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Join my free UGC masterclass - https://ugcmasteryacademy.com/webinarsignupIf you want to see if me and my team can help you get to $5k-$15k/month as a UGC creator book a call here - https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/mmugcmastery?setter=Youtube
Join my free UGC masterclass - https://ugcmasteryacademy.com/webinarsignupBento - https://app.onbento.com/?acode=sydney
Did AI end up being a political force this year?
For episode 657 of the BlockHash Podcast, host Brandon Zemp is joined by Jack Cameron, Co-founder of CreatorFi.Jack Cameron is the Chief Business Officer and Chief Growth Officer at CreatorFi, where he leads growth strategy and develops brand partnerships across the creator economy. A serial entrepreneur with experience founding two companies, he brings deep media-industry expertise shaped by his work at WPP Media. Jack's background in scaling media solutions and navigating complex brand ecosystems informs his role in building CreatorFi's market presence and shaping its commercial vision. CreatorFi by Insomnia Labs is a fintech IP platform focused on advancing creative IP holders and unique opportunities for media financiers. By partnering with content creator companies, music catalog owners, and UGC developer studios in Roblox and Fortnite, CreatorFi provides direct access to creative IP cash flows in digital IP platforms such as YouTube, Roblox, Fortnite, and music.
Are you scared of “selling yourself” as a creator? If the word sales makes you cringe, hesitate, or want to run the other way…this episode is going to change your mind (in the best way).Because here's the truth: If you want to land paid brand deals, charge your worth, and run your creator business like a business… you HAVE to learn how to sell yourself. Not in a pushy way but in a confident, strategic, business-owner way. And I'm going to show you exactly how in this episode.
Matilda Allan Wedin är grundare och VD för UGC-byrån .Hon blev känd som en stor kreatör på TikTok, där hon har över 200 000 följare, genom att öppet berätta om hur det är att leva med dysmeli (att vara född med endast en hand). Matilda är även aktuell i tv 4's storsatsning ”Förrädarna” Cirka 60 barn föds i Sverige utan en mindre eller större del av armen, handen, benet eller foten per år – något som kallas dysmeli. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join my free UGC masterclass - https://ugcmasteryacademy.com/webinarsignupIf you want to see if me and my team can help you get to $5k-$15k/month as a UGC creator book a call here - https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/mmugcmastery?setter=Youtube
#713 What if you could make multiple 5-figures from “introvert side hustles” without ever becoming an influencer? In this episode, host Kirsten Tyrrel sits down with Megan Spencer (“Meg the Creator”), a small-town, introverted mom who helps people build high-income side hustles through UGC, Amazon onsite commissions, TikTok Shop, and freelancing — no followers required. Megan shares how she quit her government job on maternity leave, burned out as a social media manager, then rebuilt her income by focusing on authenticity and income over aesthetics. She breaks down exactly how beginner-friendly UGC platforms work, why brands are shifting budgets away from traditional influencers, how creators can land their first paid deals and free products, and why niching down can actually hurt you at first. If you've ever felt “too introverted,” “too normal,” or “too late” for the creator economy, this conversation will show you practical, low-barrier ways to start making real money online! What we discuss with Megan: + Balancing motherhood, business, and side hustles + “Anti-influencer” income without followers + UGC basics and starter platforms + Amazon reviews as passive income + TikTok Shop viral commission story + Pros and cons for introverts + When to niche vs stay broad + Stacking UGC, Amazon, and TikTok + Freelancing as a flexible option + Mindset shift: followers vs income Thank you, Megan! Check out Meg the Creator at MegtheCreator.com. Follow Megan on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. To get access to our FREE Business Training course go to MillionaireUniversity.com/training. To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join my free UGC masterclass - https://ugcmasteryacademy.com/webinarsignupIf you want to see if me and my team can help you get to $5k-$15k/month as a UGC creator book a call here - https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/mmugcmastery?setter=YoutubeLiz had literally zero experience in content creation when she joined UGC Mastery - and now she is making over $6.6K per month as a UGC creator WHILE working a full time job, and another part time job.In this video we will talk about:✅ How Liz escaped the 9-5, work until you croak mindset.✅ Why investing in herself was the best decision that she ever made for her UGC career✅ The exact strategy she used to land 4 figure inbound deals✅ What's next for her as she scales her UGC businessIf you've ever felt stuck in a job you hate, or doubted whether UGC could actually replace a 9–5 income, Liz's story is proof that it's possible.On this channel we talk about:
The Sandbox's new Corners platform, MocaProof, Soccerverse's FIFPRO license and BGA 2025 report.[0:37] The Sandbox launched its Corners UGC content-memecoin platform into invite-only beta.[3:00] It's an attempt to inject some dynamism into the SAND token aside from The Sandbox. [4:28] Corners lets user collate and curate weblinks on specific content topics.[6:33] Users can then buy each Corner's memecoin, spending it to upvote links.[7:24] Users are rewarded for their activity with SAND.[9:00] It's easy to criticise such projects but it's about trying new things around simple UGC.[13:00] The wider question is what does The Sandbox brand brings to this cultural launchpad?[21:25] Moca Network launched its ID and reputation system MocaProof.[22:10] It uses zero-knowledge proofs to preserve users privacy while proving your credentials. [23:44] This is gamified with a Mocat pet that you level up by verifying your actions.[27:25] Blockchain Game Alliance released its report for 2025.[30:00] Representation in MENA region (mainly the Gulf) had grown from 1% in 2021 to 20% in 2025. [32:00] 66% of people were extremely or somewhat optimistic for 2026.[35:17] 46% thought AI would be game-changing for blockchain gaming.[38:08] Spider Tanks launched on PC and mobile with Immutable. [41:14] EVE Frontier Cycle 4 is live with new manual ship controls.[43:48] Soccerverse signed a license with Fifpro to get access to 65,000 football players.
Natalia Chappell is the founder of Natalia Chappell & Co, a UK-based consultancy helping luxury and lifestyle brands scale sustainably. Previously, she led marketing for THG's luxury division, working with brands like Coach and Ralph Lauren across price points from hundreds to thousands of pounds.In this episode of DTC Pod, Natalia breaks down what it really takes for US brands to win in the UK—and why so many get it wrong. She shares the full-funnel mistakes she sees premium brands make over and over, why some household US names thrived in Britain while others quietly retreated, and what's actually driving results on Meta right now. She also gets into how to connect with younger consumers who think differently about spending, and why the old playbook of polished content isn't cutting it anymore. Plus, her journey from corporate marketing leader to female founder, and what she wishes more people understood about building a business as a woman.Episode brought to you by StordInteract with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Lessons from high-growth UK e-commerce brands 2. Creating sustainable, holistic marketing strategies3. Using data and analytics to drive channel mix decisions4. Optimizing for paid and organic synergy5. Landing page and website audit best practices6. UGC, influencer, and creator partnership frameworks7. Onboarding and managing creators for conversion and brand fit8. Navigating UK logistics, customs, and local expectations9. How to adapt brand voice and content for UK consumer10. UK cultural moments and how to plan campaigns around them11. Success stories (Drunk Elephant, Ralph Lauren, Coach) and why some US brands flop12. Digital-first approaches to brand building13. Upcoming trends—partnership ads, authentic content, and Gen Z consumers14. Supporting and growing as a female founder in e-commerceTimestamps00:00 Introduction to DTC POD and episode with Natalia Chappell01:18 Natalia's background: fashion, digital marketing, luxury brand experience03:26 Lessons learned building luxury and beauty e-commerce teams05:16 Becoming a female founder and launching Natalia Chappell & Co07:22 The type and scale of brands Natalia's agency works with09:07 Optimizing paid-to-organic mix for sustainable growth12:12 Data, analytics, and the importance of first-party data integrity13:33 Why understanding inventory and offer depth matters before scaling ads16:26 Building a marketing flywheel that feeds itself18:50 Audience segmentation, CRM, and conversion optimization20:08 Attribution modeling and keeping data integrations clean22:29 Organic growth: auditing website, SEO, landing pages, and reviews24:03 Content strategy: authentic UGC, influencers, and the UK market26:58 Equipping creators for conversion, not just reach29:25 Structuring affiliate and creator programs, commissioning vs. flat fees33:01 Logistics: Warehousing, customs, and UK delivery expectations36:54 Adapting voice, copy, and calendar to resonate in the UK38:34 Brand case studies: Drunk Elephant, Coach, Ralph Lauren41:09 Why some US brands struggle in the UK (Forever 21, etc.)44:21 Trends to watch: partnership ads, content authenticity, Gen Z targeting47:25 Where to find and connect with Natalia ChappellShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more. Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• #243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokNatalia Chappell - Founder of Natalia Chappell & Co.Blaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic
Post-BFCM Profits | How to Decode Your Data & Boost 2026 Sales Black Friday and Cyber Monday are over, but your most important work is just beginning. If you're only looking at total sales, you're missing the bigger picture. This episode of the Business of Apparel Podcast breaks down how to actually read your BFCM data so you can scale smarter, not just harder. Rachel is also diving into what to do after the madness of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Discover why focusing on gross sales alone is a costly mistake and how to analyze the data in your CRM, ad accounts, and customer base to optimize for real profitability and retention. Rachel walks us through the metrics that matter most, from profit margins, CAC, and AOV to customer segmentation and product performance. Whether you crushed it or feel like you barely made it through, this is your guide to making better, data-driven decisions for your apparel brand going into 2026. Plus, Rachel shares a sneak peek at a free 3-day Black Friday planning workshop coming in August 2026! Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction to Post-Black Friday Data 00:27 Analyzing Black Friday and Cyber Monday Data 02:34 Understanding Profit Margins and Sales Strategies 04:39 Masterclass and Advanced Strategies 05:14 Key Metrics: AOV and CAC 08:04 Inventory and Product Analysis 10:47 Customer Segmentation and Retention 12:14 Marketing Performance and Ad Analysis 15:43 Engaging New Customers and UGC 19:43 Upcoming Workshops and Final Thoughts Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands Masterclass here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/secrets Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/the-board We can't wait to hear what you think of this episode! Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course To connect with Rachel, you can join her LinkedIn community here: LinkedIn. To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com.
Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupThis episode of the DTC Podcast is a triple threat: Meta's Jake Bailey returns to unpack the Cyber 5 data, Hungryroot's Adam Weber shares how they scaled partnership ads to 50%+ of spend, and adMixt's Kevin Simonson drops a masterclass on testing, attribution, and scenario planning.https://hungryroot.comhttps://admixt.comhttps://meta.comWhat's inside:Why Cyber Monday hit softer — and which brands still crushedThe shift from segment-based targeting to real personas (with matching creators)Why partnership ads are outperforming UGC — and how Hungryroot scaled themMeta's new catalog + partnership ad combo (early tests: +20% performance)Q5 lead gen strategy: when volume spikes, competition dropsIf you're running paid on Meta, an agency managing $500K+ budgets, or a brand that needs a serious Q5 plan, this episode is a must listen.Timestamps00:00 Creative diversification and the rise of partnership ads02:00 Hungryroot's personalization model and marketing approach04:00 Cyber Five performance trends and consumer behavior08:00 Why partnership ads outperformed traditional UGC12:00 How Hungryroot uses creators to reach distinct customer avatars16:00 Evolution of whitelisting to partnership ads and catalog formats20:00 How creator deal structures work in practice24:00 The importance of agility and rapid pivots during Cyber Five28:00 Q5: Why January is Hungryroot's biggest moment32:00 Campaign structure, testing, and Meta's automation shift37:00 Organic content, measurement, and 2026 predictionsHashtags#metaads #blackfridaymarketing #cybermondaystrategy #partnershipads #ugcads #ecommercemarketing #d2cpodcast #hungryroot #admixt #creativediversificationSubscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://dtcnews.link/pilothouseFollow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video
What is UGC - Full Breakdown https://youtu.be/vDWzpP1OdIQGet my FREE Guide to go from 0 to $3k/mo as a UGC Creator - https://ugcmasteryacademy.com/opt-in-guideIf you want to see if me and my team can help you get to $5k-$15k/month as a UGC creator book a call here - https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/mmugcmastery?setter=Youtube
Shopify went dark on Cyber Monday. Amazon glitched and wiped deal badges across Black Friday and Cyber Week. Sellers relying on one platform got crushed. But diversified brands kept growing because TikTok, Shopify, Amazon, and email all picked up the slack.Factories across China and Vietnam are now slowing down early ahead of Lunar New Year, which means your Q2 inventory window is already shrinking. TikTok Shop continues its retail takeover, and AI is rewriting the rules for product discovery, listing visibility, and who gets recommended.In today's Week in Review, you'll hear what actually happened inside Shopify and Amazon during the meltdown, how operators protected their revenue, what you must do before January hits, and why 2026 will reward brands who diversify and think like CEOs, not dabblers.✅ Do not wait on inventory. China and Vietnam are already winding down for Lunar New Year. If you don't finalize orders soon, your production moves into April or May.✅ Shopify crashed and Amazon glitched deals. Operators with omnichannel setups absorbed the hit. Single-channel sellers got wrecked.✅ Maximize profits in December instead of scaling losers. Double down on your highest-converting SKUs, best reviews, and fastest shipping.✅ TikTok to Amazon is the new performance pipeline. UGC targeting Amazon searches drove major lifts last week.✅ AI is the new e-commerce gatekeeper. AI agents are scraping, rewriting, and interpreting your listings. Machine-friendly listings now determine visibility.
Episode #361 - The December Email Strategy Every Ecommerce Brand Needs BFCM brings a huge influx of first-time customers—but they're not loyal yet. Many came for a deal, were curious about your brand, or were buying a gift. Now is the critical moment where you either let them go cold… or turn them into repeat buyers who stay with you into 2026. In this episode, Laryssa shares the exact step-by-step December + early January email strategy for transforming those once-a-year shoppers into customers who return, engage, and grow with your brand. What You'll Learn in This Episode ✓ What new customers actually need in the first 48 hours after purchasing ✓ How to use your post-purchase flow to build trust and reduce buyer's remorse ✓ The right kind of December inspiration + service emails ✓ How to guide customers through shipping deadlines (without stress) ✓ Smart ways to gather holiday UGC—even with low-social audiences ✓ Whether (and how) to send a holiday greeting message ✓ What to send in late December and January to spark self-gifting + loyalty ✓ How to introduce simple loyalty touchpoints that don't overwhelm Dive deeper with the blog post: https://joyjoya.com/blogs/podcast/the-real-strategy-begins-after-black-friday-cyber-monday
Franchise Fit Podcast (formerly Eye on Franchising) returns with a powerhouse episode on the future of influencer marketing in franchising — featuring two industry icons: Angela Olea (Founder & CEO, Sweet Influencers) and Liberty Bernal (President & COO, Sweet Influencers).If you've ever wondered how AI, micro-influencers, and real UGC content will transform franchise growth, this is your episode.From the early days of Blackberries, Yellow Page ads, and landlines to AI-powered influencer campaigns… marketing has changed forever. And Sweet Influencers is leading the next wave.Whether you're a franchisor, franchisee, or future business owner — this episode reveals how influencer marketing REALLY works, how campaigns are matched to the right audience, why micro-influencers drive massive ROI, and how AI now predicts what content will actually convert.This episode is sponsored by SEO Samba — AI-Driven, Predictable Franchise Marketing Success.
On this bonus episode of Creative Juice, Jack McCarthy joins Dave Hamilton as a guest on Gig Gab to dig into the real business of music, how to grow attention, capture it, and convert it into lasting fan relationships. You'll learn why the right material works, how to transform inspiration into your own content, and why audio quality matters less than energy when you're trying to make fans say, "who is this band?" It's about creating cultural moments, fueling FOMO, and turning one-time listeners into repeat buyers. This is where "Always Be Performing" extends beyond the stage into every piece of marketing you share. From building email and SMS lists to flattening the revenue rollercoaster with calendars and consistent outreach, you'll see how indie artists can move from surviving to thriving. Jack and Dave walk through practical strategies like dissecting viral hits, harnessing UGC, and even using AI to smash blank page syndrome. You'll hear why you're probably not being "salesy" enough, and how treating your marketing as another form of performance makes it feel authentic, not forced. If you're ready to stand out in a noisy world, this episode shows you how.
What is UGC - Full Breakdown https://youtu.be/vDWzpP1OdIQGet my FREE Guide to go from 0 to $3k/mo as a UGC Creator - https://ugcmasteryacademy.com/opt-in-guideIf you want to see if me and my team can help you get to $5k-$15k/month as a UGC creator book a call here - https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/mmugcmastery?setter=Youtube
When Beav Brodie was handed his wife's purple diaper bag to carry around town, he knew something had to change. As a tattooed, custom car-building dad, that bag just didn't fit. So he did what any problem-solver would do—he grabbed his sewing machine and made his own. That side project turned into Tactical Baby Gear, a thriving eCommerce brand that's become the go-to for dads who want gear that's as functional as it is badass. In this episode, Beav shares his journey from knowing absolutely nothing about eCommerce (including what a UPC code was) to building a product line that customers trust and keep coming back for. He also pulls back the curtain on navigating the chaos of 2025—from Meta auction issues to tariff headwinds—and why he's betting big on Amazon and YouTube as his growth channels for the year ahead.—Sponsored by OMG Commerce - go to (https://www.omgcommerce.com/contact) and request your FREE strategy session today!—Chapters: (00:00) Opening & Introducing Beav Brodie(04:45) 2025 Headwinds, Tariffs & Personal Life Challenges(08:45) Becoming a Real Operator: Systems, SOPs & Founder Mindset Shifts(12:00) Origin Story: From Custom Cars to Tactical Baby Gear(17:00) Manufacturing Realities: COVID, Price Creep & Moving Abroad(24:38) Recover hidden Amazon revenue with Threecolts(25:33) Meta Constraints & The Founder Bottleneck in Content(29:30) UGC, Influencers & Why Authenticity Beats “Pretty” Content(36:25) Offers, Acquisition & The Realities of Low-Repeat Categories(42:10) Brand vs Discounts: Community, Trust & True LTV(47:00) Channel Expansion & Product Philosophy(50:19) PostPilot: Direct mail that prints money.—Connect With Brett: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebrettcurry/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@omgcommerce Website: https://www.omgcommerce.com/ Request a Free Strategy Session: https://www.omgcommerce.com/contact Relevant Links:Tactical Baby Gear: https://tacticalbabygear.comSponsor Offer | Threecolts: http://threecolts.comSponsor Offer | PostPilot: http://postpilot.com/Past guests on eCommerce Evolution include Ezra Firestone, Steve Chou, Drew Sanocki, Jacques Spitzer, Jeremy Horowitz, Ryan Moran, Sean Frank, Andrew Youderian, Ryan McKenzie, Joseph Wilkins, Cody Wittick, Miki Agrawal, Justin Brooke, Nish Samantray, Kurt Elster, John Parkes, Chris Mercer, Rabah Rahil, Bear Handlon, JC Hite, Frederick Vallaeys, Preston Rutherford, Anthony Mink, Bill D'Allessandro, Stephane Colleu, Jeff Oxford, Bryan Porter and more
In this episode of The Ross Simmonds Show, Ross dives deep into one of the most fundamental marketing shifts of our time — the emergence of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). As AI-powered discovery tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews, Reddit Answers, TikTok Search, and more evolve, traditional SEO strategies are no longer enough. Ross unpacks how marketers need to rethink content creation, distribution, and visibility across platforms, focusing not just on ranking, but on being cited, trusted, and remembered. Whether you're an SEO pro, a content marketer, or someone navigating the changing digital landscape, this episode offers a powerful perspective on where discovery is heading and how you can position your brand for success. Key Takeaways and Insights: 1. The Shift from Traditional SEO to GEO - The discovery journey is changing — not all search begins (or ends) on Google. - GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) is not just about keywords and backlinks, but about engaging with AI-powered platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, You.com, Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, and more. - Terminology wars (AISEO, AEO, GEO) are less important than understanding the strategic implications of the shift. 2. Where AI Discovery is Happening - AI overviews and LLMs (large language models) pull data from varied sources, not just webpages — Reddit, YouTube, TikTok, and UGC are key. - Clicking is becoming less important as AI agents deliver answers before users even leave the platform. 3. YouTube's Role in GEO - YouTube isn't just social media — it's the second-biggest search engine and a major citation source for LLMs. - Talking head videos, product comparisons, and keyword-aligned titles matter more than ever. - A poor YouTube strategy (short, shallow clips) means your audience never finds you. 4. Listicles, PR, and Affiliate Strategy in the AI Age - AI often weighs citations based on list ranking — being #8 consistently limits visibility. - Your affiliate and digital PR strategies must now consider how high you appear on listicles that AI sources from. - Move beyond backlinks to placements, citations, and brand mentions across high-impact domains. 5. Tailoring Content for Audience-Specific Queries - LLMs recognize nuances: “best for beginners” vs. “best for enterprise” matters. - Brands should create multiple landing pages tailored to different personas (as long as it's high quality and not duplicated). 6. The Difference Between SEO and GEO - GEO includes SEO, but it's broader — it encompasses TikTok search, Instagram Reels, Reddit, and any platform with discovery. - GEO is about visibility in AI-powered interfaces, not just search rankings. 7. The Predictive Future of Discovery - Personalized AI results are here: Google's AI Overviews may use Gmail, Calendar, Chrome history to shape responses. - The future consumer journey might completely bypass websites and search engines. Resources & Tools:
Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupJacob and Jocelyn from the Pilothouse Meta team break down what actually moved the needle for Meta advertisers this Black Friday/Cyber Monday. The biggest unlock? Being scrappy. The brands that crushed it weren't over-optimized, they were just fast. Fast to tweak offers. Fast to drop weird creative. Fast to kill what wasn't working.For DTC marketers managing Meta ads during promo periods.Why classic percentage-off offers still worked bestWhat BOGO and free shipping offers actually drove performanceHow scrappy creative (think stick figures and UGC) outperformed polished adsWhy lighter audience exclusions won this yearWhich account structures flopped and what replaced themWho this is for: Growth leads, ad buyers, DTC founders gearing up for Q1What to steal:Shift back to shorter promo windows and preserve spend for tentpole daysRun weird, low-fi creative without abandoning your personasUse lighter exclusions to let Meta optimize delivery more freelyTimestamps00:00 Black Friday performance trends and buying intent02:00 Why brands with flexible offers won04:00 Creative pivots and scrappy content outperforming polished ads06:00 Best offers of the season and what actually moved customers08:00 Millennial-targeted creative and why variety mattered10:00 Meta delivery updates and lighter exclusion strategies12:00 Dayparting, lifetime budgets and what stopped working14:00 Post-click learnings and which landing pages converted16:00 Emerging channels like AppLovin and Pinterest18:00 How top brands are approaching post-BFCM and holiday scalingHashtags#DTC #MetaAds #BFCM2025 #EcommerceMarketing #CreativeStrategy #PerformanceMarketing #PaidSocial #AppLovin #PinterestAds #BlackFridayInsights #CyberMondayMarketing #DigitalAdvertising Subscribe to DTC Newsletter - https://dtcnews.link/signupAdvertise on DTC - https://dtcnews.link/advertiseWork with Pilothouse - https://www.pilothouse.co/?utm_source=AKNF565Follow us on Instagram & Twitter - @dtcnewsletterWatch this interview on YouTube - https://dtcnews.link/video
In today's episode, I pull back the curtain on how tourism boards really choose creators—plus the step-by-step system I use to pitch, follow up, and land deals. I'm breaking down the pitch mistakes that are tanking your chances, the exact process I use as a travel creator and UGC creator, and how you can confidently pitch—without needing a massive following.Here's what you'll learn: Why tourism boards love working with UGC creators How to build a pitch-ready portfolio in one afternoon The correct way to find decision-makers at tourism boardsThe 4 elements every winning pitch needsThe truth about email volume (it's a numbers game) The follow-up strategy that gets me responses on my 4th, 5th, and even 7th email Mistakes killing your pitching
You Can Follow Alexandra here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsalexandrapage/X: https://www.x.com/@itsalexndrapage/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsalexandrapage/Alexandra's Freebie for Creators: https://link.vayda.studio/luxeugckitAlexandra's Template Bundle for Creators: https://link.vayda.studio/luxeugcbundleMeet my student, Alexandra. What actually moves the needle when it comes to landing UGC deals How to build a portfolio that truly reflects your value Why negotiation and follow-up are non-negotiable The mindset required to treat your creator work like a real business.Ready to start pitching like Alexandra? Learn more about the Pitching to Brands Master Course here: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/ptbm/ When she first enrolled in our Pitching to Brands Master Course, she had only 174 followers ... but everything changed once she learned how to confidently pitch and position herself as a UGC creator. In today's episode, Alexandra shares how she went from feeling unsure and “not ready” to landing paid brand deals and building a thriving UGC business while living abroad. She opens up about the mindset shifts that helped her take action, what it was like to pitch with a small audience, and how the strategies she learned inside the course completely transformed her approach to brand collaborations.We dive into: If you've ever thought you need thousands of followers to work with brands, Alexandra's story proves otherwise. Whether you're brand new to UGC or looking to grow your paid partnerships, this episode is packed with real talk, actionable advice, and proof that you can start right where you are.SAVE $500 using code: STUDENT::::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.
On this episode, host David Taylor dives into one of the most eventful stretches the Fortnite Creative / UEFN ecosystem has seen in months. Epic has rolled out a wave of major updates — from monetization changes to discovery shifts — and today we unpack what they mean for creators, studios, and the future of the platform.David is joined by two fantastic guests. Chad Mustard, COO of JOGO Studios, returns to the show after another breakout year as one of the top 10 developers on Fortnite by total plays. Chad brings a studio-level perspective on building hit experiences, navigating updates, and scaling inside a fast-evolving ecosystem. He's joined by Jon Jungemann, better known as SleightedSloth, a leading creator in the Tycoon genre and one of the most thoughtful voices on systems design, monetization, and the economics of UEFN.Together, the group breaks down the rise of Steal the Brainrot and what that breakout moment signals for developers — from production trends to player behavior to what “success” looks like in today's marketplace. They also explore the wave of M&A activity beginning to emerge inside Fortnite Creative and what kinds of deals are actually happening behind the scenes.From there, the conversation shifts to the biggest structural changes Epic has introduced: in-island item sales (and why they might be the single biggest unlock for creators to date), the rollout of UA Rewards and Paid Campaigns, and the latest adjustments to Discovery. We dig into how these tools reshape studio strategy, how developers are adapting their designs, and what all of this means for long-term sustainability on the platform.We'd like to thank Overwolf for making this episode possible! Whether you're a gamer, creator, or game studio, Overwolf is the ultimate destination for integrating UGC in games! You can check out all Overwolf has to offer at https://www.overwolf.com/.We'd also like to thank modl.ai for making this episode possible! Using a combination of computer vision, reasoning models, and feedback loops, modl:QA+ autonomously explores builds, detects bugs, and generates actionable reports that sync directly with your existing workflows. To learn more, simply visit https://www.modl.ai/.If you like the episode, please help others find us by leaving a 5-star rating or review! And if you have any comments, requests, or feedback shoot us a note at podcast@naavik.co. Watch the episode: YouTube ChannelFor more episodes and details: Podcast WebsiteFree newsletter: Naavik DigestFollow us: Twitter | LinkedIn | WebsiteSound design by Gavin Mc Cabe.
What is UGC - Full Breakdown https://youtu.be/vDWzpP1OdIQGet my FREE Guide to go from 0 to $3k/mo as a UGC Creator - https://ugcmasteryacademy.com/opt-in-guideIf you want to see if me and my team can help you get to $5k-$15k/month as a UGC creator book a call here - https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/mmugcmastery?setter=Youtube
Is the next $500M entertainment franchise hiding inside a Roblox game your kids are already playing? In this Metavertising episode, Ely Santos sits down with James Purell — founder of Building Blocks, Roblox verified creator, and the mind behind one of the largest Roblox news accounts @RBXevents_ — to unpack how games like Steal a Brain Rot, Grow a Garden and Dress to Impress are quietly becoming the new Marvel-style IP factories.They dive deep into what brands get wrong on Roblox, how UGC worlds beat traditional ad formats, and why the smartest move for IP owners might be to partner with fan-made games instead of shutting them down.
Tired of expensive, slow video ad production? The rules of digital marketing are changing, and if you're not using UGC and AI, you're leaving growth on the table.On this episode of That Entrepreneur Show, we sit down with John Gargiulo, a true veteran of digital marketing, creative direction, and product scaling. John served as a Global Product Marketing Lead at Airbnb, scaling products to millions of users, and previously grew BlueStacks to over a billion downloads.Now, as the co-founder of Ready Set and Airpost, John is laser-focused on democratizing high-volume, high-performing video ad creative. He brings deep, actionable expertise on building solutions that deliver measurable business results—not just vanity metrics.In this must-listen episode, John shares his strategies for driving growth in the automated age:AI-Powered Video Ads: How new AI tools like Airpost are democratizing and automating video ad production, making high-quality UGC accessible to brands of all sizes without the hefty price tag.The UGC Game-Changer: Why User-Generated Content (UGC) is the single most important ad strategy for DTC brands right now, and how to implement it effectively to supercharge your conversion rates.The Human Touch in Automation: How to leverage AI for scale while ensuring your brand communication remains authentic, engaging, and human.Reshaping the Creator Economy: We explore the future of the creator economy and the pivotal role AI will play in reshaping content monetization and creative output for entrepreneurs.From Global Product to Founder: John shares key lessons learned from launching and scaling products for millions at Airbnb and how he applies that strategic mindset to his own ventures.If you're looking for the competitive edge in digital advertising, tune in now. This is the playbook for maximizing ad creative performance and driving serious business results.Support the showRemember to subscribe for free to stay current with entrepreneur conversations. Want the episode freebie or have a question for our guest or Vincent? Interested in becoming a guest or show partner? Email us.This Episode is Brought to You By: Coming Alive Podcast Production: www.comingalivepodcastproduction.com Music Credits: Copyright Free Music from Adventure by MusicbyAden.
In this video, Jordan West breaks down exactly why your cold traffic is dead and how the brands that win on Meta and TikTok Shop are doing it differently. You'll learn how to build a Creative Mix that the algorithms love — from video, image, and carousel ads to TikTok Shop GMV Max campaigns.We'll cover:
Send us a textIn this October Masterclass, Noah Wickham and Kevin Sanderson from My Amazon Guy dives deep into Amazon selling strategies, offering expert insights into improving Amazon SEO, PPC optimization, listing optimization, and effective marketing tactics for 2025. Learn how to boost your Amazon business, implement powerful Amazon FBA strategies, and optimize your product listings with Amazon A+ Content. Whether you're a beginner or experienced seller, Steven explains how to enhance your Amazon ranking and manage PPC campaigns efficiently.Watch this session to discover advanced Amazon advertising strategies, including retargeting, Google Shopping, and email marketing tactics for sales growth. This video also breaks down key methods to ensure your Amazon product images and alt text are perfectly optimized to boost your visibility and click-through rate (CTR). Plus, get tips on using User Generated Content (UGC) and influencer marketing to elevate your brand presence on Meta, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts.#AmazonFBA #AmazonPPC #AmazonSEO #MyAmazonGuy #amazonsellingtips ------------------------------------------------Want free resources? Dowload our Free Amazon guides here:Q4 Selling Playbook: https://bit.ly/46Wqkm3 2025 Ecommerce Holiday Playbook: https://bit.ly/4hbygov Amazon PPC Guide 2025: https://bit.ly/4lF0OYX Ecommerce Holiday Playbook: https://bit.ly/4hbygovAmazon Crisis Kit: https://bit.ly/4maWHn0Amazon SEO Toolkit: https://bit.ly/457zjSl00:00 – Start of webinar01:15 – Why you should build your own store (avoiding Amazon dependency)04:30 – Importance of owning customer data07:00 – The cost of selling on Amazon: Fees and margins10:00 – Why Q4 is a great time to launch a direct-to-consumer brand12:30 – How to build a strategy that works for both Amazon and direct-to-consumer15:00 – Creative refresh for your brand and listings18:00 – The importance of UGC (user-generated content) in advertising21:00 – Effective paid media framework: Top, middle, and bottom funnel strategies24:00 – Using Amazon's AMC to gain a head start in direct-to-consumer advertising28:00 – Email and SMS marketing strategies32:00 – Website optimization for conversion35:00 – Best practices for listing optimization38:00 – Using SEO and copywriting for better product listings42:00 – Brand story and A+ content for building trust and conversions46:00 – Technical performance: Site speed and reducing friction50:00 – Inventory management and fulfillment strategies54:00 – Tracking attribution setup and tools57:00 – Retention strategies: Customer lifetime value and remarketing60:00 – Providing a customer experience that beats Amazon63:00 – January reset: Post-Q4 strategy and remarketing67:00 – Q&A session1:15:00 – Listing optimization Q&A1:28:00 – Review of a listing: Analysis and optimization tips1:35:00 – Final Q&A on listing and optimization questions-------------------------------------------------Follow us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28605816/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenpopemag/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/myamazonguys/Twitter: https://twitter.com/myamazonguySubscribe to the My Amazon Guy podcast: https://podcast.myamazonguy.comApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-amazon-guy/id1501974229Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4A5ASHGGfr6s4wWNQIqyVwSupport the show
The 2026 Social Media Trend Report just dropped, and the data is game-changing. In this episode of The Weekly Scroll, I break down the most important shifts happening in the creator economy — including how brands plan to work with influencers, how AI will impact content creation, the future of short-form video, UGC hiring trends, and the Instagram features rolling out next. You'll learn: • The biggest takeaways from the 2026 Social Media Trend Report • Why long-term brand partnerships will replace one-off deals • The right way to use AI without replacing creativity • How to scale UGC in 2026 and why brands want it • Why short-form is evolving (and what Instagram will push next) • Meta + Instagram updates every creator must know • TikTok's newest wellness + AI transparency features • Facebook + YouTube + X updates quietly changing the industry Whether you're a creator, marketer, business owner, or agency — this episode will help you stay ahead of the algorithm, ahead of the tools, and ahead of what's coming next. This episode is powered by Club Enfluence — your weekly source for Reels ideas, trending audio, post templates + scroll-breaking content strategy. Stay consistent without wasting hours researching trends. If you want the inside scoop without reading a dozen news sites, this is your shortcut. ✨ Brought to you by Club Enfluence — the membership creators are obsessed with for weekly viral Reels ideas, templates, hooks, and trends.
Another month, another Q&A! Each month, we sit down to answer some of your questions in Spotify. If you have a question for the next Q&A, leave it in Spotify!Today we answered questions about:Our biggest wins/humble bragsWhether we think this career is sustainable and whether other online careers like UGC are sustainableErin's new full-time jobGrace's new morning routinesHow to stick to a budget while paying off debt (even if your friends aren't on that same journey).Q&A for next time! You both have accomplished so much, I want to hear a humble brag on what makes you each feel cool.Could be a big milestone or something personal like a system at home, but when it comes to your own self reflection, what makes you the most excited for yourself individually?—If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the podcast. We appreciate your support!
If you've ever wondered how the hell creators actually make money without having 100K followers and are able to do this full time? This episode is your cheat code. Today, I'm sitting down with the one and only Maddy Garrett (yes, again) to talk about monetization as a content creator — UGC, affiliate, influencer partnerships, group trips, digital products… all of it.And she's here to tell you exactly what works right now — especially if you're a travel creator trying to make this your full-time thing.We dive into:The REAL ways content creators make moneyMaddy breaks down every single path she's used over the years:UGC (user-generated content)Micro-influencer partnershipsAffiliate marketingHosting group tripsDigital products + coachingIf you've been thinking you need a massive audience to monetize — this episode will change your mind. Why UGC is the BEST place to start (especially for travel creators)Growing into bigger monetization as content creators Are group trips worth it for travel creators? Why Digital products are the most underrated monetization toolWhere to Find Maddy: Instagram: @maddyoutdoors.coach Podcast: Paid to Travel — The UGC Podcast ✨ Save on Maddy's UGC ProgramUse my link below to save: Use 10% off with code LAURA
In this episode of Seceret to Scaling your Ecommerce Brand, Jordan West and Zohaib from Refundle break down exactly how brands can scale from 0 to 7 figures on TikTok Shop using creators, content strategy, CPM arbitrage, and whitelisting.We cover the real reasons TikTok Shop works, how to build creator communities, how to repurpose UGC across every platform, and why attribution is broken in 2025. You'll learn how to reach out to affiliates, how many samples you should send, how to increase GMV from live shopping, and the exact playbook top-performing brands are using right now.If you want to grow your TikTok Shop, lower CPMs, and scale organic + paid through creators, this episode gives you the full blueprint.===============================
What is UGC - Full Breakdown https://youtu.be/vDWzpP1OdIQGet my FREE Guide to go from 0 to $3k/mo as a UGC Creator - https://ugcmasteryacademy.com/opt-in-guideIf you want to see if me and my team can help you get to $5k-$15k/month as a UGC creator book a call here - https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/mmugcmastery?setter=Youtube
What happens when autobattlers fail to monetize? We pull Arto Huhta into the cast and chat about Telegram's pseudo-WeChat ambitions. Eric releases a distrack on Game Designer's obsessed social spaces, and Phil wants more blood from psychologists' nonsensical F2P "choice overload." Chris enleashes a model-meets-UGC experiment: a three-algorithm simulation that shows how recommendation systems distort consumer welfare and creator inequality. We discuss: How Arto sees the split between economy design, product management, and classical economics (hint: it's not what you think) Pets as permanent progression, and the design logic behind Nonstop Knight's monetization turnaround Why creator inequality explodes under bad reinforcement A brewing debate on regulation that is just getting started... Chapters 00:00 Journey to London: A Game Developer's Path 00:49 The Role of Economy Design in Gaming 01:20 From Academia to Game Development: Bridging the Gap 03:16 Experimentation in Game Design: Lessons Learned 05:22 The Intersection of Game Design and Economics 10:07 Understanding Game Development Roles 11:00 Monetization Strategies in Game Design 11:55 The Evolution of Publishing Models 12:42 Transitioning to Web 3: New Challenges 13:54 The Economics of Game Spending 18:27 Introduction to Game Economist Cast 19:06 Current Gaming Trends and Preferences 20:51 Game Modes and Player Engagement 22:03 The Future of Game Monetization 27:33 The Social Hub Experiment in Fighting Games 28:26 Street Fighter VI and Social Interaction 30:28 The Rise of HTML5 Games on Platforms 32:37 The Trend of Casual Games in Tech Companies 34:42 Telegram Games: A New Frontier 37:21 Challenges in Game Discovery on Telegram 38:52 User Engagement and Retention in Web3 Gaming 39:43 Consumer Welfare and Content Creation Dynamics 43:04 The Impact of Algorithms on User Experience 49:31 Heterogeneous Goods and Their Effects on Engagement 57:35 The Impact of Algorithms on Content Quality 59:04 Understanding Algorithmic Risks and User Retention 01:00:16 Exploring Algorithm Design in Gaming Platforms 01:01:54 The Role of User Choice in Content Discovery 01:04:29 The Future of Pricing Strategies in Free-to-Play Games 01:08:10 The Debate on Standardization and Market Forces Chapters (00:00:00) - The Cost of Free Speech(00:00:49) - Game of Connors Cast(00:01:16) - Meet Free-To-Play Designer Phil Rubin(00:02:43) - The Art of Being a Game Economist(00:03:59) - How to Get Out of Your Job(00:05:22) - Are You More of an Economist or a Designer?(00:07:51) - Candy Crush: Experimentation and Optimization(00:10:07) - Ex-Monetization Manager at King Publishing(00:12:30) - Have We Overreacted to Free-To-Play?(00:15:17) - Half-Off and the Price(00:18:27) - How To Make a Slop slideshow(00:18:56) - What Have You Been Playing?(00:20:35) - Clash Royale: The Future of Content(00:23:55) - How To Play Hearthstone With Re-rolling(00:25:59) - 2K XO: A Hardcore Fighting Game(00:29:37) - Fortnite vs. Monster Hunter: The Social Hub(00:30:29) - Are We Ready for Content in the Future?(00:34:24) - Facebook vs Instagram: What's The Difference?(00:34:57) - Telegram's plans for games(00:36:22) - How Telegram Could Make Games More Profitable(00:43:15) - The Probability of Encountering a Good(00:44:28) - Anatomy of Facebook's algorithm(00:49:53) - The Gini coefficient of content creators profit(00:54:30) - Measuring the social network's heterogeneous goods(00:58:58) - The Mix of Algorithms and Churn(01:01:07) - Do Algorithm Designers Care About Producer GENIE?(01:01:55) - What Should Roblox Do About Popularity?(01:03:51) - Too Much Choice in Online Content(01:05:56) - Is There Choice Overload in Mobile Games?(01:06:49) - What about discounts on hard currency purchases?(01:07:46) - Free-To-Play: Quantity Based Discounts(01:11:11) - USB 2.0: Standardization(01:12:11) - Roblox: Arto on UGC(01:13:27) - GIM economist cast episode 44
We recently interviewed Ross from Smootheeze, diving deep into the challenges and triumphs of scaling a sustainable, premium kitchen brand. This conversation reveals the brilliant product strategies and marketing tactics behind the viral smoothie prep system. Ross articulated that the most frequent and frustrating daily barrier for users is the often-messy, time-consuming morning prep itself, beyond just the frozen banana clump. Smootheeze solves this "next" by providing effortless pop-out convenience that removes the friction entirely, making a consistent, healthy morning smoothie routine achievable. The discussion highlights the brand's commitment to its zero-waste, anti-consumption ethos. Ross explained that Lifetime Value (LTV) is sustained not through repeated product purchases, but by building a powerful user-generated recipe ecosystem (UGC). This content strategy keeps the community engaged and locks them into the brand by fostering creative, endless usage. To mitigate the known issue of silicone odor and turmeric stains, Smootheeze focuses heavily on educational contentand specific cleaning protocols to protect the long-term functionality and aesthetic of the trays. Finally, Ross provided strategic insight on the Freezer Real Estate Battle, emphasizing the trays' stackable, space-saving design against bulky frozen meals. Regarding Channel Expansion, the long-term strategy involves leveraging the brand's Kickstarter success to strategically test limited retail expansion while doubling down on DTC/Amazon to maintain critical control over the brand story and community connection. Web: https://www.smootheeze.co/ About: Looking for the best way to store fresh smoothie ingredients? Smootheeze Silicone Freezer Trays are your essential meal prep tool for locking in the goodness of ingredients at their nutritional peak. Stop wasting unused produce and start preserving freshness like a pro. These premium trays are designed specifically for smoothie pre-portioning. Each cavity holds an ideal half-cup (1/2 cup) portion, making future smoothie making fast and easy. Effortlessly freeze your favorite smoothie ingredients—including fresh berries, sliced bananas, leafy greens, purées, and even nut butter—while keeping every serving perfectly separated and ready to use. The silicone lid is engineered to be both airtight and leakproof, creating a secure seal that prevents freezer burn and protects the delicate flavor and nutrition of your ingredients. This superior food preservation system ensures every single smoothie you make is packed with maximum flavor and health benefits. Stop measuring. Start blending. Simplify your morning routine with the Smootheeze freezer tray. Meet Ash Brown, the dynamic American powerhouse and motivational speaker dedicated to fueling your journey toward personal and professional success. Recognized as a trusted voice in personal development, Ash delivers uplifting energy and relatable wisdom across every platform. Why Choose Ash? Ash Brown stands out as an influential media personality due to her Authentic Optimism and commitment to providing Actionable Strategies. She equips audiences with the tools necessary to create real change and rise above challenges. Seeking inspiration? Ash Brown is your guide to turning motivation into measurable action. The Ash Said It Show – Top-Ranked Podcast With over 2,100 episodes and 700,000+ global listens, Ash's podcast features inspiring interviews, life lessons, and empowerment stories from changemakers across industries. Each episode delivers practical tools and encouragement to help listeners thrive. Website: AshSaidit.com Connect with Ash Brown: Goli Gummy Discounts: https://go.goli.com/1loveash5 Luxury Handbag Discounts: https://www.theofficialathena.... Review Us: https://itunes.apple.com/us/po... Subscribe on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/c/AshSa... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1lov... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashsa... Blog: http://www.ashsaidit.com/blog #atlanta #ashsaidit #theashsaiditshow #ashblogsit #ashsaidit®Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ash-said-it-show--1213325/support.
Mark sits down with Sahib “City” Patel, the founder of yhangry—a fast-growing platform that connects guests with private chefs at shockingly affordable prices. Think three-course meals starting around $60 per person… cooked in your vacation rental, cleaned up afterward, and delivered by vetted professional chefs.What started as a simple idea in London has now become a global movement—one that's reshaping guest experience inside short-term rentals. And here's the wild part: City didn't even realize STRs were half their market until the data smacked her in the face. Since then, yhangry has partnered with over 130,000+ vacation rental units, doubled the number of chefs Airbnb has in the U.S., and is rapidly expanding across the U.S., Europe, and Dubai.In this episode, you'll learn: • Why private chefs are becoming one of the most requested STR add-ons • How property managers are using yhangry to increase conversions and boost guest reviews • The surprising ways travel habits differ between U.S. and UK guests • What a partnership looks like—affiliate links, dashboards, payouts, and ease of setup • How user-generated content (UGC) from chef experiences drives direct bookings • The story behind yhangrys first-ever booking… featuring eight influencers and an explosion of overnight viralityCity also breaks down the myths around private chefs (spoiler: it's NOT bougie), the psychology of “vacation mode” spending, and why curated in-home dining is becoming the next major amenity in hospitality.If you're looking for new revenue streams, higher guest satisfaction, and a true differentiator in your market—this episode is a must-listen.___Episode Sponsored By:STR SearchSTR Search is the industry leading property finder service. They've helped investors acquire over 265+ profitable STRs across the US. If you'd like the data professionals to help you find your next STR, reach out to STRsearch.com
In this episode, we sit down with Elizabeth Thompson, Senior Manager of Social Media at National Geographic, who leads strategy for one of the largest social ecosystems in the world—over 400 million followers across platforms. Elizabeth shares the career journey that took her from freelancer to running social for one of the most iconic storytelling brands, including how she grew Nat Geo's Instagram from 250M to 270M and TikTok from 2.5M to 9M. We unpack how Nat Geo stays relevant in today's cultural landscape, how her team uses UGC, storytelling, and new formats to reach global audiences, and what creators and marketers can learn from building social strategy at scale.Key Takeaways:// How to grow a legacy brand on social: The frameworks Nat Geo uses to stay culturally relevant while staying true to its roots.// The power of UGC at scale: Why user-generated content fuels @NatGeoYourShot and how it drives community, not just reach.// Building strategy for massive audiences: How Elizabeth approaches content for 400M+ followers across seven platforms.// Career lessons for social pros: How early internships, freelancing, and experimentation shaped her career—and how creators can follow a similar path.// Team building in social: What it takes to scale from platform manager to leading a multi-platform social team.// The role of storytelling in modern social: How Nat Geo blends cultural moments, trends, and visual storytelling to stay top-of-feed.Connect with Elizabeth: LinkedInFollow Nat Geo: NatGeoYourShot | NatGeo____Say hi! DM me on Instagram and let us know what content you want to hear on the show - I can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you. Join our FREE Open Jobs group on LinkedIn: Join nowGet the latest from MHH, straight to your inbox: Join our email list!Follow MHH on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok | Facebook
Mom Who Works: Redefining what it means to be a working mom (in a world without working dads...)
Today's episode with Megan Spencer aka Meg The Creator is a GIFT of an episode to any mom who works, especially if you're introverted, to learn the tips and tricks to start generating revenue for her family through online tools that DO NOT require building a following. Meg is so down-to-earth, relatable and accessible-- and I know the community and courses she has built are the exact same way. We are all looking for ways to better care for our family, and this just might be the exact episode you need, at the exact right time. (Side note: From date of launch, there are 43 days left until the next year...sincerely, this is the TIME to find one hour a day to take a running leap into 2026 with new revenue streams that create freedom and margin for you!)Meg The Creator is a content creator and mentor who shows introverts and everyday people how to make sustainable online income without becoming influencers. Through her Anti-Influencer Method™, she helps her students earn through side hustles like Amazon onsite commissions, UGC, freelancing and TikTok Shop without chasing followers, going viral or burning out.https://megthecreator.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-r-spencer/tiktok.com/@megthecreator_ instagram.com/megthecreator__
Maxwell Holmes from Roblox-on-blockchain UGC platform Hytopia thinks "Crypto is cool but fun is number 1"[2:30] "I like it when the house is on fire and tomorrow is unknown. I need the craziness."[05:08] "People see we have been consistent through the changes. We don't play the hype game."[09:36] "We're trying to use crypto to empower gamers." That continues to be the [12:46] Comparing Hytopia to Minecraft and/or Roblox in terms of its base functionality.[15:43] Gaming used to be about fidelity and polish. Now it's about social, virality and memes. [16:54] "The user is the most knowledgable about the product they want." That's the power of UGC.[18:07] "Attracting creators is Hytopia's top priority now."[19:30] Hytopia uses Typescript/Javascript, which is the easiest way to make games. [20:56] Our app (mobile/desktop) is basically the website wrapped into the app.[22:57] Anytime you target web3 gamers, you're going to fail. There aren't enough of [23:40] Crypto is cool but fun is number 1. If the games aren't fun, you will [25:44] Why does Hytopia have blockchain? It has to enhance the user [27:40] In future, investors will be able to fund new games in Hytopia and get a [29:15] Hytopia is currently doing 19,000 DAUs and 100,000 WAUs, and growing from organic users.[31:42] At launch, the marketplace will give 85% to creators with 15% used for token buybacks.[33:55] The marketplace uses both fiat and HYBUX but using HYBUX incentivized.
This week, we detail all the numbers you should know from Disney and Paramount's earnings and the comments made by executives during the earnings calls. We discuss the latest subscriber numbers, DTC operating income, ARPU, content spending budgets, Paramount ending free trials and the upcoming Paramount+ price increase. We also debate what Disney's CEO might mean when he said that gen-AI short-form UGC will be available on Disney+ in the future. We also highlight that, starting in 2026, Apple's MLS Season Pass will be discontinued, and that all MLS games will be streamed on the Apple TV service at no additional cost, potentially bringing more exposure to MLS content. We break down Amazon's announcement that Prime Video now reaches 315 million monthly viewers globally, and why we don't know what it means, without any details on the methodology. To wrap up, we cover news related to Netflix, Roku, NBC, and Kaltura's plans to acquire eSelf.ai.Podcast produced by Security Halt Media
The podcast episode discusses the advantages of prioritizing UGC Retainer Deals to move your income from 1-2k months to 8-10k months within the first quarter of 2026! Here is why over 50% of my monthly income comes from UGC retainers, how I book them and how to stand out to be hired for a retainer contract, even as a new creator. Here's a breakdown of the key points: • What are Retainers? A retainer means a brand or agency hires your services for a set duration, rather than for a single, one-off project (0:42-1:02). This provides predictable income, as you know how much content you'll produce and how much you'll be paid for a specific period (1:12-1:29). • Benefits of Retainers: • Predictable Income: Over 65-75% of the speaker's UGC income comes from retainers, providing stability and peace of mind (2:29-2:51). • Less Clients, More Money: You can achieve your income goals with fewer clients, which is ideal for those with other commitments (2:53-3:00). • No Pressure to Go Viral: The focus is on delivering consistent, valuable content, with the brand deciding how it's used (3:02-3:07). • Control: You control your rates, time, and schedule, and can customize retainers (3:09-3:15). • Efficiency: Working with fewer brands allows for deeper integration and understanding of their message and audience, leading to more efficient content creation (8:05-8:29). • Why Brands Love Retainers: Brands appreciate not having to constantly search for new creators, as it simplifies bookkeeping and ensures a consistent brand voice (1:59-2:25, 3:44-3:56). • How to Secure Retainers: • Communicate Value: Position the retainer as beneficial to the brand, focusing on how it solves their problems rather than your need for consistent income (4:09-4:45, 9:02-9:13). • Demonstrate Reliability: Brands look for creators who deliver on time, communicate well, follow directions, are easy to work with, and take feedback constructively (6:59-7:14). • Make the Brand Look Good: Delivering excellent content makes the brand's team members look good to their superiors, increasing your likelihood of being hired (7:25-7:37). • Common Length: Most common retainer lengths are 3 to 6 months, though some can be on a rolling basis (7:49-7:58). • What to Avoid: Be wary of brands that ask for free videos with the promise of a retainer later, as this can be a "carrot dangle" to get free content (5:31-5:56). Instead, counter with an offer for one paid video at your normal rate to test performance (6:03-6:20). RESOURCES MENTIONED: → FREE RESOURCE: What I said to brands to get 10 PAID DEALS overnight -- https://stan.store/Kaylaybanez/p/the-message-that-got-10-brands-to-say-yes WORK WITH ME: Ready to monetize your skills as a non-influencer? -- Get ready to get paid high ticket for brand videos + retainer deals without having to post to social media - Lights, Camera Rehired -- https://stan.store/Kaylaybanez/p/lights-camera-rehired→ Check out my program, 2nd Job Alternative : https://stan.store/Kaylaybanez/p/2nd-job-alternative-30-day-program LET'S HANG OUT MORE: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imkaylaybanez TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@kaylaybanez Tell me in the comments: What was your biggest "OMG I NEEDED THIS" moment? Let's chat below — I reply to every single one! #UGC #UserGeneratedContent #CreativeEntrepreneurship #ContentCreation #DigitalMarketing #BrandCollaboration #VideoEditing #CreativeOutlet #MakeMoneyOnline #AgeIsJustANumber #networkmarketing #UGCretainers #paidretainers
The podcast episode discusses the advantages of prioritizing UGC Retainer Deals to move your income from 1-2k months to 8-10k months within the first quarter of 2026! Here is why over 50% of my monthly income comes from UGC retainers, how I book them and how to stand out to be hired for a retainer contract, even as a new creator.Here's a breakdown of the key points:• What are Retainers? A retainer means a brand or agency hires your services for a set duration, rather than for a single, one-off project (0:42-1:02). This provides predictable income, as you know how much content you'll produce and how much you'll be paid for a specific period (1:12-1:29).• Benefits of Retainers:• Predictable Income: Over 65-75% of the speaker's UGC income comes from retainers, providing stability and peace of mind (2:29-2:51).• Less Clients, More Money: You can achieve your income goals with fewer clients, which is ideal for those with other commitments (2:53-3:00).• No Pressure to Go Viral: The focus is on delivering consistent, valuable content, with the brand deciding how it's used (3:02-3:07).• Control: You control your rates, time, and schedule, and can customize retainers (3:09-3:15).• Efficiency: Working with fewer brands allows for deeper integration and understanding of their message and audience, leading to more efficient content creation (8:05-8:29).• Why Brands Love Retainers: Brands appreciate not having to constantly search for new creators, as it simplifies bookkeeping and ensures a consistent brand voice (1:59-2:25, 3:44-3:56).• How to Secure Retainers:• Communicate Value: Position the retainer as beneficial to the brand, focusing on how it solves their problems rather than your need for consistent income (4:09-4:45, 9:02-9:13).• Demonstrate Reliability: Brands look for creators who deliver on time, communicate well, follow directions, are easy to work with, and take feedback constructively (6:59-7:14).• Make the Brand Look Good: Delivering excellent content makes the brand's team members look good to their superiors, increasing your likelihood of being hired (7:25-7:37).• Common Length: Most common retainer lengths are 3 to 6 months, though some can be on a rolling basis (7:49-7:58).• What to Avoid: Be wary of brands that ask for free videos with the promise of a retainer later, as this can be a "carrot dangle" to get free content (5:31-5:56). Instead, counter with an offer for one paid video at your normal rate to test performance (6:03-6:20).✨ RESOURCES MENTIONED:→ FREE RESOURCE: What I said to brands to get 10 PAID DEALS overnight -- https://stan.store/Kaylaybanez/p/the-...✨ WORK WITH ME:Ready to monetize your skills as a non-influencer?-- Get ready to get paid high ticket for brand videos + retainer deals without having to post to social media - Lights, Camera Rehired -- https://stan.store/Kaylaybanez/p/ligh... Check out my program, 2nd Job Alternative : https://stan.store/Kaylaybanez/p/2nd-...
In this episode, we dive into how AI is accelerating the shift in user-generated content for advertising. Donatas Smailys, Co-founder and CEO of Billo, shares why social algorithms now demand high-volume content, his view on using AI as a scaling tool for real human creators (not for generating fake humans), and the crucial role of authenticity and variety in winning on platforms like Meta and TikTok. He also discusses the future of trust and AI characters in the content landscape.Topics discussed in this episode: Why social algorithms now demand high-volume content daily. What makes a successful brand-creator relationship: emotion and performance data. Why Meta's Andromeda algorithm now wins with variety and volume of creatives. Why fake faces and AI-generated UGC are viewed as short-term gains with risk of backlash. How Billo uses AI to instantly generate the next creative from existing real human content. Why the future will require clear differentiation between real and AI content. Links & Resources Website: https://billo.app LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smailys/ Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes at https://tinyurl.com/y2zubc9w______________________________________________________ LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS! Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don't miss out! Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/
Today, I'm breaking down the exact systems you need to organize your content, create with intention, and finally start treating your creator life like a real business.Whether you're a travel influencer, UGC creator, or building your personal brand on the go, these five business systems will help you go from chaotic to CEO mode.What You'll Learn:How to finally organize your content files (without losing your mind)My go-to method for batching content before a big tripThe easiest way to start and grow your email list as a creatorWhat analytics actually matter — and how to use themHow to repurpose your content so it keeps working for you
What is UGC - Full Breakdown https://youtu.be/vDWzpP1OdIQGet my FREE Guide to go from 0 to $3k/mo as a UGC Creator - https://ugcmasteryacademy.com/opt-in-guideIf you want to see if me and my team can help you get to $5k-$15k/month as a UGC creator book a call here - https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/mmugcmastery?setter=Youtube
App Masters - App Marketing & App Store Optimization with Steve P. Young