Starting from Zero

🧷 Protecting Your Photos Online

Watermarks aren’t enough anymore — AI tools can erase them in seconds. But there are better ways to protect your photos and tutorials from being stolen or reused:
1. Use smaller, web-sized images.
Upload only low-resolution versions — they’ll look fine online but can’t be printed or resold clearly.
2. Add hidden metadata.
Embed your name or website into the image’s EXIF data. Free tools like ExifTool or Imatag make it easy.
3. Try invisible watermarking.
Services like Imatag, Pixsy or Digimarc hide your ownership info inside the pixels.
4. Always post from your official page or domain.
Timestamped posts act as proof of creation and ownership.
5. Do regular image searches.
Use Google Images, TinEye or Pixsy to find unauthorised copies and file DMCA takedowns if needed.
6. Add your signature style.
Include your business card, packaging, or a unique background so your photos are harder to fake.

Protecting your work doesn’t have to ruin your photos, just take a few smart steps before posting. 💕

Running an online business is a rollercoaster like no other. There’s the pure joy of creating something you love, the buzz when a sale comes through, and the thrill of seeing your work out in the world.

And then… there’s the other side. The frustration when things don’t go as planned, the late nights fixing problems, and, more recently, the absolute horror of being targeted by scammers. It’s exhausting and disheartening, but it’s also a reminder of why protecting your work matters so much.

Through it all, the highs make it worth it. Every customer who loves what you’ve made, every project completed, every little victory, they keep you going.

Running an online business isn’t just about selling, it’s about resilience, creativity, and learning to navigate the unexpected and a reminder we are always learning.

I woke up at 4am this morning, like I do most mornings, because my brain doesn’t always know when to switch off.
A million post ideas were swirling around in my head for both this page and my business one.
Of course, I eventually drifted back to sleep… and my brain hit reset 😉

Which brings me to an important reminder: write it down!
Whether it’s in a journal, notebook, on a scrap of printer paper, or in a notes app on your phone, capture your ideas when they come.
You can refine or delete them later, but in a busy world, don’t rely on memory alone. Those 4am thoughts might be gold…literally

How the Facebook Algorithm Actually Works

Ever wonder why some posts take off while others barely get seen?
It’s all about the algorithm - Facebook’s way of deciding what shows up in people’s feeds.

Here’s the short version:
Facebook wants people to stay, scroll, and interact. So it shows them posts that spark genuine conversation, likes, comments, shares, and even the ones they pause to read.

If people engage quickly, Facebook shows that post to more people. If they scroll past, it quietly disappears from most feeds.

So what can you do?
✅ Post consistently
✅ Encourage real interaction (ask questions, share tips, tell stories)
✅ Reply to comments - it counts!
✅ Upload videos directly (don’t just link from YouTube)

The algorithm isn’t your enemy - it’s just waiting to see what your audience connects with most.

Start posting with intention and watch what happens 🌿

🌱 Can a brand-new page be monetised?

Yes, but not straight away. Every new page starts at zero (just like I did). Facebook needs to see regular posting, genuine engagement, and that you’re following all the community and monetisation rules.

Once your page has built some momentum — a few thousand followers and steady activity — you can apply for monetisation tools like Ads on Reels, Stars, or even paid subscriptions.

Think of it as proving your page is consistent, trustworthy, and valuable to your audience. It takes time, but it’s absolutely achievable with the right plan.

✨ Keep showing up, post often, and grow your audience one step at a time.

Who is your customer?

It’s a simple question, but such an important one. Once you can clearly picture who you’re talking to, everything about your business becomes easier, from what you create to how you present it.

For me, my typical customer is female (99.6%) and around my age (60+). Facebook and YouTube insights confirm it. What I find fascinating is how many of them come from a health industry background. They have children, grandchildren, and pets, and they’re creative souls who love making things, often with several projects on the go at once. Rag quilts are usually high on that list.

Take a moment to think about who your customer is. If you don’t have analytics yet, think about who’s bought from you before, or who you’d like to reach. Once you can visualise that person, everything else starts to fall into place.
* This is a key topic so we will be touching on it regularly.

While I was growing and monetising the page connected to my business, I realised something many people don’t know — your monetised page doesn’t have to be your business page at all.

You can create a page purely for sharing your interests, knowledge, or experiences — and still earn from it.
It could be about travel, food, crafting, motivation, pets, or anything you’re passionate about.

Everyone knows something about something.
So if you could start a page today, just for fun (and maybe profit), what would it be about?

💰 What is page monetisation?

Page monetisation on Facebook (or Meta) means earning money from your content — posts, videos, or interactions — once your page meets certain eligibility requirements.

When I first started sharing my work online, I had no idea you could actually earn income through your page. What began as a creative outlet has now become a part of my business — one that grows a little more each week.

Monetisation doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of consistent posting, genuine engagement, and learning how to turn your audience into a community. For small business owners, it can be the difference between “just covering costs” and building a reliable income stream that supports your goals.

Over the coming weeks and months I’ll be sharing how I’ve grown my own page to the point of monetisation — what worked, what didn’t, and how you can start laying the groundwork for your own online income.

Follow Starting from Zero to get the posts to your feed sooner and join me as I build this step by step 🌱

Everyone’s idea of financial stability looks a little different. For some, it’s complete independence. For others, it’s simply having enough extra each week to enjoy a few luxuries. Most of us fall somewhere in between.

For me, it’s about earning on my own terms — doing what I love and helping others along the way. It’s a win–win, and it’s not as hard as it might seem. All you need is an idea, commitment, and a little time.

Welcome to my business blog, Starting from Zero. Here I’ll share my journey, tips, and ideas as I grow this page toward monetisation — and I’ll take you along step by step.