Podcast Summary: Simple Pin Podcast – "The Big Change for Creators {One Creators Review}"
Release Date: October 9, 2024
Host: Kate Ahl
Guest: Tamiko Harvey
Introduction
In the latest episode of the Simple Pin Podcast, host Kate Ahl delves into the tumultuous journey of Tamiko Harvey, a seasoned blogger and creator, who has navigated significant shifts in the digital landscape over the past year. The episode, titled "The Big Change for Creators {One Creators Review}", offers an in-depth exploration of the challenges and strategies involved in sustaining and growing an online business amidst evolving algorithms and diminishing traffic sources.
Guest Background
Tamiko Harvey introduces herself as a dedicated blogger rather than an influencer, emphasizing her commitment to her blog as the primary source of income. Reflecting on her journey, Tamiko shares:
“I use blogger more than I use influencer or anything else because my money is my blog. I write. That is where I make the most of my income.”
[02:55]
Tamiko's foray into blogging began after a memorable trip to the Amalfi Coast, where feedback from friends and family inspired her to start sharing her travel experiences online. Over a decade, her blog, Passports and Grub, evolved into a multifaceted platform encompassing roles such as conference director for TBEX and vice president for the Black Travel Alliance. Her dedication has positioned her as a pillar in elevating Black content creators and advocating for their value within the industry.
Monetization and SEO Strategies
Initially blogging for personal satisfaction, Tamiko recognized the potential for monetization approximately three years into her blogging career. Discovering Mediavine, she sought to generate sufficient income to cover her website expenses, not with the intent to profit heavily but to sustain her venture. This led her to immerse herself in Search Engine Optimization (SEO), focusing on ranking her content on Google without relying on social media shares:
“I started thinking about all of those things, and, you know, here we are 10 years later... I teach SEO, have my own blog, Passports and Grub.”
[03:56]
Tamiko's SEO efforts eventually yielded impressive results, with her website garnering up to 300,000 sessions per month before the seismic shift caused by Google's algorithm updates.
Impact of Google’s September Core Update
The September Core Update by Google marked a turning point for Tamiko, dramatically reducing her website traffic and ad revenue:
- August 2023: $12,000/month
- September 2023: $14,000/month
- November 2023: Dropped to $7,000/month
- December 2023: Further declined to $3,200/month
- January 2024: Plummeted to $1,000/month
- February to Present: Stabilized between $350 to $500/month
Tamiko lamented the over-reliance on Google, which had been her dominant traffic source:
“Google has now said, what? We're no longer doing that... I had so much traffic coming from Google, I didn't find it urgent to... I need to diversify my traffic, it was just so easy with Google because that was what I knew.”
[07:45]
The update exposed the vulnerabilities of depending solely on one platform, especially when algorithm changes can unpredictably alter traffic dynamics.
Shifting Focus to Pinterest
In response to the Google update, Tamiko pivoted towards Pinterest as a critical alternative traffic source. Despite previous minimal returns from Pinterest, the necessity to diversify made it an indispensable part of her strategy. She outlines her transition:
“Now I'm all in with Pinterest now, because I don't have a choice.”
[19:26]
Tamiko emphasizes the importance of Pinterest in complementing Google, leveraging its long-term traffic potential through strategic pinning and content creation aligned with seasonal trends.
Community and Support
Tamiko highlights the significance of community support through her role as TBEX conference director. The TBEX community provided her with a platform to share experiences, seek advice, and find solidarity during the traffic downturn:
“I rely heavily on my TBEX community for SEO and not to.”
[26:14]
This community-driven approach fostered collaboration and mutual support, enabling creators like Tamiko to navigate challenges collectively.
Strategies for Pinterest Success
Tamiko outlines her strategic focus areas to reclaim and boost her online presence:
- Developing New Content Pillars: Moving beyond familiar topics like safety to diversify content offerings.
- Utilizing Multiple Platforms: Incorporating Facebook and LinkedIn alongside Pinterest to broaden reach.
- Enhancing Email Marketing: Growing her email list to drive direct traffic and engagement.
- Optimizing Pinterest Pins: Focusing on calls to action that convert saves into immediate clicks.
Kate provides actionable advice on optimizing Pinterest strategy:
“Think about what they're searching in that last minute... Use those phrases. What is their panic moment... That's how you serve people.”
[34:09]
Tamiko also plans to clean and update her Pinterest boards to better reflect current content pillars, ensuring relevance and enhanced discoverability.
Insights and Advice
Throughout the conversation, both Tamiko and Kate emphasize resilience and adaptability in the face of digital disruptions. Tamiko shares her belief in the importance of perseverance:
“There's not another option. Yes, there's literally, there's not another option.”
[27:42]
Kate reinforces the value of creative marketing and diversified traffic sources, encouraging creators to explore new tools and platforms to reach their audience effectively.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with mutual encouragement and recognition of the supportive TBEX community. Tamiko remains optimistic about her strategies to regain traffic and revenue, viewing her experience as a case study for other creators facing similar challenges:
“I am using myself as a case study for how I lost my traffic and it took xy. These are the things that I did in order to turn my traffic around.”
[43:15]
Kate and Tamiko affirm the power of community and shared experiences in overcoming obstacles, leaving listeners motivated to diversify their strategies and persist through industry changes.
Connect with Tamiko Harvey
For listeners inspired by Tamiko's journey and seeking to follow her work, here are her contact points:
- Travel Website: Passports and Grub
- SEO Consulting: TamikoHarvey.com
- Instagram: @tamiko.harvey
- Additional Platforms: Occasionally active on Threads.
This episode serves as a compelling narrative of adaptation and resilience, providing valuable insights for creators navigating the unpredictable terrain of digital marketing.