https://coliejames.com/email



🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why “automation” doesn’t work if you are undercommunicating
  • How to make your CRM emails build trust and shorten the sales cycle
  • What to include in inquiry emails so clients don’t hesitate (or ask 10 follow-up questions)
  • How to write emails that do the “sales call” work for you—without being pushy
  • How post-booking emails lead to raving fans, referrals, and rebookings
  • The overlap between client communication and weekly email marketing


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-18523425 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500 2359 108 full false 107 | So You Want To Hire a Writer That Doesn’t Use AI? Let’s Talk About It. 107 | So You Want To Hire a Writer That Doesn’t Use AI? Let’s Talk About It. Is it possible to hire a writer that doesn't use AI? 

Why do all marketers copy and past from ChatGPT when I could just do it myself?

These conversations and hot takes are driving me crazy over on threads  — like AI automatically equals slop and human-only equals quality. But the real conversation is much more nuanced than that.

In this episode, I’m breaking down what it actually means to hire a writer that doesn’t use AI in 2026 — including the cost, ROI, SEO impact (or lack thereof), and the assumptions business owners are making when they say “no AI.” We’re talking about when human-only writing genuinely makes sense, where AI fails, and why refusing to use AI doesn’t automatically give you better content.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why “hire a writer that doesn’t use AI” is trending and what people really want
  • The costs and ROI of human-only writing vs AI-assisted writing
  • When human-only writing does matter (and when it doesn’t)
  • The strategic downside of being anti-AI long-term

🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/107

Grab my private podcast, Build it Once, Get Found For Months: https://thekarareport.com/private-podcast

Sign up for my newsletter: https://thekarareport.com/newsletter

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

]]> Is it possible to hire a writer that doesn't use AI? 

Why do all marketers copy and past from ChatGPT when I could just do it myself?

These conversations and hot takes are driving me crazy over on threads  — like AI automatically equals slop and human-only equals quality. But the real conversation is much more nuanced than that.

In this episode, I’m breaking down what it actually means to hire a writer that doesn’t use AI in 2026 — including the cost, ROI, SEO impact (or lack thereof), and the assumptions business owners are making when they say “no AI.” We’re talking about when human-only writing genuinely makes sense, where AI fails, and why refusing to use AI doesn’t automatically give you better content.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why “hire a writer that doesn’t use AI” is trending and what people really want
  • The costs and ROI of human-only writing vs AI-assisted writing
  • When human-only writing does matter (and when it doesn’t)
  • The strategic downside of being anti-AI long-term

🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/107

Grab my private podcast, Build it Once, Get Found For Months: https://thekarareport.com/private-podcast

Sign up for my newsletter: https://thekarareport.com/newsletter

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

]]> Buzzsprout-18487180 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500 918 107 full false 106 | I QUIT Instagram After Posting for 6 Years... Here's What Happened (And What To Know If You Want To Do The Same) 106 | I QUIT Instagram After Posting for 6 Years... Here's What Happened (And What To Know If You Want To Do The Same) Quitting Instagram is often framed as dramatic, impulsive, or reckless — like you either delete the app overnight or you’re “doing business wrong.” But the real conversation is more nuanced than that.

In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of why I quit Instagram after six years — not out of burnout or frustration alone, but after looking closely at my data, time investment, and actual return. We’re talking about what really happens when Instagram stops being a growth channel, how to tell if it’s still serving your business, and what needs to be in place before you step away.

This is the honest, strategic conversation I wish more people were having — especially for business owners who feel stuck on Instagram but aren’t sure they’re allowed to leave. Whether you’re thinking about posting less, going nine-grid, or quitting altogether, this episode will help you make the decision intentionally (not emotionally or reactively).

If Instagram has been draining your energy, eating up your time, or quietly not working the way you hoped — this episode will help you figure out what to do next.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why I quit Instagram after giving it a real, consistent try
  • The data that made the decision clear (and what surprised me)
  • The difference between using Instagram as a growth channel vs a nurture channel
  • What to ask yourself before quitting or slowing down on Instagram
  • How I’m marketing and nurturing clients without relying on Instagram
  • How to make stepping back look intentional (not like you disappeared)

🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/106

Listen to Episode 100 (Instagram-free business examples): https://thekarareport.com/100

Grab my private podcast, Build it Once, Get Found For Months: https://thekarareport.com/private-podcast

Sign up for my newsletter: https://thekarareport.com/newsletter

Grab the Enji state of small business report: https://www.enji.co/state-of-small-business-report-2025?ref=ywmwndy

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

]]> Quitting Instagram is often framed as dramatic, impulsive, or reckless — like you either delete the app overnight or you’re “doing business wrong.” But the real conversation is more nuanced than that.

In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of why I quit Instagram after six years — not out of burnout or frustration alone, but after looking closely at my data, time investment, and actual return. We’re talking about what really happens when Instagram stops being a growth channel, how to tell if it’s still serving your business, and what needs to be in place before you step away.

This is the honest, strategic conversation I wish more people were having — especially for business owners who feel stuck on Instagram but aren’t sure they’re allowed to leave. Whether you’re thinking about posting less, going nine-grid, or quitting altogether, this episode will help you make the decision intentionally (not emotionally or reactively).

If Instagram has been draining your energy, eating up your time, or quietly not working the way you hoped — this episode will help you figure out what to do next.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why I quit Instagram after giving it a real, consistent try
  • The data that made the decision clear (and what surprised me)
  • The difference between using Instagram as a growth channel vs a nurture channel
  • What to ask yourself before quitting or slowing down on Instagram
  • How I’m marketing and nurturing clients without relying on Instagram
  • How to make stepping back look intentional (not like you disappeared)

🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/106

Listen to Episode 100 (Instagram-free business examples): https://thekarareport.com/100

Grab my private podcast, Build it Once, Get Found For Months: https://thekarareport.com/private-podcast

Sign up for my newsletter: https://thekarareport.com/newsletter

Grab the Enji state of small business report: https://www.enji.co/state-of-small-business-report-2025?ref=ywmwndy

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

]]> Buzzsprout-18461577 Tue, 13 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500 1485 106 full false 105 | 2026 Business Goals: What ChatGPT Got Right (and Wrong), What I'm Prioritizing This Year, and Why It's Not Going To Be a Growth Year 105 | 2026 Business Goals: What ChatGPT Got Right (and Wrong), What I'm Prioritizing This Year, and Why It's Not Going To Be a Growth Year In this episode, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at how I approached my 2026 business goals after a big year of growth. From experimenting with AI for planning, to realizing what I don’t want my business to turn into, this conversation is more about intention than ambition (although let's be honest... there's plenty of ambition lol).

I’m not offering a perfect framework or a 10-step plan. Instead, I’m walking through the questions, trade-offs, and decisions shaping the way I’m moving into 2026 and why I’m choosing to build differently this year.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • How I approached setting my 2026 business goals
  • What I liked about planning with AI clarified (and what I didn’t)
  • The three focus areas guiding my decisions this year
  • How I’m thinking about time, profit, and sustainability in 2026


🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/105

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services 

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

]]> In this episode, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at how I approached my 2026 business goals after a big year of growth. From experimenting with AI for planning, to realizing what I don’t want my business to turn into, this conversation is more about intention than ambition (although let's be honest... there's plenty of ambition lol).

I’m not offering a perfect framework or a 10-step plan. Instead, I’m walking through the questions, trade-offs, and decisions shaping the way I’m moving into 2026 and why I’m choosing to build differently this year.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • How I approached setting my 2026 business goals
  • What I liked about planning with AI clarified (and what I didn’t)
  • The three focus areas guiding my decisions this year
  • How I’m thinking about time, profit, and sustainability in 2026


🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/105

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services 

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

]]> Buzzsprout-18454679 Tue, 06 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500 2174 105 full false 104 | 2 Years of Podcasting About Business & Marketing (My Favorite Moments!) 104 | 2 Years of Podcasting About Business & Marketing (My Favorite Moments!) Two years. Over a hundred conversations. Countless moments where I hit record not knowing what would come out on the other side and somehow, it all added up to this. Instead of doing a neat, polished recap or a predictable year-end episode, I wanted to do something more honest (and more fun). 

You’ll hear pieces from the very beginning, when everything was scrappier (and yet also, more scripted). There are moments I forgot I ever shared, lessons I didn’t realize I was still carrying, and ideas that feel even more relevant now than they did when I first said them out loud. It’s not a highlight reel in the glossy sense — it’s more like flipping through the margins of a notebook I’ve been writing in for years.

Mostly, this episode is a thank-you. If you’ve been here since the beginning or you’re brand new, I hope you love this little recap!


Episodes Mentioned:


🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/104

Check out our sponsor Enji (the best social media scheduler for small business owners: https://thekarareport.com/enji

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services 

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

]]> Two years. Over a hundred conversations. Countless moments where I hit record not knowing what would come out on the other side and somehow, it all added up to this. Instead of doing a neat, polished recap or a predictable year-end episode, I wanted to do something more honest (and more fun). 

You’ll hear pieces from the very beginning, when everything was scrappier (and yet also, more scripted). There are moments I forgot I ever shared, lessons I didn’t realize I was still carrying, and ideas that feel even more relevant now than they did when I first said them out loud. It’s not a highlight reel in the glossy sense — it’s more like flipping through the margins of a notebook I’ve been writing in for years.

Mostly, this episode is a thank-you. If you’ve been here since the beginning or you’re brand new, I hope you love this little recap!


Episodes Mentioned:


🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/104

Check out our sponsor Enji (the best social media scheduler for small business owners: https://thekarareport.com/enji

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services 

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

]]> Buzzsprout-18394571 Tue, 30 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500 3166 full false 103 | 5 Very Honest Reasons I'd Tell You NOT To Invest In SEO 103 | 5 Very Honest Reasons I'd Tell You NOT To Invest In SEO SEO is often positioned as the obvious next step for business growth but the truth is, it’s not always the right investment right now.

In this episode, I’m sharing a very honest breakdown of when SEO doesn’t make sense, when you should wait, and when investing too early can actually slow you down instead of helping you grow. This isn’t anti-SEO (far from it). It’s about timing, resources, and making strategic decisions based on how your business actually works (not what the internet is shouting at you).

We’re also talking about what’s changing in search right now, including a major Google Search Console update and why big companies doubling down on SEO signals that search-driven marketing is still very much alive — just evolving.

This episode is for business owners who want clarity, not hype. If you’ve been feeling pressure to “do SEO” but aren’t sure it’s the right move yet, this conversation will help you decide what makes sense for you and what doesn’t.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why SEO isn’t always the smartest investment in the early stages of business
  • When it’s better to wait instead of spending thousands on SEO
  • How a leaky conversion funnel can make SEO traffic useless
  • What to consider if you’re in a highly competitive niche
  • Why some offers don’t benefit much from content-driven SEO
  • The four main types of search intent and which ones blogging actually supports
  • What recent changes in Google Search Console signal about the future of search

🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/103

Check out my batch blog packages (available for a limited time): https://thekarareport.com/batch

Adobe acquiring SEMRush: https://news.adobe.com/news/2025/11/adobe-to-acquire-semrush

Google Search Console Update: https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2025/12/social-channels-search-console

Check out our sponsor Enji (a social media scheduler built for small business owners): https://thekarareport.com/enji

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

Guest episodes mentioned:

Episode 267 of Business First Creatives Podcast talking about Selling Through CRM Emails

Episode 67 Of Podcast Cafe talking about Podcast SEO

]]> SEO is often positioned as the obvious next step for business growth but the truth is, it’s not always the right investment right now.

In this episode, I’m sharing a very honest breakdown of when SEO doesn’t make sense, when you should wait, and when investing too early can actually slow you down instead of helping you grow. This isn’t anti-SEO (far from it). It’s about timing, resources, and making strategic decisions based on how your business actually works (not what the internet is shouting at you).

We’re also talking about what’s changing in search right now, including a major Google Search Console update and why big companies doubling down on SEO signals that search-driven marketing is still very much alive — just evolving.

This episode is for business owners who want clarity, not hype. If you’ve been feeling pressure to “do SEO” but aren’t sure it’s the right move yet, this conversation will help you decide what makes sense for you and what doesn’t.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why SEO isn’t always the smartest investment in the early stages of business
  • When it’s better to wait instead of spending thousands on SEO
  • How a leaky conversion funnel can make SEO traffic useless
  • What to consider if you’re in a highly competitive niche
  • Why some offers don’t benefit much from content-driven SEO
  • The four main types of search intent and which ones blogging actually supports
  • What recent changes in Google Search Console signal about the future of search

🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/103

Check out my batch blog packages (available for a limited time): https://thekarareport.com/batch

Adobe acquiring SEMRush: https://news.adobe.com/news/2025/11/adobe-to-acquire-semrush

Google Search Console Update: https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2025/12/social-channels-search-console

Check out our sponsor Enji (a social media scheduler built for small business owners): https://thekarareport.com/enji

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

Guest episodes mentioned:

Episode 267 of Business First Creatives Podcast talking about Selling Through CRM Emails

Episode 67 Of Podcast Cafe talking about Podcast SEO

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-18386812 Tue, 23 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0500 1344 103 full false 102 | You Don’t Actually Need to Blog Every Week (Here’s When Batching Wins) 102 | You Don’t Actually Need to Blog Every Week (Here’s When Batching Wins) Blogging for SEO is often positioned as an all-or-nothing commitment — post every single week or don’t bother at all. But that advice leaves out something important: real life, real business seasons, and real capacity.

In this episode, I’m breaking down when batching blog posts can actually be a smarter, more strategic move than weekly publishing. We’re talking nuance, not absolutes — and how to build long-term visibility on Google without burning yourself out or abandoning blogging altogether.

This is the behind-the-scenes strategy conversation I’m having with clients who want SEO to work for them, even when weekly consistency isn’t realistic. Whether you’re pivoting, launching something new, short on time, or just craving a more sustainable approach, this episode will help you decide what actually makes sense for your business.

If blogging has been sitting on your 2026 to-do list — or you’ve been feeling guilty for not keeping up — this episode is your permission slip and your strategy guide.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why weekly blogging isn’t always the smartest SEO strategy
  • When batching blog posts makes more sense than consistent publishing
  • How to use blog batching without hurting your rankings
  • What to look at before deciding how often you “should” blog
  • How batched blogs can support SEO, visibility, and client trust long-term
  • The seasons of business where batching is especially powerful

🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/102

Check out my batch blog packages (available for a limited time): https://thekarareport.com/batch

Check out our sponsor Enji (a social media scheduler built for small business owners): https://thekarareport.com/enji

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

]]> Blogging for SEO is often positioned as an all-or-nothing commitment — post every single week or don’t bother at all. But that advice leaves out something important: real life, real business seasons, and real capacity.

In this episode, I’m breaking down when batching blog posts can actually be a smarter, more strategic move than weekly publishing. We’re talking nuance, not absolutes — and how to build long-term visibility on Google without burning yourself out or abandoning blogging altogether.

This is the behind-the-scenes strategy conversation I’m having with clients who want SEO to work for them, even when weekly consistency isn’t realistic. Whether you’re pivoting, launching something new, short on time, or just craving a more sustainable approach, this episode will help you decide what actually makes sense for your business.

If blogging has been sitting on your 2026 to-do list — or you’ve been feeling guilty for not keeping up — this episode is your permission slip and your strategy guide.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why weekly blogging isn’t always the smartest SEO strategy
  • When batching blog posts makes more sense than consistent publishing
  • How to use blog batching without hurting your rankings
  • What to look at before deciding how often you “should” blog
  • How batched blogs can support SEO, visibility, and client trust long-term
  • The seasons of business where batching is especially powerful

🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/102

Check out my batch blog packages (available for a limited time): https://thekarareport.com/batch

Check out our sponsor Enji (a social media scheduler built for small business owners): https://thekarareport.com/enji

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-18319780 Tue, 16 Dec 2025 18:00:00 -0500 1467 full false 101 | Ask Me Anything: About Work-life Balance, AI-assisted Writing in Search Results, and How Being The "Cool Boss" Nearly Blew Up My Business 101 | Ask Me Anything: About Work-life Balance, AI-assisted Writing in Search Results, and How Being The "Cool Boss" Nearly Blew Up My Business In this episode, I’m answering your Ask Me ANYTHING questions with as much honesty, nuance, and context as possible — from whether AI-written blogs can truly rank, to how I manage my workload as a mom, to the biggest mistake I made in my first business. It truly is a mix of personal, behind-the-scenes things about how I run both of my businesses, plus a handful of strategy questions you were curious about.

 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Does a blog written by ChatGPT perform as well as one you write yourself? (03:18)
  • Are people using Pinterest as much as they used to? (08:45)
  • If you were to start a new business from scratch, what would be your marketing plan? (11:30)
  • What's been the hardest lesson you've learned as a business owner? (14:12)
  • What was the turning point when you realized your business had real momentum? (22:50)
  • Do you have any work/life balance tips as a mom (besides daycare)? (29:16)
  • How do you come up with new content ideas for clients? (40:50)
  • How do you make sure that the content you create for clients aligns with their ICA and aesthetic (Pinterest pins)? (42:39)
  • What projects (in life or business) are lighting you up right now? (50:36)
  • If you had to start from scratch today, what would you do differently? (52:24)
  • What are your thoughts on Google ads? Are they helpful? (55:39)
  • What did it look like to go from your destination wedding business to marketing and what role do you play in that first business now? (57:08)


🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/101

Check out our sponsor Enji (the best social media scheduler for small business owners): https://thekarareport.com/enji

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services 

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

]]> In this episode, I’m answering your Ask Me ANYTHING questions with as much honesty, nuance, and context as possible — from whether AI-written blogs can truly rank, to how I manage my workload as a mom, to the biggest mistake I made in my first business. It truly is a mix of personal, behind-the-scenes things about how I run both of my businesses, plus a handful of strategy questions you were curious about.

 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Does a blog written by ChatGPT perform as well as one you write yourself? (03:18)
  • Are people using Pinterest as much as they used to? (08:45)
  • If you were to start a new business from scratch, what would be your marketing plan? (11:30)
  • What's been the hardest lesson you've learned as a business owner? (14:12)
  • What was the turning point when you realized your business had real momentum? (22:50)
  • Do you have any work/life balance tips as a mom (besides daycare)? (29:16)
  • How do you come up with new content ideas for clients? (40:50)
  • How do you make sure that the content you create for clients aligns with their ICA and aesthetic (Pinterest pins)? (42:39)
  • What projects (in life or business) are lighting you up right now? (50:36)
  • If you had to start from scratch today, what would you do differently? (52:24)
  • What are your thoughts on Google ads? Are they helpful? (55:39)
  • What did it look like to go from your destination wedding business to marketing and what role do you play in that first business now? (57:08)


🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/101

Check out our sponsor Enji (the best social media scheduler for small business owners): https://thekarareport.com/enji

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services 

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

]]> Buzzsprout-18184771 Tue, 09 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500 4233 101 full false 100 | 3 of My Clients Run Completely Instagram-Free Businesses (Here's How!) 100 | 3 of My Clients Run Completely Instagram-Free Businesses (Here's How!) Marketing your business without Instagram sounds impossible… until you see the real strategies successful business owners are using every day. While the online space can make it seem like Instagram is the place to grow, convert, and stay relevant, the truth is far more nuanced — and far more freeing.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on three very different businesses that thrive completely off Instagram. We’re talking real funnels, real marketing strategies, and real results… without the constant posting, burnout, or algorithm guessing game. These are the conversations that usually stay inside private client calls, but today you get a peek behind the scenes.

Whether you’re craving a break from Instagram, wondering if you could ever grow without it, or just want confirmation that other paths do exist, this episode will give you ideas, clarity, and maybe even a little relief.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The surprising truth about businesses thriving without Instagram
  • What real marketing looks like when social media isn’t part of the strategy
  • How three successful business owners get clients, traffic, and sales
  • Why these off-Instagram funnels work — and what you can learn from them
  • What to consider if you’re rethinking your relationship with Instagram


🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/100

Check out our sponsor Enji (the best social media scheduler for small business owners: https://thekarareport.com/enji

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services 

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

]]> Marketing your business without Instagram sounds impossible… until you see the real strategies successful business owners are using every day. While the online space can make it seem like Instagram is the place to grow, convert, and stay relevant, the truth is far more nuanced — and far more freeing.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on three very different businesses that thrive completely off Instagram. We’re talking real funnels, real marketing strategies, and real results… without the constant posting, burnout, or algorithm guessing game. These are the conversations that usually stay inside private client calls, but today you get a peek behind the scenes.

Whether you’re craving a break from Instagram, wondering if you could ever grow without it, or just want confirmation that other paths do exist, this episode will give you ideas, clarity, and maybe even a little relief.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The surprising truth about businesses thriving without Instagram
  • What real marketing looks like when social media isn’t part of the strategy
  • How three successful business owners get clients, traffic, and sales
  • Why these off-Instagram funnels work — and what you can learn from them
  • What to consider if you’re rethinking your relationship with Instagram


🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/100

Check out our sponsor Enji (the best social media scheduler for small business owners: https://thekarareport.com/enji

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services 

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-18225723 Tue, 25 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500 1673 100 full false 99 | 99 Episodes Later: The BRUTAL Truth About Podcasting (If Podcasters Were Honest) 99 | 99 Episodes Later: The BRUTAL Truth About Podcasting (If Podcasters Were Honest) Podcasting looks simple from the outside, but once you’re actually doing it — especially as a business owner — there are so many hidden cons to starting (and having!) a podcast that no one warns you about. From confusing data to low listener engagement to the myth of effortless batching, running a podcast can feel like you’re constantly troubleshooting, adjusting, and deciding whether the effort is paying off.

In this episode, I’m walking you through the honest truth about podcasting that most people in the online space never talk about. After nearly two years and almost 100 episodes, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes realities... the ones that usually never leave a private voxer conversation.

Whether you’re thinking about starting a podcast in 2026, already have a show you’re trying to grow, or simply want a more realistic picture of what consistent podcasting looks like (so you can feel like you're not so alone!), this episode is for you.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The side of podcasting most people never mention
  • How podcasting really impacts your business
  • What I’ve learned after nearly two years and 100 episodes
  • How to think about growth, engagement, and momentum
  • The mindset shifts that make podcasting more sustainable


🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/99

Check out our sponsor Enji (the best social media scheduler for small business owners: https://thekarareport.com/enji

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services 

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

]]> Podcasting looks simple from the outside, but once you’re actually doing it — especially as a business owner — there are so many hidden cons to starting (and having!) a podcast that no one warns you about. From confusing data to low listener engagement to the myth of effortless batching, running a podcast can feel like you’re constantly troubleshooting, adjusting, and deciding whether the effort is paying off.

In this episode, I’m walking you through the honest truth about podcasting that most people in the online space never talk about. After nearly two years and almost 100 episodes, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes realities... the ones that usually never leave a private voxer conversation.

Whether you’re thinking about starting a podcast in 2026, already have a show you’re trying to grow, or simply want a more realistic picture of what consistent podcasting looks like (so you can feel like you're not so alone!), this episode is for you.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The side of podcasting most people never mention
  • How podcasting really impacts your business
  • What I’ve learned after nearly two years and 100 episodes
  • How to think about growth, engagement, and momentum
  • The mindset shifts that make podcasting more sustainable


🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/99

Check out our sponsor Enji (the best social media scheduler for small business owners: https://thekarareport.com/enji

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services 

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

]]> Buzzsprout-18191065 Tue, 18 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500 1856 99 full false 98 | The ONE Simple Marketing Funnel I’d Build If I Had To Start My Business Over Again 98 | The ONE Simple Marketing Funnel I’d Build If I Had To Start My Business Over Again We all know the online marketing world can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re surrounded by complicated funnels, pressure to automate everything, and endless talk about “low-ticket ascension models.” If you’ve been craving simplicity or wondering what you’d do if you had to start your business from scratch, this episode is your permission slip to pare it all the way back.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the exact simple marketing funnel I’d use if I were rebuilding my business tomorrow — no bells, no whistles, no 57-email sequences. Just the foundational pieces that actually move the needle: a mid-ticket offer, a minimum-viable website, content that builds authority, and a visibility strategy rooted in real conversations, not cold pitching or passive posting.

Whether you’re pivoting, starting fresh, or trying to get out of the “referrals and Instagram-only” cycle, this episode gives you a grounded, actionable path for building momentum quickly without burning out or overcomplicating things. We’re talking clarity, confidence, and cash flow — the sustainable way.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why I’d choose a mid-ticket offer
  • What your five-page “minimum infrastructure” website should include
  • Building the quiet engine behind this simple funnel
  • Your visibility plan to get in front of more people fast
  • Frequently asked questions about a simple marketing funnel


🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/98

Check out our sponsor Enji (the best social media scheduler for small business owners: https://thekarareport.com/enji

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services 

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

]]> We all know the online marketing world can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re surrounded by complicated funnels, pressure to automate everything, and endless talk about “low-ticket ascension models.” If you’ve been craving simplicity or wondering what you’d do if you had to start your business from scratch, this episode is your permission slip to pare it all the way back.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the exact simple marketing funnel I’d use if I were rebuilding my business tomorrow — no bells, no whistles, no 57-email sequences. Just the foundational pieces that actually move the needle: a mid-ticket offer, a minimum-viable website, content that builds authority, and a visibility strategy rooted in real conversations, not cold pitching or passive posting.

Whether you’re pivoting, starting fresh, or trying to get out of the “referrals and Instagram-only” cycle, this episode gives you a grounded, actionable path for building momentum quickly without burning out or overcomplicating things. We’re talking clarity, confidence, and cash flow — the sustainable way.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why I’d choose a mid-ticket offer
  • What your five-page “minimum infrastructure” website should include
  • Building the quiet engine behind this simple funnel
  • Your visibility plan to get in front of more people fast
  • Frequently asked questions about a simple marketing funnel


🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/98

Check out our sponsor Enji (the best social media scheduler for small business owners: https://thekarareport.com/enji

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services 

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-18140794 Tue, 11 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500 1751 98 full false 97 | ChatGPT Atlas Review (8 Things I Tried, First Impressions, + A Candid Conversation About Whether Or Not It Will Replace Chrome) 97 | ChatGPT Atlas Review (8 Things I Tried, First Impressions, + A Candid Conversation About Whether Or Not It Will Replace Chrome) We all know that AI talk can feel both thrilling and slightly terrifying — and if you’re anything like me, you might’ve been firmly in the “Chrome forever” camp… until now. After spending the last week and a half inside ChatGPT’s new browser, I’m bringing you a true ChatGPT Atlas review — not hype, not theory, but exactly how I’ve been using it inside my real workflows as a business owner and creator.

In this episode, I'm walking you through eight specific use cases that saved me time, sparked ideas, or changed how I write and market online. This isn't a “prompts hacks” episode: this is how Atlas feels, functions, and fits into everyday life when you run a business and want to protect your voice, your workflows, and your humanity in the content you create.

If you’ve been wondering, “Is ChatGPT Atlas actually worth it?” or “Could this replace Chrome?” this episode is your starting point. Let’s talk pros, limitations, Agent Mode experiments, and whether this is tech you should actually invest your time in right now.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why my ChatGPT Atlas review starts with healthy skepticism
  • How Atlas analyzed my website in seconds (and what it got right + wrong)
  • Ways I used Chat GPT Atlas this week (what I loved and didn't)
  • My Agent Mode test on Pinterest 
  • The underrated feature I didn’t expect to love
  • Will Atlas replace Chrome? The honest answer


🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/97

Check out our sponsor Enji (the best social media scheduler for small business owners: https://thekarareport.com/enji

The post I mentioned about Big Tech not aligning with our values (which is another reason I love Enji): https://www.instagram.com/p/DQHl8-lCXJx/

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services 

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

]]> We all know that AI talk can feel both thrilling and slightly terrifying — and if you’re anything like me, you might’ve been firmly in the “Chrome forever” camp… until now. After spending the last week and a half inside ChatGPT’s new browser, I’m bringing you a true ChatGPT Atlas review — not hype, not theory, but exactly how I’ve been using it inside my real workflows as a business owner and creator.

In this episode, I'm walking you through eight specific use cases that saved me time, sparked ideas, or changed how I write and market online. This isn't a “prompts hacks” episode: this is how Atlas feels, functions, and fits into everyday life when you run a business and want to protect your voice, your workflows, and your humanity in the content you create.

If you’ve been wondering, “Is ChatGPT Atlas actually worth it?” or “Could this replace Chrome?” this episode is your starting point. Let’s talk pros, limitations, Agent Mode experiments, and whether this is tech you should actually invest your time in right now.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why my ChatGPT Atlas review starts with healthy skepticism
  • How Atlas analyzed my website in seconds (and what it got right + wrong)
  • Ways I used Chat GPT Atlas this week (what I loved and didn't)
  • My Agent Mode test on Pinterest 
  • The underrated feature I didn’t expect to love
  • Will Atlas replace Chrome? The honest answer


🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/97

Check out our sponsor Enji (the best social media scheduler for small business owners: https://thekarareport.com/enji

The post I mentioned about Big Tech not aligning with our values (which is another reason I love Enji): https://www.instagram.com/p/DQHl8-lCXJx/

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services 

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-18111778 Tue, 04 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0500 2153 97 full false 96 | 8 Things I've Learned From Obsessively Watching Youtubers 96 | 8 Things I've Learned From Obsessively Watching Youtubers We all know that watching YouTube can feel like both education and escapism — but lately, it’s also been a masterclass in marketing. After bingeing everything from home makeovers to productivity vlogs, I’ve realized that the best creators on YouTube are teaching small business owners something deeper: how to show up online with more confidence, personality, and longevity.

In this episode, I’m sharing eight lessons I’ve learned that you can apply to your own marketing even if you never post a single YouTube video. From letting your personality shine to building long-lasting assets that compound over time, these are the takeaways that will make your content feel less forced, more fun, and way more effective.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The #1 reason personality matters more than polish
  • What “weird is good” really means for your brand
  • How effort, opinions, and pattern interrupts change retention
  • Why community never happens by accident
  • A reminder to build assets that last longer than a trend


🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/96

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services 

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

]]> We all know that watching YouTube can feel like both education and escapism — but lately, it’s also been a masterclass in marketing. After bingeing everything from home makeovers to productivity vlogs, I’ve realized that the best creators on YouTube are teaching small business owners something deeper: how to show up online with more confidence, personality, and longevity.

In this episode, I’m sharing eight lessons I’ve learned that you can apply to your own marketing even if you never post a single YouTube video. From letting your personality shine to building long-lasting assets that compound over time, these are the takeaways that will make your content feel less forced, more fun, and way more effective.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The #1 reason personality matters more than polish
  • What “weird is good” really means for your brand
  • How effort, opinions, and pattern interrupts change retention
  • Why community never happens by accident
  • A reminder to build assets that last longer than a trend


🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/96

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services 

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-18057550 Tue, 28 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400 1943 96 full false 95 | Debunking The Biggest Pinterest Myths I Hear As A Pinterest Manager: What Actually Works in 2025 95 | Debunking The Biggest Pinterest Myths I Hear As A Pinterest Manager: What Actually Works in 2025 We’ve all heard them: “Pinterest doesn’t work anymore.” “It’s only for recipes and DIY.” “You need to post 35 times a day to see results.” But what if those Pinterest myths are actually keeping your business from one of the most powerful organic traffic tools out there?

In this episode, I’m breaking down the biggest misconceptions about Pinterest — and sharing what actually drives results in 2025. Whether you’re a coach, service provider, or e-commerce brand, Pinterest is still one of the best ways to drive long-term traffic, build brand authority, and turn cold audiences into loyal customers.

And here’s the thing: you don’t need to be a full-time creator or spend hours pinning every day. You just need a strategy that’s rooted in how Pinterest actually works — not how it used to work.

If you’ve been sleeping on Pinterest because of outdated advice, this episode is going to change how you see the platform for good.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Pinterest is a “cherry-on-top” strategy that amplifies what’s already working in your marketing
  • Examples of niches Pinterest will work for
  • Why Pinterest traffic does convert (and how to capture cold traffic effectively)
  • What Pinterest SEO actually looks like now (it’s not just keywords)
  • How AI is changing Pinterest search and what it means for your content
  • What separates the accounts that give up after a month from the ones that see lasting results



🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/95

Pinterest episodes to binge next: 

- How to get sales from Pinterest: Episode 13

- What's working on Pinterest in 2025: Episode 62

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

]]> We’ve all heard them: “Pinterest doesn’t work anymore.” “It’s only for recipes and DIY.” “You need to post 35 times a day to see results.” But what if those Pinterest myths are actually keeping your business from one of the most powerful organic traffic tools out there?

In this episode, I’m breaking down the biggest misconceptions about Pinterest — and sharing what actually drives results in 2025. Whether you’re a coach, service provider, or e-commerce brand, Pinterest is still one of the best ways to drive long-term traffic, build brand authority, and turn cold audiences into loyal customers.

And here’s the thing: you don’t need to be a full-time creator or spend hours pinning every day. You just need a strategy that’s rooted in how Pinterest actually works — not how it used to work.

If you’ve been sleeping on Pinterest because of outdated advice, this episode is going to change how you see the platform for good.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Pinterest is a “cherry-on-top” strategy that amplifies what’s already working in your marketing
  • Examples of niches Pinterest will work for
  • Why Pinterest traffic does convert (and how to capture cold traffic effectively)
  • What Pinterest SEO actually looks like now (it’s not just keywords)
  • How AI is changing Pinterest search and what it means for your content
  • What separates the accounts that give up after a month from the ones that see lasting results



🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/95

Pinterest episodes to binge next: 

- How to get sales from Pinterest: Episode 13

- What's working on Pinterest in 2025: Episode 62

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-18025053 Tue, 21 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400 1536 95 full false 94 | How to Build a Profitable Online Community (Even in 2025) with Michelle Vroom 94 | How to Build a Profitable Online Community (Even in 2025) with Michelle Vroom We’ve all heard it: “Facebook groups are dead.” But what if that’s the biggest missed opportunity in your marketing right now? In an era where algorithms change daily and connection feels harder than ever, community-driven marketing might just be your most reliable growth channel.

And btw - if you’re thinking, “I don’t want to be on Facebook,” this episode is still 100% for you. Because today’s conversation isn’t really about Facebook — it’s about how to build genuine relationships that turn into revenue, no matter where you show up online.

I’m joined by marketing coach Michelle Vroom, who’s built a multiple six-figure business by focusing on community over content and connection over algorithms. We talk about why smaller, more personal spaces are thriving in 2025, how to turn your audience into loyal buyers, and what it actually looks like to build trust in a world that’s increasingly automated.

Even if your platform of choice is Instagram, Substack, Slack, or a private email list — this episode will show you how to create a community that converts without burning yourself out trying to “go viral.”

If you’ve been craving a marketing strategy that feels more human, this one’s a must-listen.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why “Facebook groups are dead” is one of the biggest marketing myths
  • How to apply Michelle’s strategies to any community platform (not just Facebook)
  • The “destination event” method that turns followers into clients
  • Why smaller, more personal communities are outperforming large audiences
  • The role of trust and conversation in a post-AI marketing world
  • How to re-engage a quiet audience and turn it into a profitable one


🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/94

Join Michelle's Facebook Group (and Message Her For Her Free Engagement Cheat Sheet): https://www.facebook.com/groups/marketlikeabossgroup

Follow Michelle on Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/marketlikeabossmv/

Learn more about Michelle Vroom: https://michellevroom.com/

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services 

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

]]> We’ve all heard it: “Facebook groups are dead.” But what if that’s the biggest missed opportunity in your marketing right now? In an era where algorithms change daily and connection feels harder than ever, community-driven marketing might just be your most reliable growth channel.

And btw - if you’re thinking, “I don’t want to be on Facebook,” this episode is still 100% for you. Because today’s conversation isn’t really about Facebook — it’s about how to build genuine relationships that turn into revenue, no matter where you show up online.

I’m joined by marketing coach Michelle Vroom, who’s built a multiple six-figure business by focusing on community over content and connection over algorithms. We talk about why smaller, more personal spaces are thriving in 2025, how to turn your audience into loyal buyers, and what it actually looks like to build trust in a world that’s increasingly automated.

Even if your platform of choice is Instagram, Substack, Slack, or a private email list — this episode will show you how to create a community that converts without burning yourself out trying to “go viral.”

If you’ve been craving a marketing strategy that feels more human, this one’s a must-listen.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why “Facebook groups are dead” is one of the biggest marketing myths
  • How to apply Michelle’s strategies to any community platform (not just Facebook)
  • The “destination event” method that turns followers into clients
  • Why smaller, more personal communities are outperforming large audiences
  • The role of trust and conversation in a post-AI marketing world
  • How to re-engage a quiet audience and turn it into a profitable one


🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/94

Join Michelle's Facebook Group (and Message Her For Her Free Engagement Cheat Sheet): https://www.facebook.com/groups/marketlikeabossgroup

Follow Michelle on Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/marketlikeabossmv/

Learn more about Michelle Vroom: https://michellevroom.com/

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services 

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-17990664 Tue, 14 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400 2147 94 full false 93 | The Secret Q4 Marketing Strategy Most Entrepreneurs Skip (and Regret in 2026) 93 | The Secret Q4 Marketing Strategy Most Entrepreneurs Skip (and Regret in 2026) We all know the cycle: pushing out daily Instagram posts, scrambling to keep up with the algorithm, and wondering if it’s even worth it. The highlight reels of “overnight” wins make it seem like short-form content is the only way to grow — but if that’s your only strategy heading into Q4, your future self is going to be exhausted.

In this episode, I’m sharing the marketing play that most entrepreneurs skip until it’s too late: building evergreen content systems. Whether it’s blogging, Pinterest, or other search-driven strategies, Q4 is the best time to plant seeds that will grow into leads, traffic, and sales in 2026.

We’ll talk about why relying only on Instagram is burning you out, how evergreen content gives you marketing assets that keep working in the background, and why now (not January) is the moment to start if you want your business to feel lighter and more sustainable next year.

If you’re ready to move beyond hustle-mode and finally build a marketing strategy that compounds over time, this episode is for you.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why Instagram is the hardest platform to outsource 
  • How blogging + Pinterest can give you momentum for early 2026
  • Evergreen content as an asset (and how one blog post can fuel weeks of marketing)
  • The exact Q4 planning process I use with clients to set them up for the new year
  • Why AI search (like ChatGPT and Bing) changes the game for long-tail content
  • A tough-love reminder: if you wait until January, you’ll miss your best window


🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/93 

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services 

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

]]> We all know the cycle: pushing out daily Instagram posts, scrambling to keep up with the algorithm, and wondering if it’s even worth it. The highlight reels of “overnight” wins make it seem like short-form content is the only way to grow — but if that’s your only strategy heading into Q4, your future self is going to be exhausted.

In this episode, I’m sharing the marketing play that most entrepreneurs skip until it’s too late: building evergreen content systems. Whether it’s blogging, Pinterest, or other search-driven strategies, Q4 is the best time to plant seeds that will grow into leads, traffic, and sales in 2026.

We’ll talk about why relying only on Instagram is burning you out, how evergreen content gives you marketing assets that keep working in the background, and why now (not January) is the moment to start if you want your business to feel lighter and more sustainable next year.

If you’re ready to move beyond hustle-mode and finally build a marketing strategy that compounds over time, this episode is for you.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why Instagram is the hardest platform to outsource 
  • How blogging + Pinterest can give you momentum for early 2026
  • Evergreen content as an asset (and how one blog post can fuel weeks of marketing)
  • The exact Q4 planning process I use with clients to set them up for the new year
  • Why AI search (like ChatGPT and Bing) changes the game for long-tail content
  • A tough-love reminder: if you wait until January, you’ll miss your best window


🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/93 

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services 

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-17951138 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400 1825 93 full false 92 | BTS with Kara & Laura: Client Graduations, Summer Breaks, and Agency Dreams 92 | BTS with Kara & Laura: Client Graduations, Summer Breaks, and Agency Dreams We all see the highlight reels online — $100K launches from one post, “overnight” wins, and the myth that scaling is seamless. But the truth of running a business looks a lot different behind the scenes.

In this episode, I’m kicking off a brand-new quarterly series with my business BFF, Laura Milroy. Every few months, we’ll sit down to share what’s actually happening inside our businesses — the wins we’re celebrating, the pivots we’re making, and the uncomfortable conversations that come with growth.

In this first check-in, we talk about why taking a summer off wasn’t the death of Laura’s business, how cutting $800 worth of subscriptions changed my margins, and why scaling always comes with self-doubt (even after 10+ years in business). You’ll hear the honest, unfiltered version of entrepreneurship that doesn’t show up in polished Instagram posts.

Whether you’re craving a true BTS glimpse of what it looks like to build and sustain a service-based business, or you just want to feel less alone in the messy middle, you’ll love this conversation.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The “client graduation” moment and how to know when you’ve done your job
  • Laura’s shift toward an agency model (and why she’s making more affordable offers, too)
  • The bottleneck problem that happens when you’re “the only one who can do it”
  • Why marketing case studies often gaslight us — and how to reframe your own wins
  • Cutting costs and subscriptions immediately improve your margins
  • The uncomfortable truth: growth always requires making scary decisions


🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/92 

Learn more about working with Laura: https://lauramilroymedia.com

Follow Laura on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauramilroymedia

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services 

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

]]> We all see the highlight reels online — $100K launches from one post, “overnight” wins, and the myth that scaling is seamless. But the truth of running a business looks a lot different behind the scenes.

In this episode, I’m kicking off a brand-new quarterly series with my business BFF, Laura Milroy. Every few months, we’ll sit down to share what’s actually happening inside our businesses — the wins we’re celebrating, the pivots we’re making, and the uncomfortable conversations that come with growth.

In this first check-in, we talk about why taking a summer off wasn’t the death of Laura’s business, how cutting $800 worth of subscriptions changed my margins, and why scaling always comes with self-doubt (even after 10+ years in business). You’ll hear the honest, unfiltered version of entrepreneurship that doesn’t show up in polished Instagram posts.

Whether you’re craving a true BTS glimpse of what it looks like to build and sustain a service-based business, or you just want to feel less alone in the messy middle, you’ll love this conversation.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The “client graduation” moment and how to know when you’ve done your job
  • Laura’s shift toward an agency model (and why she’s making more affordable offers, too)
  • The bottleneck problem that happens when you’re “the only one who can do it”
  • Why marketing case studies often gaslight us — and how to reframe your own wins
  • Cutting costs and subscriptions immediately improve your margins
  • The uncomfortable truth: growth always requires making scary decisions


🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/92 

Learn more about working with Laura: https://lauramilroymedia.com

Follow Laura on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauramilroymedia

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services 

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-17893952 Tue, 30 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400 2501 92 full true 91 | How To Build Powerful Case Studies That Sell Your Offers (Without Overpromising!) with Jocelyn Montemarano 91 | How To Build Powerful Case Studies That Sell Your Offers (Without Overpromising!) with Jocelyn Montemarano We’ve all seen flashy testimonials that shout about $50K launches or $10K months. But most of us don’t have case studies like that—and honestly, even if we did, would they really convince someone that our offer is right for them? Probably not.

In this episode, sales content coach Jocelyn Montemarano breaks down why case studies are the most underutilized (and most powerful) sales tool in your business. She shares her signature “three types of case studies” framework, the Rent the Runway analogy that will completely shift how you think about client stories, and the simple systems you can use to start creating case studies—even if you’ve never tracked a single result before.

Whether you’re tired of relying on screenshots and testimonials, or you want a more grounded, trustworthy way to convert clients, Jocelyn’s approach will help you see why case studies aren’t just about huge results—they’re about giving the right context so your clients can confidently say yes.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why screenshots and testimonials create lurkers but usually don't create buyers
  • The 3 types of case studies (and why you need more than the obvious ones)
  • How to collect client stories retroactively, even if you haven’t tracked results before
  • Her “Rent the Runway” example for making your case studies relatable
  • The reason your case studies haven't made you money yet (that has NOTHING to do with how impressive the results are)


🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/91 

Grab Jocelyn's Case Study Sprint Mini Course For $9 Using The Code KARAREPORT: https://scaleyourresonance.com/case-study-sprint

Learn more about working with Jocelyn: https://scaleyourresonance.com/ 

Follow Jocelyn on Instagram and Threads: https://www.instagram.com/scaleyourresonance

Listen to this interview on the Talk Copy to Me podcast: https://erinollila.com/case-study-interviews-and-capturing-data-with-jocelyn-montemarano/

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services 

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

]]> We’ve all seen flashy testimonials that shout about $50K launches or $10K months. But most of us don’t have case studies like that—and honestly, even if we did, would they really convince someone that our offer is right for them? Probably not.

In this episode, sales content coach Jocelyn Montemarano breaks down why case studies are the most underutilized (and most powerful) sales tool in your business. She shares her signature “three types of case studies” framework, the Rent the Runway analogy that will completely shift how you think about client stories, and the simple systems you can use to start creating case studies—even if you’ve never tracked a single result before.

Whether you’re tired of relying on screenshots and testimonials, or you want a more grounded, trustworthy way to convert clients, Jocelyn’s approach will help you see why case studies aren’t just about huge results—they’re about giving the right context so your clients can confidently say yes.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why screenshots and testimonials create lurkers but usually don't create buyers
  • The 3 types of case studies (and why you need more than the obvious ones)
  • How to collect client stories retroactively, even if you haven’t tracked results before
  • Her “Rent the Runway” example for making your case studies relatable
  • The reason your case studies haven't made you money yet (that has NOTHING to do with how impressive the results are)


🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/91 

Grab Jocelyn's Case Study Sprint Mini Course For $9 Using The Code KARAREPORT: https://scaleyourresonance.com/case-study-sprint

Learn more about working with Jocelyn: https://scaleyourresonance.com/ 

Follow Jocelyn on Instagram and Threads: https://www.instagram.com/scaleyourresonance

Listen to this interview on the Talk Copy to Me podcast: https://erinollila.com/case-study-interviews-and-capturing-data-with-jocelyn-montemarano/

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services 

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

]]> Buzzsprout-17885060 Tue, 23 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400 2409 91 full false 90 | You Are Leaving THOUSANDS On The Table Obsessing Over This (It's Not What You Think) 90 | You Are Leaving THOUSANDS On The Table Obsessing Over This (It's Not What You Think) It’s tempting, right? The promise of passive income: make money while you sleep, sell one course to hundreds, automate your way to freedom. But here’s the thing... chasing passive income too early is probably costing you thousands of dollars.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what really happens when you dive into passive offers before your business is ready. From the hidden costs of customer support to the constant cycle of starting and stopping, you’ll hear why services are often the smarter, more profitable path (especially in your first few years.)

Whether you dream of launching courses and memberships one day or you’re simply tired of hearing “trading time for money” is the worst thing ever, this conversation will show you how service-based businesses can actually give you the freedom, income, and experience you need to scale sustainably.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why the obsession with passive income is costing business owners money
  • The hidden workload of digital products (customer service, updates, and marketing)
  • The “awkward middle stage” no one talks about—and why it’s so draining
  • How services can be scalable, flexible, and profitable (without burning you out)
  • Why building a service-based foundation makes passive income easier later

🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> It’s tempting, right? The promise of passive income: make money while you sleep, sell one course to hundreds, automate your way to freedom. But here’s the thing... chasing passive income too early is probably costing you thousands of dollars.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what really happens when you dive into passive offers before your business is ready. From the hidden costs of customer support to the constant cycle of starting and stopping, you’ll hear why services are often the smarter, more profitable path (especially in your first few years.)

Whether you dream of launching courses and memberships one day or you’re simply tired of hearing “trading time for money” is the worst thing ever, this conversation will show you how service-based businesses can actually give you the freedom, income, and experience you need to scale sustainably.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why the obsession with passive income is costing business owners money
  • The hidden workload of digital products (customer service, updates, and marketing)
  • The “awkward middle stage” no one talks about—and why it’s so draining
  • How services can be scalable, flexible, and profitable (without burning you out)
  • Why building a service-based foundation makes passive income easier later

🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-17829713 Tue, 16 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0400 1153 90 full false 89 | It's Time To Talk About Time Anxiety 89 | It's Time To Talk About Time Anxiety It’s officially September, and that “back-to-business” urgency is real. But along with the fresh start can come a sneaky problem: time anxiety. You know that constant hum of I should be doing more, there’s never enough time, or why can’t I get it all done? Yep—that one.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the biggest lessons I’ve learned from the book Time Anxiety and how I’m applying them in my own life. From decluttering your calendar to finally tackling those dreaded tasks, you’ll hear practical shifts to calm the overwhelm and start feeling in control of your days again.

Whether you’re a mom juggling all the things, a business owner with an endless to-do list, or just someone who always feels like time is slipping away, this conversation will give you fresh ways to think about productivity, priorities, and peace.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What “time anxiety” actually is—and why so many of us feel it
  • The myth of “enough time” (and why letting go is freeing)
  • Three things you can do right now to ease the pressure
  • How to create and use a “to-dread list” to finally get unstuck
  • Four mindset shifts to stop the endless loop of overscheduling

🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> It’s officially September, and that “back-to-business” urgency is real. But along with the fresh start can come a sneaky problem: time anxiety. You know that constant hum of I should be doing more, there’s never enough time, or why can’t I get it all done? Yep—that one.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the biggest lessons I’ve learned from the book Time Anxiety and how I’m applying them in my own life. From decluttering your calendar to finally tackling those dreaded tasks, you’ll hear practical shifts to calm the overwhelm and start feeling in control of your days again.

Whether you’re a mom juggling all the things, a business owner with an endless to-do list, or just someone who always feels like time is slipping away, this conversation will give you fresh ways to think about productivity, priorities, and peace.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What “time anxiety” actually is—and why so many of us feel it
  • The myth of “enough time” (and why letting go is freeing)
  • Three things you can do right now to ease the pressure
  • How to create and use a “to-dread list” to finally get unstuck
  • Four mindset shifts to stop the endless loop of overscheduling

🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-17795240 Tue, 09 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400 1507 89 full false 88 | Tired of the Traditional Launch Model? How She Used Close Friends Stories to Launch (Fast and Easy!) with Brittany Roberts 88 | Tired of the Traditional Launch Model? How She Used Close Friends Stories to Launch (Fast and Easy!) with Brittany Roberts We’ve all heard it before—successful launches require complex funnels, endless emails, and hours on Zoom. But what if you could sell out your program with nothing more than your phone, a little green circle, and a handful of creative ideas?

In this episode, Instagram strategist Brittany Roberts takes us behind the scenes of her most successful (and simplest) launch to date—run entirely through Instagram Close Friends Stories. You’ll hear how she curated 250+ people into an exclusive list, delivered a 3-day teaching series from her couch, and sold out her group program without ever making it public.

Whether you’re burned out on traditional launch models or just craving a more personal way to sell, Brittany’s fresh approach will inspire you to rethink what’s possible when you lead with connection over complexity.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • How Brittany replaced her webinar funnel with Close Friends Stories—and why it worked
  • The step-by-step of building an exclusive Close Friends list from scratch
  • Ways to keep your launch lo-fi without losing impact
  • The small tweaks that turned casual viewers into warm, ready-to-buy leads
  • Why “done is better than perfect” is the secret to faster, easier launches


🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/88 

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services 

Learn more about working with Brittany: https://thesocialbritify.com 

Follow Brittany on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialbritify 

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

]]> We’ve all heard it before—successful launches require complex funnels, endless emails, and hours on Zoom. But what if you could sell out your program with nothing more than your phone, a little green circle, and a handful of creative ideas?

In this episode, Instagram strategist Brittany Roberts takes us behind the scenes of her most successful (and simplest) launch to date—run entirely through Instagram Close Friends Stories. You’ll hear how she curated 250+ people into an exclusive list, delivered a 3-day teaching series from her couch, and sold out her group program without ever making it public.

Whether you’re burned out on traditional launch models or just craving a more personal way to sell, Brittany’s fresh approach will inspire you to rethink what’s possible when you lead with connection over complexity.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • How Brittany replaced her webinar funnel with Close Friends Stories—and why it worked
  • The step-by-step of building an exclusive Close Friends list from scratch
  • Ways to keep your launch lo-fi without losing impact
  • The small tweaks that turned casual viewers into warm, ready-to-buy leads
  • Why “done is better than perfect” is the secret to faster, easier launches


🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/88 

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services 

Learn more about working with Brittany: https://thesocialbritify.com 

Follow Brittany on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialbritify 

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

]]> Buzzsprout-17666455 Tue, 02 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0400 1925 88 full false 87 | So… You Didn’t Market Your Business This Summer? Here's What You Need To Do Now With Tayler Cusick-Hollman 87 | So… You Didn’t Market Your Business This Summer? Here's What You Need To Do Now With Tayler Cusick-Hollman We’ve all been there—you head into summer with big marketing plans, only to look up in August and realize you ghosted your audience for months. Now Q4—the biggest sales season of the year—is around the corner, and panic starts to set in.

This episode is your practical, no-fluff guide to getting back in the game without burning out. Returning guest Tayler from Enji and I talk about how to restart your marketing after a long break, rewarm your audience, and set yourself up for Black Friday success—even if you’ve been MIA since June. From smart content repurposing to strategic pacing, this conversation will help you avoid the “all in, then crash” cycle for good.

Whether you’re a product-based business gearing up for holiday sales or a service provider ready to fill your Q4 calendar, you’ll walk away with a plan you can actually stick to.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why going “all in” right after a break is a recipe for burnout
  • How to reintroduce yourself to your audience without the awkward “sorry I disappeared” post
  • Smart ways to warm up your leads before Black Friday
  • The easiest low-lift content ideas to restart your marketing
  • How to use blogs, old content, and Enji’s repurposing tools to save time
  • Why restraint (and pacing) is key to sustainable marketing


🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/87

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services

Sign Up For a Free Trial With Enji: https://thekarareport.com/enji

Sign Up For the Black Friday Summit (Aug 26-28): http://bit.ly/3HbeagB

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

]]> We’ve all been there—you head into summer with big marketing plans, only to look up in August and realize you ghosted your audience for months. Now Q4—the biggest sales season of the year—is around the corner, and panic starts to set in.

This episode is your practical, no-fluff guide to getting back in the game without burning out. Returning guest Tayler from Enji and I talk about how to restart your marketing after a long break, rewarm your audience, and set yourself up for Black Friday success—even if you’ve been MIA since June. From smart content repurposing to strategic pacing, this conversation will help you avoid the “all in, then crash” cycle for good.

Whether you’re a product-based business gearing up for holiday sales or a service provider ready to fill your Q4 calendar, you’ll walk away with a plan you can actually stick to.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why going “all in” right after a break is a recipe for burnout
  • How to reintroduce yourself to your audience without the awkward “sorry I disappeared” post
  • Smart ways to warm up your leads before Black Friday
  • The easiest low-lift content ideas to restart your marketing
  • How to use blogs, old content, and Enji’s repurposing tools to save time
  • Why restraint (and pacing) is key to sustainable marketing


🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/87

Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services

Sign Up For a Free Trial With Enji: https://thekarareport.com/enji

Sign Up For the Black Friday Summit (Aug 26-28): http://bit.ly/3HbeagB

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

]]> Buzzsprout-17666296 Tue, 26 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0400 2593 87 full false 86 | 5 Random "Rules" I'm Making For Myself (Start Gamifying Your Habits!) 86 | 5 Random "Rules" I'm Making For Myself (Start Gamifying Your Habits!) It’s easy to get caught up in big, lofty goals - more engagement, more sales, more visibility. But sometimes, the key to building momentum isn’t about overhauling your whole life or business. It’s about creating small, intentional rules that keep you consistent, focused, and motivated.

In this episode, I’m sharing a handful of personal “rules” I’ve put in place for myself (some for business, some for everyday life!) that make getting things done a lot more fun. From gamifying my social media engagement to curbing my home décor spending, these little tweaks have had a surprisingly big impact on my consistency, focus, and overall enjoyment of the process.

Whether you’re looking for ways to stay on top of your marketing, tame your inbox anxiety, or finally put those new ideas into action, you’ll find at least one tip here that you can adapt for your own life and business.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • My “active engagement only” rule for social media
  • How I’m gamifying home décor spending to grow my savings
  • The education-to-execution ratio that keeps me from overconsuming content
  • Why numbering my emails and podcast episodes is surprisingly motivating
  • A simple email scheduling hack to reduce anxiety and avoid overwhelm


🔗 Links Mentioned:
Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/86
Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services
Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

]]> It’s easy to get caught up in big, lofty goals - more engagement, more sales, more visibility. But sometimes, the key to building momentum isn’t about overhauling your whole life or business. It’s about creating small, intentional rules that keep you consistent, focused, and motivated.

In this episode, I’m sharing a handful of personal “rules” I’ve put in place for myself (some for business, some for everyday life!) that make getting things done a lot more fun. From gamifying my social media engagement to curbing my home décor spending, these little tweaks have had a surprisingly big impact on my consistency, focus, and overall enjoyment of the process.

Whether you’re looking for ways to stay on top of your marketing, tame your inbox anxiety, or finally put those new ideas into action, you’ll find at least one tip here that you can adapt for your own life and business.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • My “active engagement only” rule for social media
  • How I’m gamifying home décor spending to grow my savings
  • The education-to-execution ratio that keeps me from overconsuming content
  • Why numbering my emails and podcast episodes is surprisingly motivating
  • A simple email scheduling hack to reduce anxiety and avoid overwhelm


🔗 Links Mentioned:
Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/86
Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services
Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

]]> Buzzsprout-17666134 Tue, 19 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0400 634 86 full false 85 | 4 Huge Advantages YOU Have Over 7-Figure Business Owners 85 | 4 Huge Advantages YOU Have Over 7-Figure Business Owners It’s so easy to look at the “OGs” of your industry or those seven-figure business owners and think, Wow, if only I’d started earlier or had that viral moment. Bigger audience, more money, more options—right? But here’s the thing: there are some very real advantages you have right now that they don’t.

This episode is all about flipping the script and recognizing the four hidden advantages you have over those massive businesses—and how you can leverage them today. From the freedom to experiment without a PR crisis to the ability to pivot without dragging an entire team (and audience) along, you might realize you’re in a better position than you thought.

Whether you’re sitting at multi-six figures, just starting out, or somewhere in between, you’ll walk away from this episode seeing your “smaller” business in a whole new light.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why experimentation is a luxury bigger businesses can’t always afford
  • The hidden cost of trying something new when you have a big team
  • How audience expectations can box you in (and why you’re freer than you think)
  • The reality of increased criticism when more eyes are on you
  • Why being nimble is one of your greatest business assets

🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/85
Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services
Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

]]> It’s so easy to look at the “OGs” of your industry or those seven-figure business owners and think, Wow, if only I’d started earlier or had that viral moment. Bigger audience, more money, more options—right? But here’s the thing: there are some very real advantages you have right now that they don’t.

This episode is all about flipping the script and recognizing the four hidden advantages you have over those massive businesses—and how you can leverage them today. From the freedom to experiment without a PR crisis to the ability to pivot without dragging an entire team (and audience) along, you might realize you’re in a better position than you thought.

Whether you’re sitting at multi-six figures, just starting out, or somewhere in between, you’ll walk away from this episode seeing your “smaller” business in a whole new light.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why experimentation is a luxury bigger businesses can’t always afford
  • The hidden cost of trying something new when you have a big team
  • How audience expectations can box you in (and why you’re freer than you think)
  • The reality of increased criticism when more eyes are on you
  • Why being nimble is one of your greatest business assets

🔗 Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/85
Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services
Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

]]> Buzzsprout-17650453 Tue, 12 Aug 2025 08:00:00 -0400 1174 85 full false 84 | 2 Things I Would Tell You If Pinterest Wasn't "Working" 84 | 2 Things I Would Tell You If Pinterest Wasn't "Working" Pinterest can feel like shouting into the void and as a business owner? It's seriously missing the dopamine hits we know and love from other platforms. But before you write it off completely, let’s talk about what might actually be going on under the surface.

This episode is a follow-up to a blog-centric one I did back in Episode 72, but this time, we're zooming in on Pinterest. I’m sharing the two things I’d tell you if your Pinterest wasn’t working—because sometimes it’s a traffic issue, and sometimes it’s a conversion issue… and sometimes it’s a little bit of both.

If you’re tired of chasing every new trend and hoping one of them finally sticks, I see you. This episode is more about understanding how Pinterest actually works today, and how to make it work for you. Whether you’re deep into strategy or just getting started, you’ll walk away with a clearer sense of what’s worth your effort (and what to stop obsessing over). 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why Pinterest traffic often gets misattributed 
  • What “Pinterest consistency” actually means
  • Why your pins might not be ranking
  • Tools I’m using to track behavior and heatmaps 
  • Three content types every Pinterest strategy needs
  • The Pinterest viral pin phenomenon

🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> Pinterest can feel like shouting into the void and as a business owner? It's seriously missing the dopamine hits we know and love from other platforms. But before you write it off completely, let’s talk about what might actually be going on under the surface.

This episode is a follow-up to a blog-centric one I did back in Episode 72, but this time, we're zooming in on Pinterest. I’m sharing the two things I’d tell you if your Pinterest wasn’t working—because sometimes it’s a traffic issue, and sometimes it’s a conversion issue… and sometimes it’s a little bit of both.

If you’re tired of chasing every new trend and hoping one of them finally sticks, I see you. This episode is more about understanding how Pinterest actually works today, and how to make it work for you. Whether you’re deep into strategy or just getting started, you’ll walk away with a clearer sense of what’s worth your effort (and what to stop obsessing over). 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why Pinterest traffic often gets misattributed 
  • What “Pinterest consistency” actually means
  • Why your pins might not be ranking
  • Tools I’m using to track behavior and heatmaps 
  • Three content types every Pinterest strategy needs
  • The Pinterest viral pin phenomenon

🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> Buzzsprout-17543419 Tue, 29 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400 1347 full false 83 | PR for Small Businesses: How to Get Earned Media That Actually Matters with Holly Mitton 83 | PR for Small Businesses: How to Get Earned Media That Actually Matters with Holly Mitton Ever gotten a DM saying, “We’d love to feature you in Forbes... for $250”?
Or seen someone on the Today Show and wondered how they actually got there?

In this episode, we’re talking all things earned media—what it is, why it matters, and how small businesses (yes, even with tiny budgets) can get press that actually moves the needle.

I’m joined by PR expert Holly Mitton of Little Bird Boston, who breaks down what really goes on behind the scenes in modern PR. It’s not all glitz and glamour, and it’s definitely not all pay-to-play. 

If you’ve ever thought PR was out of reach, or felt totally confused by the mixed messages and shady pitches in your inbox, this is the episode for you.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What “earned media” actually means 
  • Why those paid magazine features might not be the best use of your money
  • How small businesses can DIY their PR without a $20K agency retainer
  • Smart strategies for finding and pitching journalists (even without a media list)
  • Realistic expectations for results, timelines, and ROI
  • When to hire a pro, and what red flags to look for in a PR proposal


🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> Ever gotten a DM saying, “We’d love to feature you in Forbes... for $250”?
Or seen someone on the Today Show and wondered how they actually got there?

In this episode, we’re talking all things earned media—what it is, why it matters, and how small businesses (yes, even with tiny budgets) can get press that actually moves the needle.

I’m joined by PR expert Holly Mitton of Little Bird Boston, who breaks down what really goes on behind the scenes in modern PR. It’s not all glitz and glamour, and it’s definitely not all pay-to-play. 

If you’ve ever thought PR was out of reach, or felt totally confused by the mixed messages and shady pitches in your inbox, this is the episode for you.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What “earned media” actually means 
  • Why those paid magazine features might not be the best use of your money
  • How small businesses can DIY their PR without a $20K agency retainer
  • Smart strategies for finding and pitching journalists (even without a media list)
  • Realistic expectations for results, timelines, and ROI
  • When to hire a pro, and what red flags to look for in a PR proposal


🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> Buzzsprout-17487792 Tue, 22 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400 1860 full false 82 | Is Blogging Still Worth It in the Age of AI? Yes, But... 82 | Is Blogging Still Worth It in the Age of AI? Yes, But... A few months ago, I saw the headline: “Google announces that traditional SEO is dead.” (or something like that lol). I paused. I re-read it. I rolled my eyes if I'm being honest. There are a lot of things to spiral about in 2025 but search-driven marketing going away is not one of them. 

That said, all of the conversations around "is SEO still a thing" did get me thinking deeply about how blogging fits into the world we're suddenly living in. A world where AI is writing everything from wedding vows to business strategies, and where the internet is flooded with content that’s technically correct… but kind of lame lol.

So in this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the real questions so many of us are asking but maybe too nervous to say out loud: Is blogging still a smart marketing strategy for small businesses with limited budgets and time? 

This isn’t a tutorial or a hot-take. It’s a conversation. A look at what I’m seeing in my own business, what’s shifting under the surface, and how we can adapt without becoming robots ourselves. If you’re a service provider wondering how to stand out in a world of one-click content… you’ll want to tune in.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What I really think about what's going to happen in a post-AI world
  • The rise of “digital footprints” and why multi-platform content matters more than ever
  • Pricing in the age of AI (this might be a hot take) 
  • A hard look at the surface-level content epidemic 
  • The uncomfortable question: Are you still saying the same things you were five years ago?

🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> A few months ago, I saw the headline: “Google announces that traditional SEO is dead.” (or something like that lol). I paused. I re-read it. I rolled my eyes if I'm being honest. There are a lot of things to spiral about in 2025 but search-driven marketing going away is not one of them. 

That said, all of the conversations around "is SEO still a thing" did get me thinking deeply about how blogging fits into the world we're suddenly living in. A world where AI is writing everything from wedding vows to business strategies, and where the internet is flooded with content that’s technically correct… but kind of lame lol.

So in this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the real questions so many of us are asking but maybe too nervous to say out loud: Is blogging still a smart marketing strategy for small businesses with limited budgets and time? 

This isn’t a tutorial or a hot-take. It’s a conversation. A look at what I’m seeing in my own business, what’s shifting under the surface, and how we can adapt without becoming robots ourselves. If you’re a service provider wondering how to stand out in a world of one-click content… you’ll want to tune in.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What I really think about what's going to happen in a post-AI world
  • The rise of “digital footprints” and why multi-platform content matters more than ever
  • Pricing in the age of AI (this might be a hot take) 
  • A hard look at the surface-level content epidemic 
  • The uncomfortable question: Are you still saying the same things you were five years ago?

🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> Buzzsprout-17487763 Tue, 15 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400 1581 full false 81 | A Messy Midyear Check-in (And An Exercise I Love) 81 | A Messy Midyear Check-in (And An Exercise I Love) Half the year is officially behind us (how?!), and if you’re feeling a little off-track, unmotivated, or just plain unsure what your goals even were in January… you are not alone. This episode is part pep talk, part planning session, and part personal catch-up as I walk you through my own messy Q2, what I’ve learned, and how I’m thinking about Q3 (and beyond).

If your first half of the year didn’t go as planned, or if you never really had a plan, you’ll want to tune in. I'm also sharing one of my favorite simple tools for checking in on your life and business when you need a fresh start.

This isn’t about hustle. It’s about clarity, kindness toward yourself, and realistic focus for the rest of the year.

 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • A behind-the-scenes look at my real (read: chaotic) Q2
  • The “Wheel of Life” exercise I always come back to
  • How to reset your priorities without burning out
  • Why now is the best time to think about Q4


🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> Half the year is officially behind us (how?!), and if you’re feeling a little off-track, unmotivated, or just plain unsure what your goals even were in January… you are not alone. This episode is part pep talk, part planning session, and part personal catch-up as I walk you through my own messy Q2, what I’ve learned, and how I’m thinking about Q3 (and beyond).

If your first half of the year didn’t go as planned, or if you never really had a plan, you’ll want to tune in. I'm also sharing one of my favorite simple tools for checking in on your life and business when you need a fresh start.

This isn’t about hustle. It’s about clarity, kindness toward yourself, and realistic focus for the rest of the year.

 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • A behind-the-scenes look at my real (read: chaotic) Q2
  • The “Wheel of Life” exercise I always come back to
  • How to reset your priorities without burning out
  • Why now is the best time to think about Q4


🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> Buzzsprout-17428175 Tue, 08 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400 1101 full false 80 | Do you really need to market your business when you're fully booked? What I've been thinking lately... 80 | Do you really need to market your business when you're fully booked? What I've been thinking lately... In this episode, I’m answering a question that’s come up more than once lately: Do I really need to keep marketing if I’m already fully booked? If you’ve ever found yourself in a busy season (from business demands to sick toddlers and surprise moves), it can be tempting to hit pause on visibility—but that might not be your best move. 

I’m sharing my real-life perspective on why staying visible still matters, even when you’re not actively looking for clients. And I'm speaking from experience here because I also talk about the time I ghosted my own audience in 2021.

Plus, I’m keeping it short and sweet, because life’s already full enough. This is your reminder that showing up consistently doesn’t mean doing the most.

 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why I’m still showing up—even when I’m swamped
  • The biggest mindset shift that changed how I market
  • How I stay consistent without doing all the things
  • What I focus on (and what I happily let go of)
  • A few thoughts if you’ve been tempted to disappear this season


🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> In this episode, I’m answering a question that’s come up more than once lately: Do I really need to keep marketing if I’m already fully booked? If you’ve ever found yourself in a busy season (from business demands to sick toddlers and surprise moves), it can be tempting to hit pause on visibility—but that might not be your best move. 

I’m sharing my real-life perspective on why staying visible still matters, even when you’re not actively looking for clients. And I'm speaking from experience here because I also talk about the time I ghosted my own audience in 2021.

Plus, I’m keeping it short and sweet, because life’s already full enough. This is your reminder that showing up consistently doesn’t mean doing the most.

 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why I’m still showing up—even when I’m swamped
  • The biggest mindset shift that changed how I market
  • How I stay consistent without doing all the things
  • What I focus on (and what I happily let go of)
  • A few thoughts if you’ve been tempted to disappear this season


🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> Buzzsprout-17400714 Tue, 01 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400 765 80 full false 79 | How to Pare Down Your Marketing for Summer (A Simpler Summer Marketing Plan That Still Works) 79 | How to Pare Down Your Marketing for Summer (A Simpler Summer Marketing Plan That Still Works) You don’t have to do it all to stay consistent... and summer is the perfect time to prove it.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my own marketing strategy and showing you how I’m staying visible without maxing out my time, energy, or creativity. Whether you're a one-person show or leading a small team, this approach will help you simplify without losing momentum.

We’ll talk about choosing the right platforms to prioritize (and which ones to put on pause), how to repurpose your content more effectively, and why it's totally okay if your numbers dip a bit in the summer. I’m also sharing the exact decisions I’ve made behind the scenes (from where I’m investing effort to what I’ve decided is just not worth stressing over right now).

This is about doing less, but doing it with purpose. If you’ve been looking for a more sustainable way to market through the season without disappearing completely, this episode is your permission slip.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • How to pick your “dynamic duo” (and what to let go of)
  • Impressions will dip... that’s okay
  • How I’m using AI and batching to make more content with less effort
  • My exact summer marketing plan (and what I’ll drop if life gets too full)

🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> You don’t have to do it all to stay consistent... and summer is the perfect time to prove it.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my own marketing strategy and showing you how I’m staying visible without maxing out my time, energy, or creativity. Whether you're a one-person show or leading a small team, this approach will help you simplify without losing momentum.

We’ll talk about choosing the right platforms to prioritize (and which ones to put on pause), how to repurpose your content more effectively, and why it's totally okay if your numbers dip a bit in the summer. I’m also sharing the exact decisions I’ve made behind the scenes (from where I’m investing effort to what I’ve decided is just not worth stressing over right now).

This is about doing less, but doing it with purpose. If you’ve been looking for a more sustainable way to market through the season without disappearing completely, this episode is your permission slip.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • How to pick your “dynamic duo” (and what to let go of)
  • Impressions will dip... that’s okay
  • How I’m using AI and batching to make more content with less effort
  • My exact summer marketing plan (and what I’ll drop if life gets too full)

🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> Buzzsprout-17355889 Tue, 24 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0400 1617 79 full false 78 | What NOBODY Tells You About Starting a Podcast (And How To Actually Make Money) with Hayleigh Hayhurst 78 | What NOBODY Tells You About Starting a Podcast (And How To Actually Make Money) with Hayleigh Hayhurst We talk a lot about podcasting as a visibility tool—but what if your podcast could do more than just get listens? What if it could build trust, generate leads, and actually support your bottom line?

In this episode, I’m joined by Hayleigh Hayhurst—founder of Espresso Podcast Production and total genius when it comes to podcast strategy—for a conversation about what really goes into starting (and sustaining) a profitable podcast. We get into the behind-the-scenes realities, the biggest mistakes new podcasters make, and how to make your show work for your business, not drain it.

Whether you’re podcast-curious or already deep into your episode archive, this conversation is full of refreshing honesty, actionable strategy, and permission to ditch perfection in favor of real impact.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What nobody tells you about how long podcasting really takes
  • How to market your podcast beyond just posting a few clips
  • The surprising ROI of podcasting that has nothing to do with sponsors
  • Why a 10-episode limited series might be the perfect fit for your business
  • Hayleigh’s take on messy action, burnout, and building a podcast that lasts


🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> We talk a lot about podcasting as a visibility tool—but what if your podcast could do more than just get listens? What if it could build trust, generate leads, and actually support your bottom line?

In this episode, I’m joined by Hayleigh Hayhurst—founder of Espresso Podcast Production and total genius when it comes to podcast strategy—for a conversation about what really goes into starting (and sustaining) a profitable podcast. We get into the behind-the-scenes realities, the biggest mistakes new podcasters make, and how to make your show work for your business, not drain it.

Whether you’re podcast-curious or already deep into your episode archive, this conversation is full of refreshing honesty, actionable strategy, and permission to ditch perfection in favor of real impact.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What nobody tells you about how long podcasting really takes
  • How to market your podcast beyond just posting a few clips
  • The surprising ROI of podcasting that has nothing to do with sponsors
  • Why a 10-episode limited series might be the perfect fit for your business
  • Hayleigh’s take on messy action, burnout, and building a podcast that lasts


🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> Buzzsprout-17326646 Tue, 17 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0400 2205 78 full false 77 | AI Can’t Replace Your Voice But It CAN Help You Blog Consistently (Here's How) with Ryan Robinson of Right Blogger 77 | AI Can’t Replace Your Voice But It CAN Help You Blog Consistently (Here's How) with Ryan Robinson of Right Blogger We talk a lot about traffic, SEO hacks, and cranking out content when we’re trying to grow our online presence. But what if the goal isn’t just more content—but better content that actually connects?

In this episode, I’m joined by Ryan Robinson—long-time content marketer, blogger, and co-founder of RightBlogger—for a conversation about creating standout content in the age of AI. We talk about why the human element still matters, how AI can actually help instead of hurt your strategy, and what it takes to build content that people (and search engines) truly love.

This episode is packed with practical tips and fresh perspectives on using AI intentionally, creating with your voice, and staying ahead as the content landscape evolves.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why blogging is not dead (and how service providers are still seeing big results)
  • What makes content truly connect in an AI-saturated world
  • Ryan’s favorite way to turn a quick video into a full blog post
  • Why “finding the fun” in content creation is the real key to consistency

🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> We talk a lot about traffic, SEO hacks, and cranking out content when we’re trying to grow our online presence. But what if the goal isn’t just more content—but better content that actually connects?

In this episode, I’m joined by Ryan Robinson—long-time content marketer, blogger, and co-founder of RightBlogger—for a conversation about creating standout content in the age of AI. We talk about why the human element still matters, how AI can actually help instead of hurt your strategy, and what it takes to build content that people (and search engines) truly love.

This episode is packed with practical tips and fresh perspectives on using AI intentionally, creating with your voice, and staying ahead as the content landscape evolves.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why blogging is not dead (and how service providers are still seeing big results)
  • What makes content truly connect in an AI-saturated world
  • Ryan’s favorite way to turn a quick video into a full blog post
  • Why “finding the fun” in content creation is the real key to consistency

🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-17215719 Tue, 10 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0400 2068 77 full false 76 | 6 Ways to Turn Your Website Into Your Hardest-Working Team Member with Carolyn Leasure 76 | 6 Ways to Turn Your Website Into Your Hardest-Working Team Member with Carolyn Leasure In this episode, I’m joined by Carolyn Leisure—founder of Maypop Creative Studio and website evolution expert—for a conversation about turning your site from a digital business card into your hardest-working team member. We talk about strategy, automation, trust, and how to make sure your website is pulling its weight (so you can get out of your inbox and back into your zone of genius).

This episode is packed with smart, simple tips to help your website grow with your business—and make your tech stack a whole lot more efficient in the process.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The difference between a “business card” website and a conversion-driven one
  • How to streamline your navigation to avoid decision fatigue
  • What should actually go in your footer (and why it matters for SEO)
  • Carolyn’s 6-part checklist to make your website work smarter, not harder
  • The balance between personalization and privacy in the age of data tracking

🔗 Links Mentioned:


]]> In this episode, I’m joined by Carolyn Leisure—founder of Maypop Creative Studio and website evolution expert—for a conversation about turning your site from a digital business card into your hardest-working team member. We talk about strategy, automation, trust, and how to make sure your website is pulling its weight (so you can get out of your inbox and back into your zone of genius).

This episode is packed with smart, simple tips to help your website grow with your business—and make your tech stack a whole lot more efficient in the process.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The difference between a “business card” website and a conversion-driven one
  • How to streamline your navigation to avoid decision fatigue
  • What should actually go in your footer (and why it matters for SEO)
  • Carolyn’s 6-part checklist to make your website work smarter, not harder
  • The balance between personalization and privacy in the age of data tracking

🔗 Links Mentioned:


]]> Buzzsprout-17212149 Tue, 03 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0400 2345 full false 75 | 5 (Kind of) Bold Decisions I Made With My New Website 75 | 5 (Kind of) Bold Decisions I Made With My New Website We talk a lot about optimizing for SEO, launching new services, and doing all the things in our businesses. But what happens when you decide to do less, simplify your offers, and lean into what feels truly aligned—even if it means walking away from things that technically work?

In this solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my brand-new website—and the five bold (and slightly scary) decisions I made behind the scenes. From cutting services I was ranking for to launching a new private podcast and letting a course take the back seat, I’m sharing the real, messy thought process that got me here.

This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever felt pulled in too many directions or wondered if it’s okay to not do what everyone else is doing. 

 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why I decided to go all in on “I” instead of “we” in my copy
  • The tough call to cut profitable services and keywords I ranked for
  • How launching a private podcast gave my website relaunch purpose
  • Why I’m de-emphasizing my signature course (even though I love it)
  • What happened when I waited weeks to launch my finished site—and why I’m so glad I did


🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> We talk a lot about optimizing for SEO, launching new services, and doing all the things in our businesses. But what happens when you decide to do less, simplify your offers, and lean into what feels truly aligned—even if it means walking away from things that technically work?

In this solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my brand-new website—and the five bold (and slightly scary) decisions I made behind the scenes. From cutting services I was ranking for to launching a new private podcast and letting a course take the back seat, I’m sharing the real, messy thought process that got me here.

This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever felt pulled in too many directions or wondered if it’s okay to not do what everyone else is doing. 

 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why I decided to go all in on “I” instead of “we” in my copy
  • The tough call to cut profitable services and keywords I ranked for
  • How launching a private podcast gave my website relaunch purpose
  • Why I’m de-emphasizing my signature course (even though I love it)
  • What happened when I waited weeks to launch my finished site—and why I’m so glad I did


🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-17211286 Tue, 27 May 2025 03:00:00 -0400 1577 75 full false 74 | Positivity Is Powerful (With Data To Back This Up!) + 5 Ways to Shift Your Messaging 74 | Positivity Is Powerful (With Data To Back This Up!) + 5 Ways to Shift Your Messaging Positivity isn’t just nice—it’s powerful. In this episode, I’m sharing why positivity in marketing isn’t just a feel-good tactic—it’s a data-backed, results-driven strategy. If you’ve ever felt grossed out by fear-based sales tactics or guilty about trying to "agitate pain points," my hope is that this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air.

I’m walking you through the latest Pinterest data on consumer behavior, how positivity impacts trust and conversion, and practical ways you can rewrite your messaging to attract empowered, ready-to-invest clients—without the guilt trips.

Plus, I share examples of how I’ve shifted my own marketing language to focus more on progress, possibility, and integrity—and why it’s not just more ethical, but actually more effective.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why pain-based marketing may be pushing away your ideal clients
  • 5 ways to shift from guilt to growth in your messaging
  • How positive content makes your brand 2x more trustworthy
  • Rewriting fear-based copy to reflect client empowerment


🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> Positivity isn’t just nice—it’s powerful. In this episode, I’m sharing why positivity in marketing isn’t just a feel-good tactic—it’s a data-backed, results-driven strategy. If you’ve ever felt grossed out by fear-based sales tactics or guilty about trying to "agitate pain points," my hope is that this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air.

I’m walking you through the latest Pinterest data on consumer behavior, how positivity impacts trust and conversion, and practical ways you can rewrite your messaging to attract empowered, ready-to-invest clients—without the guilt trips.

Plus, I share examples of how I’ve shifted my own marketing language to focus more on progress, possibility, and integrity—and why it’s not just more ethical, but actually more effective.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why pain-based marketing may be pushing away your ideal clients
  • 5 ways to shift from guilt to growth in your messaging
  • How positive content makes your brand 2x more trustworthy
  • Rewriting fear-based copy to reflect client empowerment


🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> Buzzsprout-17180704 Tue, 20 May 2025 03:00:00 -0400 1658 full false 73 | 3 Things I've Heard Lately About Scaling (That I KNOW Are True) 73 | 3 Things I've Heard Lately About Scaling (That I KNOW Are True) We talk a lot about growth, but what if scaling your business isn’t about adding more—but actually doing less?

In this short solo episode, I’m sharing three quotes about scaling that have deeply resonated with me lately, and why I know they’re true based on my own experience. If you’ve felt overwhelmed by too many ideas, too many offers, or too much on your plate, this episode is a permission slip to subtract, simplify, and refocus on what matters most. 

Plus, I share what I’m cutting from my own business, how I’m shifting priorities post-move, and the sticky note that’s changing how I start my day.

 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why success can be both a gift and a distraction
  • The quote about subtraction that changed my approach to scaling
  • What scaling really means (hint: it’s about relationships)


🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> We talk a lot about growth, but what if scaling your business isn’t about adding more—but actually doing less?

In this short solo episode, I’m sharing three quotes about scaling that have deeply resonated with me lately, and why I know they’re true based on my own experience. If you’ve felt overwhelmed by too many ideas, too many offers, or too much on your plate, this episode is a permission slip to subtract, simplify, and refocus on what matters most. 

Plus, I share what I’m cutting from my own business, how I’m shifting priorities post-move, and the sticky note that’s changing how I start my day.

 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why success can be both a gift and a distraction
  • The quote about subtraction that changed my approach to scaling
  • What scaling really means (hint: it’s about relationships)


🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> Buzzsprout-17082545 Tue, 13 May 2025 04:00:00 -0400 660 73 full false 72 | 2 Things I'd Tell You If Your Blog Wasn't "Working" 72 | 2 Things I'd Tell You If Your Blog Wasn't "Working" We talk a lot about blogging, consistency, and showing up online—but what if the reason your blog isn’t bringing in sales isn’t the amount of content, but how it’s structured?

In this episode, I’m diving into the two most common issues that sabotage your blog’s performance—and how to tell if you’re dealing with a traffic problem or a conversion problem. If you’ve been blogging for a while and still aren’t seeing results, this one’s for you. 

I also share a surprising shift I made in my own routine that gave me more energy (spoiler: it involves motivational content, and I did not see it coming).

This is a shorter, tactical solo episode—but if you’re ready to get more from the content you’re already creating, I promise it’s worth a listen.

 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The #1 reason your blog might not be converting (and how to fix it)
  • How to structure your posts to actually sell
  • What to do if your traffic is low (and how to niche down the right way)


🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> We talk a lot about blogging, consistency, and showing up online—but what if the reason your blog isn’t bringing in sales isn’t the amount of content, but how it’s structured?

In this episode, I’m diving into the two most common issues that sabotage your blog’s performance—and how to tell if you’re dealing with a traffic problem or a conversion problem. If you’ve been blogging for a while and still aren’t seeing results, this one’s for you. 

I also share a surprising shift I made in my own routine that gave me more energy (spoiler: it involves motivational content, and I did not see it coming).

This is a shorter, tactical solo episode—but if you’re ready to get more from the content you’re already creating, I promise it’s worth a listen.

 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The #1 reason your blog might not be converting (and how to fix it)
  • How to structure your posts to actually sell
  • What to do if your traffic is low (and how to niche down the right way)


🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> Buzzsprout-17069149 Tue, 06 May 2025 04:00:00 -0400 776 72 full false 71 | Do You Really Need to Grow a Team? Why Staying Solo & Strategic Can Give You The Boring, Profitable Business You Deserve with Maggie Patterson 71 | Do You Really Need to Grow a Team? Why Staying Solo & Strategic Can Give You The Boring, Profitable Business You Deserve with Maggie Patterson We talk a lot about scaling, hiring, and chasing the next level in business—but what if growth doesn’t have to mean building a team or launching a course? What if the most sustainable, profitable version of your business is… well, kind of boring?

I have to be honest, in this stage of my business? Boring actually sounds pretty good to me.

In this episode, I’m joined by Maggie Patterson—creator of BS-Free Business and author of Staying Solo—for an honest conversation about what it actually looks like to run a profitable solo business without the drama. We get into all the mindset myths, accidental micro-agencies, and how chasing the wrong version of “success” can leave you burned out and broke (even if it looks great on paper).

If you’ve ever felt pressure to grow a team, launch a digital product, or “scale” in a way that doesn’t feel aligned—this one’s going to feel like a giant exhale. Permission granted to run a simple, quiet, profitable business that actually supports your life.

 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The “accidental agency” trap—and why it’s more common than you think
  • Why staying solo doesn’t mean you’re “playing small”
  • What to consider before you start hiring
  • A 6-part framework to build a sustainable solo business


🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> We talk a lot about scaling, hiring, and chasing the next level in business—but what if growth doesn’t have to mean building a team or launching a course? What if the most sustainable, profitable version of your business is… well, kind of boring?

I have to be honest, in this stage of my business? Boring actually sounds pretty good to me.

In this episode, I’m joined by Maggie Patterson—creator of BS-Free Business and author of Staying Solo—for an honest conversation about what it actually looks like to run a profitable solo business without the drama. We get into all the mindset myths, accidental micro-agencies, and how chasing the wrong version of “success” can leave you burned out and broke (even if it looks great on paper).

If you’ve ever felt pressure to grow a team, launch a digital product, or “scale” in a way that doesn’t feel aligned—this one’s going to feel like a giant exhale. Permission granted to run a simple, quiet, profitable business that actually supports your life.

 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The “accidental agency” trap—and why it’s more common than you think
  • Why staying solo doesn’t mean you’re “playing small”
  • What to consider before you start hiring
  • A 6-part framework to build a sustainable solo business


🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> Buzzsprout-16990957 Tue, 29 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400 1959 full false 70 | Imposter Syndrome Has Cost Me THOUSANDS.... Let's Talk About It (4 Ways) 70 | Imposter Syndrome Has Cost Me THOUSANDS.... Let's Talk About It (4 Ways) We talk a lot about strategy in business—pricing, marketing, systems—but what about the mindset stuff that quietly chips away at our growth and profits? The truth is, some of the most expensive mistakes I’ve made weren’t because of bad investments or wrong moves… they were because of imposter syndrome.

You know the feeling: you hesitate to raise your prices because you’re worried people will walk away. You sign up for yet another course hoping it’ll finally make you feel “qualified enough.” You keep quiet in client conversations instead of setting boundaries because you don’t want to seem difficult or unprofessional. If any of that hits close to home—you’re not alone.

In this solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on four sneaky ways imposter syndrome has cost me thousands (yep, tens of thousands, if I’m being honest). From overinvesting in education I didn’t need to undercharging for services I knew were delivering real results, I’m walking you through the hard lessons I wish someone had told me earlier. Awareness is the first step!



🎙️ In This Episode:

  • How investing in too many courses was a $$$ mistake
  • The software I kept paying for just to “look professional”—and how much it cost me
  • Why I overdelivered for years and undercharged, even with happy clients + results


🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> We talk a lot about strategy in business—pricing, marketing, systems—but what about the mindset stuff that quietly chips away at our growth and profits? The truth is, some of the most expensive mistakes I’ve made weren’t because of bad investments or wrong moves… they were because of imposter syndrome.

You know the feeling: you hesitate to raise your prices because you’re worried people will walk away. You sign up for yet another course hoping it’ll finally make you feel “qualified enough.” You keep quiet in client conversations instead of setting boundaries because you don’t want to seem difficult or unprofessional. If any of that hits close to home—you’re not alone.

In this solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on four sneaky ways imposter syndrome has cost me thousands (yep, tens of thousands, if I’m being honest). From overinvesting in education I didn’t need to undercharging for services I knew were delivering real results, I’m walking you through the hard lessons I wish someone had told me earlier. Awareness is the first step!



🎙️ In This Episode:

  • How investing in too many courses was a $$$ mistake
  • The software I kept paying for just to “look professional”—and how much it cost me
  • Why I overdelivered for years and undercharged, even with happy clients + results


🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> Buzzsprout-16989335 Tue, 22 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400 1641 full false 69 | If I See "Ready To Get Started?" You Get An Automatic F (& Other Website Copy Tips From Sara Noel of BTL Copy) 69 | If I See "Ready To Get Started?" You Get An Automatic F (& Other Website Copy Tips From Sara Noel of BTL Copy) There’s no shortage of website advice out there—but if you’ve ever felt like your site is technically “fine” and still not doing the heavy lifting for your business, this episode is your sign to stop settling for “good enough” copy and start infusing your website with the kind of personality and clarity that actually converts.

In this episode, I’m joined by Sara Noel of BTL Copy—the internet’s most unapologetic, hilarious, no-BS website copywriter. Sara’s known for helping business owners write websites that sound like them and get results. We talk about what makes website copy actually work, why “About Us” is the worst headline ever, and how to finally stop overthinking every word on your site.



🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why AI-generated copy might be better than nothing—but still isn’t it
  • The biggest signs your website copy isn’t doing its job
  • How to infuse your copy with personality (without sounding like everyone else)
  • Sara’s no-fluff rules for writing killer headlines + CTAs
  • The one thing Sara wants everyone to fix on their website right now


🎁 Bonus: Sign up for Sara's FREE masterclass "I'm Cool, But My About Page Isn't" happening on Thursday: https://thekarareport.com/about-page-masterclass


🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> There’s no shortage of website advice out there—but if you’ve ever felt like your site is technically “fine” and still not doing the heavy lifting for your business, this episode is your sign to stop settling for “good enough” copy and start infusing your website with the kind of personality and clarity that actually converts.

In this episode, I’m joined by Sara Noel of BTL Copy—the internet’s most unapologetic, hilarious, no-BS website copywriter. Sara’s known for helping business owners write websites that sound like them and get results. We talk about what makes website copy actually work, why “About Us” is the worst headline ever, and how to finally stop overthinking every word on your site.



🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why AI-generated copy might be better than nothing—but still isn’t it
  • The biggest signs your website copy isn’t doing its job
  • How to infuse your copy with personality (without sounding like everyone else)
  • Sara’s no-fluff rules for writing killer headlines + CTAs
  • The one thing Sara wants everyone to fix on their website right now


🎁 Bonus: Sign up for Sara's FREE masterclass "I'm Cool, But My About Page Isn't" happening on Thursday: https://thekarareport.com/about-page-masterclass


🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-16901851 Tue, 15 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0400 1938 69 full true 68 | The 8 Marketing Metrics Every Business Owner Should Track with Ally from Akari Digital 68 | The 8 Marketing Metrics Every Business Owner Should Track with Ally from Akari Digital There’s no shortage of marketing advice out there—but if you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the things and still not seeing results, this episode is your sign to stop guessing and start tracking what actually works.

In this episode, I’m joined by data-backed marketing strategist Ally from Akari Digital, who helps small business owners cut through the noise and make smarter marketing decisions using real data. We talk about Google Analytics, the most important (and actually useful) metrics to track, and how to uncover the hidden bottlenecks that might be slowing your business down.

If you've ever said, “I know I should be looking at my numbers… I just don’t know where to start,” this episode is the perfect starting point.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The 4 stages of the customer journey—and what to track at each one
  • How to use Google Analytics without feeling overwhelmed
  • The most common (and costly) tracking mistakes business owners make
  • How to identify what’s actually driving your leads and sales

🎁 Bonus: Grab Ally’s Google Analytics Self-Audit Tool for just $1 using the code KARAREPORT — it includes a step-by-step dashboard, walkthrough video, and a bonus lesson on UTMs to track where your traffic is coming from: https://akaridigital.thrivecart.com/google-analytics-self-audit/?coupon=KARAREPORT


🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> There’s no shortage of marketing advice out there—but if you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the things and still not seeing results, this episode is your sign to stop guessing and start tracking what actually works.

In this episode, I’m joined by data-backed marketing strategist Ally from Akari Digital, who helps small business owners cut through the noise and make smarter marketing decisions using real data. We talk about Google Analytics, the most important (and actually useful) metrics to track, and how to uncover the hidden bottlenecks that might be slowing your business down.

If you've ever said, “I know I should be looking at my numbers… I just don’t know where to start,” this episode is the perfect starting point.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The 4 stages of the customer journey—and what to track at each one
  • How to use Google Analytics without feeling overwhelmed
  • The most common (and costly) tracking mistakes business owners make
  • How to identify what’s actually driving your leads and sales

🎁 Bonus: Grab Ally’s Google Analytics Self-Audit Tool for just $1 using the code KARAREPORT — it includes a step-by-step dashboard, walkthrough video, and a bonus lesson on UTMs to track where your traffic is coming from: https://akaridigital.thrivecart.com/google-analytics-self-audit/?coupon=KARAREPORT


🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-16901617 Tue, 08 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0400 1930 68 full false 67 | How to Build a High-Impact Business Without Sacrificing Your Freedom with Rosemary Dede 67 | How to Build a High-Impact Business Without Sacrificing Your Freedom with Rosemary Dede There are a million ways to grow your business—but what if the most powerful strategy to grow a high-impact business was actually doing less?

In this episode, I’m joined by holistic business coach Rosemary Dede, who helps high-achieving women build businesses that align with their lifestyle, values, and seasons of life. We talk about redefining success, creating intentional systems, and building a business that supports you, not the other way around.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, burned out, or like your business is running you, this episode is your permission slip to pause, reset, and build from a place of clarity.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • How to identify the true needle-movers in your business
  • Simplifying your offers and systems for more time + impact
  • Selling with ease and showing up for your warm audience
  • The difference between work-life balance vs. work-life harmony

🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> There are a million ways to grow your business—but what if the most powerful strategy to grow a high-impact business was actually doing less?

In this episode, I’m joined by holistic business coach Rosemary Dede, who helps high-achieving women build businesses that align with their lifestyle, values, and seasons of life. We talk about redefining success, creating intentional systems, and building a business that supports you, not the other way around.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, burned out, or like your business is running you, this episode is your permission slip to pause, reset, and build from a place of clarity.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • How to identify the true needle-movers in your business
  • Simplifying your offers and systems for more time + impact
  • Selling with ease and showing up for your warm audience
  • The difference between work-life balance vs. work-life harmony

🔗 Links Mentioned:

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-16829169 Tue, 01 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0400 1755 67 full false 66 | Blogging For Your Business: What's Working Now? 66 | Blogging For Your Business: What's Working Now? Are you still treating your blog like it’s 2017—posting short, generic updates and wondering why your traffic isn’t budging? Or maybe you’ve been putting off blogging altogether because you’re not sure it’s still worth it in the era of AI, TikTok, and shiny new platforms. If that’s you, this episode is a must-listen.

Today, I’m diving deep into what’s really working for blogging in 2025—and what outdated strategies are dragging your content down. Whether you’re brand new to blogging or looking to revive your content strategy, I’m sharing actionable tips, real talk about SEO (it’s not dead!), and how to make sure your blog posts actually lead to sales.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Outdated blogging advice you should ditch immediately
  • What Google actually wants now (hint: it’s not AI-written fluff)
  • How to write blog posts that actually convert to sales
  • The bare minimum blogging strategy that still gets results
  • How to repurpose blog posts across Pinterest, social, and email
  • Keyword strategy updates you need to know
  • Frequently asked questions about word count, platform, time commitment, and more


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Are you still treating your blog like it’s 2017—posting short, generic updates and wondering why your traffic isn’t budging? Or maybe you’ve been putting off blogging altogether because you’re not sure it’s still worth it in the era of AI, TikTok, and shiny new platforms. If that’s you, this episode is a must-listen.

Today, I’m diving deep into what’s really working for blogging in 2025—and what outdated strategies are dragging your content down. Whether you’re brand new to blogging or looking to revive your content strategy, I’m sharing actionable tips, real talk about SEO (it’s not dead!), and how to make sure your blog posts actually lead to sales.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Outdated blogging advice you should ditch immediately
  • What Google actually wants now (hint: it’s not AI-written fluff)
  • How to write blog posts that actually convert to sales
  • The bare minimum blogging strategy that still gets results
  • How to repurpose blog posts across Pinterest, social, and email
  • Keyword strategy updates you need to know
  • Frequently asked questions about word count, platform, time commitment, and more


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Buzzsprout-16829769 Tue, 25 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0400 2411 66 full false 65 | 3 Tips For Selling Right Now (When The World Is Chaos and Everything Feels Hard) 65 | 3 Tips For Selling Right Now (When The World Is Chaos and Everything Feels Hard) Are you feeling like selling your offers is harder than it used to be? Maybe your last launch didn’t hit like you thought it would, or you're noticing your audience seems more hesitant to buy. You’re not imagining it — the market has shifted, and people are being way more cautious with how they spend. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still sell well (and ethically) in this season.

In this episode, I’m sharing 3 real, actionable tips for selling right now — even when the world feels chaotic and everything just feels… hard. From reducing risk for your buyers to tightening up your messaging so it actually resonates, this episode is full of honest advice and practical strategy for business owners in launch mode (or honestly, anyone trying to keep revenue steady in weird times).

So if you’re tired of second-guessing your sales strategy, or just want a little reminder that it is still possible to thrive in business — this episode is for you.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • 3 practical sales strategies for chaotic seasons
  • How to reduce risk for your buyers (and why it matters more than ever)
  • The importance of tone and messaging in uncertain times
  • What to do when engagement is low (and how to keep showing up anyway)
  • One reason why you're so exhausted


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Are you feeling like selling your offers is harder than it used to be? Maybe your last launch didn’t hit like you thought it would, or you're noticing your audience seems more hesitant to buy. You’re not imagining it — the market has shifted, and people are being way more cautious with how they spend. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still sell well (and ethically) in this season.

In this episode, I’m sharing 3 real, actionable tips for selling right now — even when the world feels chaotic and everything just feels… hard. From reducing risk for your buyers to tightening up your messaging so it actually resonates, this episode is full of honest advice and practical strategy for business owners in launch mode (or honestly, anyone trying to keep revenue steady in weird times).

So if you’re tired of second-guessing your sales strategy, or just want a little reminder that it is still possible to thrive in business — this episode is for you.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • 3 practical sales strategies for chaotic seasons
  • How to reduce risk for your buyers (and why it matters more than ever)
  • The importance of tone and messaging in uncertain times
  • What to do when engagement is low (and how to keep showing up anyway)
  • One reason why you're so exhausted


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Buzzsprout-16760287 Tue, 18 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0400 1241 65 full false 64 | How To Be The Last Tab Someone Has Open: Brand Voice Guides, Client Experience Copy, and Messaging That Sticks with Andrea Shah 64 | How To Be The Last Tab Someone Has Open: Brand Voice Guides, Client Experience Copy, and Messaging That Sticks with Andrea Shah There are so many ways to market your business, but one of the most underrated tools? Client experience copy and building a brand voice guide.

Everyone talks about sales emails and conversion-driven copy, but what about the emails and messaging after someone inquires? From your inquiry forms to your follow-ups, proposals, and even your contract emails—every touchpoint is an opportunity to reinforce your brand voice and create a seamless client experience.

If you’ve ever struggled with writing client emails that feel personal and efficient, this episode is for you! We’re diving into how to craft copy that sounds like you, helps you stand out, and makes the entire client journey smoother.

 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The key to making client communication effortless but personal
  • Why inconsistent messaging is costing you clients (and how to fix it)
  • How to make your brand voice stick (without falling into clichés)
  • The power of pre-written templates—and how to actually use them


Links Mentioned: 

]]> There are so many ways to market your business, but one of the most underrated tools? Client experience copy and building a brand voice guide.

Everyone talks about sales emails and conversion-driven copy, but what about the emails and messaging after someone inquires? From your inquiry forms to your follow-ups, proposals, and even your contract emails—every touchpoint is an opportunity to reinforce your brand voice and create a seamless client experience.

If you’ve ever struggled with writing client emails that feel personal and efficient, this episode is for you! We’re diving into how to craft copy that sounds like you, helps you stand out, and makes the entire client journey smoother.

 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The key to making client communication effortless but personal
  • Why inconsistent messaging is costing you clients (and how to fix it)
  • How to make your brand voice stick (without falling into clichés)
  • The power of pre-written templates—and how to actually use them


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Buzzsprout-16752410 Tue, 11 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0400 2179 64 full false 63 | An Advanced Conversation About Lead Generation (+ Why Your Freebies Aren't Working) with Samantha Burmeister 63 | An Advanced Conversation About Lead Generation (+ Why Your Freebies Aren't Working) with Samantha Burmeister There are so many buzzwords in the online space, and "lead generation" is definitely one of them. Everyone says you need to grow your email list, create lead magnets, and optimize your landing pages—but how do you actually make it work?

If you’ve ever launched a freebie, only to wonder “Where are the leads?”, this episode is for you! We’ll go beyond the basic advice and talk about what truly makes a lead magnet successful—from landing page copy to strategic call-to-actions.

PS: You can grab Sam's Clickable AF CTAs for ONLY $1 using the code KARAREPORT: https://nomadcopyagency.thrivecart.com/clickable-af-ctas/

 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The biggest mistakes people make with lead generation
  • How to create a lead magnet people actually want
  • Why your landing page may be repelling leads and how to fix it
  • What to do after someone joins your list so they actually buy from you


Links Mentioned: 

]]> There are so many buzzwords in the online space, and "lead generation" is definitely one of them. Everyone says you need to grow your email list, create lead magnets, and optimize your landing pages—but how do you actually make it work?

If you’ve ever launched a freebie, only to wonder “Where are the leads?”, this episode is for you! We’ll go beyond the basic advice and talk about what truly makes a lead magnet successful—from landing page copy to strategic call-to-actions.

PS: You can grab Sam's Clickable AF CTAs for ONLY $1 using the code KARAREPORT: https://nomadcopyagency.thrivecart.com/clickable-af-ctas/

 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The biggest mistakes people make with lead generation
  • How to create a lead magnet people actually want
  • Why your landing page may be repelling leads and how to fix it
  • What to do after someone joins your list so they actually buy from you


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Buzzsprout-16701809 Tue, 04 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0500 1931 63 full false 62 | Pinterest Marketing in 2025: What's Working Now? 62 | Pinterest Marketing in 2025: What's Working Now? Are you still using Pinterest like it’s 2019—and wondering why your results aren’t what they used to be? Or maybe you’ve heard that Pinterest is a great tool for traffic and sales, but every time you try, it feels like you’re just throwing pins into the void. If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you.

Today, I’m breaking down exactly what’s working on Pinterest in 2025—and what’s absolutely not worth your time anymore. From outdated strategies that could actually be hurting your reach to the real truth about pinning frequency, keywords, and graphics, we’re diving deep into the latest Pinterest trends.

So, if you’re ready to turn Pinterest into a powerful, profitable part of your marketing strategy (without second-guessing every pin), let’s get into it!

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The biggest Pinterest marketing myths that are holding you back
  • How often you should actually be pinning in 2025
  • The role of keywords, SEO, and AI in today’s Pinterest strategy
  • Why your Pinterest graphics might be costing you clicks—and how to fix them
  • The simple (but effective) Pinterest strategy that works for any business


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Are you still using Pinterest like it’s 2019—and wondering why your results aren’t what they used to be? Or maybe you’ve heard that Pinterest is a great tool for traffic and sales, but every time you try, it feels like you’re just throwing pins into the void. If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you.

Today, I’m breaking down exactly what’s working on Pinterest in 2025—and what’s absolutely not worth your time anymore. From outdated strategies that could actually be hurting your reach to the real truth about pinning frequency, keywords, and graphics, we’re diving deep into the latest Pinterest trends.

So, if you’re ready to turn Pinterest into a powerful, profitable part of your marketing strategy (without second-guessing every pin), let’s get into it!

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The biggest Pinterest marketing myths that are holding you back
  • How often you should actually be pinning in 2025
  • The role of keywords, SEO, and AI in today’s Pinterest strategy
  • Why your Pinterest graphics might be costing you clicks—and how to fix them
  • The simple (but effective) Pinterest strategy that works for any business


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-16665903 Tue, 25 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0500 3100 62 full false 61 | My Biggest Business Lessons: What I Got Right (and Wrong) in My First 8 Years in Business 61 | My Biggest Business Lessons: What I Got Right (and Wrong) in My First 8 Years in Business Eight years in business—what a ride! I can’t believe it’s been that long, and honestly, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on everything I’ve learned. There are things I’m so glad I did early on… and then there are the things I’d 1000% do differently if I could go back.

In this episode, I’m getting real about the biggest lessons from my business journey—what worked, what totally flopped, and what I wish I’d known sooner. From the systems I should have set up earlier to the investments I’ll never make again, I’m sharing it all.

If you’re in the thick of growing your business (or just love a good behind-the-scenes chat), I hope this episode resonates with you!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The biggest mistakes I made in my early years (so you don’t have to make them!)
  • What I wish I had prioritized sooner
  • The investments I regret (and where I wish I had put my money instead)
  • My real thoughts on outsourcing—what worked and what didn’t


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Eight years in business—what a ride! I can’t believe it’s been that long, and honestly, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on everything I’ve learned. There are things I’m so glad I did early on… and then there are the things I’d 1000% do differently if I could go back.

In this episode, I’m getting real about the biggest lessons from my business journey—what worked, what totally flopped, and what I wish I’d known sooner. From the systems I should have set up earlier to the investments I’ll never make again, I’m sharing it all.

If you’re in the thick of growing your business (or just love a good behind-the-scenes chat), I hope this episode resonates with you!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The biggest mistakes I made in my early years (so you don’t have to make them!)
  • What I wish I had prioritized sooner
  • The investments I regret (and where I wish I had put my money instead)
  • My real thoughts on outsourcing—what worked and what didn’t


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-16563933 Tue, 18 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0500 2302 61 full false 60 | 7 Mistakes You’re Making with Your Virtual Assistant (Why They Keep Quitting Or Failing To Meet Your Expectations) 60 | 7 Mistakes You’re Making with Your Virtual Assistant (Why They Keep Quitting Or Failing To Meet Your Expectations) Do you keep hiring virtual assistants, only for them to quit after a few months? Or maybe you’ve brought on a VA, hoping they’d magically take tasks off your plate, only to find yourself more overwhelmed than before. If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you.

Today, I’m diving into the biggest mistakes business owners make when hiring and managing VAs—and what you can do to create a work environment where they actually want to stay. Whether you’re struggling with high turnover, unclear expectations, or just feeling like your VA isn’t the stress reliever you expected, we’re going to break it all down.

So, if you’re ready to build a team that truly supports you (without the constant hiring cycle), let’s get into it!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why virtual assistants quit—and how to stop the cycle
  • The biggest hiring mistakes that lead to high turnover
  • How to onboard and set expectations so your VA can be successful
  • What to do if your VA isn’t as efficient or helpful as you expected


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Do you keep hiring virtual assistants, only for them to quit after a few months? Or maybe you’ve brought on a VA, hoping they’d magically take tasks off your plate, only to find yourself more overwhelmed than before. If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you.

Today, I’m diving into the biggest mistakes business owners make when hiring and managing VAs—and what you can do to create a work environment where they actually want to stay. Whether you’re struggling with high turnover, unclear expectations, or just feeling like your VA isn’t the stress reliever you expected, we’re going to break it all down.

So, if you’re ready to build a team that truly supports you (without the constant hiring cycle), let’s get into it!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why virtual assistants quit—and how to stop the cycle
  • The biggest hiring mistakes that lead to high turnover
  • How to onboard and set expectations so your VA can be successful
  • What to do if your VA isn’t as efficient or helpful as you expected


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-16557470 Tue, 11 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0500 1500 60 full false 59 | 9 Ways to Find Fresh Content Ideas (When You've Said EVERYTHING There Is To Say) 59 | 9 Ways to Find Fresh Content Ideas (When You've Said EVERYTHING There Is To Say) Do you ever feel like you've said everything there is to say in your business—like you're just repeating yourself over and over? While repetition is key in marketing, it can still start to feel a little stale. If that sounds familiar, this episode on how to find content ideas is for you.

Today, I'm sharing nine ways I generate fresh content ideas—even as someone who writes a ton of content. These strategies work not only for social media but also for blog posts, podcasts, and YouTube channels. As a service provider with years of experience working with clients, I still have to find new ways to say the same thing in fresh, engaging ways.

So, get ready—I’m spilling all the tea on how I do it. Let’s dive in!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • How to keep your content fresh and engaging without saying anything "new"
  • Simple strategies to generate new content ideas from what you already have
  • The power of repurposing and reframing content for different audiences
  • Creative ways to source trending topics and industry insights for inspiration
  • Why taking action and consistently creating is more important than overplanning


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Do you ever feel like you've said everything there is to say in your business—like you're just repeating yourself over and over? While repetition is key in marketing, it can still start to feel a little stale. If that sounds familiar, this episode on how to find content ideas is for you.

Today, I'm sharing nine ways I generate fresh content ideas—even as someone who writes a ton of content. These strategies work not only for social media but also for blog posts, podcasts, and YouTube channels. As a service provider with years of experience working with clients, I still have to find new ways to say the same thing in fresh, engaging ways.

So, get ready—I’m spilling all the tea on how I do it. Let’s dive in!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • How to keep your content fresh and engaging without saying anything "new"
  • Simple strategies to generate new content ideas from what you already have
  • The power of repurposing and reframing content for different audiences
  • Creative ways to source trending topics and industry insights for inspiration
  • Why taking action and consistently creating is more important than overplanning


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-16539465 Tue, 04 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0500 1558 59 full false 58 | 4 Easy Steps to Scale Your Business Without Ads (Marketing Edition) 58 | 4 Easy Steps to Scale Your Business Without Ads (Marketing Edition) As an online business owner, you likely know the importance of scaling your business. But what if you don’t have the budget for ads? Or even if you DO have a budget for ads, you might be wondering if there is any way to scale your business without ads (or at the very least - diversify your efforts). First, let me cut to the chase: the answer is a resounding yes!

Listen, as an online marketer offering a variety of DFY marketing services, I've worked with several six-figure businesses (and even a couple of seven-figure businesses!) over the past three years so let me just tell you: I know a little bit about what goes on behind the scenes. And while scaling your business is NOT as easy as some of the Instagram "gurus" make it appear, I do want to take the time to share some of the ways you can scale your online business without spending a penny on advertising.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Organic strategies that help you scale your business without ads
  • Building a strong foundation so you don't waste your time
  • How to engage with your people to get more sales


Links Mentioned: 

]]> As an online business owner, you likely know the importance of scaling your business. But what if you don’t have the budget for ads? Or even if you DO have a budget for ads, you might be wondering if there is any way to scale your business without ads (or at the very least - diversify your efforts). First, let me cut to the chase: the answer is a resounding yes!

Listen, as an online marketer offering a variety of DFY marketing services, I've worked with several six-figure businesses (and even a couple of seven-figure businesses!) over the past three years so let me just tell you: I know a little bit about what goes on behind the scenes. And while scaling your business is NOT as easy as some of the Instagram "gurus" make it appear, I do want to take the time to share some of the ways you can scale your online business without spending a penny on advertising.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Organic strategies that help you scale your business without ads
  • Building a strong foundation so you don't waste your time
  • How to engage with your people to get more sales


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-16496950 Tue, 28 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0500 1180 58 full false 57 | Predictable Income or Creative Freedom? How to Choose Between Retainer Model vs. Project-Based Work 57 | Predictable Income or Creative Freedom? How to Choose Between Retainer Model vs. Project-Based Work If you're a freelancer or a creative business owner, chances are you've thought about whether to focus on project-based work, aim for more retainer clients, or try a mix of both. Maybe you're currently doing one and wondering if the grass is greener on the other side? That's exactly what I want to dive into today. I've worked in both a retainer model vs. project-based clients, and I have plenty of thoughts to share—lessons I've learned, pros and cons, and what’s currently working for me. Let’s get into it!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Pros and Cons of a Retainer Model vs. Project-Based Work
  • Choosing One Model or Benefits and Challenges of Balancing Both
  • How to Choose The Right Business Model For You in 2025


Links Mentioned: 

]]> If you're a freelancer or a creative business owner, chances are you've thought about whether to focus on project-based work, aim for more retainer clients, or try a mix of both. Maybe you're currently doing one and wondering if the grass is greener on the other side? That's exactly what I want to dive into today. I've worked in both a retainer model vs. project-based clients, and I have plenty of thoughts to share—lessons I've learned, pros and cons, and what’s currently working for me. Let’s get into it!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Pros and Cons of a Retainer Model vs. Project-Based Work
  • Choosing One Model or Benefits and Challenges of Balancing Both
  • How to Choose The Right Business Model For You in 2025


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Buzzsprout-16461690 Tue, 21 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0500 1140 57 full false 56 | What It Really Looks Like to Get Better at Marketing: Getting Off the Instagram Grind, Investing in Brand Photos & Using Enji with Danison Fronda-Tietz 56 | What It Really Looks Like to Get Better at Marketing: Getting Off the Instagram Grind, Investing in Brand Photos & Using Enji with Danison Fronda-Tietz What does it really look like to get good at marketing? Especially at the beginning of the year, many of us set lofty goals: add a new channel to our marketing, spend less time marketing, finally be consistent, or create better content. But what does that actually look like? How can we actually get better at marketing?

One of the things I wanted to bring to you early this year is an interview with a real business owner about how they finally got their marketing act together. If you’re on the Instagram hustle train or just wondering where to start, you’re going to love this interview with Danison.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Getting Off the Instagram Grind
  • Investing in Brand Photography
  • Leveraging Tools like Enji


Links Mentioned: 

]]> What does it really look like to get good at marketing? Especially at the beginning of the year, many of us set lofty goals: add a new channel to our marketing, spend less time marketing, finally be consistent, or create better content. But what does that actually look like? How can we actually get better at marketing?

One of the things I wanted to bring to you early this year is an interview with a real business owner about how they finally got their marketing act together. If you’re on the Instagram hustle train or just wondering where to start, you’re going to love this interview with Danison.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Getting Off the Instagram Grind
  • Investing in Brand Photography
  • Leveraging Tools like Enji


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-16381099 Tue, 14 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0500 2705 56 full false 55 | An End of Year Recap, My 2025 Goals, and 2 Unconventional New Years Resolutions I Think Every Business Owner Should Have 55 | An End of Year Recap, My 2025 Goals, and 2 Unconventional New Years Resolutions I Think Every Business Owner Should Have Is anyone else still in disbelief that it’s 2025? This episode is for all my nosy listeners who love a peek behind the scenes—hearing about other people's goals, reflections on the past year, and plans for the new one. If that’s your kind of tea, you’re in the right place!

Last week, I posted a story on Instagram about how I create quarterly Looms for my team, and it got a lot of interest. So today, I’ll dive into that process, share my reflections on last year, and talk about what’s on my mind for 2025—which, by the way, still feels surreal to say!

I’m also sharing two unconventional New Year’s resolutions that I believe should be on every business owner’s list. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s get into it!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Reflecting on 2024
  • My 2025 Game Plan
  • 2 Unconventional Resolutions (Time Stamp - 26:32)


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Is anyone else still in disbelief that it’s 2025? This episode is for all my nosy listeners who love a peek behind the scenes—hearing about other people's goals, reflections on the past year, and plans for the new one. If that’s your kind of tea, you’re in the right place!

Last week, I posted a story on Instagram about how I create quarterly Looms for my team, and it got a lot of interest. So today, I’ll dive into that process, share my reflections on last year, and talk about what’s on my mind for 2025—which, by the way, still feels surreal to say!

I’m also sharing two unconventional New Year’s resolutions that I believe should be on every business owner’s list. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s get into it!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Reflecting on 2024
  • My 2025 Game Plan
  • 2 Unconventional Resolutions (Time Stamp - 26:32)


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Buzzsprout-16343665 Tue, 07 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0500 2194 55 full false 54 | Are You a Bad Communicator? 5 Ways to Get Faster Responses From Your Clients or Team in the New Year 54 | Are You a Bad Communicator? 5 Ways to Get Faster Responses From Your Clients or Team in the New Year In this episode, I’m sharing practical tips that have made a huge difference in my business and could do the same for you. If you’ve ever dealt with missed deadlines, unclear requests, or slow responses, these simple tweaks will make your communication clearer, faster, and more effective. If you want to get faster responses (and BETTER responses) from your clients and team, these will help!

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • How to make your messages clear and actionable to avoid delays.
  • Mistakes people make that slow down communication.
  • The best ways to use tools like voice notes and Loom videos without losing track.
  • Why setting expectations doesn’t make you “less chill”—it actually makes you a better leader.


Links Mentioned: 

]]> In this episode, I’m sharing practical tips that have made a huge difference in my business and could do the same for you. If you’ve ever dealt with missed deadlines, unclear requests, or slow responses, these simple tweaks will make your communication clearer, faster, and more effective. If you want to get faster responses (and BETTER responses) from your clients and team, these will help!

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • How to make your messages clear and actionable to avoid delays.
  • Mistakes people make that slow down communication.
  • The best ways to use tools like voice notes and Loom videos without losing track.
  • Why setting expectations doesn’t make you “less chill”—it actually makes you a better leader.


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-16330715 Tue, 31 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0500 893 54 full false 53 | Mental Breaks in Marketing: Taking Time to Reflect, Recharge, and Reimagine 53 | Mental Breaks in Marketing: Taking Time to Reflect, Recharge, and Reimagine In this episode, I'm talking about why we need to start taking intentional breaks when it comes to marketing and content creation. I'm also sharing my recent experience with batching podcast episodes, lessons learned from observing other creators, and why giving yourself "white space" can lead to fresh ideas and renewed creativity. Whether you're managing a podcast, blog, or business, my hope is that this episode inspires you to prioritize rest while staying consistent.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why batching content can help you stay consistent and avoid burnout.
  • The scene in MadMen that I can't stop thinking about.
  • The value of stepping back to observe and gain inspiration from others.
  • How intentional breaks can lead to fresh, innovative ideas for your marketing.


Links Mentioned: 

]]> In this episode, I'm talking about why we need to start taking intentional breaks when it comes to marketing and content creation. I'm also sharing my recent experience with batching podcast episodes, lessons learned from observing other creators, and why giving yourself "white space" can lead to fresh ideas and renewed creativity. Whether you're managing a podcast, blog, or business, my hope is that this episode inspires you to prioritize rest while staying consistent.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why batching content can help you stay consistent and avoid burnout.
  • The scene in MadMen that I can't stop thinking about.
  • The value of stepping back to observe and gain inspiration from others.
  • How intentional breaks can lead to fresh, innovative ideas for your marketing.


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-16030032 Tue, 24 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0500 547 53 full false 52 | Is It Time to Hire a Marketing Agency? 3 Questions to Ask Before You Splurge on a Marketing Agency 52 | Is It Time to Hire a Marketing Agency? 3 Questions to Ask Before You Splurge on a Marketing Agency Hi! Your favorite content marketing agency here, coming at you with an episode that I swear is not a sales pitch for our services (although, hello, what are you waiting for? hire us for blogging and Pinterest). Instead, I'm sharing 3 KEY questions that I think you should be asking before you hire anyone to market your business for you (regardless of if you're looking for a virtual assistant to support you, a blogging/pinterest agency, or even a social media manager).

Helping you make informed decisions around your marketing is the MOST important thing to me, so I hope you love this episode as much as I do!

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • How to decide if you should hire a marketing agency (beyond just "can you afford it?")
  • Things to consider when deciding which marketing platform(s) to outsource
  • Setting realistic expectations for outsourcing your marketing


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Hi! Your favorite content marketing agency here, coming at you with an episode that I swear is not a sales pitch for our services (although, hello, what are you waiting for? hire us for blogging and Pinterest). Instead, I'm sharing 3 KEY questions that I think you should be asking before you hire anyone to market your business for you (regardless of if you're looking for a virtual assistant to support you, a blogging/pinterest agency, or even a social media manager).

Helping you make informed decisions around your marketing is the MOST important thing to me, so I hope you love this episode as much as I do!

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • How to decide if you should hire a marketing agency (beyond just "can you afford it?")
  • Things to consider when deciding which marketing platform(s) to outsource
  • Setting realistic expectations for outsourcing your marketing


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-16030029 Tue, 17 Dec 2024 03:00:00 -0500 957 52 full false 51 | The 5 Ps to Profitable Podcast Guesting (+ How to Create a Steady Flow of Highly-Qualified Leads Without Paid Ads) with Dustin Riechmann 51 | The 5 Ps to Profitable Podcast Guesting (+ How to Create a Steady Flow of Highly-Qualified Leads Without Paid Ads) with Dustin Riechmann Are you thinking you might like to be a podcast guest someday? Maybe you've been a podcast guest and you're thinking, Hey, I want more of that. Or maybe you're looking for alternative ways to market your business, but you're not set on starting your own show.

Today's episode is for you. Actually, it's for you even if you do have your own show. Because let me just tell you, I've been a podcast guest many times and it's always been a super great way to connect not only with the host more, but also connect with an audience outside of yours. It is such a privilege and it is also such a great way to market your business.

I would love to tell you how I found Dustin and invited him on this podcast, but it actually comes up in this interview because it is part of his podcast guesting strategy. So for me, it was just super fun to watch his strategy in action and the way it was so natural (and yup, it works!).


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • 5 P's of Profitable Podcast Guesting
  • How to make the most of podcast guesting opportunities
  • The ROI of podcast guesting (and how you can add 6 or even 7 figures of business through this marketing strategy)
  • How to get started as a podcast guest (and book more interviews next year)


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Are you thinking you might like to be a podcast guest someday? Maybe you've been a podcast guest and you're thinking, Hey, I want more of that. Or maybe you're looking for alternative ways to market your business, but you're not set on starting your own show.

Today's episode is for you. Actually, it's for you even if you do have your own show. Because let me just tell you, I've been a podcast guest many times and it's always been a super great way to connect not only with the host more, but also connect with an audience outside of yours. It is such a privilege and it is also such a great way to market your business.

I would love to tell you how I found Dustin and invited him on this podcast, but it actually comes up in this interview because it is part of his podcast guesting strategy. So for me, it was just super fun to watch his strategy in action and the way it was so natural (and yup, it works!).


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • 5 P's of Profitable Podcast Guesting
  • How to make the most of podcast guesting opportunities
  • The ROI of podcast guesting (and how you can add 6 or even 7 figures of business through this marketing strategy)
  • How to get started as a podcast guest (and book more interviews next year)


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-16030027 Tue, 10 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0500 2087 51 full false 50 | 2 of the Biggest 2025 Website Trends (+ UX Tips You'll Want To Implement ASAP) with Hannah Davis 50 | 2 of the Biggest 2025 Website Trends (+ UX Tips You'll Want To Implement ASAP) with Hannah Davis Who doesn’t love a good trends episode? Today, I’m excited to bring on Hannah Davis to talk all about 2025 website trends and how we can update our websites without making them look overly trendy. I also loved how she tied in website UX (user experience) into everything she does!

We chatted all about the balance between copy and design, how to use templates effectively, and common website mistakes to avoid. 


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • 2 of the biggest 2025 website trends
  • How to know if WE should be jumping on the latest trends (big and small)
  • What to do if nobody is buying from our website
  • Improving our UX in 2025 

PS: We talked a lot about the importance of good COPY in this conversation. So this is me reminding you that I offer VIP days if you want a professional to write yours for you: https://thekarareport.com/copywriting

Links Mentioned: 

]]> Who doesn’t love a good trends episode? Today, I’m excited to bring on Hannah Davis to talk all about 2025 website trends and how we can update our websites without making them look overly trendy. I also loved how she tied in website UX (user experience) into everything she does!

We chatted all about the balance between copy and design, how to use templates effectively, and common website mistakes to avoid. 


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • 2 of the biggest 2025 website trends
  • How to know if WE should be jumping on the latest trends (big and small)
  • What to do if nobody is buying from our website
  • Improving our UX in 2025 

PS: We talked a lot about the importance of good COPY in this conversation. So this is me reminding you that I offer VIP days if you want a professional to write yours for you: https://thekarareport.com/copywriting

Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-16212434 Tue, 03 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0500 1825 50 full false 49 | 3 Things I'd Do If I Wanted To Make More Money in December 49 | 3 Things I'd Do If I Wanted To Make More Money in December I know that this week is absolutely crazy for some people. A lot of people are having Black Friday sales, it's Thanksgiving for my American friends, and everyone is just getting ready for the holiday season if they're not already in holiday mode already. So I just wanted to bring you a super short episode with just a little mindset shift to consider as we close out the year and answer the question: can you make money in December? 

I feel like at this stage of the year, a lot of us feel like our year is kind of set. We have made most of the money that we're going to make, or at least we know what we can expect in December. It's easy to fall into a trap thinking that nobody buys in December or hey, maybe you don't really want to work in December. That's what we're going to talk about today.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • A quick mindset shift for service providers who want to make more money in December
  • 3 things you can do to make more money in December (without heavy, aggressive marketing)


Links Mentioned: 

]]> I know that this week is absolutely crazy for some people. A lot of people are having Black Friday sales, it's Thanksgiving for my American friends, and everyone is just getting ready for the holiday season if they're not already in holiday mode already. So I just wanted to bring you a super short episode with just a little mindset shift to consider as we close out the year and answer the question: can you make money in December? 

I feel like at this stage of the year, a lot of us feel like our year is kind of set. We have made most of the money that we're going to make, or at least we know what we can expect in December. It's easy to fall into a trap thinking that nobody buys in December or hey, maybe you don't really want to work in December. That's what we're going to talk about today.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • A quick mindset shift for service providers who want to make more money in December
  • 3 things you can do to make more money in December (without heavy, aggressive marketing)


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-16030023 Tue, 26 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0500 618 49 full false 48 | 3 Steps to Start Profit Planning for the New Year with Geily Romero 48 | 3 Steps to Start Profit Planning for the New Year with Geily Romero  As the year begins to wind down, I know we all have one thing on our minds: MONEY. Whether we’re thinking about holiday spending, setting goals for 2025, making the most of the final month of the year, planning for more income in 2025, or identifying expenses for tax write-offs, money is definitely a top focus.

I’m thrilled to introduce you to Geily. She’s the founder of Cutting Edge Financial Solutions and works with service-based businesses to improve their bottom lines through cash flow management and financial planning, focusing on reducing spending and maximizing take-home profits—which, let’s be honest, is what we all want.
 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why we all need a little reality check when it comes to our profit planning
  • What your 2025 goals should look like (beyond just a revenue number)
  • How we can plan ahead to see more profit this year


Links Mentioned: 

]]>  As the year begins to wind down, I know we all have one thing on our minds: MONEY. Whether we’re thinking about holiday spending, setting goals for 2025, making the most of the final month of the year, planning for more income in 2025, or identifying expenses for tax write-offs, money is definitely a top focus.

I’m thrilled to introduce you to Geily. She’s the founder of Cutting Edge Financial Solutions and works with service-based businesses to improve their bottom lines through cash flow management and financial planning, focusing on reducing spending and maximizing take-home profits—which, let’s be honest, is what we all want.
 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why we all need a little reality check when it comes to our profit planning
  • What your 2025 goals should look like (beyond just a revenue number)
  • How we can plan ahead to see more profit this year


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-15934674 Tue, 19 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0500 1798 48 full false 47 | The Ultimate Black Friday Launch Game Plan with Dolly Delong 47 | The Ultimate Black Friday Launch Game Plan with Dolly Delong Today, we're diving deep into Black Friday launch strategies with the incredible Dolly DeLong. Dolly, a seasoned systems and workflow expert (and the #1 person recommended on threads to talk about this!),  shares her approach to launching with intention, offering tips to move from a scattered approach to a structured, strategic game plan. 

From prepping your audience to refining your marketing and planning for a smooth launch, Dolly’s advice is helpful regardless of whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or tackling your first Black Friday campaign. Plus, she shares how she structures her week to run two businesses on just 20 hours a week and shares realistic tips on time management that allow for both successful launches and a balanced life. 

You'll get a glimpse of her tried-and-tested launch phases—from the planning stages to post-launch reflection—plus advice on how to keep emotions in check when measuring launch success. I loved this conversation (and love her!).


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Pre-launch and audience priming before a launch
  • Practical ways to map out launch phases
  • Tips for managing launches within a limited workweek
  • How to build your audience in between launches


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Today, we're diving deep into Black Friday launch strategies with the incredible Dolly DeLong. Dolly, a seasoned systems and workflow expert (and the #1 person recommended on threads to talk about this!),  shares her approach to launching with intention, offering tips to move from a scattered approach to a structured, strategic game plan. 

From prepping your audience to refining your marketing and planning for a smooth launch, Dolly’s advice is helpful regardless of whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or tackling your first Black Friday campaign. Plus, she shares how she structures her week to run two businesses on just 20 hours a week and shares realistic tips on time management that allow for both successful launches and a balanced life. 

You'll get a glimpse of her tried-and-tested launch phases—from the planning stages to post-launch reflection—plus advice on how to keep emotions in check when measuring launch success. I loved this conversation (and love her!).


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Pre-launch and audience priming before a launch
  • Practical ways to map out launch phases
  • Tips for managing launches within a limited workweek
  • How to build your audience in between launches


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-15991621 Tue, 12 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0500 2204 47 full false 46 | I Read 10x Is Easier Than 2x So You Don't Have to (5 Lessons I'm Keeping!) 46 | I Read 10x Is Easier Than 2x So You Don't Have to (5 Lessons I'm Keeping!) I read 10x is Easier Than 2x, so you don't have to. I'm actually going to talk about why I think it's one of the best business books I've read in a long time, but with a few caveats. This is going to be part "what I learned from it and what I'm seeing in my own business", and then also part, book review. 

Regardless, I feel like 10x is Easier Than 2x has been the number one book everyone has been recommending, and I was really excited to read it, but I also was a little bit skeptical. I thought it might be one of those situations where, and I'm going to use Profit First as an example, everyone has basically shared the highlights so much that you're kind of familiar enough with the concept by now before you even read it.

My point here is this: I thought I knew what it was going to be about and what it would say, and I was wrong. So anyway, we're going to get into all of that - let's begin!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Removing Decision Paralysis
  • The Question You Need to Be Asking to 10x
  • How to Constantly Be Shedding the 80% 
  • Being a Buyer, Not a Seller as a Business Owner
  • Gap vs. Gain Mindset


Links Mentioned: 

]]> I read 10x is Easier Than 2x, so you don't have to. I'm actually going to talk about why I think it's one of the best business books I've read in a long time, but with a few caveats. This is going to be part "what I learned from it and what I'm seeing in my own business", and then also part, book review. 

Regardless, I feel like 10x is Easier Than 2x has been the number one book everyone has been recommending, and I was really excited to read it, but I also was a little bit skeptical. I thought it might be one of those situations where, and I'm going to use Profit First as an example, everyone has basically shared the highlights so much that you're kind of familiar enough with the concept by now before you even read it.

My point here is this: I thought I knew what it was going to be about and what it would say, and I was wrong. So anyway, we're going to get into all of that - let's begin!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Removing Decision Paralysis
  • The Question You Need to Be Asking to 10x
  • How to Constantly Be Shedding the 80% 
  • Being a Buyer, Not a Seller as a Business Owner
  • Gap vs. Gain Mindset


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-15972947 Tue, 05 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0500 1135 46 full false 45 | The Scariest Sh*t in the Online Space Right Now (+ How to Not Get Scammed?) with Danielle Ryan 45 | The Scariest Sh*t in the Online Space Right Now (+ How to Not Get Scammed?) with Danielle Ryan In this episode, we're diving into the unnerving (and often shocking!) world of online business coaching with Vancouver-based content creator Danielle Ryan. Danielle has spent years building a business and now pulls back the curtain on some of the most problematic trends in the coaching industry. 

From unqualified “gurus” to expensive masterminds with questionable value, Danielle doesn’t hold back on the hard truths about the online business industry. She shares her own experience of hiring a coach who failed to deliver, along with insights into how business coaching has devolved into a web of upsells, peer-to-peer coaching scams, and sketchy promises.

We’re not just talking about typical business horror stories—this episode covers the online business scams that MOST OF US have fallen victim too. Danielle’s passionate and relatable as she shares how to spot red flags in coaching, why pyramid-style coaching is on the rise, and how to make wise investments without falling prey to empty promises. 

You're going to love this episode!



🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The phenomenon of “coaches coaching coaches” and the pyramid-like structures
  • Red flags to watch out for in online business coaching
  • Whether the high prices in business coaching are justified?
  • How to make ethical, informed investments in the coaching industry


Links Mentioned: 

]]> In this episode, we're diving into the unnerving (and often shocking!) world of online business coaching with Vancouver-based content creator Danielle Ryan. Danielle has spent years building a business and now pulls back the curtain on some of the most problematic trends in the coaching industry. 

From unqualified “gurus” to expensive masterminds with questionable value, Danielle doesn’t hold back on the hard truths about the online business industry. She shares her own experience of hiring a coach who failed to deliver, along with insights into how business coaching has devolved into a web of upsells, peer-to-peer coaching scams, and sketchy promises.

We’re not just talking about typical business horror stories—this episode covers the online business scams that MOST OF US have fallen victim too. Danielle’s passionate and relatable as she shares how to spot red flags in coaching, why pyramid-style coaching is on the rise, and how to make wise investments without falling prey to empty promises. 

You're going to love this episode!



🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The phenomenon of “coaches coaching coaches” and the pyramid-like structures
  • Red flags to watch out for in online business coaching
  • Whether the high prices in business coaching are justified?
  • How to make ethical, informed investments in the coaching industry


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-15934654 Tue, 29 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400 2583 45 full true 44 | Why Does Everyone Market To Beginners? Why Basic Content Is Everywhere (2 Reasons!) 44 | Why Does Everyone Market To Beginners? Why Basic Content Is Everywhere (2 Reasons!)  Does it feel like everybody tries to market to beginners? This is something I hear over and over again. Especially with my podcast, I really try to avoid those super beginner basic concepts. However, I do know WHY most people market to beginners, and I'm going to dive into that in this episode so that you can decide for yourself if this should be part of your own marketing strategy.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Targeting Beginners vs. Advanced Audiences
  • Why I have tried to create a podcast that's not "for the masses"
  • Pros and cons of marketing to beginners


Links Mentioned: 

]]>  Does it feel like everybody tries to market to beginners? This is something I hear over and over again. Especially with my podcast, I really try to avoid those super beginner basic concepts. However, I do know WHY most people market to beginners, and I'm going to dive into that in this episode so that you can decide for yourself if this should be part of your own marketing strategy.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Targeting Beginners vs. Advanced Audiences
  • Why I have tried to create a podcast that's not "for the masses"
  • Pros and cons of marketing to beginners


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-15934051 Tue, 22 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400 1140 44 full false 43 | Black Friday Trends for 2024: Launching, Marketing Tips, and Low-Ticket Offers for Course Creators with Mara Kucirek 43 | Black Friday Trends for 2024: Launching, Marketing Tips, and Low-Ticket Offers for Course Creators with Mara Kucirek In this episode, I got to sit down with Mara Kucirek, an online course specialist who helps other business owners create, sell, and improve their online courses. She brought a list of Black Friday Trends for 2024, and then we dive deep into Black Friday sales strategies, including why it's important to start planning early to avoid last-minute stress on Thanksgiving. 

We also talk about the importance of delivering a high-quality product, not just focusing on marketing, and why many online courses fail because they don’t help students implement the material. 

Mara shares SO much, so whether you're a course creator or small business owner gearing up for the holiday sales season, this episode is full of actionable tips to make your Black Friday a win!

 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The biggest 2024 Black Friday trends we're going to see
  • The easiest thing to offer in your courses (that your potential students really want!)
  • Balancing marketing and sales with creating a great product 
  • Why low-ticket offers are booming and whether or not it's actually worth creating one


Links Mentioned: 

]]> In this episode, I got to sit down with Mara Kucirek, an online course specialist who helps other business owners create, sell, and improve their online courses. She brought a list of Black Friday Trends for 2024, and then we dive deep into Black Friday sales strategies, including why it's important to start planning early to avoid last-minute stress on Thanksgiving. 

We also talk about the importance of delivering a high-quality product, not just focusing on marketing, and why many online courses fail because they don’t help students implement the material. 

Mara shares SO much, so whether you're a course creator or small business owner gearing up for the holiday sales season, this episode is full of actionable tips to make your Black Friday a win!

 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The biggest 2024 Black Friday trends we're going to see
  • The easiest thing to offer in your courses (that your potential students really want!)
  • Balancing marketing and sales with creating a great product 
  • Why low-ticket offers are booming and whether or not it's actually worth creating one


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-15910505 Tue, 15 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400 2444 full false 42 | Struggling with AI? Here’s How to Make AI Sound Like You with Kinsey Soderberg 42 | Struggling with AI? Here’s How to Make AI Sound Like You with Kinsey Soderberg Have you been looking to use AI in a more authentic way? Or maybe you're just wondering, how do I get the outputs closer to a final version when I use AI? If you're still doing a ton of editing with what Chat GPT spits out, you are going to love today's guest. I brought on Kinsey of Feel Good Social and Authentic AI to share how to make AI sound like you (and she shares a LOT more to be honest).  



🎙️ In This Episode:

  • How to train AI tools to reflect your brand’s voice and personality
  • Tips for using AI while remaining authentic in content creation
  • Practical strategies to integrate AI into your business workflow
  • Common mistakes people make when using AI and how to avoid them
  • Why it's important for women and underrepresented groups to embrace AI


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Have you been looking to use AI in a more authentic way? Or maybe you're just wondering, how do I get the outputs closer to a final version when I use AI? If you're still doing a ton of editing with what Chat GPT spits out, you are going to love today's guest. I brought on Kinsey of Feel Good Social and Authentic AI to share how to make AI sound like you (and she shares a LOT more to be honest).  



🎙️ In This Episode:

  • How to train AI tools to reflect your brand’s voice and personality
  • Tips for using AI while remaining authentic in content creation
  • Practical strategies to integrate AI into your business workflow
  • Common mistakes people make when using AI and how to avoid them
  • Why it's important for women and underrepresented groups to embrace AI


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-15801601 Tue, 08 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400 2921 42 full false 41 | AI Tips for Small Businesses: The Do's and Don'ts Of How I Use AI In My Business 41 | AI Tips for Small Businesses: The Do's and Don'ts Of How I Use AI In My Business Today's topic is one I’m genuinely excited about. We’re diving deep into the do's and don'ts of using AI, AI Tips for Small Businesses, specifically tailored to how I personally use it in my workflow. This episode was actually requested by a listener, which is always my favorite kind of content to create!

I won’t be covering the basics like "give your AI a role" or "don’t copy and paste responses" – you can find that with a quick Google search. Instead, I’m taking you beyond the basics to explore the more advanced ways I integrate AI into my daily tasks, from uploading documents, SEO, writing blog posts, to podcast content. 


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What you should (and should not) upload to get better results
  • How to use AI for SEO and keyword research (with a big caveat)
  • Prompts and tips for adding AI to your blogging or podcast workflow
  • Do you need to tell clients you're using AI?


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Today's topic is one I’m genuinely excited about. We’re diving deep into the do's and don'ts of using AI, AI Tips for Small Businesses, specifically tailored to how I personally use it in my workflow. This episode was actually requested by a listener, which is always my favorite kind of content to create!

I won’t be covering the basics like "give your AI a role" or "don’t copy and paste responses" – you can find that with a quick Google search. Instead, I’m taking you beyond the basics to explore the more advanced ways I integrate AI into my daily tasks, from uploading documents, SEO, writing blog posts, to podcast content. 


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What you should (and should not) upload to get better results
  • How to use AI for SEO and keyword research (with a big caveat)
  • Prompts and tips for adding AI to your blogging or podcast workflow
  • Do you need to tell clients you're using AI?


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-15694896 Tue, 01 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400 1838 41 full false 40 | Planning Black Friday Now To Stack Recurring Revenue Into 2025 with Wandi Ruiz 40 | Planning Black Friday Now To Stack Recurring Revenue Into 2025 with Wandi Ruiz Are you thinking about launching something for Black Friday, but you're a service provider and unsure what that would look like for you? Maybe you're feeling pressured to create something new? Or you're an introvert like me wondering how you'll find the energy to maintain a launch during the busiest time of year? In this week's episode, I interviewed Wandi Ruiz all about how planning Black Friday now, can help YOU stack recurring revenue for 2025.

Wandi has a challenge starting today if you want to dive into this even further! Head to her Instagram for details: https://www.instagram.com/thewandiruiz/

🎙 In this episode:

  • Wandi shares BTS of her two-month launch last Black Friday
  • How detailed your planning process should be vs. what you can do on the fly
  • How to "sell your stuff" on Black Friday WITHOUT offering a discount

Links Mentioned: 



]]> Are you thinking about launching something for Black Friday, but you're a service provider and unsure what that would look like for you? Maybe you're feeling pressured to create something new? Or you're an introvert like me wondering how you'll find the energy to maintain a launch during the busiest time of year? In this week's episode, I interviewed Wandi Ruiz all about how planning Black Friday now, can help YOU stack recurring revenue for 2025.

Wandi has a challenge starting today if you want to dive into this even further! Head to her Instagram for details: https://www.instagram.com/thewandiruiz/

🎙 In this episode:

  • Wandi shares BTS of her two-month launch last Black Friday
  • How detailed your planning process should be vs. what you can do on the fly
  • How to "sell your stuff" on Black Friday WITHOUT offering a discount

Links Mentioned: 



]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-15770995 Mon, 23 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0400 1940 40 full true 39 | Do You Have a 5 Minute Booking Process? How to Create One (+ More Tips to SIMPLIFY Your Life With Your CRM) with Colie James 39 | Do You Have a 5 Minute Booking Process? How to Create One (+ More Tips to SIMPLIFY Your Life With Your CRM) with Colie James Five minutes into this episode, I realized just HOW much value Colie was bringing to the conversation. I already knew she was brilliant in systems and client experience, but if you’re not familiar with her yet, get ready. After recording, I made it a goal to implement everything she recommended, and it took me about two and a half hours (though it could’ve been quicker if I hadn’t overthought the details!). You're going to LOVE this episode so let’s get into it!

We dive into the bare minimum customer experience, her five-minute booking process that boosts your revenue, and how to personalize your customer experience with automation. She also shares how she uses Airtable—without giving too much away, this episode is packed with insights. 



🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What does a "bare minimum customer experience" look like?
  • How to set up a 5 minute booking process (to get paid fast)
  • How to personalize your customer experience WITH automation
  • How we can use Airtable to keep organized


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Five minutes into this episode, I realized just HOW much value Colie was bringing to the conversation. I already knew she was brilliant in systems and client experience, but if you’re not familiar with her yet, get ready. After recording, I made it a goal to implement everything she recommended, and it took me about two and a half hours (though it could’ve been quicker if I hadn’t overthought the details!). You're going to LOVE this episode so let’s get into it!

We dive into the bare minimum customer experience, her five-minute booking process that boosts your revenue, and how to personalize your customer experience with automation. She also shares how she uses Airtable—without giving too much away, this episode is packed with insights. 



🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What does a "bare minimum customer experience" look like?
  • How to set up a 5 minute booking process (to get paid fast)
  • How to personalize your customer experience WITH automation
  • How we can use Airtable to keep organized


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-15741226 Tue, 17 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0400 2212 39 full false 38 | What Eminem and Taylor Swift Know About Building a Brand in 2024 38 | What Eminem and Taylor Swift Know About Building a Brand in 2024 Do you ever have a hard time turning off your business brain? This week’s episode was inspired by a moment that hit me a few weekends ago while driving home from camping. On the way home, we listened to Eminem’s new album—out of sheer curiosity, since I honestly don’t usually listen to that kind of music anymore. But it got me thinking about his lyrics and just how talented he is, honestly, which naturally led me to think of Taylor Swift and, then naturally, business. I couldn’t help but start jotting down ideas, and I’m excited to dive into them with you today!

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What I thought about the new Eminem album (lol)
  • What stuck out to me about two very different artists with decades-long careers
  • Lessons we can take away as business owners (when it comes to building a brand and connecting with our people)


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Do you ever have a hard time turning off your business brain? This week’s episode was inspired by a moment that hit me a few weekends ago while driving home from camping. On the way home, we listened to Eminem’s new album—out of sheer curiosity, since I honestly don’t usually listen to that kind of music anymore. But it got me thinking about his lyrics and just how talented he is, honestly, which naturally led me to think of Taylor Swift and, then naturally, business. I couldn’t help but start jotting down ideas, and I’m excited to dive into them with you today!

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What I thought about the new Eminem album (lol)
  • What stuck out to me about two very different artists with decades-long careers
  • Lessons we can take away as business owners (when it comes to building a brand and connecting with our people)


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-15683141 Tue, 10 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0400 745 38 full false 37 | 4 Things To Do With That New Fall Energy You're Feeling Right Now 37 | 4 Things To Do With That New Fall Energy You're Feeling Right Now Is anyone else feeling that new fall energy? It’s that time of year again—Labor Day has passed, and suddenly, everyone seems ready to dive back into their goals and projects. If you’ve been putting off those big dreams or plans for Q4, chances are they’re now front and center in your mind.

Today, we’re exploring four powerful ways to channel that fresh, autumnal energy to make the most of this season. And be sure to stick around until the end, where I’ll share one thing that might be on your mind but might not be the best use of that new fall energy. Let’s get started!

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • 4 things small business owners should focus on with their new fall energy
  • What might actually be a distraction
  • How to set yourself up for Q4, the holidays, and beyond! 


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Is anyone else feeling that new fall energy? It’s that time of year again—Labor Day has passed, and suddenly, everyone seems ready to dive back into their goals and projects. If you’ve been putting off those big dreams or plans for Q4, chances are they’re now front and center in your mind.

Today, we’re exploring four powerful ways to channel that fresh, autumnal energy to make the most of this season. And be sure to stick around until the end, where I’ll share one thing that might be on your mind but might not be the best use of that new fall energy. Let’s get started!

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • 4 things small business owners should focus on with their new fall energy
  • What might actually be a distraction
  • How to set yourself up for Q4, the holidays, and beyond! 


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-15643719 Tue, 03 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0400 987 37 full false 36 | Coming Up With Buzz-worthy Content Ideas (That Actually Generate Sales For Your Business) with Nicole Czarnecki 36 | Coming Up With Buzz-worthy Content Ideas (That Actually Generate Sales For Your Business) with Nicole Czarnecki How do we actually come up with ideas for our marketing content? That's exactly what I want to know, and Nicole Czarnecki has answers. Nicole is absolutely brilliant at the creative side of marketing, especially the kind that's very intentional and designed to drive real results. Sometimes, we think of marketers as either creative types or data-driven types. Personally, I lean more towards the blogging side because I don't consider myself overly creative—I find the keyword first, and then the idea follows.

On the other hand, those who excel at social media content tend to lean more into the creative piece, though, of course, there are exceptions. But here’s the thing about Nicole: she’s incredibly creative, yet you’d never expect her to be so strategically focused. After many conversations with her, I’m consistently blown away by her brilliance, and I’m beyond excited to share our latest conversation with you on the podcast today. So, let's get into it!



🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Where "trendy content" should fit into your strategy as a small business
  • The different types of content small business owners should create
  • How to leverage the collab tool like big brands (as a small business)
  • How to come up with killer content ideas (all the time)
  • The amount of time social media actually takes (and how to batch it and make it easier)


Links Mentioned: 

]]> How do we actually come up with ideas for our marketing content? That's exactly what I want to know, and Nicole Czarnecki has answers. Nicole is absolutely brilliant at the creative side of marketing, especially the kind that's very intentional and designed to drive real results. Sometimes, we think of marketers as either creative types or data-driven types. Personally, I lean more towards the blogging side because I don't consider myself overly creative—I find the keyword first, and then the idea follows.

On the other hand, those who excel at social media content tend to lean more into the creative piece, though, of course, there are exceptions. But here’s the thing about Nicole: she’s incredibly creative, yet you’d never expect her to be so strategically focused. After many conversations with her, I’m consistently blown away by her brilliance, and I’m beyond excited to share our latest conversation with you on the podcast today. So, let's get into it!



🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Where "trendy content" should fit into your strategy as a small business
  • The different types of content small business owners should create
  • How to leverage the collab tool like big brands (as a small business)
  • How to come up with killer content ideas (all the time)
  • The amount of time social media actually takes (and how to batch it and make it easier)


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-15305317 Tue, 27 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0400 3028 36 full false 35 | You Need To Be Ruthless About What You Listen To 35 | You Need To Be Ruthless About What You Listen To Are you ruthless about what you listen to? Are you surrounded by people agreeing with you and complaining that this year sucks, it's slow, the economy, etc? I'm not here to say it's not valid, but today I'll enter with a hot take - more of a pep talk than my usual tangible tips. Let's get into it.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What's driving me crazy on threads lately
  • One of the easiest ways to self-sabotage
  • How I'm adapting to changes as a marketer right now (having my best year yet tbh)


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Are you ruthless about what you listen to? Are you surrounded by people agreeing with you and complaining that this year sucks, it's slow, the economy, etc? I'm not here to say it's not valid, but today I'll enter with a hot take - more of a pep talk than my usual tangible tips. Let's get into it.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What's driving me crazy on threads lately
  • One of the easiest ways to self-sabotage
  • How I'm adapting to changes as a marketer right now (having my best year yet tbh)


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-15586189 Tue, 20 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0400 631 35 full false 34 | Is Your Business Ready to Hire a Virtual Assistant? Don't Make These Mistakes with Sophie Robinson 34 | Is Your Business Ready to Hire a Virtual Assistant? Don't Make These Mistakes with Sophie Robinson Is Your Business Ready to Hire a Virtual Assistant? Or have you tried hiring virtual assistants in the past based on advice from your business coach or business bestie? Maybe you’ve hired one, maybe you’ve hired many, and you’re always like, “why is it not the magic pill that everyone says it’s going to be”? That is what we’re going to talk about today.

But before we dive in, I also just want to say this: we talk a lot about misconceptions and myths and what it’s really like hiring a virtual assistant, things that go wrong when you hire a va, mistakes, etc, but I also just want to say that growing your team and hiring a virtual assistant isn’t really optional if you want to grow a big business. There are exceptions to every rules, but when you get to a certain point in your business, you need help. So let's talk about it! 



🎙️ In This Episode:

  • How to know whether or not you're ready to hire a virtual assistant
  • Finding someone to help you with what YOU uniquely need
  • What you need to do BEFORE you make the hire
  • Some of the biggest mistakes business owners make when hiring a virtual assistant


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Is Your Business Ready to Hire a Virtual Assistant? Or have you tried hiring virtual assistants in the past based on advice from your business coach or business bestie? Maybe you’ve hired one, maybe you’ve hired many, and you’re always like, “why is it not the magic pill that everyone says it’s going to be”? That is what we’re going to talk about today.

But before we dive in, I also just want to say this: we talk a lot about misconceptions and myths and what it’s really like hiring a virtual assistant, things that go wrong when you hire a va, mistakes, etc, but I also just want to say that growing your team and hiring a virtual assistant isn’t really optional if you want to grow a big business. There are exceptions to every rules, but when you get to a certain point in your business, you need help. So let's talk about it! 



🎙️ In This Episode:

  • How to know whether or not you're ready to hire a virtual assistant
  • Finding someone to help you with what YOU uniquely need
  • What you need to do BEFORE you make the hire
  • Some of the biggest mistakes business owners make when hiring a virtual assistant


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-15497748 Tue, 13 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0400 2309 34 full false 33 | Soft Life vs. Hustle Culture: How to Slow Down But Still Hit Your Goals with Simone Little 33 | Soft Life vs. Hustle Culture: How to Slow Down But Still Hit Your Goals with Simone Little Not working all the time has been a struggle for me because I genuinely love what I do. Like many entrepreneurs, I have a tendency to overcommit myself. I often don't notice the effects until it's almost too late and I'm way overextended. I genuinely enjoy the projects I take on and the clients I work with. However, I want to live my life too.

If this resonates with you, you're going to love this episode. I brought on Simone to discuss why work-life balance doesn't exist and how we can release guilt while remaining productive. We'll explore how to get out of hustle mode while still accomplishing our goals.

To be clear, we're not suggesting you can stop hustling, sit on your couch, and make a million dollars a year. That's not what this podcast is about. (If I figure out how to do that, I'll definitely pass it on!) What you'll find in this episode are practical examples and customizable advice, which I really loved. Let's get into it!

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The difference between hustling and when you "just love working"
  • What to do if you've already overcommitted yourself
  • How to find more joy in small pockets of free time
  • Get things done (without guilt!)


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Not working all the time has been a struggle for me because I genuinely love what I do. Like many entrepreneurs, I have a tendency to overcommit myself. I often don't notice the effects until it's almost too late and I'm way overextended. I genuinely enjoy the projects I take on and the clients I work with. However, I want to live my life too.

If this resonates with you, you're going to love this episode. I brought on Simone to discuss why work-life balance doesn't exist and how we can release guilt while remaining productive. We'll explore how to get out of hustle mode while still accomplishing our goals.

To be clear, we're not suggesting you can stop hustling, sit on your couch, and make a million dollars a year. That's not what this podcast is about. (If I figure out how to do that, I'll definitely pass it on!) What you'll find in this episode are practical examples and customizable advice, which I really loved. Let's get into it!

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The difference between hustling and when you "just love working"
  • What to do if you've already overcommitted yourself
  • How to find more joy in small pockets of free time
  • Get things done (without guilt!)


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-15432713 Tue, 06 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0400 2090 full true 32 | 3 Weird Things I've Done to Get More Wedding Clients 32 | 3 Weird Things I've Done to Get More Wedding Clients Today, I want to talk about three weird things I've done to get more wedding clients. This episode is going to be different because I'm not saying, "Do these three things and you'll explode your business." I want to talk about subtle things and hopefully get you to brainstorm different ways to market your business beyond social media, blogging, and Pinterest, which I always talk about here. So let's get into it.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • 3 ways I booked more wedding clients by accident
  • How to market your business in new and interesting ways

Links Mentioned: 



]]> Today, I want to talk about three weird things I've done to get more wedding clients. This episode is going to be different because I'm not saying, "Do these three things and you'll explode your business." I want to talk about subtle things and hopefully get you to brainstorm different ways to market your business beyond social media, blogging, and Pinterest, which I always talk about here. So let's get into it.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • 3 ways I booked more wedding clients by accident
  • How to market your business in new and interesting ways

Links Mentioned: 



]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-15438171 Tue, 30 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0400 614 32 full false 31 | Proven Methods to Find the Perfect Topics: Never Run Out of Blog Ideas Again 31 | Proven Methods to Find the Perfect Topics: Never Run Out of Blog Ideas Again  How should you come up with blog topics? That's one of my most frequently asked questions. People either say, "I have so many ideas, I can't get my thoughts out," or "I sit at a blank screen with no idea what to blog about." After doing this for four years, I have a system.

I cover everything you need to know about blogging for SEO in my Blogging for Bingeable Brands mini course, which you can get 20% off with code Podcast 20, but today, I'm sharing how to find your best blog topics!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • 3 Ways to Find Keywords That Are Trending/Profitable
  • How to Turn Keywords Into Topics
  • What To Do if You Already Have a Ton of Ideas


Links Mentioned: 

]]>  How should you come up with blog topics? That's one of my most frequently asked questions. People either say, "I have so many ideas, I can't get my thoughts out," or "I sit at a blank screen with no idea what to blog about." After doing this for four years, I have a system.

I cover everything you need to know about blogging for SEO in my Blogging for Bingeable Brands mini course, which you can get 20% off with code Podcast 20, but today, I'm sharing how to find your best blog topics!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • 3 Ways to Find Keywords That Are Trending/Profitable
  • How to Turn Keywords Into Topics
  • What To Do if You Already Have a Ton of Ideas


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-15401333 Tue, 23 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0400 1091 32 full false 30 | An Advanced Conversation for Creatives Using AI (Chat GPT Tips + New Tools to Try) with Lauren deVane 30 | An Advanced Conversation for Creatives Using AI (Chat GPT Tips + New Tools to Try) with Lauren deVane There are so many buzzwords in the online space and it can constantly make you feel like you're missing out. For example, today's guest is coming on to talk all about systems, specifically, her systems trifecta, which is three things that your systems absolutely need to actually be helpful. So many people will tell you that you "need systems", but nobody tells you how to go about creating them in your business and what they look like when they're working.
 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Chat GPT vs. Claude vs. Gemini
  • How to better prompt AI tools
  • The mistakes we are making with AI tools
  • How to make AI sound more like YOU


Links Mentioned: 

]]> There are so many buzzwords in the online space and it can constantly make you feel like you're missing out. For example, today's guest is coming on to talk all about systems, specifically, her systems trifecta, which is three things that your systems absolutely need to actually be helpful. So many people will tell you that you "need systems", but nobody tells you how to go about creating them in your business and what they look like when they're working.
 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Chat GPT vs. Claude vs. Gemini
  • How to better prompt AI tools
  • The mistakes we are making with AI tools
  • How to make AI sound more like YOU


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-15416920 Tue, 16 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0400 2432 30 full true 29 | The Business Systems Trifecta You Have Been Missing with Sandra Henderson 29 | The Business Systems Trifecta You Have Been Missing with Sandra Henderson There are so many buzzwords in the online space and it can constantly make you feel like you're missing out. For example, today's guest is coming on to talk all about systems, specifically, her systems trifecta, which is three things that your systems absolutely need to actually be helpful. So many people will tell you that you "need systems", but nobody tells you how to go about creating them in your business and what they look like when they're working.
 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • 3 things your systems need to have in order to actually help you
  • What to do if your systems are out of control
  • Why we need to plan our systems for our "worst" days instead of our best days


Links Mentioned: 

]]> There are so many buzzwords in the online space and it can constantly make you feel like you're missing out. For example, today's guest is coming on to talk all about systems, specifically, her systems trifecta, which is three things that your systems absolutely need to actually be helpful. So many people will tell you that you "need systems", but nobody tells you how to go about creating them in your business and what they look like when they're working.
 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • 3 things your systems need to have in order to actually help you
  • What to do if your systems are out of control
  • Why we need to plan our systems for our "worst" days instead of our best days


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-15367365 Tue, 09 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0400 2449 29 full false 28 | I Started a Podcast 6 Months Ago! Here's How It's Going... 28 | I Started a Podcast 6 Months Ago! Here's How It's Going... It's okay to be nosy 😉 Six months ago, I pressed publish on my podcast. And it has been really fun! I can't believe it's already been six months, so I thought this would be a super fun episode to just talk about how things are going, what I've learned, answering questions I've been asked, etc. This is NOT like a "tips to have a podcast" episode, it's more just me sharing behind-the-scenes being really new at something again!   


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • How I come up with topics
  • How much time/money I'm investing 
  • My average number of downloads
  • My most popular episode
  • Whether I took a podcast course
  • If I've gotten clients from it


Links Mentioned: 

]]> It's okay to be nosy 😉 Six months ago, I pressed publish on my podcast. And it has been really fun! I can't believe it's already been six months, so I thought this would be a super fun episode to just talk about how things are going, what I've learned, answering questions I've been asked, etc. This is NOT like a "tips to have a podcast" episode, it's more just me sharing behind-the-scenes being really new at something again!   


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • How I come up with topics
  • How much time/money I'm investing 
  • My average number of downloads
  • My most popular episode
  • Whether I took a podcast course
  • If I've gotten clients from it


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-15319708 Tue, 02 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -0400 2147 28 full false 27 | Stop Marketing By Accident: What a Real Marketing Strategy Looks Like with Tayler Cusick Hollman from Enji 27 | Stop Marketing By Accident: What a Real Marketing Strategy Looks Like with Tayler Cusick Hollman from Enji The word strategy feels overused these days but how do we know if we're just marketing by accident? And if we know that we're just kind of winging it, how do we stop? I've brought Tayler from Enji to talk all about what a REAL marketing strategy looks like, and how we as small businesses can actually use one to grow our businesses without losing our minds in the process.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What marketing by accident looks like (hint: you might think you're being intentional)
  • The components of a real marketing strategy
  • How we can better evaluate what's working in our businesses
  • Whether or not small business owners should hop on trends
  • How much time you really need to market your business 



Links Mentioned:

]]> The word strategy feels overused these days but how do we know if we're just marketing by accident? And if we know that we're just kind of winging it, how do we stop? I've brought Tayler from Enji to talk all about what a REAL marketing strategy looks like, and how we as small businesses can actually use one to grow our businesses without losing our minds in the process.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What marketing by accident looks like (hint: you might think you're being intentional)
  • The components of a real marketing strategy
  • How we can better evaluate what's working in our businesses
  • Whether or not small business owners should hop on trends
  • How much time you really need to market your business 



Links Mentioned:

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-15272199 Tue, 25 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0400 3169 27 full true 26 | Your Low-Effort, High-Impact Summer Marketing Plan (Do These 3 Things!) 26 | Your Low-Effort, High-Impact Summer Marketing Plan (Do These 3 Things!) I know as entrepreneurs it can sometimes be so easy to fall off the bandwagon during the summer. That's why today, I'm sharing three pretty low effort, high impact things I want you to focus on this summer. And don't worry, I am practicing what I preach here, because I will be implementing these things in my own business as well!

Let's all focus on creating a summer marketing plan that sets you up for success in the fall. We all get that new fall energy, right? We're going to talk about three marketing activities you should do this summer to make your life easier when that fall energy hits. Your future self will thank you. So, let’s get in



🎙️ In This Episode:

  • 3 Things to focus on this summer
  • What to do to build momentum
  • How to ENJOY your summer


Links Mentioned: 


]]> I know as entrepreneurs it can sometimes be so easy to fall off the bandwagon during the summer. That's why today, I'm sharing three pretty low effort, high impact things I want you to focus on this summer. And don't worry, I am practicing what I preach here, because I will be implementing these things in my own business as well!

Let's all focus on creating a summer marketing plan that sets you up for success in the fall. We all get that new fall energy, right? We're going to talk about three marketing activities you should do this summer to make your life easier when that fall energy hits. Your future self will thank you. So, let’s get in



🎙️ In This Episode:

  • 3 Things to focus on this summer
  • What to do to build momentum
  • How to ENJOY your summer


Links Mentioned: 


]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-15239692 Tue, 18 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0400 732 26 full false 25 | 3 Things You Need To Have To Get Out Of Feast Or Famine Marketing Mode 25 | 3 Things You Need To Have To Get Out Of Feast Or Famine Marketing Mode Are you stuck in a feast or famine marketing cycle where sometimes there’s too much work and other times it feels like your email must not be working? Today, I want to help you explore a new marketing strategy that will take you from feast or famine marketing to consistent, high-quality leads. Don't worry - you've got this!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why you're struggling to get out of feast or famine mode
  • 3 things that you need to have in place 
  • What order to work on each piece of your fast and slow marketing for maximum results


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Are you stuck in a feast or famine marketing cycle where sometimes there’s too much work and other times it feels like your email must not be working? Today, I want to help you explore a new marketing strategy that will take you from feast or famine marketing to consistent, high-quality leads. Don't worry - you've got this!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why you're struggling to get out of feast or famine mode
  • 3 things that you need to have in place 
  • What order to work on each piece of your fast and slow marketing for maximum results


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-15206525 Tue, 11 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0400 789 full false 24 | 6 Tips For How To Write Better Headlines In 2024 24 | 6 Tips For How To Write Better Headlines In 2024 As a small business owner, your success depends on your ability to attract customers and stand out from the competition. One of the most effective ways to do this is by creating headlines that actually grab the reader’s attention and entice them to explore your content further (whether that content is coming from a reel, blog, Youtube video, or podcast!).

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • 6 Tips for writing better headlines
  • Creative writing exercises you should try
  • Asking ChatGPT to help


Links Mentioned: 

]]> As a small business owner, your success depends on your ability to attract customers and stand out from the competition. One of the most effective ways to do this is by creating headlines that actually grab the reader’s attention and entice them to explore your content further (whether that content is coming from a reel, blog, Youtube video, or podcast!).

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • 6 Tips for writing better headlines
  • Creative writing exercises you should try
  • Asking ChatGPT to help


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-15165657 Tue, 04 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0400 1122 24 full false 23 | Should You Repurpose Your Instagram Posts on Pinterest? My Honest Opinion. 23 | Should You Repurpose Your Instagram Posts on Pinterest? My Honest Opinion.  Today, I want to talk about something new that's happening on Pinterest. Pinterest is giving more and more accounts the ability to claim their Instagram (again - since we used to be able to do this in the past). But what do we do with it once it's claimed? Should we be auto-posting our Instagram posts to Pinterest? Should we be repurposing our content? We're going to cover all of that today.
 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Content considerations for growing your Pinterest account
  • When repurposing can actually hurt your account
  • What I think you should do instead of auto-posting


Links Mentioned: 

]]>  Today, I want to talk about something new that's happening on Pinterest. Pinterest is giving more and more accounts the ability to claim their Instagram (again - since we used to be able to do this in the past). But what do we do with it once it's claimed? Should we be auto-posting our Instagram posts to Pinterest? Should we be repurposing our content? We're going to cover all of that today.
 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Content considerations for growing your Pinterest account
  • When repurposing can actually hurt your account
  • What I think you should do instead of auto-posting


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-15123722 Tue, 28 May 2024 06:00:00 -0400 730 23 full false 22 | Your Desire to be Different is Costing You Money 22 | Your Desire to be Different is Costing You Money Trying very hard to come up with unique ways to say things so that you don't sound like everyone else in your industry? While I do think there is merit to that, the truth is that I made more money when I STOPPED trying to be a unique little snowflake and instead focused on exactly what my audience was looking for (and using THEIR words to write my content and copy).


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • 2 Reasons why you should use "boring words"
  • A real life example of what using unconventional language is costing you


Links Mentioned: 



]]> Trying very hard to come up with unique ways to say things so that you don't sound like everyone else in your industry? While I do think there is merit to that, the truth is that I made more money when I STOPPED trying to be a unique little snowflake and instead focused on exactly what my audience was looking for (and using THEIR words to write my content and copy).


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • 2 Reasons why you should use "boring words"
  • A real life example of what using unconventional language is costing you


Links Mentioned: 



]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-15019684 Tue, 21 May 2024 04:00:00 -0400 671 22 full true 21 | Should You Do What Meta Recommends? Here's What an OG Instagram Strategist Has to Say with Ashley Watkins 21 | Should You Do What Meta Recommends? Here's What an OG Instagram Strategist Has to Say with Ashley Watkins Have you been feeling frustrated with the 'Gram lately? I know every single one of you are probably raising your hand right now. That is EXACTLY why I brought Ashley Watkins onto the podcast today. If you've been following me for a while, you know, I have had a love/hate relationship with Instagram. Like I am sure everybody else has. Should we be doing what Meta recommends now? As an OG Instagram strategist, Ashley tells us today!
 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What Meta recommends (and why it doesn't always work for small business owners)
  • The mistakes small businesses are making on the platform
  • How to evaluate
  • Her long-form content strategy that helps her generate 



Links Mentioned:

]]> Have you been feeling frustrated with the 'Gram lately? I know every single one of you are probably raising your hand right now. That is EXACTLY why I brought Ashley Watkins onto the podcast today. If you've been following me for a while, you know, I have had a love/hate relationship with Instagram. Like I am sure everybody else has. Should we be doing what Meta recommends now? As an OG Instagram strategist, Ashley tells us today!
 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What Meta recommends (and why it doesn't always work for small business owners)
  • The mistakes small businesses are making on the platform
  • How to evaluate
  • Her long-form content strategy that helps her generate 



Links Mentioned:

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-14941167 Tue, 07 May 2024 04:00:00 -0400 2298 21 full false 20 | 11 Business Lessons from Working With Multi-6 + 7 Figure Business Owners 20 | 11 Business Lessons from Working With Multi-6 + 7 Figure Business Owners Do you ever wonder what people who have more successful businesses are doing? I know I always swipe through on carousels and listen to episodes like this, and often it's the same kind of things, like "they're consistent", "they charge their worth", kind of basic advice like that. This episode is not like that.

Instead, I have gathered 11 things that I genuinely see people doing who have multi-six and seven figure businesses, (and I know this BECAUSE I am behind the scenes in their business). I guarantee you haven't thought of or noticed some of these things before.

Also, YAY for this being episode 20 already! If you haven't left a review yet, I would really appreciate it you would take a moment to now!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • 11 things that almost every multi-six and 7 figure business owner I work with is doing
  • What these things have in common (they aren't exciting lol)
  • What I'm going to be working on doing better in my own biz based on these "findings"


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Do you ever wonder what people who have more successful businesses are doing? I know I always swipe through on carousels and listen to episodes like this, and often it's the same kind of things, like "they're consistent", "they charge their worth", kind of basic advice like that. This episode is not like that.

Instead, I have gathered 11 things that I genuinely see people doing who have multi-six and seven figure businesses, (and I know this BECAUSE I am behind the scenes in their business). I guarantee you haven't thought of or noticed some of these things before.

Also, YAY for this being episode 20 already! If you haven't left a review yet, I would really appreciate it you would take a moment to now!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • 11 things that almost every multi-six and 7 figure business owner I work with is doing
  • What these things have in common (they aren't exciting lol)
  • What I'm going to be working on doing better in my own biz based on these "findings"


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-14895415 Tue, 30 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0400 1923 full false 19 | Managing Inconsistent Revenue Months in 2024 with Tiffany Scarlett 19 | Managing Inconsistent Revenue Months in 2024 with Tiffany Scarlett Do inconsistent revenue months stress you out? If so, you are not alone. Most of us are dealing with inconsistent revenue months. And it can be stressful AF. Even in my own business (where a majority of my clients are on monthly retainers), I still deal with inconsistency in the number of VIP days booked, or in my wedding business during "busy season".

That was one of the reasons I brought Tiffany Scarlett on the podcast! For those of you that haven't met Tiffany yet, she's an on-demand CFO and business strategist for online creative business owners who want to grow their business without worrying about the finances. She works with heart-led, kind, impactful creatives, and she really walks the walk. Even though she is a money person, obviously as a CFO, she really believes in building a business that supports your life. She believes that managing your money well is a way to do that.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • How a money strategy is DIFFERENT than your P&L statement
  • Deciding how much money you really need to make
  • A case study of hitting 50K months, going broke, and wanting to burn it down
  • Mistakes creative entrepreneurs often make when it comes to managing their business finances



Links Mentioned:

]]> Do inconsistent revenue months stress you out? If so, you are not alone. Most of us are dealing with inconsistent revenue months. And it can be stressful AF. Even in my own business (where a majority of my clients are on monthly retainers), I still deal with inconsistency in the number of VIP days booked, or in my wedding business during "busy season".

That was one of the reasons I brought Tiffany Scarlett on the podcast! For those of you that haven't met Tiffany yet, she's an on-demand CFO and business strategist for online creative business owners who want to grow their business without worrying about the finances. She works with heart-led, kind, impactful creatives, and she really walks the walk. Even though she is a money person, obviously as a CFO, she really believes in building a business that supports your life. She believes that managing your money well is a way to do that.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • How a money strategy is DIFFERENT than your P&L statement
  • Deciding how much money you really need to make
  • A case study of hitting 50K months, going broke, and wanting to burn it down
  • Mistakes creative entrepreneurs often make when it comes to managing their business finances



Links Mentioned:

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-14874445 Tue, 23 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0400 2438 19 full false 18 | How to Make Blog Posts Longer Without Adding Fluff (+ Candid Thoughts About the March Algorithm Change) 18 | How to Make Blog Posts Longer Without Adding Fluff (+ Candid Thoughts About the March Algorithm Change) So you're trying to hit a specific word count on WordPress or on your blog. But how do you do it without adding in a ton of fluff? Today, we're going to talk about how to make blog posts longer without filling them with garbage. Make sure to listen to the end to hear my thoughts on (or shall I say rant on) "SEO being dead" and the new Google algorithm. Let's get into it.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • How important is your word count in 2024?
  • 3 Ways to write longer blog posts (without rambling or being boring)
  • Is SEO Dead in 2024?
  • What I think about Google's new algorithm update last month


Links Mentioned: 

]]> So you're trying to hit a specific word count on WordPress or on your blog. But how do you do it without adding in a ton of fluff? Today, we're going to talk about how to make blog posts longer without filling them with garbage. Make sure to listen to the end to hear my thoughts on (or shall I say rant on) "SEO being dead" and the new Google algorithm. Let's get into it.

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • How important is your word count in 2024?
  • 3 Ways to write longer blog posts (without rambling or being boring)
  • Is SEO Dead in 2024?
  • What I think about Google's new algorithm update last month


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-14859206 Tue, 16 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0400 1004 18 full false 17 | Taking Keywords to Conversions: Breaking Down SEO with Mariah Magazine 17 | Taking Keywords to Conversions: Breaking Down SEO with Mariah Magazine How do we go from keywords to conversions? That is the infamous question. How do we rank on Google in a way that will not only get us found, but also get us paid? You guys know I am passionate about this, but today on the podcast, I actually have brought on someone who might be even more passionate than I am to start breaking down SEO.

I have brought you Mariah, an award-winning organic SEO consultant and online business educator for entrepreneurs. She covered so much and let me pick her brain about AI and Google, what we are supposed to do if nobody is searching for our keywords and so much more! She makes breaking down SEO sound SO easy. I can't wait to share her brilliance on the podcast today.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Breaking down SEO (what it is and what it isn't!)
  • Can your website rank without a blog?
  • How can we avoid cannibalizing our websites with keywords?
  • How AI is changing SEO rankings
  • What to do when nobody is searching for your keywords



Links Mentioned:

]]> How do we go from keywords to conversions? That is the infamous question. How do we rank on Google in a way that will not only get us found, but also get us paid? You guys know I am passionate about this, but today on the podcast, I actually have brought on someone who might be even more passionate than I am to start breaking down SEO.

I have brought you Mariah, an award-winning organic SEO consultant and online business educator for entrepreneurs. She covered so much and let me pick her brain about AI and Google, what we are supposed to do if nobody is searching for our keywords and so much more! She makes breaking down SEO sound SO easy. I can't wait to share her brilliance on the podcast today.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Breaking down SEO (what it is and what it isn't!)
  • Can your website rank without a blog?
  • How can we avoid cannibalizing our websites with keywords?
  • How AI is changing SEO rankings
  • What to do when nobody is searching for your keywords



Links Mentioned:

]]> Buzzsprout-14747386 Tue, 09 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0400 2839 17 full true 16 | 3 Hacks to Write Blog Posts Faster + For the “Skimmers” 16 | 3 Hacks to Write Blog Posts Faster + For the “Skimmers” Everybody is short on time, whether it's you writing the blog post or your ideal client reading the blog post, nobody wants anything to take any longer than it absolutely has to, right? So today, I'm going to share three blogging hacks that will make it easier for you to write your blog post (and make your posts more digestible for your ideal client to read it).

Because let's be honest, they're not reading it. They're skimming it. When you write a blog post, we have to write for both Google and for our people because we want it to rank, but we also want it to sell. 

I cover everything you need to know about blogging for SEO in my Blogging for Bingeable Brands mini course, which you can get 20% off with code Podcast 20, but today, I'm sharing three hacks to help you with this!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • 3 Hacks to write blog posts faster for the skimmer
  • One thing that Google has been prioritizing lately
  • Answering: do you need to hit a certain word count?


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Everybody is short on time, whether it's you writing the blog post or your ideal client reading the blog post, nobody wants anything to take any longer than it absolutely has to, right? So today, I'm going to share three blogging hacks that will make it easier for you to write your blog post (and make your posts more digestible for your ideal client to read it).

Because let's be honest, they're not reading it. They're skimming it. When you write a blog post, we have to write for both Google and for our people because we want it to rank, but we also want it to sell. 

I cover everything you need to know about blogging for SEO in my Blogging for Bingeable Brands mini course, which you can get 20% off with code Podcast 20, but today, I'm sharing three hacks to help you with this!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • 3 Hacks to write blog posts faster for the skimmer
  • One thing that Google has been prioritizing lately
  • Answering: do you need to hit a certain word count?


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-14668258 Tue, 02 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0400 621 16 full false 15 | Embracing Work-Life Alignment By Balancing Mindset and Systems with Alane Gianetti 15 | Embracing Work-Life Alignment By Balancing Mindset and Systems with Alane Gianetti Have you ever felt like achieving the next revenue milestone or booking a certain number of projects would solve all your problems? I brought on Alane, who shares her experience of having her best year in business when she booked 93 weddings but still felt burned out. It’s crazy to think about 93 weddings, but I can really relate to the idea that more money, work, and clients don’t necessarily fix everything. And they definitely don’t give you that “work-life alignment” everyone is looking for!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What having systems REALLY looks like (it's not a bunch of tech!)
  • What stage of business you need to start taking systems seriously
  • Important mindset shifts to make this year
  • Lessons from being "too busy" in your business



Links Mentioned:

]]> Have you ever felt like achieving the next revenue milestone or booking a certain number of projects would solve all your problems? I brought on Alane, who shares her experience of having her best year in business when she booked 93 weddings but still felt burned out. It’s crazy to think about 93 weddings, but I can really relate to the idea that more money, work, and clients don’t necessarily fix everything. And they definitely don’t give you that “work-life alignment” everyone is looking for!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What having systems REALLY looks like (it's not a bunch of tech!)
  • What stage of business you need to start taking systems seriously
  • Important mindset shifts to make this year
  • Lessons from being "too busy" in your business



Links Mentioned:

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-14668248 Tue, 26 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0400 2388 15 full false 14 | The Surprising Secrets to Standing Out: Strategic Branding for Service Providers with Ellie Brown Branding 14 | The Surprising Secrets to Standing Out: Strategic Branding for Service Providers with Ellie Brown Branding Even after seven years in business, I still sometimes think of branding as this intangible thing. We know we need it to stand out. Nobody is disputing that good design and strategic branding for service providers has a strong ROI. It's been proven over and over again, and yet it's still something that I feel a lot of business owners—who are not designers, have questions about. It's more that we don't know the right questions to ask.

So that's why I am THRILLED to say that I brought Ellie from Ellie Brown Branding on the podcast to talk about brand and website design for service providers. She was absolutely fabulous. She's such a talented designer based in Cañon City, Colorado, and works primarily with service-based businesses and lots of local businesses. So, if you're a service provider or you are in Cañon City or Colorado, definitely hit her up.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • When is the right time to invest in a brand and website design? 
  • Should you do a brand refresh or a complete rebrand? 
  • Should you go with a completely custom website or a customizable template
  • What role do messaging and visuals play together?
  • What are the biggest mistakes we are making on our website?



Links Mentioned:

]]> Even after seven years in business, I still sometimes think of branding as this intangible thing. We know we need it to stand out. Nobody is disputing that good design and strategic branding for service providers has a strong ROI. It's been proven over and over again, and yet it's still something that I feel a lot of business owners—who are not designers, have questions about. It's more that we don't know the right questions to ask.

So that's why I am THRILLED to say that I brought Ellie from Ellie Brown Branding on the podcast to talk about brand and website design for service providers. She was absolutely fabulous. She's such a talented designer based in Cañon City, Colorado, and works primarily with service-based businesses and lots of local businesses. So, if you're a service provider or you are in Cañon City or Colorado, definitely hit her up.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • When is the right time to invest in a brand and website design? 
  • Should you do a brand refresh or a complete rebrand? 
  • Should you go with a completely custom website or a customizable template
  • What role do messaging and visuals play together?
  • What are the biggest mistakes we are making on our website?



Links Mentioned:

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-14668234 Tue, 19 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0400 2604 14 full false 13 | 7 Important Reminders if You Want to Make More Sales From Pinterest 13 | 7 Important Reminders if You Want to Make More Sales From Pinterest  Today I have a fun episode! I was recently planning my toddler's 2-year-old birthday and obviously the first place I went is Pinterest. I don't think that's a surprise to anyone, and I kind of was just really nerdily thinking about my buying decisions, what my natural user behaviors are, and that kind of stuff. So as I was planning and shopping, I gathered seven things we need to remember about the way that people use Pinterest specifically when making a buying decision. Want more sales from Pinterest? That's what I want to talk about today. Let's get into it.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • 7 reminders if you want to make more sales from Pinterest
  • Who I bought from on Pinterest, and what I looked for
  • What inspired me (that I ended up buying local!)
  • How I felt about affiliate links on Pinterest 


Links Mentioned: 

]]>  Today I have a fun episode! I was recently planning my toddler's 2-year-old birthday and obviously the first place I went is Pinterest. I don't think that's a surprise to anyone, and I kind of was just really nerdily thinking about my buying decisions, what my natural user behaviors are, and that kind of stuff. So as I was planning and shopping, I gathered seven things we need to remember about the way that people use Pinterest specifically when making a buying decision. Want more sales from Pinterest? That's what I want to talk about today. Let's get into it.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • 7 reminders if you want to make more sales from Pinterest
  • Who I bought from on Pinterest, and what I looked for
  • What inspired me (that I ended up buying local!)
  • How I felt about affiliate links on Pinterest 


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-14649095 Tue, 12 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0400 1147 full false 12 | How Much Does it Cost to Scale Your Business With Ads? Setting Realistic Numbers and Expectations with Melissa Litchfield 12 | How Much Does it Cost to Scale Your Business With Ads? Setting Realistic Numbers and Expectations with Melissa Litchfield Melissa brought REAL data and numbers in this episode, where she shared exactly what running ads in 2024 looks like, the buzzwords that aren't working anymore, and how we can better set realistic expectations when it comes to how fast things will work (and how much it will cost!). I absolutely loved this conversation and I can't wait to share it here today!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What a good starting budget for ads is
  • How to reverse engineer your goals to decide how much you should spend
  • The truth behind SLO funnels (tiny offer funnels) + what's working now
  • Red flags for hiring an ads manager in 2024



Links Mentioned:

]]> Melissa brought REAL data and numbers in this episode, where she shared exactly what running ads in 2024 looks like, the buzzwords that aren't working anymore, and how we can better set realistic expectations when it comes to how fast things will work (and how much it will cost!). I absolutely loved this conversation and I can't wait to share it here today!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What a good starting budget for ads is
  • How to reverse engineer your goals to decide how much you should spend
  • The truth behind SLO funnels (tiny offer funnels) + what's working now
  • Red flags for hiring an ads manager in 2024



Links Mentioned:

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-14559358 Tue, 05 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0500 2477 12 full false 11 | Beyond Instagram: A Deep Dive into Omni-Channel Marketing with Candice Coppola 11 | Beyond Instagram: A Deep Dive into Omni-Channel Marketing with Candice Coppola I think I literally jumped for joy when Candice Coppola agreed to be a guest on the podcast. To know her is to love her, she's an author, podcast host, business coach, and entrepreneur who believes that you shouldn't have to do business (or happy hour) alone. 

In this interview, we talked about her omni-channel marketing approach, what it is, how she views marketing differently, how she used Instagram as a part of her strategy (but not her entire strategy), and so much more. So if you know or you have been feeling that kind of itch to start diversifying your marketing efforts, this is the episode for you. 


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What am omni-channel marketing strategy even is
  • How she translates her marketing efforts into dollars without selling all the time
  • How she created an INCREDIBLE affiliate marketing revenue stream
  • Where to start expanding if you’re only on Instagram right now
  • What we all need to do if we want Gen-z to pay attention to us 



Links Mentioned:

]]> I think I literally jumped for joy when Candice Coppola agreed to be a guest on the podcast. To know her is to love her, she's an author, podcast host, business coach, and entrepreneur who believes that you shouldn't have to do business (or happy hour) alone. 

In this interview, we talked about her omni-channel marketing approach, what it is, how she views marketing differently, how she used Instagram as a part of her strategy (but not her entire strategy), and so much more. So if you know or you have been feeling that kind of itch to start diversifying your marketing efforts, this is the episode for you. 


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What am omni-channel marketing strategy even is
  • How she translates her marketing efforts into dollars without selling all the time
  • How she created an INCREDIBLE affiliate marketing revenue stream
  • Where to start expanding if you’re only on Instagram right now
  • What we all need to do if we want Gen-z to pay attention to us 



Links Mentioned:

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-14497673 Tue, 27 Feb 2024 04:00:00 -0500 2881 full false 10 | You Can Fire Me But You Can't Hurt Me (+ Other Advice When Selling "Yourself") 10 | You Can Fire Me But You Can't Hurt Me (+ Other Advice When Selling "Yourself") Have you ever had a difficult client? Have you ever got stuck in your head and spent more time thinking about the client and how you can make them happy than you did actually doing the work? Have you ever had a bad day that was caused by someone not absolutely loving what you created for them? Today's episode is for you. It's going to be, I want to say a little more vulnerable and a little bit more motivational than the content that I usually put out, but that's one of the things I wanted to do on this podcast. 

On my Instagram and on my blog, I typically will stick to marketing content. That's what I do for work, that's what I'm selling, that's what I do for a job. But I really wanted this podcast to be a space for just honest conversations and that's what this is. Today, I'm excited to share three things that I think we just need to remember when we are what we're selling, whether it's our work or our brand. It is hard not to take things personally. So here's my advice when selling yourself!

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • A reminder from Princess Diaries
  • What to do when you catch yourself spiraling
  • 3 Mantras for when YOU feel like the product (and it's hard)


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Have you ever had a difficult client? Have you ever got stuck in your head and spent more time thinking about the client and how you can make them happy than you did actually doing the work? Have you ever had a bad day that was caused by someone not absolutely loving what you created for them? Today's episode is for you. It's going to be, I want to say a little more vulnerable and a little bit more motivational than the content that I usually put out, but that's one of the things I wanted to do on this podcast. 

On my Instagram and on my blog, I typically will stick to marketing content. That's what I do for work, that's what I'm selling, that's what I do for a job. But I really wanted this podcast to be a space for just honest conversations and that's what this is. Today, I'm excited to share three things that I think we just need to remember when we are what we're selling, whether it's our work or our brand. It is hard not to take things personally. So here's my advice when selling yourself!

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • A reminder from Princess Diaries
  • What to do when you catch yourself spiraling
  • 3 Mantras for when YOU feel like the product (and it's hard)


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-14497637 Tue, 20 Feb 2024 04:00:00 -0500 992 full false 9 | 4 Ways to Get More People To Find Your Blogs in Google 9 | 4 Ways to Get More People To Find Your Blogs in Google What's the point of blogging if you're not being found on Google? Okay, I am obviously a blogging stan, so I could go on and on about the benefits of blogging beyond SEO, but the truth is SEO is probably the biggest reason you're reading this right now. After all, you want to be found on Google. That's kind of the whole point.

Today we're going to talk about blogging and ultimately: how do we know if our time spent blogging is paying off? How do we know if our blog posts are ranking on Google and what are we supposed to do if we can clearly see that they are not ranking?

I cover everything you need to know about blogging for SEO in my Blogging for Bingeable Brands mini course, which you can get 20% off with code Podcast 20, but today, I want to talk about four ways to make your blog posts more findable and how to keep track whether or not they're ranking at all. If you're spending literally any amount of time or money on your blog posts or SEO, this is a MUST listen!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The free Google tool that not enough people use and know about
  • 4 things you should do when writing your blog posts
  • Why your blog posts aren't ranking 
  • Creating GOOD content that Google loves


Links Mentioned: 

]]> What's the point of blogging if you're not being found on Google? Okay, I am obviously a blogging stan, so I could go on and on about the benefits of blogging beyond SEO, but the truth is SEO is probably the biggest reason you're reading this right now. After all, you want to be found on Google. That's kind of the whole point.

Today we're going to talk about blogging and ultimately: how do we know if our time spent blogging is paying off? How do we know if our blog posts are ranking on Google and what are we supposed to do if we can clearly see that they are not ranking?

I cover everything you need to know about blogging for SEO in my Blogging for Bingeable Brands mini course, which you can get 20% off with code Podcast 20, but today, I want to talk about four ways to make your blog posts more findable and how to keep track whether or not they're ranking at all. If you're spending literally any amount of time or money on your blog posts or SEO, this is a MUST listen!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The free Google tool that not enough people use and know about
  • 4 things you should do when writing your blog posts
  • Why your blog posts aren't ranking 
  • Creating GOOD content that Google loves


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-14445563 Tue, 13 Feb 2024 04:00:00 -0500 1176 full false 8 | Want More Sales From Your Website? Fix These 2 Pages 8 | Want More Sales From Your Website? Fix These 2 Pages 2024 is going to be all about the little tweaks we can make in our business that create a bigger impact. Don't you agree? I am so tired of the "burn it all down", of the create a course, then create a membership, then do this, then do that. Even though that has been great and has definitely served us for a season (let's ignore the fact that we're all burnt out and half of us are completely leaving entrepreneurship), I feel like I am very ready for the shift that's happening.

Today I'm going to be sharing the top two tweaks you can make to make more sales from your website today.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The 2 most neglected pages on your website (And how to fix them if you want more sales!)
  • Why SEO traffic is different (and needs to be treated so)
  • The biggest opportunity you have after someone inquires!


Links Mentioned: 

]]> 2024 is going to be all about the little tweaks we can make in our business that create a bigger impact. Don't you agree? I am so tired of the "burn it all down", of the create a course, then create a membership, then do this, then do that. Even though that has been great and has definitely served us for a season (let's ignore the fact that we're all burnt out and half of us are completely leaving entrepreneurship), I feel like I am very ready for the shift that's happening.

Today I'm going to be sharing the top two tweaks you can make to make more sales from your website today.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • The 2 most neglected pages on your website (And how to fix them if you want more sales!)
  • Why SEO traffic is different (and needs to be treated so)
  • The biggest opportunity you have after someone inquires!


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Buzzsprout-14415949 Tue, 06 Feb 2024 04:00:00 -0500 641 8 full false 7 | Using the 4C's of Conversion to Create Your Instagram Marketing Strategy with Laura Milroy Media 7 | Using the 4C's of Conversion to Create Your Instagram Marketing Strategy with Laura Milroy Media I'm in marketing, but I don't specialize in Instagram marketing strategy. Today, I wanted to bring you guys my biz bestie turned real life bestie, Laura Milroy Media to spill the dirt on what we should be doing and what we need to know about social media strategy in 2024. In this episode, she shares her 4Cs of conversion, what we should be doing with B-roll, how we can become better storytellers, how we can kind of combine Instagram with the rest of our business, and so much more. 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What the 4C's of conversion are (and how to create content when you're not "launching" all the time)
  • What we REALLY need to focus on to make more sales with our Instagram marketing strategy
  • How to implement message-first marketing to get better results
  • Better ways to use B-roll
  • Easy ways to make your messaging less boring
  • How to implement a holistic marketing strategy from your Instagram content
  • How to work well with a social media manager (if that's the next step for you!)



Links Mentioned: 

]]> I'm in marketing, but I don't specialize in Instagram marketing strategy. Today, I wanted to bring you guys my biz bestie turned real life bestie, Laura Milroy Media to spill the dirt on what we should be doing and what we need to know about social media strategy in 2024. In this episode, she shares her 4Cs of conversion, what we should be doing with B-roll, how we can become better storytellers, how we can kind of combine Instagram with the rest of our business, and so much more. 

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What the 4C's of conversion are (and how to create content when you're not "launching" all the time)
  • What we REALLY need to focus on to make more sales with our Instagram marketing strategy
  • How to implement message-first marketing to get better results
  • Better ways to use B-roll
  • Easy ways to make your messaging less boring
  • How to implement a holistic marketing strategy from your Instagram content
  • How to work well with a social media manager (if that's the next step for you!)



Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-14385542 Tue, 30 Jan 2024 04:00:00 -0500 2897 full false 6 | Are You Marketing More Like Matcha or Coffee? Here's How to Decide on the Best Strategy 6 | Are You Marketing More Like Matcha or Coffee? Here's How to Decide on the Best Strategy  Are you marketing like matcha or like coffee? Hear me out on this one. I've recently switched to matcha in the afternoons over coffee (and if you know me, I am a huge coffee drinker!) because I find that it helps me overcome the afternoon slump.

And it had me thinking (don't judge me - I'm in marketing), but there is a big difference between matcha and coffee and in a lot of ways it can translate to your brand and business model too, beyond just marketing ideas (which this episode is definitely going to touch on!).

If you've been looking for UNIQUE ways to think about marketing your business, this episode is for you!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What too many people don't consider when creating their marketing plan
  • Coffee marketing ideas for tiny offers 
  • Matcha marketing ideas for offers where you want your customers to be invested 
  • Deciding how much energy you are giving to your audience (AFTER you've "sold them")
  • Making your marketing reflect your customer journey (to make it more effective!)


Links Mentioned: 


]]>  Are you marketing like matcha or like coffee? Hear me out on this one. I've recently switched to matcha in the afternoons over coffee (and if you know me, I am a huge coffee drinker!) because I find that it helps me overcome the afternoon slump.

And it had me thinking (don't judge me - I'm in marketing), but there is a big difference between matcha and coffee and in a lot of ways it can translate to your brand and business model too, beyond just marketing ideas (which this episode is definitely going to touch on!).

If you've been looking for UNIQUE ways to think about marketing your business, this episode is for you!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What too many people don't consider when creating their marketing plan
  • Coffee marketing ideas for tiny offers 
  • Matcha marketing ideas for offers where you want your customers to be invested 
  • Deciding how much energy you are giving to your audience (AFTER you've "sold them")
  • Making your marketing reflect your customer journey (to make it more effective!)


Links Mentioned: 


]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-14328800 Tue, 23 Jan 2024 04:00:00 -0500 886 6 full false 5 | Building a Strong Personal Brand as a Service Provider (and Multi-Passionate Entrepreneur) with Sarah Beau 5 | Building a Strong Personal Brand as a Service Provider (and Multi-Passionate Entrepreneur) with Sarah Beau If you've been looking to grow a strong personal brand as a service based business (or a multi-passionate entrepreneur), this interview is for YOU.

Sarah Beau is a branding photographer based in Calgary in Canada. She's fabulous. She did my own branding photography a few years ago and over the past few years, I have become a loyal member of her "cult following" on Instagram. She has such an engaged community of the best people, and I've really been able to see not only how she's grown her personal brand, but also how she's been able to use that personal brand to leverage new opportunities and embrace the multi-passionate entrepreneur that she is.

Make sure you listen to this interview all the way through because what she's doing now is really, really cool and I can't wait to bring all of her expertise to you today!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Where to start when it comes to creating a personal brand (it's not just "choosing content buckets")
  • How to include personal brand elements in your new branding photoshoot 
  • The biggest mistake people make when they hire a branding photographer
  • Her take on the super editorial/edgy branding trend in the online space (I personally wanted to know!)
  • How she's using Instagram for her business (it's not to grow!)
  • How she leveraged her personal brand to start a new venture as a multi-passionate entrepreneur


Links Mentioned: 

]]> If you've been looking to grow a strong personal brand as a service based business (or a multi-passionate entrepreneur), this interview is for YOU.

Sarah Beau is a branding photographer based in Calgary in Canada. She's fabulous. She did my own branding photography a few years ago and over the past few years, I have become a loyal member of her "cult following" on Instagram. She has such an engaged community of the best people, and I've really been able to see not only how she's grown her personal brand, but also how she's been able to use that personal brand to leverage new opportunities and embrace the multi-passionate entrepreneur that she is.

Make sure you listen to this interview all the way through because what she's doing now is really, really cool and I can't wait to bring all of her expertise to you today!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Where to start when it comes to creating a personal brand (it's not just "choosing content buckets")
  • How to include personal brand elements in your new branding photoshoot 
  • The biggest mistake people make when they hire a branding photographer
  • Her take on the super editorial/edgy branding trend in the online space (I personally wanted to know!)
  • How she's using Instagram for her business (it's not to grow!)
  • How she leveraged her personal brand to start a new venture as a multi-passionate entrepreneur


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-14312080 Tue, 16 Jan 2024 04:00:00 -0500 2020 full true 4 | 3 Things You Need Setup BEFORE Pinterest Marketing (Make Sure You Aren't Wasting Your Time!) 4 | 3 Things You Need Setup BEFORE Pinterest Marketing (Make Sure You Aren't Wasting Your Time!) We are ONE week into 2024, and I don't know about you, but it feels like everybody is ready just to start a mutiny against Instagram. Everyone is sharing their goals, their marketing efforts, what they're focusing on, what they're calling in, all of that fun stuff, and hustling on Instagram is NOT it.

In this episode, we're going to be talking about PINTEREST marketing (because I'm seeing more and more people express interest in it). While I love to see it (naturally - as a Pinterest manager), there are a few things that I think you have to have in place, specifically three things that you need, or you are just going to be wasting your time. We don't have time to waste in 2024, do we? Let's dive in!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why I've turned away potential Pinterest management clients lately
  • What Pinterest is truly good for (it's NOT sales - hear me out on this one)
  • 3 things you NEED to have in place before you start marketing on Pinterest
  • 3 bonus tips to help you get set up for success quickly


Links Mentioned: 

]]> We are ONE week into 2024, and I don't know about you, but it feels like everybody is ready just to start a mutiny against Instagram. Everyone is sharing their goals, their marketing efforts, what they're focusing on, what they're calling in, all of that fun stuff, and hustling on Instagram is NOT it.

In this episode, we're going to be talking about PINTEREST marketing (because I'm seeing more and more people express interest in it). While I love to see it (naturally - as a Pinterest manager), there are a few things that I think you have to have in place, specifically three things that you need, or you are just going to be wasting your time. We don't have time to waste in 2024, do we? Let's dive in!


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • Why I've turned away potential Pinterest management clients lately
  • What Pinterest is truly good for (it's NOT sales - hear me out on this one)
  • 3 things you NEED to have in place before you start marketing on Pinterest
  • 3 bonus tips to help you get set up for success quickly


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-14267436 Tue, 09 Jan 2024 04:00:00 -0500 1373 full false 3 | I'm Kind of an Awkward Person... THIS is How I Market My Business Anyway 3 | I'm Kind of an Awkward Person... THIS is How I Market My Business Anyway I'm an admittedly awkward person, which is funny because I work in marketing. If you're also an introvert who prefers not to show up on Instagram stories (or do a daily search for faceless Instagram reels ideas), this episode is for you.

As a fellow introvert, I understand the struggle more than you know. Creating content and being social takes a lot of energy for me, which I don't say in a bad way - we also spend energy on fun things - but if you resonate with this, you'll love today's episode where I share my journey in marketing for introverts and how to leverage being an awkward person and still make a ton of money. Sound good?


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • 5 things I do to market my business effectively as an introvert
  • Why it's OK to be awkward (and how you can use it to your advantage)
  • A slightly controversial thing I recommend when marketing as an introvert (eek!)


Links Mentioned: 


]]> I'm an admittedly awkward person, which is funny because I work in marketing. If you're also an introvert who prefers not to show up on Instagram stories (or do a daily search for faceless Instagram reels ideas), this episode is for you.

As a fellow introvert, I understand the struggle more than you know. Creating content and being social takes a lot of energy for me, which I don't say in a bad way - we also spend energy on fun things - but if you resonate with this, you'll love today's episode where I share my journey in marketing for introverts and how to leverage being an awkward person and still make a ton of money. Sound good?


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • 5 things I do to market my business effectively as an introvert
  • Why it's OK to be awkward (and how you can use it to your advantage)
  • A slightly controversial thing I recommend when marketing as an introvert (eek!)


Links Mentioned: 


]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-14223468 Tue, 02 Jan 2024 04:00:00 -0500 1246 full false 2 | How to Use One of the BIGGEST 2024 Marketing Trends in Your Business (+ 3 Ways to Make it Easier!) 2 | How to Use One of the BIGGEST 2024 Marketing Trends in Your Business (+ 3 Ways to Make it Easier!) If you know me, you know I’m all about this time of year. I mean, who doesn’t love the holidays, right? But you know what else gets me pumped? Goal setting season! I’m a total goals person, and as a marketer, I’m obsessed with the data that comes out during this time. Give me all those juicy marketing trends we’re expecting, what worked in 2023, and the best strategies from last year. I’m soaking it all up (especially the “wrapped” posts coming out for literally everything). Today, I’m going to be diving deep into one of the biggest 2024 marketing trends predictions: long-form content.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What marketers everywhere are predicting to be one of the biggest trends in 2024
  • 3 reasons why this is a GOOD trend for you to hop of (even if you don't have a marketing team!)
  • 3 ways you can implement this marketing strategy into your business more easily


Links Mentioned: 

]]> If you know me, you know I’m all about this time of year. I mean, who doesn’t love the holidays, right? But you know what else gets me pumped? Goal setting season! I’m a total goals person, and as a marketer, I’m obsessed with the data that comes out during this time. Give me all those juicy marketing trends we’re expecting, what worked in 2023, and the best strategies from last year. I’m soaking it all up (especially the “wrapped” posts coming out for literally everything). Today, I’m going to be diving deep into one of the biggest 2024 marketing trends predictions: long-form content.


🎙️ In This Episode:

  • What marketers everywhere are predicting to be one of the biggest trends in 2024
  • 3 reasons why this is a GOOD trend for you to hop of (even if you don't have a marketing team!)
  • 3 ways you can implement this marketing strategy into your business more easily


Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-14223437 Tue, 02 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0500 1332 full false 1 | My "All of a Sudden" Moment (+ How You Can Have One Too) 1 | My "All of a Sudden" Moment (+ How You Can Have One Too) Happy New Year! I am so excited. Not only am I kicking the new year off, obviously launching this new podcast, but I am ALSO kicking things off with an absolute banger of an episode. I almost named my whole podcast off of this episode (and this idea of how to have an all-of-a-sudden moment and how I can help you have more all-of-a-sudden moments).

So if you're wondering what to expect, I'll be sharing a bit about my business journey in this episode, with a focus on those pivotal tipping point moments. Especially because this is a brand new podcast, I would be incredibly grateful if you would share your thoughts with me and leave a review! Thank you!

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • First, join me in celebrating the launch of this exciting new podcast, where I share my unique business journey and the concept of "all-of-a-sudden" moments.
  • Sharing tipping point moments in my career (so far)
  • Dive into my own experience as a destination wedding planner and travel agent, and how "Hey Look Ma! I Made it" became my anthem (BEFORE 2020).
  • What changed everything for me
  • 5 Ways you can create your OWN "all of a sudden" moment

Links Mentioned: 

]]> Happy New Year! I am so excited. Not only am I kicking the new year off, obviously launching this new podcast, but I am ALSO kicking things off with an absolute banger of an episode. I almost named my whole podcast off of this episode (and this idea of how to have an all-of-a-sudden moment and how I can help you have more all-of-a-sudden moments).

So if you're wondering what to expect, I'll be sharing a bit about my business journey in this episode, with a focus on those pivotal tipping point moments. Especially because this is a brand new podcast, I would be incredibly grateful if you would share your thoughts with me and leave a review! Thank you!

🎙️ In This Episode:

  • First, join me in celebrating the launch of this exciting new podcast, where I share my unique business journey and the concept of "all-of-a-sudden" moments.
  • Sharing tipping point moments in my career (so far)
  • Dive into my own experience as a destination wedding planner and travel agent, and how "Hey Look Ma! I Made it" became my anthem (BEFORE 2020).
  • What changed everything for me
  • 5 Ways you can create your OWN "all of a sudden" moment

Links Mentioned: 

]]> Kara Duncan Buzzsprout-14223366 Sat, 30 Dec 2023 16:00:00 -0500 1310 full false