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:

034: How to Know When It’s Time for a New Website Sep 24, 2019

Show notes

We’re talking about how to know when it’s time for a new website in your business. This is a big question that I get asked often, and it can be hard to tell whether you just have “shiny object syndrome” or if you’ve been neglecting your website without realizing it. Often times it’s time for a total website overhaul, and we are so distracted that we miss it. And, when we miss it (as you’ll soon find in this episode), you’re leaving money on the table. Today, I’m walking you through how to know if it’s time for a website update and some specific questions to ask yourself to help you decide exactly what you need!

Yesterday was the day where the new website templates hit EM Shop! I’m excited beyond words! If you haven’t checked out the templates, I want you to take a peek while you listen to this episode. Visit https://elizabethmccravy.com/shop to explore them!

Links mentioned in this episode:

- Shop EM Shop Showit website templates: https://elizabethmccravy.com/shop

- Take the website personality test: https://elizabethmccravy.com/style

- Want help deciding if an EM Shop template is right for your business? Schedule a 20-minute call with Elizabeth here: https://elizabethmccravy.com/template-inquiry

Get the full blog post for this episode here: https://elizabethmccravy.com/34

Don’t miss out! Launch week is happening until Friday, September 27th! When you buy any template this week, you’ll get 2 amazing bonuses! These bonuses WILL expire after Friday. So, don’t hold off, if you need a new website, now is the time!

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

033: Wix vs. Showit (+ What It’s Like to Switch from Wix to Showit) Sep 17, 2019

Show notes

Interested in switching to Showit but are currently using Wix for your website? You’re in a common situation, and this episode is for you! I’m sharing in the most basic terms what it’s like to switch from Wix to Showit and what the main differences are between these two platforms.

UPDATE TO THIS EPISODE: In this episode, I mention that you can transfer your blog posts from Wix to Showit. That has changed. Wix does not provide Showit with an export file that would allow the Showit team to migrate the blog to their servers. For that reason, Showit only does blog migrations from WordPress and Squarespace at this time. If you want to move blog posts from Wix to Showit, the solution is to do it manually.

As you may know, I design websites on Showit. My website templates are built on Showit as well as my custom sites. I LOVE IT. I went all-in with Showit when I discovered it because it goes above and beyond other platforms. I’ve designed on Squarespace and WordPress in the past, but I have not designed anything on Wix. However, I’ve explored their interface and I’ve had many clients and template buyers switch from Wix to Showit and have heard their stories. This episode is my personal opinion on Wix and how Showit and Wix compare with similarities and differences.

Ready to learn about these two platforms?! Turn up the volume and let’s dive in!

Shop Showit website templates by EM Shop here: https://elizabethmccravy.com/shop

Get the full blog post for this episode here: https://elizabethmccravy.com/wix

Want to try Showit out no strings attached? Click the link below to get one month of Showit absolutely free! https://elizabethmccravy.com/showit-coupon-code

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

032: WordPress vs. Showit (+ What It’s Like to Switch from WordPress to Showit) Sep 17, 2019

Show notes

Thinking about using Showit, but currently on WordPress? This episode is for you! I’m sharing in the most basic terms what it’s like to switch from WordPress to Showit and what the main differences are between these two platforms.

I used to design on WordPress before I switched to using Showit. I’ve designed on many platforms, but at one point, WordPress was actually my thing. So, the point is, I know WordPress, and I don’t hate it. We actually use it as the blogging platform for your Showit website (more on that in the episode). But, for most business types, I don’t love WordPress on it’s own. You’ll learn why in this episode!

Get the full blog post for this episode here: https://elizabethmccravy.com/wordpress

Want to try Showit out no strings attached? Click the link below to get one month of Showit absolutely free! https://elizabethmccravy.com/showit-coupon-code

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

031: Squarespace vs. Showit (+ What It’s Like to Switch from Squarespace to Showit) Sep 17, 2019

Show notes

Thinking about using Showit, but currently on Squarespace? This episode is for you! I’m sharing in the most basic terms what it’s like to switch from Squarespace to Showit and what the main differences are between these two platforms. They have a lot of similarities, but they are actually quite different.

I anticipate this episode being the most listened to of the 3 episodes today because this one is the most popular one people are switching from when they buy a template from me or are working with me for a custom website. Squarespace is just really popular! Now, if you’re expecting this episode to be about me bashing Squarespace, IT WON’T BE! I have nothing against Squarespace, and I think it’s a great alternative to Showit. Do I think Showit is better? Yes. Do I think Squarespace is the worst website platform ever? Definitely not! So, ready to learn about these two platforms?! Turn up the volume and let’s dive in!

Get the full blog post for this episode here: https://elizabethmccravy.com/squarespace

Want to try Showit out no strings attached? Click the link below to get one month of Showit absolutely free! https://elizabethmccravy.com/showit-coupon-code

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

030: The 4 Worst Pieces of Web Design Advice Sep 10, 2019

Show notes

There is LOTS of advice out there about your website. Some of it is incredible, and some of it is just wrong. Today, I’m sharing 4 common website design tips I’ve heard people say that are straight-up incorrect. Listen in to make sure you’re not making these mistakes so we can keep your online presence in tip-top shape!

If you need a new website, I have exciting news! I’m launching a new collection of website templates this month, and I want you to check them out and shop when they go live. The new templates launch on September 23rd, and you can get on the launch list at elizabethmccravy.com/launch. There will be 4 new templates, and I can’t wait to share them with you! Get on the launch list to get a sneak peek of one of the templates before they go on sale, plus details on all the launch week bonuses!

To get the full blog post that goes with this episode visit: http://elizabethmccravy.com/30

To join the launch list, visit: http://elizabethmccravy.com/launch

Shop the website templates now at http://elizabethmccravy.com/shop

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

029: 8 Things You NEED on Your Coaching Website Sep 03, 2019

Show notes

I’m thankful to have worked with many, many coaches for website design — both in my template shop and for custom design work. If you do any type of coaching, mentorship, courses, or anything educational really, you’ll love this episode! I’m sharing 8 things you need on your website that I’ve learned as a designer for coaches.

I’ve worked with life coaches, career coaches, business coaches, health coaches, nutritionists, counselors, yoga teachers, executive coaches… seriously so many coaches! And, I love it. I love this industry, and it’s work that I believe in. So, for this episode, we’re talking about what works for coaching websites so you can crush it in your industry!

Links to explore:

- Get on the launch list for the new templates: https://elizabethmccravy.com/launch

- Shop Elizabeth’s Showit website templates: https://elizabethmccravy.com/shop

- Get the full show notes for this episode at https://elizabethmccravy.com/29

You guys know, I’m a website designer, and I love creating easy to use Showit5 website templates that are strategically-designed to help you book more clients. That’s my goal, and I love watching everyone in the EM Shop fam do just that! In a couple of weeks, I’m launching a brand new collection of templates to the shop that are PERFECTLY MADE for people just like you — coaches. This launch is going to be huge. I’m packing in some awesome gifts and bonuses for you to go along with your purchase! You don’t want to miss this. To get the details, head to elizabethmccravy.com/launch and sign up to be the first to know when the new templates go live. You can preview some of the bonuses and get exclusive pre-launch info when you sign up! I can’t wait to celebrate launch day with you soon!

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

028: 9 Things You Actually Need to Start a Service-Based Business (and All the Other Things That Can Wait) Aug 27, 2019

Show notes

Starting a business can feel daunting and the to-do list can be miles long. But, I’m here to tell you that things of things you have to do to get started might just be less than you’d think. In this episode, we are exploring what actually needs to happen to get your business up and running, plus what can wait a while longer. If you’re in the earlier stages of your business or planning to start a business soon, this episode will give you clarity (and an actual to-do list!) to get rolling!

I’m covering the 9 things you need to start your service-based business in the order that you should do them. This is your actual guide if you’re feeling stuck! Then, I’m covering 4 things people often think they need to get started, but can actually wait. Get ready to feel motivated and prepared to get your business idea off the ground!

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

- FREE Business Naming Guide: https://elizabethmccravy.com/name-your-business

- Buy Domains with GoDaddy: https://elizabethmccravy.com/godaddy

- Get a professional domain-based email with GSuite (20% off first year): https://elizabethmccravy.com/gsuite

- Shop the EM Shop Showit Website Templates: https://elizabethmccravy.com/shop

- Get all the helpful business registration links I mentioned in the full blog post here: https://elizabethmccravy.com/28

This episode has a full blog post to go with it! Read the post and get all the links mentioned today here: https://elizabethmccravy.com/28

Thank you to Amy Wolterman for sending me this topic as an episode suggestion! If you ever have any topics you’d like to suggest, send me a message on Instagram (@elizabethmccravy) or comment on my latest post with your idea! I’d love to hear it!

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

027: People Don’t Buy Products and Services, They Buy Results Aug 20, 2019

Show notes

It’s time for some serious marketing strategy! The title of this really sums it up: people don’t buy products and services, they buy results. In this episode, I explain this concept and share how you can start marketing the results you provide right now! This episode is short and tactical.

There is ALWAYS a result tied to your product, no matter what you offer. But, often we don’t focus on the results as much as we should. It’s easier to just talk about the nitty gritty details of what we do. But, that’s not actually what makes people buy.

People are buying for a problem to be solved. They are hoping your product or service will do something for them. Your product or service is just PART of what you’re selling. It’s not the whole thing. The transformation and result, the pain you’re solving are huge parts of your offer too. We often miss this in our marketing. If you don’t tell people what their life will look like if they buy, they will have no motivation to buy. So, tune in now to learn this concept, grasp it for yourself, and then put it to action in your marketing!

Get the full show notes for this episode: https://elizabethmccravy.com/27

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

026: Why Your Stuff Isn’t Selling: Learn How to Speak to Your Customer’s Pain Points Aug 13, 2019

Show notes

I understand how it feels to be ignored in this noisy world. It’s a challenge to speak in a way that gets the attention of your dream clients. You have this great product or service, but you’re getting beat out by people who are able to communicate about their offer better.

Whether you’re a coach, photographer, realtor, designer, you name it… If you’re asking the question, “How on earth do I stand out?!” then I have a solution for you! It all starts with knowing what the customer wants and what their problem is, then positioning yourself as the person that will solve that problem. In this episode, we go very deep into marketing tactics and the minds of our ideal customers.

Do you know what problem you are solving for customers? Can you sum it up in a couple sentences and in a way that is compelling to them? Often times we really understand our product or service. We know every in and out of what we do. BUT, we don’t fully know what problems we are solving on a deeper level. People don’t want your service, they want their problems solved. They want a transformation.

In this episode, I’m teaching:

- How to speak to your customer’s pain points in your marketing

- How to discover what pain points you’re solving for customers

- What to do if you feel like you aren’t actually “solving a problem”

- The 2 things you need to know in order to successfully sell your product/service

- How to use empathy and authority in your marketing

- What to do if you feel sleazy for actually focusing on your marketing

Remember: A great message is NOT when your ideal client understands you, it’s when your ideal client feels understood BY YOU.

Get the full blog post and show notes for this episode here: https://elizabethmccravy.com/26

Download the freebie that goes with this episode here: https://elizabethmccravy.com/26download

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

025: Stop Treating Your Business Like a Hobby: 5 Ways to Step Into the Business Owner Role Aug 06, 2019

Show notes

As a new business owner, we often treat our business like a hobby unintentionally. Maybe your business even started as a hobby so treating it like one comes naturally. We desire to be a business owner, but we have bad habits that are keeping us stuck. We say things like “I’m just a freelancer” or “Oh, it’s just a little side hustle.” But, to grow your business, you’ve got to act like a business owner, which means ditching the freelancer/hobbyist ways of working.

As the saying goes, “Treat your business like a business and it’ll PAY you like a business. Treat your business like a hobby and it’ll COST you like a hobby.” In this episode, I’m sharing 5 ways I commonly see people treating their businesses like hobbies. Some are even ways I was guilty of early on in my business — so, I speak from experience!

When you make shifts AWAY from the freelancer attitude, you can start to step into the CEO role in your business, and see massive growth. You can’t run your business like a freelancer and expect results like a CEO.

I hope this episode is the tough love you need to take things to the next level and get a little more serious with the way you manage your business!

Get all the links and resources mentioned in this episode in the blog post at elizabethmccravy.com/25

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

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Remember: A great message is NOT when your ideal client understands you, it’s when your ideal client feels understood BY YOU.

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