Jeff Bullas

That is a smart question. UTM parameters are essentially little bits of code you add to the end of your website links in your emails. They help your analytics tools, like Google Analytics, understand exactly where your website traffic originated from, which is incredibly handy for seeing how well your email campaigns are performing.

There are five standard UTM parameters, though you will not always use all of them for every email link.

First, there is utm_source. This one identifies where the traffic is coming from. For email marketing, you would typically set this to something that identifies your email platform or the type of email. For instance, you might use utm_source=mailchimp if that is your provider, or utm_source=weekly_newsletter, or even just a general utm_source=email_broadcast.

Second, you have utm_medium. This tells you the marketing channel used. For any links in your emails, this should consistently be set to email. So, that would look like utm_medium=email. This helps you distinguish email traffic from other channels like social media or paid search.

Third, there is utm_campaign. This parameter is for naming the specific email campaign, promotion, or newsletter. For example, you might use utm_campaign=june_promo_2025 or utm_campaign=new_product_launch. This helps you compare the performance of different campaigns over time.

Fourth is utm_content, which is optional. This one is useful if you have multiple links in the same email that point to the same destination URL, or if you are A/B testing different elements. For example, you could use utm_content=header_logo_link versus utm_content=cta_button to see which specific link was clicked.

And fifth, there is utm_term, also optional. This is primarily used in paid search campaigns to identify specific keywords. For email marketing, its use is less common, but some people might use it to differentiate specific segments within a campaign if it is not covered by the campaign name or content tags.

When someone clicks on a link that has these UTM parameters, the information is sent to your analytics platform. This allows you to see precisely which email campaigns, and even which links within those emails, are driving traffic, engagement, and conversions on your website.

Many email marketing platforms offer built-in tools to help you add UTM parameters to your links automatically, or you can use tools like Google’s Campaign URL Builder. And if you’re looking for another tool to help you get these parameters right, my team also put together a ‘UTM Parameter Selector’ you can check out. It’s free to use over at https://www.jeffbullas.com/docs/utm-parameter-selector/. The key is to be consistent with your naming conventions so your data is clean and easy to analyse.

Using UTM parameters properly in your email marketing will give you clear insights into what is working, what is not, and help you make better decisions to improve your results.

Cheers,

Jeff

Good day,

That is a practical question. Yes, it is possible to make some money from a free website, but it often comes with significant limitations you need to be aware of.

There are a few ways you might generate income. First, affiliate marketing is often one of the more accessible options. This involves placing special links in your content, and if someone buys a product or service through your link, you earn a commission. You will need to check the terms of service of your free website provider, as some may have restrictions on this.

Second, you could consider donations or support. If you are providing content that people find valuable, you can add a link to a service like Ko-fi or “Buy Me A Coffee” where visitors can contribute.

Third, a free website can serve as a basic online presence or portfolio to showcase your services if you are a freelancer. The actual transaction or client engagement would typically happen off-site.

Fourth, if you have digital products, like an e-book or a small guide, you could mention them on your free site and then link to an external platform, such as Gumroad or Etsy, where the purchase can be made.

However, there are common challenges and limitations with free platforms.

A major one is restrictions on advertising. Many free website builders, including the free versions of platforms like WordPress.com or Wix, either do not allow you to run your own advertisements (such as Google AdSense), or they will display their own ads on your site, and you do not earn revenue from those. If they do permit something like AdSense, it might be on a specific higher-tier free plan or with certain conditions attached.

Also, comprehensive e-commerce functionality, like a proper online shop, is almost always a feature of paid plans.

Furthermore, free sites typically come with a subdomain (like yourname.platformname.com) and the platform’s branding. This can appear less professional and might deter some potential customers or partners.

Finally, free plans usually offer fewer features, limited Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) tools, and less storage space. These factors can make it more difficult to attract the volume of traffic necessary to generate significant income.

If you are serious about making substantial money from a website, investing in your own custom domain name and a basic paid hosting plan or upgrading to a paid plan on a reputable website builder will generally provide far more control and a more professional appearance. It does not have to cost a fortune to get started properly, either. In fact, I started my own blog back in 2008 with just ten dollars, which mainly covered the domain name. You can read a bit about that journey and how to start a blog effectively over at https://www.jeffbullas.com/start-a-blog/. The point is, even a small initial investment can make a significant difference if you are serious about your online presence and monetisation.

So, while you might earn a small amount with a free site, particularly through methods like affiliate links or directing people to off-site sales points, the restrictions imposed by the free platforms often make it challenging. For more serious monetisation efforts, that small step up is usually the way to go.

Cheers,

Jeff

Good day,

That is an excellent question. People start podcasts for a whole range of reasons, and the “point” can be quite personal or highly strategic.

There are several common motivations. First, many creators simply want to share a passion or expertise. They might have a deep interest in a particular subject and want to discuss it, teach others, or explore it further.

Second, podcasting is a powerful way to build a community. Listeners can form strong connections with hosts and with each other around shared interests, creating a loyal and engaged audience.

Third, it is often used for brand building, whether that is for an individual’s personal brand or for a business. A podcast can help establish authority, showcase thought leadership, and increase visibility in a specific field.

Fourth, for businesses, it frequently serves as a content marketing tool. They can provide valuable information, attract potential customers, and nurture relationships, often without a direct sales pitch.

Fifth, some use podcasting for networking. Interviewing guests, for example, can be an effective method for connecting with influential people and experts in an industry.

Sixth, while it might not always be the initial driver, monetisation is certainly a goal for some. This could be through advertising, sponsorships, selling related products or services, or listener support.

And seventh, it is a medium for creative expression and storytelling. It allows creators to share narratives, opinions, and engage in a unique form of communication.

Often, the “point” is a combination of these factors, and it can certainly change as a podcast grows and evolves. Understanding your own primary motivation before starting is quite important for shaping your content and goals.

Cheers,

Jeff

G’day,

Figuring out what to write on LinkedIn can be a bit of a thinker, but the main game is to share stuff that’s valuable and engaging for a professional crowd.

Here are a few types of posts that usually go down well.

First, sharing your own insights or expertise is a winner. This could be your take on an industry trend, a lesson you’ve learned, or a practical tip that others in your field might find handy. Shows you know your onions.

Second, asking thought-provoking questions can get a good discussion going. Pose a question about a common challenge in your industry, or ask for opinions on a new development.

Third, it’s good to celebrate achievements, both yours and others’. Things like starting a new job, finishing a big project, a work anniversary, or giving a shout-out to a colleague or a connection for their good work. Just keep it genuine.

Fourth, if you find a great article or resource, share it, but don’t just sling the link. Add a sentence or two with your own thoughts on it, why it’s worth a read, or what your network might get out of it.

Fifth, telling professional stories can be quite powerful. Maybe a challenge you overcame at work, a key learning experience, or even a bit of a behind-the-scenes look at what you do, if it’s appropriate. People connect with stories.

And sixth, if it applies to you, company news and updates are good. Things like company milestones, new hires, job openings, or insights into the company culture.

Speaking of getting the structure right, there’s a handy free ‘LinkedIn Post Format Cheatsheet’ that my team put together. You can grab it if you like; just need to sign up to download or use it over at https://www.jeffbullas.com/docs/linkedin-post-format-cheatsheet/. Might give you a few extra pointers.

A few general pointers for your posts: always aim to provide value. Before you hit post, ask yourself if your network would find it interesting or useful. Chuck in a relevant image or a short video if you can, as that often helps posts get noticed. And use a few relevant hashtags to help people find your content, but don’t go overboard. Tagging people or companies you mention is also good practice, when it makes sense.

The best stuff on LinkedIn usually sparks a bit of thought, offers some value, or helps build those professional connections. Give a few different things a crack and see what resonates with your network.

Cheers,

Jeff

G’day,

That’s a top question. Do LinkedIn connections actually mean anything? Short answer: they bloody well can, but it’s not just about racking up big numbers.

Here’s what good connections can do for you.

First, they’re your network. This means potential job leads, introductions to folks at companies you’re keen on, or even finding people to team up with on a project. You never know who might open a door for you.

Second, they can be a great source of information and insights. If you connect with people in your industry, your feed can fill up with relevant news, articles, and discussions, keeping you in the loop.

Third, there’s visibility and your personal brand. Being connected with the right people and engaging on the platform can get your own profile seen more. It helps build up how people see you professionally.

Fourth, it adds a bit of social proof. Having a decent number of connections, especially with well-regarded people in your field, can make your profile look more credible.

But here’s the big “but” – quality trumps quantity every single time. Having a few hundred engaged, relevant connections you actually have some sort of rapport with is heaps more valuable than thousands of randoms you’ve never said boo to. It’s about who you’re connected with and the actual, even if light, relationship.

To make them mean something, don’t just hoard them. First, try to personalise your connection requests if you’re sending them. Second, engage with your connections’ posts – a thoughtful comment goes a long way. Third, share valuable stuff yourself. And fourth, be open to helping others out.

So yeah, LinkedIn connections are a tool. They mean something if you put a bit of effort into building genuine, relevant links and then actually use your network wisely.

Cheers,

Jeff

G’day,

Yeah, that’s a question heaps of people ask – how to see who’s given you the flick on Instagram. The short answer is, Instagram itself doesn’t send you a notification or have a straightforward list of “people who unfollowed you.” They probably keep that quiet to avoid any bad vibes on the platform.

Now, how can you try and figure it out?

First, there’s the manual way. If you’ve got a fairly small number of followers, or you suspect a particular person, you could go to your “Followers” list and search for their name. If they’re not there (and you know they were before), they’ve likely unfollowed. Or, you can visit their profile and see if the button says “Follow” or “Follow Back” instead of “Following” or “Message.” Obviously, this is a proper pain and not practical if you’ve got a lot of followers. Some folks also download their Instagram data (followers and following lists) and use a list comparison tool, but that’s a bit of mucking around.

Second, you’ll find a stack of third-party apps and websites out there claiming to track your unfollowers. My advice here is to be extremely careful. Many of these apps ask for your Instagram login details. Handing those over is a massive security risk – you’re opening yourself up to getting your account hacked or your data misused. Plus, using these apps can go against Instagram’s Terms of Service, and that could land your account in hot water, maybe even get it suspended. On top of that, their accuracy isn’t always guaranteed, especially with Instagram updating its system all the time.

Honestly, while it’s natural to be curious, my advice is usually not to get too bogged down worrying about who unfollowed you. Unfollows happen, it’s just part of the social media game. It’s generally a better use of your time and energy to focus on creating top-notch content that your current audience loves, engaging with them, and attracting new followers who are genuinely interested in what you’re doing.

So, no easy, official button to press, unfortunately. Manual checks are a hassle, and third-party apps come with big risks. Better to focus on the good stuff – your content and your community.

Cheers,

Jeff

G’day,

Too right you can make money from email marketing! It’s still one of the most solid ways to generate revenue if you do it properly. It’s not just for sending out updates, that’s for sure.

There are a few main ways businesses and creators make a quid from their email lists.

First, and most obvious, is direct sales of your own products or services. If you’ve got something to sell – whether it’s a digital course, physical merch, consulting time, or software – your email list is a prime spot to let people know about it and drive sales.

Second, there’s affiliate marketing. This is where you recommend other people’s products or services that you reckon your audience would find useful. You include a special tracking link in your email, and if someone buys through your link, you get a commission.

Third, for those with a decent-sized and engaged list, sponsorships or dedicated emails can be an option. Brands might pay you to feature their product or service in your newsletter, or even to send out an entire email dedicated to them.

Fourth, you can use email to drive traffic to other places where you make money. Think sending subscribers to your latest blog post that has ads on it, a new YouTube video with monetisation enabled, or directly to your e-commerce store.

And fifth, especially for businesses selling more expensive items or services, email is crucial for nurturing leads. You build a relationship over a series of emails, provide value, and guide potential customers towards making a bigger purchase.

The key to making it work is having a quality list of people who actually want to hear from you, and then providing them with genuine value, not just a constant sales pitch. Target your offers, make your calls to action clear, and be consistent.

So yeah, done right, email marketing can be a real money-spinner.

Cheers,

Jeff

G’day,

Good question – the rules around getting paid on YouTube can seem a bit like a moving target, but here’s the current score as of mid-2025.

You’re right, 1000 subscribers is a key number, but it’s part of a bigger picture for getting into the full YouTube Partner Program (YPP), which is how you earn a share of ad revenue.

For Full YPP (Ad Revenue, etc.):
You generally need to meet these:

1,000 subscribers
AND one of the following:
4,000 valid public watch hours in the past 12 months (for long-form videos).
10 million valid public Shorts views in the past 90 days.
Follow all YouTube’s monetisation policies and Community Guidelines.
Have an active AdSense account linked up.
No active Community Guidelines strikes on your channel.
Have 2-Step Verification turned on for your Google Account.
Earning Sooner (Access to Some Features with Lower Requirements):
YouTube has opened things up a bit so creators can start earning from some features earlier. For this tier, the general requirements are:

500 subscribers
3 valid public uploads in the last 90 days
AND one of the following:
3,000 valid public watch hours in the past 12 months.
3 million valid public Shorts views in the past 90 days. (Plus the usual policy adherence, AdSense, etc.)
If you meet this lower tier, you can typically access features like:

Channel Memberships (fans pay a monthly fee for perks).
Super Chat & Super Stickers (for live streams).
Super Thanks (viewers can tip on your videos).
YouTube Shopping (to promote your own merch or products).
You don’t get ad revenue sharing at this 500-subscriber tier. That unlocks when you hit the full 1,000 subscriber and higher watch hour/Shorts views criteria. The good news is, once you qualify for the lower tier and then meet the higher requirements, you usually get upgraded automatically to full YPP benefits without needing to reapply.

Other Ways to Earn (Regardless of YPP):
Don’t forget you can also explore things like:

Affiliate marketing (promoting products and getting a commission).
Brand deals/sponsorships (even smaller channels with an engaged niche audience can get these).
Selling your own merch or digital products directly.
So, while 1,000 subscribers (plus the watch time/Shorts views) is still the main gateway for sharing in ad revenue, you can start unlocking some other earning features a bit sooner. And there are always independent ways to make a quid with your content too.

Cheers,

Jeff