The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations

Ever gotten a DM saying, “We’d love to feature you in Forbes... for $250”?Or seen someone on the Today Show and wondered how they actually got there?In this episode, we’re talking all things earned media—what it is, why it matters, and how small businesses (yes, even with tiny budgets) can get press that actually moves the needle.I’m joined by PR expert Holly Mitten of Little Bird Boston, who breaks down what really goes on behind the scenes in modern PR. It’s not all glitz and glamour, and it’s definitely not all pay-to-play. If you’ve ever thought PR was out of reach, or felt totally confused by the mixed messages and shady pitches in your inbox, this is the episode for you.🎙️ In This Episode:What “earned media” actually means Why those paid magazine features might not be the best use of your moneyHow small businesses can DIY their PR without a $20K agency retainerSmart strategies for finding and pitching journalists (even without a media list)Realistic expectations for results, timelines, and ROIWhen to hire a pro, and what red flags to look for in a PR proposal🔗 Links Mentioned:Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/83Learn more about working with Holly: https://www.littlebirdboston.com/Follow Holly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollylittlebirdbostonpr/Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/servicesFollow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

A few months ago, I saw the headline: “Google announces that traditional SEO is dead.” (or something like that lol). I paused. I re-read it. I rolled my eyes if I'm being honest. There are a lot of things to spiral about in 2025 but search-driven marketing going away is not one of them. That said, all of the conversations around "is SEO still a thing" did get me thinking deeply about how blogging fits into the world we're suddenly living in. A world where AI is writing everything from wedding vows to business strategies, and where the internet is flooded with content that’s technically correct… but kind of lame lol.So in this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the real questions so many of us are asking but maybe too nervous to say out loud: Is blogging still a smart marketing strategy for small businesses with limited budgets and time? This isn’t a tutorial or a hot-take. It’s a conversation. A look at what I’m seeing in my own business, what’s shifting under the surface, and how we can adapt without becoming robots ourselves. If you’re a service provider wondering how to stand out in a world of one-click content… you’ll want to tune in.🎙️ In This Episode:What I really think about what's going to happen in a post-AI worldThe rise of “digital footprints” and why multi-platform content matters more than everPricing in the age of AI (this might be a hot take) A hard look at the surface-level content epidemic The uncomfortable question: Are you still saying the same things you were five years ago?🔗 Links Mentioned:Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/82Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/servicesFollow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

Half the year is officially behind us (how?!), and if you’re feeling a little off-track, unmotivated, or just plain unsure what your goals even were in January… you are not alone. This episode is part pep talk, part planning session, and part personal catch-up as I walk you through my own messy Q2, what I’ve learned, and how I’m thinking about Q3 (and beyond).If your first half of the year didn’t go as planned, or if you never really had a plan, you’ll want to tune in. I'm also sharing one of my favorite simple tools for checking in on your life and business when you need a fresh start.This isn’t about hustle. It’s about clarity, kindness toward yourself, and realistic focus for the rest of the year. 🎙️ In This Episode:A behind-the-scenes look at my real (read: chaotic) Q2The “Wheel of Life” exercise I always come back toHow to reset your priorities without burning outWhy now is the best time to think about Q4🔗 Links Mentioned:Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/81Example wheel of life exercise: https://thecoachspace.com/blog/wheel-of-life-template/Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/servicesFollow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

In this episode, I’m answering a question that’s come up more than once lately: Do I really need to keep marketing if I’m already fully booked? If you’ve ever found yourself in a busy season (from business demands to sick toddlers and surprise moves), it can be tempting to hit pause on visibility—but that might not be your best move. I’m sharing my real-life perspective on why staying visible still matters, even when you’re not actively looking for clients. And I'm speaking from experience here because I also talk about the time I ghosted my own audience in 2021.Plus, I’m keeping it short and sweet, because life’s already full enough. This is your reminder that showing up consistently doesn’t mean doing the most. 🎙️ In This Episode:Why I’m still showing up—even when I’m swampedThe biggest mindset shift that changed how I marketHow I stay consistent without doing all the thingsWhat I focus on (and what I happily let go of)A few thoughts if you’ve been tempted to disappear this season🔗 Links Mentioned:Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/80Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/servicesFollow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

You don’t have to do it all to stay consistent... and summer is the perfect time to prove it.In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my own marketing strategy and showing you how I’m staying visible without maxing out my time, energy, or creativity. Whether you're a one-person show or leading a small team, this approach will help you simplify without losing momentum.We’ll talk about choosing the right platforms to prioritize (and which ones to put on pause), how to repurpose your content more effectively, and why it's totally okay if your numbers dip a bit in the summer. I’m also sharing the exact decisions I’ve made behind the scenes (from where I’m investing effort to what I’ve decided is just not worth stressing over right now).This is about doing less, but doing it with purpose. If you’ve been looking for a more sustainable way to market through the season without disappearing completely, this episode is your permission slip.🎙️ In This Episode:How to pick your “dynamic duo” (and what to let go of)Impressions will dip... that’s okayHow I’m using AI and batching to make more content with less effortMy exact summer marketing plan (and what I’ll drop if life gets too full)🔗 Links Mentioned:Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/79Listen to episode 26: Your Low-Effort, High-Impact Summer Marketing PlanAI-related episodes: Ep 41, Ep 42, Ep. 30Try Enji (marketing task tool): https://thekarareport.com/enjiFollow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

We talk a lot about podcasting as a visibility tool—but what if your podcast could do more than just get listens? What if it could build trust, generate leads, and actually support your bottom line?In this episode, I’m joined by Hayleigh Hayhurst—founder of Espresso Podcast Production and total genius when it comes to podcast strategy—for a conversation about what really goes into starting (and sustaining) a profitable podcast. We get into the behind-the-scenes realities, the biggest mistakes new podcasters make, and how to make your show work for your business, not drain it.Whether you’re podcast-curious or already deep into your episode archive, this conversation is full of refreshing honesty, actionable strategy, and permission to ditch perfection in favor of real impact.🎙️ In This Episode:What nobody tells you about how long podcasting really takesHow to market your podcast beyond just posting a few clipsThe surprising ROI of podcasting that has nothing to do with sponsorsWhy a 10-episode limited series might be the perfect fit for your businessHayleigh’s take on messy action, burnout, and building a podcast that lasts🔗 Links Mentioned:Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/78Learn more about working with Hayleigh: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/Follow Hayleigh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/servicesFollow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

We talk a lot about traffic, SEO hacks, and cranking out content when we’re trying to grow our online presence. But what if the goal isn’t just more content—but better content that actually connects?In this episode, I’m joined by Ryan Robinson—long-time content marketer, blogger, and co-founder of RightBlogger—for a conversation about creating standout content in the age of AI. We talk about why the human element still matters, how AI can actually help instead of hurt your strategy, and what it takes to build content that people (and search engines) truly love.This episode is packed with practical tips and fresh perspectives on using AI intentionally, creating with your voice, and staying ahead as the content landscape evolves.🎙️ In This Episode:Why blogging is not dead (and how service providers are still seeing big results)What makes content truly connect in an AI-saturated worldRyan’s favorite way to turn a quick video into a full blog postWhy “finding the fun” in content creation is the real key to consistency🔗 Links Mentioned:Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/77Sign up for RightBlogger: https://rightblogger.comLearn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/servicesFollow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

In this episode, I’m joined by Carolyn Leisure—founder of Maypop Creative Studio and website evolution expert—for a conversation about turning your site from a digital business card into your hardest-working team member. We talk about strategy, automation, trust, and how to make sure your website is pulling its weight (so you can get out of your inbox and back into your zone of genius).This episode is packed with smart, simple tips to help your website grow with your business—and make your tech stack a whole lot more efficient in the process.🎙️ In This Episode:The difference between a “business card” website and a conversion-driven oneHow to streamline your navigation to avoid decision fatigueWhat should actually go in your footer (and why it matters for SEO)Carolyn’s 6-part checklist to make your website work smarter, not harderThe balance between personalization and privacy in the age of data tracking🔗 Links Mentioned:Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/76Grab the free resources Carolyn mentioned: https://maypopcreativestudio.com/karaRead her blog on zero-party data: https://maypopcreativestudio.com/squarespace-small-business-blog/why-zero-party-data-mattersConnect with Carolyn: https://maypopcreativestudio.com/Follow Carolyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maypopcreativestudio/Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/servicesFollow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

We talk a lot about optimizing for SEO, launching new services, and doing all the things in our businesses. But what happens when you decide to do less, simplify your offers, and lean into what feels truly aligned—even if it means walking away from things that technically work?In this solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my brand-new website—and the five bold (and slightly scary) decisions I made behind the scenes. From cutting services I was ranking for to launching a new private podcast and letting a course take the back seat, I’m sharing the real, messy thought process that got me here.This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever felt pulled in too many directions or wondered if it’s okay to not do what everyone else is doing.  🎙️ In This Episode:Why I decided to go all in on “I” instead of “we” in my copyThe tough call to cut profitable services and keywords I ranked forHow launching a private podcast gave my website relaunch purposeWhy I’m de-emphasizing my signature course (even though I love it)What happened when I waited weeks to launch my finished site—and why I’m so glad I did🔗 Links Mentioned:Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/75Sign up for Site Series (website copy course!): https://thekarareport.com/site-series Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/servicesFollow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

Positivity isn’t just nice—it’s powerful. In this episode, I’m sharing why positivity in marketing isn’t just a feel-good tactic—it’s a data-backed, results-driven strategy. If you’ve ever felt grossed out by fear-based sales tactics or guilty about trying to "agitate pain points," my hope is that this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air.I’m walking you through the latest Pinterest data on consumer behavior, how positivity impacts trust and conversion, and practical ways you can rewrite your messaging to attract empowered, ready-to-invest clients—without the guilt trips.Plus, I share examples of how I’ve shifted my own marketing language to focus more on progress, possibility, and integrity—and why it’s not just more ethical, but actually more effective.🎙️ In This Episode:Why pain-based marketing may be pushing away your ideal clients5 ways to shift from guilt to growth in your messagingHow positive content makes your brand 2x more trustworthyRewriting fear-based copy to reflect client empowerment🔗 Links Mentioned:Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/74Recent Pinterest Study: https://business.pinterest.com/en-ca/blog/how-positive-platforms-impact-marketing-performance/Another article referenced: https://business.pinterest.com/en-ca/insights/it-pays-to-be-positive/Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/blogging-and-pinterest-marketing-agencyFollow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport