Creatives On Fire® | How to Make Money Online Business Advice

If your email list growth has been a little "meh" lately, this episode is your sign to shake things up! In today's episode of Creatives on Fire, I'm sharing 7 proven strategies to help you grow your email list fast—without needing complicated tech or paid ads. Whether you're just getting started or ready to scale, these ideas will spark fresh inspiration for getting more subscribers today. https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode200 1. Swap Freebies with a Biz Bestie Partner with someone in your niche (or a complementary one!) and promote each other's freebies to your email lists. It's a win-win way to grow your audience with warm leads who already trust the person sharing you. Try this at least once a quarter! 2. Join a Bundle, Blog Hop, or Online Event Group events like seasonal blog hops or digital bundles can put your opt-in in front of hundreds—if not thousands—of new people. I've grown my list by tens of thousands this way over the years! Keep your freebie super simple and easy to access (no multi-step signups, please). 3. Automate a Keyword on Social Media Set up a simple automation using tools like Instachamp or Minichat and invite your followers to comment a keyword like "connect" or "email" to get your freebie. Use this in both your posts and stories—set a reminder to do this weekly. 4. Create a Fun Quiz Everyone loves a good quiz! Whether it's "What's Your Crafting Personality?" or "Which Business Model Fits You Best?"—use a quiz to deliver personalized results via email. This strategy converts really well because it's engaging and tailored to the reader. 5. Host a Giveaway (But Do It Smart) Run a giveaway and require an email opt-in to enter. Make the prize digital—like an Amazon gift card or downloadable bundle—to keep it simple. Pro tip: Host the giveaway on your blog to drive traffic and collect subscribers. 6. Offer Bonus Content in a Private Group or Channel Whether it's a weekly message, tutorial, or just encouragement—give your email subscribers access to a private Facebook group or broadcast channel. It builds loyalty and community fast. 7. Turn Your Top Blog Post Into a Freebie Check your Google Analytics to find your best-performing post and add a relevant, useful opt-in right to that page. Think: checklist, printable, or mini tutorial based on the post topic. Bonus Action Tip: Don't try to do all of these at once. Choose 1–2 ideas and schedule them on your calendar each month. Consistency, not overwhelm, is what will grow your list fast. Mentioned in this episode: My upcoming book: Creatives on Fire: 71 Secrets to Making Money Online – coming soon! If this episode lit a fire under you, be sure to subscribe to the podcast and share it with a friend who needs a little email growth inspo too. Until next time—stay creative and keep building that list. You've got this! creative. from you! next time, stay creative. Links Mentioned in the Episode: 5 Best Email Marketing Solutions for a Creative Business 55 | Email Marketing for Beginners with Melanie Ferguson 46 | Email Marketing on Autopilot with Matt Molen 120 | Making Money Through Email Marketing with Lesli Peterson FUEL Mastermind is HERE Free Guide: Start Your Blog Today You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review") 2025 Content Planner for Content Creators SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW I am honored to share a new Blogging Creative on Fire each week on the podcast to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review")

If you've ever wished you could sit down for coffee with successful creatives and just ask them what's working—this episode is for you. I'm bringing you a behind-the-scenes sneak peek into my new book, Creatives on Fire: 71 Secrets to Making Money Online, with rapid-fire wisdom from three powerhouse women featured inside. These are creators who have not only built businesses that thrive but also show up online with purpose, strategy, and heart. Their insights are short, sweet, and incredibly impactful—each in 3 minutes or less. https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode199 Meet Sara McDaniel of Simply Southern Cottage You've seen her on HGTV and followed her charming home makeovers online, but Sara's real genius? Consistency. Her advice: Don't feel pressured to post every single day in the feed—find your rhythm. She's in Instagram Stories daily, building deep trust with her audience. Use stories as a "mini blog" with a beginning, middle, and end. Bring your followers into your day, even if it's unplanned—it creates connection. 👉 Pro tip: Consistency doesn't mean constant. It means reliable. KariAnne Wood of Thistlewood Farms on Affiliates If affiliate marketing feels overwhelming, KariAnne is here to simplify it with a strategy that works. Her advice: Assign a purpose to each affiliate platform. Amazon = everyday products LTK = outfits + home tours ShopMy = targeted brands like Target & Anthropologie Film quick clips in the moment and store them for later (no pressure to post right away). Challenge yourself: just one post per platform a day is enough—and it adds up! 👉 Pro tip: Slow and steady affiliate marketing can turn into significant income when it becomes a habit. Brooke Riley of Re-Fabbed on Facebook Brooke built her online business from the ground up—starting with Facebook, where she still dominates. Her advice: Nurture your audience like gold—they followed you for a reason. Don't be afraid to reshare your content. Facebook's algorithm may not have shown it the first time. Engage with every comment you can. If someone takes the time to talk to you, talk back. Even when you grow, make engagement a priority—it's what builds loyalty. 👉 Pro tip: Treat every follower like a VIP guest. It's what turns audiences into community. This rapid-fire episode was just a taste of what's coming in my new book, Creatives on Fire: 71 Secrets to Making Money Online. Each expert inside shares real, raw, and doable strategies that work in today's online world. From social media to affiliate marketing to building community, these women are proof that success is possible—and sustainable—when you lead with service and strategy. If you loved this peek behind the curtain, be sure to subscribe so you don't miss a single secret. Until next time, my friend— Stay creative. from you! next time, stay creative. Links Mentioned in the Episode: 116 | How to Build Brand Partnerships Organically: From Teacher to Creative Business Owner – The Sara McDaniel Story 187 | How to Sell in Instagram Stories with Sara McDaniel 189 | HGTV's Sara McDaniel Is Creating Hope Through Phillips Cottage 19 | Blogging for Profit with KariAnne Wood 89 | How to Turn What You Do Best into a Book with KariAnne Wood 103 | Affiliate Marketing Gold with KariAnne Wood 188 | How to Make Money Blogging with KariAnne Wood 5 | Facebook LIVE Tips to Grow Your Online Following with Brooke Riley FUEL Mastermind is HERE Free Guide: Start Your Blog Today You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review") 2025 Content Planner for Content Creators SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW I am honored to share a new Blogging Creative on Fire each week on the podcast to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review")

If you're wondering how creators are really making money online in 2025—beyond the hype, the hustle, and the ever-changing algorithms—this episode is for you. I'm pulling back the curtain on the top three ways I've consistently earned income from my creative business, and I'm also sharing three things I'll never do again. Whether you're just getting started or trying to scale, I hope this gives you a dose of clarity (and maybe a nudge of encouragement, too). https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode198 Hosting a Quarterly Online Event That Leads to a Membership Hands down, one of the most successful strategies I've used is hosting virtual events that funnel into a membership. It started as a fun way to bring people together around a shared interest, but it quickly became a reliable system for launching and growing a loyal community. Quarterly events bring urgency and energy. They give people a reason to show up, engage, and—most importantly—take action. When your event naturally leads into a membership or recurring offer, it removes the awkward sales pitch and feels like the next logical step. Tip: If you're considering this model, focus on serving first. Create something fun, helpful, and highly relevant to your audience—and the right people will want to stick around for more. Consistent Monthly Brand Deal Partnerships One-off sponsorships are fine, but long-term brand partnerships are where the magic happens. Not only do they provide steady, predictable income, but they also allow you to go deeper with your audience while staying in alignment with your values. I've learned that you don't need to say yes to everything—in fact, you shouldn't. Choose partnerships that genuinely make sense for your brand. The right deals feel like collaborations, not compromises. Tip: Once you've found your rhythm, pitch brands you already love and use. Consistency builds trust, and trust builds income. Blogging Ad Revenue Let's not underestimate the power of your blog. Even today, blogging is still one of the best ways to create evergreen, scalable income through ad revenue. It didn't happen overnight. I had to stay consistent with posting, learn SEO, and be patient with the process. But now? My blog works for me, even when I'm not working on it. If you're sitting on a blog that's been collecting digital dust, this is your sign to dust it off and get back to creating. What I'd Never Do Again Every lesson comes with a story. Here are three money-making tactics I've tried that I wouldn't repeat: 1. Accept Free Product Instead of Pay Unless the product is truly life-changing (think: dream vacation, high-end tech, or something you'd genuinely invest in), don't trade your time and energy for "exposure" or free stuff. Your skills have value. Your time is money. 2. Try to Monetize Everything at Once I used to believe that doing all the things would lead to faster growth. In reality, it led to burnout and half-finished projects. Now I focus on one stream until it runs smoothly, then move on to the next. Focus leads to income. Multitasking leads to overwhelm. 3. Depend on Social Media for Income Social media is a tool, not the foundation. It's unpredictable, exhausting, and entirely out of your control. These days, I use social platforms to direct people to where the real magic happens—my email list, blog, podcast, and products. Final Thoughts The best way to make money online isn't the trendiest or flashiest—it's the most sustainable. For me, that's looked like building systems, leaning into consistency, and choosing depth over distraction. Which one of these income streams are you focused on right now? I'd love to hear from you! n the Episode: FUEL Mastermind is HERE Free Guide: Start Your Blog Today You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review") 2025 Content Planner for Content Creators SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW I am honored to share a new Blogging Creative on Fire each week on the podcast to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review")

If you've been feeling discouraged about your blog traffic lately, you're not alone. In this episode of Creatives on Fire, I'm pulling back the curtain on what's really happening with blog traffic in 2025—and giving you five smart strategies to take back control. https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode197 How to Get More Blog Traffic I was originally going to cover a different topic this week, but after hearing so many creators talk about low traffic, broken platforms, and general burnout, I had to hit pause and share what I've personally been working through—and how I'm turning it around. Let's talk about what matters, what doesn't, and what you can actually do to get your blog traffic moving again. First: Don't Fall for the Comparison Game It's easy to feel lost when all the voices around you are saying different things. Google is broken, Pinterest is dead, Facebook is hiding links—it's enough to make any blogger feel like giving up. But the truth is, numbers don't lie. So that's where I went—to my Google Analytics. When I compared my year-to-date stats from 2024 to 2025, here's what I found: Sessions were down 20% Pageviews were down a shocking 50% Ouch. That was a wake-up call. But it also gave me clarity. Sessions are mostly out of my control. Pageviews? That's on me. Sessions vs. Pageviews: What's the Difference? If you're not familiar with these terms: Sessions = Visitors arriving at your site (they showed up to the dance) Pageviews = The number of pages they visited (how many people they danced with) So while platforms control a lot of traffic volume (sessions), you control what happens once people land on your site. That's where the pageviews come in—and that's where you can make a huge impact. How to Improve Your Blog's Page Speed Before diving into pageview tactics, I looked at what I could do to improve page speed, which still plays a huge role in search and user experience. Here's what I did: Audited my plugins to remove outdated or unnecessary tools Replaced and optimized my image compression plugin (I now use ShortPixel, which found 1,200 images that needed more compression) Even small improvements to your blog's speed can help platforms like Google and Pinterest want to send more traffic your way. 5 Smart Strategies to Increase Blog Pageviews Once I optimized the tech side, I moved on to what I could do to increase pageviews—the number that is in our control. These five strategies are what I'm actively working on now. 1. Restructure Your Blog for Simpler Navigation When readers land on your homepage or a post, can they immediately tell what you're about and where to go next? Clear navigation, especially with buttons that lead to categories (like "See All Crafts" or "Browse Recipes"), is key. 2. Connect Your Orphan Posts Go find the blog posts that aren't linked to anything else—SEO tools like Ahrefs can help. Either delete them if they don't align with your brand, or link them meaningfully into related content to keep readers clicking. 3. Add Prompts to Explore More Think: "See all fall posts" or "Get more lemon dessert ideas." Use bold call-to-action buttons early in your post to send them to your category or roundup pages. The more paths they can follow, the more pageviews you'll get. 4. Include a 'Start Here' Block Toward the top of your post, include a reusable block that says "New here? Start here." Link it to a curated welcome page with your top categories, opt-ins, and reader favorites. Help new visitors instantly know how to explore. 5. Introduce a Weekly or Ongoing Series Give readers a reason to keep coming back. It could be: A 5-week project like "5 Weeks to a Porch Makeover" A two-part post (before & after) A weekly roundup of your own posts, styled for Pinterest or seasonal trends You could even turn your weekly content into a newsletter hook: "Get this week's top DIYs straight to your inbox!" The Bottom Line: Don't Panic—Make a Plan If traffic is down, take a deep breath. Stop listening to the noise and go check your own analytics. Is it sessions? Pageviews? Once you know, you can act. And that's powerful. Because blogging isn't dead—but it is evolving. And it's our job to evolve with it. Give your blog a tune-up. Guide your readers more clearly. And most importantly, keep showing up consistently. Until next time, stay creative. Links Mentioned in the Episode: ShortPixel Compression Tool FUEL Mastermind is HERE Free Guide: Start Your Blog Today You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review") 2025 Content Planner for Content Creators SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW I am honored to share a new Blogging Creative on Fire each week on the podcast to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review")

Have you ever felt like you don't have enough time to blog consistently? What if I told you that you could successfully run your blog in just five hours a week? https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode196 In this week's episode of Creatives on Fire, we're diving into how to work smarter—not harder—with a blogger's take on the five hour work week. Inspired by Tim Ferriss's The 4-Hour Workweek, this strategy is all about simplifying your workflow, focusing on what moves the needle, and creating consistent momentum. Let's break down how you can make blogging fit into your schedule—one hour a day. Can Blogging in Five Hours a Week Actually Work? Yes, my friend, it absolutely can. The key to making this work is consistency. You don't need endless hours or a huge audience to start building a profitable blog—you need a plan, a routine, and the discipline to stick to it. Step One: Make a Plan The first step is to map out what each hour of your blogging week will look like. Break the work into five main buckets and assign one task to each weekday. Monday: Draft Your Post Spend your hour outlining and drafting your blog post inside WordPress. This includes doing keyword research and writing your SEO title and headers. Use AI to speed things up if you need to. Tuesday: Create the Content Use this hour to bring your content to life. Take step-by-step photos, shoot a video, bake the recipe, or go live with a related tutorial. This is your creation day. Wednesday: Assemble and Schedule the Post Now that you've drafted and created, pull everything together. Upload your images, polish your post, and schedule it to publish next week—so you're always ahead. Thursday: Schedule the Promotions Use this hour to create your Pinterest pins, schedule your social media posts, and write the email that will promote your post. Everything should be prepped for the following week. Friday: Record and Schedule Video Content Optional—but powerful. Use this time to record and schedule your reels, short-form videos, or YouTube content related to your blog post. Step Two: Make It Predictable The real secret? Make your blogging time non-negotiable. Pick a time each day that works best for your life (early mornings are gold!) and show up like it's an appointment you can't miss. Tips for staying consistent: Block your hour on your calendar Use a "Blogging" tab group to reduce distractions Work ahead, not behind Create muscle memory—same routine, same time every day Step Three: Make It a Priority You already know blogging can generate consistent income—ads, affiliate commissions, product sales, and email growth all stem from regular publishing. So ask yourself: If I knew this would work, would I make it a priority? Once you've made the decision to treat your blog like a business, it becomes easier to commit to the five hour framework. Over time, your one hour a day builds lasting success, and that boring, consistent effort becomes your biggest advantage. What If You Want to Blog More Than Once a Week? If you're posting multiple times a week, just double the time. Two blog posts = two hours a day. But here's the beauty of batching—your efficiency will skyrocket. Once you get in the flow, you'll find you can prep several posts at once in even less time. As with anything in business: what's hard at first becomes easier with repetition. Final Thoughts: Boring Work Becomes Brilliant Success Building a successful blog isn't about flashy hacks—it's about consistent action done well over time. With the Five Hour Work Week, you can simplify your process, eliminate decision fatigue, and create sustainable income without burnout. Just remember: Make the plan Make it predictable Make it a priority Because boring work done consistently leads to extraordinary results. Let me know—are you in for the five hour work week? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments over on the blog. Until next time, stay creative. Links Mentioned in the Episode: 4hr Work Week by Tim Ferriss Spark Coaching + Melanie 24/7 FUEL Mastermind is HERE Free Guide: Start Your Blog Today You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review") 2025 Content Planner for Content Creators SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW I am honored to share a new Blogging Creative on Fire each week on the podcast to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review")

This week's episode of Creatives on Fire is a rapid-fire breakdown of how to get more eyeballs on your top-performing blog posts without creating new content from scratch. These ideas will help you stretch the life of your posts, build momentum, and ultimately increase your traffic, engagement, and income. https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode195 You've already done the hard work. Now let's make that blog post work even harder for you. Why You Should Be Repurposing Blog Content If a post is performing well, don't let it sit idle. Instead of constantly creating something new, build systems around redistributing your best content to give it a longer shelf life. Whether it's via social, email, video, or products—there are countless ways to extend the value of your top content. Here are 13 creative ways to do exactly that: 1. Pull a Quote and Share It as Text on Social Media Find a powerful line or tip from your blog post and share it as plain text on a colorful background. This works great on Facebook, Instagram, and even in stories. Add the blog link in the first comment or the caption to drive traffic. 2. Turn Blog Graphics into a Social Carousel or Reel Take 5–10 graphics or photos from the blog post and create a quick-scroll carousel or a short video reel. This is perfect for Instagram or Facebook and helps breathe new life into your visuals. Bonus tip: Use a tool like Post Planner (linked below in the episode) to put your graphics on autopilot. 3. Create Multiple Pinterest Pins Don't stop at one pin. Create 5–10 different versions with varied images and headlines. Use different boards—including a board dedicated to that one blog post if it performs exceptionally well. 4. Create a Long-Form Tutorial Video If the post is a how-to or recipe, turn it into a YouTube video or a longer Facebook/Instagram tutorial. Walk your audience through the steps while linking to the original post for the full details. 5. Share It in Stories as a Talking Point Pop into your Instagram or Facebook stories and talk about the post. No editing required. Just share what it's about and why it's worth their time. Add a link sticker to send people directly to the post. 6. Share It on Syndicated Sites Find niche-specific platforms like Hometalk, Foodgawker, or CraftGawker (depending on your niche) and submit your content. Always tag relevant brands or creators—they may reshare and expand your reach even further. 7. Turn It into a Digital Product or Ebook Copy and paste your post into ChatGPT or Canva Docs and ask it to format it as an ebook. Sell it as a low-ticket product or bundle it with similar content in your shop. 8. Make It a Lead Magnet Use your most popular post as an opt-in offer. For example: "Want to learn how to make a perfect messy bow? Grab the tutorial here!" Collect emails and deliver the blog post as the freebie. 9. Repurpose It for Your Email List Paste the first paragraph or a juicy snippet into your weekly newsletter with a link to the full post. You can even pull content from old posts this time last year—done is better than perfect! 10. Link It to Other Blog Posts Add links to this top-performing post at the bottom of other related content. This internal linking helps readers (and Google) stay on your site longer and see your most valuable content. 11. Use It in a Roundup Post Create a themed roundup that includes the top blog post. If your lemon bundt cake is going viral, write a "Best Lemon Desserts" roundup and include that post (plus two to three more). Internal linking and SEO win-win. 12. Record It as Audio or Podcast Content Add an audio version of the post to your blog (tools like Play.ht or ConvertKit's new audio block work well), or reference it on your podcast. You can even read it word-for-word as an episode. 13. Mention It in Your Live Video or Stories (Bonus Tip!) Talk about the post while you're live or in your weekly stories. Use keyword triggers and automated tools to send the link when viewers comment. This is great for engagement and email list growth. Make Repurposing a Habit, Not a One-Off Choose 3–5 of these ideas to start with and build a routine. Repurposing doesn't have to be overwhelming—just intentional. Add these steps to your content checklist and watch your reach and results grow. Got another creative way to repurpose a post? Share your favorite method in the comments on the blog. offers free consultations and would love to help you share your story with the world! Links Mentioned in the Episode: Spark Coaching + Melanie 24/7 FUEL Mastermind is HERE Free Guide: Start Your Blog Today You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review") 2025 Content Planner for Content Creators SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW I am honored to share a new Blogging Creative on Fire each week on the podcast to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review")

In this week's episode of Creatives on Fire, I had the absolute honor of sitting down with Stu McLaren—yes, that Stu McLaren! If you've ever considered adding a membership model to your creative business (or are wondering what memberships even are), this episode is your invitation to stop waiting and start creating recurring revenue today. Stu has been helping entrepreneurs build thriving membership businesses for over 17 years. His guidance helped shape the memberships of creators, bloggers, and even big brands. In this conversation, he shares the why, the how, and the what now for anyone ready to build a sustainable business online. Why Memberships Make So Much Sense If you're already paying for Netflix, Amazon Prime, or a subscription box, you're part of the membership economy. So why not create your own recurring revenue stream? Stu shared that memberships are more stable, predictable, and less stressful than relying solely on one-time sales. With algorithm changes, platform instability, and constant pivots in the online world, a membership can bring the peace and sustainability every entrepreneur craves. "Any creator or business owner can have a membership—and the ones who do are creating freedom and stability." —Stu McLaren The 4 Types of Memberships Stu broke down the four major types of memberships—and you'll probably see yourself in one (or more) of them: Product-Based Memberships Recurring delivery of physical or digital products. Think: printables of the month, subscription boxes, or digital design bundles. Service-Based Memberships Perfect for coaches, massage therapists, stylists, or even VA services. Provide consistent support and recurring client care. Knowledge-Based Memberships Teach a skill, solve an ongoing problem, or save your members time through tools, tutorials, or lesson plans. Community-Based Memberships Foster connection through shared experiences or passions. Think mastermind groups or niche hobby clubs. How to Start: The Founding Member Launch This part is pure gold. Stu outlines a simple, no-tech-needed way to validate your idea and get paid before you build anything. It's called a founding member launch, and it involves these 5 steps: Explain the idea and where it came from Cast the vision for what this could become Invite people to join as founding members Provide a clear call to action Follow up with a payment link That's it. No sales page, no tech hurdles—just a message that allows people to say "I'm in." And yes, you could literally do this by the end of the day. The Secret to a Thriving Membership in 2025 What makes a membership last? According to Stu, it's all about helping members experience consistent progress. The more progress your members make, the happier they are—and the longer they stay. Keep It Simple Don't overwhelm members with content. Overwhelm is the #1 reason people cancel. Help them take action, not consume endlessly. Use a Success Path Break the transformation into clear, achievable stages. Help members know what to focus on based on where they are in the journey. Leverage AI to Create Margin Let tools handle repetitive tasks so you can focus on real connection. People stay for the results—but also the relationships. Predictable Profits: Stu's New Book Stu's brand-new book Predictable Profits distills 17 years of membership-building wisdom into an actionable, approachable read. He even designed it to be bingeable with bite-sized chapters and lots of visuals (his words: "Yes, I love pictures!"). You can grab a free copy (just pay shipping) at: 👉 freemembershipbook.com Ready to Build Your Membership? Join the Free Workshop! Stu is hosting a free membership workshop starting May 8th, where he'll walk you through launching your founding membership—even if you have no content or audience yet. You'll learn how to get paying members during the workshop itself, with optional VIP sessions that offer live support, coaching, and hot seat feedback. 👉 Click here to join the workshop (link to be inserted) Final Thoughts If you're feeling uncertain about the future of your business, Stu's approach to memberships might be the lifeline you need. With recurring revenue, you can focus on your mission, serve your people deeply, and stop stressing over every single sale. This episode will light a fire under you—and give you the exact steps to finally launch that membership you've been dreaming about. offers free consultations and would love to help you share your story with the world! Links Mentioned in the Episode: Grab Your Copy of Stu's Book HERE Join the Membership Workshop HERE Spark Coaching + Melanie 24/7 FUEL Mastermind is HERE Free Guide: Start Your Blog Today You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review") 2025 Content Planner for Content Creators SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW I am honored to share a new Blogging Creative on Fire each week on the podcast to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review")

This week on the podcast, I'm excited to introduce you to my sweet friend, Char Huskins! Char has been in the online world for 28 years, and her love for helping women share their stories through blogging shines so brightly. We dive deep into why blogging still matters, how to set your blog up for success, and what to do if you're overwhelmed trying to piece it all together yourself. If you've ever wondered whether blogging is worth it—or if you're dreaming of launching (or revamping) your own site—this episode is for you. Char's Journey: From Early Website Design to Helping Women Share Their Stories Char first entered the website world long before blogging was even a thing. As blogging evolved, she fell in love with WordPress and the idea of helping women find their voice online. Today, she specializes in building beautiful, customized websites and blogs that allow creatives to not just show up online, but shine. She believes your blog isn't just a website—it's a legacy that can turn into a book, a brand, or a full-blown business. What Char Offers: Full-Service Blog Setup and Ongoing Management Char helps women who want to blog (or who already started and got stuck) with two main services: Custom Website + Blog Builds Char creates a fully customized WordPress website that includes: Home, About, Contact, and other core pages Blog setup ready for ongoing posting Branding and logo assistance if needed Full collaboration on the look, feel, and function you want Typical timeline? About one month from start to finish, depending on how much content you have ready. "I specialize in taking over where people feel stuck—and creating a full, beautiful site they're proud of." Blog Management Services If blogging feels overwhelming, Char also offers blog management: Ghostwriting blog posts (4, 8, or 12 per month) Pinterest graphic creation Social media graphics that match your posts Optional email marketing setup help (like Flodesk or Mailchimp) You can fully outsource your blog, get a few posts a month, or just get help getting started until you find your own rhythm. Why DIY Websites Aren't Always the Best Option While DIY website builders are tempting, Char shared why having a real expert matters. With her approach, you're not just buying a "template"—you're building a foundation for your business the right way, without the constant headache of fixing mistakes later. Working with Char means: Your site is built the right way from the start It's tailored to your goals, your brand, and your audience You'll save time, frustration, and ultimately, money And her pricing is shockingly affordable for the level of customization and support you get. Is Blogging Still Worth It? Absolutely! Char and I both agreed: blogging looks different than it used to, but it's still powerful. Today, blogging is more about: Pairing your blog with your email list to drive traffic Using social media to bring people to your own platform Creating evergreen content that lives for years "Blogging is still alive and well—you just have to pivot a little and focus on connection." Char also pointed out that building an email list alongside your blog is critical today, since you own your email list (but you don't own your social media following). Links Mentioned in the Episode: Char Huskin's Blogging Services Spark Coaching + Melanie 24/7 FUEL Mastermind is HERE Free Guide: Start Your Blog Today You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review") 2025 Content Planner for Content Creators SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW I am honored to share a new Blogging Creative on Fire each week on the podcast to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review")

This week on the podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of welcoming back my dear friend Danielle Stringer, the talented creator behind Imperfect Dust. Danielle is more than a maker—she's a business mentor, mastermind host, and now an author. Her new book, The Maker's Guide to Multiplying, is all about helping creatives scale their skills, their reach, and their income. If you've ever felt stuck trying to figure out your next step, or you're not sure how to grow beyond one-on-one sales, you're going to love this conversation. From One Sign at a Time to Scaling with Systems Danielle started out hand-lettering signs and selling them one by one. Eventually, she realized that model wasn't sustainable, and it certainly wasn't scalable. Her turning point? Teaching others how to do what she was doing. By moving from one-to-one to one-to-many, Danielle opened up new revenue streams through in-person workshops, online classes, and a digital file subscription called Digital Dust. She shared that teaching what she knew actually multiplied her reach—and her income. "When I finally yielded and started teaching what I know, that's when things truly started to multiply." Mindset, Marketing, and Multiplication What makes Danielle's approach unique is her commitment to starting with mindset. Right from page one, she's walking readers through how consistency builds trust and how trusting God's abundance allows us to share freely without fear of scarcity. She talks about: Multiplying your reach by connecting with your audience authentically Multiplying your impact by showing up consistently Multiplying your time and freedom by focusing on the one thing that moves the needle Multiplying your knowledge by learning from others and building your network "It's a choice to trust that God's blessings are not limited and neither are His plans for you." Listening and Scaling Based on Customer Feedback Danielle's growth didn't come from guessing—it came from listening. She regularly asks her audience what they need and uses their answers to craft solutions. Whether it was through live videos, interactive posts, or simply tuning into DMs and comments, she took notes and turned them into action. That kind of responsiveness led her to a recurring revenue model that now supports her business and gives her back more time. Paid Ads, Subscription Growth, and Sustainable Scaling Danielle also shared how running her first paid ad campaign catapulted her monthly subscribers from 350 to over 1,200. She created a low-barrier entry point with a Scripture Lettering Workshop, delivered value, and then invited participants into her full membership. By offering a tangible transformation up front, she created trust and increased conversions—without feeling salesy. From Maker to CEO This isn't just a how-to book. It's a complete mindset shift. Danielle talks about stepping out of the maker mentality and stepping into the CEO role. She emphasizes focusing on the one thing that moves your business forward, delegating where you can, and trusting that you don't have to do everything alone. "You don't have to go be a missionary or be what other people consider radical. You can live an ordinary life to the glory of God and have amazing impact." The Book + The Challenge Danielle's book, The Maker's Guide to Multiplying, is available now and packed with practical tools and faith-based encouragement to help you grow what you've already built. And if you want to take things one step further, she's hosting a live three-day challenge called Scale Your Skill starting May 6. You'll get hands-on training via Zoom and be surrounded by other makers ready to multiply their impact. Where to Find Danielle Follow Danielle online at: https://instagram.com/imperfectdust (creative account) https://instagram.com/learnwithdanielle (business coaching) LearnWithDanielle.com for details on her challenge and book Stay tuned for more inspiration, and until next time—stay creative! Links Mentioned in the Episode: Spark Coaching + Melanie 24/7 FUEL Mastermind is HERE Free Guide: Start Your Blog Today You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review") 2025 Content Planner for Content Creators SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW I am honored to share a new Blogging Creative on Fire each week on the podcast to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review")

If you've ever found yourself stuck in your business at midnight, needing advice and wondering "What do I do now?" — this one's for you. https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode191 In this week's episode of the Creatives on Fire Podcast, I'm finally unveiling something I've been working on behind the scenes for months. It's called Spark Coaching + Melanie 24/7, and it's basically a digital version of me in your back pocket — anytime you need help, guidance, or a little push to move forward. This is not generic or one-size-fits-all. This is Spark Coaching powered by Melanie 24/7 — a smart, intuitive resource that gives you instant answers, strategy direction, and mindset support whenever you need it. SPARK COACHING INFO Why I Created It Because I've been where you are. Stuck on what step to take next Buying courses and never opening them Waiting on group coaching calls to maybe get one question answered Needing help in the weirdest hours of the day (or night) And I wanted to create something that could serve more of you without sacrificing quality — or accessibility. What Is Spark Coaching? Unlimited 24/7 access to ask anything Ongoing updates from new trainings, episodes, and experiences Memory of past conversations (no more "starting from scratch") Private transcripts and saved outlines to refer back to Monthly live Zoom calls with me for real-time Q&A and hot seat coaching What's Melanie 24/7? It's a digital coaching experience trained on everything I've ever created: All of my blog posts Every podcast episode My book, digital products, and paid trainings Plus 15 years of business-building experience It's personalized, intuitive, and shockingly spot-on. I've poured my strategies, frameworks, and go-to answers into this so that you're never left spinning your wheels. What Can You Ask? Literally anything related to: Blogging Social media Lead magnets Launches Pricing Passive income Sales copy Audience growth And all those pesky techy questions like "What size should my Facebook group banner be?" You'll get real answers — not generic advice — based on my actual methods and business philosophy. Is This for You? Spark Coaching is for you if: You're overwhelmed with too many options You need quick, personalized answers so you can get back to work You want clarity, confidence, and momentum You're tired of waiting for help You've ever said "I just wish someone would tell me what to do next" Whether you're just starting or already in the weeds with launches, courses, or content — this tool meets you where you are and helps you move forward. Founding Member Bonus Join now and become a founding member of Spark Coaching. You'll get: Instant access to Melanie 24/7 An invite to the next Zoom coaching call Lifetime access to the transcripts and insights And a huge head start on your goals Let's make growing your business feel easier, faster, and way more fun. You don't have to figure everything out on your own anymore. 👉 SPARK COACHING INFO Until next time my friend, stay creative. Links Mentioned in the Episode: Spark Coaching + Melanie 24/7 FUEL Mastermind is HERE Free Guide: Start Your Blog Today You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review") 2025 Content Planner for Content Creators SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW I am honored to share a new Blogging Creative on Fire each week on the podcast to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to "Ratings & Reviews" section, tap the stars, then scroll down to "Write a Review")