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Blogging is the best job I’ve ever had.

It’s also the most frustrating one.

And this comes from someone that spent 5 years being a correctional nurse.

Seriously, doesn’t it seem like everyone else has it figured out? Everywhere you turn is someone who seems to be making a million dollars after 3 months of blogging.

And here you sit. Struggling with engagement, pumping out content, writing to your email list, doing ALL the things. You invest, you learn, and you haven’t seen that return yet.

That little time before you actually start making money is one of the hardest times in blogging.

It’s also the time that people generally give up.

Of course, there will always be ups and downs. Like when you finally figure out a social media network and then an algorithm change tanks your traffic.

Or when you set up an opt-in that took you a while to put together and no one subscribes. It’s frustrating, right?!

I totally get it, I’ve been there and it’s not fun.

But then I discovered worksheets. The one thing I consistently make for my blog (aside from newsletter content) is worksheets.

Here’s what I did:

I’d create the worksheet, add it to my resource library, make a post about it, do a Facebook live to talk about it, then send it to my existing list as a new freebie.

Not only did that help me nurture my audience but also helped me develop content and grow my email list.

Let’s talk about this a little more though.

Worksheets are great because they help people take action. If they are taking action, they are implementing your strategies.

Once people have success with your methods, you have not only helped them but you have now established trust with this person. They know their life is easier when they listen to you.

And that makes “selling to them” a whole lot easier. They will trust your suggestions because you are genuinely trying to help them, and they know that you know what you’re talking about!

There are actually 5 amazing ways you can use worksheets in your business. 

And bonus! I actually have 3 FREE pre-made worksheet templates for you to use (which takes the design aspect right out of it!) available right here!

And side note: there are also other awesome templates in the library like 10 lead magnets, a media kit, social media graphics, and so much more!

Here’s how you can use printable worksheets to grow your blog:

(We will get to “making them” in a minute!)

As a content upgrade

Worksheets make a great content upgrade, especially any kind of informational or instructional post. Anytime you are walking someone through a solution, adding a worksheet helps transform your words from theory to action.

Check out this post for some awesome examples of worksheet content upgrades.

Plus, it helps the person have your information and the work they put in for future reference. (Not to mention, this helps grow your email list!)

P.S. Check out this article for 17 Awesome Content Upgrade Ideas

Actionable task for your email list

As I mentioned earlier, I’d always send new worksheets, printable, and freebies to my email list in order to nurture them and develop trust.

The strategy was simply taking a recent post and expanding on it in a more actionable way. I wanted someone to close my email after reading it and be so motivated that they actually go do the thing I’ve called them to do.

Having a worksheet makes that really easy. Being able to say, “download and fill out the worksheet attached” is easier than “Now go do all the things I just talked about”. Not to mention, it actually helps increase your click through rate which directly improves deliverability!

I don’t know about you, but I’m a sucker for a good worksheet.

To get people working for it

Have you ever seen people run challenges that promote giveaways to those that complete assignments?

I love it!

Here’s why. When you have a giveaway and all you want them to do is sign up for your list – it might get those people on your list – BUT, they are on your list because they want that free thing and that’s it.

I’ve almost always found that people who sign up for a giveaway, never even open an email unless the subject line is “Congrats, you’re the winner”

This makes your list cold which results in poor deliverability, poor open rates, and less over business growth.

The thing is that when you make them work for it, you are getting them involved and you are actually giving them a little sample of what you have to offer.

I’ve seen giveaways with daily “challenges” and the people are only entered to win if they complete all the challenges. I’ve also seen ones with a set of questions to answer.

Putting together a quick worksheet is a good way to have all your answers organized and easy to refer to.

If someone puts in the time and effort to win your free thing, chances are they are way more interested in you and your business and is much more likely to be a good lead for future sales.

As a product

My favorite thing to do with the worksheets I send to my email list? Repurpose them. Take your worksheets, expand on it, add some in-depth content, and you’ve got a digital product ready to sell!

And product = income.

As part of your e-course

So you have your heart set on an e-course? Guess what! You still need worksheets! — same goes for webinars!

Worksheets, again, help put your module or lesson into action. If you are getting people to take action, they are going to implement your ideas and (hopefully) have success.

If they have success (or even simply finish your course) they will get so much more out of it. You will have satisfied customers, and you will be making a difference in these people’s lives.

You will probably want to also include checklists and other printable material in your course, but the same design principles apply.

The same goes for webinars! If you’re giving your attendee a worksheet and they’re much more likely to follow along and be engaged in your presentation.

Which means they’ll make it to the end! If they make it to the end, you’re much more likely to end up with a sale.

Here’s what you need to make worksheets (the easiest way):

Open the worksheets template in Canva and click on “use as a template”. Rename the document something related to your project with good keywords.

There will be 3 pages with 3 different designs. Choose the design you like the best and delete the other two pages.

You can change out the header with other headers from the template located in the design resource library.

Simply change the colors, fonts, and add your content. Adjust boxes as needed to fit your content. Save, and you’re done!

If you choose not to use the template, you will need to start with a blank page from Canva (I use the 8inx11.5in letter-sized page). Add an eye-catching header and a border. Add content, design elements, boxes, and other items as needed (like checkboxes, charts, etc)

Side note: You can learn the easiest way to make lines and charts in our Canva 2.0 Quickstart Workshop here.

Worksheets are great to help grow your business.

I am all about actionable advice, and worksheets help people implement ideas. You want your readers to take action. I promise that it will make it a whole lot easier when you are wanting them to click that “buy” button.

GET 3 FREE WORKSHEET TEMPLATES NOW + 10 OPT IN TEMPLATES

Just fill out the form below for access to these templates in our free design library!! ⬇

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