If I were starting my online business all over again — as a yoga teacher with a laptop, a dream, and maybe a few hundred followers — I’d do a lot of things the same. But I’d also do a few things very differently. And not from a place of regret. Every twist in the road taught me something. But now, after years of experience — multiple five-figure launches, hundreds of students, and a business that feels both calm *and* profitable — I know what actually works. If I could go back and whisper something to that earlier version of me, the one up late Googling *how to grow your yoga business*, I’d say: “You don’t need to do more. You just need to do the right things in the right order.” Here’s what I’d do differently if I were starting my online business again as a yoga teacher — what I’d skip, what I’d prioritize, and how I’d build a business that supports my nervous system *and* my bank account.

I’d Stop Obsessing Over My Niche — and Focus on the Real Problem I Solve

Let’s start here, because I see this trip up so many of my students. I didn’t agonize too much about my niche in the beginning. I knew I wanted to help yoga teachers — that felt clear. But I tried to solve too many problems at once: website design, Instagram tips, digital courses, tech tutorials. My offers were scattered, and because of that, my audience was too. Then in 2023, I pivoted. I shifted to helping women in midlife — something I felt deeply connected to as I navigated perimenopause. It felt aligned… until it didn’t. Because I hadn’t clarified what problem I was solving. Was I helping women start a business? Navigate a life change? I kept circling, but none of it lit me up. Eventually, I realized: I had moved away from a niche I loved — and a transformation I was truly excited to deliver. Here’s the lesson: It’s not just about your niche. It’s about the problem you help people solve and the transformation you guide them through. Still unclear? Try this simple AI prompt: “I’m a yoga teacher who loves helping [insert audience]. What are 10 specific problems this group is struggling with — physically, mentally, emotionally, or practically — that I could help them solve with yoga, mindfulness, or digital offers?” Then ask yourself: Which of these problems light me up? Which one could I build a premium offer around? Clarity here makes everything else easier.

I’d Create a Premium Offer — Way Sooner

When I started, I launched everything: a membership, mini courses, mid-range offers. I was working hard… and earning very little. It wasn’t until I created my first premium online program, priced at $1,000, that everything changed. That one shift brought in:

• My first $30K launch
• More committed students who actually got results
• A business model that finally felt sustainable

The truth is: you don’t need to “earn the right” to charge more. You just need to create a real, valuable transformation — and support people through it. In my Blissful Biz Academy, we go deep. There’s personal feedback, strategic guidance, and real transformation. That’s what makes the offer premium — not just the price. If you’re still hiding behind low-ticket offers hoping they’ll “add up” someday, this is your nudge: build the premium thing now. I’d Stop Creating Content for Likes — and Start Focusing on Conversion Let’s talk about content. When I started, I was blogging weekly and posting on Instagram. My feed looked beautiful. My quotes were inspiring. But… I wasn’t getting clients. Why? Because I was posting like an influencer — not like a business owner. Once I started creating content that spoke directly to my ideal client, included strategic calls to action (like my free training), and was connected to a funnel… everything shifted. Now, people find me through Instagram, watch my training, and join my program — sometimes without ever messaging me. And yes, I use tools like ManyChat to make that seamless (it’s $25/month and worth every cent). Here’s the bottom line: You don’t need more likes. You need a system that turns content into connection — and connection into clients.

I’d Stop Making Endless Freebies — and Focus on One Free Training That Converts

I’ve created a lot of freebies over the years — PDFs, guides, hashtag lists, planners. And they were nice. But they didn’t convert into clients so much. What did convert? One clear, valuable free training. Masterclasses have been the number one way I’ve built trust, and invited people into my programs. When someone spends 45-60 minutes learning from you, they’re not just curious — they’re engaged. If you’re still creating checklists and hoping people will buy after reading a one-page PDF… maybe it’s time to shift. Create one free training that:

• Solves a real problem
• Shows your unique method
• Invites people into the next step

It’ll become the foundation of your funnel — and your business. Need an example? Watch mine at susannerieker.com/masterclass

I’d Build Systems That Support My Energy — Not Drain It

Early on, I did everything manually. Emails. Launches. Tech. Planning. I was doing all the “right things” but still felt exhausted and unsure why it wasn’t working. Then I started building systems:

• One clear offer
• One evergreen funnel
• A few email sequences
• A simple content rhythm

That gave me breathing room — and consistency. I could take a break. Go to the beach. And still make sales. You don’t need complicated systems. You need systems that give you your life back. If you’re thinking, “This is exactly what I want, but I need help putting it together” — that’s what I teach in Blissful Biz Academy. It’s the complete roadmap to build your premium offer, launch it with clarity, and set up a funnel that grows with you — at your pace. You can learn more at susannerieker.com/blissfulbizacademy And if you’re already a few steps in and want more personal, hands-on support? I’ve just opened a few spots for my consulting offer — where we’ll map your funnel, refine your messaging, and build your sales engine together. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. And you definitely don’t have to burn yourself out doing more. Sometimes, it’s about doing less — but doing it strategically, in a way that supports you and your students.

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