Welcome to
Digitally Grounded
Thank you for visiting! I'm Amanda McManus—writer, creator, and someone deeply passionate about sharing insights and knowledge. I created this space to help you navigate the ever-changing digital world, share meaningful stories, and offer guidance on embracing success, adapting to change, and thriving in life’s fast-paced journey. This website is meant to be a relaxed, stress-free corner of the internet. No question is too small, and no one will judge or criticize here—ever. I don’t claim to be an expert, far from it, but I’m here to help, share, and most importantly, listen. Welcome! Take a look around and enjoy your time here.
Joining the Digital Growth Community (DGC) was one of the best decisions of my life. Led by the incredible Michelle O'Neil, DGC offers more than just training—it provides relatable mentorship from someone who has truly walked the walk. Michelle’s story is nothing short of inspiring: she built a six-figure business in just six months, proving that success is achievable for anyone willing to put in the work. Her journey gave me the confidence to believe in my own potential. A little about me—I’m a 48-year-old single mom living in Southwest Florida. For years, I juggled physically demanding jobs, working long shifts as a bartender and managing a property maintenance company. But as time passed, my body couldn’t keep up, and I found myself at a crossroads. Without a college degree, a retirement plan, or a clear direction, I felt stuck and completely overwhelmed. I turned to the internet for answers, hoping to find a way forward. Unfortunately, I wasted countless hours and far too much money on programs that made empty promises like, "Make $10,000 in a day!" Each one left me more discouraged. Then, one day, a Facebook ad caught my attention. It featured a woman whose struggles felt eerily similar to mine. That’s how I discovered DGC. Taking the leap, I invested just $150 to get started. From the very first module, I knew I’d found something different. By the end of Day 2, I had my own website and sales funnel up and running. I joined “Skool,” DGC’s vibrant community, and found a support network that exceeded all my expectations. The resources, mentorship, and encouragement were exactly what I needed. This is where your journey can begin, too. When you log in to Kajabi via Skool, you’ll gain access to training that’s practical and actionable. The Facebook groups are another invaluable resource—filled with people ready to support, listen, and celebrate your wins. Plus, the events and workshops keep you engaged and motivated. Michelle is an extraordinary coach who shares a proven roadmap for success. Her blueprint works if you’re coachable and willing to follow the steps. I was a complete beginner when I started. I didn’t know what a hashtag was, had never made a video, and felt completely out of my depth with terms like "AI" and “funnels.” But DGC’s mindset training helped me push past my fears and self-doubt. Fast forward a year, and I’m still attending weekly training sessions, joining Zoom calls, and connecting with the amazing DGC community. Now, I’m ready to launch my own online business! This isn’t one of those “buy the course, sell the course” gimmicks. DGC is a comprehensive, long-term resource that has completely transformed how I approach affiliate marketing, social media, AI tools, ad creation, Canva, building email lists, finding niche markets, and more. If technical jargon like “hashtags” or “AI” feels overwhelming, trust me—I’ve been there. To make it easier, I even created a page on this site to explain all the tech terms I had to Google when I started. 😂 I’m here to tell you, if I can do it, so can you. If you’re tired of wasting money on overpriced “gurus” and courses that don’t deliver, stop looking. DGC is the real deal, and it could change your life just like it’s changed mine. 💜 Don’t wait—your digital growth journey starts today! 👉👀 Www.ucan2u.com
Ugggg Making The Ads!!!
Social Media Scared the Heck Out Of Me!
Overcoming My Social Media Fear: From Terrified to Confident Content Creator!
Hey there, fellow newbies! 👋 If you’re anything like I was not too long ago, the thought of posting videos on social media probably makes you feel like you just downed a double shot of espresso—super jittery and full of nerves! But fear not! I’m here to share my journey from being a scaredy-cat to a confident content creator, and trust me, if I can do it, so can you!
A Little Background
Let’s rewind to the first time I thought about making a video. I was sweating bullets, my heart racing like I was about to jump out of an airplane. The camera felt like a judgmental friend staring at me, waiting for me to mess up. I mean, who wants to look silly online, right? 😳
But here’s the thing: practice makes perfect! I decided to take the plunge in the most “me” way possible—by filming videos in my car. Yep, you read that right! My trusty vehicle became my mobile studio. Why? Because it felt safe! 🚗💨 I could act like I was bartending, chatting with friends over a drink, and suddenly, I was just having fun! I wasn’t a “content creator”; I was just me, talking about things I loved.
The Magic of Comfort Zones
You might be wondering, “How did you turn that fear into something fun?” Well, I learned that being comfortable really helps! Here are a few tips that worked for me:
1. Find Your Space: Whether it’s your car, your couch, or your favorite coffee shop, find a place where you feel relaxed. For me, it was the driver’s seat with the air conditioning blasting (a must on hot days!).
2. Be Yourself: Forget about being perfect. Just be you! Talk to the camera like it’s your best friend. If you mess up, laugh it off! Your followers will appreciate your authenticity.
3. Start Small: You don’t have to post your first video on the main stage. Start with stories or short clips. Gradually build your confidence!
4. Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you do it, the easier it gets. I filmed countless videos in my car before I shared them with the world. It was like my secret little confidence booster.
Now I’m Here to Help You!
Fast forward to today, and I’m on a mission to help newbies just like I was! If you’re ready to dive into the world of social media but feel that familiar fear creeping in, I’ve got your back! I specialize in helping beginners navigate the wild world of digital marketing and social media content creation.
What You Can Expect:
- Guidance: I’ll share tips and tricks to help you get started without the fear factor.
- Support: Join my community of fellow newbies where we cheer each other on and share our best (and worst) moments!
- Fun Challenges: Let’s create a safe space for you to practice making videos, starting with mini-challenges that’ll have you laughing and learning!
So, if you’re ready to conquer your social media fears and have a blast while doing it, hit me up! Let’s embark on this exciting journey together, where we can turn those nervous jitters into a confident smile and maybe even a few laughs along the way. Who knows? Your car might just become your new favorite filming spot too! 🚗✨
Remember, if I can do it, so can you! Let’s have some fun and get those videos rolling! 🎥💪
What the heck is a #??🤔 Don't Worry, I've Been There Too! 😊
When I first started, I was overwhelmed by all the unfamiliar terms and abbreviations. I spent so much time looking them up just to understand what I was learning in my training. To save you the hassle, here’s a helpful list of common terms and abbreviations I wish I had when I was starting out. I would have to stop the training, or look on another device to look up these terms in the mean time forgetting what we are supposed to be learning! It was exhausting! Hope this makes your journey easier!
My favorite A #. (Hashtag): A tool for social media posts, ads, and stories that helps connect you with your ideal audience.
Digital Marketing and Social Media Abbreviations
1. SEO - Search Engine Optimization
- The process of optimizing a website to rank higher in search engine results, thereby increasing organic (non-paid) traffic.
2. SEM - Search Engine Marketing
- A form of internet marketing that involves promoting websites by increasing their visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs) primarily through paid advertising.
3. PPC - Pay-Per-Click
- An online advertising model where advertisers pay each time a user clicks on one of their ads. Common platforms include Google Ads and social media ads.
4. CPC - Cost Per Click
- A metric that indicates the price paid for each click on an ad. It is used to measure the effectiveness of PPC campaigns.
5. CTR - Click-Through Rate
- The percentage of people who click on a link or ad compared to the total number of people who view it. It’s calculated as (Clicks/Impressions) x 100.
6. KPI - Key Performance Indicator
- A measurable value that demonstrates how effectively a company is achieving key business objectives. Common KPIs include conversion rates and traffic sources.
7. ROI - Return on Investment
- A performance measure used to evaluate the efficiency of an investment, calculated as (Net Profit / Cost of Investment) x 100.
8. CMS - Content Management System
- A software application that allows users to create, manage, and modify content on a website without needing specialized technical knowledge. Examples include WordPress and Joomla.
9. SMM - Social Media Marketing
- The use of social media platforms and websites to promote a product or service, engage with customers, and drive website traffic.
10. CRO - Conversion Rate Optimization
- The process of increasing the percentage of users who take a desired action on a website, such as completing a purchase or signing up for a newsletter.
11. B2B - Business to Business
- Refers to transactions or marketing strategies that occur between businesses, rather than between a business and individual consumers (B2C).
12. B2C - Business to Consumer
- Refers to transactions or marketing strategies that involve selling products or services directly to individual consumers.
13. UX - User Experience
- Refers to the overall experience a user has when interacting with a website, application, or product, focusing on ease of use and satisfaction.
14. UI - User Interface
- The means by which a user interacts with a computer, software, or application, including elements like buttons, icons, and menus.
15. GA - Google Analytics
- A free web analytics service offered by Google that tracks and reports website traffic, helping businesses understand user behavior and improve their marketing strategies.
16. A/B Testing - A/B Testing
- A method of comparing two versions of a webpage or ad to see which one performs better in terms of conversion rates or user engagement.
17. SLA - Service Level Agreement
- A contract between a service provider and a client that outlines the expected level of service, including response times and performance metrics.
18. TOS - Terms of Service
- The legal agreements between a company and its users that outline the rules and guidelines for using their service.
19. UGC - User-Generated Content
- Content created by users or customers, such as reviews, comments, photos, or videos, that can be used to promote a brand or product.
20. IM - Influencer Marketing
- A form of marketing that focuses on using key leaders or influencers to drive the brand’s message to the larger market.
Final Thoughts
Having a solid understanding of these abbreviations can greatly enhance your audience's grasp of digital marketing and social media concepts. You can create informative posts, guides, or even infographics around these terms to help your followers navigate the jargon more easily.
Introduction to my next phase
Since joining the Digital Growth Community, my confidence has soared. They’ve taught me everything from A to Z about building my own online gig, and now I’m brimming with ideas. The key lesson I’ve learned? Focus on one idea at a time and see it through. I’m having the most fun creating ads and experimenting with AI tools. Though I’m still camera-shy and not sure if I’ll ever completely overcome it, I’ve discovered that I can channel my creativity in other ways. After launching a few of my ads on Facebook, I started noticing friends taking interest—and even some local business owners reached out to ask for my help in creating small ads for their businesses. At first, I was so nervous—honestly, terrified! But I pushed through, and to my surprise, one of them, who owns a boat repair business, loved the work I did for him. I created three different ads: one playful and humorous, one professional, and one simple post with a few pictures and his contact information. To my delight, he liked all of them! Now he asked me to design his website! I'm half way thru and it's going great so far. Thanks to AI I'm not completely overwhelmed. I decided to go with 👉 Wordpress.com after trying several it was the most user friendly and you get the most bang for your buck.
This journey has shown me just how much you can achieve when you take action and embrace the knowledge available to you. The possibilities are truly endless, and it all starts with taking that first step.
Content Creation
Social Media Scared the Heck Out of Me!
Overcoming My Social Media Fear: From Terrified to Confident Content Creator!
Hey there, fellow newbies! 👋 If you’re anything like I was not too long ago, the thought of posting videos on social media probably makes you feel like you just downed a double shot of espresso—super jittery and full of nerves! But fear not! I’m here to share my journey from being a scaredy-cat to a confident content creator, and trust me, if I can do it, so can you!
A Little Background
Let’s rewind to the first time I thought about making a video. I was sweating bullets, my heart racing like I was about to jump out of an airplane. The camera felt like a judgmental friend staring at me, waiting for me to mess up. I mean, who wants to look silly online, right? 😳
But here’s the thing: practice makes perfect! I decided to take the plunge in the most “me” way possible—by filming videos in my car. Yep, you read that right! My trusty vehicle became my mobile studio. Why? Because it felt safe! 🚗💨 I could act like I was bartending, chatting with friends over a drink, and suddenly, I was just having fun! I wasn’t a “content creator”; I was just me, talking about things I loved.
The Magic of Comfort Zones
You might be wondering, “How did you turn that fear into something fun?” Well, I learned that being comfortable really helps! Here are a few tips that worked for me:
1. Find Your Space: Whether it’s your car, your couch, or your favorite coffee shop, find a place where you feel relaxed. For me, it was the driver’s seat with the air conditioning blasting (a must on hot days!).
2. Be Yourself: Forget about being perfect. Just be you! Talk to the camera like it’s your best friend. If you mess up, laugh it off! Your followers will appreciate your authenticity.
3. Start Small: You don’t have to post your first video on the main stage. Start with stories or short clips. Gradually build your confidence!
4. Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you do it, the easier it gets. I filmed countless videos in my car before I shared them with the world. It was like my secret little confidence booster.
Now I’m Here to Help You!
Fast forward to today, and I’m on a mission to help newbies just like I was! If you’re ready to dive into the world of social media but feel that familiar fear creeping in, I’ve got your back! I specialize in helping beginners navigate the wild world of digital marketing and social media content creation.
What You Can Expect:
- Guidance: I’ll share tips and tricks to help you get started without the fear factor.
- Support: Join my community of fellow newbies where we cheer each other on and share our best (and worst) moments!
- Fun Challenges: Let’s create a safe space for you to practice making videos, starting with mini-challenges that’ll have you laughing and learning!
So, if you’re ready to conquer your social media fears and have a blast while doing it, hit me up! Let’s embark on this exciting journey together, where we can turn those nervous jitters into a confident smile and maybe even a few laughs along the way. Who knows? Your car might just become your new favorite filming spot too! 🚗✨
Remember, if I can do it, so can you! Let’s have some fun and get those videos rolling! 🎥💪
Beyond the ordinary
july of 2025
Here's where I'm at in real time. Hopefully a year from now we can all look back and see how far we have come!!
Im so happy to say I'm starting my next journey ! I'm not claiming to be anywhere near an expert yet but we all have to start somewhere!
So here it is. I've started helping small local businesses with creating Facebook ads. And im creating a website for a boat repair business! So excited but a bit scary. Im confident tho because I have a strong support system thru Digital Growth Community! As much as I still don't really like being on camera, I did a few of myself talking and I did a few faceless. I also did several just with creative in mind and AI. I think I've worn out all my free trials with AI so far. lol But I'm actually having fun and I'm loving it. There's a lot you can do without having to get a college degree these days. The investment is pretty small considering the return you can get online. You really have to put in the time and effort though I think that's a big misconception that you could turn around and just start making $1000 in a couple days. It's a lie.... Unless you already have a huge presence online.
I've signed up and done my research with with the following ...
“Working with Digitally Grounded has been a game changer for my business. Their strategies have significantly increased our online visibility and customer engagement. I highly recommend their services.”
John Doe
Contact us
Reach out to us with any inquiries or to schedule a consultation. We're here to help your business succeed digitally!
About us
Digitally Grounded is a leading digital marketing agency based in Cape Coral, Florida. We are passionate about helping businesses succeed in the online world by providing tailored solutions to meet their unique needs. With a team of experienced professionals, we are committed to delivering exceptional results and driving business growth.