Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Kara Report | Online Marketing Tips and Candid Business Conversations
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| 135 | The Secret Q4 Marketing Strategy Most Entrepreneurs Skip (and Will Regret in 2027) | 08 sept. 2026 | 00:30:19 | |
We all know the cycle: pushing out daily Instagram posts, scrambling to keep up with the algorithm, and wondering if it’s even worth it. The highlight reels of “overnight” wins make it seem like short-form content is the only way to grow — but if that’s your only strategy heading into Q4, your future self is going to be exhausted. 🎙️ In This Episode:
🔗 Links Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/135 The app builder I'm using: https://thekarareport.com/stencil Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport | |||
| 134 | Listen To This If Your Summer Marketing Didn't Go As Planned with Tayler Cusick-Hollman | 01 sept. 2026 | 00:41:07 | |
So you didn't market your business this summer. You meant to. You had a plan back in May, and then June happened, and then it was July, and now it's the end of August and your last real piece of content went out sometime around May long weekend. I'm joined by my first-ever returning guest, Tayler from Enji. You might remember her from episode 27, where we talked about accidental marketing and how to build an actual strategy instead. That one became a listener favorite, so if you missed it, go back for it after this. In this conversation, we get into what to actually do when you're starting from a dead stop with Q4 breathing down your neck. Tayler has strong opinions about the two ways people react to a marketing gap (one of them is trying to make up for lost time in a weekend, and it does not work), what to reintroduce before you ask anyone to buy anything, and why the content you publish today isn't really for today at all. 🎙️ In This Episode:
🔗 Links Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/134 Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Sign Up For a Free Trial With Enji: https://thekarareport.com/enji Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport | |||
| 133 | If I Were Going To Start Over, Here Are 3 Things I'd Tell Myself On Day One Starting a Podcast | 18 août 2026 | 00:13:13 | |
If I could go back and talk to myself before recording episode one, there are three things I’d do differently. Not because I regret starting a podcast. Two and a half years and 100+ episodes later, I still think it’s one of the best things I’ve done for my business. Plus, I'm sharing one bonus thing I wish I’d prioritized that has nothing to do with funnels, SEO, or making money 🎙️ In This Episode:
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| 132 | I Changed My Mind About Podcasting (2.5 Years Later And THIS Surprised Me) | 11 août 2026 | 00:30:18 | |
Two and a half years ago I started a podcast and told myself I wasn't expecting an ROI anytime soon. I just didn't know "anytime soon" would turn into two years. For a long time my honest answer to "is this working" was somewhere between "I don't know" and "I really hope so." That's not my answer anymore. In this episode I'm sharing the real numbers, what it actually costs me every month, how long it took to see a single lead, and the experiment that changed how I think about episode titles. If you've ever thought about starting a podcast, this is the most honest answer I can give you. 🎙️ In This Episode:
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| 131 | Ask Yourself This ONE Question and Watch Your Whole Month Change | 04 août 2026 | 00:13:38 | |
July was not my favorite month. There were good things in it, but personally and professionally I got hit with some stuff that was, honestly, kind of sucky. And somewhere in the last few days of it, I realized I didn't want to spend August trying to fix all of that. I just wanted the month to feel different. So I did something small. Before a three-hour round trip I was already dreading, I asked myself one question. The answer changed how that entire day went. Then it changed the next day. And now it's shaping my whole plan for the month. I'm not going to give the question away here, because it's the first real thing I say in the episode. But I'll tell you it takes about four seconds to ask, it doesn't require you to solve a single one of your actual problems, and it's done more for my mood in a week than any productivity system I've tried this year. We've got one month of summer left. If yours has been underwhelming so far, I'm fully committed to the position that it's not too late to turn it around. 🎙️ In This Episode:
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| 130 | Is The Yap Challenge Good Morning? Here's What It'll Cost You If You're Not Careful | 28 juil. 2026 | 00:15:53 | |
I've had a version of the same conversation with clients for years now: someone posts a Reel, it does great, and for two weeks they're convinced they've finally cracked it. Then real life happens — a slow week, a vacation, a launch — and the whole thing goes quiet. And they think they did something wrong. They didn't. They just built something that only runs while they're actively fueling it. That's basically what's happening with Jessi Jean's Yap Challenge right now, and I want to talk about it — not to tell you it's bad (it's not, and I think what she's built is genuinely impressive), but because I think there's a conversation happening right now about what "good marketing" looks like, and I don't think anyone's being honest about the tradeoff. The Yap Challenge works. It's smart, it's effective, and it's making people real money. But it also requires you to show up, every single day, forever, just to stay visible. And I think that's worth talking about before you decide it's your whole strategy. 🎙️ In This Episode:
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| 129 | Is AI Ruining Your Business? Why We Need To Chase Excellence + 4 Things AI Can't Replace | 21 juil. 2026 | 00:24:20 | |
I've had a version of the same conversation with a friend of mine for three months in a row. She comes to me with a plan. I give feedback. A month later, she comes back with basically the same plan again — and has no idea she's already been here. That's when I went looking for an explanation, and I found a study that stopped me in my tracks. It's about what happens to your brain when you let an AI do too much of your thinking for you — and it's a lot more common than you'd think, even among people who consider themselves "good" at using AI. This episode isn't about whether you should use AI. I use it constantly. It's about the difference between using it to execute and using it to think — and why that difference is quietly becoming the thing that separates businesses that are thriving right now from businesses that are just... busy. I'm sharing the study, the four things I don't think AI will ever be able to replace, and the one habit shift that's made the biggest difference in how I use AI in my own business. 🎙️ In This Episode:
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| 128 | Start With Yourself Book Review: You Don't Need to Want a Billion-Dollar Business to Learn From Emma Grede | 14 juil. 2026 | 00:33:36 | |
I picked up Start With Yourself by Emma Grede fully expecting to love it because I've been a fan of her podcast for a long time. What I wasn't sure about was how I'd feel after all the headlines and viral clips that seem to follow her everywhere. After finishing the book, I realized something: you don't have to want someone's life to learn from the way they think. I don't want to build multiple billion-dollar companies, and I'm guessing most of you listening don't either. But that doesn't mean there isn't so much we can learn from someone who has. I think we've gotten into the habit of either putting successful people on a pedestal or dismissing them because we don't agree with every decision they've made. What if we did neither? In this episode, I'm sharing the biggest lessons I took away from Start With Yourself, the parts I completely agreed with, the ideas I questioned, and why I think grit, emotional regulation, customer obsession, and having a clear vision matter no matter what kind of business you're building. 🎙️ In This Episode:
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| 127 | The Wikipedia Test That Tells Me If Your Blog Is Working (Or Not) | 07 juil. 2026 | 00:11:25 | |
I hear this all the time from people who are blog-curious: "I have a blog, I don't even know if it's doing anything, I'm probably not doing it right." Some version of that. And honestly? I think we can fix that today. Here's the thing — you should know whether your blog is working. Your Google organic traffic should be climbing, and you should be getting inquiries where people say, "I found you on Google." If that's not happening, there's usually one specific reason, and it's probably not the one you think. It's not your SEO settings. It's not your keyword research. It's something a lot more obvious once you know what to look for — and I promise it's an easy fix once you see it. In this episode, I'm walking you through the exact test I use to figure out if a blog post is pulling its weight, why "good enough" AI-written posts are quietly costing you clients, and the one shift that makes Google and AI actually want to send people to your site. 🎙️ In This Episode:
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| 126 | My Best Summer Marketing Tips for Burnt-Out Business Owners (I'm Cutting My Own Marketing in Half!) | 23 juin 2026 | 00:26:30 | |
Summer is officially here. Which means it's time to figure out how you're actually going to market your business for the next few months, when fewer people are online, your analytics dip, and everyone's outside touching grass instead of refreshing the feed. Here's the move most people make when they see their analytics dip: double down and push harder. And honestly? That can work. But this year, I'm doing the opposite. I'm cutting my own marketing almost in half. On purpose. In this episode, I'm walking you through exactly what I'm keeping, what I'm dropping, and why scaling back strategically might be the smartest summer marketing decision you make (because going dark is the worst thing you can do). Most of our businesses have seasonal fluctuations whether we like it or not. Capacity dips, trips happen, and the content that felt easy in spring starts to feel like a slog by July. The good news? You don't have to grind through it. There's a version of summer marketing that keeps you visible, keeps you sane, and actually makes your business look more magnetic, not less. If you've been feeling stretched thin, guilty about the platform you keep ignoring, or quietly burnt out on making content, consider this your permission slip. I'll show you how to pick what to drop before summer picks for you, and how to market in a way that actually feels fun again. 🎙️ In This Episode:
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| 125 | The Sales Strategy Being Passed Around in Private Coaching Rooms Right Now | 16 juin 2026 | 00:25:48 | |
The online business landscape has shifted — and the strategies that are actually working right now? They're not showing up in anyone's public content. In this episode, I'm sharing the real conversations happening behind the scenes in masterminds and private coaching rooms — the advice that business coaches are giving their highest-paying clients but nobody's talking about publicly. Spoiler: it's not sexy. But it's working. We're in a different era of online business. The sophisticated buyer is here, passive income hype is fading fast, and the tactics that felt effortless in 2020 and 2021 are just not hitting the same way. The good news? The shift that's happening is actually pretty human — and if you're willing to do the unsexy work, there's a real opportunity here. If you've been wondering why your launches feel harder than they used to, or you're noticing that buyers seem more skeptical than ever, this episode will help you understand what's actually going on — and what to do about it. 🎙️ In This Episode:
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| 124 | Is Blogging Dead After 2026?! How AI Is Affecting Blogging (+ Is It Still Worth It?) | 09 juin 2026 | 00:17:29 | |
Think blogging is dead in 2026? My favorite keyword research tool: https://thekarareport.com/keysearch
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| 123 | Your Brain Is Sabotaging Your Marketing (+ 7 Signs to Prove It And How To Fix It) with Tayler Cusick-Hollman | 26 mai 2026 | 00:22:33 | |
You have the ideas. You've always had the ideas. They're sitting in a Google Doc somewhere, probably called something like "Q3 Content Plan," last opened months ago and somehow nothing in it has ever actually gotten published. Today's guest Tayler Cusick-Hollman would tell you that's not an ideas problem. It's a brain problem. And once you understand what's actually happening, you can do something about it. Taylor is the co-founder of Enji, a project management tool built specifically for small business owners doing their own marketing — and she has a background in psychology and sociology that makes her unusually good at explaining the very human reasons why marketing keeps not getting done. She walks through seven signs that prove you don't need more marketing ideas, and I'll warn you: at least a couple of these are going to feel uncomfortably familiar. This one is worth a listen if you've ever sat down to work on your marketing and somehow ended up doing everything except the actual marketing. 🎙️ In This Episode:
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| 122 | If I Had One Hour to Work on SEO, This Is Exactly What I'd Do | 12 mai 2026 | 00:18:59 | |
Most SEO advice assumes you have unlimited time. But what if you only have one hour? In this episode, I'm sharing exactly what I'd do with that hour (and it's probably not what you'd expect). Spoiler: I wouldn't tell you to write a blog post. Instead, I'm walking through the specific website SEO tasks that actually move the needle, require zero technical expertise, and can realistically get done in 60 minutes or less. Whether you're brand new to SEO or just doing a tune-up, this episode will give you a clear action plan you can start today. 🎙️ In This Episode:
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| 121 | The Pinterest Algorithm Has Changed. Should Your Business Still Be On Pinterest in 2026? | 28 avr. 2026 | 00:28:11 | |
If you've been wondering whether Pinterest is still worth your time and money in 2026, this episode is for you (my answer will surprise you). I run a Pinterest marketing agency — it's one of the main services I sell — and I am telling more business owners to WAIT on Pinterest than I ever have. In this episode, I'm sharing exactly why, what needs to be in place before Pinterest can actually work for your business, and how to know when you're ready. This isn't about scaring you off the platform. Pinterest is still one of the best long-game visibility tools out there for the right business. But it's not the missing piece for everyone — and I'd rather be honest with you upfront than take your money and leave you frustrated. 🎙️ In This Episode:
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| 120 | Everything You Wanted to Know About Hiring a VA (But Were Too Afraid to Ask) with Sarah Roberson | 21 avr. 2026 | 00:33:42 | |
If you've been thinking about hiring a VA but keep talking yourself out of it… this episode is for you. I sat down with Sarah Roberson, a virtual assistant who specializes in helping wedding pros and photographers run smoother businesses behind the scenes. She's also been on my own team since August 2024! So I knew she's be the right person to have on for this conversation. We get into everything you've been too scared to Google. Let's dive in.
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| 119 | 4 (Very) Unpopular Opinions I Have About Blogging and SEO in 2026 | 14 avr. 2026 | 00:19:29 | |
Blogging and SEO advice is everywhere right now — but a lot of it? I don’t agree with. In this episode, I’m sharing my honest (and probably unpopular) opinions about SEO and blogging — what’s actually working in 2026, what I think is a waste of your time and money, and what I see small business owners getting wrong over and over again. This isn’t about saying other people are wrong or that there’s only one way to grow your business. It’s about adding nuance to the conversation and helping you think critically about what you’re being sold (especially when it comes to blogging strategies, SEO services, and AI). If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by all the conflicting advice around blogging and SEO, or you’re trying to figure out what’s actually worth your time, this episode will help you cut through the noise and make more aligned decisions for your business. 🎙️ In This Episode:
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| 118 | 9 Ways I Use AI Without Losing My Voice (From Someone Who Thinks About This Every Day) | 07 avr. 2026 | 00:26:22 | |
Everyone's using AI. But are you using it in a way that actually sounds like you — or are you slowly handing your voice over to a chatbot and hoping no one notices? In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on ways I use AI in my content writing business every single day without losing what makes my writing mine. This isn't about being anti-AI or pretending it doesn't exist — it's about being strategic with how you use it so your content stays in your voice, your frameworks, and your point of view. I'm sharing nine specific ways I use AI for writing, including a few that might surprise you, and one that I'd argue is the most important thing you can do if you want AI-assisted content that actually sounds human. If you've been using AI but something still feels off about your output, or you're scared to use it at all, this episode is for you. 🎙️ In This Episode:
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| 117 | A Masterclass On How to Scale Facebook Ads With a Lead Magnet with Melissa Litchfield | 31 mars 2026 | 00:31:37 | |
You've got a lead magnet. Maybe it's a checklist, a guide, or a template pack. You've promoted it, maybe even gotten some downloads — but those downloads aren't turning into clients. So what's actually going wrong? In this episode, I handed the mic to Meta ads expert Melissa Litchfield or Litchfield Media, and she is breaking down exactly why most lead magnets don't convert, what needs to be true before you spend a single dollar on ads, and how to test with just $5–$10 a day so you're not throwing money at something that isn't working. I've personally invested in Melissa's offers and recommend her to everyone who asks me about ads — she genuinely knows her stuff, and she makes it all make sense for service-based business owners. If you've ever wondered whether your freebie is actually set up to grow your business — or whether you're even ready for ads in the first place — this one is worth a listen. 🎙️ In This Episode:
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| 116 | Behind the Scenes of My First Social Media-Free Launch: What I Did, How Much I Sold, & Launching Without a Sales Page | 24 mars 2026 | 00:31:05 | |
What does a social media-free launch actually look like — numbers and all? Before you assume you need a big audience, a sales page, or an Instagram strategy to launch something new, let's talk about what's actually possible with just an email list and a well-thought-out offer. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on my AI Blog Sprint beta launch: how I planned it, how long it actually took to build, what my goals were with only 274 email subscribers, and what the numbers looked like from day one. I'm also getting honest about what I spent, what I earned, and why I still consider this one of my biggest wins. If you've been sitting on an offer because you're not on social media (or don't want to be), this one's for you. 🎙️ In This Episode:
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| 115 | Making Your Next Hire (4 Types of Hires to Consider in 2026) | 17 mars 2026 | 00:29:12 | |
Are you ready to make your next hire but not sure whether you need a VA, an OBM, or a specialist — or whether you're even ready to outsource at all? Before you hire the first person who shows up in your feed talking about your exact pain point, let's slow down and think this through. In this episode, I'm breaking down the four most common hires for online business owners, what each one actually does (and doesn't do), and my honest take on generalists vs. specialists — including why hiring one person to do all your marketing platforms might not get you the results you're hoping for. If you've been counting down the days until you can hand something off and never think about it again, this one's for you. 🎙️ In This Episode:
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| 114 | My Honest Take On AI And Blogging In 2026 | 10 mars 2026 | 00:27:10 | |
A few months ago, I saw the headline: “Google announces that traditional SEO is dead.” (or something like that lol). I paused. I re-read it. I rolled my eyes if I'm being honest. There are a lot of things to spiral about in 2025 but search-driven marketing going away is not one of them. That said, all of the conversations around "is SEO still a thing" did get me thinking deeply about how blogging fits into the world we're suddenly living in. A world where AI is writing everything from wedding vows to business strategies, and where the internet is flooded with content that’s technically correct… but kind of lame lol. So in this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the real questions so many of us are asking but maybe too nervous to say out loud: Is blogging still a smart marketing strategy for small businesses with limited budgets and time? This isn’t a tutorial or a hot-take. It’s a conversation. A look at what I’m seeing in my own business, what’s shifting under the surface, and how we can adapt without becoming robots ourselves. If you’re a service provider wondering how to stand out in a world of one-click content… you’ll want to tune in. 🎙️ In This Episode:
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| 113 | Building What You Can Embody: Prioritizing Joy, Setting Down Easy Money and Embracing Seasons of Hustle with Sabrina Gebhardt | 03 mars 2026 | 00:32:07 | |
If you’ve ever wondered whether slowing down will cost you everything you’ve built… this episode is for you. In this conversation, Sabrina Gebhardt shares what it actually looks like to build a business you can embody — not just teach. We talk about the long game of entrepreneurship, why rushing from “doing the thing” to “teaching the thing” rarely works, and how true authority is built through years of lived experience. Sabrina opens up about something that made absolutely no sense on paper: intentionally setting down two significant (and easy) revenue streams in her business. She walks us through what it felt like to trust her intuition, navigate the fear of losing momentum, and create space for both her family and a massive internal business transformation. We also talk about the reality no one wants to admit: when you slow down, you will lose momentum. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. Sabrina shares what it really takes to rebuild and why seasons of hustle aren’t failure… they’re part of running a business.
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| 112 | Get Ready, Stay Ready: A Business Reminder For All Of Us in Q1 | 24 févr. 2026 | 00:11:40 | |
Do you ever feel like you’re waiting for the moment — the big opportunity, the big client, the big breakthrough — and telling yourself you’ll rise to the occasion when it gets here? This episode is your reminder that most opportunities don’t come with prep time. They come fast. And if you haven’t been getting ready behind the scenes, you’ll feel it. If Q1 flew by for you too, this is your nudge before Q2: don’t wait until it’s urgent.
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| 111 | The Hidden Cost of Saying Yes, Bringing Back Hospitality, and Building the Wrong Business with Frances Ledgewood | 17 févr. 2026 | 00:30:58 | |
If you’ve ever felt like your business slowly turned into something you never meant to build... this episode is for you. What starts as being helpful, flexible, and “open to anything” can quietly turn into burnout, resentment, and a business that no longer fits your life. And often, it’s not because you’re doing something wrong, it’s because you haven’t given yourself permission to niche down. In this conversation, Francis Ledgewood shares what it really cost her to say yes to everything, and how learning to set boundaries changed not only her business, but her peace of mind. We talk about niching down without burning bridges, why saying no feels so personal (especially in creative work), and how building a focused business can actually attract better clients—not fewer. We also talk about hospitality in modern business: how to build something that feels elevated without becoming cold or untouchable, and why analog experiences (like handwritten notes) still matter in a digital-first world. Francis offers an honest look at comparison, confidence, and what it takes to stay in your own lane when social media makes that harder than ever.
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| 110 | 11 Business Lessons from Working With Multi-6 + 7 Figure Business Owners | 10 févr. 2026 | 00:32:33 | |
Do you ever wonder what people who have more successful businesses are doing? I know I always swipe through on carousels and listen to episodes like this, and often it's the same kind of things, like "they're consistent", "they charge their worth", kind of basic advice like that. This episode is not like that.
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| 109 | Nine Non-Negotiables After Nine Years in Business | 03 févr. 2026 | 00:37:26 | |
Nine years in business is wild — and this week I’m celebrating my “business birthday” by sharing nine non-negotiables I’ve learned across nearly a decade of running my own business. Entrepreneurship truly is the craziest personal development journey there is lol. Some of these are tactical (things I actually do). Some are mindset (things I had to learn the hard way). None of them came naturally, and I’ve slipped on all nine at different points, but they’ve shaped how I think, how I work, and are true non-negotiables for how I run my business today. 🎙️ In This Episode:
🔗 Links Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/109 Grab my private podcast, Build it Once, Get Found For Months: https://thekarareport.com/private-podcast Sign up for my newsletter: https://thekarareport.com/newsletter Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport | |||
| 108 | The Missing Piece in Your “Automated” Booking Process (+ What Really Gets You Paid Faster) with Colie James | 27 janv. 2026 | 00:39:19 | |
If you’ve ever gotten a little too excited about “workflows” and “automation” only to realize that something is still not clicking... this one’s for you. We talk about an overlooked, not-so-glam part of your CRM that can quietly change everything: the actual words your clients and leads are reading. Because it doesn’t matter how slick your setup is if your actual communication feels like an afterthought. If you want to go deeper, Colie’s next “Email Like You Mean It” sprint runs February 2–6: https://coliejames.com/email
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| 107 | So You Want To Hire a Writer That Doesn’t Use AI? Let’s Talk About It. | 20 janv. 2026 | 00:15:18 | |
Is it possible to hire a writer that doesn't use AI? Why do all marketers copy and past from ChatGPT when I could just do it myself? These conversations and hot takes are driving me crazy over on threads — like AI automatically equals slop and human-only equals quality. But the real conversation is much more nuanced than that. In this episode, I’m breaking down what it actually means to hire a writer that doesn’t use AI in 2026 — including the cost, ROI, SEO impact (or lack thereof), and the assumptions business owners are making when they say “no AI.” We’re talking about when human-only writing genuinely makes sense, where AI fails, and why refusing to use AI doesn’t automatically give you better content. 🎙️ In This Episode:
🔗 Links Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/107 Grab my private podcast, Build it Once, Get Found For Months: https://thekarareport.com/private-podcast Sign up for my newsletter: https://thekarareport.com/newsletter Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport | |||
| 106 | I QUIT Instagram After Posting for 6 Years... Here's What Happened (And What To Know If You Want To Do The Same) | 13 janv. 2026 | 00:24:45 | |
Quitting Instagram is often framed as dramatic, impulsive, or reckless — like you either delete the app overnight or you’re “doing business wrong.” But the real conversation is more nuanced than that. In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of why I quit Instagram after six years — not out of burnout or frustration alone, but after looking closely at my data, time investment, and actual return. We’re talking about what really happens when Instagram stops being a growth channel, how to tell if it’s still serving your business, and what needs to be in place before you step away. This is the honest, strategic conversation I wish more people were having — especially for business owners who feel stuck on Instagram but aren’t sure they’re allowed to leave. Whether you’re thinking about posting less, going nine-grid, or quitting altogether, this episode will help you make the decision intentionally (not emotionally or reactively). If Instagram has been draining your energy, eating up your time, or quietly not working the way you hoped — this episode will help you figure out what to do next. 🎙️ In This Episode:
🔗 Links Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/106 Listen to Episode 100 (Instagram-free business examples): https://thekarareport.com/100 Grab my private podcast, Build it Once, Get Found For Months: https://thekarareport.com/private-podcast Sign up for my newsletter: https://thekarareport.com/newsletter Grab the Enji state of small business report: https://www.enji.co/state-of-small-business-report-2025?ref=ywmwndy Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport | |||
| 105 | 2026 Business Goals: What ChatGPT Got Right (and Wrong), What I'm Prioritizing This Year, and Why It's Not Going To Be a Growth Year | 06 janv. 2026 | 00:36:14 | |
In this episode, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at how I approached my 2026 business goals after a big year of growth. From experimenting with AI for planning, to realizing what I don’t want my business to turn into, this conversation is more about intention than ambition (although let's be honest... there's plenty of ambition lol). 🎙️ In This Episode:
🔗 Links Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/105 Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport | |||
| 104 | 2 Years of Podcasting About Business & Marketing (My Favorite Moments!) | 30 déc. 2025 | 00:52:46 | |
Two years. Over a hundred conversations. Countless moments where I hit record not knowing what would come out on the other side and somehow, it all added up to this. Instead of doing a neat, polished recap or a predictable year-end episode, I wanted to do something more honest (and more fun). Episodes Mentioned:
🔗 Links Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/104 Check out our sponsor Enji (the best social media scheduler for small business owners: https://thekarareport.com/enji Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport | |||
| 103 | 5 Very Honest Reasons I'd Tell You NOT To Invest In SEO | 23 déc. 2025 | 00:22:24 | |
SEO is often positioned as the obvious next step for business growth but the truth is, it’s not always the right investment right now. 🎙️ In This Episode:
🔗 Links Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/103 Check out my batch blog packages (available for a limited time): https://thekarareport.com/batch Adobe acquiring SEMRush: https://news.adobe.com/news/2025/11/adobe-to-acquire-semrush Google Search Console Update: https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2025/12/social-channels-search-console Check out our sponsor Enji (a social media scheduler built for small business owners): https://thekarareport.com/enji Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport Guest episodes mentioned: Episode 267 of Business First Creatives Podcast talking about Selling Through CRM Emails | |||
| 102 | You Don’t Actually Need to Blog Every Week (Here’s When Batching Wins) | 16 déc. 2025 | 00:24:27 | |
Blogging for SEO is often positioned as an all-or-nothing commitment — post every single week or don’t bother at all. But that advice leaves out something important: real life, real business seasons, and real capacity. In this episode, I’m breaking down when batching blog posts can actually be a smarter, more strategic move than weekly publishing. We’re talking nuance, not absolutes — and how to build long-term visibility on Google without burning yourself out or abandoning blogging altogether. This is the behind-the-scenes strategy conversation I’m having with clients who want SEO to work for them, even when weekly consistency isn’t realistic. Whether you’re pivoting, launching something new, short on time, or just craving a more sustainable approach, this episode will help you decide what actually makes sense for your business. If blogging has been sitting on your 2026 to-do list — or you’ve been feeling guilty for not keeping up — this episode is your permission slip and your strategy guide. 🎙️ In This Episode:
🔗 Links Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/102 Check out my batch blog packages (available for a limited time): https://thekarareport.com/batch Check out our sponsor Enji (a social media scheduler built for small business owners): https://thekarareport.com/enji Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport | |||
| 101 | Ask Me Anything: About Work-life Balance, AI-assisted Writing in Search Results, and How Being The "Cool Boss" Nearly Blew Up My Business | 09 déc. 2025 | 01:10:33 | |
In this episode, I’m answering your Ask Me ANYTHING questions with as much honesty, nuance, and context as possible — from whether AI-written blogs can truly rank, to how I manage my workload as a mom, to the biggest mistake I made in my first business. It truly is a mix of personal, behind-the-scenes things about how I run both of my businesses, plus a handful of strategy questions you were curious about.
🎙️ In This Episode:
🔗 Links Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/101 Check out our sponsor Enji (the best social media scheduler for small business owners): https://thekarareport.com/enji Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport | |||
| 100 | 3 of My Clients Run Completely Instagram-Free Businesses (Here's How!) | 25 nov. 2025 | 00:27:53 | |
Marketing your business without Instagram sounds impossible… until you see the real strategies successful business owners are using every day. While the online space can make it seem like Instagram is the place to grow, convert, and stay relevant, the truth is far more nuanced — and far more freeing. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on three very different businesses that thrive completely off Instagram. We’re talking real funnels, real marketing strategies, and real results… without the constant posting, burnout, or algorithm guessing game. These are the conversations that usually stay inside private client calls, but today you get a peek behind the scenes. Whether you’re craving a break from Instagram, wondering if you could ever grow without it, or just want confirmation that other paths do exist, this episode will give you ideas, clarity, and maybe even a little relief. 🎙️ In This Episode:
🔗 Links Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/100 Check out our sponsor Enji (the best social media scheduler for small business owners: https://thekarareport.com/enji Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport | |||
| 99 | 99 Episodes Later: The BRUTAL Truth About Podcasting (If Podcasters Were Honest) | 18 nov. 2025 | 00:30:56 | |
Podcasting looks simple from the outside, but once you’re actually doing it — especially as a business owner — there are so many hidden cons to starting (and having!) a podcast that no one warns you about. From confusing data to low listener engagement to the myth of effortless batching, running a podcast can feel like you’re constantly troubleshooting, adjusting, and deciding whether the effort is paying off. In this episode, I’m walking you through the honest truth about podcasting that most people in the online space never talk about. After nearly two years and almost 100 episodes, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes realities... the ones that usually never leave a private voxer conversation. Whether you’re thinking about starting a podcast in 2026, already have a show you’re trying to grow, or simply want a more realistic picture of what consistent podcasting looks like (so you can feel like you're not so alone!), this episode is for you. 🎙️ In This Episode:
🔗 Links Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/99 Check out our sponsor Enji (the best social media scheduler for small business owners: https://thekarareport.com/enji Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport | |||
| 98 | The ONE Simple Marketing Funnel I’d Build If I Had To Start My Business Over Again | 11 nov. 2025 | 00:29:11 | |
We all know the online marketing world can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re surrounded by complicated funnels, pressure to automate everything, and endless talk about “low-ticket ascension models.” If you’ve been craving simplicity or wondering what you’d do if you had to start your business from scratch, this episode is your permission slip to pare it all the way back. In this episode, I’m breaking down the exact simple marketing funnel I’d use if I were rebuilding my business tomorrow — no bells, no whistles, no 57-email sequences. Just the foundational pieces that actually move the needle: a mid-ticket offer, a minimum-viable website, content that builds authority, and a visibility strategy rooted in real conversations, not cold pitching or passive posting. Whether you’re pivoting, starting fresh, or trying to get out of the “referrals and Instagram-only” cycle, this episode gives you a grounded, actionable path for building momentum quickly without burning out or overcomplicating things. We’re talking clarity, confidence, and cash flow — the sustainable way. 🎙️ In This Episode:
🔗 Links Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/98 Check out our sponsor Enji (the best social media scheduler for small business owners: https://thekarareport.com/enji Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport | |||
| 97 | ChatGPT Atlas Review (8 Things I Tried, First Impressions, + A Candid Conversation About Whether Or Not It Will Replace Chrome) | 04 nov. 2025 | 00:35:53 | |
We all know that AI talk can feel both thrilling and slightly terrifying — and if you’re anything like me, you might’ve been firmly in the “Chrome forever” camp… until now. After spending the last week and a half inside ChatGPT’s new browser, I’m bringing you a true ChatGPT Atlas review — not hype, not theory, but exactly how I’ve been using it inside my real workflows as a business owner and creator. In this episode, I'm walking you through eight specific use cases that saved me time, sparked ideas, or changed how I write and market online. This isn't a “prompts hacks” episode: this is how Atlas feels, functions, and fits into everyday life when you run a business and want to protect your voice, your workflows, and your humanity in the content you create. If you’ve been wondering, “Is ChatGPT Atlas actually worth it?” or “Could this replace Chrome?” this episode is your starting point. Let’s talk pros, limitations, Agent Mode experiments, and whether this is tech you should actually invest your time in right now. 🎙️ In This Episode:
🔗 Links Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/97 Check out our sponsor Enji (the best social media scheduler for small business owners: https://thekarareport.com/enji The post I mentioned about Big Tech not aligning with our values (which is another reason I love Enji): https://www.instagram.com/p/DQHl8-lCXJx/ Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport | |||
| 96 | 8 Things I've Learned From Obsessively Watching Youtubers | 28 oct. 2025 | 00:32:23 | |
We all know that watching YouTube can feel like both education and escapism — but lately, it’s also been a masterclass in marketing. After bingeing everything from home makeovers to productivity vlogs, I’ve realized that the best creators on YouTube are teaching small business owners something deeper: how to show up online with more confidence, personality, and longevity. 🎙️ In This Episode:
🔗 Links Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/96 Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport | |||
| 95 | Debunking The Biggest Pinterest Myths I Hear As A Pinterest Manager: What Actually Works in 2025 | 21 oct. 2025 | 00:25:36 | |
We’ve all heard them: “Pinterest doesn’t work anymore.” “It’s only for recipes and DIY.” “You need to post 35 times a day to see results.” But what if those Pinterest myths are actually keeping your business from one of the most powerful organic traffic tools out there?
Pinterest episodes to binge next: - How to get sales from Pinterest: Episode 13 - What's working on Pinterest in 2025: Episode 62 | |||
| 94 | How to Build a Profitable Online Community (Even in 2025) with Michelle Vroom | 14 oct. 2025 | 00:35:47 | |
We’ve all heard it: “Facebook groups are dead.” But what if that’s the biggest missed opportunity in your marketing right now? In an era where algorithms change daily and connection feels harder than ever, community-driven marketing might just be your most reliable growth channel. And btw - if you’re thinking, “I don’t want to be on Facebook,” this episode is still 100% for you. Because today’s conversation isn’t really about Facebook — it’s about how to build genuine relationships that turn into revenue, no matter where you show up online. I’m joined by marketing coach Michelle Vroom, who’s built a multiple six-figure business by focusing on community over content and connection over algorithms. We talk about why smaller, more personal spaces are thriving in 2025, how to turn your audience into loyal buyers, and what it actually looks like to build trust in a world that’s increasingly automated. Even if your platform of choice is Instagram, Substack, Slack, or a private email list — this episode will show you how to create a community that converts without burning yourself out trying to “go viral.” If you’ve been craving a marketing strategy that feels more human, this one’s a must-listen. 🎙️ In This Episode:
🔗 Links Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/94 Join Michelle's Facebook Group (and Message Her For Her Free Engagement Cheat Sheet): https://www.facebook.com/groups/marketlikeabossgroup Follow Michelle on Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/marketlikeabossmv/ Learn more about Michelle Vroom: https://michellevroom.com/ Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport | |||
| 93 | The Secret Q4 Marketing Strategy Most Entrepreneurs Skip (and Regret in 2026) | 07 oct. 2025 | 00:30:25 | |
We all know the cycle: pushing out daily Instagram posts, scrambling to keep up with the algorithm, and wondering if it’s even worth it. The highlight reels of “overnight” wins make it seem like short-form content is the only way to grow — but if that’s your only strategy heading into Q4, your future self is going to be exhausted. 🎙️ In This Episode:
🔗 Links Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/93 Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport | |||
| 92 | BTS with Kara & Laura: Client Graduations, Summer Breaks, and Agency Dreams | 30 sept. 2025 | 00:41:41 | |
We all see the highlight reels online — $100K launches from one post, “overnight” wins, and the myth that scaling is seamless. But the truth of running a business looks a lot different behind the scenes. In this episode, I’m kicking off a brand-new quarterly series with my business BFF, Laura Milroy. Every few months, we’ll sit down to share what’s actually happening inside our businesses — the wins we’re celebrating, the pivots we’re making, and the uncomfortable conversations that come with growth. In this first check-in, we talk about why taking a summer off wasn’t the death of Laura’s business, how cutting $800 worth of subscriptions changed my margins, and why scaling always comes with self-doubt (even after 10+ years in business). You’ll hear the honest, unfiltered version of entrepreneurship that doesn’t show up in polished Instagram posts. Whether you’re craving a true BTS glimpse of what it looks like to build and sustain a service-based business, or you just want to feel less alone in the messy middle, you’ll love this conversation. 🎙️ In This Episode:
🔗 Links Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/92 Learn more about working with Laura: https://lauramilroymedia.com Follow Laura on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauramilroymedia Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport | |||
| 91 | How To Build Powerful Case Studies That Sell Your Offers (Without Overpromising!) with Jocelyn Montemarano | 23 sept. 2025 | 00:40:09 | |
We’ve all seen flashy testimonials that shout about $50K launches or $10K months. But most of us don’t have case studies like that—and honestly, even if we did, would they really convince someone that our offer is right for them? Probably not. 🎙️ In This Episode:
🔗 Links Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/91 Grab Jocelyn's Case Study Sprint Mini Course For $9 Using The Code KARAREPORT: https://scaleyourresonance.com/case-study-sprint Learn more about working with Jocelyn: https://scaleyourresonance.com/ Follow Jocelyn on Instagram and Threads: https://www.instagram.com/scaleyourresonance Listen to this interview on the Talk Copy to Me podcast: https://erinollila.com/case-study-interviews-and-capturing-data-with-jocelyn-montemarano/ Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport | |||
| 90 | You Are Leaving THOUSANDS On The Table Obsessing Over This (It's Not What You Think) | 16 sept. 2025 | 00:19:13 | |
It’s tempting, right? The promise of passive income: make money while you sleep, sell one course to hundreds, automate your way to freedom. But here’s the thing... chasing passive income too early is probably costing you thousands of dollars. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what really happens when you dive into passive offers before your business is ready. From the hidden costs of customer support to the constant cycle of starting and stopping, you’ll hear why services are often the smarter, more profitable path (especially in your first few years.) Whether you dream of launching courses and memberships one day or you’re simply tired of hearing “trading time for money” is the worst thing ever, this conversation will show you how service-based businesses can actually give you the freedom, income, and experience you need to scale sustainably. 🎙️ In This Episode:
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| 89 | It's Time To Talk About Time Anxiety | 09 sept. 2025 | 00:25:07 | |
It’s officially September, and that “back-to-business” urgency is real. But along with the fresh start can come a sneaky problem: time anxiety. You know that constant hum of I should be doing more, there’s never enough time, or why can’t I get it all done? Yep—that one. 🎙️ In This Episode:
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| 88 | Tired of the Traditional Launch Model? How She Used Close Friends Stories to Launch (Fast and Easy!) with Brittany Roberts | 02 sept. 2025 | 00:32:05 | |
We’ve all heard it before—successful launches require complex funnels, endless emails, and hours on Zoom. But what if you could sell out your program with nothing more than your phone, a little green circle, and a handful of creative ideas? In this episode, Instagram strategist Brittany Roberts takes us behind the scenes of her most successful (and simplest) launch to date—run entirely through Instagram Close Friends Stories. You’ll hear how she curated 250+ people into an exclusive list, delivered a 3-day teaching series from her couch, and sold out her group program without ever making it public. Whether you’re burned out on traditional launch models or just craving a more personal way to sell, Brittany’s fresh approach will inspire you to rethink what’s possible when you lead with connection over complexity. 🎙️ In This Episode:
🔗 Links Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/88 Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Learn more about working with Brittany: https://thesocialbritify.com Follow Brittany on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialbritify Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport | |||
| 87 | So… You Didn’t Market Your Business This Summer? Here's What You Need To Do Now With Tayler Cusick-Hollman | 26 août 2025 | 00:43:13 | |
We’ve all been there—you head into summer with big marketing plans, only to look up in August and realize you ghosted your audience for months. Now Q4—the biggest sales season of the year—is around the corner, and panic starts to set in. This episode is your practical, no-fluff guide to getting back in the game without burning out. Returning guest Tayler from Enji and I talk about how to restart your marketing after a long break, rewarm your audience, and set yourself up for Black Friday success—even if you’ve been MIA since June. From smart content repurposing to strategic pacing, this conversation will help you avoid the “all in, then crash” cycle for good. Whether you’re a product-based business gearing up for holiday sales or a service provider ready to fill your Q4 calendar, you’ll walk away with a plan you can actually stick to. 🎙️ In This Episode:
🔗 Links Mentioned: Read the full shownotes: https://thekarareport.com/87 Learn more about working with our team: https://thekarareport.com/services Sign Up For a Free Trial With Enji: https://thekarareport.com/enji Sign Up For the Black Friday Summit (Aug 26-28): http://bit.ly/3HbeagB Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekarareport | |||
| 86 | 5 Random "Rules" I'm Making For Myself (Start Gamifying Your Habits!) | 19 août 2025 | 00:10:34 | |
It’s easy to get caught up in big, lofty goals - more engagement, more sales, more visibility. But sometimes, the key to building momentum isn’t about overhauling your whole life or business. It’s about creating small, intentional rules that keep you consistent, focused, and motivated. In this episode, I’m sharing a handful of personal “rules” I’ve put in place for myself (some for business, some for everyday life!) that make getting things done a lot more fun. From gamifying my social media engagement to curbing my home décor spending, these little tweaks have had a surprisingly big impact on my consistency, focus, and overall enjoyment of the process. Whether you’re looking for ways to stay on top of your marketing, tame your inbox anxiety, or finally put those new ideas into action, you’ll find at least one tip here that you can adapt for your own life and business. 🎙️ In This Episode:
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