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Creators Are Brands
Creators Are Brands
Author: Tom Boyd
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© Tom Boyd
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My name is Tom Boyd, host of "Creators Are Brands". This podcast uncovers the how (and why) behind wellness creators and companies building their brands online. By day, I'm a Director of Content, and by night, I host this show. With my background in content marketing and passion for health & wellness, this podcast is both a passion project and my excuse to have conversations with builders I genuinely admire.
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In this episode, we dive deep into how Jordan Ferrone built a 2.3 million follower empire by taking ice baths every single day for 669+ days straight. From 400 followers to 1.1 million on Instagram alone in under 700 days, Jordan reveals the simple format strategy that broke the internet and the behind-the-scenes reality of consistent content creation.KEY INSIGHTS:• How he went from unknown video editor to multi-million follower creator using one simple daily format• Why "frictionless content" and removing creative barriers is the secret to sustainable posting• The exact equipment setup and process behind his viral ice bath videos (Canon R6, Rode Wireless 2, ChatGPT scripting)• How he uses ChatGPT to learn his voice and generate daily affirmations after 365 days of manual writing• Why building content around lifestyle habits you want to maintain beats chasing trends every time• The mindset shift from "what will go viral" to "what would I want to see" that unlocked his authenticityWhether you're struggling with content consistency, looking to build a sustainable format, or wondering how simple concepts can scale to millions of followers, this conversation reveals the unglamorous reality behind viral success and why patience beats perfection.ABOUT JORDAN FERRONE:Jordan Ferrone is a content creator with 2.3+ million followers across platforms, known for his daily ice bath videos combining motivational messages with extreme cold exposure. He's also the author of "It's Gonna Be a Good Day" and has been featured as one of the top ice bath creators online.#IceBath #ContentCreator #ConsistentContent #CreatorEconomy #SocialMediaStrategy #ContentFormat #DailyHabits #CreatorMindset #ViralContent #ContentCreation #CreatorJourney #SocialMediaGrowth
In this episode, we dive deep into why "good content is bad content" with Courtney Johnson, the content creator who's breaking every rule in the book and winning. Courtney reveals why analysis paralysis is holding you and shares her counterintuitive approach to building authentic content that actually converts.KEY INSIGHTS:• Why "good content is bad content" and perfect videos are actually hurting your growth• How to overcome analysis paralysis and start posting imperfectly to reach great content faster• Why LinkedIn is the easiest platform to succeed on (less than 1% post weekly = instant top 1% status)• The "phone notes method" for capturing million-dollar content ideas during everyday moments• Why the "Open to Work" banner has a negative effect on your negotiation power and looks desperate• How to repurpose the same content 10 different ways instead of constantly creating new ideas• LinkedIn's secret prioritization of vertical video content from other platforms (straight from LinkedIn HQ)Whether you're stuck in perfectionist paralysis, struggling to choose a platform, or wondering why your polished content isn't performing, this conversation will flip your entire content strategy upside down. Courtney proves that authenticity beats production value every single time.ABOUT COURTNEY JOHNSON:Courtney Johnson is a content creator, LinkedIn strategist, and founder of "Level Up on LinkedIn" cohort. Known for her hot takes that cut through social media BS, she helps creators build authentic personal brands without the perfectionist trap. Her newsletter and content focus on practical strategies for sustainable content creation.#ContentCreator #LinkedIn #ContentStrategy #CreatorEconomy #SocialMediaStrategy #ContentCreation #LinkedInStrategy #CreatorTips #ContentMarketing #PersonalBrand #CreatorMindset #SocialMediaTips #ContentPlanning #CreatorAdvice #LinkedInGrowth
In this episode, we dive deep into what brands are really looking for in content creators and why most companies struggle to find the right talent. JT shares the 40+ signals his team uses to identify elite creators, revealing that adaptability to algorithm changes is more valuable than viral one-hit wonders.KEY INSIGHTS:• Why LinkedIn fails for finding creator talent and where to look instead• The minimum compensation creators should expect ($3,000 for 15 videos) and why it's rising• Red flags in the creator vetting process that instantly disqualify candidates• How to spot the difference between viral luck and true content strategy skills• Why team players outperform solo stars in brand content creationWhether you're a brand looking to level up your content strategy or a creator seeking in-house opportunities, this conversation reveals the hidden dynamics of creator-brand collaborations that nobody's talking about.ABOUT CREATORX:CreatorX helps brands find in-house creators, specialized content teams, and strategic consultants who truly understand social media algorithms and content performance metrics.#CreatorEconomy #ContentCreator #BrandPartnerships #CreatorMarketplace #SocialMediaStrategy #CreatorCompensation #ContentCreation #InfluencerMarketing #CreatorTalent #BrandContent
10 Rules For DMing Brands: https://stan.store/TomBoydGannon's content: https://www.instagram.com/gannon.meyer/In this engaging podcast episode, Tom and Gannon Meyer discuss the intricacies of social media growth, content creation, and personal branding. Gannon shares his journey from zero to significant follower counts, emphasizing the importance of finding a unique content format and being intentional in video production. They explore strategies for promoting digital products, understanding brand deals, and the significance of personal storytelling in connecting with audiences. The conversation also touches on practical tips for creators, including essential tools, monetization strategies, and the value of persistence in promoting content. In this conversation, Gannon Meyer and Tom discuss the intricacies of video creation, monetization challenges for creators, and the dynamics of brand deals. They explore the importance of minimalism in video content, the need for clear messaging, and the struggles creators face in monetizing their work on platforms like Instagram. The discussion also delves into income streams for creators, pricing strategies for brand deals, and the significance of building relationships with brands. They share insights on negotiating rates, understanding brand expectations, and the creative strategies that can enhance partnerships.
Gannon experienced exponential growth on social media after finding a successful content format.
The importance of personal storytelling in content creation cannot be overstated.
Creators should not hesitate to promote their products if they believe in their value.
It's often easier to sell higher-priced products than lower-priced ones.
Understanding your audience's needs is crucial for effective content creation.
Boosting successful posts can extend their reach and engagement.
B-roll can enhance video quality and should be thoughtfully composed.
Consistency in content format helps establish a recognizable brand.
Creators should focus on delivering unique perspectives that only they can provide.
Engagement with the audience is key to building a loyal following. Your work is complete when there's nothing left to remove.
Clarity in messaging is crucial for short videos.
Monetization on platforms like Instagram is challenging.
Building a creator business involves multiple income streams.
Brand deals can be a significant source of income for creators.
Engagement and relationships with brands are key to success.
Newsletter: https://www.bonusfootage.coNana DelRay is on fire right now on IG. In this convo, Nana breakdown how she makes her vlogs from start to finish, while building an agency that connects creators and brands.
Have something meaningful to say in your content and focus on storytelling.
Experiment with different angles and shots to make your videos visually interesting.
Utilize good lighting and make use of space in your videos.
Consider the font and captions to enhance the visual appeal of your content.
Deliver voiceovers naturally and with emotion, avoiding sounding scripted.
Focus on the first few seconds of your video to capture the viewer's attention.
Strive for authenticity and find your own unique style as a content creator. Deliver a clear and impactful message in the first few seconds of a video to hook the audience.
Build a personal connection with the audience to create a loyal following.
Authenticity is key in content creation and influencer marketing.
Consider the ideal length of videos based on the platform and audience attention span.
Focus on engagement rather than follower count when working with influencers.
Boost influencer content to reach a wider audience and increase visibility.
Content creation is an iterative process that requires continuous improvement and experimentation.
In this conversation, NanaDelRey and Tom discuss various aspects of content creation, including filming, editing, and delivering voiceovers. NanaDelRey shares her process of creating short-form vlogs and emphasizes the importance of having something meaningful to say in your content. She also provides tips on shooting with an iPhone, using lighting effectively, and utilizing space in videos. NanaDelRey discusses her approach to captions and fonts, as well as the significance of the first few seconds of a video. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of authenticity and finding your own unique style as a content creator. In this conversation, NanaDelRey and Tom discuss various aspects of content creation and influencer marketing. They emphasize the importance of delivering a clear and impactful message in the first few seconds of a video. They also discuss the value of building a personal connection with the audience and the role of authenticity in content creation. They touch on the ideal length of videos and the benefits of focusing on a specific platform. NanaDelRey also shares insights into her work at Content Flows, a company that matches creators and influencers with brands. They discuss the challenges of working with brands and the importance of finding the right creators for each campaign. They also highlight the need for brands to understand the value of engagement over follower count. Finally, they discuss the iterative nature of content creation and the importance of boosting influencer content to reach a wider audience.content creation, vlogs, filming, editing, voiceovers, iPhone, lighting, space, captions, fonts, authenticity, content creation, influencer marketing, message delivery, authenticity, video length, platform focus, brand partnerships, engagement, follower count, boosting content, iterative process
Subscribe to the BonusFootage.co Newsletter for weekly editions of these interviews you can read in under 3 minutes or less. In this episode I call Adam Wienckowski (@adamwienckowski) to jam about how he thinks about creating content, talking to brands, and enjoying the process. Adam went from $25 Fiverr deals to thousand dollar brand deals and 70K on IG in less than a year. Here are some moments:
His 2 tips for hooks that I am implementing ASAP
How to price those tricky brand deals (spoiler: Adam's got a cool "three times rule")
Making your content pop so viewers can't look away
Balancing the creator hustle with, you know, actually having a life
Why investing in yourself might be the smartest move you make
Enjoy the convo and let me know if you like this format on IG. @BonusFootage
In this episode, we talk with Jordan Mix of Late Checkout and DoWithin. He is the "behind the scenes" guy who is building with some of the biggest creators. Learn his process for how he built these relationships and landed these opportunities for his dream partnerships. Follow me at @BonusFootage on Instagram.
subscribe to the podcasthosted by tom boydcreator of @bonusfootagei help big creators work with brands they love
The books that I highlight in this episode are:
10x is Easier Than 2x
Buy Back Your Time
Getting Results The Agile Way
Deep Work
The Hidden Genius
As you're setting goals for the new year, these are some kindle highlights from some of my favorite books to have in mind. Please share the show with a friend if you gained any insights. Have an inspired day and thanks for listening.@BonusFootage
in this episode, i break down parallels between lessons i've learned as a creative professional and as new player to the sport of pickleball. we discuss:
communication and confidence
creative partnerships
mindsets for competition
consistency and patience
adding creative skills
if you like this show, check out my accounts @bonusfootage on all platforms
in this episode, we talk to @courtney..johnson, who's videos are all over your feed right now if you're a creator. in this episode, she shares:
how to be more human in your content
lessons from naval
why brands suck on social media
how to be confident on camera
and how to delegate
it's an incredible show. go follow her on all the things.
also, sub to bonusfootage.co
In this episode, my friend Jules Montgomery talks about how she changed from educational content to lifestyle vlogs, the mindsets behind creating without burnout, and gives us some insider tips on editing with CapCut.If you enjoy the show, share it with a homie.Follow me on all platforms at @BonusFootage
Austin Hankwitz created a Top 5 Business podcast in less than a year.In this episode, Austin breaks down how he launched the show with Robert Croak, how he markets the show, the production process, their content strategy, and how they monetize their show, Rich Habits Podcast.Subscribe to the BonusFootage.co newsletter for more content like this.Thanks for listening!Tom
Learn more on the BonusFootage.co newsletter.This is my strategy for coming up with ideas for my videos, clients, and permisslioness apprenticeships.These are the basic note pads I use to journal. (affiliate) 3 Pages total:
One page free write (inspired obviously by “The Artist’s Way” morning pages.
One page (Write down what you're grateful for)
One page ideas (just pick one thing) and come up with ten ideas/solutions for it (bluesky, brain dump, whatever you want to call it)
Thanks for listening!Tom
Subscribe to the BonusFootage.co Newsletter for short emails for shorts creators.In this episode, I read a Justin Welsh Twitter thread out loud.Thank you for listening!Tom
Subscribe to the BonusFootage.co newsletter. This episode, we’re kicking off a new series around newsletters. Most of the episodes will be focusing on short form video creators who’ve been able to successful move their audience and attention to a profitable newsletter.7 Steps to Making 7 Figures With Your Newsletter // with Matt Ragland (matt@mattragland.com), make sure to tell him you friends with Tom of “Creators Are Brands”.In this episode, we discuss:
Why you need a newsletter as a short form creator.
What should be in your linktree to promote your newsletter?
What’s the copy you should put on your newsletter landing page?
Should you give away a freebie when people sign up to your newsletter?
What kinds of digital products should you sell to your newsletter?
We also talk about Matt’s agency that works with creators and entrepreneurs to turn your existing content into a high converting, profitable newsletter. Like, you don’t have to do any extra work. It’s basically a productize service that pays for itself, from minimal work from your end, if you’ve ready built your audience. I’m sold on it, I’ve been telling my friends about, and if you’re a listener of this show, you’re a friend. If you want to work with Matt or learn more about it as we’re talking, go to yourweekly.email or email him directly at Matt@MattRagland.com and make sure to tell him you friends with Tom of “Creators Are Brands”.
Dylan Schmidt is the host of Digital Podcaster and the creator of the Podcast Newsletter.(Subscribe to the bonusfootage.co newsletter for more bars)In this podcast episode, Tom and Dylan Schmidt discuss how to start a podcast and monetize it. They recommend starting with a minimal viable podcast setup, which can be as simple as recording audio with your AirPods or any microphone you have. The next step is to think of your big idea and break it down into smaller ideas that can be used as episode topics. Dylan emphasizes the importance of understanding your listener and being genuinely interested in the topic being discussed. Tom suggests practicing your skills by reaching out to people that have their own shows and offering to host or facilitate their audience's questions. For specific recommendations, they suggest the Samson Q2U microphone for remote interviews and solo shows, which costs around $50. They also recommend hosting your show on platforms like Anchor or Libsyn and monetizing through sponsorships, merchandise, and listener support.Key Points
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to starting a podcast, and it can be overwhelming, so start with the basics and build from there.
Creating content requires a strong mindset, including dealing with anxiety and imposter syndrome.
Setting achievable goals, even smaller ones like the number of episodes, helps to stay motivated and overcome imposter syndrome.
Podcasts are a sustainable format for content creation and can attract audiences who prefer evergreen content.
Don't rely on chance to attract listeners, be shameless in promoting your podcast
Focus on listener behavior and recommend similar podcasts at the beginning of each episode
There is a need for tools to help beginner creators market their podcasts.
subscribe to the bonusfootage.co newsletter for more creator resourceslisten to alex antolino (creator economy expert) breakdown the how brands and creators should work together.
why brands should create like creators
how he landed a media spot with TheFutur and Chris Do
what creators can learn from brands
share this show with a friend.thanks!
get Nina The Lawyer's products: https://ninathelawyer.com/template-shop (use: "BONUSFOOTAGE" for 10% off!)in this episode, we talk about:
how to sell digital products on the internet
what the best tools for selling digital products
how Nina uses Instagram as a tool to build trust with her audience
why you shouldn't rely on ChatGBT to create contracts as a content creator.
subscribe to the BonusFootage newsletter.
subscribe to the bonusfootage.co newsletterlisten to dulma's show: https://dulma.substack.com/thanks for listening!!




