Online Business Launchpad | Start An Online Business | Online Business Growth

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By: Trudy Rankin

This podcast is for new and emerging online business owners who are determined to do what it takes to reach their financial goals, help people along the way and learn a bunch of useful new skills. Have a love/hate relationship with the tech? We talk about that. Not sure you have what it takes to achieve success? We talk about that, too, plus how to deal with mindset challenges. Trudy Rankin, Founder of the Online Business Program, shares actionable tips that will help you really get your business growing, as well as interviews with experts and inspiring stories so...

How to Turn “Useless” Website Traffic Into a New Revenue Stream with Philippa Gamse
#226
Last Tuesday at 9:00 PM

"If you’re not using analytics, you’re just shooting in the dark.”

Philippa Gamse doesn’t mince words—and she’s right. In this episode, Trudy chats with digital marketing strategist and analytics expert Philippa Gamse, who unpacks the powerful, often overlooked role analytics plays in business growth. “People look at the numbers and glaze over,” Philippa says. But once you know what to look for, data becomes a goldmine of insights. From why your visitors might never see your call-to-action to how a simple change boosted one client’s revenue with an eBook, this episode is packed with rea...


Episode 225: How She Made Over $140K on Amazon Without Selling a Thing with Andreea Matai
#225
06/24/2025

"It just seemed fun and easy—and I really didn’t have anything to lose."

That moment of curiosity led Andreea Matei into the world of the Amazon Influencer Program, and two years later, she’s turned it into a six-figure revenue stream. In this episode, Andreea breaks down exactly how she did it—from shooting 30-second videos to building multiple income streams, all without ever needing to show her face on camera. If you’ve ever wanted a realistic and accessible side hustle (or full-blown business), this one’s for you.

Andreea Matei is a seasoned A...


The Simple SEO Fixes That Most Entrepreneurs Ignore with SEO Expert Brandon Leibowitz
#224
06/10/2025

"I tell people: Google's a machine, not a person. You have to feed it the right signals." 

In this episode of the Online Business Launchpad podcast, Trudy sits down with SEO expert Brandon Leibowitz, founder of SEO Optimizers, who’s spent the last 15+ years helping small and medium businesses turn clicks into conversions. With his no-fluff approach to SEO, Brandon demystifies what it really takes to get your website found online, and why most entrepreneurs are spinning their wheels with outdated tactics.

Brandon’s journey started with a job board internship, evolved into a side hustl...


The Hidden Friction Killing Your Business Growth with Steve Anderson
#223
05/28/2025

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Steve Anderson — risk expert and bestselling author of The Bezos Letters — to explore how hidden friction points quietly drain momentum from your business.

If you’re ready to clear the roadblocks standing between you and your customers, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you move faster, serve better, and grow smarter.

Steve Anderson brings decades of experience at the intersection of insurance, technology, and business growth strategy. He’s the author of The Bezos Letters: 14 Principles to Grow Your Business Like Amazon, a Wall Street Jo...


Why Your Lurking Community Members Matter More Than You Think with Paul Gowder
#222
05/13/2025

"A community-first mindset means showing up for your people—even when they're just quietly watching." That’s how Paul Gowder, founder of PowWows.com, defines decades-long success in the online space. What started as a college hobby has blossomed into a vibrant, multimillion-follower platform celebrating Native American culture and proving that niche communities can not only survive but thrive in today’s noisy digital world.

Paul’s journey is a masterclass in staying true to your values, listening to your audience, and building engagement through heart, strategy, and the occasional well-placed email sequence.

We Also Talked A...


Mindset Shifts For Rebuilding Your Life When Everything Falls Apart with Coach Martin Salama
#221
04/30/2025

"The world doesn’t happen to you — it happens through you." — Martin Salama

What if losing millions, a home, a marriage, and a BMW all within a few months could actually be the best thing that ever happened to you? For Martin Salama, that's exactly what it was. In this episode, Martin shares how he transformed personal and financial disaster into a powerful coaching philosophy — one that helps entrepreneurs not just survive chaos, but thrive because of it.

Martin is known as The Architect of The Warrior's Life, a coach who specializes in helping people live inc...


What Burnout-Proof Leadership Really Looks Like (and How to Get There) with Dr Victoria Mensch
#220
04/16/2025

"You can’t out-hustle burnout. Trust me, I tried."

That’s the hard-earned insight from Dr. Victoria Mensch, who went from clinical psychologist to Silicon Valley high-achiever — and burned out in both. Now she teaches leaders how to create burnout-proof lives by mastering energy, not just calendars. In this episode, Victoria breaks down why traditional success so often leads to emotional exhaustion, and how you can build a life and business that leaves room for joy, not just productivity.

With a PhD in psychology and an MBA from UC Berkeley, Victoria brings both brain science and bo...


The One Thing Solopreneurs Get Wrong About Branding with Phillip Marzouk
#219
04/02/2025

“Marketing hasn’t fundamentally changed in 150 years. The tools have — but the core principles? Still the same.”

That’s Phillip Marzouk, branding strategist and marketing nerd (his words), explaining how modern business owners often get tripped up by tactics while missing the big-picture strategy. With a background spanning website development, airline marketing campaigns (hello, Hobbiton!), and helping mom-and-pop shops thrive, Phillip breaks down how solopreneurs can stop chasing every shiny tool and start focusing on what actually works.

Phillip has over 13 years of marketing experience, starting out in film before transitioning to the digital world. He’s led c...


The Mindset Shifts That Took Alan Lazaros from Burnout to Business Growth
#218
03/19/2025

Have you ever faced a moment in life that completely changed your trajectory? For Alan Lazaros, that moment came in the form of a near-fatal car accident. Once a corporate high-flyer with a successful career in engineering and business, Alan found himself questioning everything he thought he knew about success, fulfillment, and purpose. That moment of reckoning led him to embrace podcasting as a vehicle for growth, connection, and impact.

Fast forward to today, and Alan is the co-host of the Next Level University podcast, boasting nearly 2,000 episodes and a global reach. His journey is one of...


She Quit Her Job in Secret—Now Carol Kabaale Runs a Thriving Facebook Ads Agency
#217
03/05/2025

Have you ever felt stuck in a job you didn’t love and wondered if there was a way to break free? Carol Kabaale, a Meta-certified ad strategist, knows exactly what that’s like. She secretly quit her corporate job—without telling her fiancĂ©.

As Carol puts it, “I just knew if I told everyone around me, they’d talk me out of it, so I kept quiet and built my plan in secret. And it worked.”

In this episode, Carol shares how she went from her first client to a full-fledged agency, the smart ad strategies...


Self-Publishing Like a Pro: Michele DeFilippo’s Guide to Indie Success
#216
02/19/2025

Have you ever wanted to write a book but got totally lost in the complexities of trying to do it through traditional publishing channels? What if you could bring your manuscript to life, maintain full creative control, and keep more of the profits by self-publishing? 

In this episode, I sit down with Michele DeFilippo, a publishing expert with over 50 years of experience, who shares her journey from traditional publishing to helping self-published authors create high-quality books that stand shoulder to shoulder with bestsellers. As Michele says, "Real self-publishing means you are in charge, you control your book, a...


Selling with Heart: How to Turn Sales into Service with Nicky Billou
#215
02/06/2025

What if the only thing standing between you and success was a mindset shift? According to entrepreneur, Nicky Billou, 

"Without sales, there's no business. And if you're scared of sales, you're scared of service." 

In this episode, we dive into what it means to truly serve in business and how shifting your mindset can transform not only your revenue but also your impact.

Nicky’s journey is inspiring. From leaving Iran as a teenager to becoming a best-selling author and highly sought-after business coach, he shares how his father’s values of generosity and se...


Why Working Harder Isn’t the Answer—and What to Do Instead with Donna Dube
#214
01/23/2025

“I was working way more than I should have been—and it was my husband who sat me down and said, ‘This family is going to break if you don’t make a change."

For Donna Dube, a former ICU nurse turned business operations expert, that moment was a wake-up call. In this episode, Donna shares how she transformed her life by setting boundaries, leveraging time management strategies, and focusing on what she calls “CEO-level work.” Her insights can help you escape the busywork trap and build a business that works for you, not the other way around.

...


How Mechanic Den LĂłpez Escaped the 9-to-5 and Turned His Passion into Profit
#213
01/09/2025

Den López was sick of missing time with his family and craved the freedom to pursue his passion.  So he left his 16-year career as a mechanic and built his dream business teaching guitar.

“I needed something I could get control of,” he said 

Tune in to discover how Den turned his passion for teaching into a thriving online business and how you can apply his insights to your own journey.

Den Lopez is an innovative guitar teacher and the creator of the "Guitar in One Hour" method. With over 25 years of experie...


The 24/7 Marketing Flywheel That Will Free Up Time and Grow Your Business With Victoria Hajjar
#212
12/05/2024

Do you ever feel like you’re on a hamster wheel, always serving clients but never finding the time to grow your own business? As veteran Chief Marketing Officer Victoria Hajjar puts it, “It’s the biggest mistake you can make for your future—neglecting to build your own marketing engine.” 

So are you ready to build a marketing engine that works for you instead of the other way around? 

Tune in to this week’s episode  and listen as Victoria shares how you can move from burnout to brilliance with a 24/7 marketing flywheel that scales your bus...


How Small Businesses Can Use AI to Save Time and Boost Revenue with Sami Hero
#211
11/20/2024

“AI is moving at light speed, but it’s not here to replace people. It’s here to augment our expertise and make us more efficient.” – Sami Hero

In this episode of the Online Business Launchpad podcast, Sami Hero, a seasoned expert in AI and technology, unpacks how small businesses can leverage AI without getting lost in the complexity. From streamlining customer service to creating targeted marketing campaigns, Sami shares practical advice for business owners on using AI to solve real problems and improve efficiency.

Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or a growing team, Sami’s insig...


Navigating Web Accessibility with Blind But Unstoppable Maxwell Ivey
#210
11/07/2024

Imagine navigating the online world without being able to see it. For most of us, it's a quick look, click, and scroll. But for Maxwell Ivey, who is blind, accessing the digital world takes screen readers, patience, and grit.

In this episode, Max reveals his journey from learning to code out of necessity (while blind) to founding the Accessibility Advantage Consultancy, which advocates for a truly inclusive digital experience. Max's story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and why accessibility isn’t just important—it’s essential.

Max (aka "the Blind Blogger,") has be...


How SEO Still Pays Big in an AI World With SEO Expert Edd Dawson
#209
10/23/2024

Ever wonder how you could build a seven-figure business purely through SEO? Edd Dawson has done it—and he’s here to share how. He’s cracked the code on driving millions of visitors to websites, generating serious revenue, and selling his businesses for over a million dollars. If you’ve ever questioned whether SEO is still relevant in a world of AI dominance, this episode is for you. Edd dives into how SEO has evolved and its future alongside AI advancements.

Edd Dawson is a 20-year veteran of the SEO industry, having launched one of the UK's fir...


Build These 9 Habits And Watch Your Confidence Soar
#208
10/09/2024

Confidence doesn't magically appear overnight. It’s built step by step, just like a muscle. In this episode, you'll discover nine actionable habits that will help you silence your inner critic and move forward with unwavering confidence. Ready to strengthen your confidence muscle?

This episode dives into nine essential habits that help build lasting confidence, from breaking down intimidating tasks to celebrating small wins and learning from rejection.

Want to learn how to build lasting confidence? Listen to this episode now! 

Want to be notified when new episodes come up? Sign up here.

...


Niching for Success: How to Stand Out as a Translator with Jason Willis-Lee
#207
09/26/2024

Ever had one of those days where everything goes wrong? That was me a few weeks when I realized – with a sinking heart – that I hadn’t hit the record button after a brilliant interview with my guest, Jason Willis-Lee. Fortunately, he graciously agreed to a redo, and I’m thrilled because his journey from studying medicine to becoming a thriving freelance medical translator is full of insights. If you’ve ever wondered about niching down, adapting to AI, or growing a freelance business, Jason’s got answers for you.

Jason Willis-Lee has been a professional medical translator f...


Ditch the Launch: How To Build Consistent Course Sales With An Evergreen Funnel With Caitlin Bacher
#206
09/11/2024

Ever felt like you're stuck on a never-ending launch hamster wheel, dreading the next big push for your course? Caitlin Bacher has been there. She went from launching flop after flop to discovering a game-changing strategy that turned her $297 course into a million-dollar powerhouse—all without the stress of launching. 

Curious as to how she did it? This episode is packed with practical insights that could save your sanity and skyrocket your sales.

Caitlin Bacher is not just another course creator; she’s a master of the Evergreen model, with over seven years of experience selli...


How Positive Storytelling Can Transform Your Marketing: Insights from Kirsty Boden-Stuart
#205
08/28/2024

Ever had a career plan that completely fell apart, only to lead you to something even better? Kirsty Boden-Stuart did. She quit her job to start an ad agency, which quickly fizzled out. But instead of giving up, she turned to writing to make ends meet—and accidentally stumbled into a whole new career as the Head of Marketing for one of London’s largest social care organizations. And then she started her own side hustle helping freelance writers start their careers. 

Curious how she made the leap? This episode is packed with gems you won’t want to...


Mastering Voice of Customer Research for Business Success with Suzanne Reilley
#204
08/14/2024

Ever wondered how to truly understand your customers' needs? Suzanne Reilley faced the same challenge when she started as a personal trainer with no business background. Despite this, she successfully built a thriving business by mastering the art of listening to her clients. Curious about her journey and strategies? You’re in for a treat!

Suzanne Reilley is a seasoned business coach, marketing strategist, and copy advisor who has worked with hundreds of clients. Her expertise has been featured in prominent publications like The Washington Post and Daily Candy. Suzanne’s unique approach and proven track record make...


Episode 203: The Essential Guide to Home Studio Mastery with Junaid Ahmed
#203
07/31/2024

Have you ever found yourself frustrated with your podcast setup? Meet Junaid Ahmed, who transformed his cluttered basement into a top-notch studio during the pandemic. How did he do it? By merging his love for technology and film. Curious? Stick around to hear his fascinating journey and pro tips for setting up your own podcast studio.

Junaid Ahmed is a seasoned expert in podcast studio setup, with a rich background in technology, film, and graphic design. He has consulted over 200 individuals on optimizing their podcast spaces and is the author of the soon-to-be-released book, "Home Studio Mastery."<...


Why Relationship-Focused Marketing Just Works With Jacob Jacobson
#138
07/19/2024

Ever thought about how your current skills could be the key to your entrepreneurial success? Jacob Jacobson did just that when he transitioned from working in a church to starting his own business. He discovered that the marketing skills he honed in the church world were exactly what small businesses needed. Join us as Jacob shares his journey and the unique approach that has fueled his success.

Jacob Jacobson is the founder of CloudWorks, a thriving agency dedicated to helping small businesses establish a strong online presence. With a background in pastoral ministry and extensive experience in...


Proven Strategies For Building A Thriving SaaS Portfolio With Michael Frew
#201
07/03/2024

Michael Frew is a seasoned engineer-turned-entrepreneur who specializes in acquiring SaaS (Software as a Service) businesses. In this episode, we dive into Michael's journey and his role in managing a portfolio of SaaS businesses for WebStreet. 

Michael shares the nitty-gritty of why buying a SaaS business is often better than building one and offers valuable insights on everything from the acquisition process to dealing with the psychological impact of selling a business. 

Whether you're a developer concerned about AI taking your job and looking for alternatives, or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with ac...


Proven Strategies For Getting Fast Feedback On Your Content
#200
06/20/2024

Have you ever spent hours crafting content, only to wonder if it's hitting the mark with your audience? I found myself in that exact spot while creating a lead magnet, struggling to pick the perfect hero image. 

Ever been there? Stick around, because in today’s episode I'm taking a look at a game-changing method for getting quick, actionable feedback on your content.

I talk about:

The challenges of getting timely feedback: Why it's so tricky to get people to respond to your surveys and polls. Traditional vs. modern feedback methods: From asking family and...


From Social Worker to Six-Figure Freelance Writer With Lindy Alexander
#199
06/06/2024

Have you ever thought about turning your personal stories or opinions into a profitable side hustle? Even in a world dominated by AI and shifting economies, if you can string together sentences that get people wanting more, it's absolutely possible. 

In this episode, we're diving deep into the secrets of getting started as a freelance writer with Lindy Alexander, an award-winning freelance travel writer who turned her writing passion into a successful career.

With her rich background that includes social work, sign language interpretation, and a Ph.D., Lindy brings a unique and holistic approach t...


How a 24-Year-Old Entrepreneur Turned a Government Dilemma into a Booming Business With Greg Berry
#198
05/22/2024

At just 24 years old, Greg Berry was elected as a city councilor and quickly spotted a major problem: government organizations were struggling to get fair value for their surplus items when they sold them.

Determined to find a solution, Greg leveraged his IT expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to create Municibid, an online platform that has since revolutionized government auctions.

His innovative approach not only solved a persistent issue but also transformed the way surplus items are bought and sold in the US and some parts of Canada.

Greg joined me on the show...


Why Your Emails Aren’t Always Reaching Inboxes And What To Do About It with Tech Expert MV Braverman
#197
05/08/2024

Ever wondered if your emails are disappearing into a digital abyss, never to be seen or read by the people on your list? Imagine how bad that would be for your business if your carefully crafted messages never reach their destinations. 

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of email deliverability with tech expert MV Braverman to ensure your emails not only send but also land exactly where they should.

MV Braverman is not just an expert on email systems; she's a seasoned warrior in making sure digital communications hit their mark. With e...


How To Get Your Email System Past First Gear With Expert Kay Peacey
#196
04/24/2024

Have you ever worried that your email platform is nothing more than an expensive drag on your business? 

And that you’re not getting everything out of it that you could?  Like a parked Ferrari languishing in the driveway?

In this episode we dive deep into how ActiveCampaign can revolutionize the way you connect with your customers and transform routine tasks into powerful customer relationships.

My guest is former maths teacher turned tech guru, Kay Peacey.  Kay is a world-leading expert in using ActiveCampaign to supercharge your business and email automation. And her exper...


How to Continuously Improve Your Business Without Burning Out
#195
04/18/2024

Ever found yourself frustrated while waiting in line? Imagine turning that idle time into a goldmine for your business! In today’s episode, host, Trudy Rankin dives into how a surprise waiting period turned into an opportunity to employ the '1 Percent Up' technique—fine-tuning her business in ways that are simple yet significantly impactful over time.

She also talks about:

The transformative power of adopting small, continual improvements in your business operations. Real-life insights on using downtime effectively to plan business enhancements. Practical tips for incrementally boosting your business's performance and visibility. How the '1 Perc...


Design Stunning Visuals In Less Time With Canva Verified Expert Brenda Cadman
#194
04/10/2024

Imagine stumbling upon a tool that not only lifts your content creation game but also revolutionizes the way you organise your design workflow. Brenda Cadman did just that with Canva, transforming her graphic design process from chaos to streamlined simplicity.

Dive into this episode as Brenda shares her journey from discovering Canva in its early days to becoming a Canva verified expert, and how it has become an indispensable part of her content strategy.

Brenda Cadman brings over two decades of experience in website development and digital education, specializing in Canva. As one of the...


How To Easily Discover Captivating Content Ideas With This Topic Brainstorming Framework
#193
04/04/2024

If you have to regularly create content, do you struggle to find topics to cover?  Whether you’re a podcaster, blogger, writer, you-name-it, it can be tough trying to overcome the old “blank page, blank mind” syndrome.

In today’s episode, host Trudy Rankin shares her 3-step process for coming up with content topics, no matter what.  Does it take a little bit of thought to make the process work?  Yes.  But is applying that process more effective than staring at a screen for hours?  Definitely yes.

Listen to the full episode to learn Trudy's complete proc...


How This Plumber Successfully Traded His 70+Hour Work Weeks For Online Business Freedom With Jaryd Krause
#192
03/27/2024

Are you sick of working long hours?  Long commutes?  Tedious, exhausting tasks?

Imagine being able to quit your job and replace your entire income by simply buying an existing online business - no more sleepless nights worrying about starting from scratch. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, that's exactly what Jaryd Krause did after years of backbreaking work as a plumber. In this candid interview, he pulls back the curtain on the realities of acquiring and growing digital assets.

Jaryd went from burnt-out tradesman putting in 70+ hour weeks to successful online entrepreneur, buying an...


How To Get More Done In Less Time With Less Stress
#191
03/21/2024

Do you constantly feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish everything on your to-do list?

Imagine being able to squeeze more into your day without feeling overwhelmed or like you're constantly running out of time. In this practical episode, Host, Trudy Rankin, unveils her tried-and-true strategies for maximizing productivity and getting more done in a day.

Trudy also talks about:

The importance of planning and scheduling repetitive tasks to stay focused and productive. A four-step process to standardize tasks and identify areas for automation. Using the Eisenhower Decision Matrix an...


5 Powerful Daily Rituals For Productivity Gains And Stress Reduction
#190
03/13/2024

Do you often feel overwhelmed and like there's never enough time in the day? 

You're not alone. 

As a too-busy solopreneur or small business owner, it's easy to get bogged down in the daily grind and lose sight of what really matters.

So in this episode, Trudy Rankin shares the 5 powerful daily rituals that she uses to stay focused, boost productivity, and avoid burnout.

Trudy brings a wealth of experience to the table, having run her own online business for nine years and helped hundreds of people grow their online businesses.

...


How To Boost Your Visibility and Authority On LinkedIn
#189
03/06/2024

Have you spent years crafting your professional identity, building a solid reputation, and networking with industry peers? But when you look at your LinkedIn profile, it's a relic of the past, a dusty snapshot that fails to capture the dynamic professional you've become. 

Sound familiar? You're not alone. Many of us have neglected our LinkedIn presence, unaware of its true potential as a powerful personal branding and business growth tool. 

Joining us is Lynnaire Johnston, the founder of Link*Ability and an internationally regarded expert on leveraging LinkedIn for professional success. With a background in jo...


How You Can Stand Out In A Crowded Niche With This Soul Food Blogger’s Winning Formula
#188
02/29/2024

Are you in a crowded niche where it feels almost impossible to stand out?  And you’re looking for ways to build your customer base?

Shaunda Necole is an influencer and online business owner who has successfully built multiple blogs, podcasts and monetisation streams around her passion for food and travel.

In just two years, she built her blog The Soul Food Pot into Google's #1 site for Southern soul food. 

Part of the secret to Shaunda’s success was niche-ing down - she took iconic African American recipes and reimagined them using modern kitche...


How To Get Client Testimonials Without Having To Beg
#187
02/22/2024

Have you ever felt awkward about asking clients for a testimonial?  Or reached out to a client for a review or recommendation and got back crickets?  

In this episode, Trudy Rankin shares four tips to get amazing client testimonials without having to feel embarrassed about asking.

Trudy helps busy business owners create and sell new online products and services that people want, without having to work harder or hire a big team. 

Want to hear more about getting testimonials to grow your business? Listen to the full podcast episode here.  And subscribe to be no...