The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations

Eight years in business—what a ride! I can’t believe it’s been that long, and honestly, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on everything I’ve learned. There are things I’m so glad I did early on… and then there are the things I’d 1000% do differently if I could go back.In this episode, I’m getting real about the biggest lessons from my business journey—what worked, what totally flopped, and what I wish I’d known sooner. From the systems I should have set up earlier to the investments I’ll never make again, I’m sharing it all.If you’re in the thick of growing your business (or just love a good behind-the-scenes chat), I hope this episode resonates with you!🎙️ In This Episode:The biggest mistakes I made in my early years (so you don’t have to make them!)What I wish I had prioritized soonerThe investments I regret (and where I wish I had put my money instead)My real thoughts on outsourcing—what worked and what didn’tLinks Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/61Watch Enji's Video on Data-Driven Decisions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aeBm0bILx4Start a free trial with Enji: https://thekarareport.com/enjiHire us to write SEO-driven blog posts for you: https://thekarareport.com/bloggingOur Pinterest Management Services: https://thekarareport.com/pinterestHire me for website copy: https://thekarareport.com/copywritingLearn more about working with our marketing agency here: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

Do you keep hiring virtual assistants, only for them to quit after a few months? Or maybe you’ve brought on a VA, hoping they’d magically take tasks off your plate, only to find yourself more overwhelmed than before. If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you.Today, I’m diving into the biggest mistakes business owners make when hiring and managing VAs—and what you can do to create a work environment where they actually want to stay. Whether you’re struggling with high turnover, unclear expectations, or just feeling like your VA isn’t the stress reliever you expected, we’re going to break it all down.So, if you’re ready to build a team that truly supports you (without the constant hiring cycle), let’s get into it!🎙️ In This Episode:Why virtual assistants quit—and how to stop the cycleThe biggest hiring mistakes that lead to high turnoverHow to onboard and set expectations so your VA can be successfulWhat to do if your VA isn’t as efficient or helpful as you expectedLinks Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/60Hire us to write SEO-driven blog posts for you: https://thekarareport.com/bloggingOur Pinterest Management Services: https://thekarareport.com/pinterestHire me for website copy: https://thekarareport.com/copywritingLearn more about working with our marketing agency here: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

Do you ever feel like you've said everything there is to say in your business—like you're just repeating yourself over and over? While repetition is key in marketing, it can still start to feel a little stale. If that sounds familiar, this episode on how to find content ideas is for you.Today, I'm sharing nine ways I generate fresh content ideas—even as someone who writes a ton of content. These strategies work not only for social media but also for blog posts, podcasts, and YouTube channels. As a service provider with years of experience working with clients, I still have to find new ways to say the same thing in fresh, engaging ways.So, get ready—I’m spilling all the tea on how I do it. Let’s dive in!🎙️ In This Episode:How to keep your content fresh and engaging without saying anything "new"Simple strategies to generate new content ideas from what you already haveThe power of repurposing and reframing content for different audiencesCreative ways to source trending topics and industry insights for inspirationWhy taking action and consistently creating is more important than overplanningLinks Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/59Hire us to write SEO-driven blog posts for you: https://thekarareport.com/bloggingOur Pinterest Management Services: https://thekarareport.com/pinterestHire me for website copy: https://thekarareport.com/copywritingLearn more about working with our marketing agency here: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

As an online business owner, you likely know the importance of scaling your business. But what if you don’t have the budget for ads? Or even if you DO have a budget for ads, you might be wondering if there is any way to scale your business without ads (or at the very least - diversify your efforts). First, let me cut to the chase: the answer is a resounding yes!Listen, as an online marketer offering a variety of DFY marketing services, I've worked with several six-figure businesses (and even a couple of seven-figure businesses!) over the past three years so let me just tell you: I know a little bit about what goes on behind the scenes. And while scaling your business is NOT as easy as some of the Instagram "gurus" make it appear, I do want to take the time to share some of the ways you can scale your online business without spending a penny on advertising.🎙️ In This Episode:Organic strategies that help you scale your business without adsBuilding a strong foundation so you don't waste your timeHow to engage with your people to get more salesLinks Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/58Why I switched from a custom website to a Showit website template: https://thekarareport.com/custom-showit-website-vs-showit-website-templates/Hire us to write SEO-driven blog posts for you: https://thekarareport.com/bloggingOur Pinterest Management Services: https://thekarareport.com/pinterestHire me for website copy: https://thekarareport.com/copywritingLearn more about working with our marketing agency here: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

If you're a freelancer or a creative business owner, chances are you've thought about whether to focus on project-based work, aim for more retainer clients, or try a mix of both. Maybe you're currently doing one and wondering if the grass is greener on the other side? That's exactly what I want to dive into today. I've worked in both a retainer model vs. project-based clients, and I have plenty of thoughts to share—lessons I've learned, pros and cons, and what’s currently working for me. Let’s get into it!🎙️ In This Episode:Pros and Cons of a Retainer Model vs. Project-Based WorkChoosing One Model or Benefits and Challenges of Balancing BothHow to Choose The Right Business Model For You in 2025Links Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/57Hire us to write SEO-driven blog posts for you: https://thekarareport.com/bloggingOur Pinterest Management Services: https://thekarareport.com/pinterestLearn more about working with our marketing agency here: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

What does it really look like to get good at marketing? Especially at the beginning of the year, many of us set lofty goals: add a new channel to our marketing, spend less time marketing, finally be consistent, or create better content. But what does that actually look like? How can we actually get better at marketing?One of the things I wanted to bring to you early this year is an interview with a real business owner about how they finally got their marketing act together. If you’re on the Instagram hustle train or just wondering where to start, you’re going to love this interview with Danison.🎙️ In This Episode:Getting Off the Instagram GrindInvesting in Brand PhotographyLeveraging Tools like EnjiLinks Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/56Learn more about Danison at Bowtie and Brush: https://bowtieandbrush.com/Follow Danison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bowtieandbrushSign up for a free trial on Enji: https://threkarareport.com/enji Hire Kara to write your website copy: https://thekarareport.com/copywritingLearn more about working with our marketing agency here: https://thekarareport.com/servicesFollow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

Is anyone else still in disbelief that it’s 2025? This episode is for all my nosy listeners who love a peek behind the scenes—hearing about other people's goals, reflections on the past year, and plans for the new one. If that’s your kind of tea, you’re in the right place!Last week, I posted a story on Instagram about how I create quarterly Looms for my team, and it got a lot of interest. So today, I’ll dive into that process, share my reflections on last year, and talk about what’s on my mind for 2025—which, by the way, still feels surreal to say!I’m also sharing two unconventional New Year’s resolutions that I believe should be on every business owner’s list. There’s a lot to cover, so let’s get into it!🎙️ In This Episode:Reflecting on 2024My 2025 Game Plan2 Unconventional Resolutions (Time Stamp - 26:32)Links Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/55Tune into Elizabeth McCravy's podcast on setting words of the year: https://elizabethmccravy.com/298Tune into Elizabeth McCravy's podcast on hosting a team vision meeting: https://elizabethmccravy.com/299Hire us to write SEO-driven blog posts for you: https://thekarareport.com/bloggingOur Pinterest Management Services: https://thekarareport.com/pinterestLearn more about working with our marketing agency here: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

In this episode, I’m sharing practical tips that have made a huge difference in my business and could do the same for you. If you’ve ever dealt with missed deadlines, unclear requests, or slow responses, these simple tweaks will make your communication clearer, faster, and more effective. If you want to get faster responses (and BETTER responses) from your clients and team, these will help!🎙️ In This Episode:How to make your messages clear and actionable to avoid delays.Mistakes people make that slow down communication.The best ways to use tools like voice notes and Loom videos without losing track.Why setting expectations doesn’t make you “less chill”—it actually makes you a better leader.Links Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/54Hire us to write SEO-driven blog posts for you: https://thekarareport.com/bloggingOur Pinterest Management Services: https://thekarareport.com/pinterestLearn more about working with our marketing agency here: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

In this episode, I'm talking about why we need to start taking intentional breaks when it comes to marketing and content creation. I'm also sharing my recent experience with batching podcast episodes, lessons learned from observing other creators, and why giving yourself "white space" can lead to fresh ideas and renewed creativity. Whether you're managing a podcast, blog, or business, my hope is that this episode inspires you to prioritize rest while staying consistent.🎙️ In This Episode:Why batching content can help you stay consistent and avoid burnout.The scene in MadMen that I can't stop thinking about.The value of stepping back to observe and gain inspiration from others.How intentional breaks can lead to fresh, innovative ideas for your marketing.Links Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/53Hire us to write SEO-driven blog posts for you: https://thekarareport.com/bloggingOur Pinterest Management Services: https://thekarareport.com/pinterestLearn more about working with our marketing agency here: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport 

Hi! Your favorite content marketing agency here, coming at you with an episode that I swear is not a sales pitch for our services (although, hello, what are you waiting for? hire us for blogging and Pinterest). Instead, I'm sharing 3 KEY questions that I think you should be asking before you hire anyone to market your business for you (regardless of if you're looking for a virtual assistant to support you, a blogging/pinterest agency, or even a social media manager).Helping you make informed decisions around your marketing is the MOST important thing to me, so I hope you love this episode as much as I do!🎙️ In This Episode:How to decide if you should hire a marketing agency (beyond just "can you afford it?")Things to consider when deciding which marketing platform(s) to outsourceSetting realistic expectations for outsourcing your marketingLinks Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/52Hire us to write SEO-driven blog posts for you: https://thekarareport.com/bloggingOur Pinterest Management Services: https://thekarareport.com/pinterestLearn more about working with our marketing agency here: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport