You Can’t Grow Your Business Without a Strategy or End Goal

by Anne Clark | Sep 20, 2025 | Business, Customer Journey

Too often I hear business owners say, “I want to grow my business” and then… silence. No clarity, no action plan, no roadmap. Wanting growth is one thing, but without a defined strategy or end goal, you are just wishing, not building.

So, let’s start with the obvious questions:

How do you want to grow it? Is it through more sales of digital products, more coaching clients, or more service offerings?
What funnels do you have in place to lead people to take those actions?
How are you showing up so that people can actually find you?

We are not living in the movie Field of Dreams. You can’t just build it and expect them to come. Your job is to showcase, educate, and guide your audience toward the outcome you want them to take. Assuming people just “get” what you want them to do only leads to one thing: disappointment.

Think of Your Business Like a Street Map

Picture your business as a map. You know the destination you want to reach, but there are many routes to get there. You need to create and support those different pathways so that your customers can safely arrive where you want them to go.

For example:

A coach says they want more clients but only posts randomly on Instagram. Without a funnel, the posts lead nowhere, so bookings stay flat.
A digital product creator spends weeks building a gorgeous sales page, but never runs ads, creates emails, or shares it with their audience. No one buys because no one knows it exists.

Both had destinations, but no clear routes to get there.

This is a Customer Journey

Your customer journey is not a straight line. You need to ask:

Where are they coming from?
What pain point or problem are you solving?
How will you show them you are the expert they need in their life?

Once they arrive, what happens next? Do they continue with you? Do they step away and return later? What points of the journey keep them connected to you?

The more clearly you can picture their journey, the more you can design and nurture those touchpoints. This is what keeps people supported and talking about you to others.

Start Mapping Today

Here are three steps to get you moving right now:

Define your growth goal — Do you want more clients, more digital product sales, or more visibility?
Map your funnel — What lead magnets, offers, or pathways exist to guide people to your goal?
Show up consistently — Choose how and where you will educate, guide, and attract the right people.

Growth Comes From Relationships

Remember, your focus should not always be on chasing new customers. Your existing clients are your biggest asset. I have built much of my business through referrals because I always aim to go above and beyond. People remember that.

Sometimes the journey does not unfold the way we desire, and that is okay. Every experience is an opportunity to refine the path and make sure it works for you, not against you, moving forward.

The truth is simple. You cannot grow your business if you don’t have a strategy or an end goal. Define the path, nurture the journey, and show up as the guide your customers need.

FREE Customer Journey Mapping

👉 Download a copy of my new ebook & workbook on Customer Journey Mapping to help you visualise, design, and refine your own business roadmap. It will walk you through how to map your customer’s journey from start to finish so you can grow with clarity and purpose.

Why I Chose to Let a Client Go (and Why It Was the Best Decision for My Business)

by Anne Clark | Aug 5, 2025 | Business, Spiritual Entrepreneurs, Spirituality

Letting go of a client is never easy, especially when you pour your heart into your work and take pride in delivering to a high standard. But sometimes, the hardest decisions are the most necessary ones.

This wasn’t a decision I made lightly. In fact, I fought with both my head and my heart over it. I wanted to finish the project. I wanted to honour my commitment. I wanted to maintain my professional integrity. But I also couldn’t ignore how their energy was beginning to compromise mine.

Their constant pressure and lack of space for creativity started creeping into every part of my process. Instead of collaborating, they hovered. Instead of trusting, they micro-managed. And instead of flowing, I found myself second-guessing every step, doubting my capabilities, and even, uncharacteristically, making mistakes.

That’s not me. I’ve built my business over the past 14 years by being the calm, confident one behind the scenes. The one who delivers, creates, and supports with integrity and clarity.

And yet, I was shrinking.

Looking back, the signs were there early. I saw them. I felt them. But I talked myself out of them because this client came through a referral from someone I truly admire. So I ignored the red flags, and that’s on me.

Working with them felt less like a professional partnership and more like being stuck in a chaotic dating scenario where one person is so desperate to make it work, they bulldoze everything in their path. They threw every possible idea at me with no real strategy. They wouldn’t take my advice, even though I’ve been doing this a long time. Their words didn’t match their actions. And instead of co-creating, they had me doing everything—messaging, content, strategy, you name it. That’s not what I was hired for, and I’m not an expert in their field. I’m an expert in mine.

Still, I showed up. I delivered. I researched. I stretched myself. I gave them my best.

And yet, it wasn’t enough for them.

The turning point? I woke up one morning and didn’t want to start work on my own business.

That was the moment I knew something had to change.

Because I love what I do. I’ve worked long, hard hours over the past 14 years, but I’ve never resented it. I’m fuelled by passion, purpose, and the amazing people I get to support. But this one client was dimming that light, and worse, they were affecting how I showed up for the clients I do love working with.

So I chose me. I chose my energy. I chose my business.

I let them go.

And here’s what I’ve learned (or rather, relearned): Your energy is your most valuable business asset. You can’t do your best work in an environment that doesn’t feel safe, aligned, or respectful. And no amount of money, referral, or obligation is worth sacrificing your peace for.

If you’re a service provider reading this and you’re stuck in a client relationship that makes you feel small, compromised, or creatively blocked, this is your permission slip.

You can be professional and still protect your peace. You can be committed and still draw a line. You can love what you do and still choose to walk away.

And most importantly, you can always choose you.

How to Grow Your Business Online Without Wasting Time

by Anne Clark | Jun 27, 2025 | Business, Digital Marketing, Online Business Manager, Spiritual Entrepreneurs

Digital Marketing Strategies That Actually Work: How to Grow Your Business Online Without Wasting Time

Let’s be real — digital marketing can feel like a giant jigsaw puzzle with too many pieces. One minute you’re hearing about algorithms and the next, someone’s telling you to post three Reels a day and become besties with your email list.

Overwhelming? Absolutely.
Doable? Totally — once you know what matters.

Digital marketing is no longer a “nice-to-have” — it’s the beating heart of how modern businesses connect, convert and grow. Whether you’re brand new or just ready to level up, this guide will walk you through the essentials in a clear, no-fluff way.

Let’s dive into digital marketing that actually drives results (without driving you crazy).

Why Digital Marketing Is a Big Deal

Everyone (and we mean everyone) is online. Your dream customers are scrolling, searching, tapping and double-tapping their way through content every day — and they’re looking for brands and businesses that get them.

That’s where digital marketing shines. It helps you:

Show up in the right place at the right time
Build genuine relationships
Track what’s working so you can tweak as you grow
Reach more people without breaking the bank

And unlike old-school marketing, you can actually see what’s working in real time. From traffic and clicks to sign-ups and sales — it’s all measurable.

Meet the Digital Marketing Dream Team

Here’s a breakdown of the main players in your marketing toolkit — and why they matter.

✨ SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)

Get found on Google by the people who are already searching for what you offer. It’s all about using the right keywords, writing great content and making sure your website plays nice with search engines.

Content Marketing

This is your chance to shine. Blog posts, videos, podcasts, freebies — content lets you educate, inspire and connect with your audience without being salesy.

Social Media

Whether you love Reels, lives or just want to post once a week — social media helps you build a community, show your personality and grow brand awareness.

Email Marketing

Your email list is pure gold. It’s the one space where you own the audience and get to show up directly in someone’s inbox. Use it wisely and it will love you back.

PPC (Pay-Per-Click)

If you do want to dip your toes into paid advertising, PPC lets you run highly targeted ads on search engines or social platforms. Great for a traffic boost when used strategically.

Set SMART Goals (Not Just Vague Intentions)

Before you jump into posting, planning or creating, pause and get clear. Your digital marketing will only work if it’s anchored in solid goals.

Think SMART:

Specific: “Grow my Instagram by 500 followers” not “get more followers”
Measurable: Use data to track progress
Achievable: Keep it realistic for your time, skills and budget
Relevant: Tie goals back to your bigger business mission
Time-bound: Give yourself deadlines (and maybe a reward when you hit them)

Building a Digital Strategy That Doesn’t Suck

Here’s your roadmap to creating a strategy that’s intentional, creative and effective.

1. Know Your People

Who are you talking to? What are they struggling with? What lights them up? Create a clear picture (aka buyer persona) and write for that person — not everyone on the internet.

2. Do Keyword Research

Find out what your ideal client is searching for. Use tools like Ubersuggest or Google’s Keyword Planner to find terms you can use in your blogs, site and content.

3. Create Value-Driven Content

Whether it’s an email, an Instagram post or a video — every piece of content should serve a purpose:

Solve a problem
Share a story
Inspire action
Build connection

4. Use Social Media Intentionally

You don’t need to be everywhere. Pick 1–2 platforms you enjoy and show up consistently with value, personality and purpose. Plan ahead with a content calendar so you’re not scrambling every day.

5. Send Better Emails

No more “Hey there” and ghosting your list. Segment your audience, personalise your emails and send stuff they’d actually want to read.

6. Explore Paid Ads (If It Feels Right)

Once you’ve got a solid organic foundation, consider using Facebook or Google Ads to amplify your reach. Start small, test often and track what’s working.

Track What Matters

If you’re not measuring, you’re guessing. Use tools like:

Google Analytics (track website traffic and behaviour)
SEMrush or Ubersuggest (SEO insights)
Mailchimp or ConvertKit (email open and click rates)
Hootsuite or Later (social media scheduling and performance)

Look at what’s driving results and double down on what’s working.

Digital marketing doesn’t have to feel like a full-time job

Digital marketing doesn’t have to feel like a full-time job (even though it could be). When done well — and with intention — it can become the engine that fuels your visibility, connection and income.

Start where you are. Use what you have. Focus on real connection over perfection.
And remember — it’s okay to experiment and evolve.

Not sure where to begin? Book in for a chat and let’s talk about your business goals, what’s working and where we can optimise your digital presence.

Why You Feel Like You’re Doing Everything but Still Not Getting Anywhere

by Anne Clark | Jun 22, 2025 | Business, CEO, Online Business Manager

The truth behind the overwhelm (and how to finally shift it)

If you’re a solopreneur who’s working non-stop but still feels like nothing is moving forward, you’re not alone.

You’re ticking off tasks, replying to emails, creating content, onboarding clients, updating your website, brainstorming your next offer… and yet you end the week wondering:

“Why does it still feel like I’m behind?”
“Why am I always in reactive mode?”
“Is this what running a business is supposed to feel like?”

Let’s get really honest — doing everything is not the same as leading your business.

You’re Working In It, Not On It

Most service-based business owners start by wearing all the hats — it’s how we build momentum. But eventually, doing all the things becomes the very thing that holds us back.

When you’re constantly inside the day-to-day delivery, there’s no space for strategy, reflection or growth. You stay stuck in the cycle of busyness, even though what you really crave is clarity.

If your calendar is full but your vision feels fuzzy, this is your wake-up call:
You don’t need to do more. You need to lead differently.

The Real Problem: No Clear CEO Role

You’re the heart and brain of your business, but have you ever defined your actual role?

When your to-do list includes everything from admin to ads, it’s no wonder you feel exhausted.

As a CEO, your role is to:

Set the direction of your business
Make high-level decisions
Protect your energy
Focus on what actually moves the needle

But when you’re buried in Canva graphics and invoice reminders, there’s no space for that.

The Sneaky Cost of Doing It All

Here’s what I’ve seen over and over in my work with clients:

They feel scattered and unsure of what to prioritise
They underprice their services because they’re constantly in survival mode
They create more offers instead of refining the ones that work
They resent their business (but feel guilty about it)

None of that is your fault. But it is your responsibility to change it.

The Shift: From Doer to Digital CEO

This shift is more than mindset — it’s structural.

You need:

Systems that support you
A calendar that reflects your energy
Offers that scale instead of drain
A business that makes sense on paper and feels right in your gut

And most of all? You need to reclaim your role as the one driving the business forward — not the one constantly chasing your tail.

Ready to Make That Shift?

That’s exactly why I created The Digital CEO Playbook.

It’s your roadmap to building a business that runs with structure, intention and flow — so you can stop managing chaos and start leading with clarity.

Inside the playbook, you’ll learn how to: