Remy, also known as Feed by Remy, introduces himself as a content creator and recipe developer, soon to be a cookbook author.
Kelsey, who creates travel content under the username Kelsey in London, shares her gratitude for her job that allows her to travel worldwide.
Cube Studio Introduction
Acknowledgment of Cube for hosting the discussion; they are described as the world's first studio subscription and community for content creators.
Cube has multiple locations across London and is recognized as a significant player in the creative community.
Journey into Content Creation
Remy's Background
Remy reflects on his long history with internet culture, starting from Neopets and Myspace, where he engaged in coding and graphic design.
After moving from Australia to London eight years ago, he began sharing personal travel experiences on Instagram without any intention of monetizing it.
Kelsey's Story
Kelsey recounts her journey from running an online bakery selling brownies and cookies to losing her job during COVID-19.
She decided to pivot towards creating video content about baking after receiving requests from followers on social media.
Turning Points in Their Careers
Viral Moments
Kelsey describes how she posted a dinner story that led to increased engagement; despite being primarily a sweet account, she was encouraged by followers to create more diverse content.
A viral video featuring chicken beer tacos marked a turning point for Kelsey’s account. Although it gained attention for unexpected reasons, it motivated her to focus on quality content.
Transitioning Careers
Both creators discuss their transitions from full-time jobs into full-time content creation. Kelsey quit her job last December and expresses excitement about this new chapter.
Reflections on Success
Achievements and Future Plans
Kelsey shares her amazement at transitioning from working full-time to writing a cookbook set for release next year.
She emphasizes how surreal it feels that something she once did as a hobby is now her career.
Encouragement for Others
Both creators encourage aspiring influencers by highlighting that success doesn’t require formal education; anyone can start with just an iPhone.
Travel Experiences
Favorite Destinations
Brand Collaborations and Creative Freedom in Content Creation
Personal Experiences with Brand Collaborations
The speaker reflects on their fortunate experiences working with beloved brands, highlighting a significant collaboration with Our Place for a viral Jollof rice recipe that included a personal touch from their mother.
The collaboration was enjoyable due to the brand's trust in the speaker's creative vision, allowing for a more personal storytelling approach without excessive amendments.
Importance of Trust and Community Engagement
Another participant shares their long-standing relationship with Adobe, emphasizing how the brand has been integral to their work since they were 15 years old. This partnership allowed them to engage creatively and educate their community through workshops.
Meeting followers in person enhances the connection between creators and their audience, transforming numbers into meaningful relationships.
Preferences in Brand Deals: Creative Freedom vs. Budget
When discussing preferences for brand deals, one participant expresses a preference for larger budgets as they often lead to greater creative freedom later on.
Larger budgets can provide opportunities for better production quality and investment back into campaigns, even if initial briefs are strict.
Challenges with Smaller Brands
Smaller brands tend to be more restrictive due to less understanding of influencer marketing dynamics; this can create challenges compared to larger brands that offer more trust and flexibility.
The speaker notes that smaller brands often expect influencers to act as salespeople rather than marketers focused on building brand awareness over time.
Payment Structures: Tight Turnarounds vs. Delayed Payments
A discussion arises about preferences between tight turnaround times versus delayed payments. One participant favors tight turnarounds due to financial obligations while managing content creation alongside full-time work.
Understanding Late Payments and Financial Preparedness
The Challenge of Late Payments
The speaker expresses frustration with late payment fees, noting that despite having systems in place, many clients still fail to pay on time. They admit to feeling embarrassed about having to chase payments.
Initially, the speaker was unaware of standard payment timelines (30-60 days), which led to surprise and a learning curve regarding financial expectations in their field.
Financial Strategies for Creators
When discussing advice for new creators, the speaker emphasizes the importance of establishing diverse income streams and saving before leaving a full-time job.
A common recommendation is to save three to six months' worth of expenses before transitioning from stable employment. The speaker shares their personal experience of saving a year’s rent plus three months’ expenses as a safety net.
Overcoming Financial Anxiety
Despite not playing it safe financially, the speaker had an unwarranted confidence that everything would work out. They highlight the importance of having enough savings for initial living costs.
Growing up with limited financial resources instilled a fear of homelessness in the speaker, motivating them to save adequately before making significant career changes.
Editing Tools and Techniques
Preferred Editing Software
The discussion shifts towards editing tools; one participant reveals they edit videos on their phone using InShot for convenience and fun rather than using more complex software like Adobe.
Another participant mentions using Adobe Rush and CapCut but transitioned to Adobe Premiere Pro after needing it for professional deliverables. They learned how to use it through online tutorials.
Efficiency in Video Editing
The second participant finds editing on a computer faster due to better control with a mouse compared to editing on small smartphone screens.
Both participants recommend CapCut as an excellent free option for video editing, emphasizing its user-friendly features that allow project saving without losing footage.
Recording Equipment Preferences
Content Creation Insights
The Evolution of Content Preferences
The speaker expresses excitement about the advancements in content creation tools, particularly looking forward to what future versions (like 16) will bring, noting that version 15 is already impressive.
A preference for short-form content is mentioned, with a shift towards voiceover videos to foster deeper connections with the audience and gain more followers.
The speaker reflects on their initial anonymity in content creation and how integrating personal elements has helped build community engagement.
Importance of Community Over Numbers
Emphasizes that having a smaller but supportive follower base (e.g., 1,000 engaged followers) can be more valuable than a larger number of passive followers (e.g., 10K).
Discusses plans to explore YouTube for long-form content, highlighting a successful viral series called "cookie 101" that could benefit from deeper exploration in longer formats.
Editing Techniques for Engagement
Stresses the importance of capturing attention within the first three seconds of a video; this is crucial for viewer retention.
Suggests using visually appealing clips at the beginning—such as food preparation shots—to draw viewers in immediately.
Audio and Accessibility Considerations
Highlights the significance of audio quality and music selection in videos, stating it enhances viewer satisfaction.
Mentions that many viewers watch without sound; therefore, including closed captions is essential for accessibility.
Trends and Platform Preferences
Discusses analytics insights showing most likes occur within the first few seconds of videos, reinforcing the need for strong hooks early on.
What Social Media Platforms Do Creators Prefer?
Discussion on Platform Preferences
The speaker expresses a preference for TikTok over Instagram, citing enjoyment and engagement as key reasons. They find TikTok to be more entertaining and fun compared to Instagram.
Despite enjoying TikTok, the speaker acknowledges that most brand deals come from Instagram, indicating a reliance on the platform for professional opportunities.
A shift in perspective is noted; the introduction of broadcast channels on Instagram has fostered a sense of community that was previously lacking.
The speaker contrasts TikTok's viral nature with Instagram's community feel, emphasizing that while TikTok can generate views quickly, it lacks meaningful interaction.
The ability to respond within broadcast channels enhances interactivity and connection with followers, making them feel more engaged and recognized.
Impact of Broadcast Channels
The initial success of the broadcast channel surprised the speaker, who found immediate interest from followers when they created it.
Building a personal connection with followers is crucial; sharing personal anecdotes encourages support for content and brand partnerships.
The value of having a supportive community is highlighted; creators benefit from knowing their audience will back them during launches or promotions.
Challenges Faced by Creators
Work-Life Balance Issues
One major challenge discussed is the difficulty in switching off from work due to constant engagement with social media platforms.
The stigma surrounding content creation suggests that it’s not "real work," yet creators often find themselves working even during leisure time spent on social media.
Time Management Struggles
Finding time to disconnect from work-related tasks remains an ongoing struggle for creators who love what they do but need boundaries.
Suggestions are made about engaging in non-work-related activities like painting by numbers as a way to unwind without monetizing every moment spent.
Content Creation Challenges
Editing Time Constraints
A significant issue mentioned is the lack of time available for editing content, leading to frustration over unutilized material stored on hard drives.
Growing and Engaging Your Audience
Building Content from Travel Experiences
The speaker reflects on the challenge of condensing a wealth of travel experiences into engaging content, highlighting the difficulty of managing an extensive catalog of memories.
Techniques for Audience Engagement
The importance of utilizing broadcast channels is emphasized as a technique for audience growth. Comfort in speaking directly to the camera is also recommended.
Personal branding is discussed; being relatable and showing personality helps audiences connect with creators beyond just their content.
Impact of Personal Connection
The shift in audience comments indicates a deeper connection, moving from generic praise to personalized recognition, showcasing the effectiveness of engaging storytelling.
Voiceover Videos and Authenticity
Switching to voiceover videos fosters personal connections with viewers, despite initial discomfort. Practice is essential for overcoming challenges in presenting oneself authentically.
Management Experiences and Self-Management
Discussion about management experiences reveals that effective agency relationships are crucial. The speaker shares past struggles with pricing and agency fit.
Self-Management vs Agency Representation
Transitioning to Self-Management
After leaving an unsatisfactory agency experience, the speaker has been self-managing for several months, finding it rewarding but challenging due to time constraints.
Networking through LinkedIn
A strategy shared involves connecting with brands via LinkedIn after initial contact, enhancing visibility and showcasing accomplishments effectively.
Current Agency Experience
Insights on Management and Social Media Dynamics
The Role of Management in a Creator's Career
The speaker expresses feeling undervalued by management, emphasizing the importance of personal investment from management in a creator's career.
Advice for creators seeking management includes understanding that agencies often prefer to work with those already earning well; it's crucial to inquire about their current talent's brand deal frequency.
The speaker shares their experience self-managing, highlighting the benefits of personal connection but acknowledges that not all creators have time for this approach.
A common misconception is that signing with management guarantees success; prior earnings are essential for effective collaboration with agencies.
Creators should manage themselves until they feel overwhelmed, at which point hiring an assistant or manager can be beneficial.
Choosing the Right Agency
The speaker advises against joining large agencies where one might get lost among many talents; smaller agencies may offer more personalized support and visibility.
Being a "big fish in a small pond" is preferred over being overshadowed in larger pools, as it allows for better brand relationships and opportunities.
Many creators find themselves overlooked by big agencies despite having significant followings due to competition within the agency’s roster.
Navigating Social Media Relationships
The speaker admits to struggling with maintaining a healthy relationship with social media, recognizing its potential toxicity due to constant engagement metrics and pressures.
They discuss the challenge of responding to comments and managing expectations around audience interaction while feeling guilty about not engaging enough.
Finding Balance in Social Media Use
One participant reflects on achieving a healthier mindset regarding social media, emphasizing that engagement metrics do not define one's worth or legacy.
Creative Processes in Brand Collaborations
Balancing Work and Leisure
The speaker discusses the importance of separating work trips from holidays, opting for average hotels to avoid distractions and focus on relaxation.
A recent trip to Italy was a mix of relaxation and content creation, highlighting the challenge of balancing stunning locations with the desire to capture moments for social media.
Understanding Creative Briefs
The speaker reflects on their initial approach to brand deals, which involved a rigid, monotone delivery that felt overly promotional.
A conversation with another creator led to a shift in perspective; viewing brand deals as creative briefs rather than strict obligations allows for more organic integration into existing content.
Integrating Ads Organically
As confidence grew, the speaker learned to integrate ads into their content naturally instead of altering everything for the ad's sake.
An example is shared where a successful ad achieved 10 million views by placing products subtly within engaging content rather than forcing them upfront.
Strategies for Effective Collaboration
The speaker emphasizes creating ads that feel authentic and not overtly commercial, especially in food-related content where subtlety can enhance viewer engagement.
When receiving brand deals, the focus should be on how to weave them into existing narratives rather than changing personal style or voice.
Communication with Brands
The importance of informal communication is highlighted; sharing ideas through Google Docs or calls before formalizing contracts helps maintain creative control.
Creators are encouraged to push back against scripts that don't align with their natural speaking style while ensuring key points are still communicated effectively.
Learning from Others
Observing other creators' approaches provides valuable insights; understanding different strategies can help improve one's own ad performance.
Understanding the Importance of Saying No to Deals
The Value of Selectivity in Partnerships
The speaker emphasizes the importance of being able to say no to deals that do not align with one's brand or audience, reflecting on their own experience when they were not in a position to decline offers.
They highlight that even if one has a large following, it is crucial to assess whether a partnership will resonate with that audience before agreeing.
Campaign Brief Overview
A mock campaign brief is introduced, focusing on celebrating ballet at historic London theaters aimed at inspiring the 18-35 age group.
Content examples include creating an Instagram reel featuring key moments from ballet performances and behind-the-scenes clips for Instagram stories.
Creative Concept Development
Deliverables for the campaign are outlined: one Instagram feed post (video or carousel), three to five frames for Instagram stories, and six months of organic usage on the brand's social channels.
The speaker suggests capturing engaging shots within the first three seconds of content as critical for viewer retention.
Engaging Audience Through Personal Experience
The speaker proposes a laid-back approach in their Instagram story, sharing their personal journey of attending a ballet performance despite not being familiar with it.
They suggest showcasing behind-the-scenes aspects and encouraging followers to experience ballet themselves.
Pricing Strategy and Considerations
Discussion about pricing reveals that rates can vary based on audience engagement; a minimum charge suggested is £5,000 excluding agency fees and VAT.
Additional charges may apply for organic usage or exclusivity depending on how much it impacts one's niche market.
Understanding Exclusivity and Paid Usage Implications
The speaker explains that exclusivity can lead to potential loss of income if another similar opportunity arises while under contract with one brand.
Skincare Campaign Insights
Deliverables and Expectations
Discussion on the importance of deliverables in a skincare campaign, emphasizing that while six months of organic growth is beneficial, it may not align with rapid brand evolution.
Introduction to a nighttime skincare routine campaign targeting influencers in skincare, lifestyle, and fashion, focusing on showcasing their night cream tailored for different skin types.
Creative Concept Development
The campaign aims for a cinematic ASMR vibe; influencers are encouraged to share their nightly rituals using the product through Instagram Reels and TikTok videos.
Specific requirements include one Instagram Reel or TikTok video featuring pre-bed facial massages and highlighting benefits based on skin type.
Personalization and Audience Engagement
The speaker reflects on how they would integrate travel into their content to resonate with their predominantly female audience while promoting the skincare product.
Ideas include visually appealing travel shots combined with ASMR elements related to packing skincare products, aiming for an engaging narrative.
Pricing Strategies and Exclusivity Concerns
Discussion about pricing strategies for collaborations; the speaker expresses hesitation about working with multiple skincare brands simultaneously due to exclusivity clauses.
Proposal of three different packages for potential clients, including variations in deliverables like TikTok reposting and additional story frames.
Financial Considerations in Collaborations
Insights into charging extra fees for paid usage based on overall fees or brand spend; emphasizes transparency in negotiations regarding budget allocations.
Insights on Creator Earnings and Brand Deals
Overview of Earnings in Content Creation
The speaker discusses the financial aspects of content creation, revealing that their highest paid job was a UGC (User Generated Content) project, which involved significant planning and storyboarding.
They express surprise at the high earnings from such projects, noting that long-term partnerships often yield substantial income for creators.
A specific example is shared where they earned £18,000 for two videos and two Instagram stories, including paid usage rights. This highlights the potential for lucrative deals as one gains experience.
Growth and Financial Awareness
The speaker reflects on their journey over nine months since quitting their job, emphasizing how they once made their entire yearly salary in just one month through content creation.
They stress the importance of charging fairly for work, especially regarding paid usage rights to protect oneself from future brand scandals.
Empowerment Through Content Creation
The discussion touches on the empowering nature of being a creator without needing formal qualifications while also highlighting the potential for significant income.
They mention various avenues for passive income as a creator, indicating that many are making thousands monthly through platforms like Substack.
Experiences with Low-Paid Deals
The speaker recalls their lowest-paid deal at £3 for a meal promotion back in 2017, reflecting on how far they've come since then.
They describe this early experience as embarrassing now but acknowledge it was part of their learning curve in understanding industry standards.
Building Relationships with Brands
As they grew from 150k to approximately 625k followers, they discuss accepting lower-paying deals initially to build relationships with brands and establish reliability.
Gifting and Brand Relationships
Building Brand Relationships
Gifting to brands can be a strategic move, allowing creators to build relationships that may lead to future collaborations. As the creator's audience grows, they can leverage past successful engagements for better compensation.
Value of Early Collaborations
Working with brands early on, even at lower rates, can provide essential experience and exposure. For some creators, these opportunities are crucial for covering living expenses.
Flexibility in Pricing
Creators should aim for an ideal day rate but remain flexible based on project demands. Accepting lower rates initially is acceptable if it aligns with their production timeline.
Confidence in Negotiation
It's important not to undervalue oneself; as creators grow, they should charge appropriately based on their following and engagement levels. Initial collaborations help understand brand expectations.
Negotiating with Brands
Strategies for Successful Negotiation
When negotiating with brands, confidence is key. Creators should be prepared to walk away from low offers and challenge budget constraints presented by brands.
Offering Multiple Packages
Presenting different pricing packages rather than a single rate allows flexibility in negotiations. This approach helps accommodate varying budgets while maintaining value.
Understanding Budget Dynamics
Creators should inquire about brand budgets upfront to gauge potential negotiation room. Often, brands have more flexibility than initially stated.
Personal Experiences in Negotiation
Real-Life Examples of Negotiation Success
Sharing personal experiences where walking away led to better offers reinforces the importance of valuing one's work and being willing to negotiate assertively.
Recognizing Worth Over Time
How to Determine Your Rates as a Creator
Importance of Community and Resources
Engaging with creative friends can provide insights into pricing strategies, making it easier to determine what to charge for services.
A Facebook group was created to help others find out how much to charge, offering free resources that eliminate the need for paid courses or eBooks.
Creators are encouraged to reach out for advice on pricing; open communication can lead to better understanding and growth within the community.
Collaborating with Brands
Before collaborating, it's essential to ask brands about their main goals for campaigns, such as increasing brand awareness or product launches.
Instead of asking brands for their budget upfront, sharing personal rates directly is often more efficient since many brands' budgets may not meet those rates.
Researching Brands
Conducting thorough research on brands before collaboration is crucial; some may have negative reputations that could affect your own brand.
Ensuring alignment in values between creators and brands is important when considering partnerships.
Diversifying Income Streams
Many creators are exploring additional income sources beyond social media platforms due to limited earnings from features like Instagram Reels.
Affiliate marketing and ad networks are effective ways for creators to earn passive income through recommendations and display ads on blogs.
The Value of Having a Website
Having a website allows creators to monetize content through ads, which can generate significant passive income over time.
Substack and Passive Income Opportunities
The Power of Substack for Creators
Substack is highlighted as a significant platform for passive income, where creators can earn money through subscriptions, typically priced around $9.99 per month.
Emphasis on the importance of having a blog or website to leverage platforms like Substack, which offers numerous options for content creators.
Upcoming Projects and Personal Endeavors
Discussion about traveling in the Middle East, with humorous commentary on the extreme heat expected during the trip.
One participant reveals they are writing a cookbook, expressing excitement about its unique concept and anticipated pre-sale launch early next year.
Cookbook Insights and Personal Investment
The cookbook is described as a personal project that reflects the creator's journey, emphasizing its distinctiveness compared to existing cookbooks.
The creator expresses pride in their work ethic ("Blood Sweat and Tears") put into the book and mentions collaboration with a reputable publishing house.
Anticipation and Community Engagement
There’s an eagerness to share more details about the cookbook soon; it has been highly requested by followers over time.
