The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations

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

We talk a lot about growth, but what if scaling your business isn’t about adding more—but actually doing less?In this short solo episode, I’m sharing three quotes about scaling that have deeply resonated with me lately, and why I know they’re true based on my own experience. If you’ve felt overwhelmed by too many ideas, too many offers, or too much on your plate, this episode is a permission slip to subtract, simplify, and refocus on what matters most. Plus, I share what I’m cutting from my own business, how I’m shifting priorities post-move, and the sticky note that’s changing how I start my day. 🎙️ In This Episode:Why success can be both a gift and a distractionThe quote about subtraction that changed my approach to scalingWhat scaling really means (hint: it’s about relationships)🔗 Links Mentioned:Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/73Quotes from: James Clear, Kate Perkovic, George BryantLearn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/blogging-and-pinterest-marketing-agencyFollow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

We talk a lot about blogging, consistency, and showing up online—but what if the reason your blog isn’t bringing in sales isn’t the amount of content, but how it’s structured?In this episode, I’m diving into the two most common issues that sabotage your blog’s performance—and how to tell if you’re dealing with a traffic problem or a conversion problem. If you’ve been blogging for a while and still aren’t seeing results, this one’s for you. I also share a surprising shift I made in my own routine that gave me more energy (spoiler: it involves motivational content, and I did not see it coming).This is a shorter, tactical solo episode—but if you’re ready to get more from the content you’re already creating, I promise it’s worth a listen. 🎙️ In This Episode:The #1 reason your blog might not be converting (and how to fix it)How to structure your posts to actually sellWhat to do if your traffic is low (and how to niche down the right way)🔗 Links Mentioned:Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/72Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/blogging-and-pinterest-marketing-agencyFollow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

We talk a lot about scaling, hiring, and chasing the next level in business—but what if growth doesn’t have to mean building a team or launching a course? What if the most sustainable, profitable version of your business is… well, kind of boring?I have to be honest, in this stage of my business? Boring actually sounds pretty good to me.In this episode, I’m joined by Maggie Patterson—creator of BS-Free Business and author of Staying Solo—for an honest conversation about what it actually looks like to run a profitable solo business without the drama. We get into all the mindset myths, accidental micro-agencies, and how chasing the wrong version of “success” can leave you burned out and broke (even if it looks great on paper).If you’ve ever felt pressure to grow a team, launch a digital product, or “scale” in a way that doesn’t feel aligned—this one’s going to feel like a giant exhale. Permission granted to run a simple, quiet, profitable business that actually supports your life. 🎙️ In This Episode:The “accidental agency” trap—and why it’s more common than you thinkWhy staying solo doesn’t mean you’re “playing small”What to consider before you start hiringA 6-part framework to build a sustainable solo business🔗 Links Mentioned:Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/71Buy Maggies Book: https://bsfreebusiness.com/bookGet Maggie's FREE Calculator Kit (for pricing and capacity!): https://bsfreebusiness.com/kit/Connect with Maggie: https://bsfreebusiness.com/Follow Maggie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bsfreebusiness Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/servicesFollow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

We talk a lot about strategy in business—pricing, marketing, systems—but what about the mindset stuff that quietly chips away at our growth and profits? The truth is, some of the most expensive mistakes I’ve made weren’t because of bad investments or wrong moves… they were because of imposter syndrome.You know the feeling: you hesitate to raise your prices because you’re worried people will walk away. You sign up for yet another course hoping it’ll finally make you feel “qualified enough.” You keep quiet in client conversations instead of setting boundaries because you don’t want to seem difficult or unprofessional. If any of that hits close to home—you’re not alone.In this solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on four sneaky ways imposter syndrome has cost me thousands (yep, tens of thousands, if I’m being honest). From overinvesting in education I didn’t need to undercharging for services I knew were delivering real results, I’m walking you through the hard lessons I wish someone had told me earlier. Awareness is the first step!🎙️ In This Episode:How investing in too many courses was a $$$ mistakeThe software I kept paying for just to “look professional”—and how much it cost meWhy I overdelivered for years and undercharged, even with happy clients + results🔗 Links Mentioned:Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/70Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/servicesFollow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

There’s no shortage of website advice out there—but if you’ve ever felt like your site is technically “fine” and still not doing the heavy lifting for your business, this episode is your sign to stop settling for “good enough” copy and start infusing your website with the kind of personality and clarity that actually converts.In this episode, I’m joined by Sara Noel of BTL Copy—the internet’s most unapologetic, hilarious, no-BS website copywriter. Sara’s known for helping business owners write websites that sound like them and get results. We talk about what makes website copy actually work, why “About Us” is the worst headline ever, and how to finally stop overthinking every word on your site.🎙️ In This Episode:Why AI-generated copy might be better than nothing—but still isn’t itThe biggest signs your website copy isn’t doing its jobHow to infuse your copy with personality (without sounding like everyone else)Sara’s no-fluff rules for writing killer headlines + CTAsThe one thing Sara wants everyone to fix on their website right now🎁 Bonus: Sign up for Sara's FREE masterclass "I'm Cool, But My About Page Isn't" happening on Thursday: https://thekarareport.com/about-page-masterclass🔗 Links Mentioned:Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/69Sign up for Site Series (amazing website copy course!): https://thekarareport.com/site-series Sara's blog on writing a contact page: https://betweenthelinescopy.com/blog/contact-page-formula/Connect with Sara from BTL Copy: https://betweenthelinescopy.com/Follow Sara on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/btlcopy Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/servicesFollow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

There’s no shortage of marketing advice out there—but if you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the things and still not seeing results, this episode is your sign to stop guessing and start tracking what actually works.In this episode, I’m joined by data-backed marketing strategist Ally from Akari Digital, who helps small business owners cut through the noise and make smarter marketing decisions using real data. We talk about Google Analytics, the most important (and actually useful) metrics to track, and how to uncover the hidden bottlenecks that might be slowing your business down.If you've ever said, “I know I should be looking at my numbers… I just don’t know where to start,” this episode is the perfect starting point.🎙️ In This Episode:The 4 stages of the customer journey—and what to track at each oneHow to use Google Analytics without feeling overwhelmedThe most common (and costly) tracking mistakes business owners makeHow to identify what’s actually driving your leads and sales🎁 Bonus: Grab Ally’s Google Analytics Self-Audit Tool for just $1 using the code KARAREPORT — it includes a step-by-step dashboard, walkthrough video, and a bonus lesson on UTMs to track where your traffic is coming from: https://akaridigital.thrivecart.com/google-analytics-self-audit/?coupon=KARAREPORT🔗 Links Mentioned:Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/68Connect with Ally from Akari Digital: https://akaridigital.ca/Follow Ally on Instagram: https://instagram.com/akaridigitalLearn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/servicesFollow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport