Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Hey Tori! Answering Your Digital Marketing Questions for Creative Entrepreneurs
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Email Coaching with Krista from Timeless Treasures Quilts | 16 Oct 2026 | 00:37:45 | |
Krista Russell, owner of Timeless Quilt Studio, is moving her in-person Learn to Quilt Foundations course online. In this live coaching episode, Tori works through Krista’s email list and welcome sequence: how new subscribers choose what they want to hear about, why the first email should invite a reply, how often to send, and whether a discount is the right welcome gift for a quilter who just downloaded a pattern. We also look at Krista’s current email numbers together. Krista is a Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program member, and she shares what she’s getting out of the program. Mentioned in this episode: Krista's 1st Guest Interview: https://www.heytori.tech/post/fromhobbytoteachingquilting Joining the Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program (DMMC): https://www.heytori.tech/dmmc Connect with Krista: Visit her Website at Timeless Quilt Studio: Timeless Quilt Studio Follow her on Facebook: Follow her on Facebook Enjoying the show? Leave a quick review and tell me your favorite episode so far. Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Enter it here: https://forms.gle/4jMGWV9wTDVDNRx67 Learn more: Tori's website: http://heytori.tech Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program —For creative entrepreneurs building a real lead and launch strategy. Whether you're just starting or scaling what's working, we work through strategy together: https://www.heytori.tech/dmmc Workshops Unleashed —My book on turning your expertise into classes. Available wherever books are sold: https://www.heytori.tech/workshopsunleashed Self-Publishing Incubator — A guided program for craft and fiber arts authors. https://selfpublishingincubator.com/ Blog — http://heytori.tech/blog | |||
| Hey Tori! I don't know where all my time is going. Help? | 09 Oct 2026 | 00:27:18 | |
You're not going to like this advice. Your next launch, pattern, or book feels bigger than the time you have. Tori explains why you won't find time, you have to make it, and walks through a time study that maps your goals, commitments, and weekly tasks. Learn how to automate, delegate, or delete what drains your week, and build a schedule that holds up when your energy and calendar change. Mentioned in the Episode: Rhonda's Podcast Episode "Growing Your Audience" : https://www.heytori.tech/post/what-to-do-after-you-launch-a-live-coaching-conversation-with-rhonda-canning Enjoying the show? Leave a quick review and tell me your favorite episode so far. Learn more: Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program —For creative entrepreneurs building a real lead and launch strategy. Whether you're just starting or scaling what's working, we work through strategy together: https://www.heytori.tech/dmmc Workshops Unleashed —My book on turning your expertise into classes. Available wherever books are sold: https://www.heytori.tech/workshopsunleashed Self-Publishing Incubator — A guided program for craft and fiber arts authors. https://selfpublishingincubator.com/ Blog — http://heytori.tech/blog | |||
| All About Email Marketing with Ashleigh Wempe | 02 Oct 2026 | 00:49:20 | |
We talk all about email marketing - you're going to love it. Ashleigh started her knitting pattern business the day after leaving the Air Force. Today she runs two memberships, her last virtual summit drew 7,000 knitters, and her email list does the heavy lifting. She walks Tori through the system behind it: three 52-week evergreen sequences, opt-in forms that let subscribers sort themselves, and why your best pattern should never be your freebie. Quilters (I know I have many of you here), this one's for you too. In this episode, Ashleigh shares:
Mentioned in the Podcast:
Connect with Ashleigh:
Enjoying the show? Leave a quick review and tell me your favorite episode so far. Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Enter it here: https://forms.gle/4jMGWV9wTDVDNRx67 Learn more: Tori's website: http://heytori.tech Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program —For creative entrepreneurs building a real lead and launch strategy. Whether you're just starting or scaling what's working, we work through strategy together: https://www.heytori.tech/dmmc Workshops Unleashed —My book on turning your expertise into classes. Available wherever books are sold: https://www.heytori.tech/workshopsunleashed Self-Publishing Incubator — A guided program for craft and fiber arts authors. https://selfpublishingincubator.com/ Blog — http://heytori.tech/blog | |||
| Hey Tori! How do you reuse a blog post? | 25 Sep 2026 | 00:27:19 | |
How do you reuse a blog post? If you have years of tutorials, free patterns, and finished-quilt stories sitting in your archive, you may be wondering whether a Pinterest graphic is all you can do with them. Tori answers a listener's question with five steps: choosing the right five to ten posts, polishing them, breaking each into pieces of content, giving every piece a next step, and putting it on the calendar. She also shows how the Break-It-Up Bot inside the DMMC handles an older post. Break-it-up Worksheet here: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/432998/170967184991848412/share Break up Content Blog Post (AI Prompts): https://www.heytori.tech/post/can-you-actually-grow-your-quilting-business-without-instagram-yes-here-s-how Break a Blog Post Up Like an Expert Blog Post here: https://www.heytori.tech/post/how-to-break-up-a-blog-post-so-you-can-market-like-an-expert 00:00 Unlocking the Potential of Old Blog Posts 02:00 Strategies for Repurposing Content 03:47 Understanding Your Blog's Ecosystem 06:47 Breaking Down Content for Maximum Impact 09:59 Creating Engaging Content from Tutorials 12:39 Leveraging Pinterest for Evergreen Content 15:46 Building a Content Calendar for Consistency 19:36 Utilizing AI Tools for Content Creation 22:34 Final Takeaways and Next Steps Enjoying the show? Leave a quick review and tell me your favorite episode so far. Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Enter it here: https://forms.gle/4jMGWV9wTDVDNRx67 Resources & Programs Learn more: http://heytori.tech Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program — For creative entrepreneurs building a real lead and launch strategy. Whether you're just starting or scaling what's working, we work through strategy together: https://www.heytori.tech/dmmc Workshops Unleashed —My book on turning your expertise into classes. Available wherever books are sold: https://www.heytori.tech/workshopsunleashed Self-Publishing Incubator — A guided program for craft and fiber arts authors. https://selfpublishingincubator.com/ Blog — http://heytori.tech/blog | |||
| Hobbyist to Professional: Tech Editing, Books, and Taking Up Space with Whitney Steen | 18 Sep 2026 | 01:00:12 | |
In this episode, knit pattern tech editor and graphic designer Whitney Steen walks us through what tech editing actually does, why it matters for indie pattern designers—and why you may want to publish a book. We talk math errors, why books never expire, and the uncomfortable truth: our craft industries deserve to be taken seriously, and it starts with adding that professional edge to our products and services. Connct with Whitney Steen: Website: https://wlsmakesstuff.com/ Wholesale: https://wlsmakesstuff.com/wholesale Insatgram: https://www.instagram.com/wlsmakesstuff Self-Publishing Incubator (SPI): Website: https://selfpublishingincubator.com/ Author's Showcase SPI: https://selfpublishingincubator.com/author-showcase Laureen Smith Tourmaline and Thyme, Winter Whispers Book: https://fg.tourmalinethymequilts.com/winter-whispers-book-waitlist/ Georgia Olson (Lucet Braiding) Website: https://www.threadandwood.com/ Chapters: 00:49 Exploring the Role of Tech Editing in Pattern Design 01:52 Upcoming Webinar on Writing and Publishing Books 01:52 Crafting Origins: A Journey Through Creativity 04:27 Turning Passion into Profession: The Birth of a Business 07:16 The Role of a Tech Editor: Ensuring Quality in Patterns 09:51 Understanding the Importance of Tech Editing 12:14 Tech Editors vs. Pattern Testers: Key Differences 15:49 Networking and Finding Clients in the Craft Industry 18:36 Building Relationships: The Editor-Designer Dynamic 21:26 The Self-Publishing Incubator: Supporting Diverse Crafts 31:23 Innovative Crafting: The Birth of a New System 33:19 The Role of Tech Editors in Craft Publishing 37:32 The Benefits of Creating a Book of Patterns 43:20 The Importance of Hobbies and Creative Work 47:17 Building Authority Through Publishing 51:25 Marketing Your Book: Strategies for Success 55:27 The Timeless Value of Craft Patterns 57:09 Invitation to the Webinar: Do You Have a Book in You? Enjoying the show? Leave a quick review and tell me your favorite episode so far. Learn more: heytori.tech Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program — For creative entrepreneurs building a real lead and launch strategy. https://www.heytori.tech/dmmc Workshops Unleashed — My book on turning your expertise into classes. Available wherever books are sold: https://www.heytori.tech/workshopsunleashed | |||
| Special Release: Interview with Saremy Duffy: Do You Have a Book in You? | 15 Sep 2026 | 00:48:40 | |
Saremy Duffy is a pattern drafter, author, and instructor in the home sewing space — with a background in fashion design, garment production, and eight years on YouTube. Her new book, Fitopedia: An Encyclopedia of Fitting Adjustments for the Upper Body and Sleeve, is a pattern fitting book. In this episode, Saremy shares her publishing journey through the Self Publishing Incubator (https://selfpublishingincubator.com/) - from feeling like her expertise was invisible ("constantly trying to sell myself") to finishing a book that finally made her feel secure. She talks about the loneliness of writing, the accountability meetings that kept her moving, and what it's like to realize people actually value your skill. If you've ever thought about writing a book but weren't sure how to start — or if you're already halfway through and wondering how to finish — this episode is for you. Episode Blog Post: https://www.heytori.tech/post/apatterndraftershiddenexpertise Find Saremy:
Buy Fitopedia: https://sewsew.live/collections/fitopedia/products/sew-sew-fitopedia Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and other booksellers Enjoying the show? Leave a quick review. Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Enter it here: https://forms.gle/4jMGWV9wTDVDNRx67 Resources & Programs Learn more: heytori.tech Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program — Whether you're just starting or scaling what's working, we work through strategy together: https://www.heytori.tech/dmmc Workshops Unleashed — My book on turning your expertise into classes. Available wherever books are sold: https://www.heytori.tech/workshopsunleashed Self-Publishing Incubator — A guided program for craft and fiber arts authors. https://selfpublishingincubator.com/ Blog — Monthly breakdown of what's new in social media for creative businesses at heytori.tech/blog | |||
| Hey Tori! How can I build trust and authority that lasts? (Spoiler: a book!) | 11 Sep 2026 | 00:21:53 | |
Learn what you could write about and what it could mean for your business. Think about the quilters, knitters, and crafters you consider experts in your field. The ones with influence. The ones people recommend. What do they have in common? They share their expertise in ways that stick—through teaching, speaking, writing, and sometimes publishing. But here's what builds authority fastest: long-form content. And there's one format that opens doors nothing else can quite reach. In this episode, Tori breaks down why books are a different kind of authority tool—and why you don't have to be a "real writer" to write one. She shares her own story with dyslexia and how Workshops Unleashed became a business asset that changed everything. You'll hear from authors in the Self-Publishing Incubator who are building their authority (and their businesses) the same way. If you've ever thought "I should write a book but..." this episode is for you. Enjoying the show? Leave a quick review and tell me your favorite episode so far. Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Click here — I read every one. Resources & Programs Learn more: heytori.tech Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program — For creative entrepreneurs building a real lead and launch strategy. Whether you're just starting or scaling what's working, we work through strategy together. Workshops Unleashed — My book on turning your expertise into live events. Available wherever books are sold. Self-Publishing Incubator — An 18-month guided program for craft and fiber arts authors. We handle the publishing side while you focus on writing and platform building. Blog — Monthly breakdown of what's new in social media for creative businesses at heytori.tech/blog | |||
| Growing Your Audience Organically: Advice and Coaching with Rhonda Canning | 04 Sep 2026 | 00:52:06 | |
In this special live coaching episode, Tori sits down with a Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Client, Rhonda Canning of Primetime Quilt Co, to answer one of the most important questions creative entrepreneurs face: what do you do after you launch? Rhonda's story is one of resilience. After taking a three-year break from her pattern design business following her husband's illness and death, she decided to come back this year. With Tori's help, she launched her pattern "Twilight" — and now she's ready to grow. In this episode, you'll hear Tori coach Rhonda through the real strategies that build an email list and grow your audience through collaboration, community, and smart reuse of your work. You'll learn:
This is the first live-coached guest episode on Hey Tori, and Rhonda's openness about both her comeback and her real-time questions will show you exactly how these strategies work in practice. Click here for the Free Webinar Sept 2th: Do You Have a Book in You? with Tori and the Self-Publishing Incubator Resources and People mentioned:
Connect with Rhonda: Website: PrimetimeQuilt.com Instagram: @Primetime Quilt Co Facebook: Primetime Quilt Enjoying the show? Leave a quick review . Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Click here — I read every one. Resources & Programs Learn more: heytori.tech Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program — For creative entrepreneurs building a real lead and launch strategy. | |||
| Hey Tori! How Do I Create More Connection? | 28 Aug 2026 | 00:16:07 | |
You pour your heart into every post. You share your story, your journey, your design choices. But your engagement stays flat. Here's what's happening: your readers are watching your story, not seeing themselves in it. Today we're breaking down the one-word shift that changes everything—and it starts with YOU. Learn how to reframe your copy so your audience feels like you're talking directly to them. (Spoiler: a DMMC member's reel went nearly viral when she made this one simple change.) Jame's Wedmore's Conversion Cards Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the power of language in marketing 02:02 The impact of shifting from I to you in content 03:19 How this language shift improves audience connection 08:05 Practical framework for applying the I to you shift 12:38 Real-world example: rewriting a social media post 16:54 Results from applying the technique to a reel 17:25 Actionable tip: test the shift in your own copy 18:33 Encouragement to experiment and observe results 19:08 About the Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program Enjoying the show? Leave a quick review and tell me your favorite episode so far. Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Click here — I read every one. Resources & Programs Learn more: heytori.tech Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program — For creative entrepreneurs building a real lead and launch strategy. Whether you're just starting or scaling what's working, we work through strategy together. Workshops Unleashed — My book on turning your expertise into live events. Available wherever books are sold. Blog — Monthly breakdown of what's new in social media for creative businesses at heytori.tech/blog | |||
| Hey Tori! How do I use collaborations? | 21 Aug 2026 | 00:23:37 | |
You've mapped out your promotional calendar. You know when you're launching. But as you look at that plan, you realize: every promotion reaches only your own audience. Your own list. Your own followers. How do you reach new people without spending money on ads? The answer is strategic collaborations—and it's one of the most underused leverage tools in the creative business. In this episode, Tori walks you through:
Build a Promo Calender Episode, click here. Enjoying the show? Leave a quick review and tell me your favorite episode so far. Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Click here — I read every one. Resources & Programs Learn more: heytori.tech Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program — For creative entrepreneurs building a real lead and launch strategy. Whether you're just starting or scaling what's working, we work through strategy together. Workshops Unleashed — My book on turning your expertise into live events. Available wherever books are sold. Blog — Monthly breakdown of what's new in social media for creative businesses at heytori.tech/blog | |||
| Hey Tori! How to Plan a Week of Marketing Content in Just One Hour? | 14 Aug 2026 | 00:28:39 | |
Stop wasting time wondering what to post. You open your laptop on Sunday night ready to finally "get serious" about marketing. Forty-five minutes later, you've reorganized your Canva folders, watched three reels about hooks, and posted absolutely nothing. Or you panic and post three things that have nothing to do with each other—no thread, no strategy, just noise. Here's the thing: it's not a time problem, it's a decision problem wearing time's clothes. In this episode, Tori walks you through the exact system she uses with DMMC members to plan your entire week's marketing in one focused hour (or batch it into one day per month), then execute in just 15 focused minutes per day. By the end, you'll know exactly what to post before you sit down—no more Sunday night spirals. You'll learn:
Blog Post Example "How to Add Borders" Click here to see the Blog Post for this Episode. Chapters 00:00 Getting Serious About Marketing 00:46 Understanding Marketing Time Management 02:08 Identifying Common Marketing Struggles 02:41 Setting Clear Marketing Goals 04:09 Diagnosing Marketing Challenges 06:07 Planning Your Marketing Strategy 07:54 Establishing Consistency in Marketing 08:21 Defining Your Marketing Priorities 09:30 Creating Cohesive Content Themes 11:33 Breaking Down Content for Social Media 13:16 Implementing a Monthly Content Strategy 15:05 Taking Action on Your Marketing Plan 15:05 Engaging with Your Audience 17:47 Staying Focused on Social Media 19:19 Using Existing Content Effectively 20:42 Leveraging Blog Posts for Marketing 23:12 Utilizing Tools for Content Creation 26:33 Streamlining Your Marketing Process Enjoying the show? Leave a quick review and tell me your favorite episode so far. Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Click here — I read every one. Resources & Programs Learn more: heytori.tech Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program — For creative entrepreneurs building a real lead and launch strategy. Whether you're just starting or scaling what's working, we work through strategy together. Workshops Unleashed — My book on turning your expertise into live events. Available wherever books are sold. Blog — Monthly breakdown of what's new in social media for creative businesses at heytori.tech/blog | |||
| Hey Tori! When Do I Do What? (Without Feeling Overwhelmed) | 07 Aug 2026 | 00:19:30 | |
Stop scrambling. You have multiple things to promote—patterns, classes, workshops, services—and you don't know what to launch when. So you react, improvise, and feel overwhelmed. Here's a proven planning method I've used in DMMC coaching for years: the promotion calendar. It's not rigid, it builds in rest, and it sets your entire content strategy without the overwhelm. In this episode, I walk you through exactly how I build mine—the framework, the timing, why you keep abandoning planning calendars, and how this one works with your life instead of against it. You'll see how one client went from juggling multiple business arms (subscription boxes, patterns, classes) to following a clear sequence—and how the stress just melted away. Plus, why starting with just 90 days might be exactly what you need right now. 00:00 Introduction to the Promotion Calendar 02:02 Why Creative Entrepreneurs Need a Promotion Calendar 04:48 What Is a Promotion Calendar and Why It Matters 08:34 How to Build Your Promotion Calendar 10:37 Listing Your Offers and Big Events 12:41 Scheduling Launches and Rest Periods 17:01 Understanding Your Business Rhythm 19:12 Client Success Stories with Promotion Planning 22:55 Starting Small with a 90-Day Plan 24:20 Using Your Promotion Calendar to Guide Content and Marketing Enjoying the show? Leave a quick review and tell me your favorite episode so far. Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Click here — I read every one. Resources & Programs Learn more: heytori.tech Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program — For creative entrepreneurs building a real lead and launch strategy. Whether you're just starting or scaling what's working, we work through strategy together. Workshops Unleashed — My book on turning your expertise into live events. Available wherever books are sold. Self-Publishing Incubator — An 18-month guided program for craft and fiber arts authors. We handle the publishing side while you focus on writing and platform building. Blog — Monthly breakdown of what's new in social media for creative businesses at heytori.tech/blog | |||
| Hey Tori! What is a Launch? | 31 Jul 2026 | 00:28:47 | |
You posted "It's here — link in bio," refreshed your sales page about forty times, and… it was quiet. A couple of sales from the same handful of people who always buy. You didn't do anything wrong. You didn't launch — you announced. And those are two very different things. This week we get clear on what a launch actually is, where the whole idea came from, and why sending one email and calling it done leaves so much sitting on the table. Tori breaks down the launch as an event with a build and a countdown (not a single moment), the two roads you can take — an email launch or a webinar launch — and which one fits teachers and designers best. Then she opens the books on her own Workshops Unleashed Book Club launch: the real numbers, including the parts that didn't go to plan. In this episode:
Check out Launch by Jeff Walker Enjoying the show? Leave a quick review and tell me your favorite episode so far. Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Click here — I read every one. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Launching and Its Importance 02:11 What is a Launch? Defining the Concept 07:59 Common Mistakes: Confusing Announcement with Launch 10:02 The Full Launch: Building a Timeline 15:05 Rocket Launch Metaphor: Building Anticipation 18:50 Root of Launch Strategies: Jeff Walker’s Book 20:14 Pre-Launch, Launch, and Post-Launch Phases 21:55 Choosing Your Launch Method: Email vs Webinar 26:00 Planning Your Launch: Dates and Content 29:58 Case Study: Workshop Unleashed Book Launch Resources & Programs Learn more: heytori.tech Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program — For creative entrepreneurs building a real lead and launch strategy. Whether you're just starting or scaling what's working, we work through strategy together. Workshops Unleashed — My book on turning your expertise into live events. Available wherever books are sold. Blog — Monthly breakdown of what's new in social media for creative businesses at heytori.tech/blog | |||
| Hey Tori! Do I Need Another Class? Why You Keep Buying Marketing Classes | 24 Jul 2026 | 00:30:34 | |
Four classes on email marketing. A Pinterest course you never finished. And 41 people on your list who haven't heard from you in months. Nothing is wrong with you. But something is going on, and this week we name it. I'm telling on myself a little in this one. I used to sell a course. I pivoted to coaching on purpose, because I watched too many people buy a whole program when what they actually needed was one person telling them which single thing to do next. So we get into why buying another class is the most socially acceptable way there is to avoid marketing your work — and why procrastination isn't a time management problem at all. It's an emotion regulation strategy. Then there's the fluency illusion, which is my curriculum-and-instruction background talking: the study methods that feel best are the ones teaching you the least. Underneath all of it sits one sentence. Marketing requires you to say out loud, in public: I made this, and I think it's worth your money. A class never asks that of you. That's exactly what makes it such a good hiding place. Shownotes for this episode click here Chapters 00:00 Tori's shift from courses to coaching 00:53 What coaching focuses on: next steps and action 01:45 The problem with endless course buying 02:20 Introduction to the podcast and Tori's background in learning 03:10 The common issue: procrastination and learning 07:02 Marketing fears: claiming your work and visibility 08:34 The safety of taking classes versus marketing 10:23 Learning methods that build durable skills 11:26 The importance of action over learning 12:35 Decision fatigue and choosing the right next step 13:26 The five stages of the Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program 14:46 Why courses can't replace accountability 16:01 The value of training with a date and action plan 17:07 Evaluating whether you need another course 18:05 Using past courses effectively for your next step 21:54 The sequence of action: from learning to implementation 24:21 Success story: shifting from service to teaching 25:47 The importance of taking action before more learning 26:54 Making decisions based on action, not just learning 27:48 Introducing the Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program 29:59 Final encouragement: take action now Resources & Programs Learn more: heytori.tech Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program — For creative entrepreneurs building a real lead and launch strategy. Whether you're just starting or scaling what's working, we work through strategy together. Workshops Unleashed — My book on turning your expertise into live events. Available wherever books are sold. Blog — Monthly breakdown of what's new in social media for creative businesses at heytori.tech/blog | |||
| Krista's Five Year Journey from Maker to Teacher and Shop Owner | 17 Jul 2026 | 00:50:02 | |
Krista Russell went from her first sewing machine to running a long-arm quilting business, writing patterns, teaching classes, and operating a quilt shop—all in five years. She's the kind of person who sees an opportunity and figures it out. But building that fast creates a specific problem: you keep moving without designing. That's where accountability changed everything. In this episode, Krista shares how the Workshops Unleashed book club kept her moving forward during a massive life transition (literally moving provinces mid-move), why deadlines matter more than inspiration for action-takers, and how she went from intimidated by curriculum design to launching evergreen mystery quilt series. If you're juggling multiple income streams, building quickly, or wondering how to scale intentionally instead of just reacting, this episode is for you. Show Note Blog Post for Krista's Five Year Journey Connect with Krista: Join the Book Club: Buy the book Workshops Unleashed Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Krista's Quilting Journey 03:06 From Hobby to Business: The Evolution of Krista's Quilting 06:02 Building a Community: The Importance of Local Connections 08:46 Joining the Book Club: A Step Towards Growth 11:59 Taking Action: The Impact of the Book Club on Krista's Business 14:55 Designing Workshops: Overcoming Challenges in Teaching 18:08 Creating a Curriculum: Tailoring Classes to Community Needs 21:07 Future Plans: Expanding Online and In-Person Offerings 24:25 The Journey of Teaching and Learning 27:32 Crafting Effective Teaching Strategies 30:00 The Importance of Student Perspective 31:56 Transitioning from Learner to Teacher 34:49 Marketing and Growing a Quilting Business 40:00 Navigating Challenges in Business Development 47:09 Future Projects and Innovations Resources & Programs Learn more: heytori.tech Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program — For creative entrepreneurs building a real lead and launch strategy. Whether you're just starting or scaling what's working, we work through strategy together. Self-Publishing Incubator — An 18-month guided program for craft and fiber arts authors. We handle the publishing side while you focus on writing and platform building. Workshops Unleashed — My book on turning your expertise into live events. Available wherever books are sold. Blog — Monthly breakdown of what's new in social media for creative businesses at heytori.tech/blog | |||
| Special Release: How Tonya Dunning Went From “Someday” to Teaching Fidget Quilts | 15 Jul 2026 | 00:39:14 | |
My first-ever guest! Tonya of Memory Barn Studio makes fidget quilts for people with dementia, Alzheimer's, autism, and stroke recovery — and for years, people kept asking her, "Do you teach?" In this episode, she shares how she went from "someday" to eleven students signed up for her first class at a regional quilt show. We talk about why she went through the Workshops Unleashed Book Club twice before she was ready (and why that's not failure), the free test class that gave her real feedback before anyone paid her, the library community room that solved her "no space to teach" problem, and the playful email marketing game she's using to grow her list. If you've been standing at the edge of teaching, this one's your nudge. See the Accompanying Blog Post "Tonya Kept Saying "Someday I'll Teach" Then 14 Students Signed up". Links:
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 03:00 Tonya's Business Journey and Fidget Quilts 06:00 Transitioning from Hobby to Business 08:57 The Impact of the Book Club on Teaching 12:01 Feedback and Class Development 14:58 Conducting Test Classes and Community Engagement 17:53 Reflections on Teaching and Class Dynamics 21:49 Understanding Class Management and Student Engagement 23:58 Preparing for the Upcoming Class 26:15 Marketing Strategies for Classes 29:12 Growing Your Email List 32:25 Creating Engaging Activities for Students 34:55 The Importance of Community in Teaching 39:46 Advice for Aspiring Teachers Resources & Programs Learn more: heytori.tech Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program — For creative entrepreneurs building a real lead and launch strategy. Whether you're just starting or scaling what's working, we work through strategy together. Self-Publishing Incubator — An 18-month guided program for craft and fiber arts authors. We handle the publishing side while you focus on writing and platform building. Workshops Unleashed — My book on turning your expertise into live events. Available wherever books are sold. Blog — Monthly breakdown of what's new in social media for creative businesses at heytori.tech/blog | |||
| Hey Tori! How do I Market My New Workshop? Two Paths to Start | 10 Jul 2026 | 00:12:36 | |
Your workshop is built — now what? Tori breaks down the two real paths to filling it: the Program Path (borrowing an audience through guilds and events) and the Content Launch and Newsletter Path (building your own). Plus a look at where to find the launch framework in the book Workshops Unleashed and in the Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program using CELA, who drafts a full launch sequence. Join the Workshops Unleashed Book Club by July 18th. Links Mentioned
Chapters 00:00Launching Your Workshop: The Excitement Begins 02:50Marketing Strategies for Your Workshop 06:07Choosing the Right Path: Program vs. Content Launch 08:58Building Your Audience: The Importance of Email Lists 11:56Taking Action: Your First Steps to Success This Week's Hey Tori Takeaway Pick one path. Write one pitch email to a guild (Program Path) or the first “something's coming” email in your sequence (Content Launch Path). Twenty minutes, one email. Resources & Programs Learn more: heytori.tech Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program — For creative entrepreneurs building a real lead and launch strategy. Whether you're just starting or scaling what's working, we work through strategy together. Self-Publishing Incubator — An 18-month guided program for craft and fiber arts authors. We handle the publishing side while you focus on writing and platform building. Workshops Unleashed — My book on turning your expertise into live events. Available wherever books are sold. Blog — Monthly breakdown of what's new in social media for creative businesses at heytori.tech/blog Episode Keywords how to market a quilting workshop, guild lecture marketing, quilt teacher email launch, workshop launch sequence, newsletter for quilt teachers, digital marketing for quilt teachers, Workshops Unleashed book | |||
| Season 2! “Someday” Is Today: Why Teaching Is Your Fastest Path | 03 Jul 2026 | 00:18:45 | |
You've said it before: “Someday, I'll teach a class.” In this Season 2 opener, Tori kicks off a 3-part series built around her book, Workshops Unleashed, breaking down why teaching is one of the fastest ways to turn your craft skill into income — and what's actually inside the book to help you do it. Links Mentioned
This Week's Hey Tori Takeaway Finish this sentence: “People already ask me how to _____.” Write down the real answer — that's the seed of your workshop. Resources & Programs Learn more: heytori.tech Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program — For creative entrepreneurs building a real lead and launch strategy. Whether you're just starting or scaling what's working, we work through strategy together. Self-Publishing Incubator — An 18-month guided program for craft and fiber arts authors. We handle the publishing side while you focus on writing and platform building. Workshops Unleashed — My book on turning your expertise into live events. Available wherever books are sold. Blog — Monthly breakdown of what's new in social media for creative businesses at heytori.tech/blog Episode Keywords (SEO) how to teach quilting workshops, monetize quilting skills, workshop design for crafters, quilt guild workshop marketing, Workshops Unleashed book, quilting business book club, how to start teaching quilting, digital marketing for creative entrepreneurs | |||
| Hey Tori! What do I know what to focus on? Season 1 Finale | 31 Mar 2026 | 00:21:38 | |
What does a complete digital marketing system actually look like for a creative business? In this season finale of Hey Tori, Tori McElwain lays out the three pillars every quilter, crafter, and creative entrepreneur needs - Lead Strategy, Nurture Strategy, and Launch Strategy - and shows how they work together to grow your business sustainably. Plus a look inside the DMMC Program Navigator and real results from program members. If you have been piecing your marketing together and wondering what the full picture looks like, this one is for you. Links Mentioned: Book a Free Strategy Session: Click here to book. Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program: Click here for more Info about Digital Marketing Coaching and to Sign Up See more about the Creative's Clarity Report Resources & Programs Learn more: heytori.tech Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program — For creative entrepreneurs building a real lead and launch strategy. Whether you're just starting or scaling what's working, we work through strategy together. Self-Publishing Incubator — An 18-month guided program for craft and fiber arts authors. We handle the publishing side while you focus on writing and platform building. Workshops Unleashed — My book on turning your expertise into live events. Available wherever books are sold. Blog — Monthly breakdown of what's new in social media for creative businesses at heytori.tech/blog Hey Tori! Podcast with Tori McElwain | Digital Marketing for Quilters & Creative Entrepreneurs Hey Tori LLC and Tori McElwain cannot guarantee results for digital marketing strategies as outcomes are based on subjective factors that cannot be controlled by Hey Tori LLC. | |||
| Hey Tori! How Do I Make Sure That Writing My Email Newsletter Doesn't Take All Day? | 31 Mar 2026 | 00:18:54 | |
You know you need to send a newsletter, but every time you sit down to write one it takes two hours and still does not feel right. In this episode, Tori McElwain breaks down how to build a reusable newsletter template based on your goals and values, so you can stop starting from scratch and start sending consistently. If you are a quilter, crafter, or creative entrepreneur who wants a newsletter system that actually works for a one-person business, this one is for you. Links Mentioned: Click here to see the Episode Blog Post Submit Your Question: Click Here for the Google Form to Submit a Question Book a Free Strategy Session: Click here to book. Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program: Click here for more Info about Digital Marketing Coaching and to Sign Up See more about the Creative's Clarity Report Hey Tori! Podcast with Tori McElwain | Digital Marketing for Quilters & Creative Entrepreneurs Hey Tori LLC and Tori McElwain cannot guarantee results for digital marketing strategies as outcomes are based on subjective factors that cannot be controlled by Hey Tori LLC. heytori.tech | About & Contact | Book a Free Strategy Session | |||
| Hey Tori! How do I Market My Quilting Business With Limited Time? | 29 Mar 2026 | 00:36:39 | |
What do you do when you only have 30 to 60 minutes a week for marketing - and you can't even share what you're working on? In this episode of Hey Tori, digital marketing coach Tori McElwain answers one of the most common struggles she hears from creative entrepreneurs: how do you keep your audience warm when life is just full? Tori breaks down the difference between nurture and lead growth, explains why separating those two jobs is the key to working smarter with limited time, and walks through how to build an evergreen nurture email sequence - one you can pause during a launch and restart when you're done. She also walks through the DMMC Time Study Worksheet: a two-week exercise that helps you find the time you didn't know you had by identifying tasks you can delegate, delete, or systematize. It's the exercise that has to come before the strategy. If you've been putting off your marketing because you think you don't have enough time - this episode will change that. Send in your question! It could be the next episode. Links Mentioned: Submit Your Question: Click Here for the Google Form to Submit a Question Book a Free Strategy Session: Click here to book. Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program: Click here for more Info about Digital Marketing Coaching and to Sign Up See more about the Creative's Clarity Report Hey Tori! Podcast with Tori McElwain | Digital Marketing for Quilters & Creative Entrepreneurs Hey Tori LLC and Tori McElwain cannot guarantee results for digital marketing strategies as outcomes are based on subjective factors that cannot be controlled by Hey Tori LLC. heytori.tech | About & Contact | Book a Free Strategy Session | |||
| Hey Tori! How Long Should Your Social Media Captions Actually Be? | 16 Mar 2026 | 00:25:35 | |
You have been writing captions, but is anyone actually reading them? In this episode, Tori McElwain tackles a real listener question about caption length, the difference between Instagram and Facebook, and how to figure out what YOUR specific audience actually prefers. She shares general advice about social media and her 3-3-3 rule. If you are a quilter, crafter, or creative entrepreneur who has ever wondered whether your captions are worth the effort, this one is for you. Links Mentioned:
Episode Keywords: Instagram captions for quilters, social media strategy, creative entrepreneur, caption length Instagram, Facebook vs Instagram marketing, content repurposing quilting business, digital marketing for crafters, quilting business social media Hey Tori! Podcast with Tori McElwain | Digital Marketing for Quilters & Creative Entrepreneurs Hey Tori LLC and Tori McElwain cannot guarantee results for digital marketing strategies as outcomes are based on subjective factors that cannot be controlled by Hey Tori LLC. heytori.tech | About & Contact | Book a Free Strategy Session | |||
| Hey Tori! How do I Market My Quilting Workshops and Programs to Quilt Guilds Online? | 16 Mar 2026 | 00:42:12 | |
You have an amazing workshop and you know quilt guilds would love it - but how do you actually get booked? In this episode, Tori McElwain walks through six strategies for marketing yourself to guilds, from building a dedicated landing page to optimizing it for search with the SEO & GEO Webpage Assistant inside the DMMC. If you are a quilting professional who wants more guild bookings, this one is for you. Links Mentioned: Click Here for the Blog Post for this Episode Submit Your Question: Click Here for the Google Form to Submit a Question Book a Free Strategy Session: Click here to book. Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program: Click here for more Info about Digital Marketing Coaching and to Sign Up See more about the Creative's Clarity Report See more about the Global Quilt Connection Episode Keywords: quilt guild marketing, how to get booked by quilt guilds, marketing for quilting teachers, guild program chair, quilting workshop speaker, digital marketing for quilters, SEO for quilt teachers, guild landing page, creative entrepreneur, DMMC Hey Tori! Podcast with Tori McElwain | Digital Marketing for Quilters & Creative Entrepreneurs Hey Tori LLC and Tori McElwain cannot guarantee results for digital marketing strategies as outcomes are based on subjective factors that cannot be controlled by Hey Tori LLC. heytori.tech | About & Contact | Book a Free Strategy Session | |||
| Hey Tori! Trailer | Who I Am, What This Show Is, and How to Send Me Your Questions | 16 Mar 2026 | 00:05:27 | |
You started a creative business because you love making things. The marketing part? That is where Hey Tori comes in. In this short trailer, digital marketing coach and quilter Tori McElwain introduces herself, explains how the show works, walks through the episode format, and tells you exactly how to submit your marketing question for a future episode. This is a 10-episode mini-series built specifically for quilters, crafters, and creative entrepreneurs - dropping every few days until March 31st. Subscribe now and send in your question. Links Mentioned:
Episode Keywords: digital marketing for quilters, marketing for creative entrepreneurs, quilting business podcast, hey tori podcast, marketing for crafters, quilt pattern designer marketing, creative entrepreneur podcast Hey Tori! Podcast with Tori McElwain | Digital Marketing for Quilters & Creative Entrepreneurs Hey Tori LLC and Tori McElwain cannot guarantee results for digital marketing strategies as outcomes are based on subjective factors that cannot be controlled by Hey Tori LLC. heytori.tech | About & Contact | Book a Free Strategy Session | |||
| Hey Tori! Where Do My Customers Come From? | 16 Mar 2026 | 00:29:09 | |
You are doing the marketing, but do you actually know which of it is working? In this episode, Tori McElwain walks you through her Three Channel Framework for identifying where your best customers come from, introduces a simple Marketing Research Tracker to track your sources, and shares four AI prompts you can use with Claude or ChatGPT to turn your data into a smarter strategy. If you are a quilter, crafter, or creative entrepreneur who is tired of guessing, this one is for you. Subscribe now and send in your question. Links Mentioned:
Episode Keywords: where do customers come from, marketing for quilters, customer research, creative entrepreneur, digital marketing for crafters, lead strategy quilting business, AI prompts for small business, marketing research worksheet, quilting business growth Hey Tori! Podcast with Tori McElwain | Digital Marketing for Quilters & Creative Entrepreneurs Hey Tori LLC and Tori McElwain cannot guarantee results for digital marketing strategies as outcomes are based on subjective factors that cannot be controlled by Hey Tori LLC. heytori.tech | About & Contact | Book a Free Strategy Session | |||
| Hey Tori! How Do I Grow My Business Outside of Social Media? | 16 Mar 2026 | 00:35:23 | |
Tired of building your entire business on a platform that can change the rules tomorrow? In this episode, Tori McElwain walks through her Growth Ecosystem framework - four channels that create a stable, sustainable business beyond social media - and shows how to use the Break-It-Up Bot (inside the DMMC) to repurpose one piece of content across every platform without starting from scratch. Plus four AI prompts for Claude or ChatGPT you can use today. If you are a quilter, crafter, or creative entrepreneur who is ready to build something that actually belongs to you, this one is for you. Subscribe now and send in your question. Links Mentioned:
Episode Keywords: grow quilting business without social media, content repurposing for crafters, digital marketing for quilters, email list building creative entrepreneur, blog for quilters, SEO for quilt pattern designers, content strategy quilting business, AI prompts for small business content Hey Tori! Podcast with Tori McElwain | Digital Marketing for Quilters & Creative Entrepreneurs Hey Tori LLC and Tori McElwain cannot guarantee results for digital marketing strategies as outcomes are based on subjective factors that cannot be controlled by Hey Tori LLC. heytori.tech | About & Contact | Book a Free Strategy Session | |||
| Hey Tori! What the Heck is Digital Marketing, Anyway? | 16 Mar 2026 | 00:31:13 | |
Marketing does not have to be complicated, but somewhere along the way, someone made it feel that way. In this episode, Tori McElwain gives you the simplest, most honest definition of marketing she knows, walks through the full spectrum from a Facebook group post to a full SEO funnel, and introduces the SEO & GEO Webpage Assistant inside the DMMC - including four AI prompts you can use today to start getting found on Google and in AI search results. If you are a quilter, crafter, or creative entrepreneur who has ever felt like marketing is something other people do, this episode is for you. Subscribe now and send in your question. Links Mentioned:
Episode Keywords: what is marketing for small business, digital marketing for quilters, marketing for creative entrepreneurs, SEO for quilt pattern designers, GEO generative engine optimization small business, simple marketing strategy crafters, quilting business marketing basics Hey Tori! Podcast with Tori McElwain | Digital Marketing for Quilters & Creative Entrepreneurs Hey Tori LLC and Tori McElwain cannot guarantee results for digital marketing strategies as outcomes are based on subjective factors that cannot be controlled by Hey Tori LLC. heytori.tech | About & Contact | Book a Free Strategy Session | |||
| Hey Tori! What Makes a Good Landing Page? | 16 Mar 2026 | 00:39:51 | |
Your workshop page is getting traffic, but nobody is signing up. In this episode, Tori McElwain breaks down what a landing page is, explains the difference between a page that works for a warm audience versus cold traffic, and walks through the CLEAR formula for building a workshop landing page that converts. Plus a demo of Barb the Builder, the DMMC's custom AI tool for landing page copy. If you are a quilter, crafter, or creative entrepreneur who has ever hit publish and wondered why nothing happened, this one is for you. Send in your question! It could be the next episode. Links Mentioned: Episode Blog Post: Hey Tori! What Makes a Good Landing Page? Submit Your Question: Click Here for the Google Form to Submit a Question Book a Free Strategy Session: Click here to book. Digital Marketing Magic Coaching Program: Click here for more Info about Digital Marketing Coaching and to Sign Up See more about the Creative's Clarity Report Episode Keywords: landing page for quilters, workshop landing page creative entrepreneur, digital marketing for crafters, how to sell a workshop online, quilting workshop sign-up page, landing page that converts, email list building quilters, lead magnet landing page Hey Tori! Podcast with Tori McElwain | Digital Marketing for Quilters & Creative Entrepreneurs Hey Tori LLC and Tori McElwain cannot guarantee results for digital marketing strategies as outcomes are based on subjective factors that cannot be controlled by Hey Tori LLC. heytori.tech | About & Contact | Book a Free Strategy Session | |||