321 episodes

Welcome! I'm Jillian Leslie, host of The Blogger Genius Podcast and founder of MiloTree.com & CatchMyParty.com, online business thought leader, and Stanford MBA.

In each episode, I interview other successful bloggers, online entrepreneurs, and online business experts to talk about what's working NOW in the digital space.

If you're a blogger or an entrepreneur, you'll definitely want to learn how to implement these newest strategies!

I break it down. I'm not afraid to ask hard questions. Real takeaways in every episode! Please read iTunes reviews to see how the podcast has helped others just like you!

This podcast is brought to you by MiloTreeCart, the easiest software for bloggers and online entrepreneurs to sell digital products and MiloTree, the smart social media pop-up app you embed on your website or blog to grow your social media following on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest, plus your email list.

Please reach out to me at jillian@milotree.com with any questions or comments. I'd love to hear from you!

The Blogger Genius Podcast Jillian Leslie

    • Technology
    • 4.8 • 109 Ratings

Welcome! I'm Jillian Leslie, host of The Blogger Genius Podcast and founder of MiloTree.com & CatchMyParty.com, online business thought leader, and Stanford MBA.

In each episode, I interview other successful bloggers, online entrepreneurs, and online business experts to talk about what's working NOW in the digital space.

If you're a blogger or an entrepreneur, you'll definitely want to learn how to implement these newest strategies!

I break it down. I'm not afraid to ask hard questions. Real takeaways in every episode! Please read iTunes reviews to see how the podcast has helped others just like you!

This podcast is brought to you by MiloTreeCart, the easiest software for bloggers and online entrepreneurs to sell digital products and MiloTree, the smart social media pop-up app you embed on your website or blog to grow your social media following on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest, plus your email list.

Please reach out to me at jillian@milotree.com with any questions or comments. I'd love to hear from you!

    How Email Marketing Helps Bloggers Increase Ad Revenue

    How Email Marketing Helps Bloggers Increase Ad Revenue

    Today I'm thrilled to share with you some invaluable insights from my recent conversation with Cassie Noyes, a leading expert in email solutions at the ad network, Raptive (previously AdThrive). But before we dive into the heart of email marketing, let me extend an invitation to you.

    If you're looking to explore a new income stream through selling digital products without the tech hassle, I'm here to help. Join me for a free 20-minute strategy call, and let's unlock your digital product potential together. Head over to milotree.com to book your free slot!

    The Critical Role of Email in Today's Blogging Landscape
    In this episode, we're taking a detour from the usual topics like SEO and site optimization to focus on something that's becoming increasingly crucial for bloggers – email marketing. Cassie Noyes, who spearheads the email solutions team at Raptive, joins me to unravel why email is not just a tool but a vital asset in building a loyal audience and boosting ad revenue.

    Show Notes:
    MiloTreeCart Book a FREE 20-minute strategy call with me Raptive MiloTree Pop-Up App Join My Blogger Genius Email List Become a Blogger Genius Facebook Group All Blogger Genius Podcast Episodes
    Subscribe to the Blogger Genius Podcast:
    iTunes YouTube Spotify
    The Journey to Email Expertise
    Cassie's journey into the world of email marketing began in the realm of traditional print magazine publishing, where she honed her skills in audience development. At Raptive, she now dedicates her expertise to helping creators grow their subscriber lists and engage their audience effectively, ensuring higher open and click rates, and ultimately, driving more views and engagement to their sites.

    Why Email Matters More Than Ever
    With the impending demise of cookies and the evolution of AI in search, owning your audience has never been more important. Cassie explains that while SEO remains a key driver of traffic, having a direct relationship with your audience through email can make you a go-to brand, encouraging direct site visits over incidental search engine discoveries.

    The Identity Factor in Email Marketing
    The shift away from cookies means advertisers are on the lookout for more reliable ways to identify and target audiences. Here's where your email list comes into play. Each time a subscriber visits your site, their identity can be captured, allowing advertisers to pay more for those visits. This direct identification translates into higher ad revenue for you as a publisher.

    Best Practices for Engaging Your Audience
    Cassie shares that the content of your emails should be actionable and immediately useful to your audience. Think recipes or tips that they can apply right away. A welcome series can be a powerful tool to introduce new subscribers to the breadth of your content.

    Monetizing Through Email
    Incorporating affiliate links or product recommendations in your emails can be a subtle yet effective way to monetize. The key is to ensure these inclusions add value to your subscribers' experience rather than feeling intrusive.

    The Art of the Newsletter
    Consistency is king when it comes to newsletters. Cassie recommends a regular cadence, ideally more than once a week, to keep your audience engaged. Keep your emails concise, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, with buttons for links and a moderate use of photos and emojis to draw the eye.

    Crafting Compelling Subject Lines
    Your subject line is your first impression. It should evoke emotion and curiosity while hinting at the content inside. A/B testing is your friend here, helping you discover what resonates best with your audience and improving open rates.

    Maintaining a Healthy Email List
    Periodically cleaning your email list is essential for maintaining its health. Re-engagement campaigns can help identify inactive subscribers, and if they remain unresponsive, it may be time to let them go.

    Embracing AI

    • 41 min
    A New, Exciting Way to Make Money with Brand Collaborations

    A New, Exciting Way to Make Money with Brand Collaborations

    west episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Anca Toderic, the food blogger behind The Butter Table, who has turned her passion for cooking into a thriving business by creating user-generated content (short-form video) for brands.

    Her journey is not only inspiring but also filled with practical advice for anyone looking to monetize their video content. Let's dive into the lessons learned from Anca's experience.

    Show Notes:
    MiloTreeCart Book a FREE 20-minute strategy call with me The Butter Table Book a UGC coaching session with Anca MiloTree Pop-Up App Join My Blogger Genius Email List Become a Blogger Genius Facebook Group All Blogger Genius Podcast Episodes
    Subscribe to the Blogger Genius Podcast:
    iTunes YouTube Spotify
    The Pivot: From Struggle to Strategy
    Anca's story begins with a venture that many can relate to—a business that didn't take off as hoped. She and her sister-in-law poured their hearts into a meal plan business for seven years, only to make the tough call to shut it down. This setback, compounded by the surprise of a new baby, could have been the end of her entrepreneurial journey. But with her sister's encouragement, Anca found a new path: TikTok.

    Despite initial reservations, TikTok became a source of fun for Anca as she shared her recipes and cooking tips. This platform was the stepping stone she needed to gain confidence and see the potential for monetization, which led her to start a blog and consider brand partnerships.

    Crafting the Pitch: The Art of Negotiation and Content Creation
    Anca's approach to pitching and negotiating with brands was all self-taught. She started by creating a portfolio that showcased her content and pitched her ideas to potential partners. Her first brand deal came as a surprise, considering her small following and the fact that her blog and Instagram weren't even launched yet.

    When it comes to setting rates, Anca did her homework. She began charging $650 for a 30-second video and later increased her rate to $1,000, offering package discounts for multiple videos. Her key to success? Discussing budgets and deliverables with brands to tailor her pricing to each project's needs.

    The Creative Process: Authenticity Meets Professionalism
    In creating content for brands, Anca focuses on authenticity. She often showcases products in a natural setting, whether it's through recipe development or cooking demonstrations. Her tools of the trade are simple yet effective—smartphone apps for filming and editing, natural lighting, and minimal equipment. This approach resonates with brands looking for user-generated content that feels genuine and relatable.

    Growing the Blog and Instagram: The Power of Collaboration
    Anca's growth as a blogger and influencer has been significantly boosted by her work with brands. With about 20-30% of her collaborations coming through PR agencies and the rest from in-house contacts, she has seen the benefits of backlinks from real companies and the exposure that comes from being tagged and featured on Instagram.

    Embracing the Learning Curve: Just Start
    One of the most empowering takeaways from my conversation with Anca is her attitude towards learning. She advocates for jumping into opportunities and learning along the way, rather than waiting to become an expert first. This mindset has allowed her to focus on making money from her passion and to avoid getting bogged down in the minutiae of branding and marketing.

    Looking Ahead: Teaching and Sharing Knowledge
    Anca's down-to-earth approach and relatable vibe have not only made her a success in her own right but also position her as a potential mentor for others. She's open to sharing her experiences and helping others navigate the world of content creation and brand collaborations.

    Connect with Anca
    For those interested in reaching out to Anca or working with her, she's accessible via direct message on Instagram at The Bu

    • 51 min
    Unleashing the Power of Selling Ebooks: Your Gateway to a Digital Empire

    Unleashing the Power of Selling Ebooks: Your Gateway to a Digital Empire

    Welcome to another episode of the Blogger Genius Podcast. In today's episode, I'm diving deep into the realm of creating and selling digital products—especially ebooks—and how they can significantly bolster your income and help you future-proof your business.

    The Call to Diversify Your Income
    In the digital era, relying solely on ads and affiliates for monetization is a gamble. The need for multiple income streams has never been more critical, and here's where MiloTreeCart can help.

    Imagine effortlessly setting up unlimited memberships, digital downloads, workshops, coaching, and courses in under five minutes. Yes, you heard that right! Thanks to the newly rolled-out creator-friendly AI sales pages, setting up your digital products has become a breeze.

    Show Notes:
    MiloTreeCart Ebook AI Prompts FREEBIE Book a FREE 20-minute strategy call with me MiloTree Pop-Up App Join My Blogger Genius Email List Become a Blogger Genius Facebook Group All Blogger Genius Podcast Episodes

    Why MiloTreeCart?
    Hassle-Free Checkouts: Ensures a smooth and straightforward purchasing process for your customers. AI Sales Pages: These magic sales pages make setup a matter of minutes, not hours. Intuitive Sales Dashboard: Keep track of your sales with ease, understanding your business at a glance. Extensive Marketing Support: Over 100 marketing templates and guides to help with sales and marketing, ensuring you're never left guessing on your next move. Dedicated Support: Real people offering real help, because your success is MiloTreeCart's success.
    The Gateway to Selling Digital: Ebooks
    Ebooks are the perfect entry point into selling digital products. With advancements in AI, creating a content-rich ebook in under three hours is now within reach. Ebooks not only serve as a passive income stream but also allow you to test the waters with your audience, providing valuable insights into their preferences and needs.

    The Benefits of Starting with an Ebook
    Ease of Creation and Distribution: With tools like ChatGPT and Canva, creating and formatting your ebook is straightforward and efficient. Low Risk, High Reward: Ebooks offer a low barrier to entry for both creators and consumers, making it an ideal starting point. Builds Trust and Authority: By sharing your knowledge, you establish yourself as an expert in your niche, fostering trust with your audience. Minimal Customer Service Required: Unlike physical products, ebooks require little to no post-sale customer service.
    Selling Made Simple
    MiloTreeCart isn't just about creating digital products; it's about selling them effectively. The platform offers a plethora of marketing materials and strategies, including a six-day launch calendar and email templates, to take the guesswork out of selling. Features like upsells and coupons are also part of the package, designed to maximize your earnings and enhance the customer buying experience.

    Final Thoughts on Selling Your Ebook
    Selling is about service, and with the right approach, it can feel less like a transaction and more like offering help. Embrace the mindset that your product offers a valuable solution, and don't shy away from promoting it. Remember, people value what they pay for, so put your ebook out there, and let MiloTreeCart handle the rest.

    Jumpstart Your Digital Product Empire
    Turning your expertise into income through digital products is not just a possibility; it's an opportunity waiting to be seized. With MiloTreeCart, the path to creating, marketing, and selling digital products is clearer and more accessible than ever. Start your journey today and future-proof your business with digital products.

    If the idea of building a digital product empire excites you, MiloTreeCart is ready to make that dream a reality. With a special lifetime deal of $349, you can secure your digital storefront and never worry about recurring fees. Plus, with a 30-day money-back guarant

    • 14 min
    Cutting-Edge Social Media Tactics for 2024!

    Cutting-Edge Social Media Tactics for 2024!

    In my newest episode of the Blogger Genius Podcast, I had the pleasure of talking again with my friend and social media strategist, Lauren Litt, to discuss the current state of social media and what tactics you can put in place today to explode your business. It's not about followers anymore!

    Show Notes:
    MiloTreeCart Book a FREE 20-minute strategy call with me Catch My Party MiloTree Pop-Up App Lauren Litt Personality Quiz: What Digital Product Should I Create? Join My Blogger Genius Email List Become a Blogger Genius Facebook Group All Blogger Genius Podcast Episodes
    Subscribe to the Blogger Genius Podcast:
    iTunes YouTube Spotify
    Building Authentic Connections on Social Media
    One of the key takeaways from our conversation is the importance of building real connections and relationships on social media. Lauren points out that social media success isn't just about going viral; it's about fostering a community and creating authentic connections with your followers. She emphasizes the marketing principles of repetition and the balance of giving versus taking, highlighting the need for consistent content and the importance of providing value to your audience.

    A Success Story: The Power of a Dedicated Audience
    Lauren shares an inspiring success story of a client who, instead of aiming for a vast audience, focused on a smaller group of engaged followers. This targeted approach led to a successful product launch, underscoring the power of relationship-building and engagement with a dedicated audience.

    Managing Social Media Stress
    We also touch on the potential stress and mental health impact of social media. It's common to feel overwhelmed, but Lauren reassures us that it's possible to approach social media in a manageable way. She advised starting with small, consistent efforts rather than succumbing to the pressure of doing too much at once.

    The Art of Engagement: Quality Over Quantity
    Lauren and I explore the nuances of engagement on social media, noting that it varies based on individual goals and content. She stresses that engagement is crucial, regardless of how often you post. For some, daily posting is necessary, while for others, like mom bloggers, one post a week with daily follower interaction can be enough.

    Three-Phase Engagement Strategy
    Here is Lauren's social media strategy:

    Review your profile to ensure it resonates with your ideal audience. Respond to comments and new followers to foster a sense of community. Reach out to ideal followers to build authentic connections.
    She encouraged responding to those who regularly engage with your content, even if it's just to express gratitude for their support.

    Embracing the Personal Touch
    We discussed the personal nature of engagement, with Lauren urging me to connect with those who consistently interact with my content. Authenticity is key, and making genuine connections can be as simple as acknowledging someone you regularly see on the street.

    The Human Connection in a Digital Age
    Lauren highlights the irreplaceable value of the human connection and personal touch in an age where AI and automation are on the rise. Creating a warm and welcoming environment for followers is essential.

    From my own experience, I've seen the shift towards meaningful connections with followers. Authenticity and transparency in messaging are crucial for providing genuine and valuable content to your audience.

    The Significance of Real Connections
    As our conversation wraps up, both Lauren and I emphasize the importance of building real connections and relationships on social media, rather than focusing solely on metrics and numbers. The impact of genuine engagement and the value of showing up authentically cannot be overstated when it comes to creating a loyal and supportive community.

    Exploring Social Media Platforms: Facebook's Resurgence and Instagram's New Features
    We also discuss the resur

    • 53 min
    Best Ways Creative Entrepreneurs Can Monetize Their Expertise

    Best Ways Creative Entrepreneurs Can Monetize Their Expertise

    Today I'm thrilled to share insights from my recent conversation with photographer and business coach, Chris Pieta on The Blogger Genius Podcast. Chris's story is not just inspiring; it's a roadmap for any creative looking to turn their passion into a profitable business.

    The Leap of Faith: Transitioning from Corporate to Photography
    Chris's journey began with a bold step away from the security of a corporate job to follow his passion for photography. Self-taught and determined, he mastered the art of capturing stunning visuals and landed his first client in product photography. This initial success was just the beginning, as he went on to collaborate with over 50 brands and built his reputation.

    Show Notes:
    MiloTreeCart Book a FREE 20-minute strategy call with me Catch My Party MiloTree Pop-Up App Chris Pieta Personality Quiz: What Digital Product Should I Create? Join My Blogger Genius Email List Become a Blogger Genius Facebook Group All Blogger Genius Podcast Episodes
    Subscribe to the Blogger Genius Podcast:
    iTunes YouTube Spotify
    Embracing the Digital World: YouTube and Instagram Strategies
    Recognizing the power of social media, Chris expanded his reach by creating content on YouTube and Instagram. His goal was to join YouTube's partner program, but it was his dedication to consistently posting valuable content weekly that truly expanded his influence.

    On Instagram, he took a personal approach, engaging with followers to understand their needs and preferences, which helped him tailor his content strategy effectively.

    Balancing Creativity and Business: Insights for Creative Entrepreneurs
    Chris acknowledges the challenges creatives face when balancing their art with the business side of things. He encourages focusing on business aspects without losing the creative spark. His advice is to leverage creative expertise to increase income, which is a golden nugget for any entrepreneur.

    Monetizing Creativity: The Path to Financial Success
    During our conversation, Chris outlined two primary routes for monetizing a creative business: brand partnerships and selling digital products or coaching. He stressed the importance of being an expert and qualified to offer these services. Chris's own experience of growing his photography business while building a YouTube channel on the side is a testament to this approach which lead to his business growth and diversification.

    The Art of Pitching: Connecting with Brands
    Pitching to brands is an art, and Chris shares his personalized email sequence strategy. The focus is on capturing attention, establishing credibility, and providing a clear call to action. He also highlights the importance of understanding a brand's needs and offering solutions, which is crucial for building lasting relationships.

    Selling Digital Products: The Importance of Implementation
    Chris emphasizes selling implementation over information. The transformation should happen at the transaction, meaning that digital products should enable businesses to apply the knowledge effectively. He also believes in the power of trust and standing by your products, which is why he recommends offering a money-back guarantee.

    Trust and Karma: The Foundations of Online Success
    We both agreed on the importance of trust and standing by what you create. There's a sense of internet karma where putting out good stuff and being trustworthy leads to success. This philosophy is central to Chris's approach and Jillian's approach with MIloTreeCart, and something all online entrepreneurs should take to heart.

    Pricing Strategies: Catering to Different Budgets
    Chris shares his thoughts on pricing digital products, advocating for different pricing tiers to accommodate various budgets and levels of interest. He suggests starting with low-budget options and providing premium tiers for those who want more. It's about trial and error and having guidelines for different

    • 46 min
    Unleashing the Power of Pinterest with AI

    Unleashing the Power of Pinterest with AI

    Pinterest Today: Strategies and Consistency
    I'm excited to be interviewing Missy Lund, Pinterest manager and marketing specialist, to talk about new Pinterest traffic strategies and how to use AI to speed up your workflow.

    Pinterest has evolved from a simple visual search engine to a complex platform with various features like videos, story pins (now idea pins), and a focus on e-commerce. Despite these changes, my own experience with Catch My Party has taught me that sometimes, sticking to the basics, like static pins and keyword optimization, can still yield the best results.
    Missy echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of testing and finding what works best for your unique account.

    The Evolution of Monetizing Knowledge
    Let's talk about something crucial for all content creators and bloggers: monetization.

    Have you ever considered selling your knowledge and expertise directly to your audience? If you're still relying solely on ads and affiliate links, it's time to rethink your strategy.
    In today's digital landscape, diversifying your income streams is not just smart—it's essential. That's why I'm excited to introduce you to MiloTreeCart, a game-changer for anyone looking to sell products and services effortlessly.
    I'm offering a free 20-minute strategy call to blow your mind with our new AI sales pages. Visit milotree.com/meet and prepare to see your business in a whole new light.

    With the ability to set up memberships, digital downloads, workshops, coaching, and mini-courses in under five minutes, there's no excuse not to start. Show Notes:

    MiloTreeCart Book a FREE 20-minute call with me Catch My Party MiloTree Pop-Up App Missy Lund Personality Quiz: What Digital Product Should I Create? Join My Blogger Genius Email List Become a Blogger Genius Facebook Group All Blogger Genius Podcast Episodes
    Subscribe to the Blogger Genius Podcast:
    iTunes Stitcher YouTube Spotify
    Leveraging AI and Tools for Pinterest Success
    We delve into the use of AI tools like ChatGPT and Canva Magic to generate pin titles, descriptions, and even blog post ideas. Scheduling tools like Tailwind and Pinterest's native scheduler are also crucial for maintaining a consistent presence on the platform. Missy and I discuss the strategy of creating multiple pins for the same URL and spreading them out over time to maximize reach.

    The Art of Pin Creation
    Missy shares her process for creating visually appealing pins using Canva and the collage feature on Pinterest's mobile app. She highlights the importance of pin size and ratio for mobile visibility and discusses the effectiveness of combining paid and organic pins, especially for e-commerce.

    Video content is also on the rise, and patience is key to seeing results on Pinterest.

    Conclusion: Embracing Change and AI in Pinterest Marketing
    The importance of consistency and quality content on Pinterest cannot be overstated. The potential of AI to enhance our Pinterest strategies is something I'm particularly excited about, and I look forward to having Missy back to discuss new trends.

    For those eager to connect with Missy Lund and tap into her expertise, she's just an email away. And for my listeners, I invite you to experience the transformative power of AI firsthand. Book a call with me, and let's explore how we can elevate your Pinterest game together.

    Remember, the key to success is adaptability, consistency, and the willingness to embrace new tools and technologies.

    Other Related Blogger Genius Podcast episodes You’ll Enjoy:
    AI-Driven Content and the Future of SEO with Steve Wiideman The Truth About Blogging Success: Hard Work and Risks with Faith Mariah How to Thrive in a Post-Cookie World: 5 Strategies Bloggers Need to Embrace Now
    MiloTreeCart, the Best Tool for Non-Techies to Sell Digital Products
    I also want to introduce you to the MiloTreeCart, a tool designed for non-techies to sell dig

    • 46 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
109 Ratings

109 Ratings

LittItUp ,

Real tips you can utilize today!

I love Jillian's 6 Purchasing Buckets! She really breaks down how to move the needle in your biz by staying on top of new trends.

Update: Listen to her recent episodes on AI. Super informative

TacosTime4 ,

So much value for newbie bloggers!

I'm no blogging pro, but this podcast makes me feel like one! It's like having a chat with friends who get it. The best part? Jillian talks about AI without making it sound like rocket science—practical tips, no fear-mongering.

What hooked me? Monetization talk that's refreshingly real. It's not just about the basics; they spill the beans on making actual cash. From digital products to unique income ideas, it's a goldmine.

Whether you're starting out or have been blogging for a decade, curious about AI, or ready to turn your blog into a moneymaker, this podcast is your ride. One of my weekly podcast rotations.

Addison LaBonte ,

Amazing Podcast!

Jillian is a wealth of knowledge and she makes everything super easy to understand! I am a blogger and have loved her podcast for years – her podcast has specifically helped me with sales, creating digital products, and getting familiar with Milo Tree Cart. Highly recommend!

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