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If you’ve been giving your clients strategy, stop saying you’re "just a virtual assistant." That title is costing you money. My guest moved WAY beyond the basic VA title into a Social Media Marketing Strategist role and her packages start at $1500/month! Liz built a booked-out marketing agency by doing something most freelancers skip: owning the strategy, not just the deliverables. She's a Workgroup member and I love watching how much she’s grown her freelancer business. I finally got her on the podcast to spill exactly how she did it. Liz Cruz is the founder of Cruz Social Co., a boutique marketing agency that provides done-for-you marketing support for service-based businesses. She specializes in social media strategy, content creation, and marketing systems and she's spent over a decade supporting brands across multiple industries. She's now focusing her work in the wellness space, a niche she found through her own health journey. Liz is known for blending strategy with execution, which is exactly what makes her the kind of marketing partner clients don't want to lose. Listen to learn more about: How to structure your discovery calls to weed out bad-fit clients before they become a problemWhy customizing your packages isn't a weakness, and how building client-specific offers helps you command higher ratesWhat a strategic monthly report actually looks like (hint: it’s not 40 pages)Building a portfolio that does the selling for you and why you should include your prices & booking linkThe mindset shift that helped Liz stop undercharging and start owning her expertise This is real honest insight from a freelance marketer who's still in the trenches doing the work. Tune in for how Liz turned her Workgroup connections into consistent, long-term client partnerships. Sponsored by Wispr Flow* Write and prompt faster with this voice-to-text AI tool that turns speech into clear, polished writing in every app. I’m using Wispr Flow to talk out emails, client replies, and AI prompts instead of typing everything. It’s one of my top tech tool recommendations and a real time-saver in my “4 hours of prime work time” mom life. Try Wispr Flow here (*my affiliate link) Links Mentioned in Show: Grab Liz’s FREE Content Planning Calendar Template: Make content easy and not overwhelming with this simple spreadsheet.Listen to the “7 Ways to Land Clients” series here (Liz is in part 3!)Third-party social media schedulers: Rella, Metricool, LoomlyJoin us in our Digital Marketer’s Workgroup: You've done the work. Built the skills. Earned the clients. Now it’s time for the right people to start knowing your name. Our Workgroup is the professional community for established freelance marketing specialists who are serious about their work and ready to be recognized, referred, and surrounded by people who match that level. Marketing nerds welcome. >>Apply Now Connect with Liz: @cruzsocialcoCruz Social Co.https://cruzsocial.co/ Connect with Emily: Instagram: @emilyreaganpr Facebook: @emilyreaganprYouTube: Emily ReaganAsk Emily Anything here > Grow your freelance business inside the Digital Marketer’s Workgroup: Apply to join our tight-knit community for advanced training, ongoing support, troubleshooting, and exclusive job leads. > Hire a Digital Marketing Assistant: Submit your job posting and I’ll share it with the skilled & vetted freelancers in our Workgroup. > Enroll in the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School: Learn in-demand, tactical digital marketing skills on your own time so you can move beyond admin work and offer high-value marketing services. > Download my free Top Ten Most Requested Digital Marketing Tasks & Services to see what clients are hiring for right now.

Ways to drive more traffic to your freelancer website are changing fast. And if SEO is the only strategy you know, you're only halfway there. I brought on Krissy and Clarie to break down what's actually happening with search right now, including the shift from Google rankings to AI recommendations, and what you need to know about both SEO and AEO to stay visible to the clients you actually want. Krissy Chin and Claire VanBemmelen are the founders of K+C Creative and the duo behind websites that don't just look good, they actually convert. Krissy is a business strategist and copywriter who used her own automated funnel to enroll 4,000 people into a paid offer in four months. Claire is a brand and UX/UI designer who thinks about user experience the way the rest of us think about coffee: constantly and with strong opinions. Together, they've helped service providers, freelancers, and course creators build websites that deliver. Listen to learn more about What AEO actually is and how it's different from SEO (optimizing for one doesn't automatically cover the other)The most common website mistakes service providers make that tank first impressions before a potential client even starts scrollingWhy your website's About page is not a resume and what it should actually do for your businessThe three specific things you can do right now to increase your chances of getting recommended by AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude.How blogging for AEO is a completely different strategy than blogging for SEO, and why quality > quantity Your website isn't just a digital business card anymore. It's a trust-builder, a client filter, and a 24/7 sales tool, but only if it's set up right. SEO gets you in the game. AEO gets you recommended. This episode covers both. Sponsored by Wispr Flow* Write and prompt faster with this voice-to-text AI tool that turns speech into clear, polished writing in every app. I’m using Wispr Flow to talk out emails, client replies, and AI prompts instead of typing everything. It’s one of my top tech tool recommendations and a real time-saver in my “4 hours of prime work time” mom life. Try Wispr Flow here* (*my affiliate link) Links Mentioned in Show: Get a FREE website audit from Krissy & Claire: you’ll get a personalized mini audit on your home page! They’ll tell you what's working, what you’re missing, and recommendations for improvements.Video: How to Add Schema Markup to Your Kajabi BlogFree Schema Markup Tool: https://www.kandccreative.com/schema-toolGrab Krissy’s new book “Sell While You Sleep: Turn Your Knowledge into an Automated Online Business and Create a Life of Freedom”Join our Digital Marketer’s Workgroup: You've done the work. Built the skills. Earned the clients. Now it’s time for the right people to start knowing your name. Our Workgroup is the professional community for established freelance marketing specialists who are serious about their work and ready to be recognized, referred, and surrounded by people who match that level. Marketing nerds welcome. >>Apply Now Connect with Krissy & Claire: Instagram: @kandc.creativeFacebook: K+C creativehttps://www.kandccreative.com/ Connect with Emily: Instagram: @emilyreaganpr Facebook: @emilyreaganprYouTube: Emily ReaganAsk Emily Anything here > Grow your freelance business inside the Digital Marketer’s Workgroup: Apply to join our tight-knit community for advanced training, ongoing support, troubleshooting, and exclusive job leads. > Enroll in the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School: Learn in-demand, tactical digital marketing skills on your own time so you can move beyond admin work and offer high-value marketing services. > Hire a Digital Marketing Assistant: Submit your job posting and I’ll share it with the skilled & vetted freelancers in our Workgroup. > Download my free Top Ten Most Requested Digital Marketing Tasks & Services to see what clients are hiring for right now.

Custom GPTs: Part 2 You've been using AI for your clients, but are you using it for your own freelance business? I brought three more members of our Digital Marketer's Workgroup on to pull back the curtain on how they’re using custom GPTs to market themselves as service providers. They share the ChatGPT and Claude projects running in the background of their businesses, saving them hours every week and making their own marketing feel a whole lot less like a second job. Jenn Mullen shares how she built a detailed Claude project and how connecting it to her Google Drive saves her 10+ hours a week on her own marketing. Robyn Stoney walks us through how she trained her custom GPT on frameworks that led her to stop charging by the hour and move to outcome-based pricing. Candice Tate explains how she uses AI to keep her growing agency team consistent and her GPT's most underrated feature. Listen to learn more about How to build a custom GPT project that actually sounds like you and why the personal details matterWhy all three guests started using AI for their own business before their clientsThe prompting habits that separate good outputs from cookie-cutter onesReal use cases beyond client work: building an AI executive assistant, connecting your calendar, planning launches, context switching, and even managing kids’ schedules The freelance marketers doing this custom GPT work are pulling ahead. This episode shows you exactly what they built and how it’s leading to better clients. Sponsored by Wispr Flow* Write and prompt faster with this voice-to-text AI tool that turns speech into clear, polished writing in every app. I’m using Wispr Flow to talk out emails, client replies, and AI prompts instead of typing everything. It’s one of my top tech tool recommendations and a real time-saver in my “4 hours of prime work time” mom life. Try Wispr Flow here* (*my affiliate link) Links Mentioned in Show: Get inside our Digital Marketer’s Workgroup: You've done the work. Built the skills. Earned the clients. Now it’s time for the right people to start knowing your name. Our Workgroup is the professional community for established freelance marketing specialists who are serious about their work and ready to be recognized, referred, and surrounded by people who match that level. Marketing nerds welcome. >>Apply NowNeed a hand in your business? Want a custom GPT built to make your business run smoother? Our trained, vetted Marketing Assistants & Specialists ready to jump in so you can delegate with confidence and grow with ease. Share your job opening with our Workgroup here (it’s free!) or Explore our directory here and find your marketing expert today!Listen to Part 1- Custom GPTs for Clients: How Freelance Marketers Are Building, Pricing, and Delivering Them #279Freelancer Rates in 2026: The Truth About What You’re Really Making Per Hour with Emily Reagan #277How the Trust Recession Changed Buyer Behavior & Marketing in 2026 with Sheri Moise #276 Connect with Candice Tate: Fractional Inbound Marketing [email protected]://clevercalic.co/ Connect with Jenn Mullen: Systems Strategist@mindfulvirtualassistanthttps://www.jennmullen.com Connect with Robyn Stoney: Digital Media Consultant@robynthebrillianthttps://www.robynthebrilliant.com/ Connect with Emily: Instagram: @emilyreaganpr Facebook: @emilyreaganprYouTube: Emily ReaganAsk Emily Anything here > Grow your freelance business inside the Digital Marketer’s Workgroup: Apply to join our tight-knit community for advanced training, ongoing support, troubleshooting, and exclusive job leads. > Enroll in the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School: Learn in-demand, tactical digital marketing skills on your own time so you can move beyond admin work and offer high-value marketing services. > Hire a Digital Marketing Assistant: Submit your job posting and I’ll share it with the skilled & vetted freelancers in our Workgroup. > Download my free Top Ten Most Requested Digital Marketing Tasks & Services to see what clients are hiring for right now.

Custom GPTs: Part 1 Your clients are already asking for AI help. The question is whether you're the one getting paid to build it. In this episode, I brought four members of our Digital Marketers Workgroup onto the show to share exactly what they're building for clients with custom GPTs and AI agents — the real stuff, like what they charge and how they turn one-time projects into steady retainers. My panelists are talented freelancers who've built everything from funeral industry marketing bots to meal planning agents to launch assistant GPTs and they're getting paid well to do it. Catia Trooskin shares how she's built over 80 custom GPTs across industries and why spotting gaps in a client's workflow is her secret weapon. Traci Howell walks us through the AI agent that streamlined a health coach’s workload from 18 hours a week down to one. Suze Lake breaks down how she turned a complex, nine-knowledge-base GPT into a paid digital product her coaching client sells. Sara Vartanian explains how she builds brand voice GPTs trained on transcripts and blog posts so her clients' content sounds like them. Listen to learn more about: Why ownership and contracts matter more than most people thinkKey intake form questions you should always ask clients before you start buildingHow to handle the revision process so clients give you useful feedbackWhy beta testing with real users (not just yourself) is the step that separates a good GPT from a great one If custom GPT services for clients have been on your radar but you're not sure how to price or deliver them, this episode is your fast track. Straight from real marketers who've already figured it out. Sponsored by Wispr Flow* Write and prompt faster with this voice-to-text AI tool that turns speech into clear, polished writing in every app. I’m using Wispr Flow to talk out emails, client replies, and AI prompts instead of typing everything. It’s one of my top tech tool recommendations and a real time-saver in my “4 hours of prime work time” mom life. Try Wispr Flow here* (*my affiliate link) Links Mentioned in Show: Get inside our Digital Marketer’s Workgroup: You've done the work. Built the skills. Earned the clients. Now it’s time for the right people to start knowing your name. Our Workgroup is the professional community for established freelance marketing specialists who are serious about their work and ready to be recognized, referred, and surrounded by people who match that level. Marketing nerds welcome. >>Apply NowNeed a hand in your business? Want a custom GPT built to make your business run smoother? Our trained, vetted Marketing Assistants & Specialists ready to jump in so you can delegate with confidence and grow with ease. Share your job opening with our Workgroup here (it’s free!) or Explore our directory here and find your marketing expert today! Connect with Suze Lake: AI Operations Strategist@creativesolutions_suze www.creativesolutionsworldwide.com Connect with Sara Vartanian: Launch Copywriter & Strategist@saravartanianhttps://www.saravartanian.com/ Connect with Catia Trooskin: Marketing Operations & Project Management@troo_virtual_serviceshttps://www.troovs.com/ Connect with Traci Howell: Integrative Content [email protected] Connect with Emily: Instagram: @emilyreaganpr Facebook: @emilyreaganprYouTube: Emily ReaganAsk Emily Anything here > Grow your freelance business inside the Digital Marketer’s Workgroup: Apply to join our tight-knit community for advanced training, ongoing support, troubleshooting, and exclusive job leads. > Enroll in the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School: Learn in-demand, tactical digital marketing skills on your own time so you can move beyond admin work and offer high-value marketing services. > Hire a Digital Marketing Assistant: Submit your job posting and I’ll share it with the skilled & vetted freelancers in our Workgroup. > Download my free Top Ten Most Requested Digital Marketing Tasks & Services to see what clients are hiring for right now.

Google and Meta ads in 2026 look different than they did two years ago. AI is baked into every platform. Search queries are getting longer. Buyer trust is harder to earn. And if you're managing ads for clients, or trying to understand enough to consult on the strategy, there's a lot to keep up with. That's exactly why I brought Danielle Migliaccio-Morse, founder of DM Squared Media, on the show. She's been managing millions in ad spend for 15+ years, has turned failing Meta and Google campaigns into 100% year-over-year revenue increases, and genuinely knows how everything fits together — from the ad platform all the way through the email funnel. We nerded out on what's actually working right now with paid traffic, what to watch for, and how to talk to clients about it. Listen to learn more about: Danielle's top three trends for digital ads in 2026How "tried and true" ad strategies from a few years ago are now a liability & the new features we need to embraceThe difference between running ads on Meta vs Google and which one is right for your businessWhy diversifying ad spend across platforms is the smartest thing your clients can do right nowHow to set client expectations around testing windows, communicate data honestly, & build lasting trust Don't get stuck in the cycle of constant content creation. If your clients are still running all their ad spend through Meta and crossing their fingers, this episode is going to change how you think about their strategy. Sponsored by Wispr Flow* Write and prompt faster with this voice-to-text AI tool that turns speech into clear, polished writing in every app. I’m using Wispr Flow to talk out emails, client replies, and AI prompts instead of typing everything. It’s one of my top tech tool recommendations and a real time-saver in my “4 hours of prime work time” mom life. Try Wispr Flow here* *my affiliate link Links Mentioned in Show: Grab Danielle’s FREE guide The Roadmap to Digital Ads Success: 6 crucial steps to set yourself up for profitability before you even spend a cent on ads, including how to set realistic goals and budgets for your ads.Scale your marketing business with a community that has your back: If you have the skills but need more clients and a tighter network, join us in the Digital Marketer’s Workgroup. We’re a close-knit group of freelancers sharing job leads, advanced marketing trainings, and the kind of "in-the-trenches" support you can't find in a Google search. Apply here!How the Trust Recession Changed Buyer Behavior & Marketing in 2026 with Sheri Moise #276 Connect with Danielle: Instagram: @digitalmarketingdanielleWebsite: https://dmsquaredmedia.com/ Connect with Emily: Instagram: @emilyreaganpr Facebook: @emilyreaganprYouTube: Emily ReaganAsk Emily Anything here > Grow your freelance business inside the Digital Marketer’s Workgroup: Apply to join our tight-knit community for advanced training, ongoing support, troubleshooting, and exclusive job leads. > Enroll in the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School: Learn in-demand, tactical digital marketing skills on your own time so you can move beyond admin work and offer high-value marketing services. > Hire a Digital Marketing Assistant: Submit your job posting and I’ll share it with the skilled & vetted freelancers in our Workgroup. > Download my free Top Ten Most Requested Digital Marketing Tasks & Services to see what clients are hiring for right now.

Most freelancers discover their real rates are 30% to 50% lower than they think. I’m breaking down the math behind real freelancer rates in 2026. If you think you're making $50 an hour, you're likely making much less when you factor in the "just a quick question" Slack messages and the administrative black hole of invoicing. This episode is a reality check to help you face your numbers and stop trading your sanity for $15 an hour. Knowing your numbers is power, and knowing your numbers is profit. It’s time to find out if your business is actually sustainable or if you’re just paying for the privilege of being busy. Listen to learn more about How to calculate your minimal acceptable rate (MAR) so you know exactly when to say no to a low-balling clientThe math behind your Effective Hourly Rate per client and why tracking non-billable hours is the only way to see your real profitWhy you need to stop acting like a commodity and start using value-based pricing for your packagesHow to identify "hidden time killers" like scope creep and those never-ending meetings that eat your margins Stop guessing and start tracking your effective hourly rate so you can stop working for "Chick-fil-A wages" and start building a profitable business that respects your time. Sponsored by Wispr Flow* Write and prompt faster with this voice-to-text AI tool that turns speech into clear, polished writing in every app. I’m using Wispr Flow to talk out emails, client replies, and AI prompts instead of typing everything. It’s one of my top tech tool recommendations and a real time-saver in my “4 hours of prime work time” mom life. Try Wispr Flow here* *my affiliate link Links Mentioned: Join us for The Premium Package Workshop: A two-hour live intensive where we’ll build your expert-level packages and set your 2026 pricing that positions you as the obvious choice. I’m teaching you the exact framework I use in my private consulting sessions to help service providers go from hourly scrambling to confident, professional pricing they can actually stand behind. February 26, 11am-1pm ET 👉 Save your spot here 👈 (only 25 spots available)Scale your marketing business with a community that has your back: If you have the skills but need more clients and a tighter network, join us in the Digital Marketer’s Workgroup. We’re a close-knit group of freelancers sharing job leads, advanced marketing trainings, and the kind of "in-the-trenches" support you can't find in a Google search. Apply here!Toggl and Clockify: Popular free time trackers for freelancers to monitor billable hours and calculate project profitability.Megan Hale: Founder of DreamMoney™️and she did a Financial Forecasting training in our Workgroup. Connect with Emily: Instagram: @emilyreaganpr Facebook: @emilyreaganprYouTube: Emily ReaganAsk Emily Anything here > Grow your freelance business inside the Digital Marketer’s Workgroup: Apply to join our tight-knit community for advanced training, ongoing support, troubleshooting, and exclusive job leads. > Enroll in the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School: Learn in-demand, tactical digital marketing skills on your own time so you can move beyond admin work and offer high-value marketing services. > Hire a Digital Marketing Assistant: Submit your job posting and I’ll share it with the skilled & vetted freelancers in our Workgroup. > Download my free Top Ten Most Requested Digital Marketing Tasks & Services to see what clients are hiring for right now.

We’re in the middle of a trust recession. It’s totally changing everything about buyer behavior and marketing in 2026. Selling feels slower and more personal. And maybe a little heavier than it used to. If you’ve been feeling that shift, you’re not doing anything wrong. In this episode, I’m sitting down with my friend Sheri Moise, and she offers a really refreshing (and honestly relieving) reframe that every freelancer and service provider needs right now. We talk about why so many old marketing tactics just aren’t landing anymore, and what actually builds trust, authority, and momentum in a much more discerning market. Sheri Moise is an Intuitive Business Astrologer and Strategist who helps entrepreneurs plan, launch, and lead using timing and data rather than guesswork. With over 25 years in corporate sales and marketing, Sheri brings a practical, grounded lens to astrology—focusing on audience readiness, market cycles, and decision-making. She’s known for helping clients see what’s coming next and respond strategically instead of reactively. Listen to learn more about Why the trust recession is actually a wisdom evolutionHow buyer behavior in 2026 is changing (and why slower isn’t bad)The shift from know-like-trust to trust-first marketingWhy guru-style marketing is collapsingHow freelancers can build authority without hype or pressure Freelancers and service providers, it’s time to stop running the same tired marketing playbook. This conversation shows what actually works with buyers in 2026. Sponsored by The Digital Marketer’s Workgroup Already doing marketing work and ready for more clients and better referrals? Join a supportive, tight-knit community of freelancers where you’ll get behind-the-scenes conversations, ongoing support, advanced training, and exclusive job leads. Apply here! Links Mentioned in Show: Grab Sheri’s Success Planet Diagnostic for 50% off with code: Unicorn. You’ll get a personalized PDF report that shows how your internal operating system works in business. It helps you understand your natural timing, decision-making rhythm, and pacing so you can plan and move forward without pressure or guesswork. Connect with Sheri: Instagram: @sherimoiseYouTube: Astrology for Business Success with Sheri MoiseFacebook: Sheri Moise Astro BizWebsite: http://sherimoise.com/ Connect with Emily: Instagram: @emilyreaganpr Facebook: @emilyreaganprYouTube: Emily ReaganAsk Emily Anything here > Grow your freelance business inside the Digital Marketer’s Workgroup: Apply to join our tight-knit community for advanced training, ongoing support, troubleshooting, and exclusive job leads. > Enroll in the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School: Learn in-demand, tactical digital marketing skills on your own time so you can move beyond admin work and offer high-value marketing services. > Hire a Digital Marketing Assistant: Submit your job posting and I’ll share it with the skilled & vetted freelancers in our Workgroup. > Download my free Top Ten Most Requested Digital Marketing Tasks & Services to see what clients are hiring for right now.

The online marketing industry is shifting in 2026. And no, it’s not collapsing. It’s maturing. In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s actually happening behind the scenes, why panic isn’t the move, and how freelance service providers and implementers are more valuable than ever in this next phase. Listen to learn more about: Why the online marketing industry is NOT dyingWhat big-name course closures really signal (and what they don’t)Why implementation beats information in today’s marketHow freelancers can move into fractional roles and higher-value workWhat buyers expect now and how to meet that demand confidently 2026 will be about alignment. If you’ve been feeling unsettled, confused, or questioning your place as a service provider in the industry, this episode will ground you and show you exactly where opportunity still exists. Sponsored by The Digital Marketer’s Workgroup Already doing marketing work and ready for more clients and better referrals? Join a supportive, tight-knit community of freelancers where you’ll get behind-the-scenes conversations, ongoing support, advanced training, and exclusive job leads. Apply here! Links Mentioned in Show: Natalie Gingrich’s 2026 State of the Union for Service Providers: We’re reflecting on 2025 and discussing the most significant shifts service providers experienced.Check out my full Freelance Job Report 2025 and stop guessing what services to offer. This list shows what businesses consistently hire for: marketing implementation, tech setup, and content support — real data straight from 3,000+ job opps posted in our Workgroup.#260 How Service Providers Can Confidently Sell High-Ticket Offers with Stacey Brass-Russell#249 The Authority Framework: How Freelance Marketing Assistants Can Build Visibility with Rob Marsh (part of our Visibility Series)#242 Mastering Automated ManyChat Funnels with Katy Widrick Connect with Emily: Instagram: @emilyreaganpr Facebook: @emilyreaganprYouTube: Emily ReaganAsk Emily Anything here > Grow your freelance business inside the Digital Marketer’s Workgroup: Apply to join our tight-knit community for advanced training, ongoing support, troubleshooting, and exclusive job leads. > Enroll in the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School: Learn in-demand, tactical digital marketing skills on your own time so you can move beyond admin work and offer high-value marketing services. > Hire a Digital Marketing Assistant: Submit your job posting and I’ll share it with the skilled & vetted freelancers in our Workgroup. > Download my free Top Ten Most Requested Digital Marketing Tasks & Services to see what clients are hiring for right now.

Feel like you’re doing everything right as a service provider, but your freelancer business still hasn’t caught up? You know what to do, believe you deserve better clients and higher rates, but still default to playing small. It’s time for an identity reset, especially as you wrap up the year and think about what needs to change in 2026. In this episode, Mindi Huebner and I dive into identity resets and mindset shifts for freelancers and the pre-strategy strategy behind attracting better clients and charging like the expert you already are. Mindi Huebner is the go-to Subconscious Success Alchemist for high-achieving women when success feels heavy. She’s a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Certified NLP Practitioner, and creator of the 24 Karat Identity™ framework, a rapid identity alignment process that helps women shed conditioning, release the pressure to prove, and lead with self-trust. With hundreds of podcast and summit appearances, Mindi is known for blending neuroscience and intuition to unlock exponential growth and authentic leadership. Listen to learn more about: Why mindset isn’t enough without identity alignmentThe pre-strategy strategy freelancers skip and why it mattersThe four success-blocking identities keeping freelancers stuckHow subconscious patterns sabotage SMART goalsWhat it really means to step into your 24-karat self Notice what this conversation brings up for you. Don't ask WHY you keep doing it. Ask WHAT is making this hard. Mindi says, "Micro shifts make massive change"—this is how you close the identity gap between who you are and who you want to become. Sponsored by The Digital Marketer’s Workgroup  Are you already doing marketing work but need more clients and a stronger referral network? Join our tight-knit community of freelancers and get access to behind-the-scenes conversations, support, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. Plus, you’ll benefit from advanced trainings, networking opportunities, and exclusive job leads. Apply here! Links Mentioned in the Show: Book a free 15-minute Identity Call with Mindi to uncover what your subconscious is really wired for and where misalignment may be holding you back. You’ll identify the patterns shaping how you lead and get clarity on what alignment could look like next.Take Mindi’s free Subconscious CEO Identity Quiz to reveal the hidden pattern running your business. In just a few minutes, you’ll see what’s driving your decisions, spot the gap between where you are and where you want to be, and receive a guided audio reset to help you step into your next-level identity right away. Connect with Mindi: Instagram: @mindihuebner Facebook: Mindi Huebner-Subconscious Success AlchemistWebsite: http://mindihuebner.com/  Connect with Emily: Instagram: @emilyreaganpr Facebook: @emilyreaganprYouTube: Emily Reagan Ask Emily Anything here 3 ways we can work together:  Need to build your digital marketing skills and set up solid workflows so you can confidently put yourself out there for freelance work? Get on the waitlist for the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School where you'll learn in-demand marketing implementation skills to launch or grow your work-from-home business. I also share job leads directly with students, making this a true gateway to flexible, meaningful freelance work. Ready to get started sooner? You can jump into the self-study program right now.Already doing marketing work and have a few clients? Want a stronger referral network? Apply for our Digital Marketer’s Workgroup—a tight-knit community of freelancers just like you. Inside, you'll get behind-the-scenes support, advanced trainings, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. Plus, I’ve shared over 3,000 job opportunities with this group—exclusive leads you won’t find anywhere else. If you're ready to grow your business and connect with a supportive network, join us here!Looking to hire a Digital Marketing Assistant? If you want to expand your team & grow your business, submit your job opportunity here. I'll share it with the skilled unicorn marketing assistants inside my workgroup totally free.   >>> Download my Top Ten Most Requested Digital Marketing Tasks & Services 

Jan 27-29, 2026 - Become an OBM during Sarah Noked's Confident OBM®. save your seat here. The Online Business Manager role is exploding and for good reason. More entrepreneurs want leadership, strategy, and someone who can own operations instead of just checking off tasks. In this episode, we’re diving into how to become an OBM – a role that so many VAs and freelance service providers naturally grow into. And if you’ve been feeling tugged toward leadership or higher-value strategy work, Sarah Noked is here to shorten your learning curve. She breaks down everything from real pricing to red flags to the unsexy parts of the job. Sarah Noked is the founder of OBM School, where she trains service providers to become skilled Online Business Managers. She also leads a thriving OBM agency that pairs entrepreneurs with the operational support they need to scale. Her CPD-accredited program is one of the most recognized paths for freelancers ready to level up into a true operations leader. Listen to learn more about: How to become an OBM and how to know if you’re secretly already doing the workReal talk about OBM hourly and retainer pricing Why VAs burn out, and how the OBM role solves (and sometimes creates) different problemsRed flags, green flags, and the actual responsibilities of the OBM roleWhat kind of clients are the best fit for an OBM If you realized you’re already doing half the OBM job, this episode will give you the trade secrets and next steps you need to fully claim that role. Sponsored by The Digital Marketer’s Workgroup Are you already doing marketing work but need more clients and a stronger referral network? Join our tight-knit community of freelancers and get access to behind-the-scenes conversations, support, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. Plus, you’ll benefit from advanced trainings, networking opportunities, and exclusive job leads. Apply here! Links Mentioned in the Show: Grab Sarah’s FREE OBM Starter Kit*: for VAs or Online Service Professionals ready to be seen as an indispensable OBM. Discover the tools, tips, and tech to bring your OBM business to life.Already doing OBM-level work? Sarah’s OBM Accreditation course* is the premium, CPD-accredited certification program—six months of high-level coaching, digital badges, and the full OBM framework to help you step into the role with authority.Sarah also has a smaller course: OBM Accelerator* is the perfect starting point for service pros who want to explore the OBM role, build foundational skills, and launch an OBM business using a proven “business in a box” approach before diving into full accreditation. Looking to hire an Online Business Manager? Submit your job opp at hireaunicorn.com and I’ll share it with my Workgroup community of vetted freelance marketers. Or browse our Workgroup Directory to find skilled pros across marketing, admin, tech, creative work, and more. *my affiliate links Connect with Sarah: Instagram: @sarahnoked @theobmschoolFacebook: Sarah Noked OBM OBM School Website: http://sarahnoked.com/ Connect with Emily: Instagram: @emilyreaganpr Facebook: @emilyreaganprYouTube: Emily Reagan Ask Emily Anything here 3 ways we can work together: Need to build your digital marketing skills and set up solid workflows so you can confidently put yourself out there for freelance work? Get on the waitlist for the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School where you'll learn in-demand marketing implementation skills to launch or grow your work-from-home business. I also share job leads directly with students, making this a true gateway to flexible, meaningful freelance work. Ready to get started sooner? You can jump into the self-study program right now.Already doing marketing work and have a few clients? Want a stronger referral network? Apply for our Digital Marketer’s Workgroup—a tight-knit community of freelancers just like you. Inside, you'll get behind-the-scenes support, advanced trainings, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. Plus, I’ve shared over 3,000 job opportunities with this group—exclusive leads you won’t find anywhere else. If you're ready to grow your business and connect with a supportive network, join us here!Looking to hire a Digital Marketing Assistant? If you want to expand your team & grow your business, submit your job opportunity here. I'll share it with the skilled unicorn marketing assistants inside my workgroup totally free. >>> Download my Top Ten Most Requested Digital Marketing Tasks & Services

We hear the corporate escape stories all the time. What we don’t hear as often is what happens after. My guest built a stronger, smarter, and more aligned freelance marketing business on the other side of it.  That’s why I loved this conversation with Tyneshia Dise. She walked away from a high-pressure corporate sales role after hitting burnout, went back to school for a marketing degree, and slowly built her agency through networking, internships, referrals, and showing up online long before it felt comfortable. Today, she leads a team of four and runs her business with solid onboarding, real systems, clear communication, and regular client check-ins. And inside our Workgroup, she’s already booked 6 out of 10 discovery calls and landed a client that gave her a 4x ROI. Tyneshia is the founder of The Innovative Design Group and a digital marketing strategist with 20 years in sales and marketing, specializing in helping service-based business owners refine their message, build standout websites, and create campaigns that drive measurable growth. Listen to learn more about: How Tyneshia used her corporate sales background to build a thriving freelance marketing agencyWhy emotionally-driven messaging is the secret weapon behind stronger conversionsHow to improve your discovery calls using active listening & buyer insightsWhat freelancers get wrong about DIY marketing and how to fix itThe systems, onboarding, and client experience shifts that helped her scale Tyneshia’s growth came from intention and experience. Tune in because her story is a powerful example of what’s possible when you mix skill, strategy, and community support. Sponsored by The Digital Marketer’s Workgroup  Are you already doing marketing work but need more clients and a stronger referral network? Join our tight-knit community of freelancers and get access to behind-the-scenes conversations, support, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. Plus, you’ll benefit from advanced trainings, networking opportunities, and exclusive job leads. Apply here! Links Mentioned in the Show:  Grab Tyneshia’s Free Email Marketing Guide: If you want your emails to land, not just send, Tyneshia’s free 67-page e-book is a must. It teaches freelancers and VAs how to clarify their message, write emails that resonate, and build automations that feel personal, not robotic. Perfect for anyone managing client newsletters, funnels, or retention campaigns. Connect with Tyneshia: Instagram: @innovativedesign_cleFacebook: The Innovative Design Group_CLEWebsite: https://theinnovativedesigngroup.com/  Connect with Emily: Facebook Community: Emily’s Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant LabInstagram: @emilyreaganpr Facebook: @emilyreaganprYouTube: Emily Reagan Ask Emily Anything: https://www.speakpipe.com/unicornsunite  3 ways we can work together:  Need to build your digital marketing skills and set up solid workflows so you can confidently put yourself out there for freelance work? Get on the waitlist for the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School where you'll learn in-demand marketing implementation skills to launch or grow your work-from-home business. I also share job leads directly with students, making this a true gateway to flexible, meaningful freelance work. Ready to get started sooner? You can jump into the self-study program right now.Already doing marketing work and have a few clients? Want a stronger referral network? Apply for our Digital Marketer’s Workgroup—a tight-knit community of freelancers just like you. Inside, you'll get behind-the-scenes support, advanced trainings, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. Plus, I’ve shared over 3,000 job opportunities with this group—exclusive leads you won’t find anywhere else. If you're ready to grow your business and connect with a supportive network, join us here!Looking to hire a Digital Marketing Assistant? If you want to expand your team & grow your business, submit your job opportunity here. I'll share it with the skilled unicorn marketing assistants inside my workgroup totally free.   >>> Download my Top Ten Most Requested Digital Marketing Tasks & Services 

Black Friday is around the corner, and if your product-based clients aren’t ready with their e-commerce marketing, it’s not too late. Progress over perfection is the name of the game. In this episode, I’m joined by Business Strategist Carlyn Bushman to talk about e-commerce marketing, Shopify strategy, and how freelancers like you can confidently support product-based clients heading into Q4. We’re breaking down what’s actually working in today’s noisy e-com world, like using Shopify data, SMS campaigns, and smart AI tools, so you can bring real strategy to your clients. Carlyn Bushman is the founder of Carlyn Bushman Consulting and the powerhouse behind POP Academy—a no-fluff, all-strategy learning hub for product-based business owners who want to scale smart and stay profitable. With a background in corporate leadership and deep expertise in business strategy, she’s obsessed with helping founders ditch the guesswork, master their numbers, and finally build the business they’ve been dreaming about with practical tools, real talk, and data that actually drives growth. Listen to learn more about: How to use Shopify analytics and Sidekick AI to plan smarter Q4 promotionsWhy SMS marketing is outperforming email (and how to start small)Real talk on omni-channel marketing and what “being everywhere” actually meansTips for creating multiple day-of promos for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber MondayHow freelance marketers can support e-commerce clients with data-driven strategy and execution This episode gives you the exact tools, talking points, and tactics to confidently show up for your product-based clients and turn their data into measurable sales growth. Sponsored by The Digital Marketer’s Workgroup  Are you already doing marketing work but need more clients and a stronger referral network? Join our tight-knit community of freelancers and get access to behind-the-scenes conversations, support, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. Plus, you’ll benefit from advanced trainings, networking opportunities, and exclusive job leads. Apply here! Links Mentioned in the Show:  Grab Carlyn’s FREE Grant Resource List here. Carlyn took care of the research, so you can focus on applying. Get access to grant opportunities up to $100,000 covering startup support, industry-specific capital, and opportunities for creatives, women-owned brands, and beyond. Grants are added weekly, so bookmark it and keep it on hand to reference all year long!Watch our video in Carlyn’s Founder Series: Marketing That's Actually Working in 2025 with Emily ReaganThe Mom Test by Rob Fitzpatrick Connect with Carlyn: Instagram: @carlynbushmanconsulting Facebook: CMB BrandsWebsite: https://carlynbushmanconsulting.com/  Connect with Emily: Facebook Community: Emily’s Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant LabInstagram: @emilyreaganpr Facebook: @emilyreaganprYouTube: Emily Reagan Ask Emily Anything: https://www.speakpipe.com/unicornsunite  3 ways we can work together:  Need to build your digital marketing skills and set up solid workflows so you can confidently put yourself out there for freelance work? Get on the waitlist for the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School where you'll learn in-demand marketing implementation skills to launch or grow your work-from-home business. I also share job leads directly with students, making this a true gateway to flexible, meaningful freelance work. Ready to get started sooner? You can jump into the self-study program right now.Already doing marketing work and have a few clients? Want a stronger referral network? Apply for our Digital Marketer’s Workgroup—a tight-knit community of freelancers just like you. Inside, you'll get behind-the-scenes support, advanced trainings, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. Plus, I’ve shared over 3,000 job opportunities with this group—exclusive leads you won’t find anywhere else. If you're ready to grow your business and connect with a supportive network, join us here!Looking to hire a Digital Marketing Assistant? If you want to expand your team & grow your business, submit your job opportunity here. I'll share it with the skilled unicorn marketing assistants inside my workgroup totally free.   >>> Download my Top Ten Most Requested Digital Marketing Tasks & Services

If you haven’t listened yet, here are Part 1 and Part 2 of our replay: 7 Ways to Land Clients. Landing clients as a freelancer starts with visibility that feels genuine. When you show up with purpose, speak your clients’ language, and stay consistent, opportunities start finding you. This is Part 3 of our live event 7 Ways to Land Clients, featuring freelance marketers from our Digital Marketer’s Workgroup. They’re sharing exactly how they position themselves online with Facebook groups, lead follow-ups, and peer referrals—without the burnout or “pick me” energy. Brittany Gardner shares how showing up consistently in Facebook groups led to a 1,766% ROI, steady word-of-mouth referrals, and clients who now come to her.Liz Cruz breaks down her strategy for following up with warm leads and positioning herself as the go-to expert, resulting in over $10K in booked client work in a single month.Keri McDonnell brings insight into building long-term relationships and staying visible in the right communities, proving the power of genuine connection and consistency. Listen to learn more about: How to show up in Facebook groups and attract clients without sounding desperateThe “long-game” strategy that turns community engagement into steady referralsFollowing up with warm leads and position yourself as the obvious choiceThe secret to client retention and referrals through professionalism and consistency If you’re ready to stop chasing clients and start attracting them, this episode shows you the proven, human-centered way to do it.  Enroll now: The Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School Admin work is getting automated, but marketing? That’s in demand everywhere. UDMA School is the only program that teaches you the exact skills clients are searching for: email marketing, funnels, SEO, social media, and even AI tools. You’ll learn how to do the high-value work that pays $35, $45, even $50+ an hour, plus get live support and access to a network of clients who need your skills. Class starts October 30. Don’t stay stuck in low-paying admin work. Step into the skills businesses really need. >>Enroll here at udmaschool.com Links Mentioned in the Show:  Already doing client work? Join Our Digital Marketer’s Workgroup: a tight-knit community of freelancers and get access to behind-the-scenes conversations, support, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. You’ll benefit from advanced trainings, member-only discounts, networking opportunities, and exclusive job leads. Apply at marketersworkgroup.com Connect with Brittany: www.brittanygardnercreative.com @brittanygardnercreative Brittany Story: Overcoming Perfectionism and Embracing Challenges as a Freelancer #181 Connect with Liz: @cruzsocialco Connect with Keri: @prowessbusinessvirtualservicesFrom Corporate to Small Business Owner to UDMA School #101 Connect with Emily: Facebook Community: Emily’s Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant LabInstagram: @emilyreaganpr Facebook: @emilyreaganprYouTube: Emily Reagan Ask Emily Anything: https://www.speakpipe.com/unicornsunite  3 ways we can work together:  Need to build your digital marketing skills and set up solid workflows so you can confidently put yourself out there for freelance work? Get on the waitlist for the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School where you'll learn in-demand marketing implementation skills to launch or grow your work-from-home business. I also share job leads directly with students, making this a true gateway to flexible, meaningful freelance work. Ready to get started sooner? You can jump into the self-starter program right now.Already doing marketing work and have a few clients? Want a stronger referral network? Apply for our Digital Marketer’s Workgroup—a tight-knit community of freelancers just like you. Inside, you'll get behind-the-scenes support, advanced trainings, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. Plus, I’ve shared over 3,000 job opportunities with this group—exclusive leads you won’t find anywhere else. If you're ready to grow your business and connect with a supportive network, join us here!Looking to hire a Digital Marketing Assistant? If you want to expand your team & grow your business, submit your job opportunity here. I'll share it with the skilled unicorn marketing assistants inside my workgroup totally free.   >>> Download my Top Ten Most Requested Digital Marketing Tasks & Services 

If you missed it, here’s Part 1 of our live event replay: 7 Ways to Land Clients. This episode is Part 2, and I’m joined by three of our Workgroup members share how they consistently book clients without cold pitching or chasing leads. We’re talking about the real strategies that work—building genuine relationships, growing your reputation, and showing up with visibility that gets noticed. Angela Kiszka shares how genuine relationships and clear positioning as a funnel strategist built her referral-fueled business, where clients come straight from name drops.Janelle Harlan reveals how podcast guesting and bundle collaborations led to multiple long-term clients (including a $50K retainer) by owning her niche in email and ActiveCampaign.Connie Hurlburt breaks down how relationship marketing with her network and follow-through keep her booked with repeat clients who trust her expertise. Listen to learn more about: The power of relationships and reputation that bring in repeat clientsVisibility opportunities that actually convert to paid projectsPositioning and niching so people instantly know what you doThe mindset shift from chasing clients to attracting them naturally If you’re tired of chasing clients and ready to have them come to you, this episode will show you what’s possible when you build genuine relationships and step into visibility. Enroll now: The Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School Admin work is getting automated, but marketing? That’s in demand everywhere. UDMA School is the only program that teaches you the exact skills clients are searching for: email marketing, funnels, SEO, social media, and even AI tools. You’ll learn how to do the high-value work that pays $35, $45, even $50+ an hour, plus get live support and access to a network of clients who need your skills. Doors open October 23. Class starts October 30. Don’t stay stuck in low-paying admin work. Step into the skills businesses really need. >>Enroll here at udmaschool.com Links Mentioned in the Show:  Already doing client work? Join Our Digital Marketer’s Workgroup: a tight-knit community of freelancers and get access to behind-the-scenes conversations, support, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. You’ll benefit from advanced trainings, member-only discounts, networking opportunities, and exclusive job leads. Apply at marketersworkgroup.comListen to Part 1: How to Land Freelance Clients Using Warm Leads, Directories, and Client Referrals #268 Connect with Angela: www.crystalclearfunnels.com@angelakiszkaFive Funnel Fixes: How To Avoid Common Funnel Building Mistakes with Angela Kiszka #243 Connect with Janelle: https://janelleharlan.com/ @janelleharlan1How to Personalize the Customer Journey with ActiveCampaign Specialist Janelle Harlan #228 Connect with Connie: @connie.s.hurlburt Connect with Emily: Facebook Community: Emily’s Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant LabInstagram: @emilyreaganpr Facebook: @emilyreaganprYouTube: Emily Reagan Ask Emily Anything: https://www.speakpipe.com/unicornsunite  3 ways we can work together:  Need to build your digital marketing skills and set up solid workflows so you can confidently put yourself out there for freelance work? Get on the waitlist for the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School where you'll learn in-demand marketing implementation skills to launch or grow your work-from-home business. I also share job leads directly with students, making this a true gateway to flexible, meaningful freelance work. Ready to get started sooner? You can jump into the self-starter program right now.Already doing marketing work and have a few clients? Want a stronger referral network? Apply for our Digital Marketer’s Workgroup—a tight-knit community of freelancers just like you. Inside, you'll get behind-the-scenes support, advanced trainings, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. Plus, I’ve shared over 3,000 job opportunities with this group—exclusive leads you won’t find anywhere else. If you're ready to grow your business and connect with a supportive network, join us here!Looking to hire a Digital Marketing Assistant? If you want to expand your team & grow your business, submit your job opportunity here. I'll share it with the skilled unicorn marketing assistants inside my workgroup totally free.   >>> Download my Top Ten Most Requested Digital Marketing Tasks & Services 

Wondering how to get freelance clients without cold DMs, awkward pitches, or job board burnout? Welcome to Part 1 of our live event replay: 7 Ways to Land Clients. A panel of talented freelancers joins me to share the real strategies that helped them attract clients through warm leads, online directories, and word-of-mouth referrals. My guest speakers are Workgroup members who’ve mastered the art of visibility and positioning. They break down how they built trust, refined their messaging, and leveraged relationships to create steady, high-quality client pipelines. Katie Fisher shares how our Workgroup directory & a Kajabi certification led to multiple high-value projects and affiliate income.Robyn Stoney walks us through her 27x ROI warm lead strategy using personalized, short pitch emails that actually get replies.Stacy Covitz and Esai Arasi add insight into how to get freelance clients by nurturing relationships that lead to more referrals. Listen to learn more about: How to get freelance clients through specialized directoriesThe importance of positioning, proof, and why your marketing assets matterHow to combat the “trust recession” with testimonials, case studies, and portfoliosHow to turn a warm lead into a retainer clientHow to grow through referrals, community, and client results This isn’t theory — it’s what’s working right now for real freelancers inside our community. Listen in and get inspired to position yourself where the clients are already looking. FREE Live  Masterclass: How to Build a Freelance Marketing Business You Actually Love Calling all virtual assistants and marketing pros ready to stop doing random admin work and start offering strategic marketing services clients happily pay $35–$150/hour for. Join us for my free masterclass “How to Build a Freelance Marketing Business You Actually Love (And Pays Well)” on October 23. You’ll learn how to package your strengths, position yourself like a pro, and finally step into work that lights you up. >>Save your seat here! Links Mentioned in the Show:  The Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School isn’t your average VA setup course. It’s the only program that teaches the real marketing skills clients actually pay for—email, funnels, SEO, social media, even AI. In just 16 weeks, you’ll go from “just a VA” to a confident digital marketing pro with a portfolio to prove it. Doors open October 23. Class starts October 30. Save your spot at udmaschool.comJoin Our Digital Marketer’s Workgroup: a tight-knit community of freelancers and get access to behind-the-scenes conversations, support, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. Plus, you’ll benefit from advanced trainings, networking opportunities, and exclusive job leads. Apply at marketersworkgroup.com Connect with Katie: www.katiefisher.co @Katiefisher_co  Connect with Robyn: https://robynthebrilliant.com/ @robynthebrilliant How Leveraging Sales Funnels on a Small Scale Pays Big with Robyn Stoney #225 Connect with Stacy: https://stacycovitz.com @stacyacovitz Connect with Easi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esaiarasi/@socialkatalyst Esai Arasi’s Freelancer Story: From Corporate HR to Growing a Digital Service Agency #183 Connect with Emily: Facebook Community: Emily’s Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant LabInstagram: @emilyreaganpr Facebook: @emilyreaganprYouTube: Emily Reagan Ask Emily Anything: https://www.speakpipe.com/unicornsunite  3 ways we can work together:  Need to build your digital marketing skills and set up solid workflows so you can confidently put yourself out there for freelance work? Get on the waitlist for the Unicorn Digital Marketing Assistant School where you'll learn in-demand marketing implementation skills to launch or grow your work-from-home business. I also share job leads directly with students, making this a true gateway to flexible, meaningful freelance work. Ready to get started sooner? You can jump into the self-starter program right now.Already doing marketing work and have a few clients? Want a stronger referral network? Apply for our Digital Marketer’s Workgroup—a tight-knit community of freelancers just like you. Inside, you'll get behind-the-scenes support, advanced trainings, and troubleshooting that every solo marketer needs. Plus, I’ve shared over 3,000 job opportunities with this group—exclusive leads you won’t find anywhere else. If you're ready to grow your business and connect with a supportive network, join us here!Looking to hire a Digital Marketing Assistant? If you want to expand your team & grow your business, submit your job opportunity here. I'll share it with the skilled unicorn marketing assistants inside my workgroup totally free.   >>> Download my Top Ten Most Requested Digital Marketing Tasks & Services