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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:

315: 14 Bad Business Habits (That Make Business Feed Hard!) Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

Running a business doesn’t have to feel like a constant uphill battle but sometimes we unknowingly make it harder than it needs to be. Whether you’re just starting out or have been building your business for years, there are certain habits, mindsets, and patterns that creep in and quietly slow down your growth. The good news? You can quit them today and your business (and life!) will be better for it.

In this episode, I’m sharing 14 things you might be doing that are making business harder and why it’s time to add them to your “To Quit” list. These aren’t just beginner mistakes; they’re traps I’ve personally fallen into over the years, even after nearly a decade in business.

Originally recorded when I hit my 8-year business anniversary (and just as true now, 9+ years in!), this episode was one of the most popular ones to date. So I’m bringing it back because these lessons are timeless. If you’ve been feeling stretched too thin, overcomplicating things, or simply ready to make business more enjoyable and sustainable, this conversation will give you practical clarity and permission to let go of what’s not serving you.

Links Mentioned:

Read the full shownotes: https://elizabethmccravy.com/315
Shop our Showit Website Templates: https://elizabethmccravy.com/shop
Join me inside Booked Out Designer: https://elizabethmccravy.com/bod
Sign up for the Podcast Success Blueprint: https://elizabethmccravy.com/psb
Want the insider scoop? Join my Free Facebook community: https://elizabethmccravy.com/facebook
Connect with Elizabeth on Instagram: https://instagram.com/elizabethmccravy

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

314: 8 SEO Blogging Strategies for Google (and ChatGPT) that Most Biz Owners Skip with Kara Duncan Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

Lately, my “content calendar” looks a lot like baby snuggles, coffee refills, and… not much time for social media. And that’s okay! Because SEO blogging is one of the things working behind the scenes for me. One well-crafted blog post can keep showing up in search results, sending me traffic and leads long after I’ve hit publish. It’s the exact strategy I wish more business owners used, and today we’re talking all about it.

In this episode, I’m bringing you my podcast manager (and blogging expert), Kara Duncan from The Kara Report. Kara specializes in helping creative business owners grow through done-for-you blogging and Pinterest services, and she’s sharing eight underrated SEO blogging strategies that most entrepreneurs are skipping without even realizing it.

These aren’t the same generic “use keywords” tips you’ve heard a hundred times. Kara goes into the details of where to place those keywords for maximum impact, how to optimize your images so they help you rank and why Pinterest is still a powerful tool for backlinks even if your audience isn’t hanging out there She even shares exactly what you need to do to get your blog showing up in ChatGPT!

This episode is packed with practical advice that’s easy to implement, no matter your blogging experience. And the best part? Once you put these strategies in place, they’ll keep working for you for months and years to come, giving you more time to focus on the things that matter most.

Links mentioned:

- Read the full shownotes: https://elizabethmccravy.com/314

- Follow Kara on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport

- Download Kara’s private podcast: https://thekarareport.com/private-podcast

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

- Sign up for Podcast Success Blueprint: https://elizabethmccravy.com/psb

- Take Our Website Quiz (+ Get Free Canva Templates!): https://elizabethmccravy.com/quiz

- Join Booked Out Designer: https://elizabethmccravy.com/bod

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

313: The Beginner’s Guide to Evergreen Marketing (Even If You’ve “Tried It” Before) with Stephanie Kase Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

Hey friends! As you're tuning in, I'm currently out on maternity leave (soaking up the baby snuggles!), and I've invited some of my amazing business friends to share guest trainings with you while I'm away. I'm kicking things off with none other than my dear friend Stephanie Kase (who you've probably heard on the podcast before). She's brilliant, grounded, and brings so much practical wisdom, especially around evergreen marketing.

Stephanie's diving into a topic both of us are passionate about: how to make evergreen marketing actually stick in your business. If you've ever felt tired of the social media hamster wheel or are looking for a more sustainable way to grow your brand, this episode is for you. She breaks down what evergreen marketing really means, how to choose the right platform (and commit to it!), and how to create content that continues working for you long after it's published.

I especially loved her advice on batching content, repurposing strategically, and how she uses tools like YouTube and even ChatGPT (yep!) to simplify her process. She also shares real examples from students and her own business… including how her YouTube channel brings in 400+ leads a month while working part-time hours as a mom of three. It’s seriously inspiring.

Stephanie’s been in this game for nearly a decade, and what she teaches is not only doable, it’s sustainable. So grab your notebook or take a walk and soak in all the gold she’s about to share.

Links mentioned:

- Read the full shownotes: https://elizabethmccravy.com/313

- Follow Stephanie on Instagram: https://instagram.com/stephanielynnkase

- Grab Stephanie’s sample evergreen calendar: https://stephaniekase.com/evergreencalendar

- Download Stephanie’s private podcast: https://stephaniekase.com/evergreenpregame

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

- Take Our Website Quiz (+ Get Free Canva Templates!): https://elizabethmccravy.com/quiz

- Join Booked Out Designer: https://elizabethmccravy.com/bod

What’s Coming on The Breakthrough Brand Podcast (Maternity Leave Plans, Guest Trainings, Birth of Baby #3, and More!) Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

In this short little episode, I’m sharing what’s coming on the Breakthrough Brand Podcast while I’m on maternity leave with baby #3 — hint: there are some really awesome episodes planned! I also share a little about birth things, how my business will be functioning while I’m away, and more.

Enjoy this short little chit chat, and then go back through some old episodes and download/listen to some things you may have missed! And, like I say in the audio, if you have never left a rating/review for the podcast, I would SO APPRECIATE it if you could take the time to do that. Thank you for being here!

312: What God’s Word Says About Business, Work, and Everyday Faith (2 Scriptures to Pray Over) Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I’m sharing two scriptures that have been deeply meaningful to me lately, especially as I think and pray over my business. If you’ve been following this podcast for a while, you know I love weaving faith into entrepreneurship, and every time I’ve done scripture-based episodes, the response from you all has been so encouraging. So today, we’re doing it again!

We’re looking at two verses from 1 Thessalonians. The first, 1 Thessalonians 4:11, talks about living a quiet life, minding your own business, and working with your hands. This verse hit me in a big way and it’s such a clear reminder to stay focused on the work God has given us and not get distracted by the noise and comparison culture that’s everywhere, especially online.

The second verse, 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, is one you might already know, but we’re digging deeper into what it really means to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in every circumstance. As a business owner, I know how easy it is to ride the emotional roller coaster… the high of a successful launch, the frustration of a tough month, or the exhaustion of juggling everything at once. But this verse has helped me find a steady rhythm of gratitude and connection with God in all of it.

Whether you’re running a business, raising a family, doing unpaid work that often goes unseen, or just navigating a busy season of life, I hope these scriptures encourage you. I also share a beautiful quote from Well-Watered Women that reminds us how even the most mundane daily tasks can become acts of worship. God is always at work, and He doesn’t waste a thing.

Links Mentioned:

Scripture mentioned: 1 Thessalonians 4:11 & 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Other Scripture-based Episodes to Listen To: Episode 199, 250
The Well-Watered Woman Article Quoted: https://wellwateredwomen.com/missional-laundry-where-the-gospel-meets-the-mundane/
Jingle Jacqui Song on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeXmcEKZB2M
Free scripture lockscreens: https://elizabethmccravy.com/Vision-Casting-Scripture-Lock-Screens
Connect with Elizabeth on Instagram: https://instagram.com/elizabethmccravy
Take Our Website Quiz (+ Get Free Canva Templates!): https://elizabethmccravy.com/quiz
Join Booked Out Designer: https://elizabethmccravy.com/bod
Sign up for Podcast Success Blueprint: https://elizabethmccravy.com/psb

311: YouTube Vs. Podcasting: Should You Start a Youtube Channel or Podcast? 6 Myths Debunked (with Receipts!) Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should start a YouTube channel or launch a podcast, this episode is for you. As someone who’s hosted over 300 podcast episodes and has experience on YouTube, I’m here to give you an honest, data-backed breakdown of both platforms.

In this episode, I’m busting six of the most common myths you’ve probably heard and sharing what’s actually true in 2025. We’ll talk about what’s changed in recent years, how both platforms are evolving, and why in some cases, I actually do recommend YouTube (even though I teach podcasting).

We’re also talking about how things have shifted recently, what’s actually working in 2025, and how to make a decision that fits your content, your goals, and your personality.

If you're tired of all the "one right way" advice and just want a real conversation about what’s best for you, this is the episode to listen to.

Links Mentioned:

- Read the full shownotes: https://elizabethmccravy.com/311

- Join me inside the Podcast Success Blueprint: https://elizabethmccravy.com/psb

- Grab my Free Podcast Equipment Guide: https://elizabethmccravy.com/record

- Shop our Showit Website Templates (use code BBPODCAST for 10% off!): https://elizabethmccravy.com/showit-website-templates/

- Join me inside Booked Out Designer: https://elizabethmccravy.com/bod

- Want the insider scoop? Join my Free Facebook community: https://elizabethmccravy.com/facebook

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

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

310: Creating Impactful Video Content in 2025: Tips From a Professional Videographer with Kate Tran Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

Today, I’m introducing you to Kate Tran — my neighbor and a videographer I’ve personally worked with. If you’ve taken any of my courses, you’ve already seen Kate’s incredible work. She’s the owner of a Nashville-based video production company, and has worked with major brands like CMA, Like to Know It, Tractor Supply, Make-A-Wish, and many more. But what really shines through in this episode is her passion for helping smaller, lesser-known brands find their voice through video content.

We’re diving into how to create amazing video content as a small business owner — especially when you're wearing many hats and doing it all yourself. The focus is primarily on video content for social media, especially Instagram, but we also touch on other uses for video as well.

In our conversation, we cover topics like:

Building confidence on camera
Testing your content with Reels trials
Avoiding common mistakes business owners make with video
And so much more!

Plus, I also encourage you to listen all the way through to the end — my favorite part of the conversation happens in the last 15 minutes. Kate and I talk about working mom life. She’s a mom of three and was a stay-at-home mom until COVID hit in 2020. When her youngest was about a year old, she started freelancing, not even sure she could call it a business yet. She shares so much wisdom about starting a business as a mom and balancing motherhood while building something meaningful.

Links Mentioned:

- Read the full shownotes: https://elizabethmccravy.com/310

- Follow Kate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katetranvideoproduction

- Work with Kate Tran: https://ktvp-studio.com/

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

- Take Our Website Quiz (+ Get Free Canva Templates!): https://elizabethmccravy.com/quiz

- Join Booked Out Designer: https://elizabethmccravy.com/bod

- Sign up for Podcast Success Blueprint: https://elizabethmccravy.com/psb

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

309: Behind the Scenes: Building My Most Ultra-Niche Showit Templates Yet (While Also Growing Baby #3) Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

It’s launch week — and not only am I 36 weeks pregnant, but I’m also thrilled to introduce TWO brand new Showit website templates designed specifically for the birth and postpartum world. In this episode, I’m sharing a full behind-the-scenes look at why I created these hyper-niche templates, who they’re for, and how they can help birth workers elevate their online presence with ease (and great SEO!).

Shop the New Templates:

Doula Website Template: https://elizabethmccravy.com/doula
Lactation Consultant Website Template: https://elizabethmccravy.com/LC

Whether you’re a birth doula, postpartum doula, midwife, lactation consultant, childbirth educator, or even a sleep coach — these templates were designed with you in mind. I’ve packed them with helpful features like:

Industry-specific filler copy that’s easy to customize
SEO-focused content to help you rank locally
Free stock imagery and video that works right out of the box
Pages and layouts tailored to both solo providers and group practices

Plus, if you’ve ever wondered about niching down as a designer, I share why I chose to go super-niche for this launch and how you might apply that thinking to your own business.

To celebrate launch week, you can grab any template — including these new ones — for 20% off through June 14, 2025 with the code LAUNCH20 at checkout.

Links mentioned:

Read the full show notes: https://elizabethmccravy.com/309
Doula Website Template: https://elizabethmccravy.com/doula
Lactation Consultant Website Template: https://elizabethmccravy.com/LC
Shop Showit templates: https://elizabethmccravy.com/shop (Use code LAUNCH20 for 20% off until June 14th, 2025)
Showit template quiz: https://elizabethmccravy.com/quiz
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethmccravy/
Join me inside Booked Out Designer: https://elizabethmccravy.com/bod

308: Pregnancy, Projects & Podcasting: Life Update After a 3-Month Break (+ Giving Your Brain Space to Slow Down & Have a Quiet Quarter) Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

After three months away, I'm back behind the mic! This episode kicks off a mini-season of new content before I head into maternity leave. In this chitchat-style catch-up, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at why I took my longest break ever from the podcast after six years of consistent episodes—and what God taught me through it.

I dive into how stepping back from content creation impacted my business (it wasn’t as dramatic as you might think), and how the space opened up room for clarity around some major personal decisions—like birth plans for baby #3 and navigating a super close age gap between our little ones. You'll also hear all about the van we bought, our family beach trip, a sweet baby sprinkle, and the nesting projects taking over my calendar.

Whether you're a longtime listener or tuning back in after a break yourself, I hope this episode encourages you to slow down when needed, trust in divine timing, and find peace in saying no—even to things you love. I also share what’s coming next for the podcast, and why you’ll want to stay subscribed during my maternity leave.

Links mentioned:

Read the full show notes: https://elizabethmccravy.com/308
Hear Why I Chose To Take a Podcast Break: https://elizabethmccravy.com/307
How to Start a Podcast in 2025: https://elizabethmccravy.com/302
Tune Into Colin's Birth Story: https://elizabethmccravy.com/148
Tune Into Ethan's Birth Story: https://elizabethmccravy.com/265
Showit template quiz: https://elizabethmccravy.com/quiz
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethmccravy/
Shop Showit templates: https://elizabethmccravy.com/shop
Join me inside Booked Out Designer: https://elizabethmccravy.com/bod

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

307: A Candid Conversation About Making a Shift to The Breakthrough Brand Podcast (+ a REAL Look at How I Make Big Business Decisions & a Q&A) Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

Big changes are coming to the Breakthrough Brand Podcast! In this episode, I’m sharing a personal and business update that’s been months in the making—I’m shifting the podcast to a seasonal format and taking a three-month break from releasing new episodes. But don’t worry, this isn’t a goodbye! To be clear, I’ll still be actively working in my business and the podcast itself is NOT ending. I’ll be back soon with fresh content, and I’m excited to share the reasons behind this shift, how I made this decision, and what I’ll be focusing on during this break.

If you’ve ever wondered how to balance content creation, business growth, and life’s changing seasons, this episode is for you. I’ll dive into why I’m making this shift, what it means for the future of the podcast, and how you can apply the same intentional decision-making to your own business. Plus, I’ll answer some questions you might be wondering about this change and what you can do while the podcast is on pause. Let’s dive in!

Timestamps for the Q&A of things you might be wondering (in case you end up wanting to skip around): Be sure to listen to the first part of the episode as well where I explain this shift.

17:46 - Why are you choosing to take a break from something that is profitable?
19:20 - Do you think revenue will go down when you stop having weekly episodes?
22:36 - Was this a data decision or a gut decision?
24:13 - How do you make a gut decision like this? What was the process?
28:19 - Do you have any advice on making tough business decisions?
31:14 - What marketing efforts are you keeping?
33:20 - Do you think that will work fine for every business owner to take a content creation break?
34:47 - You've shared how most of your customers come through SEO/podcast... Do you think that will be affected?
37:19 - How did you decide on the break format? (Seasons versus airing every other week)
39:54 - What will you be doing with the time this podcast break frees up?
41:46 - Are you decreasing the amount you’re working (less than two days a week)?
44:25 - Now that we’ve talked about my business decisions, what should you do while there’s a break?

Links mentioned:

Read the full show notes: https://elizabethmccravy.com/307
Showit template quiz: https://elizabethmccravy.com/quiz
Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethmccravy/
Shop Showit templates: https://elizabethmccravy.com/shop
Join me inside Booked Out Designer: https://elizabethmccravy.com/bod

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

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