Creatives On Fire® | How to Make Money Online Business Advice
Melanie Ferguson
The Go-To Podcast for Content Creators Who Want to Grow & Monetize their Online Business!
Check in each Monday to get your weekly dose of content creation inspiration!
Are you feeling defeated when it comes to creating content that both grows your audience and makes you money?
Do you stay awake at night wondering how to make more money without the constant hustle?
Wish you had more time and margin in your life?
Well listen, I'm Melanie Ferguson, a six-figure blog owner who's made many mistakes and felt the crushing weight and pressure of trying to do it all, growing my blog and social media to hundreds of thousands of followers, only to look up and have very little to no money to show for it.
Once I got focused and put a few key systems and strategies into place, everything changed for me. All of a sudden, I began to see consistent growth, I started making real money and had more time to do the things I want to do. Wanna learn how I did it?
Welcome to your Digital Office where you will:
*Get focused on Real Money Making Moves.
*Accelerate your online business growth.
*Learn from decades of experience and lessons passed down to you!
If you're ready, then grab your favorite notebook and pen. I'm about to show you how to take your online business to the next level and leave the overwhelm behind. Let's G-O!
Get ready to get your binge on!
Next Steps:
#1 Grab your copy of my new book Creatives on Fire : 71 Secrets to Making Money Online:
Each chapter in this book is crafted to guide you through different stages of building and growing an online business, from the foundational steps of getting started to more advanced strategies for scaling and monetizing. 👉 https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/book
#2 Join us over in Creatives on Fire HQ:
Your digital office for everything content creation: strategy, what's working now, feedback, and community. Inside this one-of-a-kind community you'll find:
The Revenue Desk — Weekly Strategy
The Workroom — Weekly Monday Live Meeting
Office Hours — Q&A + Hot Seat with Community members
The Break Room — Wins, Mindset, Casual chat 👉 https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/hq
#3 Book a personal business audit call:
Grab a spot on the calendar for us to take a deep dive into your creative business to find the missed opportunities, the areas for potential growth as well as put together a real strategy for you to work smarter not harder. Pick my brain and find out how I do things that are working for my business. Ask me anything. 👉 https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/one
Check in each Monday to get your weekly dose of content creation inspiration!
Are you feeling defeated when it comes to creating content that both grows your audience and makes you money?
Do you stay awake at night wondering how to make more money without the constant hustle?
Wish you had more time and margin in your life?
Well listen, I'm Melanie Ferguson, a six-figure blog owner who's made many mistakes and felt the crushing weight and pressure of trying to do it all, growing my blog and social media to hundreds of thousands of followers, only to look up and have very little to no money to show for it.
Once I got focused and put a few key systems and strategies into place, everything changed for me. All of a sudden, I began to see consistent growth, I started making real money and had more time to do the things I want to do. Wanna learn how I did it?
Welcome to your Digital Office where you will:
*Get focused on Real Money Making Moves.
*Accelerate your online business growth.
*Learn from decades of experience and lessons passed down to you!
If you're ready, then grab your favorite notebook and pen. I'm about to show you how to take your online business to the next level and leave the overwhelm behind. Let's G-O!
Get ready to get your binge on!
Next Steps:
#1 Grab your copy of my new book Creatives on Fire : 71 Secrets to Making Money Online:
Each chapter in this book is crafted to guide you through different stages of building and growing an online business, from the foundational steps of getting started to more advanced strategies for scaling and monetizing. 👉 https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/book
#2 Join us over in Creatives on Fire HQ:
Your digital office for everything content creation: strategy, what's working now, feedback, and community. Inside this one-of-a-kind community you'll find:
The Revenue Desk — Weekly Strategy
The Workroom — Weekly Monday Live Meeting
Office Hours — Q&A + Hot Seat with Community members
The Break Room — Wins, Mindset, Casual chat 👉 https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/hq
#3 Book a personal business audit call:
Grab a spot on the calendar for us to take a deep dive into your creative business to find the missed opportunities, the areas for potential growth as well as put together a real strategy for you to work smarter not harder. Pick my brain and find out how I do things that are working for my business. Ask me anything. 👉 https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/one
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 18, 2024 • 6min
A-H-A Method to Making Money Online
In this episode, I'm sharing a simple yet powerful method for making money online—my A-H-A Method! Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by juggling multiple income streams or just getting started, this approach helps you focus, streamline, and succeed. https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode170 What Does A-H-A Stand For? A: Attract Use your content to draw in your ideal audience. Whether through organic social media, email, live video, or ads, this step sets the foundation for connecting with the right people. H: Host Nurture your audience by hosting them somewhere meaningful. Think tutorials, blog posts, webinars, or live events. Build trust by serving them valuable, free content that helps solve their problems. Over time, you can even automate this step to keep the momentum going. A: Ask Once your audience knows, likes, and trusts you, it's time to ask! Offer them a product, a service, an affiliate link, or any action that supports your business goals. Why This Works By focusing on one thing at a time, the A-H-A Method helps you master each step before expanding to other income streams. It's a simple process you can repeat and scale to achieve your financial goals. Bonus Tip: Plan for success with the 2025 Content Planner! It's a tool designed to help you map out your content for the entire year, aligning your A-H-A steps with actionable goals. Links Mentioned in the Episode: 2025 Content Planner for Content Creators Free Guide: Start Your Online Business Today This holiday season, take some time to gift yourself clarity and focus. With the A-H-A Method, you'll be saying "aha!" all year long as you watch your business grow. Tune in to the episode for a full breakdown and tips on how to implement this in your online business. Until next time, stay creative! 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
Nov 11, 2024 • 17min
Jillian Leslie on Turning Followers into Customers with Simple Digital Products
In this episode, we welcome Jillian Leslie, founder of Catch My Party and Milo Tree, to share strategies for bloggers and online entrepreneurs looking to diversify and grow. Jillian discusses her journey in blogging, the power of digital products, and how simple tools can help you start and scale your business. https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode169 Key Takeaways: Create Real Connections with Your Audience Jillian emphasizes building genuine relationships over just growing numbers. Use a welcoming popup to convert site traffic into followers, creating an engaged audience who values your content. Start Small with Digital Products Avoid starting with complex projects like full courses. Instead, begin with simple digital products, like an ebook or a paid workshop, to test interest. Jillian's tool, Milo Tree Cart, makes it easy to sell memberships, subscriptions, and digital downloads without complicated tech. Use AI and Tools to Simplify Content Creation Jillian shares a free guide with 13 AI prompts to help you create an ebook from start to finish. With AI tools like ChatGPT and design help from Canva, creating and selling digital products has never been easier. Why It Matters: As we move into 2024, it's important to pivot from traditional content creation focused on SEO to building a community around you and your brand. Leveraging small digital products allows bloggers to diversify income streams and stay relevant in a competitive landscape. Tune in and learn how to make real connections and turn your audience into loyal customers! Remember, no one is you, and that's your superpower! Links and resources mentioned during this episode: Want to get started on your first digital product? Grab Jillian's free AI ebook prompts guide at milotree.com/ebookprompts, and reach out to Jillian on Instagram @milotree for more guidance! Free Guide: How to Start a Blog 2025 Content Planner is HERE! 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
Nov 4, 2024 • 30min
Unlock Google's Secrets with Google Expert Maria Duron: Build Trust, Boost Visibility, and Grow Your Audience
In this episode, we welcome marketing expert and official Google expert and trainer Maria Elena Duron, who shares invaluable insights into how bloggers and content creators can boost visibility and build audience trust using Google tools. https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode168 Key Points: Optimize with Google Tools to Build Trust Google puts extra trust in content creators who utilize its tools, like Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and Google Business Profile. Ensure consistency across these tools to increase Google's confidence in your content, improving your chances of appearing in top search results. Prioritize Content Quality and Reader Relevance Write for your audience by addressing their key questions and challenges. Use Google Search Console to see which keywords and questions are leading people to your blog, so you can create more content that truly resonates with readers. Speed and Security Matter A secure and fast-loading site (especially on mobile) is crucial; Google rewards these factors in search rankings. Consider using tools like Google Tag Manager to offload heavy plugins and improve site performance. Why It Matters: Building trust and focusing on relevant, valuable content creates a foundation for strong SEO and a loyal audience, increasing organic reach over time. Listen in and take your blogging visibility to the next level! New to blogging or looking for a refresh? Visit CreativesOnFirePodcast.com/start to get started. Remember, no one is you, and that's your superpower! Links and resources mentioned during this episode: 164 | The Achieve Conference 2024 Connect with Maria on Instagram @MarketingCoachMaria or LinkedIn, and visit her website, KLIbrand.com, for free webinars and community support. Free Guide: How to Start a Blog 2025 Content Planner is HERE! 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
Oct 28, 2024 • 8min
Write for People, Not Platforms: How to Build a Loyal Audience
In this quick episode, I'm exploring why you should focus on writing blog posts for your readers instead of just for Google or Pinterest. Here's why this shift is so important: https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode167 Connect with Your Ideal Reader: Writing for your readers builds loyalty and engagement. Focus on their challenges, interests, and questions to make your content valuable. Loyal readers are more likely to share your posts, driving organic growth. Try a Balanced Approach: If you publish often, experiment with different types of posts: one for Google, one for Pinterest, and one for your ideal reader. See what performs best and adjust your strategy based on what resonates. Use a Conversational Tone: Start posts like you're writing an email to a friend, making your content feel more personal. Share stories and experiences to build a deeper connection with your audience. Why It Works: Writing for real people creates better engagement, which helps improve your SEO over time too! New to blogging or looking for a refresh? Visit CreativesOnFirePodcast.com/start to get started. Remember, no one is you, and that's your superpower! Links and resources mentioned during this episode: Free Guide: How to Start a Blog 2025 Content Planner is HERE!
Oct 21, 2024 • 10min
The Secret to the Perfect Blog Post (It's Simpler Than You Think)
In this week's podcast episode, I reveal the real secret to creating the perfect blog post. Spoiler alert: it's simpler than you think—just hit publish! Too often, bloggers get stuck in draft mode, waiting for that perfect moment to launch a post. But the truth is, there's no such thing as a flawless blog post, and waiting too long can keep you from making progress. https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode166 Don't let the fear of imperfection hold you back! Get inspired to release those drafts, make your content live, and then improve and promote it over time. Tune in for a dose of encouragement to hit that publish button and grow your blog! Links and resources mentioned during this episode: Free Guide: How to Start a Blog 2025 Content Planner is HERE! 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
Oct 14, 2024 • 9min
Why is No One Talking About MidJourney for Our Blogs?
In this week's podcast episode, I'm chatting all about a tool that not many in the blogging world are talking about—MidJourney! While we're all becoming more familiar with using AI for text prompts, MidJourney takes it a step further with digital imaging. I've been experimenting with it for a few months, and I'm excited to share how it can help boost your blog traffic, especially when it comes to promoting your content on platforms like Pinterest. https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode165 Tune in to hear how you can incorporate this simple AI tool to drive more traffic to your blog without overwhelming your workflow. Try it out, and let me know how it works for you! Links and resources mentioned during this episode: MidJourney AI Tool Sample Disclosure "Some of the images in this blog post may have been generated using AI technology via MidJourney." 2025 Content Planner is HERE! 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
Oct 7, 2024 • 16min
The Achieve Conference 2024
In this week's episode, I am thrilled to welcome a special guest, Corey Hudson, host of the 2024 Achieve Conference. If you're a content creator or small business owner, this is a must-attend event, and Corey gives us an exciting preview of what's in store. Bonus: Use code "FALL" to save $200 on your ticket, and don't forget to check out my blog post on exploring Waco for more local tips. https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode164 Links and resources mentioned during this episode: Get your ticket for the Achieve Conference 2024 Blog Post: Explore Waco and Enjoy the Achieve Conference Weekend 76 | The Achieve Conference for Bloggers Friday Fire: The Achieve Conference Bonus This episode is packed with valuable information on the Achieve Conference and how it can help you grow your business. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to learn, network, and have fun! 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
Sep 30, 2024 • 20min
Micro-Management: What to Outsource for Business Growth
In this episode of the podcast, I'm sharing a new concept I'm calling "Micro-Management"—and no, it's not the traditional meaning! If you're a business owner feeling overwhelmed by tasks and responsibilities but not ready to hire a full-time team, outsourcing may be for you. I'm breaking down nine simple ways I've used micro-management to move my business forward without the full commitment of hiring a large team. From outsourcing specific tasks like blog posts, graphics, and Pinterest management, to hiring help for events and memberships, I share my personal strategies that helped me save time and reduce stress. Tune in and get inspired to take small steps toward big business growth! https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode163 Links and resources mentioned during this episode: 154 | Top 5 Tools I Use Every Week in My Business 65 | 10 Tools Every Content Creator Should Try Website Hosting I Use Carly Campbell's Pin Design Service 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
Sep 23, 2024 • 9min
How I Got My Second Site Accepted to Journey by Mediavine: Niche Blogging Update
In this episode, I'm sharing some exciting news—I got my second site, Southern Crush on the Road, accepted into Journey by Mediavine! This travel blog started as a passion project after spinning off a section of my crafting blog into a niche site. Even though travel blogs seem to be a tough niche right now, sometimes going against the grain pays off. https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode162 Links and resources mentioned during this episode: Apply to Journey by Mediavine TODAY! (aff link) My niche travel blog https://www.southerncrushontheroad.com 153 | Niche Blogging: How It Started vs. How It's Going 148 | Blog Rebrand and Niche Sites with Heather Painchaud Start a Blog Course: Blog Kickstart 2024 Content Planner Creatives On Fire™️ Content Planner 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
Sep 16, 2024 • 6min
The Truth About Posting More on Instagram
In this episode I'm sharing my experience and results after posting 2-3 times more than usual on Instagram. Spoiler alert: it didn't lead to the results I expected. https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode161 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
