The Sustainable Creator

Jo & Lyndon

The Sustainable Creator is for creative service providers who want to build businesses that last, without burning out in the process. Each week, we dig into the real conversations behind sustainable growth: smart marketing, confident selling, thoughtful pivoting, and designing offers that actually work for your life (not just your bank account). Through candid chats with experts and behind-the-scenes insights, you’ll get practical ideas, outside-of-the-box thinking, and the occasional tough love to help you scale with clarity, creativity, and sanity. 

  1. 1d ago

    #36 - How to Write Conversational Website Copy That Actually Converts w/ Kinfolk Creative

    Writing website copy often feels so overwhelming that it's tempting to just regurgitate competitors or let AI spit out something "good enough." But that beige, copy-and-paste text costs you the deep connection required to actually book your dream clients. Enter Priscilla, the copy girl and one half of the duo behind Kinfolk Creative. She specializes in helping creatives ditch the generic jargon to write conversational, connection-focused copy that feels deeply human. In this episode, we break down Priscilla's five-step copywriting framework, Roots, People, Landscape, Offers, and Path Forward, to help you craft messaging that converts. We discuss why copy must come before design and how to identify your industry "icks" to confidently stand out. If you’ve been hiding behind professional-sounding but boring text, this conversation will give you the strategy to finally show up authentically and build a website that filters for the clients you genuinely want to work with. In This EpisodeWhy writing your website copy before hiring a designer is the secret to a seamless project that doesn't restrict your messaging.Priscilla's 5-step framework for uncovering your roots and mapping a clear path forward for readers.How to define your ideal client based on the emotional crossroads they are facing right now.Why leaning into your industry "icks" helps you build brand authority and differentiate your offers.The real reason people fear being visible online and how copy acts as a natural filter for the wrong clients. Work with us:Is your current messaging attracting your dream clients, or is it just echoing the rest of your industry? If you're struggling to figure out how to stand out and confidently position your offers, we can help. Between Jo's right-brain creative strategy and Lyndon's left-brain business strategy, we'll walk you through testing, iterating, and launching (or iterating) an offer that actually feels good. 👉 Book a discovery call for coaching with us: https://www.joandlyndon.com/coaching Priscilla's LinksWebsite/Offer: https://thekinfolkcreative.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekinfolkcreative/ Our LinksJoin our coaching membership, Creative Maven Society: https://forms.gle/G1WHBK84vPXzB4gw9 Get actionable creator tips in your inbox (Sign up for the email list): https://joandlyndon.kit.com/645369a50f Connect with us on Instagram! Tag us if you loved this episode: Jo & Lyndon: https://www.instagram.com/joandlyndon/The Sustainable Creator: https://www.instagram.com/thesustainablecreator/

  2. 6d ago

    #35 - The "Content Iceberg": Why Your Posts Aren't Converting (and How to Fix It)

    Are you staring at a blank screen, wondering what on earth to post today? If you have been feeling stuck with your content or aren't quite sure how to post consistently lately, this episode was created specifically for you. We know what it feels like to dread the content treadmill, so we're shifting the focus away from generic advice and moving toward strategies that actually fit your unique creative business. In this episode, we are breaking down what a content routine actually is and how to build one that doesn't lead to burnout. We dive below the surface of the "content iceberg" to uncover the foundational strategy you need to have in place before you start posting. We discuss the importance of setting clear goals, identifying the specific action you want people to take, and meeting your dream clients at the "crossroads" where they are actively trying to make a decision. Right now, generic marketing just doesn't work, and trying to create content for "everyone" means you are ultimately creating for no one. By systemizing your approach through practical routines, like labeled days, content quotas, or relying on your natural go-to formats, you actually give yourself much more creativity. When you get this right, you stop boiling the ocean for ideas every single day and start building an ecosystem that naturally guides clients to confidently invest in you. In This EpisodeWhy treating your content like the tip of an iceberg completely changes how you approach your underlying business strategy.The three foundational questions you absolutely must answer to understand the true goal and desired outcome of your content.How to pinpoint the specific "crossroads" your dream clients are facing so they immediately see their own problems reflected in your content.Why proving "ROI" to potential clients isn't always about dollars, and how they might actually be measuring returns through time, capacity, or organization.Three highly actionable frameworks for building a content routine: labeled days, quota systems, and leaning into your go-to formats.How building out a reliable system actually unlocks more creativity and trains your brain to automatically collect fresh content ideas. If you've been sitting on an idea for too long or feel completely unsure of how to build out an offer ecosystem that meets your dream clients at their "crossroads," this is where 1:1 coaching really shines. Between Jo's right-brain creative strategy and Lyndon's left-brain business strategy, we will walk you through building, testing, and launching systems that actually feel good for your life and your business. 👉 Book a discovery call for coaching with us:https://www.joandlyndon.com/coaching Join our coaching membership, Creative Maven Society: https://forms.gle/zk4xc2NWXzcsyo1A6 Get actionable creator tips in your inbox (Sign up for the email list): https://joandlyndon.kit.com/645369a50f Connect with us on Instagram! Tag us if you loved this episode: Jo & Lyndon: https://www.instagram.com/joandlyndon/The Sustainable Creator: https://www.instagram.com/thesustainablecreator/

  3. Aug 11

    #34 - How to Structure a Video Sales Letter (websites 3 of 5) w/ Andrew Ellis

    "When they read a landing page, it's just text; they're gonna skim most of it." We have a problem. As creative entrepreneurs, you already feel the sting of inconsistent revenue and the isolating grind of trying to stand out online. You spend hours agonizing over website copy, only for potential clients to bounce because they don't feel a personal, human connection to your services. Enter Andrew Ellis, a video marketing strategist who builds high-converting Video Sales Letters (VSLs) for top-tier creators like Jay Clouse. In this episode, Andrew breaks down exactly how to put a face to your offer, build a parasocial relationship before you ever hop on a Zoom call, and systematically close the gap between casual browser and paying buyer. 🔥 Stop guessing why your offers aren't selling and let us help you build a system that works. If you're unsure where to start or how to make the math work, we'll walk you through testing, iterating, and launching your offer. Book a discovery call: https://www.joandlyndon.com/coaching Inside this episode, we cover: The VSL Definition: A Video Sales Letter is a dedicated video designed to explain your offer, showcase your value, and convert viewers by building immediate trust.When to Implement a VSL: Wait until you have launched and validated an offer so you understand exactly who is buying and what specific pain points you need to address.The Perfect VSL Framework: Hook your audience with a common misconception, establish your credibility, explain the transformation, sprinkle in client testimonials, and end with a clear invitation.Finding the Right Length: Aim for three to five minutes to respect viewer time, but take as long as necessary to effectively communicate the total value of your offer.The Best Tech Platforms: Avoid embedding via YouTube to prevent distracting suggested videos from pulling leads away; instead, use premium tools like Wistia or Vidalytics that are optimized for sales pages. Andrew's Links & Examples: Website/Offer: https://ellismediacollective.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamandrewellis/VSL - Patrick O'Connell: https://patrickoconnell.com.au/VSL - Viral Coach: https://www.viralcoach.com/get-started/about-youVSL - Creator Science: https://join.creatorscience.com/ Connect with Us Join our coaching membership, Creative Maven Society: https://forms.gle/6BvH3L7zycWuAiPm9Get actionable creator tips in your inbox (Sign up for the email list): https://joandlyndon.kit.com/645369a50fConnect with us on Instagram! Jo & Lyndon: https://www.instagram.com/joandlyndon/

  4. Aug 6

    #33 - Working With Your Spouse: Boundaries, Roles, and How To Communicate

    Bringing your partner into your business sounds like the ultimate dream -until you're trying to figure out who was supposed to email a client, interrupting each other's flow state, and realizing you haven't talked about anything except work. In this special solo episode, we are pulling back the curtain on the past five years of working together as a married couple. We break down the five biggest lessons we had to learn the hard way, from why you desperately need an onboarding process for your spouse, to separating decision-making authority so you can actually move faster. Whether you are actively working with your partner, thinking about bringing them on, or just want a behind-the-scenes look at how we run the business, this episode will help you build a sustainable foundation. Because protecting your relationship outside of work hours is just as important as growing your bottom line. What You'll LearnWhy skipping a formal onboarding process is a massive mistake, and how to use "body doubling" to teach systems instead.How implementing a corporate "RACI" chart eliminated our bottleneck of "shared responsibility".The exact weekly and daily communication rhythms we use to protect our focus and avoid interrupting each other.Why having personal hobbies is actually a crucial connection strategy when you spend 95% of your time with your partner.The "wealthy life" exercise: Why aligning your personal dreams is the secret to independent decision-making and moving faster in your business. Feeling stuck in your business?Navigating the messy middle of building a sustainable creative business isn't something you have to figure out alone, especially if you are trying to untangle roles, build better systems, or integrate life and work without burning out. If you want a fresh set of eyes on your strategy so you can build a business that actually feels good, we would love to support you. 👉 Book a discovery call to see if we're the right coaches for you: https://www.joandlyndon.com/coaching Our Links: Join our coaching membership, Creative Maven Society: https://forms.gle/mwfCfMUpfaBuct3M6 Get actionable creator tips in your inbox (Sign up for the email list): https://joandlyndon.kit.com/645369a50f Connect with us on Instagram! Tag us if you loved this episode: Jo & Lyndon: https://www.instagram.com/joandlyndon/The Sustainable Creator: https://www.instagram.com/thesustainablecreator/

  5. Aug 4

    #32 - How to Structure a High-Converting Sales Page (Websites pt. 2 of 5) w/ Martin Chris

    You know that feeling when you finally finish designing a beautiful sales page, launch it to your audience, and hear... crickets? It’s frustrating. You’ve got a fantastic offer that you know gets results, but translating its value onto a single web page without sounding completely unnatural or pushy is a whole different skill set. Today, we are joined by Martin Chris, an absolute genius when it comes to crafting sales pages for creatives. We had the privilege of meeting him in person a couple of months ago, and he is truly one of the most genuine, down-to-earth humans doing this work. He’s built high-converting pages for some of the top creators in the industry, and he knows exactly what makes people click "buy". In this episode, we are diving deep into the psychology and anatomy of a great sales page. Martin breaks down why structure and copy matter infinitely more than your design. He also walks us through the exact sections you need (from the hero to the guarantee), and explains why you need to stop making your sales page all about you. If you’ve been putting off launching an offer because writing the copy feels too overwhelming, or if your current page just isn’t converting the way you want it to, this conversation is going to give you the exact roadmap you need to fix it. What You'll LearnThe "house" analogy: Why your sales page has a completely different job than the rest of your website.How to craft a hero section that hooks your dream client in under 10 words.The exact chronological structure of a high-converting sales page.Why adding a conditional guarantee can actually increase your clients' success rates.The biggest "fluff" mistake creators make is talking too much about their own journey instead of the client's needs.Why you need to write your copy and establish a structure before you ever open your website builder. Before you go outline your new sales page, you need to make sure the offer itself is actually irresistible. If you've been unsure where to start, how to price your services, or how to get it in front of your dream clients, let's map it out together. 👉 Book a discovery call for 1:1 coaching with us: https://www.joandlyndon.com/coaching Martin's LinksConnect with Martin Chris: Lead Magnet: https://martincris.com/sales-pageInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/themartincris/ Our LinksApply to join our coaching membership, Creative Maven Society: https://forms.gle/W2vfU5hGosdM2RkcA Get actionable creator tips in your inbox (Sign up for the email list): https://joandlyndon.kit.com/645369a50f Connect with us on Instagram! Tag us if you loved this episode: Jo & Lyndon: https://www.instagram.com/joandlyndon/The Sustainable Creator: https://www.instagram.com/thesustainablecreator/

  6. Jul 30

    #31 - We re-named our membership

    Have you ever built an offer, poured your heart into it, and then realized a few months down the line that it... just doesn't quite fit anymore? It's a terrifying realization. Human nature makes us want to resist change, especially when things are technically "working," but staying stagnant out of fear is a fast track to resentment and stunted growth. In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on a pretty big pivot happening inside our own business. We are officially retiring the name "The Breakroom" and up-leveling our coaching membership into its next era: the Creative Maven Society. We’re breaking down the 18-month journey that led us here, from shutting down our photography business in early 2025 to realizing our membership branding was attracting the wrong assumptions from the outside looking in. If you’ve been feeling a disconnect between what you do and how you present it to the world, this episode is your permission slip to iterate. We talk through the specific criteria we used for naming, the internal resistance we faced when we knew it was time for a change, and why trusting your intuition, and backing it up with honest market research, is the ultimate needle mover for a sustainable business. In this episode:From group chats to a paid offer: How our informal community building evolved into a structured coaching membership.The friction of a mismatched brand: Why a name that requires too much explanation might be secretly holding back your growth.The 5-point naming framework: The exact criteria we used to brainstorm, filter, and validate our new brand name.Curating the room: Why we are implementing an application process and raising our membership rates to $250/month.Embracing business evolution: How to overcome the very human resistance to changing an offer that is already making money. If you are actively growing your creative business but feel like you've hit a glass ceiling with your current offers, you don't have to navigate that pivot alone. Let's look at your business model together and build an ecosystem that actually supports your goals and frees up your time. 👉 Book a discovery call for coaching with us: https://www.joandlyndon.com/coaching Links & ResourcesApply to join our coaching membership, Creative Maven Society: https://forms.gle/u2Lmp5VdeCQmisEv7 Get actionable creator tips in your inbox (Sign up for the email list): https://joandlyndon.kit.com/645369a50f Connect with us on Instagram! Tag us if you loved this episode: Jo & Lyndon: https://www.instagram.com/joandlyndon/The Sustainable Creator: https://www.instagram.com/thesustainablecreator/

  7. Jul 28

    #30 - How to Build a High-Converting Website Strategy (Part 1 of 5) w/ Macey Miller

    "Confused people don't convert". If your website takes more than 10 seconds to load or lacks a clear call-to-action, your potential clients are already clicking away. As a creative entrepreneur, inconsistent revenue and lack of structure often stem from a disjointed online presence. When your digital storefront feels clunky, it amplifies feelings of isolation because your ideal clients are quietly leaving before you ever get to meet them. Luckily, Macey Miller, a web and brand designer who has built hundreds of websites since 2018, is here to fix that. In episode one of our five-part website miniseries, Macey breaks down the exact anatomy of a profitable website. You will walk away knowing exactly how to align your strategy, messaging, user experience, and visual design to build an automated client-generating machine. 🔥 Ready to build a business structure that's custom to your expertise? Let's build a tailored strategy that actually converts your ideal clients. Book a discovery call: https://www.joandlyndon.com/coaching Inside this episode, we cover: 03:19 - Strategy First: Why defining your target audience and core call-to-action must happen before you touch design or copy.05:37 - The 7-Second Rule: How to craft clear messaging that hooks visitors immediately and clearly states what you do.10:47 - Frictionless User Experience: How to create a logical user path, simplify your navigation menu, and ensure lightning-fast loading speeds.21:14 - Outside Inspiration: Why you should stop looking at competitors and instead pull visual design cues from completely different industries.39:25 - Designing for Scannability: How to use the visual "F-Pattern" and punchy formatting to cater to highly distracted human readers. Connect with Macey Miller: Website: bebolddesignstudio.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/macey_miller/ Connect with Us: Sign up for the newsletter: https://joandlyndon.kit.com/645369a50fStep into our coaching membership for creative service providers: https://www.joandlyndon.com/the-breakroomInstagram: Come say hi and send us a DM! https://www.instagram.com/joandlyndon/ & https://www.instagram.com/thesustainablecreator/Interview Us: We love talking about pivoting, working with a partner, and building community. DM us on IG to connect!

  8. Jul 23

    #29 - 18 Instagram Series Ideas You Can Do Today For Your Business

    Instagram is rolling out Series, a new dedicated tab on profiles designed to organize video content into bingeable folders. Similar to TikTok, this feature includes continuous auto-play and a "continue where you left off" feature. As viewer behavior shifts toward serialized content, Meta is encouraging creators to build structured playlists. Using a series allows creators to: Build Trust: Demonstrating your process and expertise fosters deeper audience trust.Increase Bingeability: Keeps viewers hooked across multiple videos within an algorithmic feed.Boost Reach: Meta tends to reward creators who adopt new features early.Our Signature Series IdeasStorytelling: Try CEO Campfire Stories (sharing high-stakes business tales) or Business Bedtime Stories (relaxed, cozy storytelling).Challenges: Rebranding Dogs for designers, Color Series for photographers, or writing copy without using a specific letter.Finance: Debt Diaries, Mommy Money, or That’s What She Sold (breaking down exact sales funnels).Micro Case Studies: Highlighting why top businesses excel and teaching viewers how to apply those lessons.Business & Strategy: Build It or Burn It (rating business ideas) or How I Would... (re-strategizing for stretch dream clients).Niche News: Taco News Day (weekly roundups filtering major industry updates).Build in Public: Documenting the step-by-step process of launching an offer.Marketing Spinoffs: Not Your Mother's Marketing (outside-the-box pitch ideas for existing brands). Series & Accounts Mentioned: Mariah (Finance Educator & Signature Series Example): https://www.instagram.com/mariahakinbi/Katie Creative Co ("My 7 to 2" Series): https://www.instagram.com/reels/DbELOAxp0Lm/Elementary School Hotline (Coaching Client Series): https://www.instagram.com/reels/DajDp2rxBCb/Belgrubb Interview (Episode 15): https://thesustainablecreator.riverside.com/e/ugc-expert-how-i-turn-free-videos-into-12-month-paid-contracts Connect with Us: 1:1 Coaching: https://www.joandlyndon.com/coaching Sign up for the newsletter: https://joandlyndon.kit.com/645369a50f Step into our coaching membership for creative service providers: https://www.joandlyndon.com/the-breakroom Instagram: Come say hi https://www.instagram.com/joandlyndon/, & https://www.instagram.com/thesustainablecreator/

5
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About

The Sustainable Creator is for creative service providers who want to build businesses that last, without burning out in the process. Each week, we dig into the real conversations behind sustainable growth: smart marketing, confident selling, thoughtful pivoting, and designing offers that actually work for your life (not just your bank account). Through candid chats with experts and behind-the-scenes insights, you’ll get practical ideas, outside-of-the-box thinking, and the occasional tough love to help you scale with clarity, creativity, and sanity. 

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