As we wrap up Season 2 of Process to Profitability, I’m going to share 7 more website updates you should make in order to bring in more dreamy clients. Some of these things we’ve discussed briefly in previous episodes, but today I’m diving into the details of why you need to make these updates and the best practices. I’m talking about SSL certificates, FAQ sections, designing for legibility, SEO, and making sure your website looks the way you think it does. Make sure to listen in this week and then set aside some time to go through your own website and check out each of these items. Topics Discussed: Make sure your website is secure with an SSL certificate Benefits: prevents hackers from stealing data that is shared with you, may help website load faster, builds trust with visitors Google is prioritizing secured sites On some browsers, an unsecured website will display a warning that it might not be safe When you have an SSL certificate, visitors are always redirected to https version of your website To turn on in Squarespace: Home > Settings > Advanced > SSL > Check Secure Include FAQs Answer the most important questions to build trust and prevent unnecessary emails Include them on your services or sales page To minimize space, try using an accordion menu Format text for legibility Left aligned, regular case is most legible and should be used for all paragraphs Paragraphs should be no more than 5 sentences Minimize centered text to headlines Break up text with bullet points, columns, and design elements Make sure your text is dark enough to read (Contrast Checker) Add a name and page description to each page Find the SEO section of each page and make sure the page name is correct and includes your brand name Update the page description with a short description of what visitors can expect. This should be in sentence form and include your keywords and phrases. Check your site on multiple browsers and devices To make sure everyone is seeing the same thing, check your website on different browsers and devices than your design on If you don’t have access to different devices, you can use a website like Screenfly or Responsive Test Tool to preview your website on different screen sizes Simplify your navigation Keep only the most important pages in your navigation Main menu navigation should include About, Services, Blog, Contact The footer navigation should include Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions, and design attribution You can also have secondary navigation in the footer with your most important pages and social media Update your Contact form Keep it short and generic, so you aren’t limiting the types of inquiries you receive Include the most important question – how did you hear about us? Connect to a CRM like Dubsado to automatically respond with next steps Resources Discussed: WebAIM Contrast Checker Screenfly Responsive Test Tool Dubsado Action Steps: Visit your website as a visitor and see what it looks like and if you need to make any changes Google your brand and your name to see how your website ranks and what description displays Check your contact form to see if you need to update it and make sure it’s working correctly 

Process to Profitability

120 | 7 More Website Updates to Bring in Dreamy Clients

Today I’m talking about using Instagram Stories to promote your services with Abby Jiu and Lisa Ziesing of Abby Jiu Photography. I’m really excited about this episode because I have been watching their Instagram Stories and I love their approach. We are talking all about how they got started with Instagram Stories and tips about showing up in front of the camera and figuring out the content you should be sharing. We also talk about getting more engagement on their Stories and how they are engaging with both clients and those in the wedding industry all in one place. Topics Discussed: Why Abby and Lisa decided to make Instagram Stories part of their social media plan Tips for getting over the feat of showing up on camera The kinds of content you should be sharing Balancing personal, behind-the-scenes, and other content Creating Stories that resonate with your dream clients Getting more engagement on Stories The importance of showing your face The results Abby and Lisa have seen from using Instagram Stories Resources Discussed: Bandolier Later Over Apple Watch Action Steps: Find 3-5 themes you can talk about consistently and relate back to your brand Make a plan of what you will share and show up consistently Find someone to hold yourself accountable Connect with Abby and Lisa: Abby Jiu has had a passion for gorgeous imagery and creating art since before she can remember. But in 2009, she picked up a camera and hasn’t put it down since. Her style is the best of both worlds, using film and digital cameras alike to catch the stolen glances, fits of laughter, and heartfelt emotions sprinkled among the ever-important beautiful details that make each wedding day unique. She loves having the opportunity to get to know her brides and grooms and uses these relationships and her decade-plus of experience to capture precious memories in an intentional way. When she’s not behind the camera, Abby fills her time with her supportive husband Jamey, their lovable bulldog Penelope, and sweet son Cooper—who like her is always taking in the world around him. Abby loves D.C. but also revels in traveling abroad, finds relaxation in the form of eating something sweet while watching TV on the couch, and has a great appreciation for interior design and fashion. Lisa Ziesing has loved wedding photography long before she became the one creating it. She has been shooting film since her high school days on the yearbook staff and hasn’t stopped since. She’s in love with the details, getting to know the couple’s story, and getting challenged to take her work to new heights by the people she gets to collaborate with. When it isn’t wedding day, Lisa is most likely taking her high-energy Brittany pup Peaches for another walk, being an amateur food critic with her boyfriend Alex as they debate the merits of various Neapolitan pizza spots around town, and tending to the ever-growing collection of plants taking over her living room. Established in 2009, Abby Jiu Photography began with just Abby behind the lens. Five years later, Lisa joined her, expanding the team and the scope of weddings and events they cover. Over the years, Abby and Lisa have jointly documented dozens of weddings and traveled together for destination jobs as near as New York City and as far as Ireland and Portugal. They also spend plenty of time together in their stylish Northern Virginia office. And even though they shoot individually too, the bond they’ve formed is undeniable. This foundation makes them solid partners in business but also great friends. Perhaps it’s in the astrological cards—Abby’s a Scorpio and Lisa’s a Cancer—or maybe it’s just that they can anticipate each other’s needs seamlessly, work off each other’s energy, and share a passion for film photography and documenting special moments. Not to mention, they are both always up for ordering dessert.  Work with them and you might think they share a brain because somehow they communicate without even speaking. With their shared years of expertise and organized methods, this duo makes working with Abby Jiu Photography a sincerely enjoyable experience—from both their perspective and that of their clients’ Website Instagram 

119 | Using Instagram Stories to Promote Your Services with Abby Jiu and Lisa Ziesing

Today I’m talking with Heather Dominick about How Highly Sensitive Entrepreneurs can sell without compromising empathy and integrity. We talk about what it means to be a Highly Sensitive Entrepreneur and how Heather found out she was one. We also about the challenges that face HSEs when it comes to selling and ways that you can look at selling differently and make it more about serving your potential clients. We also talk about common coping mechanisms and the Coping Cycle so that you can understand how this part of who you are can be a benefit to you and your business. Topics Discussed: What it means to be a Highly Sensitive Entrepreneur How Heather discovered her Highly Sensitive nature Common HSE traits you may recognize in yourself The challenges HSEs face when selling How selling looks different as an HSE The first step to great sales conversations Common coping mechanisms of HSEs and the Coping Cycle Resources Discussed: Elaine Aron HSE Quiz Actions Steps: Take the HSE quiz to see if you are a Highly Sensitive Entrepreneur Learn how to work with your HSE nature Begin seeing your HSE nature as an asset in business Connect with Heather: Heather Dominick is a woman who is impressively successful and highly spiritual. A former high school drama teacher who collaborated with none other than Bette Midler. A graduate of NYU where she received her first coach training. Heather is the winner of the 2015 Best of Manhattan Coaching Award and creator of the 2014 Stevie Award-winning virtual event A Course In Business Miracles®: 21-Day Discovery Series that attracted close to 6,000 official registrants from all around the world including: Iceland, Nigeria, Russia, Asia, South America, Australia, Europe and the U.S.  She has appeared on Lifetime Television and has been published in numerous books including Stepping Stones to Success alongside Deepak Chopra. An exceptional facilitator and teacher Heather is known for creating a safe, sacred community for true transformation whether she is teaching a Business Miracles® Class, delivering training online or in-person or mentoring members of her Business Miracles Community in her various Mentoring Programs. She has helped thousands of HSE®s release life-long limiting beliefs, overcome fears and learn how to build their business in a way that actually feels so good that they can’t help but create solid, sustainable, high-level financial success. Heather is also the founder and leader of the Highly Sensitive Entrepreneur® movement. HSE Quiz Website Facebook 

118 | How Highly Sensitive Entrepreneurs Can Sell Without Compromising Empathy and Integrity with Heather Dominick

Today I’m talking with Genecia Alluora about building an authentic brand online. We talk about how she built her business and brand online and some of the challenges she faced. She gives us an exercise that we can use to make sure that our brand is authentic and then we talk about building a support system full of people that align with your values and the vision you have for your business. Topics Discussed: Why having a brand means and why it’s more than just a logo Creating a personal and authentic brand The challenges Genecia faced when starting her online business An exercise you can use to make sure that you’re showing up authentically online Tips for building a support system and finding a mentor The importance of building a community that supports you Action Steps: Look at your social media and your messaging to make sure they are in sync with who you are Do the authentic brand exercise discussed in the podcast Find yourself a community you can rely on Connect with Genecia: Genecia Alluora is former Miss Singapore and Southeast Asia Woman of Excellence 2010. She is the Founder of Soul Rich Woman, the #1 female entrepreneur network in Southeast Asia that connects more than 12,000 women across the region, with presence in 7 countries including Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The Soul Rich Woman network helps women build their brand and online reputation for more customers, confidence, and credibility — while making a positive impact in the world. Prior to this, she was an owner of a cafe retail chain with a presence in 3 countries and successfully exited to a public listed company. Profiled in CNBC and China Daily, Genecia is also an expert public speaker and has spoken in recent major events, including the RISE Conference in Hong Kong, Success Conference and Expo Asia 2018 in Hanoi, and National Achievers’ Congress in Manila. Website 7 Steps to Delegate 80% of Your To-Do List 

117 | Building an Authentic Brand with Genecia Alluora

Today I’m talking about how to stay focused with Jodi Graham. We dive into different ways that you can stay focused on your business to make sure that you’re moving forward. We start by talking about why staying focused is so important and the different ways that we can make sure we’re doing that in our business. We talk about tracking our progress, keeping our tasks specific, making sure everything we’re doing is important to our business, and brain dumping. Jodi talks about what a braindump is, how it can help us, and how we can do it. She also gives some recommendations for tools you can test to see if they will work for you and talks about letting go of tasks that we find out aren’t important. You can get here free Daily Planner download at http://my.jodigraham.com/daily-planner-freebie. Topics Discussed: Why it’s important to stay focused How tracking your progress can help you stay on task The importance of being specific in the tasks you’re working on Making sure that each item on your to-do list is important Using a braindump to help you stay focused Tools Jodi recommends to her clients Letting go of tasks that aren’t important to your business Resources Discussed: Google Sheets Evernote Asana Trello Scribblar Whiteboard Fox Calmly Writer Action Steps: Set aside 15 minutes to do a braindump Review everything on your to-do list and ask yourself why you're working on it and some other why questions Create a space to track your progress Connect with Jodi: Jodi is the health food-obsessed, woo-woo loving, bookworm Productivity Coach who’s hooked on getting things done. She works with online side-hustlers who feel like they're missing out on biz income and growth because of shiny object syndrome, getting them focused on growing their biz quicker. You can get here free Daily Planner download at http://my.jodigraham.com/daily-planner-freebie. Website Instagram Facebook 

116 | How to Stay Focused with Jodi Graham

Being a mom and a business owner isn’t easy. Right now, we’ve chosen to keep our baby at home, which means that I’m constantly bouncing back and forth between work and motherhood. It hasn’t been easy – I’ve struggled with accepting that I can’t do it all. Today I’m sharing how I’ve come to (almost) be okay with the fact that things aren’t going to look the way I hope they will and how I’m setting my priorities for both my business and my family. I’m also going to give you a glimpse into what my schedule looks like in this season of life and how asking for help has made running a business while raising a 6-month-old so much easier. Topics Discussed: Why it was a struggle for me to let go of doing it all The most important conversation my husband and I have had since becoming parents (deciding on our priorities) How I’m balancing time in my business and time with my son right now (working during naps – Little Z Sleep, setting aside time to engage with Daniel – Storytime, sensory activities) Asking for help (sending Daniel to friends when I need to record, having my social media manager and podcast editor on my team) What my schedule looks like in this season The decisions we’re making moving forward as a family (technology) Resources I’m loving as a mom Resources Discussed: Little Z Sleep CanDo Kiddo Rachael Jamison Caity Dougherty The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch Feeding Littles hope&plum Facebook Community Action Steps: Make a list of the most important business and personal tasks Find some friends or family members who can watch your kids for a few hours here and there when you need some concentrated work time (or you need to take an uninterrupted shower) Set aside some time to do something that fuels you 

115 | How I’m (Not) Doing It All

Today I’m talking about creating a community around a product with Skye Amunden and Mallory Mascoli from hope&plum. We jump in talking about the community they’ve created around their ring slings, including how they decided to start their business with a community focus. We also talk about how they’ve fostered such a supportive environment inside their community and they give us a behind-the-scenes look at how everything is run and the people who help them out. Skye and Mallory also share how they use their community to promote their launches (including their largest-ever launch yet). If you have a product or a service and you want to create a really supportive Facebook community, I recommend checking out this episode and jumping into their community. Topics Discussed: How hope&plum got started Intentionally building a community from the start Fostering a supportive, inclusive environment How Skye and Mallory run their Facebook group and their team Using a community to promote launches Using what works and what doesn’t from other groups to establish their own rules Skye and Mallory’s favorite part of the community they’ve built Action Steps: Have a plan of what you want in your community Find someone to lean on and help you Be real Connect with Skye & Mallory: Skye and Mallory met one another through an online group of women while trying to conceive their children. They noticed an instant connection and have shared a close relationship through the struggles of trying to get pregnant, the joys and difficulties of pregnancy, and navigating first time parenthood.  Mallory introduced Skye to babywearing, and ring slings quickly became both of their favorite way to carry their children. After struggling to find a ring sling company that fit their beliefs and aesthetics, the two women joined forces to start their own company and hope&plum was born!    Mallory is a former banker who left her career after her daughter, Selah Plum, was born. hope&plum came around just as Mallory was beginning to miss the fast paced career life and gives her another outlet to pour her energy into, beyond her little family and home. Mallory is pregnant with her rainbow baby Shepard Keane, who will be making his debute into the world within the next few weeks! Skye works as an attorney by day and mother/ wife/ business owner by night (and early mornings). hope&plum has given her an opportunity to pursue her entrepreneurial spirit, while also feeding her passion for babywearing. She has a two year old Eleanor and a seven-month old Madelynn and slings them both almost daily! Website Instagram Facebook hope&plum Community 

114 | Creating a Community Around a Product with Skye Amundsen and Mallory Mascoli

Today I’m talking about using Shopify for your website platform with Mands Burnette. We talk about Shopify compared to other platforms and why it’s really great for online stores. We get into the inventory management and all of the backend stuff, as well as how the design works and how it compares to other platforms. Mands tells us about some updates that Shopify is releasing that she’s excited about and how she helps her clients design and run their websites and online stores. Topics Discussed: Why Shopify is the best platform for online stores Updates Shopify is making that will make selling online even easier How Shopify compares to other website platforms like Squarespace and WordPress Designing a Shopify website and the available functionality Using Shopify for inventory management, adding products, POS, and selling online Working with a designer to customize your store Why Shopify is great for SEO and how it helps you  Action Steps: Make sure you have product descriptions that are standardized Rename all your file names and alt tags to describe the image Get someone else to look over your website Connect with Mands: Mands Burnette is a designer turned digital marketing maven. This former Shopify Guru took all of the skills and wisdom from years as a designer, combined with the vast knowledge of SEO and marketing and started Burnette + Co. A Digital Marketing Company specializing in helping creatives, makers, inventors, educators, and inspiring women step out to share their passion with the world through clean design, storytelling, and an action plan. Website Instagram Facebook Personal Instagram 

113 | Using Shopify for Your Website Platform with Mands Burnette

Today I’m talking about pitching your product to retailers with Kathy Cruz. Kathy shares a ton of great information as a retailer herself and as a maker who has gotten her products into stores. We talk about selling outside of your business and knowing when you’re ready. We also discuss the technical pieces you need in order to work with retailers and how your website can help you do that. We chat about finding the right stores to get into and the research you should do before reaching out, as well as ways you can add additional value for the people you’re building relationships with. Topics Discussed: Your options for working with retailers Knowing when you’re ready to wholesale and the types of people who shouldn’t The technical pieces you need to have in place How your website can help you Finding the right retail stores to reach out to Bringing additional value to retailers when you contact them Do’s and don’ts of contacting store owners Resources Discussed: Shopify Action Steps: Stop procrastinating with your line sheet Change your mindset Consider joining Kathy’s online academy Connect with Kathy: Since founding The Salvaged Boutique with her sister in 2013, Kathy watched her passion grow from a fun blog and hobby with her sister on the side of her full-time job, to a thriving brick and mortar home decor store. After running the store for years, she saw the need for an online community where small business owners could find resources. So she took it upon herself to create Savvy Shopkeeper, a blog and online business dedicated to educating, motivating and building a community of shop owners. From a full-time job to a full-time entrepreneur, Kathy helps hundreds of store owners and makers navigate store ownership while running a store herself. Website Facebook Group Facebook Instagram 

112 | Pitching Your Product to Retailers with Kathy Cruz

Today I’m talking with Lindsay Maloney about how introverts can grow their business. Lindsay and I have a great conversation about why introverts make great online business owners, the things they should consider before starting a business, and how serving our clients well is really beneficial as an introverted business owner. We also talk about scaling and some action steps you can take to move forward in your business. Topics Discussed: Why introverts make great online business owners Things an introvert should consider before starting a business Bringing in clients Why serving your clients well is beneficial to yourself and your business Networking as an introvert Scaling your business Challenges introverts can face Resources Discussed: James Wedmore Rising Tide Society Stand Out Coaching Academy Action Steps: If you're feeling excited about starting your business, pick one thing that's fun and easy and get started Reach out to people who inspire you Have confidence in yourself Connect with Lindsay: Lindsay Maloney is a self-made business and success coach who specializes in teaching women how to start and scale their dream coaching businesses with simplicity. She believes that you should always choose to use your intuition to guide you as you grow your business. With her step by step, intuitive, and creative guidance you'll feel inspired to take her tips into action, push your business forward, and work with your dream clients. Lindsay works with women who want to get unstuck and structure their brilliance into a coaching business that's sustainable and financially exhilarating. She is also the creator of Stand Out Coaching Academy and is the host of the Book Your Dream Clients podcast. Website Podcast Facebook group Instagram 

111 | How Introverts Can Grow Their Business with Lindsay Maloney

My business looks very different now that I’m working with a baby at home with me. Most of my work is done during naptime and in a half hour increments when my little one is content to play on his own (always where I can see him). This shift has meant less time to send emails, scroll Facebook groups looking for clients, or brainstorm new marketing efforts. It’s also meant that I have to focus the time I do have on finding amazing clients and serving them really well. Today I’m sharing how I’ve found my dreamiest clients, what it looks like to serve clients well with limited time, and how I deal with clients who turn out not to be so dreamy. Topics Discussed: Why it’s important to work with your dream clients, especially when you have limited time How I’ve learned who my dream client is Vetting potential clients before starting a project Where I get most of my leads and how I turn them into clients Helping your clients be dreamy Serving well with limited time Dealing with clients who turn out not to be so dreamy Resources Discussed: Dubsado Action Steps: Look back on your past clients and make a list of what your dreamiest clients had in common Set up a vetting system for potential clients Follow up with troublesome clients and give yourself permission to draw a hard line 

110 | The Secret to Finding Amazing Clients (and What to do with the Ones Who Aren’t)

Today I’m talking about sales page design with Christi Cooper. This is a really fun episode because while we’ve covered service page design before, this is a whole different beast. We talk about the difference between a sales page and a services page and some of the technical aspect including how long your sales page should be. We also discuss where you can build your sales page and what should be included, and Christi gives some design tips for those of us who will be DIYing to start out. Topics Discussed: The difference between a sales page and a services page How long your sales page should be Different platforms where you can design and host your sales page What should be included on a sales page Why good design is so important Working with a sales page designer Tips for designing your own sales page Common design mistakes Resources Discussed: Leadpages ClickFunnels Teachable Thinkific Kajabi Action Steps: Make sure you're hitting the key points in your copy Assess your design Make sure your call to action buttons stand out and are clear about the next steps Connect with Christi: Christi Cooper is the principal designer and creative strategist at Cooper & Heart Creative where she works with online educators and coaches to help them grow their businesses through beautiful, conversion-focused sales pages and websites that connect with their people in an impactful way. Website Instagram Sales Page Assessment 

109 | Sales Page Design with Christi Cooper

Today I’m talking about three hard truths that 7 figure influencers aren’t telling you with Ellen McElveen. We dive into three different things that you might not know about the 7 figure businesses you’ve been looking up to online including why you might actually be more profitable than they are, why they probably don’t have it all figured out, and why a 7 figure launch might not be the thing you’re looking for. This episode is great because Ellen works with all kinds of businesses on the back end, so she knows what people are actually experiencing and the reality behind all of the awesome Instagram posts we see. Topics Discussed: Why we look up to 7 figure influencers What having a 7 figure business means Why your business might be more profitable Even influencers don’t have it all figured out Why a big launch might not bring the success you want Where to start if you’ve never launched before Working with an Operations and Efficiency expert Resources Discussed: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz Asana Pricing Your Services with Kristin Kaplan Action Steps: Build a solid foundation for your business by creating your mission, vision, and values Know your financial goals Stay focused on your business Connect with Ellen: Ellen helps entrepreneurs like you simplify your CEO life so that you reach your vision without the burnout. She does this through strategic mapping, accountability, + systems. She is an Operations & Efficiency Expert, and the Founder of One Less Thing Management. She has worked with businesses to improve their operations and map strategies for more than 10 years. She pulls from her experience working with Oracle, Cox Business, Geben Communications, Tamsen Webster, the YMCA, UNC-Chapel Hill, and more to deliver top-notch solutions to simplify and scale your business. She's on a mission to eradicate the outstanding number of failing businesses and does so with the One Less Thing Framework; which we'll talk more about in this episode. Ellen lives in Springfield, Missouri, with her husband, Scott, and son Gideon. Website Instagram Facebook Blog 

108 | Three Hard Truths That 7 Figure Influencers Aren't Telling You with Ellen McElveen

Today I’m talking with Crystal Hollman about product photography. We talked about brand photography way back at the beginning of the show, but I wanted to cover products specifically for those of you who are makers. We chat about why it’s important to have branded images and how product photography is different than other types of photos. We talk about using the images you have effectively so you’re getting the most out of them, as well as some tips for taking your own product photos. Crystal also talks about working with a photographer and what you should look for to get the most out of your investment. Topics Discussed: Why it’s important to have branded photos How product photography is different Making the best use of the images you have Using stock images alongside your custom photos Tips for shooting your own products The importance of creating the right type of images What you can expect when working with a product photographer Collaborating with your website designer and photographer Resources Discussed: Planoly Action Steps: Know what lighting is available in your home and see if you need to change anything to improve it Make sure you can put your product in an environment that makes sense for your audience Don’t forget to reflect light If you’re looking to hire a product photographer, start researching styles that fit your brand Connect with Crystal: As a full time Brand and Commercial Photographer, Crystal serves the business community exclusively through styled imagery meant to boost sales, attract your ideal audience and show off all your hard work. In her 5 years of business as a Photographer she has launched a course, held 4 workshops and supported many events across the local and online community to help educate and support other ladies in business. Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest Flatlay Course 

107 | Product Photography with Crystal Hollman

Today I am talking about growing from a local community to communities around the world with Violette de Ayala. She goes into a ton of really good topics and is very encouraging talking about her journey from working in corporate to building the FemCity community and growing it worldwide. We talk about the struggles that come along with building something from the ground up with limited funding and where she is now in her business with her team and the growth of her community. We also talk about what people can do if they’re struggling to love their work and how they can evaluate their businesses. One of the big focuses of FemCity is making sure that they are in service to others, which fits right in with this podcast, so I was very excited to bring it to you today. Topics Discussed: How FemCity came to be and how it’s grown Expanding the community to be worldwide Starting a business with limited funding The importance of taking intentional pauses in business Struggles that come with scaling Developing a team Evaluating where you are in business The importance of serving those around you Resources Discussed: Upwork Fiverr Action Steps: Reconnect or reconfirm the love and passion for the work you're doing now See how you can be more of service to those around you Review how you're doing in business and say three kind things about yourself Connect with Violette: Violette is a Cuban-American serial and social entrepreneur, Founder of FemCity®, and virtual mentor to over 20,000 women. Website Instagram Facebook Twitter 

106 | Growing from a Local Community to Communities Around the World with Violette de Ayala

Process to Profitability: Tools and Strategies to Serve Your Clients and Grow Your Small Business is a weekly interview show featuring creative women who are growing their small businesses with a focus on serving their clients and customers well. We'll discuss tools, strategies, and processes that you can apply to your own business in a way that fits you. From online creative entrepreneurs to product creators, professionals creating their own way of working to those just starting out, we'll be digging into it all. Join us today!

hubhopper

Process to Profitability

hubhopper