Shows
Blogging with Lesli PetersonThe Shift from Google to Pinterest with Tony HillSend us a textSo grateful that Tony Hill sat with me for this extra-long episode. We discuss the transition from Google SEO to Pinterest SEO...Understanding Pinterest's unique content needs...Realistic expectations....Pinterest for the long-term...And, what I love about PinClicks and what's coming in the future!If you want the FREE PinClicks tool, check it out here: https://www.pinclicks.com/interests.html?ref=lesliAnd if you know you are ready for the full product... I've got a discount code for you. Use th...2025-01-1345 min
Creatives On Fire® Podcast | Blogging & Online Business Growth Strategies120. Making Money Through Email Marketing with Lesli Peterson Welcome Lesli Peterson, a blogging mastermind from Denver. With 14 years of blogging experience, Lesli shares golden nuggets about making significant income through SEO and email marketing. Thanks for listening! I'd love to continue this conversation over on the Facebook Page or on Instagram. Talk to you soon! https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/episode120 Links and resources mentioned during this episode: Lesli's Blog is https://365atlantatraveler.com/ Lesli's Training and Membership https://leslipeterson.com/ 2024 Content Planner for Creatives https://creativesonfirepodcast.com/planner Fuel Membership Group: Creatives on Fire FUEL SUBSC...2023-12-0523 min
Blogging with Lesli PetersonThe case against double opt-in (even with an EU audience)Send us a textEmail isn't new anymore... it's an acceptable and expected means of communication. Preferred, in fact.And it's time for the double opt-in to go away.Double Opt-In Disliked for Personal Reasons: Double opt-in processes are often seen as unnecessary and can lead to a loss of interest in the content.Double Opt-In Reduces Barriers for Subscribers: Eliminating the double opt-in process makes it easier for subscribers to quickly receive lead magnets and content, enhancing their experience.Faster List Growth and...2023-10-3107 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonAre your affiliate links triggering a spam flag?Send us a textThere has been some speculation that Google is flagging blogs with affiliate links as spam.Fortunately, having affiliates does NOT automatically mean that your site is flagged.Google hates thin affiliate posts... lucky us... they also appreciate the good ones.What makes a "good" affiliate post? Google breaks it down, right there in the documentation. We cover those FIVE things in this episode. Grab ALL the freebies I mention on the podcast PLUS so much more. All FREE! Grab it a...2023-10-3020 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonTrigger Links + Holiday Season = Extra CashSend us a textThe "spending money" season is around the corner, and it's time to brush the dust off your affiliate efforts.One of my favorite ways to send affiliates in a timely manner is via trigger links in my email and on my blog.But don't stop there - they are fantastic for affiliates year-round AND for brand deals.Here's how they work Grab ALL the freebies I mention on the podcast PLUS so much more. All FREE! Grab it all here.2023-10-2709 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonShould you unindex your tag and category pages?Send us a textI get this question a lot... should you unindex your tag pages or category pages?I've got several reasons why you should consider it... and a few exceptions to the rule. Plus, I tell you where to do it! Grab ALL the freebies I mention on the podcast PLUS so much more. All FREE! Grab it all here.===== FOLLOW ME ===== FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leslipeterson Podcast: https://podcast.leslipeterson.com/ ** Sometimes...2023-10-2609 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonShould you start another blog? Why (and why NOT!)Send us a textThis is a question I get asked repeatedly. For the most part, I think a second blog is a bad idea. But there are always exceptions. In this episode I explain why it's NOT good idea... and what those exceptions are! Grab ALL the freebies I mention on the podcast PLUS so much more. All FREE! Grab it all here.===== FOLLOW ME ===== FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leslipeterson Podcast: https://podcast.leslipeterson.com/ 2023-10-2515 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonMSN: Changing strategiesSend us a textLast year I told you my strategy for leveraging the MSN partnership. Their rules have changed, and there are people flooding the program.With that, my strategy has changed. Here's how. Grab ALL the freebies I mention on the podcast PLUS so much more. All FREE! Grab it all here.===== FOLLOW ME ===== FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leslipeterson Podcast: https://podcast.leslipeterson.com/ ** Sometimes I link to additional resources, and they may...2023-10-2411 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonStay22 LMA Script UpdateSend us a textNearly a year ago I shared that I was not opening my Booking and Hotels.com links to the Stay22 LMA Script... but I've changed that approach.In this episode I share - what is new to the script (as of last week)... - why I'm using the script for everything now... - my upcoming webinar with Stay22 - why it's important you know I don't make affiliate $$ by telling you about Stay22Link to see the script example I shared (search "wildlife")Link to r...2023-10-2311 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonHow many articles should you share in your newsletter?Send us a textI'm talking newsletters again today because they impact every part of your business... and Google can't get to them!I'm sharing 2 reasons why you need to minimize the number of links in your newsletters... one of them is my all-time favorite study. Grab ALL the freebies I mention on the podcast PLUS so much more. All FREE! Grab it all here.===== FOLLOW ME ===== FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leslipeterson Podcast: https://podcast.leslipeterson.com/ 2023-10-2012 minBlogging with Lesli Peterson2 Tools to Help Drive Traffic (One you know; one you don't!)Send us a textI'm seeing a significant uptick in traffic from Pinterest right now. Are you?If so, this might be the time to hire help (I use Virtual Powerhouse) or to build some new pins for your high-performing posts!Second, a FREE tool called GoViral can help drive traffic... and if you use it strategically it can help grow your email list as well! Grab ALL the freebies I mention on the podcast PLUS so much more. All FREE! Grab it all here.2023-10-1908 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonMeta Descriptions: Why Google changes them + how to optimizeSend us a textWe know that Google can change the prescribed meta description up to 70% of the time. What makes them do this? What can you do to lower the chances of this happening to you? And what makes a meta description "good"?? Grab ALL the freebies I mention on the podcast PLUS so much more. All FREE! Grab it all here.===== FOLLOW ME ===== FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leslipeterson Podcast: https://podcast.leslipeterson.com/ ** S...2023-10-1809 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonCore Update blues? Here is my theory on what's happenedSend us a textAs if the Helpful Content Update wasn't enough... here comes a Core Update.It's still rolling out, but I've been studying the winners and the losers and I've come to the conclusion that this update did TWO THINGS to the creator industry.I give you the skinny on that AND explain why it "looks" like ads are to blame, but that might just be a correlation to what's really going on. Grab ALL the freebies I mention on the podcast PLUS so much more. All...2023-10-1718 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonManyChat: Using Instagram to grow your email listSend us a textInstagram is the ideal place to grow your subscriber list, and ManyChat is the tool to make it happen.In this episode I explain ManyChat and how it works - and then give you several ways to leverage it.1. Using the MULTIPLE lead magnets you already have on your site2. When to use direct links to posts3. Using it with clients and in brand contracts4. How to use it for product sales Grab ALL the freebies I mention on the podcast PLUS...2023-10-1619 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonQuiz: A 15-question blogging biz auditSend us a textToday I am asking you to rate yourself on a scale of 1-10 .... These 15 questions will help you evaluate your blogging business and determine where you need to focus in order to close out the year in a well-rounded position.Where are you doing well... where do you need to focus?And.. what questions did I miss?? Grab ALL the freebies I mention on the podcast PLUS so much more. All FREE! Grab it all here.===== F...2023-10-1320 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonNEW! On-Page Helpful Content Update Report: Cliff Notes VersionSend us a textEric Lancheres from on-page.ai published a new HCU report yesterday, and it's really really interesting.Some conclusions mirror what we've been talking about - others are eerily different. Even different than what Google says is happening.I encourage you to check out the full report (link below) but if you want the cliff-notes version... that's what this episode is all about.Full report is here: https://on-page.ai/pages/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Helpful-Content-Update-By-Eric-Lancheres.pdf Grab ALL the freebies I mention...2023-10-1229 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonAre you making this content update mistake?Send us a textHere's the #1 mistake I see bloggers making when it comes to content updates.I see it over and over and over again, and it breaks my heart. Grab ALL the freebies I mention on the podcast PLUS so much more. All FREE! Grab it all here.===== FOLLOW ME ===== FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leslipeterson Podcast: https://podcast.leslipeterson.com/ ** Sometimes I link to additional resources, and they may or may not include...2023-10-1106 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonWill changing your photos hurt your SEO?Send us a textGreat question from listener Annie - thanks for emailing me.If you want to change the photos in a post update, will that impact your SEO?We dive into that, as well as ideal sizes for your photos and more. Grab ALL the freebies I mention on the podcast PLUS so much more. All FREE! Grab it all here.===== FOLLOW ME ===== FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leslipeterson Podcast: https://podcast.leslipeterson.com/ 2023-10-1012 minBlogging with Lesli Peterson5-Part Methodology to Increasing Your Traffic: KLIMBSend us a textYou cannot rest on your laurels, expecting that your rankings will magically come back.The changes are here to stay... and the longer you avoid the adjustment, the deeper your traffic will fall.I hit you with some tough love this Monday. (But only because I care!)I also share my KLIMB methodology to help you increase your traffic:K - KNOW your keyword's intentionL - LEVERAGE your experience and thought leadershipI - INTEGRATE your content through topic clusters and internal...2023-10-0909 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonGoodbye SEMrush: Selecting a keyword research toolSend us a textAfter over a decade of being a die-hard fan, I am leaving SEMrush.The change in price for us that were previously grandfathered in to the lower price has prompted me to see what else is out there on the market, and I've decided to move to SE Ranking. It's a little cheaper for me ($500/yr less) and can be a LOT cheaper for people with smaller blogs (up to $1171 cheaper per year)...but here's the kicker...I think it is better!It h...2023-10-0619 minBlogging with Lesli Peterson7 Blog Post Update Questions From ListenersSend us a textEarlier this week I hosted MULTIPLE workshops about the Helpful Content Update and updating your blog posts with that in mind (and with general content decay in mind) and it was lots of of!There are always a ton of questions at the end, and I've picked 7 of those to talk about it today's episode. Enjoy! Grab ALL the freebies I mention on the podcast PLUS so much more. All FREE! Grab it all here.===== FOLLOW ME ===== FB...2023-10-0525 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonThings I did NOT do in my blogging business (that I don't regret!)Send us a textA few episodes ago I shared my biggest blogging regret. Whew - that was a hard one.Today I am sharing some things that I did NOT do in my business - for which I have no regrets.The first one is probably a little controversial!But - to round it all out, I also share the things that I did do that I think made the biggest difference in the long run. Grab ALL the freebies I mention on the podcast PLUS so...2023-10-0418 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonThe opportunity cost of creating new contentSend us a textAre you on a path to creating as much content as possible?Do you think this is the most important mission in your business? Do you think it's the key to making more money?I want to challenge that belief today - and offer you a few OTHER things to work on instead. Grab ALL the freebies I mention on the podcast PLUS so much more. All FREE! Grab it all here.===== FOLLOW ME ===== FB: https...2023-10-0312 minBlogging with Lesli Peterson5 Questions To Ask Before Updating A PostSend us a textIf you are updating a post (or creating a new one, for that matter) then these are the five questions you should ask yourself before you even get started.1. If I asked Chatgpt to answer this question (the keyword is the question)... how much better will my answer be?2. Who ranks #1, 2 and 3... and can I write something better? Not longer or with more things... but better!3. Who is your audience and what do they want to know about the topic? The stuff that is special to them?2023-10-0228 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonHelpful Content Update: "But my content is better than what's ranking now!"Send us a textWe're continuing the conversation about the Helpful Content Update... we've got more information about who was impacted positively and negatively.For some blogs, there were MAJOR hits. For others though - most probably - there were smaller hits in the 20% range.I've seen a pattern with those sites... one that we can't do anything about, and another we can.But it requires that the blogger stop complaining that "my content is better than what's ranking now!"It requires the blogger to use a different measuring s...2023-09-2914 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonHiring Writers with Sharlene EarnshawSend us a textHow lucky I am to have Sharlene on the podcast today - my blogging mentor from way back in the day!Sharlene Earnshaw is the CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Trekaroo, and the owner of California Travel Life.Sharlene hired me to work at Trekaroo many years ago, and I stayed there for a year, learning so much from her and the team there.Sharlene still hires writers regularly -and lots of them- so I asked her to share some of those experiences with us.I...2023-09-2836 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonSunk Cost Fallacy: My BIGGEST Blogging RegretSend us a textSunk Cost Fallacy is when we know that the cost of our efforts outweighs the benefits... but instead of walking away, we double down on the bad decision.I did this... recently.It cost me a LOT of time and thousands of dollars.It is my biggest regret....And the thing is, I saw the warning signs along the way. I knew better. And yet I kept pressing forward.Here's my story, and 7 signs I had that I continued to ignore....2023-09-2715 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonKeyword Cannibalization: How to know a keyword is unique enoughSend us a textIn the pro blogger space, I think it's rare that we write multiple posts for one keyword ON PURPOSE.The question I get most often is how to know if one keyword is different enough to warrant using as a target keyword in a second post... and that's what we talk about today.It boils down to three considerations:1. Searcher intention2. Content context3. Unique anchor text Grab ALL the freebies I mention on the podcast PLUS so much more. All FREE! 2023-09-2613 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonIncrease your email open ratesSend us a textWhat if I told you there are small tweaks you can make that will significantly increase your email open rates? I've tested them myself with amazing results. Want to know what they are? Check out this episode.One area I've dialed in is email open rates. Most bloggers don't realize the huge impact open rates have on their business. Let me tell you - it's massive. I'm going to share some methods I use to absolutely maximize the number of people opening my emails. Building Connection 2023-09-2511 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonWhat goes on your About Page?Send us a textI'm always looking for ways to improve my site. Recently I realized my "About" page was way overdue for a refresh. I did a deep dive into best practices for about pages and uncovered some great insights. I want to share a framework that guides how I structured my new About page, along with a few of my top tips. The PROFILE Framework Through my research, I developed the "PROFILE" framework for about pages. This acronym lays out the 7 essential sections every about page needs. I'll...2023-09-2216 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonHow to correctly use bullet pointsSend us a textBullet points are great ways to highlight the important parts of your article, and get the user to the point - quickly!This exercise has become more and more important with Google... so I did some research on how to use bullets well, when to use bullets instead of numbers, how to correctly punctuate bullets and more.Give a listen! Grab ALL the freebies I mention on the podcast PLUS so much more. All FREE! Grab it all here.2023-09-2111 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonProduct launch project plan for bloggersSend us a textWanting to launch a product, but you feel stuck?This 10-step product launch overview gives you the framework for getting your product off the ground.1. Ideation2. Competitive research3. Planning and market research4. Creating the product5. Market plan6.Sales plan7. Sales page8. Sales tool9. Test10 Execute and TrackMy recommended sales tool is SendOwl: https://www.sendowl.com?r=12ff5My favorite graphic designer is Megan Jurvis Design: https://www.meganjurvis.com/ ...2023-09-2019 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonCONTENT DECAY: What is it, why it happens and how to avoid it (Archives)Send us a textContent Decay.... it happens to every blogger, and every post. And if I'm honest, it's downright disappointing. You put so much effort into writing the perfect post, sharing all the tips and tidbits you know, celebrate when it reaches the top of Google's SERPs ... and then POW, like a punch in the gut it starts to tumble.That's the decay. There are FOUR reasons why this usually happens... and FIVE easy things you can do about it.We're covering those today, so you don...2023-09-1905 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonGoogle Web Stories: Why Fulltime Bloggers Should Say No (Archives)Send us a textSHOULD FULL TIME BLOGGERS SPEND THEIR TIME ON Google Web Stories?(While I am away on a travel assignment, I'm pulling one from the YouTube archives.... still relevant today!)Early in 2021 I was part of a small group of content creators hired by Google to beta test Google Web Stories. I created *at least* two GWS every week for 6 months...following Google's recommendations to the letter.After that project, I made the decision to STOP creating further web stories...mostly. In this video I tell y...2023-09-1808 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonSep 2023 Helpful Content Rollout - what's changedSend us a textYesterday Google announced a new HCU rollout! Let's discuss...There were 4 changes to the documentation that could impact a blogger, and I go over those for you in this episode.Do you have "third party content" on your site? Watch out.Do you have YMYL content? You can have it reviewed by an expert.Are you changing the update date without offering value? StopAre you removing old content to keep your site fresh? This one seems complicated.Also - correction. I said in...2023-09-1518 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonHow to increase sales with your newsletterSend us a textDo you send a newsletter? No? Get on it, friend!If you do (or you're about to start) then this sneaky little "trick" will help you sell more products, affiliates and more.It's not rocket surgery... it's connection.In this episode I give you a few techniques I use to write the "letter" part of my newsletter in order to increase connection and relatability... which always drive more sales. Grab ALL the freebies I mention on the podcast PLUS so much more. All...2023-09-1415 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonTips for Travel Writing with Tim LeffelSend us a textTim Leffel is a multi-award winning travel writer, 5-time author, and blogger and teacher... and also a well-respected member of the travel writing community.Tim's book Travel Writing 2.0 will be released in it's third edition later this month. I encourage you to get on his email list for great stories about some of travel's best authors... and you'll be notified when the new edition is out.In this episode we talk about how Tim got into travel writing and how it's evolved over the years.We also...2023-09-1327 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonIs blogging dead in light of the Google AI changes?Send us a textSpoiler alert: No. It's not.But we will have to pivot, as an industry. I share my thoughts on the changing landscape in this episode, plus THREE THINGS every blogger needs to consider in order to adapt to the changes.1. Keep updating your content2. Craft a product for your audience3. Work on your email list Grab ALL the freebies I mention on the podcast PLUS so much more. All FREE! Grab it all here.2023-09-1219 minBlogging with Lesli Peterson6 Blog post types (go beyond the listicle!)Send us a textDo you ever get bored with simple listicles?Me too!Here are 6 other types of posts (or new ways to look at lists) that you can use to spice up your next article. Grab ALL the freebies I mention on the podcast PLUS so much more. All FREE! Grab it all here.===== FOLLOW ME ===== FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/leslipeterson Podcast: https://podcast.leslipeterson.com/ ** Sometimes I link to additional...2023-09-1111 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonStarting a new blog: Part 3 (Final)Send us a textThis episode wraps up our mini series on the first 100 days of starting a new blog!We cover more about your newsletter, and your product!I also walk through an overview of the SBS framework for selling your products.Recommended in this episode: https://www.sendowl.com?r=12ff5 Grab ALL the freebies I mention on the podcast PLUS so much more. All FREE! Grab it all here.===== FOLLOW ME ===== FB: https://www.facebook...2023-09-0813 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonRepurpose blog content with brands and destinationsSend us a textAre you working with a brand or destination that wants to repurpose your blog content, but you are not sure if that's a good idea?Here are three ways that I've done it in the past - and two of them are GREAT for gaining backlinks.Don't be afraid to let a brand use a small part of your content on their blog or in their newsletter. I t can benefit you both!And if the want to use the whole thing... be sure to use a...2023-09-0710 minBlogging with Lesli Peterson9 Professional Blogging MistakesSend us a textProfessional Blogging - it's when you decide to change your mindset to run your blog like a business and not a hobby.But what does that mean? How do you know you're doing it right?Here are 9 areas where I see bloggers making mistakes at when they "run their blog like a business"1. Niche confusion2. Weak SEO3. Neglecting their email list4. Ignoring analytics5. Not diversifying their monetization plan6. Poor outreach and networking7. Not diversifying their traffic source8. Not auditing the...2023-09-0616 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonSGE (Search Generative Experience): What's the impact? What do we do?Send us a textSGE (Search Generative Experience) is here to stay - even if it's only in Labs right now.What is it exactly? What's the point; why did Google do this? What do they hope to achieve?How does it play into the removal of the FAQ schema?How will it impact bloggers?All these questions answered, PLUS I'll break down the things you need to do NOW to minimize the impact of what's coming in Google's Brave New World. Grab ALL the...2023-09-0521 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonStarting a new blog: Part 2Send us a textIn an earlier episode I shared what I would do in the first 10 weeks of starting a new blog... and today I break down the next two weeks.In this episode I share a little about email set up, secondary channels (like social media), Pinterest and why I encourage you to ONLY write 1 post a week in thee first 100 days.I mention a few businesses and previous episodes in this recording. Find them here:Drip (my email system tool of choice): https://try.drip.com...2023-09-0416 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonSEO Is Inauthentic (Myth Busted!)Send us a textDo you sometimes feel like keyword research makes you inauthentic or that applying SEO strategies makes your voice counterfeit?I get that comment periodically... and I want to speak to it.Here are three reasons why I believe keyword research and SEO are not just an authentic means of sharing your message... but actually critical to being a good steward of resources and delivering value to your reader. Grab ALL the freebies I mention on the podcast PLUS so much more. All FREE! 2023-09-0111 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonEmail Pop Up Stats: 5 take-aways from a study of 1 billion pop upsSend us a textShould you use an image in your lead magnet form? How long should you wait to show the pop up? Is it ok to ask for their email AND name?All these questions and more are answered in this week's podcast.I'll share with you five take-aways from a recent study of 1 billion pop ups... so you can take action on your OWN pop up forms immediately!Here is the study: https://www.drip.com/blog/popup-statistics Grab ALL the freebies I mention...2023-08-3118 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonTopic Clusters: What, Why & HowSend us a textWe've been talking about topic clusters a lot lately... this may be a new phrase for some of you.If that's the case (or you need a refresher) this post is for you!In this episode I explain:1) The THREE components of a topic cluster2) FOUR reasons why you should use them3) The ONE thing you need to make sure Google knows you're building a cluster4) THE area of most confusion 5) Your NEXT STEPS to ensure you've nailed this strategy 2023-08-3022 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonStarting a new blog: A plan for the first 10 weeksSend us a textListen to Part 2 here: https://podcast.leslipeterson.com/2214188/13514176-starting-a-new-blog-part-2 Whether you are starting a new blog for the first time EVER... or you are starting another blog from scratch, this episode is for you.I break down how I would start a blog today... the exact steps I would use in the first 10 weeks.Success is all about planning. If you use my plan, you won't even write your first post until week 4! But it will be worth it!Define your niche/do competitive research (2...2023-08-2936 minBlogging with Lesli Peterson5 Email Hacks Bloggers Can Steal From the e-Commerce WorldSend us a textIf you've got your email list going... you're feeling good about your lead magnet... your newsletter is consistent... and you're looking for that next level email action - I got you!The best email marketing studies for best practices and effectiveness are in the ecommerce space - and that's why we as bloggers should look there for ideas that we can apply to our business model.Int his episode I break down FIVE ways ecommerce companies are leveraging email pop ups -- and I tell you how to hack...2023-08-2830 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonGoogle's April Reviews Update: Recovery StepsSend us a textIn April of this year, we lost about 3% of our traffic overnight. I thought it was the Helpful Content Update, but after a consultation with Dr Marie Haynes it became more apparent that it was the Reviews Update.But wait - I have less than 5 product reviews on my site! How can that be??This in-depth episode reveals three of the eye-opening insights that my consultation revealed.I'll share you how I thought I was doing all the "right" things when it came to demonstrating...2023-08-2529 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonStart a Podcast and Escape the Algorithm Rollercoaster with Gary ArndtSend us a textPodcasting. You, like me, are blown away by the potential podcasts hold for our business. I know this because our previous podcast episode (in my mini series on takeaways from TBEX) is our most popular episode, by far.That is why I am thrilled that Gary Arndt (who encouraged my foray into the practice of podcasting) agreed to sit with us for an extended interview.His podcast, Everything Everywhere Daily, reaches over 1MM listeners every month! So yes, he knows a thing or two about them.2023-08-241h 00Blogging with Lesli PetersonRekindle your list: A 3-part campaign to breathe new life into an old listSend us a textIf you're looking to rekindle an old email list - to re-engage or reactive an inactive list of subscribers - then this episode is for you.Here I share with you 3 RULES to be clear about before you consider the breath of life.Second, I share with you the exact 3 EMAILS you need in your campaign, when you're ready:1. Problem...solution + HOW they came to be on your list2. Gift a tool + WHO you are 3. Most popular + WHY you're worthy of their inbox 2023-08-2321 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonFinding Clarity in Your Business in Order to Drive SuccessSend us a textWhen you have clarity in your business and in your life, big things happen.I don't just mean you have defined clear goals for your tasks tomorrow... or the goals in your next major project.I mean REAL clarity. Clarity of purpose. Clarity of identity. Clarity of your best self.For me, practicing clarity comes by doing two things: Observing and Recording.In this episode I take you through the process I use in the morning, the evening and when I'm st...2023-08-2222 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonHiring help for your blog: Tips to make things smootherSend us a textHiring a VA for your blog... writers... updaters... an editor... someone to be a part of your strategic business decisions... we've done it all!In this episode I break down the types of roles we hire for including a business, partner, a virtual assistant, and an editor. And don't forget the writers.I share the various ways we pay them.And I give you tips for making your hiring process easier:The Devil is in the details - know what you want to hire for...2023-08-2122 minBlogging with Lesli Peterson(Archives) 5 common myths about blog post backlinksSend us a textWith an unexpected interuption in today's schedule, I thought I'd bring one of our older (still applicable, still valuable, still popular) YouTube videos to the podcast.If you prefer to SEE me , you can watch this here: https://youtu.be/3a43g7U1p7kIf you're a blogger, you know the power of backlinks. You probably have even joined a backlinking group (or three!)There are a lot of misconceptions about how backlinks work, who you should and should not get them from, and some best...2023-08-1815 minBlogging with Lesli Peterson8 Principles to Help You Master Your Sales StrategySend us a textWe had such a great response to the B2B Newsletter episode – so much feedback about how you want to start this effort and amp up your sales efforts.With that in mind, here are 8 principles that reflect the foundational ideas or concepts that guide our sales efforts. 1. Be Specific (Niche Down): - Focus on what you do best - Serve a specific target audience 2. Be Yourself (Unapologetically): - Your unique skill set is your strength - Don't be a...2023-08-1724 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonSearch Intent: 3 things to review next time you do keyword researchSend us a textUnderstanding search intent will allow you to make vast improvements in getting your content ranked.I'm not talking about the 4 labels that the SEOs and keyword tools always touch on (informational, navigational, commercial and transactional)Those are great, but the real masters go a step beyond that.1. Use Chatgpt to help you understand EXACTLY what the important concepts are for the specific term you are writing about.2. Use those concepts to build your outline - put them at the top, right away. (Don't use Chatgpt...2023-08-1620 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonB2B Newsletters: Why do them + what to S.H.A.R.E. in yours!Send us a textB2B newsletters are a vital part of our sales strategy. If you listened to yesterday's podcast you heard ONE of the things we share in our quarterly sends (stats!)...When I tell people that we do this, they often ask what VALUE it brings... and what to INCLUDE in theirs.I'm breaking that down for you today int he form of a S.H.A.R.E.S - Stay top of mind!H - Highlight your achievementsA - Ask for help...2023-08-1511 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonFeatured Listings: The 6-figure secret no one is talking aboutSend us a textToday we are discussing my favorite product that I offer as a blogger: Featured Listings.I feel like a lot of bloggers yawn and roll their eyes when I talk about this, so today I am sharing a little bit more about why I think it's so valuable: SIX FIGURES.There have been several years (this one, for example) that we make more money from Featured Listings than from (what I predict will be) our annual ad revenue.That is nothing to shy away from....2023-08-1431 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonEditorial Calendars for your newsletter: Why and How to set one upSend us a textToday we are talking about the POWER of a newsletter editorial calendar!They make it easier to plan, keep you from feeling frozen at your keyboard, allow you to easily rotate personas and share with clients, and prevent you from sharing the "same ol' stuff" every season.1. Pick a tool. I highly recommend Monday. I use it for ALL my blogging organizational needs (but a spreadsheet will work in a pinch) - https://try.monday.com/x775pf40k4i62. Add a spot o...2023-08-1116 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonWelcome Email: 6 Things to add to the email that follows your lead magnetSend us a textDo you have a lead magnet up yet? Maybe a few? I'm so proud of you!Now it's time to follow the delivery of that opt-in with a Welcome Email.. but what the heck goes in a welcome email?That's what we're talking about today.These SIX things will help you create the welcome email that dreams are made of! Grab ALL the freebies I mention on the podcast PLUS so much more. All FREE! Grab it all here....2023-08-1025 minBlogging with Lesli Peterson(Archives) 5 Content Update Blunders to Avoid in 2023Send us a textHey bloggers - today I am in the wilds of Southwest Colorado, with no way to bring you a podcast - but don't fret!I am re-sharing the audio from an earlier YouTube video - still valid, still important, and still often overlooked information (even by the most seasoned of writers!)Updating your content will allow you to double - yes DOUBLE - your current page view numbers.Just get started... just do a few... just try it for a week and you'll begin to see immediately...2023-08-0905 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonReal Newsletter Talk: 7 Reasons Why You Need To Just DO Them!Send us a textWhen I talk about newsletters, most bloggers just roll their eyes. You know you need to do them - consistently and with a plan... and yet, you DON'T!Stop putting it off!If money's not enough to push the needle for you, then here are seven OTHER reasons to get going on your newsletter (or pick up the pace on your existing one!) Grab ALL the freebies I mention on the podcast PLUS so much more. All FREE! Grab it all here.2023-08-0811 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonBuilding systems that work for your blogging business with Megan BannisterSend us a textMegan Bannister from Olio in Iowa is a woman after my own heart. Why? Because she understands the POWER of building systems in your business!Listen to Megan's 4-part framework for building lasting systems in your business...Auditing your processes, building workflows (not generic ones... ones that really work for YOU), finding the right tools, and repeating iteratively as you and your business grow.We talk a lot about Monday.com in this episode. Here's a link if you'd like to try it yourself: https...2023-08-0745 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonTime on Page - Why It Matters + How To Increase ItSend us a textTime on page... dwell time... avg session duration.These are all kissing cousins, and while they are extremely important KPIs for bloggers, they are not direct ranking indicators. Wild, right?SO why are they important??And if they are so important, how do we increase time on page?And how do we measure time on page or dwell time?Awesome questions - and they are all answered in today's podcast! Grab ALL the freebies I mention on t...2023-08-0409 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonLead Magnet : The T.A.R.G.E.T. Framework to Improve Your ConversionsSend us a textWith Google playing hardball as of late, there has never been a better time to focus on your email list.If you want to get a list started... or you want to maximize growth with the list you already have.... nothing works like the T.A.R.G.E.T Framework.T - Tailored A - ActionableR - RelevantG - GenerousE - ExclusiveT - TrackableLearn more about it here, in this episode! Grab A...2023-08-0317 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonSeasonal Silos Can Fill the Page View VoidSend us a textIf you have seasonal traffic, it's time to stop complaining about the "down time" and do something about t.The answer for me was to build topic clusters, or silos of content, that would work well during those off times.It transformed my business, and it can do the same for you. Grab ALL the freebies I mention on the podcast PLUS so much more. All FREE! Grab it all here.===== FOLLOW ME ===== FB: https://www...2023-08-0209 minBlogging with Lesli Peterson4 Steps to Managing Poor Content (+ Why It's Important)Send us a textManaging poor quality content... freeloaders... used to be a best practice. Today, it's a necessity.In this episode we talk about why that's the case, and I break down my 4-step process for removing "crappy" content from Google's vision.1. CRITIQUE - Determine what in your current content needs to be managed2. CRITERIA - How will you define "poor" quality? What about support posts?3. CONSIDER - What are your options for handling this poor quality content? (Tip - delete is not the only answer)4. CLEAN-UP PLAN - O...2023-08-0119 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonOne blogger's story of side-hustle to full-time professional with Heather JohnsonSend us a textFood blogger, cookbook author, and TV personality Heather Johnson of The Food Hussy joined me in a conversation about how she moved from blogging as a side-hustle to blogging as a career.Grab your coffee and come hang out with us as she shares the opportunities (and challenges) along this journey.PS - Here is Heather's book if you want to grab a copy: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/150722009X Grab ALL the freebies I mention on the podcast PLUS so much more...2023-07-3133 minBlogging with Lesli Peterson4 Title Hacks to Improve Your Click-thru RateSend us a textBack to our regularly scheduled programming... 25 things I do to grow my blogging business.Today we're talking about number 12 - your posts' TITLES!(Curious about the previous episodes in this series? They are listed below!)I'm going to break down 4 things you need to consider as you craft your titles.Why do they matter so much? Because a great title means that your post is more likely to be opened. And when your post gets opened more, it increases the ranking potential.2023-07-2817 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonAI content writing + a short review of Content at Scale (TBEX Eau Claire Recap Mini-Series)Send us a textIt’s the final episode in this mini-series on my favorite take-aways from TBEX, and we’re talking about AI! At the conference keynote Julia McCoy, President of Content at Scale, shared her C.R.A.F.T. framework for writing with AI. In this podcast I share the details of that framework and why it’s a great one (even if you don’t use AI) I also share with you the details of my free trial with Content at Scale (TL;D...2023-07-2725 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonKnow Your Worth (TBEX Eau Claire Recap Mini-Series)Send us a textToday we’re talking about 3 considerations you need to know as you consider your worth, especially as you work with brands. It’s the third podcast in a series where I am sharing the lessons that hit home for me at the most recent TBEX event – but these take-aways bring value to ALL niches. There are THREE things I want you to consider as you contemplate (and hold your ground on) your worth. ...2023-07-2621 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonAffiliate Marketing: 3 steps to increasing revenue (TBEX Eau Claire Recap Mini-Series)Send us a textI'm sharing my notes from a fantastic speaker I heard at TBEX, Shelley from Mexico Solo Travel, about affiliate marketing.Shelly's workshop was direct, to the point, and PACKED with great information that really challenged some of my assumptions about keywords and affiliates.And with the revenue she's generated in only a few short years, man... she's one to listen to!Here are three actionable steps I took from her workshop, some dos and don'ts, and a call to YOU to rethink your affiliate strategy, as well.2023-07-2523 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonPodcasting can change your blog's course (TBEX Eau Claire Recap Mini-Series)Send us a textIt's my first "real" podcast episode --- not just an audio conversion from YouTube.And we're going "semi-daily"! (Is that a thing? haha.) I'll be releasing episodes 5x a week, with a "combined" podcast on the weekends that allow you to catch up on everything in one single episode.In this episode I start a multi-part series on the amazing things I learned from a recent blogging conference... and how fitting that I start with WHY I am transitioning into daily podcasting.TL;DR it comes down...2023-07-2424 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonThe Hub Page Advantage: Your Secret SEO Weapon for Improved RankingSend us a textWe’ve talked “topic cluster”… “pillar posts”…. And “support posts”… all valuable SEO strategies that build on top of each other to improve your ranking and reinforce your architecture and topical authority. This week we introduce the final ingredient in that effort – hub pages. (If you want to SEE a hub page example, check out the YT video here: https://youtu.be/3XgAEH2sjjo ) Many people think their category pages perform this task, so they ignore hub pages. DON’T MAKE THAT MISTAKE! 2023-07-1803 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonFacebook Groups to Grow Your Engagement with Brandy GleasonSend us a textBrandy Gleason, owner of https://gleasonfamilyadventure.com/ joins us this week to discuss her mind-blowing Facebook Group, Ohio Road Trip https://www.facebook.com/groups/2642861779333257 This group is nearly 900,000 members at the time of this recording… and it’s likely to surpass 1MM by the time we publish the video. Here are some of the questions we ask Brandy…. 👉 Why did you start this group?👉 How long did it take to grow?👉 Groups vs Pages and what difference it makes...2023-07-1140 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonSupport Posts: How Strengthen Your Google AuthoritySend us a textLast week we talked about silo structures, which consist of pillar posts and support posts. This week I talk to you a little more about Support posts.Support posts are critical elements to reinforcing your authority on Google (and with your readers!) These are the posts that “dive deep” on the information you casually mention in your pillar content.If you’re a new blogger – starting with a topic cluster plan, and then developing pillar and support posts for those topics, is how you win the game and gain...2023-07-0312 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonWhy building silos is crucial for your blog's authoritySend us a textBuilding silos of content on your site is an effective and easy way to build authority and expertise with your readers and with Google. The problem is that most bloggers don't go deep enough on the content they write. You need authority in your niche, but also on every topic you write about within that niche.In this video I give you an example of "going deep" on a hyperlocal travel site - but the concept applies to every niche out there.Auditing your silos is just...2023-06-2712 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonPitching a book (plus blogging vs freelance) - Claudia Laroye's sharing her perspective!Send us a textI'm thrilled to share this interview with Claudia Laroye of https://claudiatravels.com/ , who recently published her first book...You can find A Gelato A Day here: https://amzn.to/3NbzlxYWe talk with Claudia about her new book... and the process of pitching to publishers, curating the content for her anthology, and the possibility of doing it again.We also talk about how Claudia began as a "hobby" blogger in the family travel space... how that morphed into freelance writing... and how the landscape for both...2023-06-2036 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonBuilding Backlinks: The WHY and HOWSend us a textBacklinks are the cheerleaders of your blog posts... defining for Google the pieces of content that are worthy of sharing.Is that always fair? Maybe... maybe not. But today, they are an important part of the ranking model.In this video I cover why they are valuable... and I offer a few ways to get them including my favorite (which is always scary, but oh so easy!) Grab ALL the freebies I mention on the podcast PLUS so much more. All F...2023-06-1304 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonInternal Links: Improve user experience and website rankingSend us a textInternal Links are often built into your blog posts as an after-thought... but they should be front and center in your mind as you build your content.In this week's video I talk about why internal linking is so valuable, and I share a few best practices to get you going.https://leslipeterson.com/ for the FREE blog post update checklist discussed in this video (If you love this but want even MORE info about updates... a step-by-step process you can consistently repeat... my Content Update System c...2023-06-0604 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonStop Treating Your Blog like a Diary and Start Making Money with Deborah Niemann -BoehleSend us a textDeborah Niemann -Boehle from https://thriftyhomesteader.com/ joins me this week to talk about how her blogging business has transformed since 2006.Deborah talks with me about how a book deal was the catalyst to changing her mindset... but neither her book deal nor her blog is her primary revenue source.With a podcast (https://thriftyhomesteader.com/category/podcast/), books, a teach gig at UMass, courses, speaking engagements and more.... there is a lot to learn from her transition.Be sire to stay to the end where Deborah...2023-05-3048 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonBlog Post Updates - You Won't Believe this Checklist!Send us a textIn our 25 Things I do to grow my blogging business series, we're on #6 - which also begins the second pillar - SEO. The most important thing that a professional blogger can do, in my opinion, is update their content consistently. ALL OF IT...That's why I've offered my free blog post update checklist for a while now... but this week, I break down each step in the checklist. Grab your copy from the link below, and let's walk thru it! https://leslipeterson.com/ for the FRE...2023-05-2306 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonFocus your attention to maximize your blogging revenueSend us a textIt sounds cliche, yet it's anything but. The key to maximizing revenue in your blogging business is to double down on what you're great at, and ignore everything else.In part 5 of my 25-part series I give you an example of how I ignored this strategy and paid the price.I also walk you through three steps to narrowing your focus... and building a filter thru which to evaluate all future projects.No more SOS (Shiny Object Syndrome)... it's time to get serious about your business!2023-05-1608 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonA story about driving revenue without depending on ads with Jody HalsteadSend us a textJody Halstead from https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/ talks to me this week in an extended interview about how her business changed from a traditional blog to something vastly more robust, stable, and profitable.We'll talk about her ideas for maximizing affiliates, how she uses her two published books to drive revenue (it's not what you think), and how her newest project... the Traveling in Ireland Podcast (https://irelandfamilyvacations.com/podcasts/) has elevated her brand and connected her with more customers. Grab ALL the freebies I mention...2023-05-0950 minBlogging with Lesli Peterson11 Time Blocking Tips: Unlock the Power of Your Blogging RoutineSend us a textWe're on Part 4 this week of the 25 part series on how I have grown my blogging business.We're still in pillar 1: Strategy. And this week we're talking about Time BlockingIn this video I tell you WHAT Time Blocking is and WHY it works.I'll also share 11 tips to get you started on a Time Blocking journey that almost guarantees you can get MORE done in LESS time... allowing you to take your blogging business the extra mile. Grab ALL the...2023-05-0106 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonKeyword Research: 3 Important ConsiderationsSend us a textWe're continuing this 25 part series on how I have grown my blogging business to over 660K page views a month!We're still in pillar 1: Strategy. And this week we're talking about Keyword Research.In this video I tell you WHY keyword research is still important in 2023 (hint: watch the last video in this series to make it valuable)I also share THREE critical keyword research considerations...And, I give you three TIPS for finding keywords to align with your topic clusters.2023-04-2405 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonMake Money as a Travel Blogger - Hear Kirsten's Secret Strategy!Send us a textKirsten Maxwell from https://kidsareatrip.com/ talks to me this week in an extended interview about creating and selling itineraries on her site. We'll talk about her (very cool) strategy for reaching buyers beyond her blog, what she thinks is the secret to successful itinerary offers, challenges she faced, and so much more! PS. In this video we mention "Megan" as an amazing graphics artist that both Kirsten and I have used. Megan Jurvis is a sensational resource and if you're interested in working with her, too, you ca...2023-04-1635 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonTopic Clusters: Why to do them and how they help grow your blogSend us a textBefore you write the first blog article.... before you do any keyword research... you need to identify the topic clusters you will cover on your blog.SEO has evolved, and topic clusters are critical to your success.If you already have a blog, it's not too late! Identify what you have on your site already so that you can fill in the gaps!This is part 2 of a 25 -part series on growing your blog. Grab ALL the freebies I mention...2023-04-1204 minBlogging with Lesli Peterson25 Things I Do To Grow My Blogging Business: PlanningSend us a textI'm about this new series: 25 Things I Do To Grow My Business.I'll break down one of the 25 for you over the coming weeks, and this week we start with #1, Planning.Is it glamorous? Seductive? A mind-blowing secret that the world is missing out on?Not in the least.But it *is* the MOST important thing I do in my business.*****************Semrush is the must-have tool for every blogger and it's what I mention in this video: https://www.semrush.com/l...2023-04-0305 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonPrioritizing Keywords: Uncover the Secret to for Maximum Blogging Success!Send us a textWhether your gathering keyword ideas for yourself or for your team of writers, it can be hard to prioritize your efforts and keep track of your ideas.In this video I show you how to use either SEMrush (as a great option) OR SEMrush with AHREFS (the best option) to manage and prioritize.******************The tool I use to do ALL my planning is Monday https://try.monday.com/x775pf40k4i6Semrush is the must-have tool for every blogger and it's what I mention in...2023-02-1409 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonHow to make money with email in 2023 (it's not your newsletter!)Send us a textIf you sold shoes or candy or lawn mowers online, this type of email would be the FIRST one you create!It consistently makes MAJOR BANK for traditional businesses.So why are bloggers worldwide just ignoring it?Regardless of your niche, browse abandonment emails are key to expanding the return on your email list. Yes... even if you don't have a "cart" like a traditional business.In this video we dive into this more, including HOW to make money on this type of email, what...2023-01-3106 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonTraffic Potential (AHREFS) - My Keyword Research SecretSend us a textOne of the most important steps in creating new – and updating existing – content is to really do your keyword research. Most of the time we professional bloggers put aside low volume keywords because they just aren't worth writing for... but sometimes we go for it, expecting more that the reports indicate.This doesn't have to be a "gut decision" ... there is a sweet little secret in AHREFS that shows you how powerful a given term can be in the context of the full article.It's called Traffic Poten...2023-01-1006 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonInternal Linking: 5 Rules for Optimizing Your StrategySend us a textBuilding links within your content is an important step in growing your Google rankings. Hey, it's not called the World Wide "Web" for nothing... that web is built by connecting one article to another article. All the better if those articles are yours.Just like other link-building tasks in SEO, there are guidelines you can follow to make the most of building your internal links. Here are the five you need to commit to memory... and apply to your blog in 2023.***********The tool I...2022-12-2706 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonBacklinks: 5 common myths you need to understandSend us a textIf you're a blogger, you know the power of backlinks. You probably have even joined a backlinking group (or three!)There are a lot of misconceptions about how backlinks work, who you should and should not get them from, and some best practices. The stats mentioned in this video are from AHREFS, Backlinko and Search Engine Journal. Grab ALL the freebies I mention on the podcast PLUS so much more. All FREE! Grab it all here.===== F...2022-11-2915 minBlogging with Lesli Peterson9 blogging mistakes even advanced bloggers make (2023)Send us a textRegardless of whether you are just starting your blogging journey or you've been doing it for over a decade, these are the mistakes you'll want to avoid.Search engine optimization, email marketing... these are the topics we hear all the time, but I take you a little deeper within these topics and tell you the specific area I see people failing.These common blogging mistakes to avoid in 2023 will give you the jolt you need to plan a better quarter and see changes to your progress in the coming...2022-11-0810 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonGrow A Blog In Less Time Than You RealizeSend us a textHow much time does it take to grow your blog? You can do it in 87 hours a month! That's less than 4.5 hours per day!!The breakdown:1:16:17 Creating new content1:56:16 Updating your content3:14:16 Email marketing3:55:22 MSN4:18:21 Pinterest promotion5:38:08 Answering emails6:07:22 Sales efforts7:11:21 Site work7:42:09 What's NOT included in this schedule9:46:14 TotalsMentioned in this video:The tool I use to do ALL my planning is Monday https://try.monday.com/x775pf40k4i6V...2022-11-0111 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonStay22: 5 Secrets to Maximizing Your Affiliate CommissionSend us a textMy Stay22 SecretsIn the travel space there has been a lot of talk about the Stay22 affiliate accommodations partnership. I’ve been with them since they started working with bloggers at the beginning of 2021 and my relationship with them has evolved. I enjoy working with them because I’ve found a WAY of doing it that maximizes my affiliate revenue and I want to share that with you today.Here are my five secrets1. Continue using Booking.com deep links directly for the highest payou...2022-10-2509 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonNewsletter Tips: Planning and writing your newsletter contentSend us a textEMAIL MARKETING TIPS FOR PLANNING AND WRITING YOUR NEWSLETTER CONTENTStaring at a blank page can be intimidating even if you're a full time blogger. Most creators tend to just send the last article they wrote, and they call it a day.In this post we talk about more *thoughtful* ways of selecting content for your newsletter...AND we discuss how to make that content successful!If you're a full time blogger and want to increase your revenue quickly, we recommend starting with a refresh of your...2022-10-0610 minBlogging with Lesli PetersonMicrosoft Start's Blogger Program: Should you join??Send us a textHave you heard about the Microsoft Start blogging program? Is it for you? If you’ve been invited, should you join?The Microsoft Start blogger program is relatively new, and there are a world of debate on the interwebs about whether this program is a good one for full-time bloggers, if it really helps your SEO, if reposting to the feed is the right use of your time, and more.After being in the program a few months, I must admit that it is almost too good to be tr...2022-09-1928 min