Quilting on the Side

Digital Marketing Basics for Quilting Businesses

Send a textIn this conversation, Andi and Tori McElwain delve into the essentials of digital marketing for business owners, focusing on how to effectively show up online. Tori shares her insights on the importance of building an email list, nurturing leads through content, and the critical role of launching products. They discuss strategies for managing multiple projects and the significance of documenting the creative process to engage audiences. The conversation emphasizes the need for a structured approach to digital marketing, making it easier for entrepreneurs to connect with their audience and drive sales.If you need a community to bounce ideas off of, join our on Patreon!If you are looking for Digital Marketing help, join Tori's Digital Marketing Coaching Program. Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Digital Marketing for Quilters03:44 Understanding the Lead Strategy08:42 Content Strategy: Building Trust and Authority12:11 The Launch Strategy: Converting Leads to Sales18:45 Adjusting Launch Strategies for Different Products23:33 Creating Content While Staying InspiredWant More Quilting Business Content?🔗 Support us on Patreon for exclusive perks🔗 Grab Tori’s book, Workshops Unleashed📌 Follow us on InstagramCo-Hosts:Tori McElwain @heytori.techAndi Stanfield @truebluequiltsSupport the showIf you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Navigating Conflict in a Chaotic World with Dara Tomasson

Send us a textIn this engaging conversation, Andi and our guest Dara Tomasson explore the complexities of navigating conflict, overcoming self-sabotage, and finding joy in business. They discuss the importance of emotional resilience, the impact of imposter syndrome, and the necessity of taking control of one's reactions in a chaotic world. Dara shares her insights on personal growth, the creative process, and the significance of community support in achieving success. The discussion emphasizes the need for continuous evolution and the power of choice in shaping one's path.Passed Episode mentioned on this episode: How to Handle Controversy, Difficult Conversations, & More with Dara TomassonDescript mentioned by Dara and AndiDon’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights.Chapters00:00 Navigating Conflict and Emotional Resilience14:41 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Self-Sabotage26:14 Finding Joy and Purpose in Business36:06 Embracing Growth and Learning from SetbacksConnect with Dara Tomasson:On Instagram On her website: https://daratomasson.com/On YouTubeWant More Quilting Business Content?🔗 Support us on Patreon for exclusive perks🔗 Grab Tori’s book, Workshops Unleashed📌 Follow us on InstagramCo-Hosts:Tori McElwain @heytori.techAndi Stanfield @truebluequiltsSupport the showIf you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Get Found Online: Keywords and easy ways to use them!

Send us a textIn this episode of Quilting on the Side, Andi and Tori McElwain delve into the evolving landscape of SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and its implications for quilting businesses. Tori shares her insights gained from extensive research, particularly focusing on the integration of AI search bots into SEO strategies. The conversation highlights the importance of using relevant keywords naturally in content, avoiding outdated practices like keyword stuffing, and ensuring that businesses are visible across various platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Tori emphasizes that while AI search is becoming more prevalent, the foundational principles of SEO remain crucial for improving online visibility and engagement.The discussion also covers practical tips for optimizing social media presence, including the significance of business accounts on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and the necessity of including keywords in titles, descriptions, and even image alt texts. Tori encourages listeners to conduct self-audits of their online content to identify missed opportunities for keyword integration. The episode wraps up with actionable advice on how to research trending keywords and the importance of maintaining a consistent online presence to enhance search rankings.Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights.Chapters00:00 Introduction to SEO in Quilting00:48 Understanding AI Search and Its Impact02:20 Best Practices for Keyword Usage04:43 Platforms to Focus On for SEO09:44 The Role of Social Media in SEO14:49 Engagement vs. Hashtags in Social Media19:54 Practical Tips for Keyword Optimization24:38 Real-World Examples of SEO Mistakes29:23 Tools and Resources for Keyword Research34:40 Final Thoughts on SEO for QuiltersMentioned inthe Podcast Episode:Keywords Blog PostH+H Americas Fiber Arts Trade Show in May 2026Pinterest Post: Gifts for Quilters - exampleDigital Marketing Magic Program with Tori: Want to see how well your SEO is doing? See the Creative's SEO Clarity ReportWant More Quilting Business Content?🔗 Support us on Patreon for exclusive perks🔗 Grab Tori’s book, Workshops Unleashed📌 Follow us on InstagramCo-Hosts:Tori McElwain @heytori.techAndi Stanfield @truebluequiltsSupport the showIf you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Podcaster Meet-up with Brandy Maslowski, The Quilter on Fire

Send us a textIn this engaging conversation, Brandy Maslowski, Tori McElwain, and Andi Stanfield explore their quilting journeys, the evolution of their businesses, and the impact of podcasting in the quilting community. They share personal stories about their first quilts, discuss the significance of color trends in quilting, and delve into the role of AI in their businesses. The episode also highlights their current projects, future plans, and the importance of community and creativity in the quilting world.Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Quilting and Podcasting Journeys02:56 The Evolution of Quilting and Business Strategies05:47 Personal Quilting Stories and Inspirations08:58 Discussion on Pantone Color of the Year11:46 Books and Resources in the Quilting Community14:44 Podcasting Insights and Tips20:37 AI in Quilting and Business33:51 Current Projects and Future Plans46:41 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing ThoughtsConnect with BrandyQuilter on Fire PodcastQuilter on Fire on YouTubeInstagramWebsite - for classes and more!More about the Fiber Fix FamWant More Quilting Business Content?🔗 Support us on Patreon for exclusive perks🔗 Grab Tori’s book, Workshops Unleashed📌 Follow us on InstagramCo-Hosts:Tori McElwain @heytori.techAndi Stanfield @truebluequiltsSupport the showIf you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.

Balancing Life and Business | Season 6 Kick-off!

Send us a textIn this episode, Tori and Andi kick off Season Six by discussing the challenges of work-life balance for entrepreneurs, particularly those in the quilting community. They explore the unrealistic expectations of balance, the importance of self-care, and the need to acknowledge tougher times. The conversation emphasizes the significance of structuring time for learning and creativity, utilizing time blocking for productivity, and the duality of being both a creative and a business owner. They also invite listeners to join Tori's upcoming book club and reflect on their own strategies for managing their time and responsibilities.Mentioned in the Episode (click to visit):Goal Planning Podcast EpisodeOur Interview with Karlee PorterBook Club for Workshops UnleashedJoin Fiber Fix Fam with Brandy (the Quilter on Fire) and Mel Beach, along with Tori, for a monthly creative boost!Don’t miss an episode! Like, comment, and subscribe for more quilting stories, tips, and industry insights.Chapters00:00 Kicking Off Season Six: Intentions and Planning02:48 Navigating Work-Life Balance as Entrepreneurs05:44 Understanding the Glass and Rubber Analogy08:37 The Importance of Self-Care and Acknowledging Grief11:42 Structuring Time for Learning and Creativity14:36 Time Blocking for Productivity17:30 Combining Marketing with Creative Time20:42 The Batman and Bruce Wayne Analogy23:32 Creating Accountability in Your Craft26:31 Final Thoughts on Balancing Life and BusinessWant More Quilting Business Content?🔗 Support us on Patreon for exclusive perks🔗 Grab Tori’s book, Workshops Unleashed📌 Follow us on InstagramCo-Hosts:Tori McElwain @heytori.techAndi Stanfield @truebluequiltsSupport the showIf you want more support with your quilting business, make sure to hit follow.