Create Your Way

Paywalled content is an excellent way for creatives to monetize their work, ensuring they are fairly compensated while continuing to provide value to their audience. In this episode I break down various platforms that creatives can use to host their paywalled content, including Patreon, Substack, YouTube, Instagram paid subscriptions, and Squarespace and how to know when it’s the right time to launch your own subscription community!
Links from this episode
Join my Patreon community
Create your own Patreon community
Explore paywalled content on Substack
Build your website on Squarespace
 
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I sit down with social media and small biz expert Laura Jane Barnes (@heyitslaurajane on Instagram) to tackle the many myths and misconceptions about the Instagram algorithm that have been circulating within the creative community.
Laura clarifies the true purpose of the Instagram algorithm, how it actually works, and offers practical tips on how creative business owners can use this understanding to their advantage. We also explore how user behaviour on Instagram has evolved, why growing your follower count isn’t the most important metric, and Laura’s eye-opening experiment proving that even small accounts can achieve significant reach.
 
Links from this episode
Watch the podcast on Patreon
Follow Laura on Instagram
Get Laura’s FREE 30 days of content ideas ebook
Use code ‘TRIALMONTH’ to join the Creative Business Association for only £1 for the first month!
More from Laura
 
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Want to know the one action to dramatically boost your Instagram engagement?
 
In this episode, we dive into the crucial topic of Instagram engagement and uncover the one action you might be overlooking that could dramatically boost your engagement and reach.
I’ll share my personal experience of how following this simple strategy significantly boosted my engagement rate and why it can work for you too. By the end of the episode, you'll have a clear understanding of how to calculate your own engagement rate and a practical strategy to implement for increasing your engagement, connecting with your audience, and growing your online community.
 
In this episode:
Understanding Engagement: What engagement means on Instagram and how it’s calculated.
Importance of Engagement Rate: Why knowing your engagement rate is crucial for getting eyes on your work and business.
Boosting Engagement: How responding to comments boosted my engagement rate and how it can do the same for you.
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If you're a creative business owner or an artist considering publishing your own book, this episode is for you! We'll break down what Amazon KDP is, how it works, and the types of books you can publish. You'll learn why many creatives are choosing KDP over traditional publishing, including the benefits of complete creative control, flexible timelines, and higher royalty rates.
We'll also explore how self-publishing on Amazon KDP can benefit your creative business by generating passive income and showcasing your work in your portfolio. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear understanding of whether Amazon KDP is the right path for your next (or first) book project.
 
In this episode:
What is Amazon KDP?
Types of Books You Can Self-Publish with KDP
KDP vs. Traditional Publishing:Complete creative control
Flexible timelines
Higher royalty rates and setting your own price
Learn how KDP can help you create self-initiated projects, generate passive income, and showcase your work in your portfolio.
Links from this episode
Join the waitlist for my Amazon KDP course NOW: http://laurajaneillustrations.com/kdp  
 
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In this episode of "Create Your Way," we dive into the world of email newsletters and the importance of building an email list for creative business owners. Discover the numerous benefits of nurturing your audience through targeted email marketing and how owning your email list gives you direct access to your followers without relying on social media algorithms. Plus, don't miss out on the exclusive offer for Flodesk, the email client I use to manage my list, for a free trial and 50% off your first year!
 
In this episode:
Identify Your Ideal Audience: Get clear on who you want to reach and why.
Plan Your Content: Develop a consistent schedule and plan for providing value.
Create a Lead Magnet: Attract the right people to your list with a compelling offer.
Optimize Your Links and Pop-ups: Update your bio links, website footer, and pop-ups to drive sign-ups.
 
Links from this episode
Get a FREE trial and 50% off your first year with Flodesk: https://flodesk.com/c/UCHZ8X
 
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Feeling creatively blocked or burned out as a creative business owner? In this episode, I share some practical steps to plan a creative reset at the end of the month to reboot your creativity. Whether you’re facing burnout or simply need a boost of inspiration, this episode offers actionable tips to help you overcome creative blocks and refresh your creative energy ahead of a new month!
 
Links from this episode
Join the Spark Squad on Patreon
Watch the video podcast episodes for Create Your Way guest interviews
Listen to my interview with Manifestation and Mindset coach Chloe Slade
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
Walking in this World by Julia Cameron 
 
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In this solo episode, I dive into the potential of Chat GPT for creative business owners. I share four ways I use this AI tool to streamline my workflow and enhance my business, from content planning and copy editing to crafting compelling sales messages and optimising SEO. I'll also share my personal tips and tricks for getting the best responses from Chat GPT. Whether you're new to AI or looking to refine your approach, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you make the most of Chat GPT in your creative business.
 
Links from this episode
Watch my Notion Content Planner Tour on YouTube
Get my Notion Content Planner from the Digital Art Shop
Join the waitlist for my Amazon KDP course
 
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In this episode, we dive deep into the world of YouTube content creation with lifestyle content creator, Lauren Norris. From viral videos to brand partnerships, Lauren shares invaluable insights and practical tips for aspiring content creators looking to turn their passion into a thriving business. Join us as we debunk common myths, discuss the realities of monetization, and empower you to pursue your creative dreams on YouTube.
 
Links from this episode:
Watch Lauren’s YouTube creator series
Follow Lauren on IG
Read Lauren’s blog
 
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Join me for a lively conversation with Alice Loveday, Creative Director of Loveday Social, as we dive into the world of video content creation for creative businesses. Discover how to infuse personality and brand values into your marketing content to make it enjoyable and engaging. From leveraging Instagram stories for authentic behind-the-scenes moments to exploring the magic of stop motion animation, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiration to help you level up your content game and connect with your audience on a deeper level.
 
Links from this episode:
Follow Loveday Social on Instagram
Discover more on lovedaysocial.com
 
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In this episode, mindset and manifestation coach Chloe Slade shares practical insights on how to bridge the gap between where you are now and where you want to be. She emphasises the importance of aligning thoughts, feelings, actions, and beliefs to manifest desired outcomes, debunking misconceptions about manifestation along the way.
 
In this episode, we discuss:
Understanding the manifestation gap and the role of action and belief in achieving desired results.
Practical approaches to manifestation that go beyond wishful thinking, emphasising the importance of aligned work.
The power of clarity in manifesting goals and the significance of intuition in decision-making.
Using journaling as a tool to gain clarity, shift perspectives, and align with your desired outcomes.
Learning to trust your intuition and surrendering control to allow for personal growth and transformation.
Visualising the next version of yourself as a practical approach to manifesting your dream life.
 
Links from this episode:
Follow Chloe on instagram
Find out more about Chloe’s membership
Subscribe to Chloe’s newsletter
 
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Ask a question!
If you have a question or topic that you would like to hear covered on the show then send it in to us by adding to the Listener’s Cup!