Weekly newsletter brought to your inbox every Wednesday, by your friends at Elite Blog Academy®—full of valuable insider marketing tips, tricks and inspiration to help you keep pushing forward when the days get long.

POWER MOVES

Why you can’t afford to be camera shy

In the vast world of Instagram, where businesses compete for attention, standing out is crucial.

And here’s the truth: the most important marketing tool for your business is YOU. That’s actually a lesson our founder, Ruth Soukup, learned the hard way.

Ruth recently shared in THIS POST on her business Instagram account (@ruthsoukupbiz) how 4 years ago she was so burnt out that she took a step away from the public eye, still running her business but all behind closed doors. 

After some tough years, she figured out what was missing from her business—HER. 

So why is it so important to be the face of your brand?

• People buy from people: It's a simple truth. When your audience sees a real person behind the business, it fosters a sense of connection and trust. You become more than just a logo; you're a relatable individual with a story to tell.   

• Authenticity is key: Sharing your passions, struggles, and victories creates a genuine bond with your followers. They'll see you as a real person, not just a salesperson. This authenticity builds loyalty and encourages word-of-mouth referrals.   

• Showcase your expertise: By sharing your knowledge and insights, you position yourself as an industry authority. Your followers will look to you for advice and guidance, making them more likely to trust your products or services.

• Build a community: When you're the face of your business, you can create a community around your brand. Engage with your followers, respond to comments and ask for their opinions. This interaction strengthens relationships and makes your audience feel valued.   

• Enhance your personal brand: Your business is an extension of you. By building a strong personal brand, you're not only promoting your business but also creating opportunities for future connections.   

Remember, Instagram is a visual platform. People are drawn to faces. By showing up consistently and authentically, you'll create a magnetic presence that attracts followers and drives sales.   

If you’re new to Instagram or you’re looking for more guidance on the platform, you don’t want to miss our new program IG Power Play! We’re saving you hours of time each week by giving you a ready-made strategic posting schedule, complete with hooks, captions and filming ideas! (PLUS a free gift like none we’ve ever offered before, worth over $1600, that will practically make you an IG expert!) 

Doors open Monday, August 26th, but click HERE to join our VIP list for all the details (and early access!).

FEATURED READS

How to know who you’re speaking to

Feeling like your marketing messages are falling flat? You might be missing a key ingredient: understanding your audience.

If you close your eyes and imagine your dream customer, who do you see? Is it a clear picture of a person you know well, a friend you know as intimately as you know yourself? Or is it more nebulous? A fuzzy approximation of who you think your audience might be?

It may be scary to zero in on ONE person in your messaging, but the truth is if you’re not doing that and instead trying to appeal to everyone, you’re going to appeal to no one. Find out the exact steps to determine who you’re talking to in this week’s blog post How to Know Who You're Speaking To | Get Inside Your Dream Customer's Head—and then share the end result with us by replying to this email!

WE’VE GOT TO TELL YOU ABOUT

Reels on Fire Challenge in full swing

Our Reels on Fire 5-Day Challenge kicked off on Monday and it’s (for the lack of better words) ON FIRE! Each morning we are meeting for a quick live session where Ruth teaches the exact Instagram strategy that has revived her dead Instagram account this year, and then we send you off with done-for-you prompts to make your daily reel! If you’re ready to ignite your reach on Instagram, this is an event you can’t afford to miss. 

You still have time to join us for today’s live session at 9 am ET! The challenge is happening through Friday and it’s FREE to join, just click HERE or the link below to register!

IG Power Play opens Monday!

If you’re a content creator or online business owner trying to get more traction on Instagram, IG Power Play will be a game changer for you! We’re saving you hours of time each week by giving you a ready-made strategic posting schedule, complete with hooks, captions and filming ideas! (PLUS a free gift like none we’ve ever offered before, worth over $1600!) Doors open Monday, August 26th, but click HERE to get added to our VIP list for all the details (and early access!).

MINDSET MATTERS

Your worth isn’t measured in likes

Working in online business and content creation, it's easy to get caught up in the numbers game. 

Likes, shares, comments and email replies can feel like a constant validation or rejection. But here's a hard truth: your worth as a business owner or creator is not determined by these metrics.

Your value lies in the unique skills, knowledge and passion you bring to the table. It's in the problem you solve for your customers, the inspiration you provide to your audience and the impact you make on the world. Every like, share or comment is simply a reflection of how your work resonates with others at a particular moment, but it doesn't define your overall worth.

Chasing validation through external metrics can lead to burnout, comparisonitis and a distorted sense of self-worth. 

Instead, focus on building a business or creating content that aligns with your values and passions. Celebrate your progress, learn from setbacks and trust that your hard work will pay off in due time. Remember, success is not just about the numbers; it's about making a difference and living a fulfilling life.

Let's shift our focus from external validation to internal growth and satisfaction. Your worth is intrinsic, and it's time to start believing in yourself.

SHE MEANS BUSINESS

We’d love to cheer you on!

If you’re a current or past EBA student with a story to tell, just click HERE to tell us a little about your business—you may find yourself in a future highlight!

MARKETING FUN FACT

Visuals are king (and queen)! Content with relevant images gets 94% more views, so break up your text with eye-catching visuals.