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In this episode of Creator Toolbox, Colin and Jacob share their strategy for growing the podcast over the next 6-12 months. We discuss shifting to a "newsletter-first" approach, where the podcast generates content that then flows into newsletters, blog posts, and social media. We explore how this approach feels more future-proof in an environment where SEO is becoming less reliable, and how it gives us more creative freedom. Throughout the conversation, we share our plans for improving social media presence with more effective video clips, professionalizing our self-promotion efforts, and bringing back guest collaborations to help grow our audience.
We also talk openly about what we're NOT going to focus on right now - specifically paid advertising and building a community platform. While both are valuable, we know we need to establish our content infrastructure first before investing in these areas. The episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at our planning process and how we're balancing ambition with focus to avoid overwhelming ourselves.
Key Takeaways🟢 Newsletter-first content strategy: We're shifting from SEO-dependent blog content to building a newsletter as our primary content hub, giving us more creative freedom and a direct connection with our audience.
🟢 Repurpose content strategically: Create podcast episodes with 2-3 solid topics that can be expanded into newsletter content and blog posts, while saving some exclusive content for each platform.
🟢 Experimenting with video clips for social growth: Short-form content on YouTube Shorts, Instagram, and TikTok is crucial for discoverability, even when your main content is long-form.
🟢 Professionalize your self-promotion: Treat yourself as a paying sponsor with proper tracking links, polished ad reads, and clear calls to action - don't be shy about promoting what you've built.
🟢 Say no to grow: We're intentionally NOT pursuing paid advertising and community building right now to ensure we can fully focus on content infrastructure.
Resources Mentioned🟢 Beehive newsletter platform - https://beehiiv.com/
🟢 ConvertKit (now called Kit) - https://kit.com/
🟢 Opus clipping tool - https://www.opus.pro/
🟢 Alitu podcast maker app - https://alitu.com/
🟢 Circle community platform - https://circle.so/
🟢 Publish Press newsletter - https://www.thepublishpress.com/
🟢 Morning Brew newsletter - https://www.morningbrew.com/
🟢 14 Ways to Collaborate with other Podcasters - blog post & YouTube video
Chapters00:02:24 Newsletter-first publishing workflow
00:05:44 Creating value across multiple platforms
00:08:05 Why newsletters feel more future-proof
00:12:01 Using Beehive for growth tools
00:14:14 Our social media strategy with clips
00:19:26 Adding guest collaborations back
00:23:01 Professionalizing our self-promotion
00:27:52 Treating ourselves as a sponsor
00:31:47 What we're NOT focusing on right now
00:36:31 closing thoughts
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In this episode, Colin and Jacob dig into two powerful tools for creators: LinkedIn and AI deep research capabilities. Colin shares his recent LinkedIn strategy, revealing how daily posting has drastically improved his engagement and impressions, and what makes up those daily posts. He explores effective content types like cheat sheets, carousels, video formats, and personal stories that perform well on the platform. Colin also highlights successful creators like Chris Donnelly, Ann Handley, and Tom Hunt who are having a bunch of success on LinkedIn with their distinct approaches.
In the second half, Jacob explores his experience with ChatGPT's Deep Research feature, explaining how it revolutionized his content creation process for a viral blog post about vibe coding, providing valuable comparative analysis and SEO gap identification that helped his article reach the front page of Hacker News.
Key Takeaways:🟢 Consistency is crucial for LinkedIn success - Colin saw his average post impressions jump from 100-200 to 400-500 by posting daily, with his newsletter content reaching 1,000+ impressions.
🟢 "Cheat sheets" with dense, valuable information perform exceptionally well on LinkedIn - these text-heavy graphics with minimal design offer quick value and stand out in feeds.
🟢 When creating plain text posts on LinkedIn, being opinionated and authentic performs better than overly polished content - controversial hooks and personal stories drive engagement.
🟢 ChatGPT's Deep Research feature (available with Pro subscription) acts like a dedicated research assistant, providing comprehensive competitive analysis and identifying content gaps.
🟢 When using AI for research, being specific with your requests (like asking for first-person reviews rather than marketing copy) significantly improves the quality and usefulness of the results.
Chapters:00:00 Introduction and episode overview
04:44 Colin's LinkedIn growth strategy and results
08:06 Analyzing effective LinkedIn content types
13:34 LinkedIn cheat sheets and why they work
20:40 Carousel posts and their engagement power
24:13 Authentic text posts vs. polished content
26:14 Storytelling techniques from top LinkedIn creators
32:28 LinkedIn commenting strategies for algorithm growth
36:34 Optimizing your LinkedIn profile features
40:35 Jacob introduces ChatGPT's Deep Research tool
45:10 How Deep Research transformed content creation
49:45 SEO gap analysis and competitive advantages
54:38 Practical applications for content improvement
57:01 Outro
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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We kicked off talking about a big change we're making to our annual planning cadence. Instead of following the traditional January-December cycle, we're shifting to a March-February year. Why? Because December-January is such a mess with holidays and slow starts! We found that planning during this time just doesn't work well. By making March 1st the start of our planning year, we're using January-February as a time for reflection, strategy planning, and wrapping up previous projects. This gives us a nice fresh start in the springtime.
Then Jacob introduced us to "vibe coding" - a term coined by Andres Carpathy. It's about using AI tools like Claude or Cursor to generate code without really understanding the code itself. You describe what you want, and the AI builds it for you. We discussed how tools like Replit, Lovable, and Bolt.new make this possible even for non-coders. Jacob shared great examples, including how someone built a multiplayer flight simulator game in just one day! This approach works especially well for personal tools or weekend projects.
I shared how I've been using Claude as a resource by creating a project focused initially on designing an agency. The cool part is that I've ended up using this knowledge base for all sorts of other projects - from mastermind landing pages to coaching proposals. The AI basically interviews me and builds up a profile of my skills and experience that I can later tap into for various content needs.
Finally, Jacob highlighted Caleb Hammer as his creator of the week. Caleb runs a YouTube show called "Financial Audit" where he reviews people's financial situations (often a bit brutally!) and helps them create a plan to improve. The format is consistent but always feels fresh because each guest brings different financial challenges. Jacob noted how well Caleb has monetized through relevant sponsorships, memberships with behind-the-scenes content, and even creating his own budgeting app.
Takeaways= Consider shifting your annual planning cycle to March-February if the traditional January start feels rushed and disrupted by holidays
= AI tools like Replit now make it possible for non-coders to create functional web apps and tools - especially for personal use or to solve specific problems
= Building a dedicated AI "project" that knows your skills and experience can become a valuable resource for various content creation tasks
= Bringing audience members onto your show as guests can create fresh, relatable content while still maintaining a consistent format
= Multiple monetization streams work best when they're naturally integrated into your content - Caleb Hammer's example shows how sponsors can be woven in without feeling disruptive
Resources= Replit - A coding platform with AI capabilities that's great for beginners (https://replit.com/)
= Lovable - AI-powered app building tool (https://www.lovable.ai/)
= Bolt.new - Another no-code tool for building with AI (https://bolt.new/)
= Cursor - Advanced AI coding tool mentioned for more experienced users (https://cursor.sh/)
= Claude 3.7 - The new Claude AI model that Alistair mentioned for coding help
= Caleb Hammer's YouTube channel - Financial audit show (https://www.youtube.com/c/CalebHammer)
= Alitu - Our podcast creation app with new video recording features (https://alitu.com) - use code CREATORTOOLBOX for 50% off your first month
Chapters00:00:00 Introduction and episode overview
00:01:14 Changing our annual planning cadence to March-February
00:07:38 Why 12-month planning can be arbitrary and limiting
00:11:43 What is "vibe coding" and how does it work?
00:20:28 Replit as a beginner-friendly coding tool
00:24:32 Personal software development using AI tools
00:34:01 Using Claude as a resource for multiple projects
00:43:00 Caleb Hammer as creator of the week
00:47:04 How Caleb monetizes his financial audit show
00:52:32 Closing remarks and Alitu promotion
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In this episode, Colin and Jacob discuss the "Big Five" content strategy, a framework for creating content that attracts your audience at every stage of the buying process. The Big Five content areas are: cost and pricing, best-of lists, problems, comparisons, and reviews. They explain how each area can be used to generate content ideas, regardless of your industry. They also discuss how these different content types can be used to reach people at all stages of the buying process, from those who are just starting to research a problem to those who are ready to make a purchase.
Key Takeaways:The Big Five content strategy helps you create content that attracts your audience at every stage of the buying process. The five content areas are: cost and pricing, best-of lists, problems, comparisons, and reviews. This strategy can be used to generate content ideas regardless of your industry. By creating content in each of the five areas, you can reach people at all stages of the buying process. Resources Mentioned:Marcus Sheridan - Content expert and creator of the Big Five content strategy They Ask, You Answer - Book by Marcus Sheridan The Podcast Host - Website and blog about podcasting The Creator Toolbox - Website and blog about content creation Alitu - Podcast creation tool Chapters:00:00 Introduction05:45 The Big Five content strategy06:55 Cost and pricing11:05 Best-of lists16:35 Problems19:55 Comparisons24:05 Reviews33:35 The buying process42:35 AI and the future of content creation44:05 Creator of the week: Drumeo47:25 How to adapt the Drumeo format52:50 Wrap-up -
In this episode, Jacob explores the three major AI assistants and how creators can best leverage each one. Drawing from extensive hands-on experience, he breaks down the unique strengths of Claude, ChatGPT (including the new O1 model), and Gemini, providing practical guidance on which tool works best for different creator tasks.
Key Takeaways👉 OpenAI's O1 excels at strategic planning and breaking down complex problems
👉 Claude is the top choice for writing tasks and maintaining consistent tone
👉 Gemini stands out for handling large amounts of text and data analysis
👉 Using multiple AI tools in combination often produces better results than relying on just one
👉 The quality of AI output directly correlates to the quality and specificity of your input
Resources Mentioned👉 Guide to making your own AI writer with Claude
👉 Claude - Best for writing and content creation
👉 ChatGPT (O1 model) - Specialized in reasoning and planning
👉 Gemini - Handles large text analysis
👉 Deepseek R1 - Open source alternative
👉 O3 Mini - Free alternative to O1, available in ChatGPT
👉 Alitu - Podcast making app (alitu.com)
Chapters00:00 Introduction
01:03 OpenAI O1 overview and use cases
03:01 Claude capabilities and strengths
05:12 Gemini's unique advantages
07:27 Comparing the three assistants
13:34 Practical tips for using AI tools
20:02 Common pitfalls to avoid
22:25 Episode wrap-up
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In this episode, we explore two key tools for creators looking to level up their business: media kits and personal websites. We start by breaking down what goes into an effective media kit - from showcasing your audience stats to highlighting your unique value proposition. We talk about using media kits not just for sponsorships, but also for podcast guest appearances, collaborations, and PR opportunities. The conversation then shifts to personal websites, where we contrast super simple approaches like Derek Sivers' minimal one-pager with more elaborate creator sites like Ali Abdaal's. Throughout the episode, we discuss practical tools for building both media kits and personal sites, including Notion, Canva, and various website builders. We wrap up with tips on how to get started without feeling overwhelmed by making it simple and building it up over time.
Key Takeaways:=A media kit should tell your story and solve problems - focus on showing potential partners who you are, what problems you solve, and why you're unique
=Keep your first version simple - start with a basic Notion page or one-pager that covers the essentials, then iterate based on the questions you get asked
=Think beyond sponsorships - your media kit can help land podcast guest spots, speaking gigs, and collaborative opportunities
=Personal sites don't need to be complex - a simple, regularly updated page about who you are and what you're working on can be more effective than an elaborate website
=Start small and build over time - whether it's a media kit or personal site, begin with the basics and expand as needed
Resources Mentioned:=Notion - For creating simple media kits and personal sites
=Canva - Design tool for creating media kit layouts
=Adobe Express - Another option for media kit design
=Passion Fruit - Platform for podcast sponsorships
=Gumroad - Platform for selling digital products
=Interview Valet - Podcast interview booking service
=Derek Sivers - sivers.org - Example of minimal personal site
=Ali Abdaal - aliabdaal.com - Example of full creator personal site
=Alitu - Podcast making app (alitu.com)
Chapters:00:00 Welcome and introductions
02:01 What is a media kit?
04:54 Different uses for media kits
08:33 What to include in your media kit
15:40 Tools for creating media kits
19:55 Introduction to personal websites
23:42 Different approaches to personal sites
27:15 Derek Sivers site example
31:26 Ali Abdaal site comparison
34:20 Getting started tips
37:07 Episode wrap-up
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In this episode of Creator Toolbox, hosts Colin and Jacob explore several key topics affecting content creators. Colin kicks things off with a detailed look at his switch from Asana to TickTick for task management, explaining how he's created a more effective system for handling ideas and daily tasks. The conversation then shifts to a discussion of Project Stargate, a proposed $500 billion AI initiative, with Jacob expressing skepticism about its feasibility and environmental impact. The hosts dive deep into the concerning trend of declining organic search traffic, analyzing HubSpot's dramatic traffic drop and its implications for content creators. They explore potential strategies for adapting to AI-driven search, including focusing on fact-based content and building stronger partnerships. The episode wraps up with Colin sharing his latest experiments with short-form video content and his approach to creating more engaging gear-focused content.
Resources Mentioned:Task Management Tools:TickTick (https://ticktick.com)Asana (https://asana.com)Motion (https://www.usemotion.com)Video Equipment:Joby GorillaPodDJI Osmo Mobile GimbalFilmora (video editing software)Websites/Companies:HubSpot (https://hubspot.com)Niche Pursuits (https://www.nichepursuits.com)DeepSeek R1 (AI model) -
In this episode, we dig into four fantastic tools and strategies for creators. Jacob kicks things off by sharing his pocket-filling discovery of 2023 - the Revolut Ultra plan. This premium bank account is packed with creator-friendly perks like WeWork passes, airport lounges, and a bundle of premium subscriptions. Next, Colin walks us through his annual planning process, sharing the exact framework he's developed since 2015 for reviewing the past year and setting up for success. Finally, we explore the world of creator events, from intimate gatherings like Craft & Commerce to massive festivals like SXSW, helping you choose which ones might be worth your time in 2024. We wrap up with some practical tips on screen recording tools for content creation, comparing Filmora and Movavi as alternatives to the aging Camtasia.
For the full annual planning guide, as mentioned by Colin, go to: https://creator.alitu.com/creator/annual-planning-for-creators/
Chapter List:
00:00 - Introduction and microphone setup
04:41 - Revolut Ultra: A creator's perfect bank account?
20:23 - Annual Planning Framework
31:46 - Personal vs Professional Goals
36:02 - Creator Events for 2024
48:52 - Screen Recording Tools Update
50:16 - Outro and Alitu special offer
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In this special year-end episode, Colin and Jacob reflect on their key learnings from 2024 and share predictions for 2025. They discuss experiences and lessons learned in hiring and team building, the challenges of maintaining focus across different content mediums, and the evolving AI landscape. The hosts also share their commitments for the upcoming year, including Jacob's plans to start creating video content and Colin's goal to hire an assistant. The episode wraps up with gift recommendations, either for another creator in your life, or just a wee festive gift for yourself!
Resources MentionedPipdecks (strategy cards for creatives) - https://pipdecks.comThule Paramount 27L BackpackWenger BagsCotopaxi Bag Del DiaAlitu Podcast Maker (code: CREATORTOOLBOX for 50% off first month) - https://alitu.comChapter List00:00 - Introduction and Episode Overview
05:44 - Lessons Learned: Hiring and Team Building
13:18 - Focus and Content Creation Challenges
20:05 - AI Predictions for 2024
28:24 - Personal Commitments for 2024
40:07 - Gift Ideas for Creators
54:24 - Mistakes and Lessons from 2023
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Struggling with overwhelming projects and not sure where to start, or having a hard time keeping track of your brand's impact? This episode is packed with a set of tools to help you work smart, and let AI do the hard work in planning your next project. Colin shows how he's turned AI into his own personal project manager, breaking down massive tasks into manageable steps and creating visual workflows that actually make sense. Then, Colin and Jacob explore Podscan, a smart tool that helps you discover who's talking about your brand in the podcast space - perfect for finding collaboration opportunities you might be missing. Plus, they tackle the often-confusing world of modern website building, cutting through the noise to help you find the fastest, most effective way to test new services or products without getting bogged down in technical complexity.
Chapter List02:15 - Using AI for project management
17:29 - Introduction to Podscan
28:04 - Modern website building options
41:10 - AI-powered website development
Resources Mentioned:Alitu (https://www.alitu.com)Podscan by Arvid KahlNotion (https://www.notion.so)Squarespace (https://www.squarespace.com)Webflow (https://webflow.com)Framer (https://www.framer.com)Ghost (https://ghost.org)Cursor.shV0 by VercelBootstrap Web podcastClaude AI -
In this video, we dig deep into the mindset and systems that power a ridiculously consistent and long lived podcast. My guest is Matty Lansdowne, from the How Not to Get Sick and Die Podcast, and he shares how he built his show to over 400 episodes, much of that time while working a full-time job. We explore the psychology of consistency, practical systems for success, and strategies for maintaining quality content production.
Matty also shares insights on building a profitable business through podcasting, and using AI tools for content repurposing. Finally, we dig into the balance between different content platforms and the importance of focusing on what works rather than trying to be everywhere.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your show, we're sharing actionable insights on building sustainable content workflows, recruiting and developing team members effectively, and creating a content strategy that stands the test of time.
Check out Matty's show over at https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-to-not-get-sick-and-die/id1450212088
And to make the production process even easier, check out: https://alitu.com - the easiest podcast creation platform on the planet.
Chapter List
00:00 - Introduction and Matty's Background
02:05 - Mindset for Consistent Podcasting
07:19 - Building Systems and Team Management
17:43 - Content Repurposing Workflow
23:39 - Business Model Behind the Podcast
34:01 - YouTube Strategy Discussion
43:36 - Content Volume and Platform Choice
52:30 - Wrap-up and Resources
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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 WorkIf 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!
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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!
- Visa fler
