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  • Is your creative mind bursting with ideas but struggling to turn them into consistent content? Discover how to organize your thoughts, streamline your workflow, and sustainably grow your creator business!

    Join Colin Gray, Jacob Anderson, and special guest Ian Anderson Gray as they dive deep into productivity systems, community building, and leveraging AI to supercharge your content creation process.

    In this episode, you'll learn:How to use tools like Notion and the PARA method to organize your creative ideasStrategies for consistent content creation from successful creatorsThe power of community in supporting your creator journeyWays to leverage AI for enhanced productivity and learningTips for balancing creativity with organizationTools discussed:Notion: For organizing tasks, projects, and informationThe PARA method: A system for personal knowledge managementTime blocking and weekly planning techniquesChatGPT and other AI tools for content creation and learningFeatured creators:Tiago Forte: Known for his "Building a Second Brain" methodologyMark Schaefer: Creator of the RISE communityRob Walling: Host of the "Startups for the Rest of Us" podcastTry this workflow:

    Implement a weekly planning session using time blocking:

    Choose a consistent day and time each week for planning (e.g., Sunday evening or Monday morning)Review your upcoming week and identify your top prioritiesUse a tool like Google Calendar or Notion to block out time for specific types of work (e.g., content creation, admin tasks, community engagement)Assign specific tasks to each time block, ensuring your most important work gets scheduledLeave some flexibility for unexpected tasks or creative inspirationAt the end of each week, review your progress and adjust your system as neededResources:Tiago Forte's Building a Second BrainMark Schaefer's RISE CommunityRob Walling's Startups for the Rest of Us PodcastNotionThe PARA Method explainedCal Newport's Deep Work

    If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to the Creator Toolbox podcast for more insights on building your creator business. Check out The Podcast Host for everything podcasting, and try Alitu - our podcast maker app - with a 7-day free trial!

  • In this episode of Creator Toolbox, Colin and Jacob dive into three main topics:

    Colin's recent launch of the revamped Podcraft Academy 2.0, Jacob's insights on First Promoter's new features for affiliate marketing, and a deep dive into community platform options.

    Colin shares his experience running a week-long email campaign for the Academy launch, including his approach to writing daily emails with video content and managing customer responses.

    Jacob then explores First Promoter 2.0's improvements, particularly their new focus on discount codes for podcast/video creators and enhanced communication features.

    The episode wraps up with an extensive discussion about community platforms, comparing options like Circle, Discord, Slack, and others, before concluding with a conversation about the importance of content creators reviewing their own work.

    Key Takeaways

    When launching a product via email, consider recording personal videos to include in each email - it helps break up the text and adds a human element to your communicationsModern affiliate marketing is shifting away from traditional links toward discount codes, especially for audio/video content creators where sharing links is impracticalWhen choosing a community platform, consider whether you need specialized features (like course hosting) or if you're better off using platforms where your audience already exists (like Discord)

    Resources Mentioned:

    First Promoter (firstpromoter.com)Circle (circle.so)Teachable (teachable.com)Podia (podia.com)Mighty Networks (mightynetworks.com)ConvertKit (convertkit.com)Podcraft Academy (thepodcasthost.com/academy)Alitu (alitu.com)

    Chapter List:

    [00:00] Introduction and catch-up

    [01:13] Discussing upcoming topics

    [02:15] Academy 2.0 launch experience and email campaign strategy

    [19:11] First Promoter 2.0 features and affiliate marketing trends

    [29:19] Community platform comparison and engagement strategies

    [41:21] Creator self-review practices and improvement techniques

    [48:27] Outro and promotional codes

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  • Rob Lawrence joins us to share his unique perspective on podcasting for coaches, drawing from his experience as both a certified coach and professional podcast producer. In this value-packed episode, we explore everything from overcoming mental blocks to practical setup advice for coaches looking to expand their reach through podcasting.

    Episode Highlights:Why podcasting works particularly well for coachesHow to start "scrappy" and improve over timeThe real value of podcasting (hint: it's not just download numbers)Practical tools and tech recommendations for beginnersWhen and how to work with a professional producerSmart ways to think about video vs audio contentKey Takeaways for Coaches:Start Simple, Think BigDon't let perfectionism hold you backFocus on your message, not just the technical detailsConsider starting with just your phone or laptopFocus on Connection Over PerfectionPodcast audiences value authenticityYour expertise matters more than production qualityBuild genuine relationships through conversationsThe Long Game WinsConsistency matters more than polishNetwork effects compound over timeYour content becomes a valuable legacy

    👉 Coach looking for a producer? Check out Rob's website: https://www.roblawrence.co/

    👉 Looking for a DIY option that makes it easy? Alitu is for you! https://alitu.com, use discount code CREATORTOOLBOX for 50% of your first month.

  • In this episode of The Creator Toolbox, we dive into a bunch of cool topics that every creator should be thinking about. First up, we talk about private podcasting and how it can be an awesome way to monetize your content and build a tight-knit community around your show. We then explore Ripple, a new tool designed by Brian Cassell, which combines private podcasting with community-building features—perfect for creators looking to offer exclusive content and interact more directly with their audience.

    Next, we tackle the topic of affiliate marketing—is it dead? We debate how affiliate marketing has changed, the rise of massive conglomerates dominating search results, and the shift from blogging to influencer and podcast-driven affiliate deals. Spoiler: it's not dead, but it's definitely evolved. Lastly, we chat about community engagement and why it's key to not only getting feedback on your episodes but also improving your show over time. With tools like Ripple, you can make that process seamless and fun!

    Key Takeaways:

    Private podcasting is a great way to monetize your content and build a deeper connection with your core audience by offering exclusive content.Community is key to engagement—letting your listeners interact with each other boosts loyalty and can help you improve your show with direct feedback.Affiliate marketing isn’t dead, but it’s changed. Going niche and offering real value and education is now the best way to succeed with affiliate deals.Leverage tools like Ripple to combine podcasting and community-building for both public and private podcasting—giving your listeners a place to engage.Involve your audience in content creation—ask them what they want to hear, get their feedback, and let them feel ownership of your episodes.

    Resources:

    Ripple – A tool combining private podcasting and community-building. Learn more: ripple.fmBootstrap Web Podcast – Hosted by Brian Cassell and Jordan Gal, discussing building businesses and creating products. Check it out hereIndie Pod Community – Mentioned as an existing space for creators and podcasters to connect and discuss all things podcasting.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 - Intro

    00:52 - Mangoes and Thailand (Jacob’s adventures)

    02:00 - Private podcasting and monetization options

    05:00 - Ripple

    10:00 - Building communities around podcasts: Public vs. private

    15:00 - Should we use Ripple for our show? The debate begins

    18:10 - Is affiliate marketing dead? The evolution of the industry

    24:00 - The impact of big media conglomerates on affiliate marketing

    29:00 - How creators can still win with affiliate deals

    31:00 - Engaging superfans with private content and low-production podcasts

    35:00 - Community-driven content creation: A secret to better episodes

    40:00 - Final thoughts

  • In this episode of The Creator Toolbox, we explore how to turn everyday moments into content gold, helping podcasters and creators build thriving channels.

    We share real-world examples from top YouTubers like the Aquarium Co-Op and The Hoof GP.

    Tune in to learn strategies for growing your audience, monetising "boring" niches, and boosting productivity with flexible co-working and AI tools.

    This episode is perfect for content creators wanting to leverage everyday life for maximum impact.

    ⌚ Timestamps

    00:00 - Intro

    02:00 - Turning Everyday Moments into Content

    04:20 - Examples of Successful Real-Life Content

    09:30 - Monetising "Boring" Niches

    13:45 - Productivity Tips for Creators

    17:50 - Co-Working Spaces for Focus

    26:15 - Productivity Hacks

    35:00 - Using AI to Maximise Book Insights

    45:10 - Final Thoughts

  • In this episode of The Creator Toolbox, we kick things off with Jacob's viral Northern Lights photography story. He shares how his stunning images went a bit loopy online and how he used Shopify to capitalise on print-on-demand sales.

    Colin then breaks down his current video lighting setup, discussing the best ways to use softboxes, LED panels, and smart lights like Philips Hue to create professionally lit backgrounds and achieve a high-quality video feel.

    We then get into the barbell strategy for video content creation, where we either go all-in with highly-produced content or keep it rough and ready to deliver quick, relevant videos.

    This episode is perfect for podcasters and content creators who want practical advice on streamlining production, enhancing video aesthetics, and avoiding burnout.

    We also highlight a Creator of the Week, David Larbi, and his podcast, "Mindful Moments," as a great example for solo podcasters looking to build a deep connection with their audience.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 – Intro

    03:00 – Going Viral

    07:45 – Monetizing Creative Work

    12:00 – Professional Video Lighting

    20:30 – Optimising Video Backgrounds

    25:00 – Creator of the Week

    29:50 – Barbell Content Strategy

    35:30 – Boosting Productivity

    45:00 – Creative Energy Management

    47:00 – Outro and Call to Action

  • In this special episode of The Creator Toolbox, we dive into the craft of producing highly polished, montage or documentary content. That means one or more episodes with narration, clips from multiple interviews, music and FX, all aimed at creating a way-above-average listening and viewing experience.

    We'll share our experience in creating a podcast series in this way, but it applies to multi-interview YouTube episodes just as well.

    We cover everything from setting up interviews with expert podcasters to editing multiple voices into a cohesive narrative, unpacking the strategies behind our latest (20th!) season of PodCraft.

    We’ll walk you through how we source high-quality guests, create seamless transitions with narration, and blend in the perfect soundtrack. Whether you’re a podcaster, YouTuber, or content creator, these tips will help you elevate your production skills and streamline your workflow.

    Join us as we show you how to turn a series of interviews into a compelling season of audio storytelling.

    Chapters

    00:00: Introduction and Welcome

    02:10: Switching the Format for Season 20 of PodCraft

    05:05: Finding the Right Podcast Guests

    09:12: Structuring the Interviews

    14:05: Scheduling and Recording the Interviews

    17:30: Editing and Organizing the Content

    24:00: Narration and Music Integration

    30:15: Creating Blog Posts for Episodes

    34:12: Publishing and Promoting the Season

    38:00: Closing Thoughts and Final Tips

  • Welcome back to another episode of The Creator Toolbox! In this episode, we talk about our new Creator Toolbox blog and dive into ways to develop a website to suit our creative needs - from building it, to preparing the content and finally going live.

    We discuss the blurry lines between a blog and a website. Jacob also gives some good examples from his own experience. We then expand on why we chose Ghost as the most suitable hosting platform for our content. We talk through differences with WordPress and general practicalities, including UX, coding, integrations and plugins, email marketing, and community-building.

    We delve into the crucial aspects of content ownership, but not for the sake of growth, discoverability, collaboration, conversation, and community building. Here, we touch on Substack, Ghost, LinkTree, Beehiiv, ConvertKit, and more.

    Colin highlights the importance of owning customer relationship marketing through email marketing and presses a strong case for content ownership. He also shared a recent discovery of Bear, a minimal, no-nonsense blogging platform with no ads, trackers, or scripts. Jacob adds that Ghost also supports a short-form blog on the platform.

    If you found this episode helpful, the best way to support us is by checking out Alitu, our podcast-maker app. We're always working to make podcasting accessible for creators like you.

    Thanks for tuning in, and we'll catch you on the next episode!

  • On this episode, we dive into some automation tools that can really boost your productivity as a creator. I shared my experience with the Stream Deck, which has become an unexpected favorite of mine. It's not just for streamers – I use it for everything from controlling my studio lights to automating repetitive tasks in video editing. We also touched on browser recording tools for automating web tasks and text expansion for speeding up writing. These might seem like small time-savers, but they really add up.

    Next, Jacob introduced us to the concept of a "Story Brand" by Donald Miller. This is a powerful marketing framework that puts your customer at the center of the story, with your product or service as the guide. It's all about simplifying your message and connecting with your audience on a deeper level. We even explored how Apple used a similar storytelling approach in their iconic "Think Different" campaign. It's fascinating to see how effective this can be.

    Lastly, we tackled a challenge that I think many creators face – balancing new projects with existing ones. We discussed strategies like outsourcing updates, taking on partners, and keeping a database of all your projects. I shared my own experience with this, including a course I created called "Immortal Content" that I haven't promoted much. It's a constant juggling act, but it's important to revisit old projects and see if they can be revived or integrated into your current work.

    We wrapped up by highlighting Steph Smith as our creator of the week. Her ability to consistently ship new projects while maintaining high-quality content is really inspiring.

    Remember, if you found this episode helpful, the best way to support us is by checking out Alitu, our podcast maker app, at alitu.com. We're always working to make podcasting as easy as possible for creators like you.

    Thanks for tuning in, and we'll catch you on the next episode!

    Chapters:

    00:00 - Introduction

    01:10 - Episode overview

    01:49 - Alitu support slot

    03:12 - Tool of the week: Stream Deck

    07:05 - Automation tools discussion

    17:40 - Introduction to Story Brand concept

    20:01 - Applying Story Brand to different creators

    28:28 - Importance of having a plan in Story Brand

    32:49 - Apple's "Think Different" campaign example

    40:57 - Implementing Story Brand

    45:23 - Creator of the week: Steph Smith

    49:19 - Balancing multiple projects as a creator

    58:27 - Wrap-up and closing thoughts

  • In the latest episode of The Creator Toolbox, we cover writing tools (find the best space to create shownotes, scripts or full-scale blog posts!) and SEO for a new content project (my full process for figuring out the first 30 to 50 episodes or posts on a brand new brand).

  • In this episode of Creator Toolbox, Colin and Jacob dive deep into two game-changing topics for content creators. First, they explore an innovative AI-powered system for repurposing podcast content into written articles, discussing the potential and limitations of this technology. They then shift gears to compare various camera setups for video content creation, from high-end DSLRs to user-friendly webcams, offering insights on quality, ease of use, and price points. This episode is packed with practical advice for creators looking to streamline their workflow and enhance their content quality.

    Episode Guide00:00 - Introduction and catch-up01:17 - AI-powered content repurposing system15:52 - Tips for working with AI in content creation29:15 - Importance of prompt engineering in AI41:29 - Camera setups for content creators41:29 - Jacob's iPhone 15 Pro setup45:40 - Colin's DSLR webcam setup53:21 - Affordable DSLR options55:11 - Insta360 webcam review56:25 - Opal C1 webcam discussion59:41 - Episode wrap-up and Alitu mentionResources MentionedClaude AI by Anthropic: https://www.anthropic.ai/Canon EOS Webcam Utility Pro: https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/support/self-help-center/eos-webcam-utility/Canon M50 cameraElgato PrompterSony ZV-E10 Mark II cameraInsta360 webcam: https://www.insta360.com/Opal C1 webcam: https://opalcamera.com/Logitech C920 webcamAlitu podcast maker app: https://alitu.com/
  • In this episode of the Creator Toolbox, Colin and Jacob discuss their journey of iterating on this very show, and how a podcast can develop and evolve over it's first few months. They delve into the process of turning it from an experimental show into a whole new content brand, and this could apply to you whether it be a podcast, YouTube channel, blog, or creator brand in general. Listeners get valuable insights on launching, iterating, and refining their content channels, even if you're not 100% sure what it plans to be in the early days. Tune in to learn how to navigate the complexities of building a successful creator business, including case studies from the journey of ThePodcastHost over the past 14 years, and into the new journey for the Creator Toolbox.

  • Ever feel like you're spinning your wheels, constantly busy but not making real progress? In this episode of Creator Toolbox, Colin and Jacob cut through the "hustle culture" noise to share practical, actionable strategies for true productivity as a content creator.

    What You'll Learn

    Discover how to:

    Implement effective time blocking and deep work techniquesPrioritize tasks and manage your energy, not just your timeCreate a productive work environment that suits your styleHandle distractions and maintain focus in a world of constant notificationsUse "cycles" for better long-term planning and goal-settingKey Takeaways1. Time Blocking and Deep Work

    Colin and Jacob stress the importance of dedicating specific blocks of time to focused work:

    Schedule your week in advance, allocating time for different types of tasks (e.g., writing, meetings, admin)Use time blocking to create a structure that ensures you tackle priority tasksImplement "deep work" sessions by turning off notifications and focusing solely on important tasks2. Creating the Right Work Environment

    Your workspace can significantly impact your productivity:

    Find an environment that helps you focus - this might be a dedicated home office, a co-working space, or even a coffee shopSeparate your work area from relaxation spaces to maintain a healthy work-life balanceExperiment to find what works best for you - some people thrive on the energy of others working nearby3. Managing Distractions

    In our hyper-connected world, managing distractions is crucial:

    Be intentional about when you check emails and messagesUse "Do Not Disturb" modes on your devices during focused work periodsCommunicate clearly with your team about your availability and focus times4. Prioritization and Cycles

    Effective prioritization ensures you're working on what matters most:

    Use tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks by importance and urgencyWork in "cycles" (e.g., 2-month periods) to set and review goalsBreak larger projects into smaller, achievable tasks to maintain motivation5. Task Management Systems

    Having a reliable system for managing tasks is essential:

    Use a task management tool that allows you to assign dates to tasks and categorize themImplement an "inbox" system for new tasks to be triaged and organized laterRegularly review and update your task list to ensure it remains relevant and actionableTry This Workflow: Weekly PlanningSet aside time every Monday morning for weekly planningReview your goals for the current "cycle" (e.g., 2-month period)Block out time in your calendar for priority tasks and deep work sessionsSchedule in breaks and buffer time for unexpected tasksReview and organize your task list, assigning dates and prioritiesEnd the week by journaling about your progress and setting intentions for the following weekResources MentionedAsana - Project management and task tracking toolTodoist - Popular to-do list and task managerThe Podcast Host - Colin's podcast resource websiteAlitu - Podcast creation tool (Try the 7-day free trial!)"Shape Up" by Basecamp - Book on project management cycles"Getting Things Done" by David Allen - Productivity methodology book
  • Are you curious about the future of creator businesses and the power of community? Discover how community-first strategies are reshaping the creator economy!

    In this episode, Colin Gray and Jacob Anderson sit down with Mathilde Leo from Circle to explore the evolving landscape of online communities, content creation, and the tools that are empowering creators to build thriving businesses.

    In this episode, you'll learn:How community-led businesses are changing the creator economyInsights on transitioning from traditional content creation to community-first modelsThe power of authentic connections in building a sustainable creator businessTools and strategies for managing and growing online communitiesThe potential of community-based platforms in combating AI-generated content overloadTools discussed:Circle: Community platform for creatorsFigjam: Collaborative whiteboarding toolMiro: Online visual collaboration platformTubeBuddy: YouTube channel growth and optimization toolFathom AI: AI-powered meeting assistantFeatured creator:

    Damon Dominique - A multilingual content creator who successfully reinvented his brand and built a thriving community-based business. Known for his travel content, language courses, and authentic approach to sharing his experiences living abroad.

    Try this workflow: Community-First Content StrategyIdentify your niche and target audienceSet up a community platform (e.g., Circle) to host your content and facilitate discussionsCreate a content calendar that includes a mix of:Regular community events (e.g., live Q&As, workshops)User-generated content opportunitiesExclusive content for community membersEngage with your community regularly, encouraging discussions and connections between membersUse community feedback to inform your content creation and product developmentExperiment with different monetization strategies within your community (e.g., paid memberships, courses, exclusive events)Resources mentioned:Circle's 2024 Community Benchmark ReportThe Rest is Politics PodcastDamon Dominique's YouTube Channel"Your Global Citizen" by Damon Dominique

    Don't miss out on future episodes! Subscribe to the Creator Toolbox podcast for more insights on building your creator business. Visit The Podcast Host for everything podcasting, and try Alitu - our podcast maker app - with a 7-day free trial!

  • Are you running a local business and dreaming of reaching a global audience? Discover how content creation can revolutionize your reach and transform your business model!

    In this episode, Colin Gray and Jacob Anderson explore the power of content creation in expanding a traditional business's reach. They dive into real-world examples, practical strategies, and tools that can help you transition from a local service provider to a global content creator.

    What you'll learn:How to leverage content creation to expand your business globallyStrategies for building a content funnel that attracts and converts customersTools for managing newsletters and staying on top of industry trendsInsights from successful creators who've made the leap from local to globalTools discussed:ConvertKit: For automated newsletter creation and RSS feed integrationStoop: A dedicated app for managing newsletter subscriptionsOmnivore: An open-source tool for managing newsletters and RSS feedsSparktoro: An audience research tool for finding the best channels to reach your audienceFeatured creator: Modern Malinois

    Jacob breaks down the success story of Modern Malinois, a dog training business that expanded its reach globally through content creation:

    Top of funnel: Creating engaging, discoverable content (e.g., YouTube Shorts)Middle of funnel: Offering exclusive, opt-in content to gather leadsBottom of funnel: Selling high-value products or services to a warm audience

    This approach allows businesses to monetize both local and global audiences effectively.

    Try this workflow: Content Funnel CreationUse Sparktoro to research your audience and identify the best channels for your contentCreate top-of-funnel content that showcases your expertise (e.g., blog posts, videos, podcasts)Develop a lead magnet (e.g., email course, webinar) to capture email addressesSet up an email sequence using ConvertKit to nurture leadsOffer paid products or services to your warm audience, both locally and globallyResources:The Podcast Host's guide to being your own bossBasecamp's "Shape Up" methodChris Williamson's podcast for inspiration on innovative video contentChallenge:

    Think about how you can apply the Modern Malinois method to your business. What type of content could you create to reach a global audience? Share your ideas with us on social media using #CreatorToolbox!

    Don't forget to subscribe to the Creator Toolbox podcast for more insights on building your creator business. Check out The Podcast Host for everything podcasting, and try Alitu - our podcast maker app - with a 7-day free trial!

  • Feeling stuck in a creative rut? Discover how to transform your low-energy days into productive powerhouses with our latest episode of Creator Toolbox!

    Join Colin Gray and Jacob Anderson as they dive into practical strategies for boosting productivity, leveraging new tools, and expanding your creator business. Whether you're a podcaster, writer, or aspiring content entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you level up your creative game.

    What you'll learn:How to use AI-powered journaling to track your progress and overcome creative blocksTips for setting up a high-quality streaming setup with tools like the Rode Streamer XStrategies for expanding your niche audience to a broader creator marketThe power of community platforms like Circle for engaging and growing your audienceHow to structure your content to cater to both beginners and experienced creatorsTools discussed:Rode Streamer X: A versatile device for streamers and content creatorsCircle: A community platform for building and engaging with your audienceOpenAI's latest model: For summarizing and analyzing journal entriesVoice Notes app: For quick and easy audio journalingFeatured Creator Spotlight:

    Colin shares insights from Jason Greystone, host of the "Always Free" podcast, who has built a successful business model around his content. Learn how Jason uses a combination of free content, courses, coaching, and mastermind groups to monetize his audience effectively.

    Try this workflow: AI-Powered Journaling for CreatorsUse your phone's voice notes app to record a 5-10 minute audio journal entryUpload the MP3 to OpenAI's latest model for transcription and summarizationReview the AI-generated summary for insights and patterns in your creative processUse these insights to adjust your workflow and overcome creative blocksResources:The Podcast Host's guide to being your own bossAlitu - The Podcast Maker AppCircle Community PlatformJason Greystone's "Always Free" podcast

    Ready to supercharge your productivity and take your creator business to the next level? Try implementing one of the strategies discussed in this episode and share your results with us using #CreatorToolbox on social media!

    Don't forget to subscribe to the Creator Toolbox podcast for more insights on building your creator business. Check out The Podcast Host for everything podcasting, and give Alitu - our podcast maker app - a try with a 7-day free trial!

  • Ever wondered how a tech blogger becomes a sought-after brand ambassador? Discover the inspiring journey of Richard Tubb, from IT business owner to influential content creator in the Managed Service Provider (MSP) industry.

    Colin Gray and Jacob Anderson sit down with Richard Tubb to explore his two-decade journey in content creation, discussing the tools, strategies, and mindset shifts that have shaped his success. From leveraging new technologies to building long-term brand partnerships, Richard shares invaluable insights for creators at any stage of their journey.

    In this episode, you'll learn:How to evolve from a blogger to a respected industry voiceStrategies for building and monetizing your audienceThe power of experiments in content creationTips for forging valuable, long-term brand partnershipsTools and techniques to enhance your content workflowTools discussed:Elgato Teleprompter: A game-changer for video content creationCrazy Egg: Website optimization and user behavior analysisAdobe Premiere: Advanced video editing with new AI-powered featuresManifestly: Streamlining team workflows with collaborative checklistsFeatured creators:Paul Green (MSP Marketing Edge): Blending old-school marketing tactics with modern content strategiesJohn Espirian (LinkedIn Nerd): Master of relentless helpfulness and LinkedIn content optimization

    Richard, Colin, and Jacob dive deep into the evolving landscape of content creation, discussing how to maintain authenticity while working with brands, the importance of valuing your audience, and the mindset shifts necessary for long-term success in the creator economy.

    Try this workflow: The "Experiment" ApproachIdentify an area of your content strategy you want to improveFrame the change as an "experiment" rather than a permanent shiftSet a timeframe for the experiment (e.g., 2-3 months)Communicate the experiment to your team and audienceGather feedback and data throughout the experimentEvaluate results and decide whether to implement permanently, adjust, or end the experimentResources:Tubb BlogElgato TeleprompterCrazy EggManifestlyMSP Marketing EdgeJohn Espirian's Website

    If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to the Creator Toolbox podcast for more insights on building your creator business. Check out The Podcast Host for everything podcasting, and try Alitu - our podcast maker app - with a 7-day free trial!

  • Ever dreamed of creating your own software but thought you lacked the technical skills? In this episode of Creator Toolbox, Jacob and special guest Bran explore how AI is revolutionizing the way creators can build tools and software for their audience – even with limited coding experience!

    Discover how AI-powered coding assistants like ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, and Cursor are breaking down barriers and empowering creators to turn their ideas into reality. Whether you're a content creator, educator, or entrepreneur, this episode will inspire you to leverage AI in your creative process.

    What you'll learn:How AI tools can help non-technical creators build softwareReal-world examples of using AI to create games and productivity toolsThe current capabilities and limitations of AI coding assistantsTips for getting started with AI-powered developmentThe potential impact of AI on the future of software developmentTools discussed:ChatGPTGitHub CopilotCursorVisual Studio CodeTry this workflow:Start with a clear idea for your software or toolUse ChatGPT to create a basic project plan and break it down into stepsLeverage AI coding assistants like Cursor or GitHub Copilot to help write and debug codeIterate and refine your project, using AI to fill knowledge gaps in design, marketing, and business setupKey takeaways:AI coding assistants can help creators overcome technical barriers and bring their ideas to lifeStart small and be willing to learn along the way – AI tools make the learning process more accessibleUse AI to fill knowledge gaps in various aspects of product development, from coding to marketingWhile AI can significantly speed up development, human oversight and verification are still crucialThe future of software development may involve a symbiosis between human creativity and AI assistanceResources:OpenAI's ChatGPTGitHub CopilotCursorVisual Studio CodeSvelte (JavaScript framework mentioned by Jacob)

    Have you used AI to create software or tools for your audience? We'd love to hear about it! Email us at [email protected] and share your experience.

    Don't forget to subscribe to the Creator Toolbox podcast for more insights on building your creator business. Check out The Podcast Host for everything podcasting, and try Alitu - our podcast maker app - with a 7-day free trial!

  • Struggling to turn your creative ideas into profitable ventures? Discover how Justin Moore transformed his hobby into a multi-million dollar business through sponsorships!

    Colin Gray sits down with Justin Moore, the Creator Wizard, to explore the world of content monetization, focusing on sponsorships and brand deals. Justin shares his journey from a hobby creator to a sponsorship expert who has generated $4.5 million in sponsorship revenue over the last decade.

    What You'll LearnHow to leverage sponsorships at any stage of your creator journeyStrategies for collecting and using powerful testimonialsTips for personalizing your email marketing for maximum impactThe importance of audience-first approaches in content creation and monetizationInsights on professional video setups for creatorsTools DiscussedHelp This Book: For gathering feedback on writing projectsSenja: A versatile testimonial management toolPassionfroot: A platform for managing sponsorship dealsTop 5 TakeawaysAdapt your sponsorship pitch based on your audience size and influence levelUse testimonials strategically in your marketing and sales processesSegment your email list to provide personalized content and offersConsider your audience's needs when balancing sponsored content, affiliate marketing, and your own productsInvest in a professional video setup to enhance your credibility with potential sponsorsThe Sponsorship Continuum

    Justin introduces his "Sponsorship Continuum" concept, a framework for creators to monetize their skills at any stage of their journey:

    Early Stage: Focus on offering content creation services to brands. Use your platform as a portfolio to demonstrate your skills.Growing Stage: Combine content creation services with native advertising on your platforms as your audience grows.Established Stage: Leverage your large audience to offer significant reach and impact for brands through your platforms.

    This continuum allows creators to start monetizing early and adapt their offerings as their influence grows.

    Creator Spotlight: Jay Clouse

    Justin highlights Jay Clouse, founder of Creator Science, as his creator of the week. He admires Jay's commitment to transparency, sharing both successes and failures in his creator journey, and his persistence in building his business over seven years before seeing significant traction.

    Additional ResourcesCreator Wizard NewsletterThe Podcast Host's guide to being your own bossCreator Science Podcast

    If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to the Creator Toolbox podcast for more insights on building your creator business. Check out The Podcast Host for everything podcasting, and try Alitu - our podcast maker app - with a 7-day free trial!

  • Feeling overwhelmed by your content creation workload? Discover how to boost your productivity and streamline your creative process with our latest episode!

    Colin Gray and Jacob Anderson dive into a treasure trove of time-saving tools and techniques designed to help busy creators maximize their output without sacrificing quality or burning out.

    What You'll Learn

    In this episode, you'll discover:

    How to capture and refine ideas more efficientlyTools for streamlining video content creationStrategies for learning new skills while managing a busy scheduleInnovative content ideas for niche audiencesMonetization tips from successful lifestyle creatorsTools and Resources DiscussedAudioPen - For converting spoken ideas into organized textTella - A user-friendly screen recording and video creation toolDataCamp - An interactive learning platform for coding skillsLearnCraft Spanish - An innovative approach to language learningAlitu - Our very own podcast creation and editing platformFeatured Creator: Nate Petrosky

    Nate Petrosky is a shining example of how to turn your lifestyle into compelling content and a thriving business. As a short-form video creator primarily on TikTok, Nate has built a following of 3.6 million by documenting his off-grid homesteading life.

    Content StrategyAuthenticity: Nate's content revolves around his day-to-day life on his 100-acre homestead, including building his own house and tackling various challenges.Consistency: He regularly shares updates on his projects and daily activities, keeping his audience engaged and invested in his journey.Transparency: Nate is open about his business model and how he makes money, which builds trust with his audience.Monetization ApproachProduct Creation: Nate collaborates with local businesses to create branded products, including custom coffee roasts and beard care oils.White Labeling: He's transparent about white-labeling products, focusing on working with local artisans to create unique offerings.Minimal Reliance on Platform Revenue: Nate is open about making very little from TikTok and YouTube directly, instead focusing on product sales through his website.Key Takeaways for CreatorsDocument, Don't Create: Nate's success comes from simply documenting his authentic lifestyle rather than manufacturing content.Find Your Niche: His off-grid homesteading content appeals to a specific audience interested in sustainable living and DIY projects.Diversify Income Streams: By creating physical products, Nate has built a more stable income than relying solely on platform monetization.Collaborate Locally: Working with local businesses allows Nate to offer unique products while supporting his community.Build a Lifestyle Brand: Nate's content and products all tie into his overall lifestyle, creating a cohesive brand that resonates with his audience.Try This WorkflowUse AudioPen to quickly capture and organize your content ideasCreate engaging video content with Tella's easy-to-use interfaceRefine your skills in your downtime with platforms like DataCamp or LearnCraftLook for unique angles in your daily life that could become compelling content, inspired by creators like Nate PetroskyAdditional ResourcesAudioPenTellaDataCampLearnCraft SpanishNate Petrosky on TikTok

    If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe to the Creator Toolbox podcast for more insights on building your creator business. And if you're looking to streamline your podcast production process, give Alitu - our podcast maker app - a try with a 7-day free trial!