Authentic Online Marketing with Ruthie Gray

Balancing family and work is a challenge many of us face, especially in the empty nest stage of life. How do you carve out time for your God-given passions while ensuring your family’s needs are met? In today’s episode of the Authentic Online Marketing podcast, Ruthie Gray and her insightful retreat staff discuss these questions. Resources Sign up for the Next Steps Retreat Listen to Ep. 95: Faith-Fueled Leadership: Empowering Christian Women in Business and Social Media Listen to Episode 94: Ep. 94: Empty Nest Case Studies: Finding New Purpose in the Digital Age Visit the new website here The Next Steps Retreat: A Path to Clarity and Achievement For those of you who find yourself juggling family commitments with entrepreneurial desires, our Next Steps Retreat in the serene mountains of West Virginia is designed to provide clarity and support. Many empty nest entrepreneurs struggle with prioritizing tasks—every task feels urgent, yet not every task is critical. Through this retreat, you’ll learn to set a hundred-day goal while surrounded by a supportive community ready to help you sift through what’s truly important. Balancing Family and Work Goals In today’s episode, we bring you insights from Pat, Brenda, Suzanne, and Cathy on finding balance. Kathy emphasizes setting boundaries to preserve creative endeavors, like her newsletter day, while Pat talks about intentionality over balance, reminding us that while family matters, boundaries are key. Brenda shares an innovative approach involving a shared, color-coded Google Calendar with her husband, harmonizing personal and business time. Meanwhile, Suzanne discusses the potential need to shift priorities when family health needs arise. Insights on Balancing Family and Work from Inspirational Women Cathy: Writes a newsletter weekly, prioritizing her creative time despite family demands. Pat: Advocates intention over perfect balance, setting clear work boundaries to enjoy precious family moments. Brenda: Utilizes a shared Google Calendar for clarity and shared family accountability, combining fun personal projects with business goals. Suzanne: Manages active involvement in her grandchildren’s lives while preparing for possible care duties for her in-laws. Ruthie’s Own Journey and Transition Personally, my journey continues with writing a book proposal and launching a new website, ruthiegray.com, both ventures that resonate deeply with my passion to minister to moms. As I pivot better to serve this community, I’m propelled by a desire to support women in managing validation from relationships and establishing healthy boundaries. Three Takeaways to Balancing Family and Work Communicate Clearly: Convey your priorities to your family to manage expectations and ensure you carve out the necessary time for your work and passions. Color-code Your Schedule: Like Brenda, use tools such as a shared Google Calendar to harmonize personal and professional commitments. Redefine Balance: Take Pat’s advice—not every part of your life will be balanced at all times, but being intentional can lead to more fulfilling achievements. Continuous Support and Growth Opportunities Our conversations stress the importance of community and shared experiences, underscoring the benefit of retreats like our Next Steps Retreat. If you’re interested in joining a network that will support you in achieving your next big goals, visit ruthiegray.com/retreat for more information. Thank you for joining us for this insightful discussion. Until next time, continue sharing your message in your authentic voice. The post Ep. 116: Balancing Family and Work as an Empty Nest Entrepreneur appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

As an empty nest entrepreneur, setting goals is essential for sustained growth and achievement. But how do you effectively set goals that encompass both short-term wins and long-term aspirations, say, three to five-year goals? And as many of you know, most of our listeners are in the empty nest, meaning we’re fifties, sixties, even seventies. And I want to point out, you may not have heard this, but it’s a well-known statistic that women in their sixties and seventies are just hitting their most productive time of life. These goal setting essentials have helped me in my entrepreneurial journey and I’m sure they can help you too! Well, today, what I’m about to share with you about goal setting essentials is my personal approach that I have worked out over the last seven or eight years. It works for me. But you don’t have to do everything I say. I just want you to consider and listen. I don’t believe it’s a one-size-fits-all all. You have your personality and your superpower and your skills, strengths, and weaknesses. And so do I, but I would encourage you to try some of these goal setting essentials if you haven’t yet. Resources Get your copy of the Move Forward Minimal Journal Cultivate Planner: Use this link with the code RUTHIE_GRAY_AUTHOR for 10% off entire order! Join the Authentic Online Marketing Retreat waitlist Get your copy of Empty Nest Awakening: Weaving the Threads of Your Passions into Purpose by Ruthie Gray Listen to Ep. 108: 3 Steps for Entrepreneurial Focus with Amy Debrucque Listen to Ep. 81: Achieving Your Best Yes: Learning to Say No and Prioritize Goal Setting Essentials Retreat and Community Support A couple of months ago, I hosted a retreat for empty nest entrepreneurs in beautiful Treasure Island, Florida, here in my state. And it was just weeks before the hurricanes hit and flattened our community. Thank the Lord for his perfect timing in protecting the retreat attendees and that we got to do that. I’m all about helping my clients find their next steps for moving forward. Most of them are Christian creatives—authors, speakers, podcasters, coaches. Others are in the product and sales industries like beauty and clothing. Each of the 11 delightful attendees got a turn in the hot seat for a coaching session. Together, we determined their goal for the next 100 days. What you’re about to hear is one of our follow-up group coaching calls to see how they’re doing on their 100-day goals and answer questions on issues where they’re getting stuck. The really exciting part is hearing the progress and breakthroughs they’re making as they inch toward December 23rd, the 100-day mark. By the way, would you like help with your big goals? If you’re constantly finding yourself distracted or overwhelmed by all the things and wondering which of the hundreds of tasks to prioritize, you can join my newsletter and retreat waitlist to get information about the 2025 retreat. Simply click the retreat link in the show notes or head to authenticonlinemarketing.com/retreat. As multigenerational caregivers, we face indecision a lot in this stage of life. We need wisdom, community, and coaching to help us sort the wheat from the chaff. We don’t have time to waste because we’re not getting any younger. I hope you’ll join the waitlist and stay in the loop for valuable resources and tools to move forward and make better decisions. Using the Move Forward Minimal Journal First up, let’s talk about setting goals. I use the Move Forward Minimal Journal by Krista Hutchins. This simple goal setting essentials tool has been a part of my life for six years. Each day, I write a few sentences about what happened, focusing on both personal and business-related events. In the middle of the journal, there’s a checkpoint for five-year goals. It prompts you to list three five-year goals and at least one thing you do each month to work toward them. I have written down goals like getting traditionally published, getting on staff at my favorite conference, Speak Up, and toying with the idea of writing a fictional book series based in my hometown of Gulfport, Florida. Every month, I document my progress in little squares. This structure helps me stay aligned with my long-term aspirations while being flexible enough to change if needed. Cultivate Planner: Staying on Task Another tool that keeps me on track is the Cultivate Planner. I’ve used this yearly planner for the past six years. It helps me stay focused with guided questions at the beginning of the year about what I want to cultivate. You can brainstorm your goals and then narrow them down to yearly goals. I’ve realized that having too many goals can be overwhelming. Therefore, at most, I recommend having around six goals for the year, with at least one being personal. Monthly and quarterly check-ins help me reassess what’s working and what’s not, allowing me to adjust my focus and keep the most important goals top of mind. Monthly and Quarterly Goal Reviews Every month, at the start and end, I review my goals to see what’s working, what isn’t, and what I’m thankful for. This process helps me stay on task. Brenda asked if this helps, and she confirmed that it does. Knowing that every month I review my five-year goals ensures they stay top of mind. Tracking and Sharing Progress on Goals Let’s hear updates from our participants on their 100-day goals. Brenda shared her approach of reverse engineering her book’s writing schedule, with insights from editor Lois Flowers revitalizing her process. Elizabeth has been diligently working on her website, seeing tremendous progress as she aims for a Christmas launch, though she’s flexible with a possible January 1st launch. Melanie has successfully maintained a weekly email schedule, finding that Sunday nights work best. Next Steps for these Goal Setting Essentials It’s amazing to see everyone so fired up and moving forward with their goals. The key is cutting out tasks that don’t move you toward your 100-day goal and using tools like the Move Forward Line a Day Journal and the Cultivate Planner to document goals, track progress, reset objectives regularly, along with the other goal setting essentials. First, know what you want to accomplish in the next three to five years. Take time to pray and assess your goals. Focus on a few things to move you forward toward your big goals. What are your big goals? Check out the Move Forward Line a Day Journal and the Cultivate Planner. Sign up for the next retreat and get your decision prayer guide. Use these goal setting essentials to push forward towards your goals! Until next time, be sure to share your message your way in your own authentic voice. The post Ep. 114: Goal Setting Essentials for Empty Nest Entrepreneurs appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

In our latest podcast episode about balancing writing and audience growth, I had the pleasure of welcoming Janet McHenry, a renowned national speaker and author of 27 inspiring books, including her latest release, “Praying Personalities.” Janet shared her invaluable insights on balancing the writing life with entrepreneurial endeavors. Resources Take Janet’s Quiz Praying Personalities Check out Janet’s website Use code AUTHENTIC20 for 20% off your next purchase on Janet’s website shop Follow Janet on Instagram Listen to Ep. 22: When to trust your instincts for platform growth Listen to Ep. 111: Efficient Work Methods for the Empty Nest Writer with Michelle Rayburn 4 Secrets to Balancing Writing and Audience growth Discover Your Calling Janet emphasizes the importance of understanding God’s calling in your life as a filter for prioritizing tasks and saying no to distractions. Writing Processes for balancing writing and audience growth From concept to publication, Janet walks us through her unique approach to book writing, emphasizing the creation of a solid book proposal as an essential step. Social Media Mastery and balance Learn how Janet streamlines her daily social media presence across multiple platforms with an efficient, faith-driven routine. Email List Building via Quizzes Janet’s engaging online quiz added over 6,000 subscribers to her mailing list, driving significant engagement and book sales. Ready to deepen your prayer life or find new motivation in your writing journey? Janet’s books, including “Prayer Walk” and “The Complete Guide to the Prayers of Jesus,” are available on Amazon and other leading bookstores. As a special thank you for being a loyal listener, use code AUTHENTIC20 for 20% off your next purchase on Janet’s website. About Janet McHenry Often described as a  life juggler, upon graduation with a degree in journalism from the University of California, Berkeley, Janet McHenry worked as a newspaper reporter and high school English teacher while raising four kids with her high school sweetheart husband Craig (aka The Rancher). Post-college and post-Army, they settled down in the Sierra Valley in northern California. They raise beef cattle in a county without a single stoplight and love sharing the outdoors with their nine grandchildren. Janet looks for ways to serve leadership and others when she speaks at retreats and conferences. She also serves as prayer coordinator at The Bridge Church in Reno, on the advisory council of First Place for Health, and on the state leadership team for the National Day of Prayer. She is a writer, speaker, life and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association Certified Coach as well as the founder of the Sierra Valley Writers Retreat. She also loves hosting friends new and seasoned at her Sierra Valley Writers Retreats . . . or just for a cup of something yummy. And she looks forward to knowing you better! The post Ep. 112: Balancing Writing and Audience growth with Janet McHenry appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

Today we’re covering the top 5 episodes from year 4 of the Authentic Online Marketing podcast! Each year we cover the top episodes that you all love the most. This year we covered so many wonderful topics like learning to say “no”, self-publishing tips, and online marketing tools for entrepreneurs.  Resources Sign up to listen to the private podcast 2024 Marketing for Creatives Listen to Ep. 85: 7 Online Marketing Tools for Entrepreneurs Listen to Ep. 91: 3 Reasons to Self-Publish Listen to Ep. 84: 5 Secrets to Successful Affiliate Marketing Listen to Ep. 93: How to Reverse Engineer Your Launch Listen to Ep. 81: Achieving Your Best Yes: Learning to Say No and Prioritize Top 5 episodes of year 4 5. Ep. 85: 7 Online Marketing Tools for Entrepreneurs As entrepreneurs we need the right online marketing tools to grow our businesses. I’m all about Instagram and email marketing, but there are so many other things involved in my work on a daily basis.In this episode I’m sharing my top time saving online marketing tools that I use in my business. 4. Ep. 91: 3 Reasons to Self-Publish Ever wondered about the process of writing and self-publishing a book? Today I’m diving into the behind-the-scenes conversation with Kent Sanders on my decision to write a book and the pros and cons of self-publishing. 3. Ep. 84: 5 Secrets to Successful Affiliate Marketing Ready to boost your online marketing game? In this episode, we delve into the world of successful affiliate marketing and how it can boost your sales and business. It’s important to realize how affiliate marketing is an additional income stream for both active and passive sales. Given these points, when you regularly promote or talk about certain topics on your blog, podcast, newsletter, or social media, you can just pop the links in wherever they apply. Listen to this episode to learn the 5 secrets to successful affiliate marketing. 2. Ep. 93: How to Reverse Engineer Your Launch Today, I want to share with you 10 tips on how to reverse engineer your book launch for maximum success. These tips are based on my own experiences and strategies that have served me well. Listen to the episode and use these 10 tips I used myself when you launch your book.  1. Ep. 81: Achieving Your Best Yes: Learning to Say No and Prioritize Do you find yourself saying “yes” to too many things? Learning to say “no” can be incredibly challenging! Time is your most valuable asset. In this episode we dive into the importance of saying “yes” to the right things, breaking down big goals, and achieving those goals while protecting your time. Saying yes to too many things means you can’t complete the goals you’ve set for your life and business. Learn how to protect your time and market your business more efficiently. Top 5 episodes of year 4 of the Authentic Online Marketing Podcast Those are the top 5 episodes that you all loved from the past year! Thank you for listening! The post Ep. 110: Anniversary Special: Top 5 Episodes from Year 4 appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

Amy Debrucque joins us on the podcast today to discuss the struggles of entrepreneurial focus. Amy brings a wealth of experience and insight into the world of Christian entrepreneurship. She’s not only a confidence coach and author of “Embolden,” but also a speaker, cancer survivor, host of the Life on Purpose podcast, and co-creator of the Focus retreat. Her journey and dedication are centered on helping women break out of their comfort zones and concentrate on what truly matters in their lives. Throughout the episode, Amy discusses the common challenges entrepreneurs face, particularly maintaining focus amidst the distractions and comparisons present in today’s digital world. You’ll also receive an outline of three essential tips to help refine and maintain focus. Resources Visit Amy’s Website Check out the Focus Retreat Follow Amy on InstagramFollow the Focus Retreat on Instagram Listen to Ep. 50: Time management for the Christian entrepreneur Listen to Ep. 81: Achieving Your Best Yes: Learning to Say No and Prioritize 3 Steps for Entrepreneurial Focus Understand What Matters Most Amy places a strong emphasis on identifying the core elements that are most important in one’s life. Recognizing these can help steer focus and make decisions that align with personal and professional objectives. Revisit Your “Why” It’s crucial to continually revisit the reasons behind your entrepreneurial journey. Understanding your ‘why’ helps navigate through challenges and keeps you aligned with your mission, especially when distractions or discouragements loom. Evaluating the Costs and Aligning Actions with Values Amy advises considering the costs of engaging or not engaging in certain actions and assessing whether these actions align with one’s core values. This helps you make decisions that not only bring focus but also ensure that your actions consistently reflect your beliefs and goals. Amy’s insights are a testament to her journey and dedication to helping others find clarity and focus in both their personal and professional lives. By embracing her tips and applying them diligently, Christian entrepreneurs can navigate their paths with confidence and purpose. Amy Debrucque is a Confidence Coach, author of Embolden, Speaker, cancer survivor, Host of the Life On Purpose Podcast, and co-creator of the FOCUS Retreat. She is passionate about helping women get out of their comfort zones and focus on the things that matter most. Amy encourages women globally with her podcast and featured articles in Darling Magazine, ThriveGlobal, Womenencouraged.com, and many more. Surrendering gave Amy courage in all areas of life, and she is grateful that she’ll never be the same. The post Ep. 108: 3 Steps for Entrepreneurial Focus with Amy Debrucque appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

For the month of April, Ruthie is embracing an Instagram posting sabbatical and dedicating a whole month exclusively to Instagram Stories. In this episode, Ruthie is talking about deciphering Instagram analytics and how to repurpose content that truly resonates with your audience. Discover the significance of Reach, Replies, Link Clicks, and Profile Visits, and learn to tailor your content strategy like a pro. Resources Get access to the private podcast here Listen to why Ruthie is taking a sabbatical from posting on Instagram Listen to Ep. 58: 7 tips for repurposing Instagram stories Listen to Ep. 41: What to share in stories Listen to Ep. 30: 2 Easy ways to repurpose stories to Reels Deciphering Instagram Analytics Understand Your Story Reach Knowing which stories garner the most views can help tailor your content strategy towards community building and cultivating a loyal audience. Measure Engagement Through Replies Analyze which stories prompt conversations. Replies signal the topics that genuinely interest your followers. Use this information to create more engaging content. Track Link Clicks for Conversion  Identifying the types of stories that drive your audience to take action can refine your approach in transforming story viewers into website visitors or subscribers. Deeper dive into deciphering Instagram analytics If you want an even deeper dive into deciphering Instagram analytics, subscribe to the private podcast to unlock insider tips and discover even more about story metrics and their strategic applications. Just remember to share your content in your voice, in your own unique, authentic way on Instagram. The post Ep. 106: Deciphering Instagram Analytics for Optimum Views appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

In this episode of Authentic Online Marketing, Ruthie talks with Suzanne, Cathy, and Jennifer about authentic Reels ideas that are unique to their message on Instagram. These Christian creatives shared their experiences with utilizing reels on Instagram to reach and authentically connect with their target audiences. Here are some key takeaways from our insightful conversation. Resources Follow Cathy, Suzanne, and Jennifer on Instagram for some Reel inspiration! Get access to the private podcast, 2024 Marketing for Creatives Join the Authentic Instagram Engagement Facebook Group Listen to Ep. 103: Instagram SEO Simplified: Increase Your Visibility Listen to Ep. 99: Instagram Trends for 2024 Listen to Ep. 97: Content Creation: from overwhelm to clarity with Jennifer Sakata Authentic Reels Ideas Reels are for Everyone At first these ladies were apprehensive, but Suzanne, Cathy, and Jennifer successfully incorporated reels into their online marketing strategies. They each found their authentic voice and style to create engaging and diverse Reels, proving that anyone can utilize this tool effectively. Niche Targeting Understanding your target audience is crucial for successful marketing. Cathy emphasized the value of tailored content, while Jennifer highlighted the use of reels to address her audience’s pain points, provide educational content, and even inject some light-hearted, personal glimpses. Their approach showcases the power of niche-focused outreach. Evolution and Authenticity All three guests expressed initial hesitation towards using Reels; however, through continual practice and experimentation, they successfully incorporated this tool into their marketing arsenal. They discussed the importance of staying true to their brand’s message and identity, proving that authenticity and evolution go hand in hand in the online marketing space. If you want to be successful with your online marketing, don’t miss out on this eye-opening episode where you can learn how to get authentic ideas for Reels and effectively reach your target audience. The post Ep. 104: Authentic Reels Ideas for Your Voice And Vision appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

On this episode of Authentic Online Marketing, Ruthie helps Jennifer explore her journey in pursuing speaking opportunities and how to pitch for podcasts. From overcoming overwhelm to identifying her podcast content, we dive into practical steps and valuable insights. Discover how to pitch yourself as a guest on other podcasts, find your core message, and connect with the right audience. Listen now for actionable tips and inspiring stories to fuel your own marketing journey. Resources Get Ruthie’s book, Empty Nest Awakening: Weaving the Threads of your Passions into Purpose Check out Authentic Online Marketing School (Self-Paced) Listen to Ep. 28: Podcast pitching for authors with Kim Stewart Listen to Ep. 38: Podcast Growth From the Ground Up With Eric Nevins Listen to Ep. 99: Instagram Trends for 2024 How to pitch for podcasts Find Your Voice You need to have a core message and topics that resonate with your audience. Reflect on your life experiences and select the most engaging content from your previous work to help generate podcast topics. Pitch Yourself  Compile a list of 3 to 5 potential podcast topics when reaching out to podcast hosts. This demonstrates your preparedness and helps hosts envision how you can add value to their show. Seeking Inspiration Listen to some episodes of the podcasts you’re interested in. You’ll need to know the preferences and interests of different podcast audiences. Podcast Recommendations Ruthie compiled a list of podcast recommendations that you can explore to kickstart your podcast guesting journey: – Grace Enough podcast with Amber Cullum – The Confident Christian Women podcast with Michelle Bowman – Created to Thrive podcast with Laurie Snyder – Legacy: A Mom podcast with Tina Smith and Brit Fortunato – Raising Christian Kids by Leanne Mancini – Made for Hope podcast with Sarah Ward – Peace in His Presence with Michele Diercks – By His Grace Podcast with Misty Philip – Christian Podcasters Association Facebook Group – Spark Media Facebook Group – Secure in God’s Embrace Podcast with Cheryl Lutz – Storming the Gates: A podcast about Prayer with Joni Scott – The Family Room Podcast with Billie Jauss – Expedition Marriage with Chris and Jamie Bailey – Life Repurposed with Michelle Rayburn – Kairos Moments with Julie Holmquist These podcasts cover a range of topics, from faith and family to personal growth and encouragement. We encourage you to check them out and consider reaching out for guest opportunities. Remember, your unique perspective has the potential to resonate with and inspire countless listeners. Don’t be afraid to take that first step. The world of podcast guesting is waiting for you! The post Ep. 102: Navigating Your Path to Podcasting: From Guest to Host appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

In this episode we discussed the top 5 email marketing trends that will shape the landscape this year. As we enter 2024, it’s time to revamp our email marketing strategies to stay ahead of the curve. These tips will elevate your email game and create impactful connections with your audience. Resources Join the 5-day Instagram Growth Challenge starting Jan. 22, 2024 Listen to Ep. 99: Instagram Trends for 2024 Listen to Ep. 61: Combining Instagram and email marketing in 5 smart ways Listen to Ep. 11: 6 Email providers for newsletter marketing Email Marketing Trends for 2024 Reimagined metrics You need to shift your focus from traditional open rates to more meaningful metrics like unsubscribe rate and click-through rate. Listen to the episode to learn more about the evolving email performance indicators and how they can enhance your strategy. Email Marketing Automation Email marketing automation ensures consistent and cohesive communication between subscribers and brand. Moreover, it gives the customer a sense of control over their inbox. In this episode we talk about how to create an email welcome series and how it boosts engagement and revenue. Using Artificial Intelligence in Email Marketing Embrace AI to simplify content creation and even for crafting engaging subject lines. AI isn’t going anywhere, and it’s only going to get better. It’s time to learn how to use it effectively so you can grow your business and email list. Design for Mobile Friendliness First Designing for mobile-first is no longer an option, but a necessity. If your emails aren’t formatted for mobile devices, you’re not just missing out on clicks; you’re missing out on potential business. Interactive Email Elements Get ahead of the competition by exploring new interactive email features such as polls, quizzes, and video embedding. Interactive elements have been proven to boost customer engagement and significantly increase email interaction Which of these are you going to implement first? Send me a DM on Instagram at @ruthie_gray_author. I’d love to see what you’re trying and the results you get! The post Ep. 100: Email Marketing Trends for 2024 appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

Every once in a while you hear of an unexpected Christmas miracle. Three years back, I received mine. You see, 25 years ago, I made a snap decision I would later regret. Resources Christmas gift idea: Ruthie’s book, Empty Nest Awakening Check out Authentic Online Marketing School (Self-Paced) A young wife with 2 kids and a baby, I was packing our house up for a job relocation back home. As is often the case, one accumulates tons of junk when raising little ones, so I feverishly off-loaded to Goodwill like a mad woman. I packed the boxes, and Jim (after questioning all the stuff I purged  – and getting the stink eye from me), loaded them up and whisked them away. We were finally moving home, and life was good. Once we relocated, I unpacked necessary items and then stuffed a few unpacked boxes with sentimental possessions in my closet.  After all, life was moving at breakneck speed with my new career as the music teacher at the kid’s Christian school… and I just found out I was pregnant. Again.  About 5 months into our relocation, I looked for our wedding memorabilia. Except when I dug through all the boxes – it was missing. No photo album, no signed guest book – it was gone. ALL of it. With a sinking feeling, I realized I’d given our wedding memories to Goodwill and would most likely never see them again. Around the same time, Jim discovered his nice black dress coat was also missing. (I got in trouble for that.) He’s often joked that someone in Martinsburg is walking around with his good coat and claiming our wedding memories.  We have just one picture of the wedding, from somebody who attended. Our kids have never seen our wedding pictures. Many times, I’ve lamented the non-passing on of our heritage. The Unexpected Christmas Miracle But all that changed today with a mysterious phone call. A guy who owns rental property found our wedding memory box years ago in one of his dwellings, took it home, and set it on a shelf. And that’s where it sat for 20 something years – until he decided to open it. Mr. Vanmeter from Martinsburg, West Virginia, wanted to know if we were still together (I’d have wondered that too – after all, who gives away their wedding album?!) and he proceeded to tell Jim our engagement story – written in our wedding guest book, so we knew it was legit. How did he find us? Inside the box was an old bulletin from Maple Valley Baptist Church, where my dad pastored, with his name and home phone number on the front. Long story short, my dad and mom still had the same phone number and the wedding box found its way home on December 21, right when all of our kids were home for Christmas!⁣ My eldest snapped a photo of Jim and I with our kids gathered ‘round, getting their first peek at our unexpected Christmas miracle– our wedding photos! When asked why he would do this for us, he responded, “I’ve been married 54 years. I would have wanted someone to mail me my wedding memories too.” Keep praying, even in the impossible Crazy, right? I never dared to dream…or even pray that my wedding photos would be returned to me.  But my mom did, right from the start.  (She’s the prayer warrior in the family – we could all learn a lesson from her! Take it from this former cynic – nothing is impossible with God.) I guess unexpected Christmas miracles still really do exist. Jim’s coat is still gone though. “And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.  And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.  For nothing will be impossible with God.”  And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:34-38 The post Ep. 98: Tidings of Goodwill: An Unexpected Christmas Miracle appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

Are you looking to create a high converting content marketing plan in just 8 weeks? Look no further! Join me and a community of Christian creatives and entrepreneurs in Authentic Online Marketing School as we dive into the perfect blend of Instagram and email marketing.  Authentic Online Marketing School is not just another course – it’s a supportive community and a game-changer for growing your audience and networking opportunities. Resources Join Authentic Online Marketing School (Self-Paced) Listen to Ep. 61: Combining Instagram and email marketing in 5 smart ways Listen to Ep. 16: Why audience clarity is the secret to driving traffic from your bio Listen to Ep. 58: 7 tips for repurposing Instagram stories Check out the Authentic Instagram Engagement Course What you’ll learn in Authentic Online Marketing School Phase 1: Instagram Excellerator Creating a powerful Instagram bio Knowing who you are helping and what your message is crucial for an effective Instagram presence. Get feedback from our supportive community and learn how to drive traffic from your bio.  Social Media Content Pillars Once you know who you’re talking to you can establish your main pillars of content. Having content pillars helps you have ideas going forward for what to share.  Grow your Instagram followers organically This is when we have a follower growth challenge. It’s very fun. We have prizes, and you will likely pick up anywhere from 20-50 new followers per week. You’ll be able to take advantage of and lean into a larger community. You’re going to learn how to grow your platform with people who want more of what you have to offer and people who can collaborate with you to help you grow your audience. Driving traffic from Instagram We will focus on how to drive traffic from instagram. You need to learn how to get your Instagram followers from instagram and get them on your email list because you don’t own Instagram! The email list is where your true dedicated people are that want what you have to offer.  Phase 2: Email Optimizer Crafting an email welcome sequence Learn how to storytell to market to your audience and get them to respond. Your welcome sequence will be a template you create that you will use every time you get a new subscriber.  Email swipe files For ongoing content you will create a story swipe file so that you never run out of content once you’re done with the class.  Graduate from AOMS When you graduate from Authentic Online Marketing School you’ll have a  fully optimized Instagram bio, new followers, a content strategy, and an email opt in that you can drive your Instagram traffic to. You’ll have a newsletter welcome sequence and a strategy going forward to make both of those powerful platforms work to grow your marketing, and networking. Authentic Online Marketing School is for people who have been on the Instagram platform for a while and know how it works, but you feel like your growth is stuck. You need at least 200 followers and be able to maneuver the Instagram tech easily.  If you’re new to Instagram or aren’t great at the tech side of things, check out the Authentic Instagram Engagement course. This is a great course for beginners. Create high converting content in Authentic Online Marketing School Your message matters. And I’m here to help you share it in your own authentic voice. The post Ep. 96: Create High Converting Content with Authentic Online Marketing School appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

These Empty Nest Case Studies feature my amazing guests, fellow empty nesters, Suzanne, Brenda, Cathy, and Pat, discussing the various unique stages of empty nesting, from being a boomerang empty nester (what’s that?!) to fully retired. Each guest shares how they navigate this stage of life, whether it involves grandchildren, side gigs, or pursuing new passions. Resources Get your copy of Ruthie’s new book “Empty Nest Awakening” Follow Ruthie on Instagram Check out Authentic Online Marketing School (Self-Paced) Listen to Ep. 90: Empty Nest Awakening: Ruthie Gray’s Inspirational Book on Rediscovering Passion in Life Listen to Ep. 89: Building Authentic Connections with Kim Stewart Listen to Ep. 80: Top 5 Episodes of 2022 Empty Nest Case Studies Invest in yourself Cathy, the retired empty nester, discusses the importance of investing in yourself and how it has propelled her business forward. She advises women to not wait to invest in personal and professional growth. Whether it’s coaching, courses, or joining a supportive community, investing in yourself can accelerate your progress and make you happier in your business. Community is crucial Suzanne highlights the importance of finding a supportive community. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals and having a guide can help you navigate challenges, make lasting connections, and find new opportunities. Embrace change and pivot Brenda shares how she took a leap into retirement and moved into new pursuits, such as skincare and social media presence. Embracing change and viewing life as an intentional adventure allows you to discover new passions and unlock new possibilities. Find gratitude in life’s unexpected twists Pat shares her experience with divorce with grace and gratitude. Life doesn’t always go as planned, but embracing the journey with a grateful heart can lead to newfound joy and fulfillment. These amazing empty nest case studies are thriving in their own unique ways!If any of these tips resonate with you check out Ruthie’s new book “Empty Nest Awakening”. This book offers further guidance, practical tips, and inspirational stories to help you make the most of this new phase in life. And if you’re ready to build a business or online platform, get on the Authentic Online Marketing School Waitlist to be the first to know about our Black Friday Launch. The post Ep. 94: Empty Nest Case Studies: Finding New Purpose in the Digital Age appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.

Today I’ll be sharing 7 marketable book launch tips for Instagram users. As writers, we know that marketing our books is a daunting task, yet it’s crucial for actually selling the book and getting your message out to the people who need it. So, whether you’re an aspiring author or an experienced writer looking for fresh marketing strategies, this episode is for you. In this episode, I’ll be sharing my personal journey of launching my own book, “Empty Nest Awakening,” on Instagram. I’ll provide you with practical and effective tips that have worked for me and will undoubtedly work for you too. We’ll explore simple ways to promote your book that are often overlooked, as well as strategies that require a bit more thought and effort. But fear not, because I’ll break it all down and show you it’s easier than you think. Resources Join Ruthie’s Newsletter Get the Instagram Growth Kit Buy Ruthie’s book “Empty Nest Awakening” Follow Ruthie on Instagram Listen to Ep. 90: Empty Nest Awakening: Ruthie Gray’s Inspirational Book on Rediscovering Passion in Life Listen to Ep. 91: 3 Reasons to Self-Publish Listen to Ep. 61: Combining Instagram and email marketing in 5 smart ways Listen to Ep. 58: 7 tips for repurposing Instagram stories 7 Marketable Book Launch tips for Instagram users 1. Change your Instagram bio Make it reflect your book launch, describe your target audience, and add relevant emojis. Emojis are like hidden gems on Instagram – they catch the eye and add a fun touch. Don’t forget to include your book link in your stories! 2. Change your profile picture Change your profile picture to either your book or a professional headshot. Brand yourself and get noticed! People will associate you with your book, even before it’s launched.Stand out and make a memorable impression. 3. Make an Instagram highlight for your book Create a book highlight on Instagram. Share stories, testimonials, and highlights about your book. This is prime book real estate, so make sure to make the most of it! Plus, add a direct link to purchase your book in your stories. 4. Make video content Embrace video content. Share reels, behind-the-scenes peeks, and pain points related to your book. Engage your audience and build excitement! Don’t forget live videos for launch days – it’s your chance to connect with your audience in real-time. 5. Use a branded hashtag Create a unique hashtag for your book and use it consistently in your posts. It helps create buzz, organize content, and allows readers to find your book easily. Make your hashtag memorable and share it all around. 6. Have launch members share and tag you in posts Have your launch team members share talk about your book in feed posts, reels, and stories, and tag you. This works for obvious reasons. People can tap on your user handle and check out more about your book and order from your link in bio. Also, your launch members can share the link to the book and their stories, making it super easy to purchase your book! 7. Share behind the scenes Instagram Stories are where your dedicated followers live, and they like to know what’s going on. Unbox your book, read snippets from it, share launch team members holding it, show the process of writing it, etc. You can also share behind the scenes content in your newsletter. Remember, launching and marketing your book doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Take advantage of these easy-to-implement tips and watch your book gain traction on Instagram. If you want to dive deeper into the topic of book launching and learn more about my personal experiences, be sure to listen to this episode. The post Ep. 92: 7 Marketable Book Launch tips for Instagram users appeared first on Authentic Online Marketing.