The Blogger Genius Podcast

Download my free guide to discover the 6 powerful triggers that turn your product into a must-have and make people want to buy it. 🚀 ==> milotree.com/triggers In my first episode of 2025, I sat down with Bjork Ostrom, co-founder of the renowned food blog Pinch of Yum and the online membership site and podcast Food Blogger Pro. Our conversation delves deep into the evolving landscape of food blogging and content creation. Show Notes: MiloTree Pinch of Yum Food Blogger Pro 6 Purchasing Triggers Download The 3 AI Prompts You Need to Create a Freebie Cheatsheet Join The Blogger Genius Newsletter Become a Blogger Genius Facebook Group Subscribe to the Blogger Genius Podcast: iTunes YouTube Spotify The Genesis of Pinch of Yum Bjork and Lindsay's journey began with a synergy of complementary skills. Lindsay's passion for social media, recipe development, and photography meshed perfectly with Bjork's focus on business growth and search engine optimization (SEO). This combination allowed them to build a successful platform, even though they didn’t initially plan it that way Actionable Advice: Identify Complementary Skills: If you're working with a partner, identify and leverage each other's strengths. This can create a balanced and effective approach to content creation and business growth. Celebrate Small Wins: In the early stages, celebrate small milestones like gaining a few visitors or making your first dollar. This iterative process can help you stay motivated and recognize progress. The Importance of Adaptability Embracing Change and New Opportunities Bjork and I emphasize the importance of being open to change and adapting to new opportunities. I liken building a business to mining for gold, where entrepreneurs dig deeper when they find promising signs. This mindset of exploration and adaptability is crucial for long-term success. Actionable Advice: Stay Open to Shifts: While it's essential to pursue what you love, remain flexible and responsive to market needs. This can lead to unexpected success. Experiment and Pivot: Don't be afraid to test new ideas and pivot based on feedback and results. The ability to adapt is a significant advantage in the ever-changing digital landscape. Outside-In vs. Inside-Out Business Building I advise against building a business solely based on a personal idea without validating it through feedback. This "outside-in" approach contrasts with "inside-out" business building, where one assumes their idea will resonate with everyone Actionable Advice: Seek Input from Others: Before investing significant time and resources, discuss your ideas with others to gain insights and refine concepts. This can help you identify genuine market needs and avoid costly mistakes. Engage in Conversations: By engaging in conversations with your audience and peers, you can gather diverse perspectives that help shape your ideas into something viable. The Role of Community and Collaboration Bjork emphasizes that building a successful business often requires a diverse set of skills. Entrepreneurs may possess some of these skills but will likely need to surround themselves with others who can fill in the gaps. This collaborative approach enhances the quality of the work and fosters a supportive network. Actionable Advice: Collaborate with Others: Surround yourself with individuals who complement your skills and can provide valuable feedback and encouragement. Engage with Your Community: Building a community around your content can provide support, feedback, and opportunities for growth. The Evolution of Content Creation Bjork reflects on how the food blogging industry has evolved from sharing simple recipes to creating comprehensive guides that cover every aspect of a topic. This shift was driven by SEO strategies, but recent updates have shifted the focus back to more human-centric content. Actionable Advice: Focus on Quality Content: While SEO is important, prioritize creating valuable and engaging content that resonates with your audience. Incorporate Personal Storytelling: The next phase of food blogging will prioritize personal storytelling and connection over mere information exchange. Share your unique voice and experiences to build genuine connections with your audience. The Impact of AI on Content Creation Leveraging AI for Efficiency and Creativity Bjork and I discuss the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in their creative processes. We find AI to be an invaluable tool for brainstorming, refining ideas, and streamlining tasks. While AI may not replace jobs, those who effectively utilize AI will have a competitive advantage. Actionable Advice: Use AI as a Tool: Incorporate AI tools to enhance your productivity and creativity. AI can help with content generation, organization, and analysis. Blend Human Creativity with AI: The future of content creation will involve a blend of human creativity and AI assistance. Use AI to handle repetitive tasks, allowing you to focus on creative and strategic aspects. The Future of Food Blogging Bjork notes that many creators have experienced significant drops in traffic due to algorithm updates, making it harder to build a successful online presence. He encourages aspiring bloggers to adopt a holistic approach to their business, utilizing various platforms and strategies to create compelling content. Actionable Advice: Diversify Your Platforms: Don't rely solely on one platform for traffic and revenue. Utilize social media, podcasts, and other forms of content to reach a broader audience. Stay Informed and Adapt: Keep up with industry trends and algorithm changes. Be prepared to adapt your strategies to maintain and grow your online presence. Conclusion By focusing on quality content, building genuine connections with your audience, and remaining adaptable in the face of industry changes, you can position yourself for success in the dynamic world of food blogging. Embrace the tools and resources available to you, foster a mindset of experimentation, and continue to innovate in your content creation journey. Other Related Blogger Genius Podcast episodes You’ll Enjoy: Digital Products for Food Bloggers: How to Turn Recipes into Revenue New Strategies to Unlock Pinterest Success in 2025 with Kate Ahl The Essential Mindset Shift Every Blogger Needs for 2025 with Jenny Melrose MiloTree, the Easiest Tool for Non-Techies to Sell Digital Products and Grow Your Audience I also want to introduce you to the MiloTree, a tool designed for non-techies to sell digital products easily. It comes with features like AI-generated sales pages, check-out pages, a sales dashboard, upsells, and customer support. With MiloTree, setting up your products takes less than five minutes, and you can start generating income without any hassle. Plus, MiloTree offers unlimited freebies and lead magnets to grow your email list, and social media pop-ups to increase your followers, all in one place. Sign up today and get your first 30 days free to see how easy it is to start selling your own digital products and growing your audience with MiloTree!    

🎯 Looking to sell digital products in 2025? 🚀 Sign up for MiloTree for free, set up your first product or freebie in just 5 minutes, and experience how crazy simple it is—head to milotree.com to get started! ✨ This is a rebroadcast episode of my conversation with SEO expert and DJ, Lily Ray. If you are looking for successful SEO strategies today, this is the episode for you! Show Notes: MiloTree Lily Ray Join My Blogger Genius Email List Become a Blogger Genius Facebook Group All Blogger Genius Podcast Episodes The SEO Landscape: Decoding Google’s Algorithm Updates What are essential SEO strategies for success today? In this episode of The Blogger Genius Podcast, we delve into the recent Google algorithm updates that have sent shockwaves through the blogging community. Lily Ray, a seasoned SEO strategist, sheds light on what Google is seeking and how to adapt to these changes. We discuss the importance of expanding your digital footprint, embracing platforms like YouTube, and creating content that resonates with your audience and Google’s algorithms. Deciphering Google’s Current Mindset Google’s recent updates, particularly the Helpful Content Update. (HCU), have targeted specific types of content, emphasizing expertise, authority, and trust. Lily emphasizes the importance of understanding that these cycles of updates are not new and that recovery from such hits can take time. She encourages publishers to look beyond SEO and consider building a brand that engages with audiences across various platforms. The Plight of Niche Bloggers The impact of Google’s updates on niche bloggers can be devastating, as seen with a Trader Joe’s enthusiast who lost significant traffic overnight. Lily advises affected bloggers to diversify their content and presence, such as starting a YouTube channel, lean into food blogging, or exploring other social media platforms like Pinterest for traffic. This approach can help break free from the patterns that led to being grouped with negatively impacted sites. Embracing AI in Content Creation The rise of AI in content creation presents both opportunities and challenges. Lily cautions against mass auto-generating content, which goes against Google’s guidelines. Instead, she suggests using AI tools judiciously to enhance the content creation process while maintaining originality and value. Final Thoughts and Resources As we conclude our interview, I invite you to revisit the basics with my updated blog post checklist, designed to ensure your posts are thorough and engaging. Download it at milotree.com/blogpostchecklist and continue building the blog and business of your dreams. Join me on this adventure as we navigate the tides of SEO, learn from the experts, and embrace new strategies to thrive in the digital world. Stay tuned for more insights and inspiration on the Blogger Genius podcast. MiloTree, the Best Tool for Non-Techies to Sell Digital Products I also want to introduce you to the MiloTree, software designed for non-techies to sell digital products and grow their audiences easily. It comes with features like fill-in-the-blank sales pages, check-out pages, a sales dashboard, upsells, coupons and excellent customer support. Sign up for free here!

👉 Grow your Email List Fast! Use These 3 AI Prompts to Create an Irresistible Freebie in 10 Minutes.👈 In this latest rebroadcast episode of the Blogger Genius Podcast, I dive into the evolving world of blogging and online entrepreneurship. With the rise of artificial intelligence, frequent changes to Google's algorithms, and a decline in revenue from traditional monetization methods, many bloggers are facing significant challenges. However, here's a roadmap to success with five actionable strategies that can help you thrive in this new environment. Introduction There have been substantial shifts in the blogging and online business. Many bloggers have reported drastic drops in traffic, with some experiencing declines of up to 80 or 90%. The key to overcoming these challenges, lies in two main areas: growing an audience and selling to that audience. If you have "1,000 true fans," and each fan spends $100 on your products or services in a year, you can generate $100,000 in revenue. Show Notes: MiloTreeCart Personality Quiz: What Digital Product Should I Create First? Become a Blogger Genius Facebook Group All Blogger Genius Podcast Episodes Subscribe to the Blogger Genius Podcast: iTunes YouTube Spotify Five Key Strategies for Success Here are the five essential strategies that bloggers and online entrepreneurs should implement to build a successful business without feeling overwhelmed: 1. Define Your Niche Why It Matters: A well-defined niche helps you stand out in a crowded market. It allows you to communicate the specific problems you solve, attracting the right audience. Actionable Tips: Avoid broad categories like "interior design" or "baking." Instead, narrow it down to something more specific, such as "interior design for small urban apartments" or "baking gluten-free desserts for busy parents." Clearly articulate your niche in your blog's tagline, about page, and social media profiles. Regularly revisit and refine your niche based on audience feedback and market trends. Expert Insight: The more specific you are, the easier it is for your audience to understand what you offer and why they should follow you. 2. Build Your Personal Brand Why It Matters: A strong personal brand fosters trust and loyalty among your followers. It differentiates you from competitors and makes your content more relatable. Actionable Tips: Consistently showcase your unique perspectives and how you can help your audience. Share personal stories and experiences, but always tie them back to how they benefit your audience. Use a consistent tone, style, and visual identity across all platforms. Expert Insight: Your personal brand is your "vibe." Connect on a personal level while keeping the focus on improving your audience's lives. 3. Diversify Your Traffic Sources Why It Matters: Relying solely on Google for traffic is no longer viable due to frequent algorithm changes. Diversifying traffic sources reduces risk and increases reach. Actionable Tips: Explore alternative platforms like Pinterest and Instagram. Pinterest is great for driving blog traffic, while Instagram is effective for building a personal brand. Experiment with emerging platforms like Threads, but gather data to assess their effectiveness. Use keywords strategically across all platforms to ensure your content reaches the right audience. Expert Insight: Do not put all your eggs in one basket. Diversifying your traffic sources can help you reach a broader audience and mitigate the impact of changes on any single platform. 4. Grow Your Email List Why It Matters: An email list is essential for building deep relationships with your audience and making sales. It provides a direct line of communication with your followers, independent of platform algorithms. Actionable Tips: Create valuable lead magnets (e.g., eBooks, checklists, webinars) to encourage sign-ups. Use pop-ups, landing pages, and social media to promote your email list. Regularly send valuable content to your subscribers to nurture relationships and build trust. Expert Insight: Here's your sales funnel: blog content and social media attract visitors, but the goal is to move them onto your email list, where you can provide value and nurture relationships. This connection is where true sales happen. 5. Use Simple Tech Tools Why It Matters: Technology can be overwhelming, but simple, effective tools can streamline your workflow and enhance productivity. Accessible and affordable tools can help you achieve your goals without the hassle of complex technology. Actionable Tips: Seek out user-friendly tools that address your specific needs. For example, the MiloTree pop-up app helps grow social media followers and email subscribers. Avoid overcomplicating your tech stack. Focus on tools that offer the most value with the least complexity. Regularly evaluate and update your tools to ensure they continue to meet your needs. Expert Insight: We created MiloTree to find a simple, affordable solution for bloggers and online entrepreneurs to sell digital products and services. We offer a 30-day free trial so you can see for yourself how powerful this is. If you don't think you're ready, I'm going to say jump anyway! Get going! MiloTree, the Best Tool for Non-Techies to Sell Digital Products and Grow Your Audience I also want to introduce you to the MiloTree, a tool designed for non-techies to sell digital products easily. It comes with features like AI-generated sales pages, check-out pages, a sales dashboard, upsells, and customer support. With MiloTree, setting up your products takes less than five minutes, and you can start generating income without any hassle. Plus, MiloTree offers unlimited freebies and lead magnets to grow your email list, and social media pop-ups to increase your followers, all in one place. Sign up today and get your first 30 days free to see how easy it is to start selling your own digital products and growing your audience with MiloTree! Other Related Blogger Genius Podcast episodes You’ll Enjoy: Capitalize on Your “Vibe,” Use It To Grow Your Blog with Jillian Leslie Expert Strategies for SEO and Traffic Success in 2024 How to Embrace Imperfection and Authenticity as a Blogger with Brooke Riley

Download my free guide here to discover the 6 powerful triggers that turn your product into a must-have and make people want to buy it. 🚀 In this week's episode of The Blogger Genius Podcast, I sat down with seasoned bloggers and hosts of the The Smart Influencer Podcast, Christina Hitchcock and Corinne Schmidt, to discuss effective monetization strategies for bloggers and creators who have been impacted by Google algorithm changes. Understanding the Impact of Google Algorithm Changes Christina Hitchcock's Experience Christina Hitchcock shared her observations on the recent shifts in Google's algorithms. While she hasn't been directly targeted, she has noticed a decline in traffic as her previously high-ranking content has slipped down the search results. Christina views these changes as an opportunity to pivot and explore new avenues in blogging, emphasizing the importance of adaptability. Corinne Schmidt's Perspective Corinne Schmidt echoed Christina's sentiments, noting a 25% drop in traffic year-over-year despite her strong keywords remaining intact. As a single mom relying on blogging for income, Corinne expressed the stress of these changes but also highlighted the excitement of exploring new creative avenues. She believes the current environment has leveled the playing field, encouraging bloggers to return to creativity and experimentation. Show Notes: MiloTree 6 Purchasing Triggers Guide The Smart Influencer Podcast It's a Keeper Wondermom Wannabe The 3 AI Prompts You Need to Create a Freebie Cheatsheet Join The Blogger Genius Newsletter Personality Quiz: What Digital Product Should I Create? Become a Blogger Genius Facebook Group Subscribe to the Blogger Genius Podcast: iTunes YouTube Spotify Actionable Monetization Strategies Growing and Engaging Your Email List Both Christina and Corinne emphasized the importance of email marketing as a powerful tool for monetization. Christina's Approach Doubling Email List: Christina has doubled her email list in the past year, reaching just under 75,000 subscribers. Segmentation: She segments her audience based on their interests—recipes or printables—and sends tailored emails accordingly. Consistent Engagement: Christina emails her list every day, alternating between recipe and printable content, which helps build relationships and drive sales. Corinne's Strategy Printable Opt-Ins: Corinne uses printable opt-ins to grow her email list. Collaborations: She engages in collaborations with other bloggers to share content and drive traffic, participating in themed collaborations and bundles to reach new audiences. Leveraging Purchasing Triggers Use these six purchasing triggers to develop products that resonate with your audience: Making Money Saving Money Saving Time Promoting Happiness Alleviating Pain Raising Social Status By evaluating products against these triggers, bloggers can enhance their marketing and sales efforts. Jillian suggests using tools like ChatGPT to brainstorm product ideas that align with these categories. Exploring New Traffic Sources Corinne shared her success with push notifications, which allow users to subscribe to updates from her site. Despite her initial skepticism, she found that push notifications significantly increased site visits. This demonstrates the value of exploring different traffic sources to drive engagement. Utilizing Content Syndication Christina discussed her experience with MSN's partner program, which requires consistent publishing to gain approval. Syndicating content through MSN not only drives traffic but also generates ad revenue. Christina highlighted the benefits of using tools that simplify content formatting, such as slideshow galleries. Testing and Iteration Both Christina and Corinne stressed the importance of testing various strategies to find what works best. They shared their experiences of trying different approaches, from push notifications to content syndication, and how some methods may not yield immediate results but can pay off over time. Building Relationships with Subscribers The speakers emphasized the importance of building relationships with subscribers by providing value through free content and then offering relevant products. Christina mentioned that once someone opts in for a freebie, they are more likely to consider purchasing additional products. Long-term Strategy I encouraged bloggers to think beyond immediate sales and consider long-term strategies, such as creating membership programs or subscription services. By addressing ongoing problems faced by their audience, bloggers can develop sustainable income streams. Overcoming Self-Doubt The speakers acknowledged that many bloggers struggle with self-doubt regarding the value of their offerings. They encouraged listeners to recognize the worth of their content and to be confident in charging for it. By reframing their mindset, bloggers can better position themselves in the market. Conclusion Embrace experimentation and not take failures personally. Monetizing your expertise doesn't have to be overwhelming; instead, it can be a journey of learning and adaptation. The key takeaway is to start small, test ideas, and leverage community support to find success in the ever-evolving blogging landscape. Connect with Christina and Corinne through their podcast, The Smart Influencer Podcast, where they share insights and lessons learned from their blogging journeys. For those interested in the six purchasing triggers discussed in the episode, Jillian offers a free resource available at milotree.com/triggers, encouraging everyone to take the first step toward growing their audience and monetizing their expertise. This episode serves as a reminder that while the blogging landscape may be changing, there are always new opportunities to explore and strategies to implement for success. Other Related Blogger Genius Podcast episodes You’ll Enjoy: Digital Products for Food Bloggers: How to Turn Recipes into Revenue New Strategies to Unlock Pinterest Success in 2025 The Essential Mindset Shift Every Blogger Needs for 2025 MiloTree, the Best Tool for Non-Techies to Sell Digital Products and Grow Your Audience I also want to introduce you to the MiloTree, a tool designed for non-techies to sell digital products easily. It comes with features like AI-generated sales pages, check-out pages, a sales dashboard, upsells, and customer support. With MiloTree, setting up your products takes less than five minutes, and you can start generating income without any hassle. Plus, MiloTree offers unlimited freebies and lead magnets to grow your email list, and social media pop-ups to increase your followers, all in one place. Sign up today and get your first 30 days free to see how easy it is to start selling your own digital products and growing your audience with MiloTree!