Toddlers Can Read Review (& Discount Code!)

TLDR: Although I haven’t fully completed the course, I have seen so much progress in my son’s reading since we started it. He is much more confident and excited about reading. If you’re looking for a discount code, you can save 10% here!*

I want to share my personal experience with the Toddlers Can Read program* and how it has impacted my journey in teaching my son to read before kindergarten. When it comes to teaching reading, it hasn't always been in my comfort zone. I used to believe that children naturally pick up on reading, but when it didn't happen that way for my son, I knew I needed to be more intentional about his reading education.

I stumbled upon Spencer's program and was initially drawn to it because it felt achievable. The bundle came with flashcards and books, which immediately caught my attention. The flashcards were of great quality and featured both letter names and everyday items, making learning engaging and fun. The books, featuring diverse characters, were also a big plus for me as I prioritize representation in my kids' books.

My son had already picked up some letter sounds and blending skills from Spencer's free YouTube content, so we decided to test out the reading and were pleasantly surprised by his progress. Watching him gain confidence as he read through the books made it all worth it. The program's step-by-step approach and letter sounds assessment were especially helpful in gauging my son's progress and areas for improvement.

One of the challenges I faced was incorporating the program into our daily routine. With a bustling household and preschool to manage, finding consistency was tough. Despite not completing the entire course, the progress we made in the initial phase was remarkable. To those hesitant about teaching their child to read, I recommend exploring Spencer's free content as a starting point to gauge potential progress.

In the second half of this video, I provide a real-time demonstration with my son. It wasn't rehearsed, showing the authentic ups and downs of our learning journey. (Update : This clip has since been removed to protect my kids’ privacy).

Through this experience, I have come to realize the value of small actions in our everyday lives. Just like Mel Robbins' 5 Second Rule, which encourages taking action within 5 seconds to break through procrastination, the small actions within the Toddlers Can Read program* have brought significant positive changes. 

If you are looking for a discount code for the Toddlers Can Read program, you can use my code “SONIA10” or click here to save 10%*. 

*This review is not sponsored, I bought this course with my own money. I am an affiliate for the program which means I may make a commission for purchases made through my link. Thank you for your support!

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Software I Use to Run My Online Business

*This blog post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Thank you for your support!

In my pursuit to streamline my business and optimize my spending, I found that selecting the right software was crucial. Join me as I delve into the various platforms and tools I utilize to efficiently run my online business. From website builders to email marketing software and video editing tools, I'll provide you with an in-depth overview of the software I use and the reasons behind my choices.

Choosing the Right Website Builder: Squarespace and Podia

I began my journey with a WordPress.com website and eventually transitioned to Squarespace in 2019. Squarespace, with its user-friendly interface, allowed me to design my entire website independently, empowering me to exercise full creative control. While there's a newer version, Squarespace 7.1, I'm currently using the 7.0 version due to the absence of a seamless content migration process.

In addition to my website, I utilize Podia to host my digital products. Whether it's courses, coaching, or digital services, Podia provides a seamless platform for new businesses to set up and start selling without the complexity of creating a dedicated website.

Email Marketing: The Switch from ConvertKit to MailerLite

Transitioning from ConvertKit to MailerLite proved to be a significant cost-saving move for me. With over 1,000 subscribers, the pricing structure of MailerLite justified the switch, resulting in substantial monthly savings for my business. The freedom to explore alternatives and optimize costs without compromising quality has been pivotal in adjusting to the evolving needs of my business.

Streamlining Video Creation: Loom and Wondershare Filmora

Loom, a versatile screen recording tool, has become an indispensable part of my content creation process. Its functionality extends beyond recording YouTube videos to facilitating course material creation and explanatory screen recordings, enhancing my communication with the audience.

For video editing, I rely on Wondershare Filmora, a platform that has served me well with its features, including silence detection, which significantly enhances my video editing process. As an alternative, Final Cut Pro remains an aspiration, but for now, I continue to maximize the capabilities of Filmora within the current budget constraints.

ThriveCart for Checkout Pages & Courses

From the onset, ThriveCart's one-time fee model appealed to me, offering a lifetime subscription with no recurrent charges. This strategic investment to migrate my courses from Podia accommodates the long-term vision for my business while providing cost-effective solutions.

Designing YouTube Thumbnails & Social Media Posts: Canva 

Canva has been instrumental in designing compelling thumbnails and content for various purposes, amplifying the visual appeal of my brand. 

Scheduling Appointments with Acuity Scheduling

If you are a tutor, coach, or service provider, then Acuity Scheduling is going to be great for you. I have it included with my Squarespace plan, but unfortunately that is no longer available. So if you are interested in using it, you will have to pay an ongoing subscription fee. There is no free plan.

Balancing Personal and Business Communication: Google Workspace and ChatGPT

Google Workspace handles one-on-one communication and contact email management, maintaining a distinction from the email marketing activities managed using MailerLite. Additionally, I utilize ChatGPT, integrating its paid plan to address both personal and business-related needs effectively.

Conclusion:

Streamlining my business while optimizing costs has been an ongoing journey, and the software tools I employ have been pivotal in achieving this objective. By carefully evaluating the utility, pricing structure, and long-term benefits of each software, I've successfully crafted a tech stack that aligns with the evolving needs of my online business. As I continue to refine and adapt, I remain open to exploring new tools and platforms that contribute to the growth and efficiency of my business operations.

If you're intrigued by any of the software discussed and wish to gain deeper insights into their utilization, drop a comment detailing your interest. Stay tuned for the next video as I delve further into the software that drives my online business.

5 Signs It's Time To Start a YouTube Channel For Your Business

Are you feeling exhausted from the endless grind of creating daily posts and reels on Instagram? Are you looking for a more sustainable and efficient way to generate income for your business? If so, you might want to consider starting a YouTube channel. In this article, we'll discuss five signs that indicate it's time to start a YouTube channel for your business this year. From leveraging SEO to repurposing podcast content, we'll explore the key indicators that suggest YouTube could be the next best step for your business.

Sign 1: You’re feeling social media burnout

If you're experiencing burnout and frustration with the daily demands of Instagram, it's a clear indicator that it might be time to explore other platforms like YouTube. While Instagram is undoubtedly valuable, the pressure to constantly create and curate content can be overwhelming. By transitioning to YouTube, you can plan and schedule your content strategically, posting less frequently while still maximizing your reach and impact.

Sign 2: Already Have a Podcast

If you're already producing podcast content, consider repurposing it for YouTube. Recording yourself during your podcast sessions and posting the videos on YouTube can open up a new avenue for reaching and engaging with your audience. This approach not only streamlines your content creation process but also enhances your visibility through search engine optimization (SEO), giving you an edge in organic discoverability.

Sign 3: You want to leverage SEO and Organic Marketing

YouTube offers a powerful platform for enhancing your discoverability through SEO. Unlike other marketing channels that might require significant financial investments, YouTube allows you to establish yourself as an authority and connect with your audience organically. By leveraging the search capabilities and recommendation features of YouTube, you can accelerate your growth and reach a wider audience in a more cost-effective manner.

Sign 4: You are willing to Play the Long Game

Starting a YouTube channel requires a commitment to the long game. It's not about instant success, but rather about building a library of valuable content over time. By consistently creating and sharing videos, you can establish your expertise, build trust with your audience, and create a lasting impact. While the process may require dedicated effort over an extended period, the potential rewards in terms of reach and engagement make it a worthwhile investment.

Embracing the YouTube Journey

YouTube success doesn't happen overnight. It requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to grow and evolve over time. By embracing the journey and committing to creating regular content for your channel, you can tap into the vast potential of YouTube as a platform for storytelling, education, and engagement. As you build a library of videos, you'll increase your visibility and credibility, setting the stage for long-term success.

Conclusion

When it comes to expanding your business's online presence and impact, starting a YouTube channel can be a game-changer. By recognizing the signs that indicate the right time to start, you can position yourself for success in the dynamic world of digital content creation. From diversifying your content repurposing strategies to leveraging the power of SEO, YouTube offers a multitude of opportunities for growth and visibility. So, if you're ready to take your business to the next level, consider the signs and embark on your YouTube journey today.

Whether or not to start a YouTube channel hinges on a few crucial factors. First, review the state of your online presence and examine the level of burnout and frustration you're experiencing, particularly related to the need for constant engagement on other social media platforms. Next, consider your existing forms of content creation. Perhaps you're already producing podcast content, but the next step is to repurpose it for YouTube and benefit from new search engine optimization opportunities. The channels of organic marketing are also explored, as well as the value of embracing the long-term commitment to building your library of diverse content. Make sure to carefully assess these points to determine if it's truly the right time to take the leap into creating a YouTube channel for your business.