That’s where the CLEAR method comes into play.

This innovative approach expands upon the well-known SMART goals concept, emphasizing aspects crucial in modern settings: Collaboration, Limitation, Emotional connection, Appreciability, and Refinability.

Let’s delve into how CLEAR goals can be practically applied in various real-life scenarios, demonstrating their versatility and effectiveness.

Transforming Tech Projects: A Collaborative Approach

In the dynamic world of tech startups, project management often demands rapid adaptation and teamwork.

The CLEAR method shines here. For instance, consider a cross-functional team working on a new software feature.

This project is not just a series of tasks; it’s a collaborative endeavor where different departments – engineering, design, and marketing – come together with their unique expertise.

Setting a three-month deadline for the prototype (Limited) keeps the team focused while breaking the project into smaller tasks (Appreciable) makes it manageable.

The key, however, lies in the emotional investment (Emotional) – framing the project as an opportunity for innovation and industry impact.

As the project evolves, feedback and new insights lead to goal refinement (Refinable), showcasing the method’s adaptability.

Goal Breakdown:

1. Project Management in a Tech Startup:
   • Collaborative: A cross-functional team is formed to develop a new software feature. Team members from engineering, design, and marketing work together to ensure all aspects of the project are covered.
   • Limited: The goal is set to complete the prototype within three months, keeping the team focused and driven by a clear deadline.
   • Emotional: The project is framed not just as a task, but as an opportunity to innovate and create something that could revolutionize a part of the industry, which excites and motivates the team.
   • Appreciable: The larger goal of creating the software is broken down into smaller tasks like design mockups, coding specific modules, and market research, making it more manageable.
   • Refinable: As the project progresses, feedback from early testers leads to changes in design and functionality, showing adaptability in goal refinement.

Personal Fitness: A Journey of Collaboration and Adaptation

Personal goals, like training for a half-marathon, also benefit from the CLEAR approach. Imagine partnering with a friend for training.

This collaboration not only brings shared motivation but also a sense of accountability.

Setting a six-month training period (Limited) provides a clear timeline, while the emotional aspect (Emotional) could stem from running in memory of a loved one.

Breaking down the training into smaller, weekly goals (Appreciable) makes the process less daunting. Injuries or life events might require adjustments to the training plan or race date (Refinable), again highlighting the method’s flexibility.

Goal Breakdown:

1. Personal Fitness Goals:
   • Collaborative: A person teams up with a friend to train for a half-marathon, creating a support system where both encourage and motivate each other.
   • Limited: They set a goal to run the half-marathon in six months, giving them a clear timeline for their training regimen.
   • Emotional: The goal is tied to personal significance, such as running in memory of a loved one or achieving a lifelong dream, providing a strong emotional drive.
   • Appreciable: The training is broken into smaller weekly goals, starting with shorter runs and gradually increasing distance and intensity, making the overall goal less daunting.
   • Refinable: If injuries or other life events occur, they adjust their training plan and possibly even the race date, showing flexibility in their approach.

Educational Goals: Fostering Engagement and Flexibility in Learning

In an educational setting, CLEAR goals can revolutionize project-based learning. When students work in groups on a semester-long project, they learn to harness collaborative skills.

The project, chosen based on students’ interests (Emotional), is broken down into stages like research, planning, and execution (Appreciable), making the task more approachable.

A semester-end deadline (Limited) provides a structured timeframe, while the flexibility to refine the project focus (Refinable) as they gain more insights encourages adaptability and critical thinking.

Goal Breakdown:

1. Educational Goals in a Classroom:
   • Collaborative: Students work in groups on a semester-long project, encouraging collaboration and collective problem-solving.
   • Limited: The project has a deadline at the end of the semester, giving students a clear timeframe to work within.
   • Emotional: The project is chosen based on students’ interests, such as a real-world issue they are passionate about, fostering a deeper emotional connection to the work.
   • Appreciable: The project is broken down into stages (research, planning, execution, presentation), making the process more manageable and less overwhelming.
   • Refinable: As students learn more about the subject, they are encouraged to refine their project focus or methods, adapting to new information and insights.

Conclusion: A Framework for Today’s World

The CLEAR method is more than just a goal-setting framework; it’s a philosophy that aligns with today’s need for flexibility, collaboration, and emotional engagement.

Whether it’s in a fast-paced tech startup, personal development, or educational setting, CLEAR goals offer a structured yet adaptable approach.

By fostering collaboration, setting limited and manageable tasks, connecting goals with emotions, and allowing for refinement, this method paves the way for achieving objectives effectively in our ever-changing world.

Are you thinking of giving your blog or website a fresh new look?

That’s fantastic!

Rebranding can breathe new life into your online presence.

But, it’s not just about slapping on a new logo or color scheme; it involves careful planning and strategic thinking.

Let’s dive into the essential steps and SEO tips you need to nail this rebranding journey.

The 10 Commandments of Rebranding

When it comes to rebranding a blog or a website I would call myself an expert in it.

During my digital marketing journey, I have changed my food blog 3 times. Also, I was a part of the team behind the visual upgrade of my digital agency website and social media channels.

Lastly, I have recently helped a few clients to go through the same transition you are currently thinking about.

For some, this would look like a simple job to do. But the truth is the opposite.

Rebranding a blog or a website needs to be planned and executed with chirurgic precision.

Here is what to remember before you start:

1. Vision and Goals: First things first, why are you rebranding? What do you want to achieve? Get this clear in your head.
2. Know Your Audience: Who are you trying to impress? Understanding your audience is key.
3. Check Out the Competition: What are others doing? Learn from them but carve your path.
4. Brand Identity Makeover: Time for a new look! Think logos, colors, fonts – the works.
5. Content Is King: Align your content with your new brand persona.
6. SEO Savvy: Don’t let your SEO efforts go down the drain. Keep them aligned with your new brand.
7. Website Facelift: Your website design should scream “New me!”
8. Spread the Word: How will you tell the world about your new brand? Plan it out.
9. Feedback and Flexibility: Listen to what people say and be ready to tweak things.
10. The Legal Stuff: Don’t step on any legal toes. Check trademarks and domain names.

Evaluating the Pros and Cons

The Upside of Rebranding:

• New Audience Appeal: A revamped brand can captivate new visitors while rejuvenating interest among existing followers.
• Staying Current: Rebranding keeps you in sync with evolving market trends, ensuring your brand doesn’t get left behind.
• Unique Identity: Stand out from the competition with a distinct and memorable brand identity.

The Challenges:

• Risk of Losing Loyal Fans: Change isn’t always welcome; some long-time followers might not connect with the new brand.
• Investment Required: Rebranding involves more than just cosmetic changes; it can be a significant financial and resource investment.
• SEO Adjustments: A rebrand can disrupt your established SEO rankings, requiring careful planning to regain and improve your position.

SEO: The Crucial Element in Successful Rebranding

Navigating URL Changes: If you’re tweaking your URLs, set up proper redirects. This preserves your hard-earned SEO rankings and ensures users find your new pages seamlessly.

Keyword Strategy Refresh: As your brand evolves, so should your keyword strategy. Ensure your new branding is reflected in your SEO efforts to maintain relevance and visibility.

Revitalizing Your Content: Refresh your content to align with your new brand identity while maintaining its SEO potency. This balance is key to retaining your audience and search engine rankings.

Enhancing Site Architecture: A user-friendly site structure is vital for visitor satisfaction and search engine crawling. Ensure your new design is intuitive and accessible.

Managing Backlink Profile: As you rebrand, update your backlinks to reflect your new identity. Maintaining the quality and relevance of backlinks is essential for sustaining your SEO strength.

Conclusion: A New Chapter Awaits!

So there you have it – the A to Z of rebranding your blog or website. Remember, it’s a blend of creativity and strategy.

You’re not just changing a look; you’re setting a new course for your online presence. Embrace the journey, and here’s to your stunning new brand!

Answer Engines are quickly becoming the superheroes of the digital age.

I have to tell you that I am very satisfied with this direction.

Honestly, I am getting bored of Google SERPs. In my opinion, the results are becoming obsolete.

To get an answer you have to read through several results. And many times those results are outdated, not relevant, and don’t contain the right answers.

What I like about Answer Engines is that they’re not about giving you pages to browse like Google.

Also, they are not about having a chat like with ChatGPT.

In our fast-paced world, where time is precious, and accuracy is key, these engines are like your personal shortcut to knowledge.

Let me explain.

What’s the Deal with Traditional Search Engines (like Google)?

Think of Google as the grand library of the internet.

You ask a question, and it gives you a list of books (websites, actually) where you might find your answers.

It’s like a treasure map – you have the clues, but you need to do some digging.

And Then, There’s ChatGPT

ChatGPT?

That’s like having a chat with a really smart friend who knows a lot about a lot.

You ask a question, and it gives you a detailed answer like you’re texting. It’s great for explanations and sometimes feels like you’re talking to a human.

On the other hand, the information is not fact-checked and based on the latest data.

Unless you specify this in your prompt, so your ChatGPT can access Bing and look for the answers online.

Enter the World of Answer Engines (like Perplexity.ai)

Now, answer engines are the game-changers.

You ask them something and boom – you get a straight answer, no treasure hunt, no ads or promoted content, no long chats.

They’re like that friend who gets straight to the point.

So, What’s the Big Difference?

1. Google: Gives you links. You need to click and read through to find your answers.
2. ChatGPT: Gives you a conversation. It’s like a back-and-forth chat to get to the heart of your question.
3. Answer Engines: Cut to the chase. They give you the answer right away, no extra steps are needed.

Why It Matters

• When to Use Google: Great when you want to explore a topic and have time to dive into different sources.
• ChatGPT’s Best Moments: Perfect when you need explanations in a conversational style, like learning a new concept or getting various perspectives.
• Answer Engines Shine: When you need a quick, straight answer to a specific question.

Ready to Test Them Out?

Now that you’re in the know about these three amazing tools, why not play around with them?

Try asking the same question on Google, ChatGPT, and an answer engine like Perplexity.ai.

You’ll see how they each have their unique flair in helping you find information.

It’s like having your personal team of internet wizards!

Here are 10 surprising facts you might not know about this ever-changing world:

1. Shopping on Social Media

Did you know you can shop till you drop on social media?

By 2023, shopping on these platforms is expected to shoot up by $735 billion.

And guess what?

87% of shoppers say social media helps them decide what to buy​¹​.

2. Videos Are Taking Over

Videos are stealing the show online.

In 2024, they’re expected to make up more than 85% of what we see on the web.

So, if you’re browsing online, chances are you’ll bump into a lot of videos​¹​.

3. Influencers Raking It In

The influencer world is booming big time. The money flowing into the Instagram influencer market is expected to skyrocket by nearly 200% by 2025 from what it was in 2021.

And some of the big-name influencers were charging at least $1,200 for a single post in 2021​²​.

4. Mobiles Are Ruling

Mobile phones are like our mini gateways to the digital universe.

They were behind nearly 61% of Google searches in a chunk of 2021, and they’re not slowing down​³​.

5. Big Bucks on Paid Searches

When it comes to spending money on marketing, a lot of it is going into paid searches and social media ads.

In fact, about 39% of a business’s marketing budget is spent on getting their brand to pop up on your search results​¹​.

6. Content Marketing Magic

Content marketing is doing some serious magic for businesses.

It’s pulling in potential customers, teaching them something new, and keeping them hooked to the brand​¹​.

7. Getting Clicks is Tough

In the digital ad world, getting someone to click on your ad is like hoping to find a four-leaf clover.

On average, only 0.05% of display ads get clicked​¹​.

8. Digital Marketing Skyrocketing

The digital marketing world is on a rocket ship, projected to reach a whopping $786.2 billion by 2026.

And it’s only going to keep growing from there​⁴​.

9. Unfollow Button Threat

Brands have to play it cool on social media.

If they annoy folks, about 51% of them will hit the unfollow button without a second thought​⁴​.

10. Organic Traffic is a Big Deal

For many content creators, getting organic (unpaid) traffic to their content is like hitting a jackpot.

It’s a big deal for about 76% of them, showing that their content is genuinely interesting and not just click-bait​¹​.

These surprising facts show there’s a lot more to digital marketing than meets the eye. And who knows?

The next time you’re scrolling through social media or searching on Google, you might notice some of these trends playing out right in front of you!

Recommended reading:

Mastering the Art of Engaging Webinars: Tips for Success

In the next few weeks, I will shift my strategy and start podcasting.

Now you might be wondering why I want to do that. Or, how can I write an article about something I will be only doing in the future?

The reason is simple. I want to learn the theory first. While researching for this article I have discovered new ways of creating high-quality podcasts.

Writing about them will give me a better understanding before I test them out in the real world.

So what are those magic strategies in podcasting that can help you create and skyrocket your podcast?

Before we dive in, let me ask you a question. Do you know what podcasting is?

Hope you do, but in case you don’t, here is a short explanation.

What is podcasting?

Simply speaking, podcasting is like having a radio show online. On your podcast, you can talk about things you love and others can listen in anytime they want.

It’s fun and easy to connect with people who like the same things you do.

Sounds good to me.

6 elements of successful podcasting.

1. Embracing conversational podcasting
2. Micro-podcasts
3. Youthful Energy in Podcasting
4. Niche and Interactive Podcasts
5. Data-Driven Podcasting
6. Tech Trends: AI and Multilingual Podcasting

1. Embracing conversational podcasting.

Imagine we’re sitting across from each other at a cozy café. Our chat flows naturally, filled with laughter, and maybe a few heartfelt moments. That’s what conversational podcasting is all about. It’s like having a warm, easy chat with a friend, not giving a rehearsed speech to a crowd.

• Authenticity: It’s about being real, being you. Just like our coffee chat, it’s the genuine laughs and the little stories that make it special.
• Less Polished, More Real: Forget the fancy words or the perfect script. It’s the unscripted, spontaneous chats that resonate.

So, as I sip my coffee and dream about my own podcasting journey, I envision a space filled with genuine conversations.

Just real, heart-to-heart talks. Wouldn’t that be something?

2. Micro-podcasts

In the realm of podcasting, micro-podcasts offer a sweet spot for our bustling lives.

They are short, usually ranging between 5 to 15 minutes, making them the perfect companion for our coffee breaks or commutes.

In 2022, it was found that on average, listeners downloaded 5.6 episodes each week, indicating a steady appetite for podcast content​¹​.

The bite-sized nature of micro-podcasts fits right into this behavior, offering focused content that’s both engaging and time-efficient.

And just like your daily coffee fix, their regularity keeps listeners hooked.

As I plan my podcasting venture, the appeal of micro-podcasting is hard to ignore. It’s an inviting pathway to foster a regular connection with listeners, without demanding a hefty time investment from either side.

3 tips for Micro-podcasting.

• Short & Sweet: They’re quick, and to the point, much like a good joke shared between friends.
• Focused Content: Just one main idea, explored well. It’s like savoring that one flavor in every bite.
• Consistency is Key: Regular tiny treats are better than a one-time feast, right?

3. Youthful Energy in Podcasting

Ever noticed how the young crowd brings a fresh, vibrant vibe wherever they go? That’s exactly what’s happening in the podcasting world. It’s becoming a playground of ideas, a space where young minds share, learn, and grow together.

• New Voices: Young podcasters are stepping in, bringing fresh perspectives and a whole lot of energy.
• Relatable Content: They talk about what’s happening in their world, making it super relatable for the younger audience.
• Innovative Formats: From unique storytelling to interactive episodes, the youthful vibe is reshaping how podcasts are created and enjoyed.

As I gear up for my podcasting venture, the youthful energy in the scene is nothing but inspiring.

It’s a reminder that podcasting is a space for everyone, a canvas for all kinds of stories and ideas.

4. Niche and Interactive Podcasts

As I already mentioned, I’m on the verge of starting my own podcast. Exciting, right?

Now, before I hit that ‘record’ button, there’s this cool thing I discovered – niche and interactive podcasting.

Let’s unpack this together, shall we?

• What’s a Niche Podcast?
  • Think of a niche podcast as your favorite cozy little coffee shop where they know just how you like your latte. It’s a spot in the podcasting universe where you chat about specific topics you’re passionate about.
  • Some niches like Meditation and mindfulness, Fantasy Sports Analysis, and Professional Development and career Growth are really catching fire these days​¹​.
• And Interactive Podcasting?
  • Here’s where things get lively! Interactive podcasting is like having an open mic night at that coffee shop.
  • You get to chat with your listeners, answer their questions, and really connect.
• Mixing the Two:
  • Imagine combining that cozy coffee shop with open mic nights. You’d have a place where you share what you love and also get to know your listeners. That’s the sweet spot!

As I daydream about my podcast, blending niche topics with interactive chats sounds like a recipe for something truly enjoyable.

It’s like inviting folks over for a fun, themed dinner party. You bring the theme, they bring the conversation. Can’t wait to see where this journey takes me, and maybe you’ll find your own cozy corner in the podcasting world too!

5. Data-Driven Podcasting

Alright, let’s dive into something that sounds a bit techie but is actually super handy—data-driven podcasting.

As a soon-to-be podcaster, I want to understand the numbers and what my future listeners enjoy.

Data can help me to adjust my strategy and the content.

• Real-Time Analytics: Imagine you’re cooking for a bunch of friends. Now, wouldn’t it be awesome to know right away which dishes are hit and which ones are… well, not so much?
  • Real-time analytics is like getting instant feedback. It tells you what’s working and what isn’t, as it happens.
• Audience-Centric Content Creation: Now, knowing what your listeners love is like having a secret ingredient. It helps you whip up content that they’ll find yummy. The idea is to listen, learn, and then create.
  • It’s all about making stuff that resonates with your audience.
• Key Podcasting KPIs: Alright, here’s where we get a bit nerdy, but in a cool way.
  • Some important KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) for podcasters include:
    • Listener Growth: Are more people tuning in overtime?
    • Engagement Rates: Are folks interacting with your content, leaving reviews, or sharing it?
    • Retention Rates: Are your listeners coming back for more?
    • Download Numbers: How many times is your podcast being downloaded?
    • Demographic Data: Who’s listening? This can help tailor your content.

5 Interesting podcasting statistics.

1. Global Listener Growth: As of 2023, there were 464.7 million podcast listeners globally, and this number is predicted to rise to around 504.9 million by the end of 2024​¹​.
2. Weekly Listeners in the US: In 2024, the number of weekly listeners in the US is expected to increase by 5.2%, reaching 109.1 million. The growth is anticipated to continue, hitting 114.7 million and 119.4 million in 2025 and 2026, respectively​²​.
3. Industry Value: Podcasting is projected to be a $94.88 billion industry by 2028​³​.
4. Podcast Preference: By 2024, it’s estimated that 100 million podcast listeners in the U.S. will be present, with 28% of listeners preferring podcasts over any other audio content type including YouTube, AM/FM radio, and Spotify​⁴​.
5. Podcast Advertising: In 2021, the podcast advertising market surpassed $1 billion, and 55.6% of US listeners have bought a product after hearing it advertised on a podcast​⁵​.

6. Tech Trends: AI and Multilingual Podcasting

As someone deeply rooted in digital marketing and an active user of AI, I’m buzzing with excitement about the tech trends shaping podcasting, especially AI and multilingual podcasting.

AI-Powered Podcasting:

AI is redefining the podcasting landscape. Tools like Elevenlabs have become the backstage heroes, aiding podcasters in creating natural-sounding voiceovers just by entering text, and with a bit of training, it can mimic your own voice too​¹​.

Automated Transcription & Translation:

The days of breaking a sweat over translating podcasts are long gone. AI steps in to transcribe and translate podcasts effortlessly, breaking down language barriers and welcoming a global audience.

Multilingual Podcasting:

Taking a step further into inclusivity, multilingual podcasting is the new kid on the block. Tools like HeyGen ease the process of creating podcasts in multiple languages, with features like AI-powered video creation, personalized voiceovers, and support for multiple languages​².​

Engagement Analytics:

Now, stepping into my digital marketing shoes, I can’t emphasize enough how crucial data is. AI serves insightful analytics on a silver platter, helping you mold your content according to what your audience craves.

Voice Synthesis:

And let’s not forget the magic of voice synthesis. It’s not about replacing the human touch but enhancing it. With voice synthesis, creating voiceovers or even entire episodes with synthesized voices is becoming a reality.

Wrapping it Up

Podcasting is more than just talking into a mic—it’s about connecting, sharing, and exploring. As I gear up to start my own podcast, the excitement is palpable.

We’ve journeyed through conversational tones, tech trends, and so much more. Each aspect opens up new avenues and fresh perspectives.

Whether you’re a veteran podcaster or, like me, just starting, the adventure ahead is thrilling. So, grab your mic, dive into your niche, and let’s embrace the podcasting journey together. Here’s to the stories we’ll share and the people we’ll reach.

Ready to hit ‘record’? I sure am!

Mastering the Art of Engaging Webinars: Tips for Success

I started Organik.ly (my SEO Agency) in 2022 with two main goals in mind. First, I wanted to test whether it was possible to create a solid online presence by focusing only on organic SEO techniques. Just for your information, these techniques include content creation, competition analysis, keyword research or creating internal links.

Second, I wanted to see if it was possible to create a super small niche business online. I covered this issue in one of my previous articles about niches back at 2021.

Unfortunately, my agency didn’t work out and will soon be closing. In this case study, I will share the reasons behind my failure and provide insights on how to avoid similar mistakes. Also, I believe this case study will be a wake up call for all the small business owners that think creating an online presence is easy.

Hopefully my fail will be informational and inspirational for others.

So let’s go.

Problem Identification

As I mentioned already, I created Organik.ly mostly as a test. I simply wanted to test out all the learnings and my experience from the previous months. Also, it is important to mention that for creating the strategy for this agency I have used Blue Ocean book as a guidance. Important note though, this case study is not about blaming the Blue Ocean book or the strategy for my failure. I just believe it is worth to mention this.

So what could we identify as the main issues responsible for the failure?

Limited Marketing

Many of my clients are small business that struggle to keep a steady income. Therefore it is pretty hard for them to have a reasonable marketing budget. So I did what many of them does – I didn’t invest in any form of marketing, such as social media, email marketing or advertising. The only content I published were few articles on LinkedIn. Which wasn’t enough for generating leads or attracting clients. Still I want to say thanks to all who have read them 🙂

Lack of Customer Acquisition

Another problem is that I didn’t actively seek out clients. Also, I didn’t have a method for collecting leads or email addresses. Please be aware that I also run a full scope Digital Agency and Organik.ly was a sub-channel created within. But, it is true, I didn’t seek clients under the Organik.ly name.

Small Niche

While focusing on a smaller niche can be beneficial, the niche I chose was too small to sustain a viable business. With a limited number of potential clients, it was challenging to generate enough revenue to keep the business running. Additionally, the agency’s niche may not have been in high demand or may have been too niche for potential clients to understand its value proposition.

The niche I have chosen was organic SEO services targeted for Poland only.

Ineffective Content Strategy

Even-though I specialise in content marketing, the truth is that content strategy may not have been effective. The site was struggling to get impressions in Search Engines and in attracting potential clients or generating leads. The articles published on LinkedIn may not have addressed the needs of the target audience or been fully optimised for search engines.

Did the articles address the needs and pain points of the target audience? Were they properly optimised for search engines? Were they promoted effectively on LinkedIn and other platforms? Probably not.

Truth to be told, I have used AI tools like Writesonic and ChatGPT to speed up the content creation. On the other hand, maybe it lacked a human fine-tuning.

Possible Solutions

Looking back at those 12 months there are few things I would have done differently. For example:

Effective Marketing

As a first step I could have invested in a comprehensive marketing plan that included social media, email marketing, and other forms of promotion. Today I would also create ads targeting the main keywords related to my business. This would have helped to increase the agency’s visibility and attract potential clients. Guess lack of brand awareness was one of the main points that killed the business.

Customer Acquisition

Next I could have developed a method for collecting leads or email addresses, such as through a newsletter or lead magnet. Like a specialised ebook or case studies. This would have provided a way to reach potential clients and build a relationship with them.

Niche Expansion

Expanding my niche to include a larger target audience could have been a proactive step to increase my agency’s chances of success. By broadening my focus, I could have tapped into a larger pool of potential clients, ultimately generating more revenue for the business.

However, expanding a niche requires careful consideration and research to ensure that the agency’s value proposition and expertise remain intact. It’s also important to be aware of the potential drawbacks of expanding a niche, such as increased competition and a dilution of the agency’s expertise.

Ultimately, finding the right balance between niche focus and audience size is crucial for an online business to succeed.

Improved Content Strategy

If I was start again tomorrow, I would definitely improve the content strategy. Creating more articles and case studies would build up the company’s expertise. Maybe I would even think of creating content with other experts from the industry that would highlight the importance of organic SEO.

Podcasts or guest blogs with interviews could work pretty well here.

Conclusion

To summarize, my agency’s failure taught me the importance of effective marketing, customer acquisition, and niche selection for any online business. Without these elements, it’s challenging to attract potential clients and generate revenue. I learned that having a clear and comprehensive marketing plan, a method for collecting leads or email addresses, and a focused niche are critical for success.

By reflecting on my mistakes and taking action to improve these areas, entrepreneurs can increase their chances of success in the competitive online business industry. It’s essential to invest in marketing and customer acquisition, develop a method for collecting leads, and choose a niche that aligns with the company’s expertise and value proposition. By learning from my experience, I hope to help others avoid the same mistakes and achieve success in their online businesses.

PS: I am definitely not giving up. This project made me stronger and smarter and I will use all the learnings for creating a new business. Which is btw, coming very soon. So stay tuned 🙂

For a few weeks, AI-generated content is on top of trending topics. It all started with the launch of a free tool called ChatGPT. Immediately after the roll-out, almost 1 million people started to use it almost daily. Marketing Specialists use it for creating effective copies for their ads and campaigns. SEOs use it for keyword research, and meta description creation and Content Creators use it for creating catchy headlines and writing short paragraphs but also full articles. And regular users use it for answering questions like how to become happy, what is the history of their city and so on. The options are endless.

But the questions remain the same and you might wonder about them too.

So should you create content with AI? How good is its quality? Can Search Engines like Google or Bing detect AI-generated content and punish your website?

Read on to find out the answers and learn something new about AI.

My experience with AI tools.

AI tool for text-to-voice creation.

To be very honest AI tools are not new to me and even the introduction of ChatGPT was not a breakthrough for me. Although some of its functionalities made me speechless.

I came across AI tools 4 years ago during working on my online magazine called Ediblorial. At that time all the research and content were created manually by me and my partner.

But we still found a way how to use AI almost daily. At that time voice search and podcasts become very popular. As we didn’t have time to record podcasts or talk through our articles we decided to try an AI tool PLAY.ht. The tool helped us to change written content into voice recordings. We then uploaded them to SoundCloud or Spotify and here it was, our first podcast done in seconds. 🙂 And by using AI.

AI tool for Content Creation.

My most recent experience is connected to my Digital Agency. Since the start, we are using an AI tool called Writesonic to generate content ideas, headlines, ad copies, or articles.

The tool helped me to speed up the writing process from 4 hours per article to writing 1500 words long one below 1 hour. Also, it gave me ideas when I got writer’s block or created Tweets when I haven’t had so much time for Social Media.

As you see I am using AI tools for some time already and got some real experience. But now let’s focus on the most important question, should you create content with AI?

Should you create content with AI-powered tools?

As you would guess already, there is no simple answer YES or NO. Yes, create content if that is unnecessary and when you are trying to speed up your process or you lack ideas. No, do not create content just because you can and especially when you don’t know what you are talking about. I got burned a few times trying to look like an expert speaking about things like HTML, CDN, or DNS. So I used an AI tool to help me out.

When I look back at it now it was a total disaster and a silly idea. 🙂

Also, the quality of one of that articles looks like this. Even the basic AI Content Detector can recognise that the text was generated with AI.

Few reasons why you shouldn’t use AI to generate content.

The decision to use AI for content creation on your website depends on several factors, such as the nature of your website, your main goals, and the type of content you plan to create. AI-generated content can offer real benefits, such as increasing the efficiency of content creation, improving the quality of the content, and potentially increasing user engagement. Also, it can decrease bounce rates.

However, there are also potential downsides to using AI for content creation. Such content may lack the human touch and creativity that can make content more engaging and compelling. In my opinion, it would not pass The Turing test 🙂 Although the GPT-3 language model is close to it. Additionally, there is a risk of the content being perceived as robotic or lacking in authenticity.

Ultimately, it is up to you to weigh the pros and cons of using AI for content creation and decide what is best for your website and goals. If you do choose to use AI, be sure to monitor the results and make adjustments as necessary to ensure that the content resonates with your audience and achieves your goals.

How to detect AI-generated content?

Detecting AI-generated content on a website can be challenging because there is no foolproof way to identify it. However, there are some signs that may indicate that a piece of content has been generated by an AI tool. For the start, you can use free tools like AI Content Detector from Writer. I used it to show the examples in this blog post.

One common approach used by AI content generators is to use a template or framework to create the content. This can result in a repetitive and formulaic style, and the presence of errors that are not typical for human authors.

These may include unusual phrasings, awkward syntax, or odd word choices. AI algorithms may also have difficulty with colloquial expressions, idioms, and cultural references. And ChatGPT for example can be irrelevant as it doesn’t have a connection to real data.

Finally, you can look for patterns in the content that suggest that it has been generated by an AI algorithm. For example, if you notice that all of the content on a website is very similar in structure, length, or tone, it could be a sign that it was generated by an AI rather than written by human authors.

Also, Google focuses on E-E–A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) to determine the quality of the content.

However, it is important to note that these signs are not definitive and that AI-generated content is becoming increasingly sophisticated. As AI technology continues to improve, it may become more difficult to distinguish between human and AI-generated content.

Can Google detect AI-generated content?

At this point, it should be clear to you that the answer is YES. Google definitely knows how to detect content that was created by Artificial Intelligence.

If I can do it by using a free tool, Google can do too. It probably does that by using more sophisticated tools and algorithms than I did. 🙂

Can AI-generated content harm your SEO?

As I mentioned earlier, Google can definitely detect AI-generated content. Therefore it can be very harmful to your SEO.

Google hates when people create low-quality content that is created solely with a purpose of manipulating Search Engines. And if they find this out, your website can go to rubbish. You can either get penalized or in the worst case your website can get blocked from appearing in Search Engines. Therefore, please make sure that when you do use AI tools to generate content make sure it is a good one.

And how to use AI to generate high-quality content?

I guess the best will be to show you a real example of how to work with AI.

Just take a look at the following example. The following paragraph was generated by ChatGPT and checked by the AI Content Detector. You can see that the quality is very low.

Now I will show you how I changed it to 100% human content.

I used the same content and made some twists. I have added some human touch with emojis and mentioned my experience with bounce rates. Also, I have mentioned The Touring Test that would be very hard for the AI to write about in the context of AI-generated content.

To improve the content I have done some fact-checking and added human-specific elements like humor and experience. Of course, I could also include some case studies about the bounce rates and show facts, or include a quote from a highly reliable person.

And this is what you should do too. If you decide to use AI to generate content, make sure you fact-check it, fix the spelling errors, add some real data, and showcase your experience. If you are not sure about the quality of your content, maybe it is better to skip it. Create content that you really know and feel confident talking about.

In case you need help with your content and you are not sure what to do, book a FREE consultation with me. I am here to help.

And what books I will be talking about today?

This week I have decided to start with the books that are currently closest to my heart – business books.

Of all the ones I have read throughout the last 2 years (that’s when I started to read books before sleep instead of checking my phone 🙂 ), these are the ones that influenced me the most.

Blue Ocean Strategy by Renée Mauborgne and W. Chan Kim

The Company of One by Paul Jarvis

Rich Dad, Poor Dad – Robert T. Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter

If you ask me I can’t tell you straight away which one is the best or which one you should read first. Each of these books will give you a new point of view on business, money, or business strategy. And hopefully, they will inspire you to become a better business owner, product designer, blogger, or an entrepreneur.

Ok, let’s jump to the overview.

Books about the business you should read.

Blue Ocean Strategy by Renée Mauborgne and W. Chan Kim

I can honestly say that this book was a breakthrough for me when it comes to business strategy. Before I read this book I always thought that it is pretty easy to build a product or business. And that after you get the idea, create the service or your product, the marketing will do the rest. And you will sell whatever you want. FYI – that’s how I created my first business, a digital agency called The Digital Pug.

But how naive is this thinking, right?

Blue Ocean Strategy gave me a completely new view of business strategy. A strategy that is so powerful that once you create a product or service according to it, you will almost instantly become successful. Ok, maybe not instantly, as you still have to invest some work into your project and give it some time to grow.

So what is the Blue Ocean Strategy about?

In short, the Blue Ocean Strategy is about creating businesses, products, or services that are different than the ones already created. According to the authors, you can achieve this by creating a business that is low-cost, opens up new markets, and creates new demand.

The majority of the business are very similar to each other and it is very hard to say what actually differentiates them from each other. Companies are focusing on taking as much profit and market share from their competitors as possible. They do it sometimes by so-called “bloody” techniques. When this happens we talk about Red Oceans.

On the other hand, the Blue Ocean companies are the ones that do not focus so much on competition. Their products or services are simply created by exploring new markets and creating new demands.

Not sure what I mean? Here is an example of Red and Blue Oceans.

I guess the best will be to demonstrate this strategy to a well-known company like Apple.

Apple is a company that created many Blue Ocean products in the past 2 decades, but I will focus on the first one – the iPod. Around the year 2000, CDs were the most popular way to listen to music, and companies like Sony were still focusing on making portable devices like CD players. Also, those were the times when the MP3 format was growing fast and some the companies like Microsoft or Creative created the first MP3 players.

They were very bulky and had a very small memory that could be enhanced only by using a memory card. I still remember how hard it was to actually play some music with it as you had to download the music first, then connect it to your PC, and then upload it to your device. And due to the limited space, you could fit like 20 songs.

And here is when Apple came in with their revolutionary product called iPod. When Steve Jobs introduced iPod on the stage on October 23 in 2001 he gave one of the best speeches ever (I strongly recommend you watch it). He also clearly demonstrated how you can create a Blue Ocean product.

With iPod, he made the competitors irrelevant with the 5GB memory that could hold up to 1000 songs, the amazing design, and the user-friendly navigation. The music was downloaded to your iPod from a service called iTunes and it was all legit. Not a pirated copy downloaded from the internet or low-quality music converted to MP3 from a CD. Apple later on repeated this success by introducing products like iPhone and iPad.

As I mentioned before for me the Blue Ocean Strategy was a game changer in how I see a business strategy or product development. Thanks to the knowledge from the book I have created my recent business, an SEO agency called Organik.ly.

For the creation of the business plan, I have used the tools available at https://www.blueoceanstrategy.com/tools/

Last but not least, I liked this book and the strategy so much that I later got the Blue Ocean Shift, which is kind of a refreshed version of the original book, with new tools and case studies from newer companies.

The Company of One by Paul Jarvis

When it comes to creating a successful business many people would say that the most important thing to focus on is growth. Paul Jarvis in his book The Company of One has challenged this.

According to Paul, you can still create a successful and profitable business by creating a company of one. A company that does not take growth as a must and focuses on other things like high-quality services and products, and excellent customer service. And all of this can be done from your home meanwhile you are playing with your kids, dog, or cat, or just laying in your hammock on the beach.

Until I read this book I also thought that I must grow my business in order to get more profitable.

And this is not true at all.

Thanks to Paul and his experience I have understood that I can do that by staying at the same place. I do not need to expand my company, hire employees, and get a fancy office.

I can simply focus on the quality of my services and build strong relationships with my clients instead of thinking about growth.

And the best part is, that I am much more profitable this way, I work less, and I still have time to enjoy my private life.

I recommend this book to all bloggers, solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who think that growth is a must.

Rich Dad, Poor Dad – Robert T. Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter

The last book on today’s list is the worldwide bestseller Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter. This book is about how to think about money differently.

Robert speaks about his life from two different perspectives – a view from his father Poor Dad and the view of his mentor and dad of his friend Rich Dad.

The first doesn’t really know what it takes to make money and become rich. The second one has all the knowledge about money making and passes the knowledge to Robert and his friend.

The Poor Day thinks that the best way to live your life is to get a stable job, work there for 25-30 years, and get a comfortable pension in the end. Maybe a golden watch too. He also believes that talking about money is not good, and you should definitely not take any risks by investing them in other businesses.

The Rich Dad sees it differently. He believes that in order to become rich you have to start talking about money whenever you can. Also, he believes that you should change your mindset and start to think like rich people.

He also believes that you should indeed invest in other businesses, find a way to create more money-making streams and you should learn to manage risks.

To me, this book was an eye-opener when it comes to money. I now believe that everyone can become rich if he or she wants. Based on the learnings from this book I have revised my money strategy. I learned to invest and looked for options to generate more streams with passive income.

Summary

Each of these books had a huge influence on my business and daily life. Thanks to the Blue Ocean Strategy and Shift I have started to think differently when it comes to product development or business creation.

The Company of One was kind of a summary of my last 5 years as an entrepreneur. But it changes the way how I think about growth and building a profitable business.

And when it comes to profits, Rich Dad, Poor Dad thought me how to invest that money and create more streams that generate passive income.

And what about you? What books about business would you recommend me to read? Let me know in a comment below.