Hey Tori! Answering Your Digital Marketing Questions for Creative Entrepreneurs

Tori McElwain
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Marketing

You've got a quilting business, a craft you love, and a marketing to-do list that makes you want to close your laptop and go sew. Hey Tori! is where digital marketing coach and fellow quilter Tori McElwain answers the real questions creative entrepreneurs are asking - from "where are my customers actually coming from?" to "do I really need to be on Instagram every day?" Each episode breaks down one marketing topic into something you can actually use: a strategy, a framework, a 20-minute assignment, and AI prompts you can copy and paste today. No jargon. No seventeen-step funnels. Just clear, practical guidance built for quilters, pattern designers, teachers, and makers. Sign up with your email to get new episodes delivered straight to your podcast app. You'll also be the first to hear about free resources, live coaching opportunities, and what's happening inside the Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program.

  1. 5d ago

    Krista's Five Year Journey from Maker to Teacher and Shop Owner

    Krista Russell went from her first sewing machine to running a long-arm quilting business, writing patterns, teaching classes, and operating a quilt shop—all in five years. She's the kind of person who sees an opportunity and figures it out. But building that fast creates a specific problem: you keep moving without designing. That's where accountability changed everything. In this episode, Krista shares how the Workshops Unleashed book club kept her moving forward during a massive life transition (literally moving provinces mid-move), why deadlines matter more than inspiration for action-takers, and how she went from intimidated by curriculum design to launching evergreen mystery quilt series. If you're juggling multiple income streams, building quickly, or wondering how to scale intentionally instead of just reacting, this episode is for you. Show Note Blog Post for Krista's Five Year Journey Connect with Krista: Visit her Website Follow her on Facebook Join the Book Club: Buy the book Workshops Unleashed Join the Book Club Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Krista's Quilting Journey 03:06 From Hobby to Business: The Evolution of Krista's Quilting 06:02 Building a Community: The Importance of Local Connections 08:46 Joining the Book Club: A Step Towards Growth 11:59 Taking Action: The Impact of the Book Club on Krista's Business 14:55 Designing Workshops: Overcoming Challenges in Teaching 18:08 Creating a Curriculum: Tailoring Classes to Community Needs 21:07 Future Plans: Expanding Online and In-Person Offerings 24:25 The Journey of Teaching and Learning 27:32 Crafting Effective Teaching Strategies 30:00 The Importance of Student Perspective 31:56 Transitioning from Learner to Teacher 34:49 Marketing and Growing a Quilting Business 40:00 Navigating Challenges in Business Development 47:09 Future Projects and Innovations Resources & Programs Learn more: heytori.tech Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program — For creative entrepreneurs building a real lead and launch strategy. Whether you're just starting or scaling what's working, we work through strategy together. Self-Publishing Incubator — An 18-month guided program for craft and fiber arts authors. We handle the publishing side while you focus on writing and platform building. Workshops Unleashed — My book on turning your expertise into live events. Available wherever books are sold. Blog — Monthly breakdown of what's new in social media for creative businesses at heytori.tech/blog

  2. Jul 15

    Special Release: How Tonya Dunning Went From “Someday” to Teaching Fidget Quilts

    My first-ever guest! Tonya of Memory Barn Studio makes fidget quilts for people with dementia, Alzheimer's, autism, and stroke recovery — and for years, people kept asking her, "Do you teach?" In this episode, she shares how she went from "someday" to eleven students signed up for her first class at a regional quilt show. We talk about why she went through the Workshops Unleashed Book Club twice before she was ready (and why that's not failure), the free test class that gave her real feedback before anyone paid her, the library community room that solved her "no space to teach" problem, and the playful email marketing game she's using to grow her list. If you've been standing at the edge of teaching, this one's your nudge. See the Accompanying Blog Post "Tonya Kept Saying "Someday I'll Teach" Then 14 Students Signed up". Links: You can find Tonya atMemory Barn Studio Instagram @memorybarnstudio Facebook Workshops Unleashed Book ClubGrab the book: Workshops UnleashedSubmit a question for the podcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 03:00 Tonya's Business Journey and Fidget Quilts 06:00 Transitioning from Hobby to Business 08:57 The Impact of the Book Club on Teaching 12:01 Feedback and Class Development 14:58 Conducting Test Classes and Community Engagement 17:53 Reflections on Teaching and Class Dynamics 21:49 Understanding Class Management and Student Engagement 23:58 Preparing for the Upcoming Class 26:15 Marketing Strategies for Classes 29:12 Growing Your Email List 32:25 Creating Engaging Activities for Students 34:55 The Importance of Community in Teaching 39:46 Advice for Aspiring Teachers Resources & Programs Learn more: heytori.tech Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program — For creative entrepreneurs building a real lead and launch strategy. Whether you're just starting or scaling what's working, we work through strategy together. Self-Publishing Incubator — An 18-month guided program for craft and fiber arts authors. We handle the publishing side while you focus on writing and platform building. Workshops Unleashed — My book on turning your expertise into live events. Available wherever books are sold. Blog — Monthly breakdown of what's new in social media for creative businesses at heytori.tech/blog

  3. Jul 10

    Hey Tori! How do I Market My New Workshop? Two Paths to Start

    Your workshop is built — now what? Tori breaks down the two real paths to filling it: the Program Path (borrowing an audience through guilds and events) and the Content Launch and Newsletter Path (building your own). Plus a look at where to find the launch framework in the book Workshops Unleashed and in the Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program using CELA, who drafts a full launch sequence. Join the Workshops Unleashed Book Club by July 18th. Links Mentioned Get the Book, Workshops Unleashed: heytori.tech/workshopsunleashedJoin the Free Book Club: heytori.tech/wubookclubDigital Marketing Magic Coaching Program: heytori.tech/dmmcBook a Free Strategy Session: calendly.com/quilt_patch/30minSubmit Your Question Chapters 00:00Launching Your Workshop: The Excitement Begins 02:50Marketing Strategies for Your Workshop 06:07Choosing the Right Path: Program vs. Content Launch 08:58Building Your Audience: The Importance of Email Lists 11:56Taking Action: Your First Steps to Success This Week's Hey Tori Takeaway Pick one path. Write one pitch email to a guild (Program Path) or the first “something's coming” email in your sequence (Content Launch Path). Twenty minutes, one email. Resources & Programs Learn more: heytori.tech Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program — For creative entrepreneurs building a real lead and launch strategy. Whether you're just starting or scaling what's working, we work through strategy together. Self-Publishing Incubator — An 18-month guided program for craft and fiber arts authors. We handle the publishing side while you focus on writing and platform building. Workshops Unleashed — My book on turning your expertise into live events. Available wherever books are sold. Blog — Monthly breakdown of what's new in social media for creative businesses at heytori.tech/blog Episode Keywords how to market a quilting workshop, guild lecture marketing, quilt teacher email launch, workshop launch sequence, newsletter for quilt teachers, digital marketing for quilt teachers, Workshops Unleashed book

  4. Jul 3

    Season 2! “Someday” Is Today: Why Teaching Is Your Fastest Path

    You've said it before: “Someday, I'll teach a class.” In this Season 2 opener, Tori kicks off a 3-part series built around her book, Workshops Unleashed, breaking down why teaching is one of the fastest ways to turn your craft skill into income — and what's actually inside the book to help you do it. Links Mentioned Get the Book: heytori.tech/workshopsunleashedJoin the Free Book Club (July 18 – Sept 5, 2026): heytori.tech/wubookclubFree Workshop Guide: heytori.tech/freeguideDigital Marketing Magic Coaching Program: heytori.tech/dmmcWorkshops Unleashed: The Community (Facebook Group): facebook.com/share/g/1DwRGr4uDq/Submit Your Question: Here This Week's Hey Tori Takeaway Finish this sentence: “People already ask me how to _____.” Write down the real answer — that's the seed of your workshop. Resources & Programs Learn more: heytori.tech Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program — For creative entrepreneurs building a real lead and launch strategy. Whether you're just starting or scaling what's working, we work through strategy together. Self-Publishing Incubator — An 18-month guided program for craft and fiber arts authors. We handle the publishing side while you focus on writing and platform building. Workshops Unleashed — My book on turning your expertise into live events. Available wherever books are sold. Blog — Monthly breakdown of what's new in social media for creative businesses at heytori.tech/blog Episode Keywords (SEO) how to teach quilting workshops, monetize quilting skills, workshop design for crafters, quilt guild workshop marketing, Workshops Unleashed book, quilting business book club, how to start teaching quilting, digital marketing for creative entrepreneurs

  5. Mar 31

    Hey Tori! What do I know what to focus on? Season 1 Finale

    What does a complete digital marketing system actually look like for a creative business? In this season finale of Hey Tori, Tori McElwain lays out the three pillars every quilter, crafter, and creative entrepreneur needs - Lead Strategy, Nurture Strategy, and Launch Strategy - and shows how they work together to grow your business sustainably. Plus a look inside the DMMC Program Navigator and real results from program members. If you have been piecing your marketing together and wondering what the full picture looks like, this one is for you. Links Mentioned: Book a Free Strategy Session: Click here to book. Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program: Click here for more Info about Digital Marketing Coaching and to Sign Up See more about the Creative's Clarity Report Resources & Programs Learn more: heytori.tech Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program — For creative entrepreneurs building a real lead and launch strategy. Whether you're just starting or scaling what's working, we work through strategy together. Self-Publishing Incubator — An 18-month guided program for craft and fiber arts authors. We handle the publishing side while you focus on writing and platform building. Workshops Unleashed — My book on turning your expertise into live events. Available wherever books are sold. Blog — Monthly breakdown of what's new in social media for creative businesses at heytori.tech/blog Hey Tori! Podcast with Tori McElwain | Digital Marketing for Quilters & Creative Entrepreneurs Hey Tori LLC and Tori McElwain cannot guarantee results for digital marketing strategies as outcomes are based on subjective factors that cannot be controlled by Hey Tori LLC.

  6. Mar 31

    Hey Tori! How Do I Make Sure That Writing My Email Newsletter Doesn't Take All Day?

    You know you need to send a newsletter, but every time you sit down to write one it takes two hours and still does not feel right. In this episode, Tori McElwain breaks down how to build a reusable newsletter template based on your goals and values, so you can stop starting from scratch and start sending consistently. If you are a quilter, crafter, or creative entrepreneur who wants a newsletter system that actually works for a one-person business, this one is for you. Links Mentioned: Click here to see the Episode Blog Post Submit Your Question: Click Here for the Google Form to Submit a Question Book a Free Strategy Session: Click here to book. Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program: Click here for more Info about Digital Marketing Coaching and to Sign Up See more about the Creative's Clarity Report Hey Tori! Podcast with Tori McElwain | Digital Marketing for Quilters & Creative Entrepreneurs Hey Tori LLC and Tori McElwain cannot guarantee results for digital marketing strategies as outcomes are based on subjective factors that cannot be controlled by Hey Tori LLC. heytori.tech | About & Contact | Book a Free Strategy Session

  7. Mar 29

    Hey Tori! How do I Market My Quilting Business With Limited Time?

    What do you do when you only have 30 to 60 minutes a week for marketing - and you can't even share what you're working on? In this episode of Hey Tori, digital marketing coach Tori McElwain answers one of the most common struggles she hears from creative entrepreneurs: how do you keep your audience warm when life is just full? Tori breaks down the difference between nurture and lead growth, explains why separating those two jobs is the key to working smarter with limited time, and walks through how to build an evergreen nurture email sequence - one you can pause during a launch and restart when you're done. She also walks through the DMMC Time Study Worksheet: a two-week exercise that helps you find the time you didn't know you had by identifying tasks you can delegate, delete, or systematize. It's the exercise that has to come before the strategy. If you've been putting off your marketing because you think you don't have enough time - this episode will change that. Send in your question! It could be the next episode. Links Mentioned: Submit Your Question: Click Here for the Google Form to Submit a Question Book a Free Strategy Session: Click here to book. Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program: Click here for more Info about Digital Marketing Coaching and to Sign Up See more about the Creative's Clarity Report Hey Tori! Podcast with Tori McElwain | Digital Marketing for Quilters & Creative Entrepreneurs Hey Tori LLC and Tori McElwain cannot guarantee results for digital marketing strategies as outcomes are based on subjective factors that cannot be controlled by Hey Tori LLC. heytori.tech | About & Contact | Book a Free Strategy Session

  8. Mar 16

    Hey Tori! How Long Should Your Social Media Captions Actually Be?

    You have been writing captions, but is anyone actually reading them? In this episode, Tori McElwain tackles a real listener question about caption length, the difference between Instagram and Facebook, and how to figure out what YOUR specific audience actually prefers. She shares general advice about social media and her 3-3-3 rule. If you are a quilter, crafter, or creative entrepreneur who has ever wondered whether your captions are worth the effort, this one is for you. Links Mentioned: Blog Post for the Episode: Click here to read the Captions Blog PostSubmit Your Question: Click Here for the Google Form to Submit a QuestionBook a Free Strategy Session: Click here to book.Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program: Click here for more Info and to Sign Up Episode Keywords: Instagram captions for quilters, social media strategy, creative entrepreneur, caption length Instagram, Facebook vs Instagram marketing, content repurposing quilting business, digital marketing for crafters, quilting business social media Hey Tori! Podcast with Tori McElwain | Digital Marketing for Quilters & Creative Entrepreneurs Hey Tori LLC and Tori McElwain cannot guarantee results for digital marketing strategies as outcomes are based on subjective factors that cannot be controlled by Hey Tori LLC. heytori.tech | About & Contact | Book a Free Strategy Session

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You've got a quilting business, a craft you love, and a marketing to-do list that makes you want to close your laptop and go sew. Hey Tori! is where digital marketing coach and fellow quilter Tori McElwain answers the real questions creative entrepreneurs are asking - from "where are my customers actually coming from?" to "do I really need to be on Instagram every day?" Each episode breaks down one marketing topic into something you can actually use: a strategy, a framework, a 20-minute assignment, and AI prompts you can copy and paste today. No jargon. No seventeen-step funnels. Just clear, practical guidance built for quilters, pattern designers, teachers, and makers. Sign up with your email to get new episodes delivered straight to your podcast app. You'll also be the first to hear about free resources, live coaching opportunities, and what's happening inside the Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program.

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