west episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Anca Toderic, the food blogger behind The Butter Table, who has turned her passion for cooking into a thriving business by creating user-generated content (short-form video) for brands.

Her journey is not only inspiring but also filled with practical advice for anyone looking to monetize their video content. Let's dive into the lessons learned from Anca's experience.

Show Notes:

• MiloTreeCart
• Book a FREE 20-minute strategy call with me
• The Butter Table
• Book a UGC coaching session with Anca
• MiloTree Pop-Up App
• Join My Blogger Genius Email List
• Become a Blogger Genius Facebook Group
• All Blogger Genius Podcast Episodes

Subscribe to the Blogger Genius Podcast:

• iTunes
• YouTube
• Spotify

The Pivot: From Struggle to Strategy

Anca's story begins with a venture that many can relate to—a business that didn't take off as hoped. She and her sister-in-law poured their hearts into a meal plan business for seven years, only to make the tough call to shut it down. This setback, compounded by the surprise of a new baby, could have been the end of her entrepreneurial journey. But with her sister's encouragement, Anca found a new path: TikTok.

Despite initial reservations, TikTok became a source of fun for Anca as she shared her recipes and cooking tips. This platform was the stepping stone she needed to gain confidence and see the potential for monetization, which led her to start a blog and consider brand partnerships.

Crafting the Pitch: The Art of Negotiation and Content Creation

Anca's approach to pitching and negotiating with brands was all self-taught. She started by creating a portfolio that showcased her content and pitched her ideas to potential partners. Her first brand deal came as a surprise, considering her small following and the fact that her blog and Instagram weren't even launched yet.

When it comes to setting rates, Anca did her homework. She began charging $650 for a 30-second video and later increased her rate to $1,000, offering package discounts for multiple videos. Her key to success? Discussing budgets and deliverables with brands to tailor her pricing to each project's needs.

The Creative Process: Authenticity Meets Professionalism

In creating content for brands, Anca focuses on authenticity. She often showcases products in a natural setting, whether it's through recipe development or cooking demonstrations. Her tools of the trade are simple yet effective—smartphone apps for filming and editing, natural lighting, and minimal equipment. This approach resonates with brands looking for user-generated content that feels genuine and relatable.

Growing the Blog and Instagram: The Power of Collaboration

Anca's growth as a blogger and influencer has been significantly boosted by her work with brands. With about 20-30% of her collaborations coming through PR agencies and the rest from in-house contacts, she has seen the benefits of backlinks from real companies and the exposure that comes from being tagged and featured on Instagram.

Embracing the Learning Curve: Just Start

One of the most empowering takeaways from my conversation with Anca is her attitude towards learning. She advocates for jumping into opportunities and learning along the way, rather than waiting to become an expert first. This mindset has allowed her to focus on making money from her passion and to avoid getting bogged down in the minutiae of branding and marketing.

Looking Ahead: Teaching and Sharing Knowledge

Anca's down-to-earth approach and relatable vibe have not only made her a success in her own right but also position her as a potential mentor for others. She's open to sharing her experiences and helping others navigate the world of content creation and brand collaborations.

Connect with Anca

For those interested in reaching out to Anca or working with her, she's accessible via direct message on Instagram at The Butter Table or through email at [email protected]. She offers one-on-one coaching sessions, and for my listeners, she's providing a special discount—$100 for the first five people who sign up at ugccoaching.milotreecart.com.

My Offer to You: Let's Talk Digital Products

As I wrap up this post, I want to extend an offer to you, my readers. If you're a food blogger or content creator not yet selling digital products like ebooks of your top recipes, you're missing out on a significant revenue stream. I invite you to book a free call with me at milotree.com, where we can discuss how to start selling your knowledge directly to your audience.

Anca's story is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and strategic partnerships. By sharing her journey, she not only provides a roadmap for others but also inspires us to pursue our passions and find success in unexpected ways. Join me next week for more insights and stories that can help elevate your blogging game.

Other Related Blogger Genius Podcast episodes You’ll Enjoy:

• What’s Next for Food Bloggers: Changes in 2024 with Megan Porta
• New Ways to Grow Your Blog Income in 2024 with Amy Reinecke and Jennifer Draper
• The Future of Blogging: SEO Predictions for 2024 with Casey Markee

MiloTreeCart, the Best Tool for Non-Techies to Sell Digital Products

I also want to introduce you to the MiloTreeCart, a tool designed for non-techies to sell digital products easily. It comes with features like fill-in-the-blank sales pages, check-out pages, a sales dashboard, upsells, and customer support. MiloTreeCart is currently available for a lifetime deal of $349 or three easy installments of $116.33.