Influencer Confidential

If you're tired of spending hours on content only to get crickets, this is your wake-up call. Something's off…and it may not be the algorithm this time.When building a community on Instagram — whether you're a brand or creator — ENGAGEMENT matters and needs to be your focus. In this episode I pull back the curtain on the current engagement tactics our most successful creators and brand clients are using to spark conversations, shares, saves, and (yes) land those paid brand deals.This is exactly what you need to build community, loyalty, and actual conversations!

ATTENTION: There is a new type of creator in town!And younger people are out here shouting “the future is bright!” (because it is!)✨ This new wave of creators is living proof that influencer marketing has NO AGE LIMIT. In fact, age is turning out to be a superpower.We're in a whole new era where 50+ creators are thriving online, landing dream brand deals, and building communities across every generation.In this episode, I'm diving into the rise of the Silver Creator Movement, and why brands are finally waking up to the power (and profit!) of this dynamic demographic.We're talking:→ Why 50+ creators are landing 4-5 figure deals→ Why brands are suddenly shifting their focus→ What Gen Z loves about older creators→ Real examples of creators dominating in their 60s, 70s, even 90s→ And why it's never too late to startYou don't need to be 22, tech-savvy, or trend-obsessed. You just need your story, a phone, and the courage to start. The internet has room for all generations!

In this episode of Influencer Confidential, Nina interviews Nelly, a travel and lifestyle creator who shares her journey of starting over after a public breakup that forced her to walk away from a million followers. Nelly discusses the challenges of rebuilding her brand, the importance of maintaining boundaries in relationships and content creation, and the complexities of managing a public persona while navigating personal struggles. The conversation delves into the dynamics of couples content creation, legal considerations for shared accounts, and the significance of communication with audiences during difficult times. In this conversation, Nelly shares her journey of transitioning from a couple's content creator to building her own brand and community on YouTube. She emphasizes the importance of having a contract in relationships, the significance of personal branding, and the strategies that led to her rapid growth on the platform. Nelly provides valuable insights on content creation, consistency, and the essential tools for aspiring creators, particularly focusing on the importance of audio quality and effective YouTube strategies. She also discusses her new venture, the Freedom Creator Academy, aimed at empowering others to monetize their passions through YouTube.You Can Follow Nelly Here:Websites: http://www.nellyslife.co/ http://www.freedomcreatoracademy.co/YouTube channels:https://www.youtube.com/@Nellyslifehttps://www.youtube.com/@freeedomcreatoracademyInstagram accounts:https://www.instagram.com/nellyslife.co/ https://www.instagram.com/freedomcreatoracademy/TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@nellyslife.coAbout Sidewalker Daily:Sidewalker Daily is your go-to resource for Creators and Influencers who want to land paid brand deals, make money doing what they love, and build a successful business with the right tools and strategies.

You've probably heard the whispers online.. “It's the end of the influencer economy and there are no more brand deals!” Spoiler alert: Influencer marketing isn't dead.Brand deals are not dying… HOWEVER, the creator economy is indeed changing. And it's changing at lightning speed.In this episode, I'm breaking down what's really going on behind the scenes in 2025, and how YOU, as a creator, can stay ahead of the curve.We're talking about:✨ What's really happening in the creator space in 2025✨ How creators are adapting (and thriving) despite the shifts✨ A behind-the-scenes look at what brands are thinking✨ The strategies you need to pitch smarter and profit✨ AND SO MUCH MORE YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO MISSThis is not the time to panic! It's the time to pivot. Because the creators who evolve and take control of the shifts, will be the ones who profit.

Creators vs. AI? AI is changing the creator landscape fast, and not always in ways that benefit us.In this episode, I'm sharing a real situation that sparked a BIG conversation in my creator community. We're talking about the ripple effects of AI in the influencer space: what it means for your brand, your income, and your future.And this is something every content creator needs to be thinking about. If you're a creator, brand, or just curious about where this is all headed — you need to see this.We're going to talk about what's really going on, and how we can protect our work and our future.

In this engaging conversation, Sandi shares her incredible journey of growth in the content creation space, detailing her family's epic travels and the strategies that led to their success on social media. From leveraging viral content to understanding the importance of speed and consistency, Sandi emphasizes the need for creators to believe in their worth and invest in their growth. The discussion also touches on the significance of brand deals and the mindset required to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of digital content. In this conversation, Sandi shares her journey from running a film production company to embracing a full-time RV lifestyle and creating engaging content on social media. She discusses the impact of their lifestyle changes on their family and the importance of authenticity in content creation. Sandi emphasizes the significance of persistence in pitching to brands, the division of responsibilities within their family business, and the challenges of managing community engagement. The conversation also touches on effective pitching strategies, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of planning to avoid burnout while maintaining high-quality content.You Can Follow Sandi & Jimi Here:Website: https://www.trynsomethingnew.com/Instagram: @trynsomethingnew - https://www.instagram.com/trynsomethingnew/TikTok: @trynsomethingnew - https://www.tiktok.com/@trynsomethingnewYouTube:  @tryNsomethingnew  - https://www.youtube.com/trynsomethingnewAbout Sidewalker Daily:Sidewalker Daily is your go-to resource for Creators and Influencers who want to land paid brand deals, make money doing what they love, and build a successful business with the right tools and strategies.

Monetizing Threads? YES, it is happening!

In this engaging conversation, Marina Middleton shares her journey from a cultural shock in Boston to becoming the CEO of Create and Cultivate. She discusses the butterfly effect of her career, the importance of in-person networking, and how her company empowers women at all stages of their careers. Marina provides valuable networking tips and emphasizes the significance of maintaining a strong digital presence. In this conversation, Nina and Marina discuss the significance of personal branding, the creation of the world's largest festival for women in business, and the balance between motherhood and entrepreneurship. Marina shares insights on evolving personal brands, the vision behind the festival, and the importance of modeling resilience for the next generation.You Can Follow Marina Here: Personal Website: https://www.marinamiddleton.com/ Create Cultivate Website: https://www.createcultivate.com/ Create Cultivate Festival: https://www.createcultivate.com/festival Instagram: @CreateCultivate https://www.instagram.com/createcultivate/ @MarinaaMiddleton https://www.instagram.com/marinaamiddleton/ TikTok: @CreateCultivate.com https://www.tiktok.com/@createcultivate.com @MarinaaMiddleton https://www.tiktok.com/@marinaamiddletonAbout Sidewalker Daily:Sidewalker Daily is your go-to resource for Creators and Influencers who want to land paid brand deals, make money doing what they love, and build a successful business with the right tools and strategies.

As an influencer, creator, brand, or even just someone who's nosy about the influencer space (hi, same

Alix Earle made $450K for ONE IG Story?!

In this conversation, Latasha James and Nina discuss the evolution of content creation, focusing on the transition from being seen as an influencer to a business owner. They explore the importance of brand partnerships, pricing strategies, and the significance of long-form content on platforms like YouTube. Latasha shares her experiences with successful brand collaborations, the importance of maintaining relationships with brands, and the red flags to watch out for when entering partnerships. The discussion emphasizes the need for creators to align their brand partnerships with their values and audience expectations while also highlighting the joy of content creation. In this conversation, Latasha James shares her journey as a content creator, discussing her passion for filmmaking and the joy of creating content. She emphasizes the importance of understanding one's identity as a creator, the significance of niching down for growth, and the strategies for maintaining consistency in content creation. Latasha also highlights the benefits of vlogging as a creative outlet and explores monetization opportunities through social media management. She discusses the evolution of her community and the solopreneur mindset, encouraging creators to align their work with their values and to consider outsourcing tasks that do not bring them joy.You Can Follow Latasha Here: Website: https://www.latashajames.com/Instagram: @thelatashajames https://www.instagram.com/thelatashajames/TikTok: @thelatashajames https://www.tiktok.com/@thelatashajamesYouTube: @thelatashajames https://www.youtube.com/@thelatashajamesSpotify Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/thelatashajames/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-freelance-friday-podcast/id1339512399Social Media Management Accelerator: https://courses.latashajames.com/courses/social-media-management-accelerator?ref=6ee987Use code SIDEWALKER for 30% OFF (or the 1st month if you choose the payment plan).Free Vlogging Course: https://courses.latashajames.com/courses/the-art-of-the-vlogOther links mentioned by Latasha:Values Assessment: https://personalvalu.es/Nikon Z 30: https://amzn.to/3Z7CfdAAbout Sidewalker Daily:Sidewalker Daily is your go-to resource for Creators and Influencers who want to land paid brand deals, make money doing what they love, and build a successful business with the right tools and strategies.

Think you need a huge following to start making money on Instagram? Well, I might change your mind

In this episode of Influencer Confidential, Nina interviews Olga Valentin, a successful content creator and entrepreneur behind Mini Jet Setter. Olga shares her journey of growing her Instagram following to over 100,000 in just two years, emphasizing the importance of focusing on a niche, providing value, and the quality of content over quantity. They discuss strategies for effective pitching, the significance of personalization in brand partnerships, and how to manage time effectively while balancing family life. Olga also opens up about overcoming frustration, building confidence, and dealing with imposter syndrome in the creator economy. In this conversation, Olga shares her journey as a creator and entrepreneur, discussing the importance of supportive partnerships, and the balance between motherhood and her career. She emphasizes the significance of morning routines for productivity and the careful navigation of family safety in the online space. Olga also delves into her experience of building a product line alongside her influencer work, highlighting the organic growth of her travel kits and her vision for the future of her brand.You can Follow Olga Here:Website: www.minijetsetter.com Instagram: @mini.jetsetter https://www.instagram.com/mini.jetsetter/ TikTok: @mini.jetsetter https://www.tiktok.com/@mini.jetsetterAbout Sidewalker Daily:Sidewalker Daily is your go-to resource for creators who want to land brand deals, make money doing what they love, and level up their pitch game with the right tools and strategies.

7 Signs You're Ready for PAID Brand Deals + FREE WORKSHEET!After working with thousands of creators, I've noticed the clear signs that separate those landing consistent, paid brand partnerships from those who are still struggling. In this episode, I'm breaking down the real indicators that tell you you're ready to get paid — and how to make sure brands see you as a valuable partner!✨ We'll cover:The biggest sign you're ready for paid partnershipsHow to test your influence (beyond likes & comments!)What your content consistency says about youWhy brands reaching out is your green light to chargeThe importance of knowing your niche and your personHow affiliate success = proof you're ready to pitchWhy your mindset, confidence, and knowing your worth really matter

In this engaging conversation, Nina interviews Nicole Isaacs, a seasoned content creator and entrepreneur, who shares her journey in the influencer space. They discuss the balance between personal life and career, the perks of being a content creator, the evolution of content creation, and the importance of audience engagement. Nicole emphasizes the need for intentional living and the significance of charging for work, especially in the travel industry, where monetization can be challenging. The conversation wraps up with reflections on successful campaigns and the changing landscape of brand partnerships. In this conversation, Nicole shares her journey as a creator, discussing her experiences with brand collaborations, the challenges of management, and the importance of investing in personal growth. She emphasizes the significance of authenticity in content creation and offers valuable advice for aspiring creators. The discussion also touches on her transition to entrepreneurship with her brand, Kadima, and the lessons learned along the way.You Can Follow Nicole Here:Website: https://www.nicoleisaacs.com/Instagram: @nicoleisaacs https://www.instagram.com/nicoleisaacs/TikTok: @nicoleisaacsofficial https://www.tiktok.com/@nicoleisaacsofficialKadimah's Instagram: @kadimah https://www.instagram.com/kadimah/Kadimah's website: https://kadimah.co/About Sidewalker Daily:Sidewalker Daily helps influencers and creators build profitable businesses through brand partnerships, monetization strategies, and expert guidance. With over 150,000 creators in our community and years of experience managing hundreds of thousands of dollars in brand campaigns, we bring a unique perspective from both sides of the industry, helping creators understand what brands really want.

Want brands to slide into your DMs first? Here's how!

In this episode of Influencer Confidential, Nina interviews Jessica Off, founder of Guess Where Trips, a company that creates unique, self-guided mystery road trips. Jessica shares her journey of starting the business, the importance of local influencers, and how social media has played a crucial role in scaling her brand. The conversation delves into strategies for working with creators, the metrics of successful campaigns, and the balance of trusting creators while maintaining brand integrity. Jessica also discusses lessons learned from campaigns that didn't go as planned and the evolving landscape of influencer marketing. In this conversation, Nina and Jessica Off discuss the intricacies of influencer marketing, focusing on negotiation strategies, regional pricing variations, the impact of seasonality on marketing efforts, and effective pitching strategies for creators. They also highlight upcoming opportunities for creators to collaborate with brands, emphasizing the importance of tailored pitches and understanding market dynamics.You Can Follow Jess Here:www.guesswheretrips.comInstagram: @guesswheretripsYouTube: @guesswheretrips TikTok: @guesswheretripsThis episode can also been seen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/t_ve3w_lpNA

No UGC portfolio = no brand deals!

Instagram vs TikTok vs YouTube: Where Are Brands REALLY Spending?

Wondering if brands are actually paying attention to your content? Spoiler: They probably are

If you dream of working with tourism boards, hotels, and travel brands, but keep getting ignored… it's time for a reality check.

Thinking about posting on social media but not ready to show your face? You're not alone — and I got you! Faceless marketing is blowing up, and brands are paying BIG for content that doesn't require you to be on camera. In this episode, we're diving into how faceless creators are taking over, how you can land brand deals, monetize your content, and build a faceless creator empire — all without ever showing your face. Let's get into it!

Thinking About Vlogging? DON'T Make These Mistakes! Okay, so I've been vlogging… and let's just say, I've learned a thing or two (or ten

If you've ever wondered how influencers are landing massive brand deals, getting luxury travel experiences, or making six figures with their content — YOU'RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE ✨ In this episode, I'm spilling the secrets straight from my community of 150,000+ creators, sharing the real strategies influencers use to get PAID

Want to get PAID to travel?

Alright, let's talk MONEY!

Thinking about saying YES to a UGC partnership? Hold up!

In this episode, I'm sharing practical and powerful strategies to help you attract brands and get on their radar — without always having to pitch first! We'll dive into how creating content around your favorite brands (even before they reach out) can work in your favor, how tagging brands can lead to opportunities, and why in-person networking might just be your secret weapon. Let's make 2025 the year brands can't help but notice you! ✨

In this episode, I'm diving into how creators can use AI tools to stay creative, save time, and streamline their workflow — all without losing that authentic, human touch your audience loves! These must-have tools, recommended by our amazing Sidewalker Daily community and my personal experience, will change the game for content creators and influencers alike. From video editing and social media management to generating fresh, standout ideas, these tools are designed to help you work smarter, not harder. Plus, they'll set you up to crush your 2025 goals — landing more paid brand deals and scaling your creator business. Let's make 2025 your most profitable, efficient, and creative year yet! ✨

New year, new goals, new trends!

Ready to plan your best year of paid brand partnerships yet? In this episode, I'm sharing how to reflect on your 2024 collabs, update your media kit, build a smart “hit list,” and plan your Q1 content, so you can pitch with confidence and land those dream collabs! Q1 is a perfect time to pitch as brands have fresh budgets and are excited to team up. Let's make 2025 your most profitable (and fun!) year yet! 

Did 2024 just fly by real fast??

Being a creator isn't always easy, especially when inspiration feels like it's nowhere to be found. In this episode, I'm diving into the real struggles creators face – from burnout to creative blocks – and sharing actionable tips to help you rediscover your spark and stay inspired.

We're tackling a topic that's got everyone talking — are influencers actually responsible for driving sales?

If you're a creator just starting to get traction or stepping up your paid influencer game, getting a manager might seem like the next big move!

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Are you ready to film your first vlog but not sure where to start? In this episode, I'll walk you through a step-by-step guide to help you PLAN and SHOOT your very first vlog. From defining your "why" to choosing the right format, gear, and editing tips, I've got you covered! Vlogging can feel overwhelming, especially if you're just getting started, but don't worry — we'll break it down into simple steps that'll boost your confidence and get you filming in no time. And remember, vlogging is all about having fun and sharing your story! Let's do this!

Vlogging in public can be nerve-wracking, trust me — I've been there!

If you're a small creator diving into your first brand deals, you're probably wondering, “What are brands actually looking for?”

If you're a small creator wondering if brands actually want to work with you, the answer is YES! In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain from my experience on the brand side, where I've helped manage influencer campaigns and budgets for creators of ALL sizes. Here's what we'll cover: - Why small creators are valuable for brand campaigns - The advantages of being cost-effective and niche - How smaller creators often have stronger engagement rates - Why local and regional campaigns benefit from working with smaller creators - The importance of being flexible and creative as a small creator The influencer marketing world has room for everyone, no matter the size of your audience. So, don't get discouraged — brands need YOU!! Join our free live training to learn the EXACT STEPS you need to take to start pitching and landing paid brand deals!

If you've been tempted to buy followers to boost your numbers, let me STOP you right there. In this episode, we're talking about the FTC's new rules banning fake followers and why this is a huge deal for influencers and brands. Authenticity is key. Growing your account organically fosters creativity, builds trust, and pushes the true essence of community in the influencer space. Don't let shady practices like fake followers ruin your brand deals and credibility!

As someone who's been on the brand side, managing countless influencer campaigns, I've seen it all! Your media kit is essentially your modern-day resume for brand partnerships, and it can make or break your chances of getting noticed. In this video, I'm sharing the top media kit mistakes that are costing you brand deals ❌

If I had a dollar for every lie told about brand partnerships, I'd be chilling on a yacht in the Maldives!

Is being consistent on YouTube a struggle for you?