Online Marketing Made Easy with Amy Porterfield (general)

Pat Flynn shares his top strategies on how to generate a significant income through affiliate marketing

Have you ever been strapped for cash in your business? If you’re like most new business owners, the answer is probably HECK YES! 

I know I’ve been in a pinch before, and one of the greatest ways you can earn some extra money -- without having to create a new product -- is through affiliate marketing

I’ll be honest, affiliate marketing has been a big part of my business strategy. Not only has it helped me get through some of those months when cash was tight, but it’s also allowed me the ability to invest money back into my business. 

And one of the people that I’ve looked to over the years when it comes to all things affiliate marketing is Pat Flynn.

He’s a bestselling author, the creator of The Smart Passive Income Blog, and the host of the highly rated Smart Passive Income Podcast -- where he shares weekly interviews, strategies, and advice for building an online business through affiliate revenue.

In a nutshell, he’s the best of the best when it comes to affiliate marketing, and in this episode, he’s going to share the affiliate marketing campaigns that have really turned the needle for him over the years. 

These are strategies that go well beyond including links in a blog post, so if you’ve dabbled with affiliate marketing and are ready to take a deeper dive, then hit the play button on this episode and get ready to start earning some extra money.

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"I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

Direct download: Online_Marketing_Made_Easy_Podcast_Episode_570.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Sharing something you used to find embarrassing is now the norm -- here’s how it can benefit you in business

There’s an image that’s been circulating the internet that shows a picture of a cow with the caption “I am cringe but I am free.” Have you seen it?

While at first glance this appears to be your silly run-of-the-mill internet meme, its message is actually much deeper than that -- and I’ll be honest, I’m here for it.

This meme is all about embracing the things about yourself that make you want to cringe, all of the experiences you’ve been too embarrassed to share, and all of those little quirks and idiosyncrasies that have traditionally been looked at as ‘uncool.’

Yes, sweet friend. There’s been a huge cultural shift towards letting go of what other people think of you and learning to love those weird parts of yourself that you’ve been taught to shun by society. 

I can tell you from experience that there’s a huge sense of relief and freedom that comes from letting go of caring about what others think, especially when you’re the face of your business like I am. 

In this episode, I explore this idea of living alongside the cringe -- what it means, and the many ways that it can help you thrive in life, and in business. 

So if you’ve ever been afraid to show up as yourself and do what makes you happy, then this episode is for you, sweet friend. Happy listening! 

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

Direct download: Online_Marketing_Made_Easy_Podcast_Episode_569.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Grab the freebie for this episode here! >>> The Perfect Email Template To Land Your Next Affiliate Partnership Pitch

A step-by-step breakdown on how to get started with affiliate marketing

Would you believe me if I told you that I make over one million dollars in affiliate revenue each year? 

It’s true – and believe me, I’m not telling you this to brag. I’m telling you this because you, too, can make substantial income through affiliate marketing.

Affiliate marketing is when content creators earn a commission by promoting a product or service from another company using an affiliate link. When someone clicks on your affiliate link and makes a purchase, you’ll receive a payout. 

So if you’ve ever heard the phrase “make money while you sleep,” this is it, my friend. It’s one of the best ways out there to make passive income – but like anything in business, you’ve got to go into it with a plan.

Over the years, I’ve fine tuned my affiliate marketing strategy and I’m so excited to break it all down for you in this episode. 

You’ll hear: 

  • How to identify the best brands for you to partner with
  • What to say in your pitch email to potential affiliate partners
  • Why relationships are key when it comes to affiliate marketing
  • The best places to promote your affiliate links
  • A breakdown of all the spreadsheets I use to stay organized

So grab your beverage of choice, something to take notes with, and press play on this incredibly informative episode.

P.S. To help you absolutely nail your pitch emails to potential affiliate partners, I’m giving you a FREE pitch email template -- click here to snag it! 

Here’s a glance at this episode...

  • [03:17] Affiliate marketing is a way to earn commissions by promoting affiliate programs or offers.
  • [05:15] Identify the brands and companies that you could potentially partner with. Make a list of all of the software and tools that you use in your business.
  • [07:09] Put everything into a spreadsheet and lean into the products and services that you use and that might benefit your audience. 
  • [09:15] Go to each website and look for an affiliate link. You can also look for a contact and send them a pitch email. 
  • [10:26]  Attach a media kit or a one sheet that states what you do, who you serve, and compelling stats about your business. Get on a call.
  • [12:00] Relationships are really important when it comes to affiliate marketing. Think about courses you've taken, and people who you've worked with. 
  • [15:18] Look for opportunities where you can add great value for your students and readers, and where you can benefit in your business monetarily.
  • [21:59] Ask: Is this something I actually use? Is it something that my audience might use? Does the price point fit my audience? Do I have the space to promote this?
  • [27:56] Documents to stay organized: Tab 1 - Affiliate Master Spreadsheet; Tab 2 - List of companies you've established a partnership with; Tab 3 - Incoming requests.
  • [30:01] The Affiliate Revenue Spreadsheet tracks money coming in from your partnerships. Set a goal for each quarter or year. 
  • [34:43] Action steps: Brainstorm a list of tools and resources that you've used to grow your business or to enhance your personal life.
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

Direct download: Online_Marketing_Made_Easy_Podcast_Episode_568.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Let go of your employee mindset and start thinking like the entrepreneur that you are

Congrats! You’re officially a business owner. You have the LLC, you’re making money, you’re setting your schedule, and the icing on the cake is that you can work from wherever in the world that you want.

You’ve ditched the golden handcuffs and have set out to create a life of your own design -- and on paper, it’s everything you’ve always wanted. 

The thing is, even though you’re technically your own boss, you still feel like you’re working for someone else because you feel obligated to answer those late-night text messages from your clients or ask for approval to take some time off. 

I get it, sweet friend, because I’ve been in this awkward “in between” stage of entrepreneurship, too -- where you have your own business, but feel like you have to be available for your clients at any given time. 

In fact, for a couple of years after I started my own business, I still felt like I was working for someone else because my clients had such a strong grip on me. Even though I was a business owner, I was operating with an employee mindset. 

Eventually, I hit a breaking point -- and it was then that I discovered a new way of thinking that helped me fully step into entrepreneurship.

In this episode, I share my experience of shifting from being self-employed with an employee mindset, to thinking like an entrepreneur -- and how it helped me grow my business while enjoying all the freedoms that entrepreneurship can bring. 

You’ll learn:

  • The difference between being self-employed and an entrepreneur
  • How to determine if you’re still thinking like an employee 
  • What you can do to start thinking like an entrepreneur
  • The difference between a scarcity mindset and an abundance mindset (& why it’s important)

This is a great listen for anyone in business, whether you’re just getting started or have been in the game for a while (and have yet to experience what it means to be a true entrepreneur). 

Here’s a glance at this episode...

  • [03:25] So many entrepreneurs feel like they still work for someone else even when they are working for themselves. 
  • [04:37] It takes work to shift from being self-employed with an employee mindset to becoming a true entrepreneur.
  • [05:43] When I first started as a business owner, it was difficult because my clients had extremely high expectations and unmanageable deadlines.
  • [08:30] I realized I was done with client work when I was on a tarmac being screamed at by a client. 
  • [09:23] Operating with a scarcity mindset is the quickest way to play small as an entrepreneur. Yousee limitations as opposed to opportunities.
  • [12:43] After the tarmac incident, I started to unboss myself and make the mental shift from an employee to being an entrepreneur.
  • [15:33] To live in abundance, start operating with the belief that there's enough money and enough success to go around. 
  • [17:23] When you shift your thinking, you'll start to run your business and your life exactly how you want, and fully step into your own as an entrepreneur.
  • [17:38] Homework: Open up your notebook and write down all the ways you are operating with an employee mindset. 
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

Direct download: Online_Marketing_Made_Easy_Podcast_Episode_567.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Stu McClaren shares how AI is changing the face of digital marketing (& what you can do to keep up)

Whether you’re apprehensive about AI or you’re all about it, one thing is for sure – it’s taking the digital marketing world by storm.

I won’t lie –  there have been a lot of changes in online marketing over the past fourteen years that I’ve been an entrepreneur, from the rise of SEO to social media. But this, sweet friend, is a really big one — and I want to talk about it!

Here to discuss all-things futuristic is Stu McLaren, my work husband who also happens to be the ‘go-to-guy’ for all things memberships. 

He’s worked with tens of thousands of authors, speakers, coaches, consultants, and business owners to transform what they know, love, and do into recurring revenue.

And in this episode, he’s going to share insights on how the learning industry, specifically, is changing as AI continues to transform the marketing landscape, and how you can make sure your business doesn’t get left in the dust.

You’ll also hear:

  • A tried and true framework that you can use to future-proof your online business
  • Different ways you can take advantage of AI as a content creator
  • How you can prevent your students from getting the dreaded “content complex” 
  • The ‘secret sauce’ Peloton has used to maintain a 92% membership retention rate

This is a great listen for any business owner, whether you’re just getting started or you’re a seasoned entrepreneur. So press play right now and enjoy this fun and informative conversation with Stu McLaren.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

Direct download: Online_Marketing_Made_Easy_Podcast_Episode_566.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

What it means to be outcome-oriented (and how it can help you be more efficient with your time) – a strategy featured in Fast Company

If you know me, then you know that I’m all about time management. In fact, being an effective manager of my time is what’s allowed me to only work four days a week, and grow my business like gangbusters.

So when I came across an article in Fast Company called “How (and why) you should practice ‘anti-time management,’” it caught me way off-guard.

Anti-time management? What does that even mean? And why on Earth would you not want to manage your time?

Turns out, this article has way more than a catchy headline – because as I dug into it, I found that there’s a whole different approach to time management that I’d never heard of before. 

It’s all about focusing on your final outcome, or what success looks like after you’ve achieved your goal – and by doing that, you end up saving a lot of time that you would have otherwise wasted spinning your wheels. 

If that has your head spinning, don’t worry – because in this episode, I’m going to break it all down for you. 

You’ll hear: 

  • Why focusing on outcomes helps you achieve more (while doing less)
  • Ways to become more outcome-oriented as a business owner  
  • How I almost made a huge mistake in my business but got back on track by focusing on the outcome

So if you’ve ever struggled with managing your time (or you’re a huge time management nerd like me), then tune into this episode to learn about this refreshing new approach.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

Direct download: Online_Marketing_Made_Easy_Podcast_Episode_565.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

How to let your heart guide you through the most difficult parts of entrepreneurship

As a business owner, there’s so much focus on what your mind tells you to do. 

Case and point: When you’re facing a challenge in your business, what do you do? You research. You look at the data. You strategize. You think from your head. 

Even as a total data nerd myself, I’ve realized over the years that it’s just as important to tap into your heart as it is your mind.

In fact, your heart is the most neglected form of intelligence that you have -- and according to my guest on this episode, Danielle LaPorte, you can actually use it to navigate your journey as an entrepreneur. 

Danielle is one of the most acclaimed spiritual thought leaders of our time, who in Oprah Winfrey’s words, “is uniquely connecting the world together with a spiritual energy that matters.” 

I love this conversation with her, because I’ll be honest -- letting my heart play a role in some of the bigger decisions that I make in business hasn’t always been the easiest thing for me. Like everything, it’s been something I’ve had to practice.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

  • What a heart-centered business is, and how you can create one
  • How to overcome the low-level feelings of not “being enough”
  • A new way to face challenging moments by choosing higher quality thoughts

… Plus so much more! I promise, you’ll get tons out of this episode – so go someplace comfy, pop in your Airpods and enjoy! 

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

Direct download: Online_Marketing_Made_Easy_Podcast_Episode_564.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Why do entrepreneurs like Brendon Burchard, Jenna Kutcher & Jamie Kern Lima say “No” more than “Yes”

One of the most important skills for a business owner is their ability to say “No” to ideas, opportunities, and offers that are out of alignment with their mission.

Now, I’ll be honest -- this is much harder than it sounds, and it’s something that I’ve really struggled with over the years. 

As a notorious people-pleaser, I’ve said “yes” to doing things that I don’t want to do because I feel guilty saying no. Not to mention, when you’re a new entrepreneur (and you don’t have a ton of opportunities coming your way to begin with), it can be even harder to turn things down.

There’s a quote I love by author Alain de Botton that says, "What kills us isn't one big thing, but thousands of tiny obligations we can't turn down for fear of disappointing others."

This, sweet friend, could not be more true. And the good news is, I have a really simple exercise that you can do to determine which opportunities are a “Heck yes!” and those you can politely decline -- and it all comes down to asking yourself a single question. 

It’s the same question that some of the most brilliant entrepreneurs out there – like Brendon Burchard, Jenna Kutcher, and Jamie Kern Lima – have used to evaluate what opportunities to embrace, and which ones to pass on. 

In this episode, you’ll hear what that question is, along with:  

  • How you can get crystal clear on your mission (and stay aligned with it)
  • What to do when you feel guilty for saying “No” to things
  • Why NOT returning a favor is 100% OK

Whether you’re just getting started in business or are a seasoned entrepreneur, this is a great listen – so get comfy and press play on this episode!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

Direct download: Online_Marketing_Made_Easy_Podcast_Episode_563.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Simple strategies to build long-term wealth, save on taxes, and recession-proof your small business

Did you know that 73% of Americans say that their finances are the number one stressor in their life? 

It’s true, sweet friend. Money (and lack thereof) is top of mind for the large majority of people -- more than family, or even work. I don’t know about you, but I think that statistic is quite concerning! 

And I’ll be honest, if you’re worried about your finances -- and you want to make a change -- it’s really hard to know where to even begin. 

It seems like there’s so many ‘financial gurus’ out there touting a “think and grow rich” mentality that, quite honestly, is just a bunch of fluff.

That’s what I love about my guest on today’s episode, business and finance expert Candy Valentino. She’ll be the first to admit that building long term wealth takes much more than positive thinking – it takes good old fashioned hard work. 

She’s able to break down wealth creation with practical, actionable strategies that anyone can use. And the proof’s in the pudding, because it’s these exact strategies that she used to escape poverty, create a multi-million dollar empire, and become financially free by the age of 40.

I’m super excited to share this episode with you. Not only will you take away Candy’s essential wealth building strategies, but you’ll also hear:

  • The many tax benefits of having your own business (even if it’s a side hustle)
  • Tax strategies that can help you give as little to the IRS as possible
  • Whether or not starting a business during a recession is a good idea
  • Ways to recession-proof your small business 

Just a heads up – you’ll probably want to take notes on this! So get comfy, open up that Google Doc and get ready for an incredibly informative conversation.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

Direct download: Online_Marketing_Made_Easy_Podcast_Episode_562.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT

Why so many entrepreneurs get stuck trying to build a passion-based business

Have you ever been told that in order to be successful, you need to build a business that’s based on your passion? I’ve heard it time and time again, and I’ll be honest – this “advice” couldn’t be further from the truth. 

When I first started my business, I wasn’t passionate about what I was doing. And [spoiler alert!] even these days I don’t wake up and think, “I’m so excited to help someone create a digital course today.” 

Don’t get me wrong – I absolutely love serving my audience.

But instead of starting a business that was solely based on my passion, I started a business based on what I was good at. And by doing this, over the years I’ve built something that’s wildly successful, gives me freedom, and fulfills me.

So if you’re on the fence about whether or not to start a business because you’re not passionate about one specific thing, don’t let it stop you from moving forward. 

And if you do have a passion for something – and are unsure if it should stay a hobby or become a business – there are definitely some things to consider, which you’ll hear in this episode. 

You’ll also learn:

  • The questions you should ask yourself when you want to start a business
  • Why entrepreneurs with passion-based businesses often get stuck
  • How to define value you bring to the world with my Sweet Spot framework

This is a topic that I am, in fact, very *passionate* about – so I hope you enjoy it!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

Direct download: Online_Marketing_Made_Easy_Podcast_Episode_561.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:01am PDT