Instagram Story views are the start of great results on Instagram for your online business… much more than followers! Yet, so many focus on consistently posting on their Instagram feeds. Not you, that’s why you’re here.

You’re an online entrepreneur or small business owner and Instagram isn’t just a scrolling hobby for you. You’ve decided it’s an important part of your online presence to attract leads. This blog is for you!

You’ll get answers to all your questions about Instagram Story views and more. I’m going to reveal to you what moves your Instagram Story views from likes to leads:

Why Instagram story views matter
How do Instagram story views work?
How to boost your Instagram stories views for online leads
More Instagram story views step #1
What many won’t say about engagement for Instagram story views
This kills your Instagram stories views (even when you’re consistent)
The second thing that kills your Instagram story views
How to use Instagram features for more Instagram story views
The must-not-miss hack for your Instagram story views
The big no-no’s for Instagram story views that many keep on doing
The habit with Instagram stories that will change your results
The power of Instagram story highlights
How to save time with the Instagram story save function
Instagram story viewer, should you bother?
How to use Instagram story insights to double your leads
FAQ about Instagram story views
Bonus tip: What many miss about Instagram story views

Before you get started, don’t forget to grab my FREE Instagram carousel templates for a great combo with Instagram Story views.

Full disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission from.

Why Instagram Story views matter

The choice that build trust faster

“What kind of profile picture should I use for Instagram as an online entrepreneur?”

Ah! Perfect question!

Should you use your brand logo or your personal photo in your profile pics for Instagram?

Throughout this blog, I will show you examples of profile pics for Instagram. I’m always going to show you them using a mobile mockup because I want you to see them as close to what the Instagram users see them. The examples don’t mean the accounts are bad or great Instagram accounts. They are purely chosen to help you with examples of profile pics for Instagram.

Here are two examples. Ask yourself a question: Which one do you feel some sort of connection faster?

By the way, both accounts are outstanding! This is just a question about personal connection.

So let’s go back to the key question in hand: personal photo or brand logo for your profile pics for Instagram?

Answering this question about profile pics for Instagram goes well beyond profile pics. It is a fundamental question about whether to position your brand as a personal brand or a business brand.

I understand if you’re here and don’t want to show up as the face of your online business. You aren’t alone.

Hear me out, though, about the power of a personal brand for you.

My friend, you and I are online entrepreneurs and small business owners, not Nike, Apple or Amazon! You need to get noticed, establish yourself, and build trust. So here is my personal opinion:

People trust people. You’ll build trust quicker when you set yourself as a personal brand.
People connect faster with people than with logos. Your personal brand will make you more relatable.

However, it is also true that a personal brand takes more energy and time out of you. I have done both!

You need to show up.

My own experience with profile pics for Instagram

The day I changed my Instagram profile picture to a personal photo, my engagement and follower growth were boosted. I never expected it!

I had people following me that DM me to say how happy they were to see the person behind the account.

I had a fear of showing up. So I hid and used a travel photo of the Med for years. What a mistake!!!!

So that’s why I’m so open with you on this

My opinion is undoubtedly unequivocal. As a solopreneur, start with your personal brand, especially when using social media to grow your audience. Leverage social media’s “social” aspect of building our personal brand.

You can always transform a personal brand into a business brand. People will follow you where you go.

So logo or personal photo for profile pics for Instagram?

A personal photo, my choice every day! That’s what this blog focuses on, personal profile pics for Instagram.

Should you hire a photographer for your profile pics for Instagram?

I love photography. I absolutely respect and admire pro photographers.

Undeniably hiring a professional photographer will secure you a stunning set of profile pics for Instagram and beyond, as long as you make your photographer selection based on the vibe and style of your brand.

However, I understand that when you start online, or even during your first years as an online entrepreneur, your budget is tight and so many critical investments are competing for your budget.

In this blog, I show you the pro techniques to achieve awe-inspiring profile pics for Instagram without having to pay a pro and without needing expensive gear (just your phone!).

Here they come!

Ah… and I’ve got super special for you! 5 FREE Canva templates to create seamless Instagram carousels for online entrepreneurs and course creators like you:

The profile pics for Instagram formula

If you thought that profile pics for Instagram are just about any photo, think again.

There are 4 steps to successful profile pics for Instagram. Each is an essential component, and the overall impact of profile pics for IG depends on bringing the 4 together.

Here are your profile pics for Instagram formula simple:

Get the basics right
Showcase your personality, your vibe
Make your brand stand out
Timing for change

So let’s look at each of these 4 steps so that you can quickly get them spot on today.

How to create your profile pics for Instagram (the basics)

At this point, you’re asking yourself: “What kind of profile picture should I use for Instagram?”

So this is how you get your basics right for profile pics for Instagram.

Think about the light in your photo

Is the profile pic lit well? Natural light is always a great idea.

Things to avoid:

harsh flash
nighttime photos
artificial light that creates strong shadows on your face
Facing the camera directly to the sun and having your face really dark

Here are a few examples of bad light for your profile pics for Instagram:

Here is a well-lit Instagram photo.

Good contrast to stand out

Light is excellent, but more is needed. Profile pics for Instagram need to stand out. The contrast makes your profile pic pop. Make sure you have a strong contrast between the background, clothes and what you are wearing (or not) so that it stands out against the profile picture.

Here are some examples for you:

Framing: Head show or head and shoulders (not the entire body)

Typically you can choose between a headshot or a head and shoulders shot.

Why?

Remember that profile pics for Instagram appear really tiny on mobile, and the whole idea is to be instantly recognizable.

Here are a couple of examples:

Avoid profile pics for Instagram that show your entire body. Your face will be almost unrecognizable in a full-body pic.

Also avoid cutting too much of your face. Here is an example that could benefit of some extra space around the face:

Look at the difference with these two examples, and note the position of the body doesn’t necessarily need to be facing the camera always:

No messy background in your profile pics for Instagram

A widespread mistake with profile pics for Instagram is to have a very messy background that distracts too much from you.

Here is an example:

You can avoid messy backgrounds on profile pics for Instagram in various ways:

Take the picture with a simple wall behind you (it doesn’t need to be a boring white wall)
Leave some distance to your background and take the picture using portrait mode so the background appears a bit blurry. If you’re using a DSLR, set a wide aperture on the camera.
Take your photo and remove the background. You can quickly achieve great results with Canva Pro for background removal. You can then add a brand background colour.

Before we even keep on going, don’t forget to grab your FREE 151 Instagram Stories Cheat Cheat for online entrepreneurs:

Position: Centred or slightly off centred

The profile pic can be centred, but you can also make it more interesting by slightly off-centring it. It depends on the mood of your profile pictures and the background behind you.

Be careful going too off-centre and then the face becoming not the main focal point of your profile pics for Instagram.

This is an example of something too off-centre.

My own one Instagram photo, slightly off the centre.

Check out more of my content, packed with Instagram hacks, and step-by-step tutorials: Here it is:

Smile or no smile?

Smile or no smile? Both things can work perfectly well. Specially don’t force yourself to a big smile for your profile pics for Instagram if that isn’t you.

The right file size for profile pics for Instagram

Your profile pics for Instagram should fit the profile pic size of Instagram feed and profile.

Don’t try to crop it after uploading. Crop and resize it before you upload so that it fits the profile picture dimensions and looks perfect on your profile page, feed and stories.

Profile pics for Instagram are stored by Instagram as 320 x 320 pixels and displayed at 110 x 110 pixels. So always upload profile pics for Instagram at a minimum of 320 x 320 pixels.

You can use Canva to create a 320x320 design
Upload you photo
Drop it into your design
Download as PNG

Now you have perfect file size for your profile pics for Instagram. Below you have the exact steps to make if happen on Canva for free. Just click right of left to scroll at your own pace.

If you haven’t got a Canva account, get one here now, it’s a game changer!

The importance of your eyes

Be aware of how your profile pics for Instagram look in thumbnail size. The eyes should be the focal point and always visible.

Ideally, you want to create eye contact by looking into the camera when you take the photo and avoid dark sunglasses.

Obviously, they can always be exceptions. If your look is to have special glasses on, that’s fine.

Don’t apply filters - keep it real you

It is best to have profile pics for Instagram that are natural and not over-edited or using super artificial filters.

Your profile picture should accurately represent who you are, so don’t apply filters or change the colour too much.

Take a few profile pics for Instagram

When taking profile pics for Instagram, take a few different ones to decide which profile pic works best and looks more professional. You can assess options or even ask your audience if you want!

How to showcase your personality in your profile pics for Instagram

So now that you have covered the basics for profile pics for Instagram, time to see how to achieve unique profile pictures for Instagram

You don’t need to be dressed up if that’s not how you usually show up with your audience. Most important is that it shows the real you.

For example:

I remember this online entrepreneur who explained that his profile photo was in a suit and tie, while he never wears one. That’s just a no-no.

Decide the best way to connect with your audience and how you want to show up. Be consistent with the image you want to consistently show, and that’s the perfect look for profile pics for Instagram. Have fun!

So there isn’t such thing as having to put make-up on for it or dress up as if you were going to a job interview.

The best way to showcase yourself is just to be your normal you!

In some instances, it can make sense because that goes with your personality and brand vibe to use additional accent items (for example, a hat, design glasses, a scarf, and accessories).

The opposite can also be accurate, and maybe you want profile pics with a white background to stand out and be immediately recognizable.

Above everything, do not hide behind a stock photo that isn’t a photo of you.

That sounds like a strange statement?! Fact! I did that for at least 2-3 years on Instagram.

I hid behind a pool because I did not want to be judged. The fear of showing up.

The problem is not showing up with your face makes you a stranger to your audience.

So learn from me and avoid my early mistake with your profile pics for Instagram.

Personal connection is what social media is all about, especially for online entrepreneurs and content creators like you.

Make your brand stand out in your profile pics for Instagram

One of the most effective ways to reinforce your brand and create a professional look with your profile pics for Instagram is to have one of your brand colours as a background or in your clothing.

To achieve that colour background consistency in your profile pics for IG, you don’t need to paint your walls! You can achieve this quickly on Canva Pro. Here is the video of how to achieve it quickly!

Check out here my blog: Is Canva Pro Worth It? 10 Amazing Canva PRO Features That Will Transform Your Conversion Rates ... And Save You A Ton Of Time!

If you want to stand out from the crowd and make your profile pics for Instagram part of your personal brand, then think about how you can use props or require a particular type of clothing to make it look like part of your brand.

Profile pics outdoors against nature or the city are part of your desired look because it reinforces your brand. That’s fine if it doesn’t overtake you in the photo.

Your profile pics for Instagram should look like they belong to your brand identity through props, vibes, colours, and your expression.

Here are brilliant examples of profile pics for Instagram that convey their brand vibe to perfection:

When to change your profile pics for Instagram

Don't confuse your audience

There is nothing worst than constantly changing your profile pictures for Instagram just to be trendy.

Let’s say your profile pic showed you wearing a hat, and then you changed it to profile pics with no accessories. That might confuse people who were just getting to know your profile.

Make sure there is always a common element that makes profile pics recognizable in all profile pictures for Instagram. Even if the profile picture style changes, make sure it still makes sense with the profile pics you have already used.

So avoid going after trendy profile pictures for Instagram, and don’t change often, or it gets super confusing!

Plus, I recommend that you have consistent profile pics on other platforms. That way, people will quickly know those other accounts on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Tiktok, and YouTube... are yours. It creates familiarity.

Keep your profile pics for Instagram relevant

On the other hand, it’s also essential to keep your profile pictures for Instagram relevant.

Changing your profile pictures for Instagram can be a great way to keep your account on brand.

Yeap, your brand can change over time. You can create a different feel and look for your Instagram feed.

Or you simply have changed and want a more up-to-date photo of you. We all change over time! Our style changes, and it’s vital that your profile pictures for Instagram remain a great representation of who you are now.

How to change your profile pics for Instagram

These are the step-by-step process to change your profile pics for Instagram:

Once you upload the profile picture for Instagram, don’t forget to share it in your Stories. This effectively involves your followers and makes them participate in the profile pic change process.

This is also an excellent opportunity to talk about what profile pics mean to you, why you chose that profile picture for Instagram and why it was vital for you to share it at that time.

So don’t forget to tell about profile pic changes in your Stories!

And that’s it! With these tips, you now have what it takes to create profile pics for Instagram that capture who you are, make your brand stand out, and connect with your audience.

And if you’re still unsure what profile pics to choose, remember that the best profile pictures celebrate who you are and showcase your personality. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shots until you find one that works for you and reflects how you want your profile to look.

Your BONUS tip: How to optimise your Instagram profile

Profile pics for Instagram are just one element to optimise your account.

Think also about:

Using keywords in your Instagram bio
Explain in your bio what you do, what outcome you bring to your clients and your social proof
Adding a smart bio to your Instagram profile
Get highlights that showcase your profiles, your freebie, how to work with your, and your story
Pin to the top of your Instagram feed top performing Instagram posts that help show what your content is about

Well, my friend, with this blog you’re totally set up for success and connection with your profile pics for Instagram!

What next?

Time to take action! Is this the time to give your profile pic for IG a spruce up? Now you know exactly what to do!

Don’t forget to comment and tell me:

It is an absolute privilege to know that you read and find value in my blog!

A HUGE thank you for being here with me.

Don’t forget to hover over the image below and click the Pinterest logo to pin to Pinterest!

You’re star for sharing it!

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Your first $1000 online feels impossible? Stop following these 9 guru advices

You’ve got one goal right now: Make your first $1,000 online. Not a six-figure empire. Not a viral Reel. Just your first proof-it’s-possible paycheck from something you built.

And if you’re being honest… you thought you’d be there by now. Because you have been trying.

You’ve downloaded more freebies than you can count—most of them still sitting unopened in your inbox.
You’ve watched the webinars.
You’ve spent hours tweaking your freebie, trying to figure out if you need a niche or a “value ladder” or a funnel that doesn’t look like a bowl of spaghetti.

Meanwhile, the sales? Nada.

Your to-do list is full but your bank account’s not.

And that voice in your head keeps whispering: “What am I doing wrong?”

I see you. Because I was you.

And here’s the truth that changed everything for me: trying to follow 6-figure advice at $0 is like skipping Season 1 of your favorite show and expecting Season 5 to make sense.

You’re watching characters you don’t know, chasing plot twists that don’t land, and wondering why everyone else seems obsessed—while you’re just confused and low-key exhausted.

That advice you’re seeing all over your feed? It’s not bad. It’s just not made for this season of your journey.

Your Season 1 is about clarity, confidence, and cash flow—not scale, teams, or evergreen launches.

And that’s why I’m sharing this: these are the 9 lessons that actually helped me make my first $1K online.

Not the shiny version, not the 6-figure hindsight advice—but what really worked when I was in the trenches figuring it out, one messy step at a time.

Let’s break it down.

Key Takeaways (what you’ll learn):

Do you need a website to make your first $1,000 online? → No, but you do need a simple homepage and a domain so people can find you and grab your freebie.
What’s the fastest way to make $1,000 online? → Start offering high-ticket affiliate products, coaching, or done-for-you services—not low-margin offers like dropshipping or $2 affiliate links.
What type of content leads to actual sales? → Long-form content (blog, podcast, YouTube), even better when it’s searchable + Pinterest for traffic. Way better than social posts that disappear from your audience’s feed in 24 hours.
Do you need a complicated funnel to start selling? → Not at all. Use this simple path: Content → Freebie → Welcome Email → Personal Offer.
Can you sell a course before it’s built? → Yes. Pre-sell the idea, build as you go or deliver live. You’ll get paid before you create the lessons.
How do you grow without burning out? → Ditch perfection. Use just-in-time learning, take messy action, and stop trying to “know everything” before you start.

Tempted to just skim the takeaways and dip? I get it. You’ve read a million “how to make your first $1,000 online” posts. But this one? It’s different. Because it doesn’t just give you strategies—it walks you through the real-life missteps, detours, and unpopular truths that actually got me there.

Like the photo membership I never launched.
The blog that brought sales while I slept.
The $1000 I made before even building my course.

If you’re the kind of person who learns best from honest behind-the-scenes over polished highlight reels—you’re in the right place.

Read more →

How do I delete pins from Pinterest to gain more Pinterest views without being spammy (+ when it's best to do nothing)

Wondering how do I delete pins from Pinterest to clean up your profile and boost your Pinterest views? Here’s the short answer:

Deleting pins doesn’t automatically increase your reach—and in some cases, it can actually hurt it. But there are strategic times when removing certain pins (or even full boards) can clean up your content, protect your account from Pinterest’s spam filters, and improve your overall performance.

The key? Knowing when to hit delete and when to let your pins work for you.

Now, if you’ve ever found yourself staring at your Pinterest boards, debating whether to purge old or underperforming pins, you’re not alone.

Maybe you feel like your profile is a hot mess of outdated content, or you worry that Pinterest is punishing you for low-performing pins. Or worse—you’re afraid you’ve been posting too much and looking spammy.

And then there’s the classic misstep: deleting the wrong pins and seeing your Pinterest traffic drop overnight. 😬

So, what’s the real strategy here? When should you delete pins, and when should you leave them alone? This guide covers everything you need to know, including:

Why to delete pins from Pinterest (and when NOT to)—because deleting isn’t always the answer
How to delete a pin on Pinterest (without second-guessing yourself)
How to delete pins on Pinterest in bulk—when you’ve got hundreds or thousands to clean up
How to delete Pinterest boards strategically, without hurting your reach
How do I delete pins from Pinterest when I have thousands of pins?—and is it even worth it?
Should I delete pins from Pinterest that are old? Or do old pins actually help your reach?
How do I delete a pin from Pinterest and keep my monthly views? (Spoiler: You can’t—but there’s a workaround.)
What to do instead of deleting a pin

PLUS: The FAQs you didn’t even know you needed, like…

Help! Why won’t Pinterest let me delete a pin?
How to unpin on Pinterest when there’s no delete option
What happens when you delete a pin? Can you really erase it forever?
How do I clean up my Pinterest home feed? (Because Pinterest keeps showing me irrelevant pins!)
Can I make someone else delete my pin from their saved board?
Why does Pinterest say “gone forever” when I delete a pin?
Pinterest removed my pin—am I being punished for something I didn’t even upload?

I’ve been a business strategist for 30 years, and I’ve helped countless entrepreneurs use Pinterest to grow their audience, leads, and sales. If you want a Pinterest strategy that actually works—without spammy tactics—keep reading. Because deleting pins the right way can help you, but deleting pins the wrong way could hurt your growth or just be a complete waste of your precious time. Let’s get into it.Wondering how do I delete pins from Pinterest to clean up your profile and boost your Pinterest views? Here’s the short answer:

Deleting pins doesn’t automatically increase your reach—and in some cases, it can actually hurt it. But there are strategic times when removing certain pins (or even full boards) can clean up your content, protect your account from Pinterest’s spam filters, and improve your overall performance.

The key? Knowing when to hit delete and when to let your pins work for you.

Now, if you’ve ever found yourself staring at your Pinterest boards, debating whether to purge old or underperforming pins, you’re not alone.

Maybe you feel like your profile is a hot mess of outdated content, or you worry that Pinterest is punishing you for low-performing pins. Or worse—you’re afraid you’ve been posting too much and looking spammy.

And then there’s the classic misstep: deleting the wrong pins and seeing your Pinterest traffic drop overnight. 😬

So, what’s the real strategy here? When should you delete pins, and when should you leave them alone? This guide covers everything you need to know, including:

Why to delete pins from Pinterest (and when NOT to)—because deleting isn’t always the answer
How to delete a pin on Pinterest (without second-guessing yourself)
How to delete pins on Pinterest in bulk—when you’ve got hundreds or thousands to clean up
How to delete Pinterest boards strategically, without hurting your reach
How do I delete pins from Pinterest when I have thousands of pins?—and is it even worth it?
Should I delete pins from Pinterest that are old? Or do old pins actually help your reach?
How do I delete a pin from Pinterest and keep my monthly views? (Spoiler: You can’t—but there’s a workaround.)
What to do instead of deleting a pin

PLUS: The FAQs you didn’t even know you needed, like…

Help! Why won’t Pinterest let me delete a pin?
How to unpin on Pinterest when there’s no delete option
What happens when you delete a pin? Can you really erase it forever?
How do I clean up my Pinterest home feed? (Because Pinterest keeps showing me irrelevant pins!)
Can I make someone else delete my pin from their saved board?
Why does Pinterest say “gone forever” when I delete a pin?
Pinterest removed my pin—am I being punished for something I didn’t even upload?

I’ve been a business strategist for 30 years, and I’ve helped countless entrepreneurs use Pinterest to grow their audience, leads, and sales. If you want a Pinterest strategy that actually works—without spammy tactics—keep reading. Because deleting pins the right way can help you, but deleting pins the wrong way could hurt your growth or just be a complete waste of your precious time. Let’s get into it.Wondering how do I delete pins from Pinterest to clean up your profile and boost your Pinterest views? Here’s the short answer:

Deleting pins doesn’t automatically increase your reach—and in some cases, it can actually hurt it. But there are strategic times when removing certain pins (or even full boards) can clean up your content, protect your account from Pinterest’s spam filters, and improve your overall performance.

The key? Knowing when to hit delete and when to let your pins work for you.

Now, if you’ve ever found yourself staring at your Pinterest boards, debating whether to purge old or underperforming pins, you’re not alone.

Maybe you feel like your profile is a hot mess of outdated content, or you worry that Pinterest is punishing you for low-performing pins. Or worse—you’re afraid you’ve been posting too much and looking spammy.

And then there’s the classic misstep: deleting the wrong pins and seeing your Pinterest traffic drop overnight. 😬

So, what’s the real strategy here? When should you delete pins, and when should you leave them alone? This guide covers everything you need to know, including:

Why to delete pins from Pinterest (and when NOT to)—because deleting isn’t always the answer
How to delete a pin on Pinterest (without second-guessing yourself)
How to delete pins on Pinterest in bulk—when you’ve got hundreds or thousands to clean up
How to delete Pinterest boards strategically, without hurting your reach
How do I delete pins from Pinterest when I have thousands of pins?—and is it even worth it?
Should I delete pins from Pinterest that are old? Or do old pins actually help your reach?
How do I delete a pin from Pinterest and keep my monthly views? (Spoiler: You can’t—but there’s a workaround.)
What to do instead of deleting a pin

PLUS: The FAQs you didn’t even know you needed, like…

Help! Why won’t Pinterest let me delete a pin?
How to unpin on Pinterest when there’s no delete option
What happens when you delete a pin? Can you really erase it forever?
How do I clean up my Pinterest home feed? (Because Pinterest keeps showing me irrelevant pins!)
Can I make someone else delete my pin from their saved board?
Why does Pinterest say “gone forever” when I delete a pin?
Pinterest removed my pin—am I being punished for something I didn’t even upload?

I’ve been a business strategist for 30 years, and I’ve helped countless entrepreneurs use Pinterest to grow their audience, leads, and sales. If you want a Pinterest strategy that actually works—without spammy tactics—keep reading. Because deleting pins the right way can help you, but deleting pins the wrong way could hurt your growth or just be a complete waste of your precious time. Let’s get into it.

Read more →

Online Lead Generation Feels Broken? 3 Content Creation Shifts to Get Leads Without Creating More

You’re doing all the things for your digital content creation to bring you tons of online lead generation: posting consistently, sharing “high-value” content, offering tips that should position you as the go-to expert…

And yet—crickets. Barely any clicks, barely any leads, and definitely not the kind of dream clients you know you’re meant to attract.

It’s not that your content isn’t helpful—it is. But quick tips and how-to posts aren’t moving the needle anymore. You’ve been led to believe that if you just keep teaching, keep serving, keep giving more and more…eventually, people will convert.

You’re thinking, “I’m doing everything right—so why does it feel like I’m shouting into the void?”

If that sounds familiar, this blog is going to shift your digital content creation without having to create more.

Inside, you’ll discover:

I’m not talking about surface-level hacks. I’m going deep into the beliefs, habits, and default settings holding your content back—so you can finally create content that connects, qualifies, and converts (without spending 24/7 on it).

Plus you’re going to see a behind the scenes of one of my Notion content creation ideas so you can swipe my exact approach, my friend. This is no generic blog, it’s based on my years of experience as digital content creator, and it’s pack with real examples and specific actions so you can put into practice today.

Ready to stop spinning your wheels? Let’s dive in →

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Is Using AI for Content Creation Tanking Your Online Sales?—Discover 3 Essential Steps to Use It To Make Money Online Without Losing Your Voice

AI for content creation. Everywhere you look, someone’s raving about how it’s “changing the game.” But for you? AI for content creation might feel like yet another thing you should be doing but aren’t (or you’ve tried and it takes you more time than doing it yourself).

Flashback to last week: You finally block off a couple of hours to write content, thinking, “Okay, this time I’ll actually get ahead”. Two hours later? All you’ve got is an overused AI-generated headline and the overwhelming urge to scroll Instagram instead. *Urgh*

I know you’re tired of missing those little moments that matter most—sitting at the dinner table with your family, laughing at inside jokes, and actually being there, not just physically, but mentally too.

Here comes an aha-moment, my friend: AI can help you scale your business without the endless content grind. But—and it’s a big one—it’s not about slapping an AI-generated caption on a post and calling it a day.

If you’re not careful, it’ll rob your content of the very thing that makes your audience stick around: YOUR VOICE.

So, how do you use AI to make more money online without sounding like a robot? Here is what I unveil in this blog for you:

That’s exactly what we’re diving into.

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Pinterest Saves Grew My Audience 10.5x Faster—and stopped me hustling on Instagram

Let me cut straight to it: Pinterest saves are the secret weapon for growing your audience faster, with way less hustle than Instagram. By focusing on creating save-worthy pins, I boosted my audience growth by 10.5x—and yep, it’s all thanks to the exponential reach Pinterest saves create. (More on that later.)

Here’s the thing: Pinterest isn’t about chasing followers; it’s about crafting binge-worthy content that compels people to save, share, and spread your pins far and wide.

But let’s rewind for a sec—does this sound familiar? You’re tired of showing up on Instagram every day, churning out content for fleeting likes that vanish into the void. You’ve tried “everything” to grow your audience, but the burnout is real, and your reach feels stuck on a hamster wheel.

Deep down, you crave a strategy that works while you sleep, brings you leads effortlessly, and—dare I say it—feels sustainable.

That’s where Pinterest saves change the game. In this blog, I’ll walk you through 6 simple Pinterest saves strategies to grow your audience organically, plus I answer you’re FAQ about Pinterest saves:

Why Pinterest saves matter more than followers (spoiler: they’re the key to scaling).
How to rank on Pinterest so your pins are seen and saved.
How to stop the scroll with visuals that demand attention.
What makes pins binge-worthy, so they rack up saves like crazy.
The power of asking for saves (yup, you can totally do this without being pushy).
Why consistency beats randomness when scheduling your pins.
Pro strategies for exponential Pinterest saves that grow your reach on autopilot.
Quick answers to FAQs about Pinterest saves, so you’re never left guessing.

Here’s the short answer to the title: Pinterest saves work because they don’t just grow your reach—they multiply it. Every time someone saves your pin, their audience sees it too, creating a ripple effect that Instagram can’t match. Want the full story (and my best tips to make this work for you)? Keep reading, my friend.

With over 30 years of business strategy experience and two online business, I’ve helped countless entrepreneurs ditch the grind, simplify their strategies, and scale their online growth. This blog isn’t just theory—it’s the exact approach I used to stop hustling for likes and start getting real results with Pinterest. Let’s do this!

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Achieving Goals Without Heard-a-Million-Times Theories You've Already Tried: Proven Goals Examples for Entrepreneurs Without Sacrificing Your Lifestyle

Achieving goals doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your lifestyle—or chasing strategies that don’t work.

The secret? Setting goals that actually fit your life and your vision for your business. Achieving goals is about more than just writing them down; it’s about choosing the right ones, avoiding common mistakes, and knowing how to stay on track without burning out.

But let’s be real for a sec: It’s easy to feel like goals are just one more thing on your already-too-full plate. Between juggling income dips, client work, and the never-ending to-do list, it’s tempting to throw your hands up and say, “I’ll just wing it.” (Been there.) Or maybe you’re stuck in the land of vague goals like “make more money,” which—spoiler alert—isn’t helping you hit that next level.

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to choose between your lifestyle and your success. In this blog, we’ll dive into exactly how to:

Pinpoint the right goals that create the biggest impact on your business (and life). Strike the perfect balance between ambitious stretch goals and realistic, attainable ones.
Avoid the common pitfalls that keep entrepreneurs stuck.
Use tools like Asana and Kartra to stay on track and simplify your workflow and online systems.
Shift your mindset for long-term success (while avoiding burnout and discouragement).
Build habits that make goal setting second nature.
Leverage Pinterest to accelerate your growth goals like a pro.

Plus find achieving goals examples that makes it specific and brings clarity. Because heard-a-million-times goal theories are just that, theories. You, my friend, want to take action! So find the achieving goals examples that will help you get there.

Let me paint you a picture: Imagine setting goals that feel less like an obligation and more like an exciting plan for your dream life. (Yes, it’s possible!)

My friend, achieving goals isn’t about grinding yourself into the ground. It’s about working differently (yeap, the smarter, not harder phrase that you’ve heard so much), and building a business that doesn’t just pay the bills but lights you up.

So buckle up, grab your favorite drink, and let’s do this together. Ready to dive in?

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How Kartra Turned My Online Course Idea Into $3k Before It Was Built Even with a tiny email list

You’re about to learn exactly, step-by-step, how I made $3k from an online course that wasn’t even built yet—using Kartra. No big email list, no course recorded yet, no perfection required, and definitely no so-pushy-that-makes-you-feel-embarassed sales approach. Just a simple, smart process that works, even if you’re starting from scratch.

I know what it feels like to have a great course idea but no clue where to start. You might be thinking, “But I’m not tech-savvy. What if no one buys? Can I really pull this off?”

My friend, I’ve been there. I remember staring at my screen before my first launch, doubting whether I could actually sell something that wasn’t fully created yet. Spoiler: Not only did I sell it, but I also proved to myself—and now to you—that it’s possible.

Here’s the best part: You don’t need to be tech-savvy, have a massive email list, or even a finished course to start seeing results. Kartra simplifies everything, from creating landing pages and sending emails to handling payments and even automating your sales.

Here’s what I’ll share with you in this blog:

Step 1 – Creating something small that gets big results (without overthinking) with Kartra
Step 2 – Building connections with your audience made easy with Kartra forms and Kartra email marketing
Step 3 – Launching without perfection (or a finished course!) with Kartra Pages, Kartra checkouts and Kartra memberships
Step 4 – Making sales while you sleep with Kartra funnels
Bonus: The secret to selling online courses with confidence (yes, even if selling makes you feel “icky”).
FAQ about Kartra and online course creation: I’ll answer the questions you’ve probably been Googling, like:
- What is Kartra used for?
- How can you start selling a course that isn’t finished yet? Can I really make money before creating my course?
- Is Kartra beginner-friendly for people who aren’t tech-savvy?
- Kartra vs Kajabi, what is the difference between ?
- And so much more

When I launched my first course idea, I didn’t have a polished product or hundreds of subscribers—just 300 people on my email list and a whole lot of doubts.

But with Kartra’s easy-to-use tools, I created a simple landing page, sent out a few emails, and made $3k in my very first launch. It wasn’t perfect, but it worked.

There is nothing better than seeing the sales notification popping up on your phone. Look at mine:

As an online entrepreneur with 30 years of business strategy experience, I’ve seen the challenges that trip people up—and the tools that simplify the process. Kartra is hands-down one of the most beginner-friendly, no-fluff-but-still-super-powerful platforms I’ve used.

So if you’ve been holding back because you’re unsure where to start, this blog is for you. Grab your coffee, and let’s turn your course idea into real results. It’s time to take that first step.

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Goal Setting for Online Entrepreneurs: Breaking Through the $10k/Month Ceiling to Achieve 6-Figure Success

When it comes to reaching consistent $10k months, the right goal setting strategy can be a true game-changer for online entrepreneurs. Breaking into six-figure space is more than just aiming for a higher income—it’s about creating sustainable, growth-oriented goals that fit your vision and lifestyle.

If you’re stuck around that $5k or $8k mark and craving a clear, actionable path to scale, keep reading, my friend.

Let’s face it: growing your business beyond that initial success comes with real challenges—income fluctuations, burnout, and that constant hustle just to keep things steady.

You’re exhausted of the ups and downs and feeling like growth is always “just out of reach.” You’re driven, you want freedom and flexibility, and, more than anything, you want a business that reflects who you are. That’s exactly what goal setting can help you achieve, if done right. (Say it louder for people in the back)

In this blog, I share insights drawn from 30 years in business strategy, and plenty of goal setting examples, to help you connect with goals that move the needle—focusing on exactly what you need to break past income ceilings while staying true to your values. Here’s what you’ll learn:

Why goal setting is different when scaling to $10k months – Why common goal-setting methods often miss the mark for entrepreneurs aiming to scale and how to tackle those unique obstacles.
My proven framework for goal-setting success: lessons from 30 years in business strategy – A look at the practical framework that’s helped countless entrepreneurs grow.
Breaking free from the $5-8k plateau: overcoming common goal-setting missteps – Addressing the mistakes that keep entrepreneurs stuck in income ceilings and how to break through.
Transforming unpredictable income into steady growth with scalable goals – How to bring in predictable revenue with goal setting that focus on client retention and recurring income.
Avoiding burnout by setting goals aligned with your energy and resources – Strategies to grow sustainably without overloading yourself.
Building a sustainable foundation: setting goals that prioritize stability over flashy success – The importance of setting goals that build a resilient, values-driven business.
Goal setting and tracking with Asana for long-term success – A hands-on guide for using Asana to stay organized and motivated.
BONUS: How Pinterest accelerates traffic and visibility for your online goal achievement – How to leverage Pinterest to bring in consistent traffic and boost visibility for your offers.
FAQ about goal setting for online entrepreneurs – Quick answers to your most pressing questions, from staying motivated to creating a balanced, achievable goal strategy.

This guide isn’t just another goal setting theory blog—it’s a roadmap designed specifically for ambitious entrepreneurs like you that seek success while maintaining a balanced life. Time to ditch the achieving goals quotes and time to turn those growth goals into real, lasting results. This is the goal setting for new year you’ve been longing for.

Plus, don’t miss this very special FREEE treat for you. You and I know that creating content online is your way to become magnetic, demonstrate your authority and build your email list. Yet, you, my friend, don’t want to to spend ages creating content that doesn’t stand out in today’s online world.

Here is my exact ChatGPT prompts for a content powerhouse that connects and converts with your ideal leads. My treat! (Can I get a hell yeah!)

Full disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission from.

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How to make money using a blog in 2025 (with proven examples)

*How to start a blog that actually makes money? How fast can you make money blogging? Can you make $1,000 a month with a blog? How hard is it to make money blogging?* I remember having all these questions when I started this blog, which brings me $$$$$ today.

You, my friend, are here because you’ve got similar questions. Yet you’re confused. You’ve found so much content out there that gives you superficial answers.

Even worse, answers that paint all rosy, like a walk in the park, without preparing you with the pro strategies you need for the challenges you’ll face as a new blogger to make money online.

Yeap, I said it, it’s paramount that you approach making money blogging the right way to achieve your online goals.

So, *Can people really make money successfully from blogging in 2025?* Absolutely! The answer to how to make money using a blog is straightforward: product or services, affiliate marketing, collaborations, sponsored content, and ads.

It’s easier than you think when you follow the strategies in this blog! Here is what you’re going to discover:

Blogging to become an online entrepreneur: How I turned my passion into profit
How to make money using a blog in 5 different ways (with proven examples)
How Pinterest can bring traffic to your blog faster
FAQ about making money blogging
- Can you make $1,000 a month with a blog?
- How do you live off blogging?
- Can I actually make money from blogging?
- How to start a blog and make money?
- Can I make money blogging about my life?
- How fast can you make money blogging?
- How long does it take to make $1,000 per month blogging?
- How much can I earn from 1,000 views on my blog?
- How hard is it to make money blogging?

But you, my friend, want more than just a list of how to make money with blogging. You’re whispering *how long does it take to make $1,000 per month blogging?*. Ah-ha! Perfect Q!

This is the blog where you’ll find my early (and easily made) mistakes you can avoid and what to do to make money blogging without waiting for years for Google traffic.

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How to attract dream clients to your web design business when you're new with Pinterest marketing to be booked out

You’ve started your web design business and want to attract high-quality leads and clients who need website design services, without constantly hustling for work or throwing money at ads.

Imagine a steady flow of organic leads through Pinterest that doesn’t require daily content creation or high-pressure sales tactics__yes, it’s totally possible!

This is not a generic Pinterest marketing blog, my friend! You’ve read some of those and frankly, what you need is a specifically designed Pinterest strategy for your web design business.

I’m a Pinterest expert and I’ve researched Pinterest website designers top-ranking pins for you to bring you online growth again and again to make your web design business a success and be booked out. Here you’ll learn:

Why Website Designers Should Use Pinterest to Attract Clients
Top 5 Pinterest Content Ideas to Attract Ideal Clients to your web design business (including 10 clickworthy titles for each!)
Must-have Pinterest Sales Funnels for your Web Design business: From Pins to Clients (+ 20 freebie ideas that web designers can’t miss)
Getting Started with Pinterest Marketing as a Beginner Web Designer
FAQ Pinterest marketing for web design business
Bonus tip FAQ: What content should I pin as a web designer to attract high-paying clients?

Discover in this blog exactly how to achieve it and swipe my exact Pinterest marketing strategies, which bring me leads and clients on autopilot.

Save time with this blog and jump-start your content marketing strategy. Insights directly from a Pinterest marketing expert (me!).

Plus, swipe the Pinterest marketing strategy for web design I give you in this blog based on my years of Pinterest marketing experience and kickstart your Pinterest with my FREE cheat sheet for you here. Yeah

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Hi! I’m Isabel

Hi, I’m Isabel, your business strategist and Pinterest expert.

I empower online entrepreneurs and content creators like you to grow your audience and create a lead-generation engine with your content marketing to live the life you love with burnout.

I’m all things Pinterest for you!

If you feel burnout by constant social media posting daily for very few leads or need to accelerate your audience growth, check out my FREE Pinterest workshop: Grow Online With Pinterest In Just 2 Hours A Week.

You’ll discover why I know Pinterest is for you! Plus, I’ll show you my formula to grow online with Pinterest without burnout.

You’ll find my blog here full of step-by-step systems on digital marketing, online business and mindset.

I love to share with you my business expertise, developed through my leadership roles for 28+ years. Are you ready? It’s quite a few skills! I've done marketing, product & programme management, led teams of 200+ people across global geographies as well as business planning & strategy. I've executed complex transformation, generating $1billion+ in value. I've operated with very large scale organisations as well as medium and small enterprises. I love leveraging all these skills with you.

My visuals collections offer done-for-you marketing templates, styled photos & video to make your digital content easy to create and… above all, impactful.

For years and years I have created and produced content, in particular visual content. You can find me very often with my cameras and tripod out and about! I have brought into one my business expertise with my visuals content creation to offer to you my done-for-you templates.

I am also founder of Agavea Properties, our family holiday rental business. My husband and I lead it with passion with one goal in mind: serving our customers to create a memorable holiday experience for them.

So there you have it, that’s me! Ah... I almost forgot, I ❤️ to travel, orange juice, my cameras & my family! My happy place is by the sea.

I have worked from home for many years, and I love the flexibility and opportunities it brings you!

My purpose is to empower you to be successful online and live the life you love without burnout.

By the way, have you already grabbed my 14 Pinterest Secrets that 10x my Email List for Free?

The Profile Pics For Instagram Formula Today Every Online Entrepreneur Needs To Stand Out

Why Instagram Story views matter

The choice that build trust faster

My own experience with profile pics for Instagram

Should you hire a photographer for your profile pics for Instagram?

The profile pics for Instagram formula

How to create your profile pics for Instagram (the basics)

Think about the light in your photo

Good contrast to stand out

Framing: Head show or head and shoulders (not the entire body)

No messy background in your profile pics for Instagram

Position: Centred or slightly off centred

Smile or no smile?

The right file size for profile pics for Instagram

The importance of your eyes

Don’t apply filters - keep it real you

Take a few profile pics for Instagram

How to showcase your personality in your profile pics for Instagram

Make your brand stand out in your profile pics for Instagram

When to change your profile pics for Instagram

Don't confuse your audience

Keep your profile pics for Instagram relevant

How to change your profile pics for Instagram

Your BONUS tip: How to optimise your Instagram profile

What you have learned:

What next?

Tell in the comments:

Key Takeaways (what you’ll learn):

Hi! I’m Isabel

Isabel Talens