Chasing Simple Marketing for Entrepreneurs

Amanda Warfield
  • 4.8 (65)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

How do I find time to create content without overwhelming myself? Where should I even be showing up in my marketing? How do I come up with fresh content ideas? Where should I be focusing my marketing efforts? What is lead generation and how do I do it? Are launches still a thing? And most importantly – how do I put it all together to market my business strategically? Can I really grow my business without spending all of my time marketing? If these are some of the questions that float around in your head when you think of marketing – welcome friend. This is Chasing Simple – where practical marketing strategy meets simplicity. I’m your host – Amanda Warfield. Simplicity-focused content marketing and launch strategist, speaker, educator, and author of Chasing Simple Marketing. I traded in my classroom lesson plans for helping creative entrepreneurs sustainably fit marketing into their business, without it taking over their business – so that they have time to grow their business, take t

  1. NOV 25

    Episode 284: How We Chose Content to Repurpose Based on This Client’s Goals

    Repurposing isn’t random. Or, at least, it shouldn’t be. Last week, I shared about a repurposing VIP day client who knew exactly what content she wanted and needed repurposed in order to take time off for the holidays. Today, I want to share about a different client’s experience with the repurposing VIP day. This client booked a VIP day but wasn’t sure what content she actually wanted to have repurposed. So we worked together to determine her goals, and the long-form content she already had that would help lean into those goals. Afterwards, this is what she had to say: Having Amanda repurpose my content gave me the extra time I needed to focus on my clients and my family, which is extremely important to me during this season of life. It was so easy, too, with Amanda helping me choose which long-form pieces to use for this quarter based on the goals I had. Want a full behind the scenes peek behind the curtain? You’re listening to episode 284 of the Chasing Simple Podcast, and I’m your host – Amanda Warfield. This episode was brought to you by the 2026 Chasing Simple Content Planner, and you can grab your own at amandawarfield.com/planner Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Stop into my YouTube channel for videos about all things content marketing. Check out the Playbook for a Complete Marketing Game Plan Learn more about Repurposing VIP Days Tune in to Last Week’s Episode Book Rec: Game Changer by Neil Shusterman Find me on Instagram and tell me what you thought of this episode: @mrsamandawarfield The post Episode 284: How We Chose Content to Repurpose Based on This Client’s Goals appeared first on Amanda Warfield.

    16 min

  2. NOV 18

    Episode 283: Repurposing Content Allowed Her to Stay Consistent During the Holidays

    She didn’t want to disappear from her audience — but she also didn’t want to burn out over the holidays. Enter: repurposed magic. I took her long-form content (in this case, her podcast episodes) and turned them into emails, short-form video outlines, and captions that she simply needed to take and schedule out. This kept her numbers consistent while she was gone and made getting out of office for the holidays simpler. In fact, this is what she had to say about my Repurposing VIP Day: My favorite part was how easy it was to make this VIP day happen. Other than getting you the long-form content, I didn’t really need to do any other kind of prep, which was a huge perk of how you’ve set this offer up. Want a behind-the-scenes peek at what it looked like for us to work together and exactly how it helped her business? You’re listening to episode 283 of the Chasing Simple Podcast, and I’m your host – Amanda Warfield. This episode was brought to you by the 2026 Chasing Simple Content Planner and you can grab your own at amandawarfield.com/planner Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Stop into my YouTube channel for videos about all things content marketing. Check out the Playbook for a Complete Marketing Game Plan Learn more about Repurposing VIP Days Action Step: Make a plan for your own holidays this year – how will you continue showing up despite taking time off? Book Rec: Bridesmaid for Hire by Meghan Quinn Find me on Instagram and tell me what you thought of this episode: @mrsamandawarfield The post Episode 283: Repurposing Content Allowed Her to Stay Consistent During the Holidays appeared first on Amanda Warfield.

    17 min

  3. NOV 4

    When is the Best Time to Post on Instagram? And Other IG Tips

    Let me be real with you: if you ask me what’s working on Instagram right now, I’ll tell you the truth — I have no idea. And that’s because I don’t do social media. My marketing heart belongs to email and long-form content, and an overarching ecosystem. But I know you still may want to show up on Instagram, and probably are asking questions like “When is the Best Time to Post on Instagram?”. So, I brought in someone who does know what’s working: Serena Waller, founder of Dande Agency and host of the Swell Social Hour podcast. She’s your new social media guardian angel. Serena works with wedding pros and creatives, helping them simplify their Instagram marketing with systems, strategy, and sanity-saving tips. And today? She’s breaking it all down for us. If you’re a course creator trying to figure out whether Instagram is even worth your time—or how to make it more worth your time—this one’s for you. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Checkout the Chasing Simple Content Planner to align your content with your business goals!! Action Step: Check your analytics from Instagram for 30-, 60-, and 90-days. Figure out what has been working in your audience, and if you have time repurpose some longer form content into short form Instagram worthy content. Serena’s Business Book Rec: Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork  by Dan Sullivan Serena’s Leisure Book Rec: All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker Find us on Instagram and tell us what you thought of this episode: @mrsamandawarfield and @dandeagency First Things First: Know Your Goal Before you dive into what content to post or how often to post it, you need to know what role Instagram plays in your business. Serena says this is everything. Ask yourself: Do I want to grow my audience? Do I want to stay visible to the audience I already have? Do I want to build connection and deepen trust? Spoiler: the answer isn’t always all three. Depending on your business model, service suite, and where your leads are coming from, Instagram might just be a visibility tool or a way to repurpose existing content. And that’s okay. What’s Actually Working on Instagram Right Now? If you’re trying to grow, connect, or just keep the lights on with your Instagram presence, here are the strategies Serena says are actually working right now: 1. Trial Reels These are reels that Instagram shows only to people who don’t already follow you. They’re basically your secret tool for growth. They don’t show up on your grid unless you choose to add them later, and they work like a cold audience ad: “Hey stranger, here’s what I offer.” 2. Series-Based Content Break one longer piece of content into multiple posts (hello repurposing!). Think: part 1, part 2, part 3. It keeps people coming back for more. 3. Raw, Unfiltered Content Forget the curated perfection. Authentic, behind-the-scenes moments are trending. Think casual Reels, honest captions, and vulnerable stories. 4. Stories for Visibility This one surprised me: Instagram stories are now being shown to strangers. They used to just nurture your current followers. Now they can help you grow, too. Even more reason to show up. 5. Collab Posts Co-posting with another account (hello, new audiences!) is a fast-track strategy for increasing your reach. Match Your Strategy to Your Goal Depending on your goal, here’s what you should focus on: If your goal is growth: Prioritize trial reels and collab posts Post at least 3 times a week (but more = better) Use SEO-rich captions and alt text If your goal is visibility: Show up regularly in Stories and on your grid Create shareable content (think: relatable quotes, useful tips, or fun carousels) Use carousels and vertical posts—skip the single graphics If your goal is connection: Get social in the DMs (it actually boosts your algorithm too!) Share personal stories, client wins, or hot takes Be consistent and authentic in your voice and presence How Often Should You Be Posting? Serena says: 3x a week minimum if you want results. But that doesn’t mean 3 new reels, carousels, and stories every single week from scratch. You can: Take one blog post and turn it into 3-4 Instagram posts Pull a snippet from your podcast and turn it into a reel Create a behind-the-scenes story from the same day you record your YouTube video And if you’re just getting started? One reel and one post per week, both repurposed from other content you’re already creating, is enough. What to Avoid on Instagram in 2025 Serena sees these mistakes all the time: Single images or graphics (they’re out. Carousels are in.) Square formats (go portrait/vertical instead) No alt text or SEO in captions Not using Instagram’s built-in features like links, tags, collabs, or integrated calendar tools Also? Don’t ignore your analytics. They tell you everything you need to know about what’s working and what’s not. Simple Reels That Are Still Worth It Reels don’t have to take hours. Here are three quick ideas: Answer FAQs on camera or with text overlays Talk about your process or why you do things the way you do Repurpose a blog post into a 15-30 second tip Trending audio is fun, but not required. Don’t overthink it. Just show up. Serena’s Top Tips for Solopreneurs Start with one long-form piece of content and break it into multiple Instagram posts. Focus on one reel and one grid post per week if that’s all you can do. Check your analytics every 30, 60, and 90 days to see what’s actually resonating. And remember: social media isn’t one-size-fits-all. Let your business model and personal capacity lead the way. Want Support With Your Instagram Strategy? If you’re ready to hand it off, Serena and the Dande Agency offer done-for-you services and social media systems built around your goals. Or if you’re not ready to outsource yet, her $8/month Swell Socialite subscription delivers trending audio ideas to your inbox each week. Start with a conversation by DMing Serena on Instagram @dandeagency or visit dandeagency.com to learn more. Your Next Step Not sure what to do next? Pick ONE of these actions to take this week: Check your Instagram analytics and look at the last 90 days Repurpose one blog post into three Instagram posts Record one simple reel answering a frequently asked question If you’re craving even more structure, make sure to join the Content Planning Bootcamp Challenge and get your content strategy simplified. Because you don’t need to do more. You just need to do what matters—with intention. Meet Serena Waller Retired wedding planner and your taco loving, coffee drinking, nap obsessed boy mom, Serena is the Founder/CEO of Dande Agency, where her team helps wedding pros & creatives establish social media systems and strategies that make marketing less complicated and more consistent. She’s also the host of the Swell Social Hour Podcast – your guide to the tides of social media marketing (and more). Podcast: Swell Social Hour Instagram: @dandeagency The post When is the Best Time to Post on Instagram? And Other IG Tips appeared first on Amanda Warfield.

  4. OCT 28

    How We Created a Content Ecosystem that Grew This Client’s Email List

    We used a content ecosystem to grow this client’s email list by 78% before her course launch without spending a dime on advertising. That’s right. 78% fully organic growth – all strategically geared towards her course topic. Want to know how we did it? I’m sharing all in this episode. You’re listening to episode 281 of the Chasing Simple Podcast, and I’m your host, Amanda Warfield. This episode was brought to you by the Chasing Simple Content Planner. You can grab your own at https://amandawarfield.com/planner Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Learn more about working with me. Let’s hop on a Discovery Call and chat about how I can help with your marketing. Book yours now. Action Step: Audit your content system and find the disconnect in it. Don’t fix it, just find it. Book Rec: The Handmaid’s Secret by Freida McFadden Find me on Instagram and tell me what you thought of this episode: @mrsamandawarfield The post How We Created a Content Ecosystem that Grew This Client’s Email List appeared first on Amanda Warfield.

    16 min

  5. OCT 14

    What Does a Copywriter Do?

    The post What Does a Copywriter Do? appeared first on Amanda Warfield.

    16 min

  6. OCT 7

    How She Gave Up Instagram Marketing for Good with Sarah Erickson

    What Can Happen if You Gave Up Instagram For Good (And Still Want to Grow Your Business) Can I be honest with you for a second? I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve asked myself, “What would it actually look like to run my business without Instagram?” Not just taking a week off or hiding the app on my phone, but walking away completely. It feels like such a wild thought in the current online space. But for Sarah Erickson? It’s her reality. Sarah is a brand designer who made the bold move to leave Instagram behind in 2021—before it was trendy, before burnout was a buzzword, and before Reels ruled the feed. And yet, she’s built a thriving, sustainable business. No hacks. No hustle. Just a smart, intentional strategy that prioritizes Pinterest, blogging, email marketing, and good old-fashioned word of mouth. And what she shared with me in our conversation wasn’t just about marketing. It was about peace. Time. Sanity. And choosing a business that supports the life you want to live, not the other way around. So if you’ve been quietly wondering, “Am I even allowed to step back from social media?” or “Could my business survive without Instagram?” friend, this post is for you. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Sarah’s Pinning with Purpose Course: https://amandawarfield–sarahanndesign.thrivecart.com/pinning-with-purpose/ (aff. link) Sarah Uses Tailwind for Scheduling Pinterest Pins: https://www.tailwindapp.com/ I Use Plann (Save $10!): https://www.plannthat.com/register/?fp_ref=cus_LjPEW4WnBLpkNi&name=Amanda (aff. link) Should You Delete Instagram? Podcast Episode: https://amandawarfield.com/268-2 Creative Educator Conference: https://layleeemadi.com/conference Action Step: Ask yourself what you would like to have more time for. Book Rec: Dreyer’s English by Benjamin Dreyer Find me on Instagram and tell me what you thought of this episode: @mrsamandawarfield Why Sarah Gave Up Instagram (Before It Was Cool) By 2021, Instagram had become a time-suck for Sarah. Reels were taking over, the algorithm was a constant frustration, and the platform just didn’t feel worth the emotional and time investment anymore. She realized she was pouring hours into content creation that wasn’t converting—not meaningfully, anyway. Even when her posts got views, they rarely led to inquiries or email sign-ups. But what really tipped the scales? The emotional drain. She put it so clearly: “Even if I was getting a few clients from Instagram, could I get those same clients somewhere else—without the time and emotional cost?” The answer, for her, was yes. What She Chose Instead (And Why It Works) Sarah didn’t just quit Instagram and disappear. She shifted to platforms that could support her marketing long-term: Pinterest: As a visual search engine, it plays beautifully with her brand design work and long-form content. Blogging: Gives her evergreen content that builds authority and supports SEO. Email Marketing: Provides a direct line of communication to her audience—no algorithm needed. Word of Mouth: The power of deep, meaningful relationships can’t be underestimated. This ecosystem works together to bring in dreamy clients without the need for constant social content. Building a Pinterest Marketing Machine (That Runs Without You) Let me pause here and say: Sarah’s Pinterest strategy isn’t just throwing up a few pins and calling it a day. She’s creating volumes of pins per post or opt-in—using Canva templates from her course, Pin with Purpose. We’re talking 100+ pins for a single blog post or freebie. That content then gets scheduled through Tailwind (usually just twice a year!), and it brings in leads passively, every single day. “I’m still getting leads from content I posted in 2021. That just doesn’t happen on Instagram.” And here’s the part I love most: because this system is built on evergreen content, she doesn’t have to constantly be creating new blog posts or new freebies. Her business keeps growing, even when her season of life demands rest or slower rhythms. The Real Gift of Leaving Social: Deeper Time, Deeper Relationships Of course, walking away from Instagram comes with fears—especially around connection and visibility. But Sarah reframed it in a way I can’t stop thinking about: “I wanted fewer relationships, but deeper and richer ones.” Instead of trading double taps and story replies, she now prioritizes email check-ins, snail mail, and real in-person connection at events like the Creative Educator Conference. Without Instagram feeding the illusion of constant connection, conversations have become more meaningful. More curious. More personal. And that’s not a loss. It’s a win. So, What if YOU Gave Up Instagram? Maybe. Maybe not. But you can start by creating a little breathing room. Here’s what Sarah recommends as a first step: Make a list of the things you wish you had more time for. And then, next time you’re tempted to scroll, choose one of those things instead. So simple. So powerful. This isn’t about quitting cold turkey. It’s about building a business that gives you your time back. Your peace back. Your creativity back. And if you are curious about what Pinterest could do for your business? Sarah’s course, Pin with Purpose, is the most straightforward, time-efficient way I’ve found to get started. I binged it in a weekend, created over 100 pins for my own content, and scheduled everything in just a few hours. The templates are gold, and the strategy is built to support you for years, not days. Ready To Try Something Different? If Instagram has been draining you dry, you’re not alone. You can build a thriving, sustainable business without it. You can build deeper relationships outside of social media. You can simplify your marketing and still grow. So here’s your gentle nudge: take one step this week. Create your list of what you’d rather spend your time on. Schedule one blog post to Pinterest. Sign up for Sarah’s course. Or just take a walk and remind yourself why you started this business in the first place. It’s not about quitting. It’s about choosing what stays. P.S. Ready to see what it would look like if you gave up Instagram? If you want help planning content that doesn’t rely on social media, make sure you grab the Chasing Simple Content Planner. It’ll help you plan your 2026 content in a way that actually feels manageable—and gives you space to step away from Instagram, if you choose. Meet Sarah Erickson Sarah Erickson creates intentional brand designs for creative entrepreneurs. As Lead Designer and Creative Director behind Sarah Ann Design, she helps her clients elevate their businesses with powerful and refined brand identities—polished designs supported by thoughtful strategy. Sarah is passionate about equipping creatives to appeal to their ideal clients, elevate their services, and build lasting legacies for their brands. Check Out Pinning with Purpose Grab These Free Social Media Canva Templates The post How She Gave Up Instagram Marketing for Good with Sarah Erickson appeared first on Amanda Warfield.

    40 min

  7. SEP 30

    My Number One Content Planning Tool

    You know that moment when you sit down to plan your content… and suddenly feel like your brain is running in five different directions? You’ve got the Google Doc open. The planner pulled out. A blank Trello board waiting for inspiration to strike. Maybe you even printed off a calendar page thinking, This time it’ll stick. I’ve been there too. In fact, when I first started my business, I tried every content planning system I could get my hands on. I loved the idea of being organized and having a plan—but no matter what tool I used, I always felt like I was doing too much… and still not getting anywhere. Because here’s the thing: I had a plan, but I didn’t have a strategy. And friend, that changes everything. In today’s episode, I’m walking you through the exact tool I use (and created!) to bridge that gap, my absolute favorite content planning tool — the Chasing Simple Content Planner. I’ll share how it’s different from anything else out there, why it’s built with strategy at the core, and how it helps you align your content with your business goals without burning out or spinning your wheels. So if you’ve ever found yourself stuck in the cycle of “I’m doing all the things but seeing no results,” this episode is your invitation to shift gears and start planning with purpose. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Stop into my YouTube channel for weekly videos about all things content marketing Snag the 2026 Chasing Simple Content Planner Learn More about My KPIs & Marketing Workshop Action Step: Book Rec: Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter Want your own live coaching session? Apply here Find me on Instagram and tell me what you thought of this episode: @mrsamandawarfield Why Content Planning Without Strategy Doesn’t Work This is the trap I see so many online business owners fall into—and I lived there for way too long myself. We think if we can just find the right tool or the perfect planner, our content will finally start working. But even the prettiest planner in the world can’t move the needle if it’s not grounded in strategy. Think of it like building a house. The planner? That’s the decor.But strategy? That’s the studs and structure. The foundation that holds the entire thing up. I was spending all my time decorating a house that hadn’t been built yet. No wonder it kept collapsing. What a Content Planning Strategy Actually Looks Like When I realized I was skipping the foundational piece—strategy—it changed everything about how I approached my content. I stopped asking: What should I post this week? How do I fill in this blank calendar? What do I feel like talking about? And started asking: What are my goals this month? What action do I want my audience to take? How can my content help them get there—and help me get there, too? This is the shift that led me to create the Chasing Simple Content Planner—a content planning tool designed not just to help you plan content, but to help you build and stick to your strategy. Inside the Chasing Simple Content Planner: Strategy First, Always Most planners give you a monthly calendar and call it a day. But the Chasing Simple Content Planner walks you through strategic steps before you ever fill in a single post idea. Here’s what makes it different: 1. Monthly Goal Mapping Each month starts with space to reflect and realign your goals. You walk down from your yearly goals, to your quarterly focus, to your monthly objectives, and finally your weekly intentions. Because if your content isn’t rooted in your business goals, it’s just noise. 2. Message Mapping You’ll get a dedicated spot to refine your core message for the month—so you’re not reinventing the wheel every week or veering off course. You can repeat your message in fresh ways, keeping it consistent but never boring. 3. Built-In Repurposing Every month includes a repurposing section so you can actually use the content you’ve already created. You don’t need to start from scratch every time—this section helps you identify what to reuse, remix, or revisit based on your current goals. Planning Week-by-Week with Intention Once your monthly strategy is set, the weekly pages help you break things down even further. You’ll plan your content by: Platform Category Topic Hook Call to Action But here’s the part I really love: There’s a spot each week to write down your marketing goal, your sales goal, and the KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) you’re tracking. This simple step—keeping your goals visible and actionable—keeps your content from drifting aimlessly. You’ll actually create content that sells, because you’re planning with your sales in mind. Why This Works (Even If You’re Tired, Busy, or Discouraged) When you’re running a business, creating content can feel like just another chore on the never-ending to-do list. But with a content planning strategy in place? You sit down to write, and you already know what you’re talking about, why it matters, and how it’s going to support your goals.You stop second-guessing and start creating with clarity. This is how we simplify content marketing—not by doing more, but by being more focused. Ready to Simplify Your Content Strategy with My Favorite Content Planning Tool? The 2026 version of the Chasing Simple Content Planner is here! And if you haven’t grabbed the 2025 version yet, you can snag it for 50% off when you order the 2026 edition. There’s still plenty of time to use it this year, and I promise you’ll feel the difference when you plan from a place of intention instead of overwhelm. Grab your planner here Let’s ditch the spaghetti-throwing and start creating content that moves the needle—on purpose. The post My Number One Content Planning Tool appeared first on Amanda Warfield.

    17 min

  8. SEP 24

    Avoid These Legal Marketing Mistakes with Maria Spears Ollis

    I’ll never forget the panic I felt the first time I learned that you legally needed a physical mailing address in the footer of every marketing email you send. At the time, I was working from home, and the thought of putting my personal address out there for anyone to see? Hard pass. But I didn’t realize I had options. And worse—I didn’t know the fine for not including one could be $46,000 per subscriber. So yep, I scrambled. Set up a PO box. Updated every footer. And learned that when it comes to legal marketing mistakes, ignorance is not bliss—it’s expensive. And that’s exactly why I brought lawyer and legal fairy godmother Maria Spears Ollis (aka The Lunar Lawyer) onto the Chasing Simple Podcast. Because while we’re all out here trying to build our brands and serve our people, we can’t afford to leave the legal side of marketing as an afterthought. In our conversation, Maria broke down the five most common legal mistakes she sees business owners make when marketing their offers—and how to fix each one with confidence and clarity. Let’s dig into her advice, so you can shore up your marketing foundations and protect your peace. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Stop into my YouTube channel for weekly videos about all things content marketing Checkout Maria’s Ad Lib Contract Templates: The Legal Apothecary Legal Services Generate a FREE Refund Policy for your course or membership offerings with Maria’s Refund Policy Oracle Action Step: Get an address and put it in your email footer, PO box or virtual mailbox like Anytime Mailbox work great Book Rec: Abundant Ever After: Tools for Creating a Life of Prosperity and Ease by Cathy Heller Want your own live coaching session? Apply here Find me on Instagram and tell me what you thought of this episode: @mrsamandawarfield 1. Overlooking Legal Requirements in Email Marketing We both know email marketing is one of the most powerful tools in your business. But did you know there are specific legal requirements that apply to every email you send? Here’s what your emails must include: A real, valid mailing address in the footer (can be a PO box or virtual mailbox like Anytime Mailbox) A non-misleading subject line (no “Re:” tricks if there wasn’t actually a reply) Clear and easy-to-find unsubscribe links that work The fine for noncompliance? $46,000 per email recipient. This one is so simple to fix, but easy to overlook. Double-check your ESP settings today and make sure you’re covered. Need a content planner that aligns your content with your business goals? Check out the Chasing Simple Content Planner to plan your email content with clarity and intention. 2. Sharing Testimonials Without Permission If you’ve ever taken a glowing Google review and pasted it on your website or sales page, you might have unknowingly stepped into murky legal waters. And I can’t lie; this is one of the easiest legal marketing mistakes to make. Even though public platforms feel fair game, you still need explicit permission to repurpose a testimonial elsewhere. Here’s Maria’s quick fix: Create a testimonial form or SOP as part of your offboarding process Include checkboxes to get permission to share their words, name, photo, and link Always document permission (DMs count—just screenshot and save) What About Case Studies? Same rules apply. Whether you’re spotlighting client wins in a blog post or sales funnel, get their permission first. You can build this into your client agreement or request it separately. 3. Forgetting to Add Proper Disclaimers Not all disclaimers are created equal, and if you’re sharing: Income or revenue claims Time-based promises (“I launched my course in 7 days!”) Advice in regulated industries (legal, financial, medical) … you need to include specific disclaimers—and they can’t be buried at the bottom of your website. Legal tip: If you have a testimonial that includes an income claim, the disclaimer needs to be next to the testimonial or above the purchase button, not hidden in your footer. This is especially relevant for course creators and educators using social proof to market launches. A simple line like: “Results not typical. Individual results will vary based on effort, experience, and other factors.” …can go a long way toward protecting you legally. 4. Neglecting Legal Details in Opt-Ins and Freebies It’s tempting to think your lead magnet is “just a freebie,” but if you’re collecting emails, you’re collecting personal data. What you must do with opt-ins: Clearly state they’re being added to your email list Include a link to your privacy policy Consider double opt-in (especially if you’re marketing internationally) Maria recommends including a short line of text under your opt-in form, like: “By signing up, you’re joining my email list. You can unsubscribe anytime. See my Privacy Policy.” Simple, clear, and effective. Bonus points if your platform allows checkboxes to confirm consent, especially for EU-based subscribers. Want a real-world example? Check out Maria’s free Refund Policy Generator—her opt-in page is a gold star example of how to do this right. And while you’re there go ahead and sign up to receive your free refund policy. 5. Leaving Your Website Legally Vulnerable Your website isn’t just your digital storefront—it’s a legal document. And there are a few key things you need to make sure are in place: Legal Essentials for Your Website: Privacy Policy (required if you collect any data) Terms of Use (covers refunds, content rights, disclaimers) Copyright Notice (at the bottom of your site + in PDFs/workbooks) TM Symbol next to your brand name if it’s a trademark (even if not registered) Cookie Notice (especially if using tracking pixels or analytics tools) If you’re selling digital products or courses directly from your site, your refund policy must be visible before checkout. Not just hidden in an FAQ. And no, stock photos from Pinterest don’t count. Stick to reputable sources only, please. Protect Your Peace (Before You Need To) Here’s the truth: legal stuff isn’t sexy. But neither is scrambling to fix a situation you could’ve easily prevented. Do your due diligence to avoid the legal marketing mistakes we discussed today. As Maria put it, legal protection is about supporting your nervous system. When you’ve got your policies, permissions, and protections in place, you’re able to show up with more confidence and less chaos. So if you’re ready to take action, start here: Quick Action Step: Go check your email footer right now. Make sure your mailing address is there, and it’s valid. Bonus Action: If you’re a course or membership creator, download Maria’s free Refund Policy Generator and get your terms in place this week. It’s fast, it’s free, and it’s worth its weight in peace of mind. Guest Bio Maria is a lawyer, ex-opera singer, wannabe homesteader and boy mom x3. She is all about nervous system-friendly, proactive legal protection: helping coaches, healers, online educators, and cool companies by protecting their branding, creative content, contractual relationships, and doing business online legally. Maria deep-dives on trademarks, always reads the fine print, and offers smart, plug-and-play contracts through her mad libs-style contract library, The Legal Apothecary, Guest Links Website- The Legal Apothecary Maria’s FREE refund generator – The Refund Policy Oracle Instagram – @thelunarlawyer The post Avoid These Legal Marketing Mistakes with Maria Spears Ollis appeared first on Amanda Warfield.

    21 min
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How do I find time to create content without overwhelming myself? Where should I even be showing up in my marketing? How do I come up with fresh content ideas? Where should I be focusing my marketing efforts? What is lead generation and how do I do it? Are launches still a thing? And most importantly – how do I put it all together to market my business strategically? Can I really grow my business without spending all of my time marketing? If these are some of the questions that float around in your head when you think of marketing – welcome friend. This is Chasing Simple – where practical marketing strategy meets simplicity. I’m your host – Amanda Warfield. Simplicity-focused content marketing and launch strategist, speaker, educator, and author of Chasing Simple Marketing. I traded in my classroom lesson plans for helping creative entrepreneurs sustainably fit marketing into their business, without it taking over their business – so that they have time to grow their business, take t

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