How I Built It

In my experience, starting out, hiring a Virtual Assistant(VA) can take up more time than you're saving. While this is true for any employee, part of the reason to hire a VA is to make more time in your schedule to focus on your business. So how do you do it right? Matthew Yahes answers this question, plus where to find good people, and how to properly onboard VAs. In Build Something More, we talk about how to let go of those tasks you're holding on to!Show NotesMatthew YahesLoomAppSumo.comThe Mythical Man MonthCreator CrewSponsored by: Mindsize | Restrict Content Pro | TextExpander ★ Support this podcast ★

Going on podcasts can be a great opportunity for small business owners. You're getting in front of a new audience to tell your story and show your expertise. But did you know there's a whole other avenue you can explore? Kristin Molenaar does, and she tell us all about it! Plus, in Build Something More, she walks us through forming your podcast pitch.Show NotesKristin MolenaarKristin on LinkedInCreator CrewSponsored by: Mindsize | Restrict Content Pro | TextExpander ★ Support this podcast ★

There are a lot of aspects to consider when creating a membership site. Aside from the tech stack, you need to determine what you're going to offer and why it's compelling. In some cases, like a monthly subscription box or access to education resources, the offer is clear. But what about for content creators? Well, I just rolled out my membership and here's everything I put into it. Plus, in Build Something More, I tell you how I evaluated membership plugins, and what further benefits can look like. Show NotesSign Up for Creator CrewMy Failed Patreon ExperimentRestrict Content ProCastosConvertKitWhy You Shouldn't Use Tags to Segment Your ListUncanny AutomatorbbPressMemberfulSponsored by: Outgrow | Restrict Content Pro | TextExpander ★ Support this podcast ★

Back in 2017, I tried launching a Patreon for this very show, after hitting 50,000 downloads in 9 months. It was an epic failure! As a relaunch memberships for this site 4 years later, I reflect on the Patreon: how I overpromised, how I underdelivered, and what lessons I carried into my new membership, Creator Crew. Show Notes50K Downloads & More Coming to How I Built ItI’m Doubling Down on PatreonPatreonCreator CrewSponsored by: Outgrow | Restrict Content Pro | TextExpander ★ Support this podcast ★

Accessibility is an important of often overlooked aspect of web development. While some view it as an added expense, many don't even know they're doing anything wrong. Well today's guest, Amber Hinds, aims to change that by making accessibility less daunting through her agency and their new plugin, Accessibility Checker. Show NotesNOTE: Around 4:30, Amber said Section 508 of the Telecommunications Act. She has relayed to me it should have been Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.Equalize Digital | amber@equalizedigital.comAccessibility CheckerWCAGWAVEHotjara11yrules podcastAccessibility Resources from HTML and CSS: Visual QuickStart GuideJoin the Creator CrewSponsored by: Outgrow | Restrict Content Pro | TextExpander ★ Support this podcast ★

The global pandemic has forced a lot of businesses to change their processes and practices. One major drawback of not being able to meet in person is when we pitch new clients or customers, it has to be done digitally. That is a big change from being in the same room as you and your potential clients. Luckily Alex Price, owner of the 93digital WordPress agency, has some great tips for us. Show NotesAlex Price | TwitterEmail: alex@93ditigal.co.uk93digitalGet Rich in the Deep EndPositioningSara Dunn and Niching DownPliim ProSimple Streaming KitJoin the Creator CrewSponsored by: Outgrow | Restrict Content Pro | TextExpander ★ Support this podcast ★

We've heard about flipping houses, but what about flipping blogs? Chelsea Clarke has built an entire business on just that. She teaches us what to look for when buying a blog, and the steps we need to take in order to sell. Listen in for an interesting and unique way to generate income for your business! Show NotesFree Resource - Profit and Loss TemplateChelsea Clarke | InstagramMediavineJoin the Creator CrewSponsored by: Outgrow | Restrict Content Pro | Hostinger | TextExpander ★ Support this podcast ★

Jennifer Bourn has been successfully running Profitable Project Plan, her training program for freelancers and small business owners, for several years. But it wasn't something that instantly made her a ton or money, and it's evolved over time. We're getting back to basics here in 2021, so Jennifer and I talk about what you'll learn in Profitable Project Plan, but we'll also talk about how she built it, and how she evolved it to make it the perfect program for anyone who wants to build a better business.Show NotesJennifer Bourn | TwitterProfitable Project PlanContent CampJennifer Bourn and Profitable Project PlanCompany of OneIntroduction to the Block Editor2021: The Year of OpportunitySponsored by: Outgrow | Restrict Content Pro | Hostinger | TextExpander ★ Support this podcast ★

One of my favorite things to do at the end of each year is plan my Yearly Theme. It’s becoming a bit of a tradition and I’ve even got my wife in on the action this year. I find it’s better to have a guiding set of principles than a number of promises I may or may not1complete. 2020 caused many people to change how they do things, and I was no different. that’s why for 2021, my yearly theme is going to be The Year of Opportunity.Show NotesRead the post on my blogCGP Grey’s Theme VideoTheme System JournalMy YouTube ChannelSponsored by: Restrict Content Pro | Hostinger | TextExpander ★ Support this podcast ★

It’s that time of year again! I round up my favorite media and tech picks of 2020 - but this year I’m doing it a little differently. Over on Casabona.org, I’ve written blog posts for the past several years, but I’ve never recorded my thoughts. So this year, along with a blog post, I decided to do a podcast episode too - this lets me ramble a little more and add some thoughts on 2021. I hope you enjoy! Show Notes and PicksTech Pick: Elgato Stream DeckHow I Configured my Stream DeckHonorable Mentions: iPad Magic Keyboard, Kindle Oasis, DrumsApp: MilanoteWhat I’m Using Testing Out Milanote for ResearchHonorable Mentions: eCamm Live, iOS 14Thing I Learned: How to hire moreI’ve Been Hiring A Lot Brittney LynnHonorable Mention: marketing messaging, PR outreachBook: The Ride of a Lifetime by Robert IgerMy 2020 Goodreads Reading ChallengeHonorable Mention: Marketing Made Simple, Dooku: Jedi LostTV Show: Ted LassoHonorable Mention: The Mandalorian (again)All the Disney Investor Day AnnouncementsMusic: First to Eleven,

Well 2020 was unlike any year I’ve lived through, and I’m sure it’s the same for you. When I decided to come up with a theme for Season 9, which started in July, we were a couple of months into the global pandemic. I wanted focus on topics that could help you (and me) grow at a time where we were traveling less, seeing less foot traffic, and had to change in some way to make ends meet. I settled on coming up with good content, and using that content to evolve memberships, and build communities. If you didn’t catch every episode, here are the highlights.Check out all the episodes mentionedPodcast LiftoffSponsored by: ConvertKit | Hostinger ★ Support this podcast ★

In September 2020, my 4th book published by a publisher (6th overall) came out. It's called HTML and CSS: Visual QuickStart Guide and it's a (very) beginner's guide to learning HTML and CSS. The process was long and at times frustrating. I wanted to go through how I wrote it, from inception to hitting the shelved.Show NotesHTML and CSS: Visual QuickStart GuideMindNodeProcreateSponsored by: ConvertKit | Hostinger ★ Support this podcast ★

Winstina Hughes is an Assistant Regional Planner for the Maryland Department of Transportation but she's coming to us today as a member of the wordpress community! Throughout the interview we talk about all sorts of things - life, WordPress, the New Jersey Transit…and it call comes back to the main takeaway for this episode: writing what you know and creating opportunities to share your insight. This was such a fun conversation where we covered a lot of ground. I enjoyed it, and I know you will too. Winstina Hughes | TwitterWordPress NYC MeetupWinstina on WordPress.TVWinstina on Hallway ChatsHTML and CSS: Visual QuickStart GuideSponsored by: Hostinger | Yes Plz | iThemes ★ Support this podcast ★

Throughout this season, we’ve talked about create content to build an audience. And the best way to build that audience and interact with them is forms. Well, Naomi C Bush tells us all about some great ways to build helpful forms for users. This is a much more traditional episode of How I Built It and I’m excited. Naomi talks about how she’s built her business, then provides some actionable advice for us. Naomi C. Bushgravity+Gravity Forms Episode 55: Alex Cancado & Gravity FormsConvertKit Build Your List Using ConvertKit with Angel MarieRightMessageBrennan Dunn and RightMessageHTML and CSS: Visual QuickStart GuideSponsored by: Hostinger | Yes Plz | iThemes ★ Support this podcast ★

Jase Rodley has A LOT going on. In fact, since we recorded this episode, he stepped down from Rank Defender to run Dialed Labs. His energy and drive are apparent in the interview, where we talk about Making Resource sites. Essentially, he tells us how to make content to fill a demand, and make a little money along the way. I even put him on the spot and have him help me through an idea during the episode. So listen for that and more - and let me know what ideas you come up with!Jase Rodley | TwitterDialed LabsahrefsScreaming FrogThe 4 Hour Work WeekEpisode 8: Joost de Valk and Yoast SEOThe 2020 Gift Guide!HAROShould SEO audits be part of your ongoing maintenance?Keyword Discovery: Produce Creative Content to Be SeenHow to Write a Great Blog PostSponsored by: Hostinger | Yes Plz | iThemes ★ Support this podcast ★

It has become a bit of a time-honored tradition for me to do gift guides around the holidays. I often get asked for recommendations on office, podcast, and pen gear. I write the gift guides up on my personal site, but this episode goes into a bit more depth for people who work from home, podcast, and more!Gift GuidesHow I Light my Live StreamsSponsored by: Hostinger | Yes Plz | iThemes ★ Support this podcast ★

Joe Simpson did something that, in my opinion, is very difficult to do. He created a local community out of virtually nothing. Living in Castilla, CA, he built the WordPress Santa Clarita Valley meetup from scratch. And the way he did it, as well as his personal story, is fantastic. I’m so happy I got to speak to Joe on this topic; he offer a unique insight with takeaways for everyone!Joe A. Simpson Jr. | TwitterWordPress Santa Clarita Valley MeetupSponsored by: Hostinger | Yes Plz | iThemes ★ Support this podcast ★

Virtual summits are all the rage these days, but my friend Dave Shrein was doing them before they were cool. I participated in his event last year for his agency Campaign Donut, and I thought it was so well-run, I had to have him on the show to talk about it. Dave's story is great and he offers lots of actionable advice. It's always great when I can take something from an interview and implement it, and I did just that with Dave.Show NotesDave ShreinCampaign DonutHow to Identify Your Ideal Customer Avatar | Marketing Made EasyDave's Free SEO CourseTopic Clusters | HubspotHow A Podcast Can Replace A Live EventAllie Nimmons and Freelancing / Mental HealthUnleashed SummiteCamm Call RecorderThriveCarteCamm LiveSponsored by: ExpressVPN | Yes Plz | iThemes ★ Support this podcast ★

Lately on this show we've been focusing on big picture stuff, but it's really the small changes that make a big difference. Proof of that is Bud Kraus. He was trying to grow his newsletter and got nowhere….until he made a small change that grew it over 1,000 people in one year. Bud spills is secrets in this episode and tells you how you can do it too. Show NotesBud KrausWhat I'm Doing To Get People to Sign Up For My NewsletterBuild Your List Using ConvertKit with Angel MarieHTML and CSS: Visual QuickStart GuideConvertKitMailchimp LearnDashRestrict ContentUncanny OwlGravity Forms Gravity ViewSponsored by: Yes Plz | iThemes | TextExpander ★ Support this podcast ★

I love talking to Brian Krogsgard. And if you need proof, we had a SUPER long pre-show that I'm going to release as bonus content when I roll out the Build Something Membership. And speaking of, that's the main topic for today's conversaiton with Brian: building membership through community. We talk all about how Post Status has changed since we last spoke, alll the way back in Episode 3. We get into building the membership, innovating, and what keeps your members from churning.Show NotesBrian KrogsgardPost Status | TwitterCommerce JourneyLedger StatusEpisode 3: Brian Krogsgard and Post StatusEpisode 4: Cory Miller & iThemesProfessional WordPress DevelopmentMarketing Made SimpleGrowing Your Audience on Instagram with Andrea ZoellnerSony a6400Google AMPWirecutterWooCommerce MembershipsSponsored by: Yes Plz | iThemes | TextExpander ★ Support this podcast ★