I run a multiple six-figure business with about 78 percent profitability and no employees. My software stack is my team. It took a lot of hustle to build this level of freedom, but today I work on my own schedule and my tools do the heavy lifting.
This is not about “going viral.” It’s about building an income engine with clear structure, consistent tools, and smart placement—so your content keeps working long after you post.
Perfect for creators, coaches, and digital entrepreneurs who want to monetize strategically without launching products, hiring a team, or burning out.
I run a multiple six-figure business at about 78 percent profitability without a single employee. My tools do the work that a team would normally handle. Here’s the step-by-step guide to how I set it up and how you can do the same.
Step 1: Build Your Blog
A blog is still one of the strongest foundations for a digital business.
- Pick a self-hosted WordPress site.
Use WP Engine for hosting. It’s secure, fast, and made for WordPress. - Choose a professional theme.
I recommend JNews. It’s customizable and built for bloggers who want to monetize. - Start with simple posts.
Don’t overthink design. Publish content, then refine.
Step 2: Drive Traffic With Pinterest
Pinterest is where I get consistent traffic.
- Create pin images for every blog post.
- Use Tailwind to schedule them. You can load multiple images at once and drip them out over weeks.
- For SEO and performance tracking, use Pinclicks. It tells you what keywords you rank for, which pins are working, and how to improve.
Pro tip: Learn Pinterest basics before paying for advanced tools.
Step 3: Make Strong Visuals
Images are what make Pinterest, blogs, and social posts work.
- Use Ideogram to generate graphics.
- Create Pinterest pins, blog images, YouTube thumbnails, and even e-book covers.
- Start on the free plan and upgrade once you see what you need.
Step 4: Use AI to Save Time
Harpa is a Chrome extension that brings AI into your browser.
- Install Harpa.
- Open a blog draft, then ask Harpa how to make it better.
- Save prompts like “YouTube package” or “Pinterest caption” and reuse them as shortcuts.
- Use it for product descriptions, scripts, or content outlines.
Step 5: Repurpose Video
Video is essential for growth, and I keep it simple.
- Film on your phone in cinematic mode with a wireless lapel mic.
- Edit with CapCut. Trim the start and end, add text if needed, and export.
- Use Opus Clips to turn long videos into shorts or break interviews into segments.
- Optimize your videos with VidIQ. It rates your titles, descriptions, and thumbnails.
Step 6: Sell With Stan Store
This is where the money comes in.
- Open a Stan Store.
- Upload digital products like PDFs or e-books.
- Add coaching, courses, or memberships.
- Use the built-in affiliate program if you want others promoting for you.
- Connect it to MailerLite to capture emails and run campaigns.
- Automate with Zapier so every purchase triggers the right email flow.
Step 7: Cut What You Don’t Need
I used to pay for SEMRush, Jasper, and SEO writing assistants. Now I don’t. ChatGPT and Harpa replaced them.
Every few months, review your stack. If you’re not using it, cancel it.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of these are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Pinclicks: https://loriballen.com/go/pinclicks/
Tailwind: https://loriballen.com/go/tailwind/
Ideogram: https://loriballen.com/go/ideogram/
Harpa: https://loriballen.com/go/harpa/
WP Engine: https://loriballen.com/go/wp-engine/
JNews Theme: https://loriballen.com/go/jnews-theme/
Stan Store: https://loriballen.com/go/stan-store/
VidIQ: https://loriballen.com/go/vidiq/
Opus Clips: https://loriballen.com/go/opus/
MailerLite: https://loriballen.com/go/mailerlite/
Coaching and Products
For my complete systems and trainings, join the Blueprint Coaching Program at https://ballenblueprint.com
For done-for-you prompts and digital products, visit https://stan.store/loriballen
Final Word
My business runs lean because software replaced employees. With the right tools, you can scale a business to six figures and beyond while keeping your freedom.
Hey there! Just a quick heads-up: some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (including through the Amazon Associates program), at no extra cost to you. Occasionally, products featured here are gifted by brands.
I also use AI tools to help research and create content for you! While I love sharing strategies to help you succeed, please remember that everyone's journey is unique—individual results vary, and there are no guarantees. Thanks so much for stopping by!
