All Episodes

Lots of people are becoming creators now. In fact, Craig Chavis Jr. describes being a creator as sharing your expertise. But does that make you a business owner? Not so fast! That’s a completely different thing. And in today’s episode, we dig into what those differences are, finding the right message for your business, and how creators can become business owners. In How I Built It PRO, we talk about putting yourself into a corner, and how owning a business is kind of like surfing. Top TakeawaysPut the message above the messenger. You need to figure out what people want, so you can offer to help them get what they want.A creator is anyone who shares their expertise. And while many people try to sell their knowledge, you need to find people who want it. So you frame your expertise as results or what they will have once they work with you.People think having a business is setting up a website. But you can’t build a business virally.Show NotesCraig Chavis, Jr. Craig on LinkedinCraig on InstagramCraig on TwitterHow To Build a $1000/year Membership with Jay ClouseSponsored by: GapScout | Learndash

Just how important is writing? According to YouTuber Mark Ellis, your career depends on it. And as someone who’s grown his audience to 1 million monthly views in just a couple of years, he knows a thing or two. That’s why he’s going to take us through his process for creating content, repurposing, and how you can start! In How I Built It Pro, we talk specifically about growing his YouTube channel and podcasting on YouTube.Top TakeawaysMost videos Mark publishes start out as blog posts, highlighting the incredible importance of repurposing.His team has been crucial because they can do the things he doesn’t have to do. That way he can focus on writing, recording, and growing his audience.Mark also makes $2,000/mo from Medium, which is free to get started on. He’s leveraging the reach on other platforms to grow his own business.Show NotesMark EllisMark on YouTubeMark on TwitterMark on InstagramMark on LinkedinMaking the Most of Your Stream Deck with Cat MulvihillThe Axis of Awesome 4 ChordsHow to Hire a VA That Actually Helps You with Matthew YahesSponsored by: TextExpander | Learndash

I'm starting a short series here on how I've configured my Stream Decks! Today, the Stream Deck+. LinksScreenshot of my Stream Deck+How I've Configured my Stream DeckGet Your Own Stream Deck+

While there have been big leaps in membership software in the last 5 years, membership sites are still some of the hardest to create and run properly. That’s why I brought in Melodie Moore. She’s been building, maintaining, and scaling 7 & 8-figure membership sites for the past 10 years. Her team kills shiny object syndrome and creates massive success in less time by utilizing psychology, state-of-the-art tech, and effective systems. Today, you’re going to learn her process, and how to launch a successful membership.In How I Built It Pro, members got to hear us talk about parenting, general thoughts on Twitter, and…improv?! Get this and every episode ad-free, and extended, over at https://howibuilt.it/proTop TakeawaysThere are 3 major mistakes content creators make that Melodie breaks down: acting too big, having to finish before you sell, and thinking a tech person is your savior. Listen to hear how to avoid them!Most platforms don’t think about the entire customer journey. When you’re evaluating, think about where you are in your journey.If you want to reduce churn, sell a course first. Once that gains traction, consider a membership.Show NotesMelodie MooreMelodie on TwitterMelodie on InstagramMelodie on FacebookMelodie on LinkedinThe Best Way to Build Community is Easier Than You Think with Drew DillonWhy You’re Leaving Money on the Table with Email Automation with Kronda Adair$100M Offers: Alex HormoziPaid Memberships Pro

When I left Twitter, it wasn’t on a whim. I had been considering it for a long time…like middle of the pandemic long. As people jumped ship from Twitter, Mastodon seemed to be the clear front-runner for replacing Twitter.I’m hesitant at best, but Tapbots (from the makers of the incomparable Tweetbot), have put out a Mastodon client called Ivory, and I’ve decided to give it t try for a bit.LinksTrying out IvoryFollow me on Mastodon, I guess

If you create online courses, you won’t want to miss this very special discussion! I’ll be joined by Ronnie Burt, Business Lead at Automattic, who’s overseen development of the Sensei LMS plugin. We’re going to cover: - Managing emails for your online courses- A.I.’s role in assisting with online course creation.- Sensei’s upcoming A.I. Quiz Generator- A.I.'s impact on society This is a audio version from a live stream we did on April 17th, 2023. This live stream is presented by Sensei. Learn more here: https://howibuilt.it/sensei

It’s another Automated Solopreneur episode! Today I’m telling you 4 types of tasks you can automate – as well as questions you can ask yourself to determine what you can automate based on what you do on a daily basis. Those 4 types of tasks? Common, easily repeatable tasksInfrequent tasks that have a high level of effort to do.Tasks that require specific timingTasks that you cannot forget to do.In How I Built It Pro, I talk about when you might be automating too much, plus my plans for making the membership more automation-centric. Show NotesHow to Determine What to AutomateThe Automated Solopreneur

One of my favorite things to do is easily automate input and idea capture from my Stream Deck. I've got two, plus a Stream Deck Pedal, so I try to make the most of them!I've greatly improved my process for creating social media content in a centralized place with a Stream Deck automation I'm going to tell you about today. Show NotesHow to add a Google Doc via Your Stream DeckStream Deck | Stream Deck+

Lots of people look at the overnight success of creators, and wonder why it’s not happening for them. But the truth is…it wasn’t overnight. There’s a lot of trial and error, learning, and adjusting until you get it right. And that’s what Haley Akins is here to talk about today. She’s had quite a journey as a motion designer, surviving the death of Flash to emerge as a course creator and educator showing a new generation of motion designers how to be successful. And she does it with a little help from YouTube.Top TakeawaysPlay with gateway videos. Look for popular topics on YouTube, and make a video about them to get people subscribed. They give them lots of value.Looks like VidIQ and TubeBuddy can be super helpful. Be sure to look at the analytics and see what’s working for you and what isn’t YouTube loves consistency and predictability.It takes time to become successful on YouTube. Be patient, and keep going.Show NotesHayley AkinsHayley on TwitterHayley on InstagramHayley on LinkedinPodcast LiftoffJack ThomasThe YouTube FormulaWhat Would You Do with an Extra 10 Hours Per Month?Making the Most of Your Stream Deck with Cat MulvihillSponsored by: Groundhogg | Learndash

I’m a pen and paper guy for sure, but the Kindle Scribe is a perfect companion for me. And as a result, I’ve been using the freeform notebooks more like a planner. I still use (and love) my William Hannah notebook, but my friend Brian sent me an interesting link the other day: hyperpaper.me. It's a customizable PDF planner for eInk devices, and I love it.Read the review here Brought to you by TextExpander

Alex Marshall started coaching in February 2020…I think I just heard the collective groan. Alex did too, which is why she turned to social media — specifically Instagram — as a way to gain followers and leads. And while most of her leads still come through social media, in the intervening 3 years since she started coaching, she want on a journey that nearly lead to burnout and leaving social altogether. Today she’s back in a way that works best for her, and we discuss how you, dear creator, can have a healthy relationship with social media too. Plus in the Pro show, we discuss ChatGPT. It was newly hot when we recorded. It was fun listening back given where it is today.Top TakeawaysIt’s easy to put too much pressure on yourself when you feel you need to post every single day, or that your whole life is content. But you need to do what’s best for you.It can also feel like you need to be everywhere. Alex recommends picking one platform that does well for you and stick with it for a while. For her it’s Instagram. For me it’s LinkedIn.Don’t be in an all or nothing mindset. It’s OK to miss a day, or a couple. It’s OK to only post in one place. And it’s OK to not share everything you do.Show NotesAlex MarshallAlex Marshall on InstagramJoe on LinkedInKhe HySponsored by: Groundhogg | TextExpander | LearnDash

I’m experimenting with the Due app for iOS. What makes it interesting is the persistent reminders — which will repeat until you mark the task complete.Check out the blog post here.

Look I’ll cut to the quick: YES. As a creator, you still need a lawyer. Actually, the rise of the creator economy reminds me a lot of the rise of online freelancers. The internet has made making money so easy, most people don’t do their due diligence. That’s why I called my friend Sam. See, she became a young, successful lawyer, before throwing it all away to start…a food blog. That flopped.But she learned from that experience. And today, she helps online educators, coaches, and creators through her legal knowledge and experience. And in today’s episode, we’re putting that to the test.Top Takeaways:In starting her legal business, Sam did 3 important things: talk to her customers, write 10 hyper-SEO’d blog posts, and got people on her mailing list (where she always has soft promos)When it comes to digital products, you still need a contract in the form of Terms and Conditions. Make sure you have the user opt-in at checkout before they make the purchase!Submit your big important content to the US Copyright Office. It’s easier than you think and provides you extra legal protection in the case of piracy.Show Notes:Sam VanderwielenSam on FacebookSam on InstagramSam on YouTubeThe Ultimate BundleJoin the How I Built It Pro

Every so often I consider switching to Notion...that is until earlier this year when I decided I was going to double down on Airtable. See, Notion scares and confuses me. It doesn't work the way my brain works, and I'm already a huge fan of Airtable. It's the very basis for my podcast planners.But up until now, I haven't really been using Airtable to its fullest potential, probably because I've had my eye on Notion. So here is a controversial opinion: Airtable is better than Notion.This clip is brought to you by TextExpander

I wax poetic on a number of automation-based topics, like switching from Zapier to Make, how ChatGPT can help creators (and exposes a gaping hole in the education system), and rebranding the YouTube channel to focus on automation tools. In PRO, I'm thinking of switching off of Castos, and sales numbers from my latest launch.Show NotesJoin How I Built It PROMake vs. Zapier: Why I MovedChatGPT is Exposing Our Broken Education SystemThe Automated Solopreneur | YouTubeSponsored by: The Solo Creator Club | Groundhogg | LearnDash

A few weeks ago, I wrote that I was Considering a Different Calendar App. After testing BusyCal, Cron, and Calendar 366, while also looking at several others, nothing comes close to Fantastical. Here's why.

There’s nothing better than good gear and automation talk, and that’s exactly what we’re getting today. Cat Mulvahill is one of my favorite YouTube creators because she has shown me so many cool things about eCamm Live. But it turns out we’re both also huge Stream Deck nerds. So if you’ve been looking to get the most out of your Stream Deck (or need a compelling argument to buy one), today’s episode is for you.Top Takeaways:Cat uses her Stream Deck with eCamm Live to do transitions, lower thirds, and more during recording. Because of that, she barely has to edit her videos. It’s like storyboarding your whole video in advance!She and I both use our Stream Decks for more than just streaming though. One of Cat’s cool actions in a multi-action that sets up her entire bookkeeping workspace. This cuts down considerably on the amount of time she spends on the actual accounting stuff.When it comes to creating content, she picks topics that are interesting and solve a problem. That usually generates comments and questions, that in turn, leads to more content ideas!Show Notes:Cat MulvihillCat on YouTubeCat on TwitterCat on LinkedineCamm LiveStream DeckOpen Broadcaster Software (OBS)Join the Creator CrewSponsored by: The Solo Creator Club | Groundhogg | LearnDash

RSS has been such an integral part of my life basically since Google Reader. And since Google Reader shut down, I have been on a bit of a quest to find a good replacement. I think Reader by Readwise is that Replacement.This clip is brought to you TextExpander

How do you grow a newsletter to 20,000 subscribers in less than a year? Try this ONE trick! Want to 5x your YouTube downloads? DO THIS! These are both titles I could have given this episode — and taking the advice of Jake Thomas, I should have! See, Jake studies YouTube titles to see what makes people click. And while he gives some away for free in his newsletter, he also has a whole searchable database that you can pay to get access to. So today, Jake tells us how he built his subscriber base up to 20,000 in a year, as well as the importance of good titles, not just on YouTube, but everywhere.Top Takeaways:Titles and thumbnails are super important because if they don’t get people to click, no one watches. So spend time on them — and use Jake’s tips!You DO still need good content. Both Jake and I have been considering more quality over quantity lately. Instead of super timely stuff, make it evergreen, really good, and dial in the titles.If you’re getting started, find your niche, and look at similar channels (and adjacent niches’ channels). See what’s working for them, and put your own spin on it.Show Notes:Jake ThomasJake on TwitterCreator Hooks NewsletterFilm BoothCortex PodcastJoin the Creator CrewSponsored by: The Solo Creator Club | Groundhogg | LearnDash

I had a t-shirt in college that was my prized possession. It read: "There are 10 types of people in the world: those who understand binary, and those who don't." The joke being that 10 or “one zero” in binary is actually “2” in decimal.I’m sure if I looked hard enough, I could find my college ID from freshman year, where that shirt is featured. The shirt is top-of-mind because I saw a post on LinkedIn that made me think of it. It made me realize: There are two types of people in the world. Those who ask for answers, and those find them.

If you’ve ever heard me say, “I’m a recovering WordPress developer,” you’ve also heard me credit today’s guest, Kronda Adair. And while she started in WordPress, she quickly moved into one of my favorite areas of expertise: automation. Specifically, Kronda’s an email automation expert. And today, she’s going to tell us the RIGHT process for automation, how to test, and why your business depends on email automation.Top Takeaways:Automation is employing technology to improve your processes. You can vastly improve how you work, and your customer’s journey if you automate the right things.To start, step away from the tools and focus on the process. Map what you need to do with pen and paper. Once you do that, you have a job description. And you need something to fulfill that job. That’s when you look for the tools.Two things you need to do with automating email: do it manually first; this helps you make that job description. Next, go through the automation yourself. See what the subscriber will see. This may be their primary interaction with you — so make sure it’s good.Intro: Getting into automationShow Notes:Kronda AdairKronda on LinkedinKronda on FacebookKronda on InstagramKronda on TwitterKronda on TiktokAutomation BridgeAll Systems Go! PodcastEmail Marketing Heroes: Rob and KennedyCaboPressPreventing the Famine with Jason ResnickJotformJoin the Creator CrewSponsored by: GoodGames | Groundhogg | LearnDash

 Last week I told you about the best way to create an only course...but what's the best way to sell it? I firmly believe tools like Teachable and Kajabi are overpriced. When looking at LMSs, I turn to WordPress. And these days, Sensei is doing the coolest stuff, as it attempts to retake the title of best WordPress LMS.This clip is brought to you by Sensei - Automatic

There’s an old adage that more people are afraid of public speaking than of death, meaning that at a funeral, more people would rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy. I suspect that when push came to shove, most people would actually choose the eulogy, but that’s beside the point. Public speaking is hard. And truth be told, most people are bad at it…if you feel that way, don’t fret. Mike Pacchione is here to help. He’s coached people like James Clear, Amy Porterfield, and Donald Miller on public speaking, and today, he’s teaching us his best stuff.Top Takeaways:The greatest gift you can give your audience is to be completely present with them. That means don’t memorize! Know your stuff, practice your talk, and be with them in the room!Most people say too much. Embrace silence and be concise. Silence lets a point land, and communicates to your audience, “hey. That was important. Remember it.”The best speeches are not the ones you’ve given the most. Back to the first point, they are the ones where you’ve practiced and are present for the audience.Show Notes:Mike PacchioneMike on InstagramGlo AtanmoJoin the Creator CrewSponsored by: GoodGames | Groundhogg | LearnDash

Too many people create online courses the wrong way. They go into a cave for 6 months, develop the course based only on what they want to teach, then announce it's for sale...to crickets. Sound familiar?There's a better way! A way that will save you time, validate your idea, and make you money faster.This clip is brought to you by Sensei - Automatic

Marley Majcher, The Party Goddess turned Profit Goddess, was running a business but not making money — despite her degree from Georgetown. But she managed to turn it around with this “one weird trick.” OK — so that sounds clickbaity, but it’s true. See, Marley didn’t have a system in place for her business. She, like many creators I think, wasn’t spending her time wisely. So, she decided to do something about it: she decided to learn how she was spending her time, organize those tasks, and figure out the crucial ones that actually made money. And it all started with the one “Weird” trick: Time Tracking.Top Takeaways:Revenue goals are not profit goals - You can make $1M but if you’re spending $1.1M, you’re going in the wrong direction.Most creators don’t think they need to time-track because they don’t do client work. But they are WRONG. You need to know if you’re spending 2 hours on a video or 8 hours on a video to know if that’s a profitable activity for you.Aside from just understanding tasks, time tracking can hold you accountable. You’ll see where you’re wasting your time, and be more mindful of it. And your devices have some tools to help you do that automatically.Show Notes:Marley MajcherMarley on LinkedinMarley on InstagramMarley on FacebookMarley on TwitterBut Are You Making Any Money EbookThe E-Myth Revisited BookMowing Your Lawn Blog PostAnalog by UgmonkTimery for TogglTiming Automatic MAC Time TrackerJoin the Creator CrewSponsored by: Groundhogg | Ahrefs | LearnDash

Paid Memberships Pro is the lifeblood of my main product offering, The Podcast Liftoff Playbook. So in this first bit of 2023, I want to tell you everything I love about the plugin, and why I thought it best for my membership/learning site.This clip is brought to you by Paid Memberships Pro

It's episode 300! I thought I'd wax poetic on the top 10 things I've learned from both running this show, and the guests I've had on. After that, I talk a little bit about what's in store for How I Built It, and where I'd like it to go in the future. Plus, in the PRO show, I talk about what life without Twitter has been like. Become a ProTop 10 LessonsBuild Your Email ListTalk to your customersExperimentNiche/Specialize/FocusDon't be afraid to say noPeople care about the problem you're solving. Not you, not the tech you used. The problemTell Good StoriesDo things that don't scale at firstShip what you have and iterateDon't be afraid to askShow NotesConvertKitPodcast LiftoffLearning Management and WordPress: LearnDash with Justin FerrimanMaking Better Leaders with Chris LemaDesigning the Profitable Project Plan with Jennifer BournThe Best Way to Build Community is Easier Than You Think with Drew DillonThe Most Important Thing You Can Do as a Creator with Marie PoulinTurning WordPress Sites into iPhone Apps with Scott Bolinger and AppPresserJoin How I Built It ProSponsored by: Groundhogg | Ahrefs | LearnDash

Most attempts to start a community these days feel a lot like the approach the Underpants Gnomes from South Park took in making money. Step 1: Launch a Discord, Step 2: ???, Step 3: Community! But it’s not like that at all. And Drew Dillon, founder of Burb and community expert, is here to set the record straight.Top Takeaways:You need to think of the community as a business. Create a reason for people to care and engage. And close the look by making sure the community isn’t just about you - it’s about people connecting.Start with a hypothesis. Ask what you think your audience has in common and why they might want to come together. Then test and iterate. Start with a Zoom call first and see if people want to connect after.Do things that don’t scale at first. With 10-20 members, you can really get to know them and understand their needs (and those of the community). Around 50, you’ll likely need to start automating.Show Notes:Drew DillonDrew on TwitterDrew on Linkedin Burb on LinkedinSPI 603: The Secret to Building the Best Community interview with Drew DillonHow To Build a $1000/year Membership with Jay ClouseBurb BlogGarbage Day NewsletterJoin the Creator CrewSponsored by: Paid Memberships Pro | Ahrefs | LearnDash

Molly Keyser made half-a-million dollars selling a 15-page, $59 eBook without spending money on ads. How do you ask? She created something SUPER valuable, that immediately made the buyer money. And throughout this episode, Molly is going to tell us how she went from professional photographer to online educator making digital products, all by knowing and serving her niche. There’s A LOT to unpack, and I know you’ll find a lot of actionable tips here.Top Takeaways:Clearly define your niche so you can serve them, and stay true to that niche. Remember: Just because you know how to do something doesn’t mean you should teach it.For your digital products, you need to solve a problem for your audience. Painkillers sell better than vitamins most of the time. And bonus points if you can point to immediate ROI.If you (or you from 2 years ago) aren’t your ideal client, immerse yourself in communities of your ideal clients so that you can learn their biggest pain points.Show Notes:Molly KeyserMolly on YouTubeMolly on FacebookMolly on InstagramMolly on TiktokProduct Ladder by Chris LemaJoin the Creator CrewSponsored by: Paid Memberships Pro | Ahrefs | LearnDash

We’ve been told for years that creating an “ideal customer avatar” is the best way to understand your audience. But the truth is that’s just guessing on your part. Do you know how you actually get to understand your customers? Have customers! Talk to them, and then write content for them. That’s what Will Shultz recommends. And as a Sales and Marketing coach, he knows a thing or two.Top Takeaways:You need someone in-house to make your content. That’s how you’ll create great content that shows a deep understanding of your customer and their journey.If you’re having trouble coming up with content, take what you’re creating for a specific client and generalize it. That way, you’ve written for someone. Chances are there are similar folks out there.Don’t worry about giving too much away for free. You differentiate yourself by becoming trusted and valued. You do that by showing people you deeply understand their problems.Show Notes:Will ShultzWill on LinkedinFree Virtual Consulting SessionsUpgrade 438Join the Creator CrewSponsored by: Paid Memberships Pro | Ahrefs | LearnDash