The Content Byte

Hosts Rachel Smith from Rachel’s List and journalist and content creator Lynne Testoni talk to Sara Tasker of MeandOrla and Hashtag Authentic about Instagram and how to make it work for you as a freelancer. About Sara Sara is an Instagram Expert and Creative Business Coach, best-selling author and host of the successful podcast Hashtag Authentic where she shares Instagram strategies and support. She runs courses and retreats on Instagram and has more than 200,000 followers on the platform – last time we checked.   In this episode we talk about:  How Instagram differs from other social media channels in that it is visually driven, rather than words-driven Instagram Stories and Reels – how they work and the difference between them Why Instagram is prioritising Reels in your feed at the moment Why you shouldn’t be pressured into creating content that doesn’t feel right to you How to use the analytics to create stickier content How to create content that will bring you business as a freelancer Why it’s a good idea to change your Instagram account to a business account if you use it for work – and what the change will bring you in terms of features in the App. Here are some links we mention Buffer (Rachel’s scheduling tool): https://buffer.com/ Mosaico (Sara’s planning tool): https://www.mosaicoapp.com/  Find Sara Tasker Website (with links to her courses and book, Hashtag Authentic) MeandOrla https://meandorla.co.uk/   Instagram: @me_and_orla   Podcast - Hashtag Authentic     The Content Byte   email: thecontentbyte@gmail.com   Web https://www.rachelslist.com.au/blog/the-content-byte-podcast/ https://www.lynnetestoni.com/podcast-the-content-byte   Instagram @thecontentbyte @lynnetestoni @rachelslist and @rachelsmithjourno   Facebook @thecontentbyte @lynnetestonicontent @rachelslist.com.au  

If you do a lot of interviews for editors or clients, you need cost-effective, time-saving systems that work for you. In this episode, we talk about the tools, apps and services we've used and the ones we go back to again and again. 

It's been a crappy year and many of us have lost work, faced extended lockdowns and isolation, and suffered poor mental health to boot. If that's you, what steps can you take to feel better? In this episode, we talk about what works for us to boost mood, motivation and a sense of positivity.

JobKeeper payments are changing in the coming weeks, and many freelancers know what a minefield it can be! If you're relying on it to prop up your income right now, accountant Holly Shoebridge shares all the information you need to know in this week's episode.

Today's writers often need to provide more than just words - they need to be multi-skilled. This week hosts Rachel and Lynne talk all about sourcing the best images to accompany your text, offering advice and tips on where to find great free and paid stock photos, as well as how to commission photographers.    

Can being very specific about the niches you operate in help bring you higher-paying clients? Especially when it comes to content marketing? Many experts in this space say yes, and today we're talking about how to isolate your niches and market yourself more effectively.

We know, on-boarding doesn't sound like the sexiest topic - but if you're putting new clients on your schedule, having seamless systems in place will save you time, money and a world of pain down the track. We talk about how we devised our own on-boarding systems, the mistakes we made and why it's essential to keep tweaking and making your systems better. 

It's been nearly a decade since journalist Nigel Bowen left magazines to carve out a new path in content marketing. In this episode, we chat to him about how he started his business, Content Sherpa and why he loves being 'captain of his own ship'. Nigel also shares some tips on finding clients and dealing with the never-ending hustle, and his advice for freelancers starting out.

Are you starting off in your career and looking at an internship? This week Rachel and Lynne talk about unpaid internships - and share tips on how to find the good ones and how to make them work for you.

Do print journos have transferrable skills for broadcast? In this episode, we put that question to Wendy Moore, the head of Foxtel's Lifestyle Channels, a former House Rules on-camera judge - and a highly experienced editor and publisher with over 20 years in print herself. (She's also the sister of one of us!) Find out why print journos are 'doers', the skills you need to work in TV and much more.