Business

Breakthrough Brand Podcast – Online Business Growth, Website Design Strategies, Grow a Podcast, Motherhood and Business, Passive Income, Christian Faith, Showit Templates

Welcome to The Breakthrough Brand Podcast — your go-to for relatable, raw, and tactical business training designed to help you hit those big goals! I’m Elizabeth McCravy, a website designer and business educator for female entrepreneurs. I’ve built a multiple six-figure web design business in my 20s, and I’m passionate about sharing what I’ve learned so you can do it too. No secrets, just real talk and proven strategies for building a thriving business.

I’m a Christian business owner, mama to two boys (with baby #3 on the way!), and married to my high school sweetheart. I sell Showit website templates at elizabethmccravy.com and teach fellow designers how to build booked-out businesses through my course, Booked Out Designer. I also teach business owners how to start and scale a podcast in my program, Podcast Success Blueprint.

On this podcast, you’ll find solo episodes packed with actionable, easy-to-follow advice and inspiring expert interviews. We’ll dive into everything from online marketing, branding, podcasting, and business strategy, to faith, motherhood, productivity, and scaling your business. Let’s create a business that not only looks amazing from the outside but feels amazing on the inside too. It’s time to build your breakthrough brand!

Latest Episodes:

064: My Highest-Earning and Most Relaxed Launch Yet [Launch Recap] Apr 28, 2020

Show notes

It’s launch recap time! I just had a launch in my business of 2 new website templates, and these were a completely NEW type of product for me. Which means, who knows how it’s going to go, right? Spoiler alert: It was my biggest launch yet in every way. And, it was extremely far-reaching. We sold templates to women in 9 different countries and in over half of the states in the U.S. Amazing! And yes, it happened during the COVID-19 global pandemic, which I am so grateful to have had a successful product-release during.

I’m taking you behind the scenes of what it was like launching new products, what went well, and what didn’t go so great. This episode is full of great takeaways you can use in your own launches and in your business in general. I’m getting super specific and tactical as usual! So, let’s dive into recapping my biggest launch yet!!

Links mentioned in this episode:

Shop all website templates: https://elizabethmccravy.com/shop
See the new website templates that I’m recapping launching: https://elizabethmccravy.com/shop
Connect with Elizabeth on Instagram: https://instagram.com/elizabethmccravy/

Get the show notes for this episode at elizabethmccravy.com/64

Have you left a review yet? Reviews help more entrepreneurs like yourself discover the podcast. (And, it’s how you show your LOVE for the show!) I read every single review and so appreciate hearing from you! Leave a rating and/or review here: https://elizabethmccravy.com/itunes (Scroll to the bottom where you’ll see other reviewers, click “Write a Review”, write your reviewing and rating, then hit send!)

Thank you for supporting the show!

If you're a new business owner who still doesn't have a website yet, I made something for you. It's a free 15-page guide that walks you through exactly what you need to launch your first website — what to skip, what actually matters, and the five steps to go from zero to live. No coding, no big budget, no perfection required. Plus you'll get 20% off my Showit templates inside! Get it FREE at https://elizabethmccravy.com/

Need some extra pages to improve or add onto your Showit website, BUT you’re not in the market for an entirely new template? You need my Add On Templates for Showit! You'll find add ons like speaker pages, podcast pages, quiz lead magnets, favorite things pages, Link in Bio pages, and more.

Use the code “BBPOD”to save 15% on your add on or full site template for a limited time: https://elizabethmccravy.com/shop

063: Boost Your Brand with PR in as Little as 10 Minutes a Day Apr 21, 2020

Show notes

Ready to boost your visibility online? Public Relations isn’t just for massive companies. It’s for small businesses like you and me, too. Today, Courtney Love Gavin is teaching us how to use PR to grow our visibility in as little as 10 minutes per day. These strategies are rock solid.

We also dive into things like pitching yourself for podcasts, SEO, press kits, website design, and so much more. It’s a rock solid interview, and I’m also going to be using these strategies she’s teaching alongside all of you!

What You’ll Learn:

How to align your business goals with your PR strategy and why not all PR is “equal” in your business
How to find out who influences your audience and how to start engaging them
How “stranger danger!” applies to your PR strategy
How to know what stories you can share will make an impact from a PR perspective
How PR and a solid SEO strategy go hand in hand and my example of this in my business
How your website plays a HUGE role in your PR strategy

Who’s Courtney? Here’s a little bit about our guest today! Courtney Love Gavin is an award-winning PR professional. She worked in the corporate PR world for 17 years before launching her creative business and transitioning to working with female entrepreneurs. Courtney is the creator of Who’s That Housewife?! — a game for Real Housewives and Bravo fans. Today, Courtney teaches her clients how to rapidly create visibility that builds trusted, sustainable brands. Her PR expertise has been praised by Forbes, Fast Company, BuzzFeed & People. And, she has worked with big brands like Nordstrom, Adobe, Dream Works, Netflix, Google, and HP. to name a few! Courtney lives in Santa Monica, CA with her rescue dog Chandler Bing!

Get the show notes and any links mentioned in today’s episode here: https://elizabethmccravy.com/63

Use the code “BBPOD”to save 15% on your add on or full site template for a limited time: https://elizabethmccravy.com/shop

062: 4 Must-Haves for Your Email Welcome Sequence Apr 14, 2020

Show notes

Ready to have a stellar way to welcome your audience to your mailing list? Your email welcome sequence is a couple of emails that come after someone signs up for something to get on your mailing list.

Instead of just giving them the freebie, and then waiting to email them again until you do your weekly or monthly (or however often) regular emails, I recommend sending them a couple of emails “onboarding” them into your community.

In my business, I send 2 emails over a 2 day period. The emails come after they sign up for anything on my website. So, everyone is getting these introductory emails!

In this short episode, I’m sharing 4 must-haves for your welcome sequence. There are a lot of different things you can put here depending on your industry, but these are 4 things that your online business should DEFINITELY include regardless of your specific niche!

To join my email list and get my welcome sequence sent straight to you, sign up for any freebie here: https://elizabethmccravy.com/tools

If you’re thinking “Elizabeth, pick the freebie for me!”, here’s my pick: https://elizabethmccravy.com/headline

Connect with Elizabeth on Instagram: https://instagram.com/elizabethmccravy/

Have you left a review yet? Reviews help more entrepreneurs like yourself discover the podcast. I read every single review and so appreciate hearing from you! Leave a rating and/or review here: https://elizabethmccravy.com/itunes (Scroll to the bottom where you’ll see other reviewers, click “Write a Review”, write your reviewing and rating, then hit send!)

Thank you for supporting the show!

061: Gaining Attention From the Right People: Above the Fold on Your Sales Page Apr 07, 2020

Show notes

Today I’m playing you a clip from the Compelling Copy Blueprint Course, which comes with the new Sales Funnel Kit templates! You’ll learn a bit about the most important piece of your sales page — the “above the fold” area (which is what people see before they scroll). We’re talking images, headlines, and call to action buttons!

Shop the Sales Funnel Kits NOW at elizabethmccravy.com/funnel!

And, I’ve got a freebie for you. Go to elizabethmccravy.com/headline for some sales copy headline templates to get you started towards sales page success!

Get all the details mentioned in this episode and a full description of this offer here: elizabethmccravy.com/sales-funnel-templates-for-showit

060: What I’ve Learned From Building a Successful Six-Figure Business in the Last 4 Years Mar 31, 2020

Show notes

My official 4 year business anniversary just passed. 4 YEARS — It feels both longer than that and shorter than that. When I realized this anniversary was coming up, I knew I wanted to record an episode reflecting on big things I’ve learned that YOU can learn from too. I’m just sharing 3 things, and I haven’t talked about any of them on this podcast before. (Yay for totally new content!) But seriously, I speak from the heart more than ever on this one, and I hope that it resonates with you.

Tune in to hear 3 pieces of advice I have for you. These are things I’ve learned over these last 4 years building a six-figure (in profits) a year website design business (with lots of transitions in between). Plus, you’ll get to hear an audio clip from an event I spoke at in 2018! I hope the content in this episode will encourage you in your business!

Get the show notes for this episode at https://elizabethmccravy.com/60

Connect with Elizabeth on Instagram: https://instagram.com/elizabethmccravy/

Thank you for supporting the show!

Use the code “BBPOD”to save 15% on your add on or full site template for a limited time: https://elizabethmccravy.com/shop

059: 5 Ways to Leverage the Power of SEO to Build Your Email List ( Using Content You’ve Already Made!) Mar 26, 2020

Show notes

It’s time for a bonus episode! This episode was inspired by something I’ve been doing in my own business this past week that WORKS. I’m showing you 5 ways to boost your email subscribers using the power of Search Engine Optimization. And, (the best part) you don’t have to write new blog posts or new email content to do it! Plus, this is work you can do from your sofa in your pajamas if you want! It’s easy changes with a huge outcome. This is what I’ve been doing in my own business right now, and you can do it too.

If you’re listening to this episode live, then coronavirus probably has you stuck at home, and you might be thinking about ways you can enhance your business for the online space. If so, then this episode is for you, and don’t worry, if you’re sick of content about the virus, I won’t be talking about coronavirus here! We are focused on getting you email list growth.

Links mentioned in this episode:

FREEBIE: How to Create the Perfect Opt-In Incentive to Grow Your Email List: https://elizabethmccravy.com/5download

Episode 23: Morning Journal Prompts to Start Your Day with Intention: https://elizabethmccravy.com/5download

EM Shop Showit Website Templates & Showit Blueprint Course: https://elizabethmccravy.com/shop

Get all the links and resources mentioned in this episode in the blog post at elizabethmccravy.com/59

Connect with Elizabeth on Instagram: https://instagram.com/elizabethmccravy/

Visit the main website: http://elizabethmccravy.com

Use the code “BBPOD”to save 15% on your add on or full site template for a limited time: https://elizabethmccravy.com/shop

058: The 8 Biggest Design Mistakes Every Course Sales Page Needs to Avoid Mar 24, 2020

Show notes

On last week’s episode, we talked about copywriting for your sales pages. Today we are talking about the DESIGN! I believe the design and copy work together to sell your course, membership, or coaching program. You need both to be strategic in order to convert. And, really I believe you need a design that lets the copywriting do the talking.

I’m covering some common design mistakes I see on sales pages that you need to avoid at ALL COSTS because these mistakes could be costing you serious money! These are easy fixes when you pay attention to the design with more focus and a conversion-oriented approach.

And remember the Sales Funnel Kit templates are coming soon! These babies launch into the online world on April 7th, 2020! What are they you ask? These are sales page designs that also come with other essential website pages you’ll need to sell your course. I’m talking about a webinar page, a tripwire page, a welcome page, lead magnet pages, and more! With your purchase, you’ll also get access to a new course that goes with these templates, the Compelling Copy Blueprint. This will guide you as you writing copy for the sales page. Stay tuned for this launch! If you have questions, please email us at hello@elizabethmccravy.com! We are happy to help!

Shop website templates: https://elizabethmccravy.com/shop

Get the High-Converting Headlines Guide: https://elizabethmccravy.com/headline

Use the code “BBPOD”to save 15% on your add on or full site template for a limited time: https://elizabethmccravy.com/shop

057: 3 Essential Copywriting Elements to Make Your Sales Page a Success Mar 17, 2020

Show notes

Today on the podcast, we are talking sales pages! Particularly sales page copywriting. So often I see people create their course or membership site, and they are so excited and ready to sell it. But, then they have the big steps in the way — writing and designing their sales page. Unfortunately, it can be easy for people to just glaze over this step in the process. The course is awesome, so it’ll sell great, right? The truth is that the money’s in the marketing. If your sales page stinks, people won’t buy.

In this episode, I’m sharing 3 essential elements that I believe will make your sales page a success. Of course, there are more pieces to a sales page than these, but these are vital. And, they might totally not be what you’re expecting!

And, guess what? There is a new type of template in town starting April 7th, 2020.

Sales Funnel Kit Templates are coming to EM Shop! If you’re wondering what the heck that is, don’t worry I explain it in the episode and I totally made up the phrase myself. These are beautiful, conversion-oriented sales pages PLUS the other website pages you need to sell your stuff online. And, a training course on writing sales copy. So, the design help and the copywriting help = a successful course launch. I am so excited to be offering this! As a gal who loves sales funnels, the online education industry, and copywriting, it’s such a fun creation for me. And, I can’t wait for you to get your hands on it starting April 7th!

Links mentioned in this episode:

- Get the High-Converting Headlines Guide: https://elizabethmccravy.com/headline

- Shop all website templates: https://elizabethmccravy.com/shop

- Opt-in to any of these freebies to be added to our mailing list: https://elizabethmccravy.com/tools

Use the code “BBPOD”to save 15% on your add on or full site template for a limited time: https://elizabethmccravy.com/shop

056: 5 Reasons Why Your Business Can't Afford to Not Have a Website ... Even If You're Crushing It On Social Media or 3rd Party Websites! Mar 10, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, we are answering the question, “Do I really need a website for my business?”. Short answer, YES! You might be thinking that a website is not that important for your type of business. Or maybe you know it can be beneficial but it isn’t at the top of your priority list. I get it. But I’m telling you, even if you are crushing sales or booking clients on other platforms like Etsy, Instagram, Facebook or Creative Market, this little slice of the internet is the home for your business that can take you to the next level.

I realize that I might sound biased because I am a website designer, but spoiler alert: I'm less biased than you might think! Tune in as we walk through 5 reasons why you can't afford to NOT have a website. Plus, I'm answering some common questions like "What should I do if I can’t afford a website?" "When is the right time to get a website?" "What should go on my website when my business is new?" Wherever you are in the life of your business, this information is for you!

What you will learn:

– What is the difference between using a website and social media account

– Why 3rd party platforms are not a long term solution

– How having a website gives you credibility in a client’s eyes

– How to become a searchable brand using SEO

– Why speaking to your ideal client is important

– Which pages you should start your website with

Get the full show notes for this episode at https://elizabethmccravy.com/56

Connect with Elizabeth on Instagram: https://instagram.com/elizabethmccravy/

Check out EM Shop Showit website templates at https://elizabethmccravy.com/shop

Have you left a review yet? Leave a rating and/or review here: https://elizabethmccravy.com/itunes

Thank you for supporting the show!

Use the code “BBPOD”to save 15% on your add on or full site template for a limited time: https://elizabethmccravy.com/shop

055: How to Prevent Difficult Client Situations (Part Two) Mar 03, 2020

Show notes

Welcome to PART TWO of the “difficult client” conversation. Today I’m talking all about how to prevent difficult client situations from ever happening to begin with. Are you running into the same client problems on repeat? Maybe you’re wondering if there are warning signs you missed? Confused about what to put in your contract? Do you even have a contract? If you are looking for a great experience for you and your clients, these 10 tips will be a game-changer for your business.

You can use some of these tips before you ever book with a client, and you should! In this episode, I’m sharing some specific steps for you to take to help you set up a process that leaves everyone happy! I want you as the business owner to be just as happy with the experience as the client. Working with clients is tough and not everyone can be pleased. But, these tips have made a huge difference for me in my business and it shows when my clients compliment this process!

What you will learn:

– How to spot the red flags of a challenging client

– Who should lead a project, you or the client

– When to communicate boundaries and expectations

– How to avoid an overcomplicated client experience

– Why contracts are key and what should be included

– When it is okay ignore pieces of your contract

– How to recognize what your client needs from you

– What to do if every client is a “bad client”

And so much more! If you missed PART ONE, How to Deal with a Difficult or Angry Client where we talk about what to do if you are in the middle of a challenging situation, go check it out!

Get the full show notes for this episode at https://elizabethmccravy.com/55

Connect with Elizabeth on Instagram: https://instagram.com/elizabethmccravy/

Have you left a review yet? Leave a rating and/or review here: https://elizabethmccravy.com/itunes

Thank you for supporting the show!

Use the code “BBPOD”to save 15% on your add on or full site template for a limited time: https://elizabethmccravy.com/shop