Online Business Launchpad | Start An Online Business | Online Business Growth

Trudy Rankin
  • 5.0 (14)
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This podcast is for new and emerging online business owners who are determined to do what it takes to reach their financial goals, help people along the way and learn a bunch of useful new skills. Have a love/hate relationship with the tech? We talk about that. Not sure you have what it takes to achieve success? We talk about that, too, plus how to deal with mindset challenges. Trudy Rankin, Founder of the Online Business Program, shares actionable tips that will help you really get your business growing, as well as interviews with experts and inspiring stories so that you can grow your online business with confidence.

  1. 10H AGO

    What Makes a Course Feel Binge-Worthy (Like Netflix) with Expert Jasmine Jonte

    "Just because someone’s great at marketing doesn’t mean they can teach." When Jasmine Jonte invested in a high-ticket online course and discovered it was badly designed and nearly impossible to learn from, she had an epiphany: great teaching is a skill — and it’s one most experts don’t have. So, she used her background as a teacher to build a business that helps experts teach well, turning their brilliance into scalable, binge-worthy programs. Jasmine Jonte is a former kindergarten teacher turned founder of a course creation agency. She’s helped build over 140 programs across more than 70 niches — from real estate investing to tarot to dentistry — helping experts turn their intellectual property into powerful learning experiences that actually get results. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT: The real reason most online courses fail (hint: it’s not lack of expertise) How Jasmine went from teacher to six-figure business owner with a 14-person team The difference between being an expert and being able to teach effectively The framework Jasmine uses to turn expert knowledge into curriculum What to ask in market research interviews to truly understand your audience The two pathways for experts: build a team or build a scalable offer Why completion rates and student results matter more than flashy marketing Using AI in ethical, efficient ways to streamline course creation The surprising AI tools Jasmine uses in her own business CALL TO ACTION If you're ready to turn your expertise into a powerful, scalable program — or just want a peek behind the curtain of what that takes — you won’t want to miss this episode. 👉 “Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business” https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter RESOURCES MENTIONED: Jasmine’s website: https://www.creation.co (note: creation is spelled with an 8) Free guide: https://www.creation.co/netflix — “10 Next Level Strategies to Make Your Program as Binge-Worthy as Netflix” Tools mentioned:  ChatGPT - AI tool,  Claude - AI tool  Descript (affiliate link) - audio and video editor, transcript maker and AI tool Senja - Collect, manage and share testimonials My newsletter is for people who need a way to make money from home so they can build a better life for themselves and their families:👉 https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    35 min

  2. FEB 3

    How AI Search Is Changing SEO (and Why You Still Need Both) with Expert Colin Clapp

    “When New Zealand won the America's Cup, it wasn’t the biggest budget that won, it was one key question: Will it make the boat go faster?” That same philosophy drives Colin Clapp’s content strategy in a world now ruled by AI-driven search. If you’ve been told that SEO is dead, buckle up because Colin is here to explain why that couldn’t be further from the truth. Colin Clapp has been in the content trenches for years, helping creators and businesses grow visibility through smart, structured content strategies. From traditional SEO to adapting to the rise of AI search, he brings experience, clarity, and actionable frameworks, like his One Click Content Optimization approach, that get results. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT Why SEO is not dead—and what small business owners need to understand instead The “table stakes” every piece of content needs (hint: meta titles and descriptions still matter) How structure helps AI and traditional search engines find and rank your content Why internal linking is crucial—and how to avoid content cannibalization What schema is, and how it quietly powers discoverability (even if you're not a developer) Colin’s “F1 car” analogy that makes optimization strategies finally make sense The rise of AI search—and what it means for your content's future visibility Practical ways non-techies can improve their site's structure and speed CALL TO ACTION Tune in to this episode and find out what still works—and what’s changed—when it comes to being found online. 👉 “Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business”https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/ RESOURCES MENTIONED Colin’s Website:  Online Marketing Done 4 You Colin’s YouTube Video: The 5 Pillars Framework - How to Optimize Content for Traditional SEO & AI Search (AEO & GEO): Colin’s framework: One Click Content Optimization My newsletter is for people who need a way to make money from home so they can build a better life for themselves and their families: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    40 min

  3. JAN 21

    Stop Writing Like Everyone Else: Copy Tips That Actually Get You Clients with copywriter Emily Aborn

    “When I was six, my grandmother gave me a blank book and said, ‘This is for your first novel.’ I didn’t write in it because it had to be perfect.” That’s how Emily Aborn’s writing journey began.  And it’s a relatable tale for anyone who's ever struggled with perfectionism in their content. In this episode, Emily shares why copywriting success is not about perfection.  It’s about connection, clarity, and curiosity. Emily Aborn is a seasoned copywriter, content creator, and podcast host who helps entrepreneurs craft messaging that reflects their personality and drives action. With over eight years of experience, she’s developed a unique process for helping clients find and use their true brand voice. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT The surprising difference between content writing and copywriting and why it matters for your business How to get people to stay on your website with clear, benefit-driven messaging The importance of curiosity in connecting with your audience Emily’s transition from content writing to persuasive website copy Tips for using AI as a collaborator, not a crutch How visibility through collaboration, not just SEO, boosts trust and reach Why niching is less about narrowing and more about clarity Using AI tools ethically while staying true to your own voice The power of coffee chats and real human connections for growing your business Tune in and learn how to craft copy that clicks with your audience. Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business👉 https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter RESOURCES MENTIONED Emily’s website: emilyaborn.com Emily’s podcast: Content with Character Donald Miller's book StoryBrand (affiliate link) My newsletter is for people who need a way to make money from home so they can build a better life for themselves and their families: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    34 min

  4. 12/31/2025

    What If the Problem Isn’t You, It’s Your Business Model?

    If you’re feeling stuck, maybe it’s not because you’re doing something wrong, but because you’re using the wrong business model. That’s exactly what happened to Stefanie Carlstedt. She’d built a business that looked successful on the outside.  But it felt completely off on the inside … and she was burning out. Then came a moment that changed everything: “I thought it was fluff—just another personality test. But then I read my Human Design chart and started crying. For the first time, I felt seen.” If you’ve ever felt like your business isn’t quite working for you, you’re not alone. In a world of burnout and one-size-fits-all strategies, Human Design might offer something surprisingly useful.  Especially if the usual advice hasn’t gotten you where you want to go. Stefanie has 13 years of experience, multiple businesses under her belt, and hundreds of clients behind her. Today, she helps entrepreneurs design businesses that align with how they’re actually wired—using Human Design as a tool to unlock clarity, confidence, and momentum. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT The pivotal moment Stefanie walked away from the corporate world after a personal crisis How she built a “successful” business that still left her feeling empty What Human Design is (and why she was initially sceptical too) The link between your energy type and your ideal marketing strategy How your personal design might reveal fears holding you back with money Why people-pleasers may need to unlearn business “rules” that don’t fit Using Human Design to rebuild a business that feels good to run Whether AI tools can support authenticity, or risk replacing it Tune in to this episode for a fresh perspective on finding the right-fit business approach for you.Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/ RESOURCES MENTIONED Stefanie’s free Human Design Business Report & Audio Series: https://stefcarlstedt.com/hdreport  Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell (re: how birth timing can affect success) My emails are for people who need a way to make money from home so they can build a better life for themselves and their families: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    34 min

  5. 12/17/2025

    Scared by a Copyright Troll Letter? Here’s What To Do

    “I told him not to pay a cent—and definitely not to shut his website down.” What would you do if you got a scary letter using legal language, claiming you owed $700 for a photo on your website? In this episode, I share a true story about an old client who received one of these copyright trolling threats, and how we handled it. From sleuthing image origins to proving usage rights, this is one episode you’ll want to listen to if you’ve ever used photos online. I'm Trudy Rankin and I am the founder of Online Business Liftoff and a seasoned digital strategist who helps people build sustainable, flexible businesses online.  I ALSO TALKED ABOUT What copyright trolling is—and why it’s not quite a scam, but not ethical either. How to verify image licensing years after a website goes live. The steps to take if you receive a copyright infringement notice. Why immediately removing the image can neutralize most threats. How creating a simple image tracking spreadsheet could save hours of work later. The importance of demanding proof of ownership before taking any legal-sounding demand seriously. What to include in a response that shifts the burden back to the sender. If you've ever published a photo on your website, you need to hear this. Tune in to protect yourself and your clients. RESOURCES MENTIONED Wayback Machine: https://archive.org/web/ Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business: 👉 https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    10 min

  6. 12/05/2025

    How ChatGPT Is Disrupting Ads (and What Smart Businesses Are Doing About It) with John Horn

    “Most people think SEO is dead. But it’s not. It’s just evolving into something far more interesting.” John Horn doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of digital advertising in 2025. In this episode, we take a look at how businesses can stop wasting money on paid ads and how to prepare for the next wave of AI-driven advertising platforms like ChatGPT. Whether you’re running ads now or scared to even try, John brings clarity, strategy, and a calm ‘don’t-panic’ tone to a space full of noise. John Horn is the CEO of Stub Group, a digital advertising agency that has helped clients generate over $500 million in revenue through profitable ad strategies. With over a decade of hands-on experience, John is known for helping businesses navigate complexity in a constantly shifting digital landscape. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT Why AI platforms like ChatGPT are reshaping how ads will work What small businesses need to know about GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) How to prepare your business for AI-powered ad platforms, even before they’re fully launched Why traditional SEO is actually more important than ever How to stand out in AI search results with PR, data, and real human input Common mistakes that lead to wasted ad spend (and how to avoid them) A smart tracking tip that helped one B2B company cut out low-quality leads How to use photos, stats, and content to get picked up by LLMs like ChatGPT What kind of original content makes you rank in AI-generated search results Tune in now to get practical, non-hype strategies for growing your business with paid ads and future-proofing your marketing. And get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/ RESOURCES MENTIONED Stub Group website Stub Group YouTube channel Blog article on the state of Google ads suspensions in 2025 My newsletter is for people who need a way to make money from home so they can build a better life for themselves and their families: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min

  7. 11/18/2025

    AI Forced a Pivot So Here’s How He Made It Work with Ron Desi

    "I asked Ron if AI was going to eat his job for lunch—he said yes and no.” That mix of realism and optimism sets the tone for this episode. When AI started disrupting his on-camera spokesperson business, Ron Desi didn’t panic—he pivoted. And he used the same technology that threatened his income to build a completely new opportunity, including an email list of 1300 people in just 55 days using a personality-based quiz that hit all the right notes. Ron Desi is the founder of Growth Vids and a seasoned video strategist with a background in business education. For over a decade, he's helped companies communicate with clarity and authenticity through video. Now, he's embracing change and leading the way on how to adapt—creatively and strategically—in an AI-powered world. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT The reality of AI’s impact on service-based businesses Why Ron is pivoting away from video production and toward video strategy How authenticity beats automation (especially in industries like law) Ron’s thoughtful use of Gemini, ChatGPT, and Claude to brainstorm, write, and research The surprising way Dungeons & Dragons is helping autistic teens build confidence How he created a quiz that deeply resonated with his niche audience The step-by-step approach he used to design the quiz with AI input Ron’s long-term plan to build a business around what he loves—and why YouTube is part of it If you're worried about how AI is changing the game, this episode is proof that you can use it to create new opportunities, not just survive disruption. Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business:👉 https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter ## RESOURCES MENTIONED GrowthVids.com – Ron’s site for video strategy and spokesperson services Dungeon Noob – Ron’s D&D YouTube channel Gemini, ChatGPT, Claude – AI tools Ron uses to strategize and create My newsletter is for people who need a way to make money from home so they can build a better life for themselves and their families:  👉 https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    43 min

  8. 11/06/2025

    How to Make Your Business Visible Online (Without Being Everywhere) with Tracy Beavers

    “It feels like we’re standing on the side of the interstate naked, holding a sign that says ‘Look at me!’”That’s how visibility expert Tracy Beavers describes what it’s like to show up online when you’re building a business. If that sounds uncomfortably familiar, this episode is a must-listen. Tracy breaks down how to grow your audience and email list authentically—without the ick. Tracy Beavers is a visibility and list-building strategist with over 25 years in corporate sales and marketing. She helps entrepreneurs cut through overwhelm and fear so they can grow an online business that actually supports their life, not the other way around. WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT Why being everywhere online is a fast track to burnout—and what to do instead How Tracy used podcast management to help her son start his own freelance gig Practical visibility tactics that don’t require dancing on TikTok How to repurpose a single piece of content into an entire week’s worth of posts The importance of building your email list—and why social media alone won’t cut it Ways to start DM conversations that aren’t spammy, salesy, or awkward Why vanity metrics don’t equal sales—and how to track what actually matters The power of treating your business like a real CEO—even before it’s profitable Ready to stop hiding and start growing? Tune in now and discover how to show up consistently, build trust, and grow your email list the smart way. Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business:👉 https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter RESOURCES MENTIONED Tracy’s free guide: Social Media Made Easy – https://tracybeavers.com/social Free guide: DM Conversations That Feel Good – https://tracybeavers.com/dm Tracy’s podcast: Create Online Business Success - https://www.tracybeavers.com/podcast Her Facebook Group: Be a Confident Entrepreneur - https://www.facebook.com/groups/beaconfidententrepreneur  Descript (affiliate link) – Audio/video editing software Tracy and her son use for podcast production. CapCut – Easy-to-learn video editing app used for social media content. Canva (affiliate link) – Graphic design tool for creating social posts, visuals, and more. YouTube – Used as a free learning resource for Descript, CapCut, and Canva tutorials. Facebook – Tracy’s main platform for visibility and client attraction. Instagram – Secondary platform, auto-posted via Facebook Business Page integration. LinkedIn – Recommended for B2B or corporate-facing entrepreneurs. TikTok – Mentioned as optional, but not required; Tracy replaced it with automation tools. Opus Clip – AI tool for repurposing long-form videos into short-form clips for Reels, YouTube Shorts, etc. Buzzsprout – Podcast hosting platform Tracy’s son uses to manage and publish her episodes. Metricool (affiliate link) – Social media scheduling tool that posts to Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Pinterest. Affiliate Disclaimer: If you click on links on this page and then make a purchase, I may earn a commission (at no extra cost to you).  I am a proud affiliate of these resources because I use them in my own life and business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    46 min
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5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

This podcast is for new and emerging online business owners who are determined to do what it takes to reach their financial goals, help people along the way and learn a bunch of useful new skills. Have a love/hate relationship with the tech? We talk about that. Not sure you have what it takes to achieve success? We talk about that, too, plus how to deal with mindset challenges. Trudy Rankin, Founder of the Online Business Program, shares actionable tips that will help you really get your business growing, as well as interviews with experts and inspiring stories so that you can grow your online business with confidence.

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