Feeling like Instagram just isn’t hitting the way it used to?

You're not alone. This week, I sat down with Instagram strategist Michelle Gifford to get honest about what’s actually working right now—and what isn’t.

We talk through how to make content creation sustainable, how the algorithm really works, and what makes marketing feel more aligned (especially when you’re also raising kids, juggling clients, and trying not to burn out).

If you want smarter Instagram marketing without overthinking every post, this one’s for you.

In this episode of the podcast, we talk about:

• The real reason your posts might not be performing
• Why batching doesn’t work for everyone
• How to balance trends, authenticity, and reach
• What the algorithm actually wants from you
• Tips for showing up without burning out

…And More!

Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform

Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside

Michelle Gifford is a strategist, coach, podcaster and agency owner, here when you’re ready to take your business to the next level without sacrificing what matters most! Michelle is the go-to Instagram expert for business owners who want results. She’s the secret weapon behind six and seven-figure brands who are growing, making an impact, selling out programs and bringing home serious profit – all from Instagram!

Website: https://iammichellegifford.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iammichellegifford/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleGifford/

Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/363

We’re told that marketing requires hustle, constant availability, and showing up 24/7. But at what cost?

In this episode, I’m sharing the real story behind why I turned off notifications, redefined my work hours, and stopped working from the beach (yes, really). Because protecting your energy is a strategy—and boundaries aren’t walls, they’re invitations.

Whether you’ve been running your business for years or you’re still finding your groove, this episode offers a permission slip to work in a way that supports your actual life.

In this episode of the podcast, I talk about:

• The panic attack that changed how I run my business
• How parasocial pressure shows up for personal brands
• Setting boundaries in your internal and external marketing
• Why your preferences are a business strategy
• Where values-led marketing fits in

Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform

Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside

Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/362

One of my favorite ways to get clients? Podcast guesting.

And no—it’s not just about showing up, sharing tips, and hoping for the best. It’s about building real relationships, delivering value, and knowing how to turn one great interview into long-term opportunities.

This week, I’m joined by Sam Brake Guia, podcast host and co-founder of PodWritten, to break down how to approach podcast guesting with purpose. We cover everything from pitching to what you actually say on the mic, and how to make the most of every interview—even if it doesn’t lead to clients right away.

Want to build better relationships and get leads from podcasts? Start here.

In this episode of the podcast, we talk about:

• How to prep for podcast guest interviews
• What to say (and avoid) as a guest
• The art of relationship building with hosts
• How to naturally share your work without over-promoting
• What to do when guesting doesn’t lead to sales

…And More!

Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform

Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside

Sam Brake Guia is the Co-founder of PodWritten, a podcast booking agency for health and wellness businesses, and the host of Mics to Millions, a podcast that shares interviews with top-tier hosts, insights from podcasting experts, and solo episodes to help you grow your health and wellness podcast.

Website: https://podwritten.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelbrakeguia/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sambguia/, https://www.instagram.com/podwritten/

Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/361

SEO isn’t dead; it just evolved.

Google’s algorithm has changed a lot in recent years, and if you’re still thinking like it’s 2012 (hello, keyword stuffing!), this episode is for you.

I’m joined by Lindsey Busfield of Optimize My Firm to break down what’s actually working in SEO right now—from AI changes and backlink credibility to the human-first experience Google’s really prioritizing.

In this episode of the podcast, we talk about:

• Why outdated SEO tactics can hurt you
• What the algorithm really wants now
• How AI impacts search results (and traffic)
• What bloggers, business owners, and local pros need to know
• How to write SEO content people actually want to read

…And More!

Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform

Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside

Lindsey Busfield, the Vice President of Optimize My Firm, an SEO and content marketing agency that is behind some of the nation’s most powerful law firm websites. Having worked with numerous personal injury attorneys who have been burned by other SEO agencies, Lindsey has created a business model that addresses the major issues that plague the industry: namely overpromising, underdelivering, and locking clients in with contracts.

Additionally, Lindsey is the host of the Personal Injury Marketing Minute podcast that dives into marketing, business development, and interesting cases in the personal injury world.

Lindsey is also a proud mom of two girls and will talk your ear off about pickleball if given the chance.

Website: www.optimizemyfirm.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsey-busfield/

Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/360

“Hire a team, scale fast, never stop growing.”

That’s the advice we’ve all heard. But what if that isn’t your dream? What if building a business that actually supports your life means not hiring a big team?

This week, Maggie Patterson joins me to talk about her new book, Staying Solo, and why more business owners are choosing to stay lean, profitable, and in control—without sacrificing growth. We get real about the myths of solo business, the financial numbers people avoid, and the very real pressure to “look legit” online.

If you’ve ever felt weird about staying small, this one’s for you.

In this episode of the podcast, we talk about:

• Why staying solo is a valid long-term business model
• The real cost of growing too fast
• What most business owners aren’t tracking
• How Maggie marketed her book with a private podcast
• Why solo businesses are often more human

…And More!

Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform

Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside

Maggie Patterson is the creator of BS-Free Business® and the author of Staying Solo®. With 20 years of experience as a successful entrepreneur in client services, Maggie helps service business owners build what she proudly calls a “boring business”—strategically small, sustainable, and designed to fit their lives without the constant hustle.

A podcaster and writer, Maggie is a vocal advocate for humane business practices rooted in respect, empathy, and trust. She hosts two podcasts, Staying Solo and Confessions of a Micro Agency Owner, and co-hosts the consumer advocacy podcast Duped: The Dark Side of Online Business.

Website: www.bsfreebusiness.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bsfreebusiness/
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@bsfreebusiness

Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/359

Threads isn’t just another X clone—it’s a community builder.

If you’ve been wondering how to use Threads to grow your business and actually connect with people, Laura Sinclair is here to share how she’s done exactly that.

We talk about how she approaches the platform differently, why her community keeps showing up, and how she’s built real relationships—all without the “salesy” energy we’re all so tired of.

Ready to use Threads to build real community? Start here.

In this episode of the podcast, we talk about:

• How Laura uses Threads to grow her community
• Why Threads is different from other platforms
• Creating low-pressure, high-connection content
• The secret to making real invitations that feel good
• How Threads led to 38 podcast invitations

…And More!

Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform

Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside

Laura Sinclair is a strategic business mentor, podcast host, and founder of This Mother Means Business. A former marketing agency owner turned mentor for entrepreneurial mothers, Laura helps women build profitable, fulfilling businesses without sacrificing their family—or themselves—in the process. Known for her no-fluff guidance, smart strategy, and deep belief that burnout is not a badge of honour, Laura is the go-to guide for ambitious women who want success that actually feels good.

Website: www.laura-sinclair.com, www.thismothermeansbusiness.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/itslaurasinclair, www.instagram.com/thismothermeansbusiness

Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/358

Do you really need another social media app?

If you’re still figuring out if Bluesky deserves a spot in your strategy, this episode is for you. I’m breaking down everything you need to know—from its launch and user experience to the real differences between Bluesky, Threads, and X (formerly Twitter).

You’ll hear my thoughts on its underground, community-focused vibes, the pros and cons of joining early, and who I think should skip it entirely.

In this episode of the podcast, I talk about:

• What Bluesky is and how it compares to Threads and X
• Who’s actually hanging out there (and who’s not)
• Why Bluesky feels like early-days Twitter
• Key features that make it stand out—or fall short
• How to decide if it’s worth your time

...and more!

Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform

Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside

Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/357

If you’ve ever woken up and thought, “what if I just didn’t post today?”—this one’s for you.

Because sometimes the problem isn’t the strategy. It’s that you’re tired. Life is lifing. Your season is heavier. And marketing feels like too much.

In this episode, I’m sharing the real story behind my current season of business, why burnout hit hard, and what I’ve learned about showing up online when energy is low.

From data-backed trends to practical repurposing and a little pumpkin spice, this one’s part therapy, part strategy.

In this episode of the podcast, I talk about:

• Why more content isn’t the answer
• Posting less (and smarter) for better results
• Why 94% of marketers repurpose content
• What AI can really help you with
• Creating a minimal viable marketing plan
• How to market through burnout, anxiety, and chaos

Riverside All-in-One Podcast & Video Platform

Visit Riverside and use the code DREA to get 15% off any Riverside individual plan. We use it to record all our podcast interviews: https://onlinedrea.com/riverside

Go to the show notes for all the resources mentioned in this episode: https://onlinedrea.com/356