Muthership Creator Strategy

The Vlog Evolution

The “Unsponsored By” segment kicks off the episode with two daily must-haves:

o   Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea – Helen's forever favorite (no sugar needed, think chai vibes)

o   Fellow Tea Kettle – Sleek, fast, and perfect for daily tea-making (she swears it boils faster!)

🎥 Main Topic: Why You Need to Start Vlogging

·       Vlogging creates connection. It gives your audience a behind-the-scenes peek into your life or creative process.

·       You don’t have to love traditional vlogging (e.g., voiceover style) – there are many ways to vlog:

o   On-camera storytelling

o   Voiceover with visuals

o   Music + text overlays

o   “Come with me” style day-in-the-life

o   Trendy formats like timestamp vlogs, narrator voice, or POV

📊 Social Media Algorithm Nuggets:

·       Top 2 performance metrics:

1.     Shares – When your video gets forwarded, it supercharges its reach.

2.     Saves – More powerful than likes or comments.

·       If people relate to it, they’re more likely to share it.

o   Example: Trader Joe’s parking lot spoof = highly shareable because it’s universally relatable.

🧠 Studio Challenge: Vlogging Month

·       This month’s Muthership Studio Challenge: Vlogging (in all its forms).

·       Weekly lessons include:

o   How to structure a voiceover vlog

o   On-camera & music-only styles

o   Comparing which version performs better

·       Each member can:

o   Watch lessons at their own pace

o   Share their videos, get feedback, and keep improving

o   Repeat challenges in new ways to build skills and momentum

💡 Key Takeaways:

·       Vlogging isn’t just one thing anymore. It’s evolved – so should your content.

·       Don’t overthink the format. Just start showing real moments.

·       Repetition leads to confidence and improvement – practice truly makes progress.

·       The studio is now The Muthership Creator Studio – revamped and rebranded for content creators who want to grow consistently and creatively.

✨ Final Note:

·       If you haven’t joined the Muthership Studio or tried the searchable preview, now’s the time.

https://socialize-studio.mn.co

🎯 Main Topic: Why You Should Do Trends (Yes, Even You)

Helen breaks down the why behind occasionally participating in social media trends — even if you're hesitant:

✅ Reasons to Embrace Trends:

• Staying current: Shows you're tuned into the platform's culture.
• Algorithm boost: Trends get pushed further — they work.
• Community building: Viewers relate more when they see familiar content done your way.
• Creative nudge: Trends help you out of ruts and spark new content ideas.
• Visibility: Trends expand your reach — even imperfect ones can go viral.

🧪 Real Examples:

• Helen’s own “Don’t Cha” trend videos crushed it in public spaces (airport, beach, set).
• Studio members like Vicky and Harley Girl gained thousands to millions of views using the trend — even if they didn’t do it “perfectly.”

🔁 Helen's Advice:

• Don’t overdo trends — but aim for once a week if possible.
• Keep a folder of easy-to-do trends on hand for when time or energy is low.
• Let trends reflect your niche — not dilute it.

🧪 Unsponsored Items of the Week:

1. NAD Supplement – Inspired by TikTok, Helen shares how this has possibly improved her skin and overall wellness.
2. Creatine Gummies – Watermelon & orange flavors; supports brain health, memory, and neuroprotection, especially helpful for those 60+.
3. IZIPIZI Readers – Stylish, comfy readers that fit over contacts and offer a stylish, practical alternative to drugstore glasses.

🔍 Studio Update:

• NEW: Studio Free Preview Space!
  Access the full beginner TikTok course + all free tutorials.
  ✨ Searchable by keyword (e.g., “green screen,” “stop motion”)
  🔗 [Link in show notes]

Wrap-Up:
Trends aren’t about looking young — they’re about knowing the social media language. Be playful, be visible, be current. You’re the main character.

🎧 See you next week!

🔑 In This episode Helen shares tips for going live, how to deal with the nerves if  it's your first time and why you should just do it anyway.

And here are the 3 pieces of equipment that are worth the investment if you want to up your gams:

**Wireless Hollyland Lark M2 Microphone Set: https://amzn.to/4bwInBu

**SmallRig Tripod with remote: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1897565-REG/smallrig_5291_st30_lite_one_touch_deploy.html

**Neewer LED Light: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08VGJ1TK9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?_encoding=UTF8&%3Bpsc=1&camp=1789&creative=9325&ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&linkId=806eee74b77c737f883af590f3e68310&tag=themuthersh0f-20 

Live Tips:
- What to prep ahead of time to avoid awkward silence
- Why it helps to post a video right before going live (and how it boosts visibility)
- Ideas for interactive engagement: trivia, viewer questions, and casual prompts
- How to use your lives as content clips for your feed
- Why it’s okay to tell your audience you’re nervous—and how they’ll actually help
- What to do about trolls, and how to use moderators to protect your space
- Smart ways to reflect and self-assess so every live gets better

🛠 Tools + Tips:

How to promote your live ahead of time (email list, reminders, profile alerts)
What to do after your live: saving clips on TikTok or Instagram for future content

A simple mindset shift: pretend only 3 people will show up—and go for it anyway

💬 Bonus Highlights:
A funny story from a live coaching session in the studio with new creators
Why one brand’s email reminder strategy stood out—and how you can replicate it

A sneak peek at some fun shoots I did this week (including a magical legging change 👖✨)

🎧 Stay Tuned:
Next week, I’ll be wrapping up the podcasting tutorial series inside the Studio! You’ll get step-by-step instructions on how to edit, upload, and publish your podcast to all platforms—no fluff, just clear direction.

✨ Episode Overview:

In this heartfelt and information-packed solo episode, Helen kicks things off with a meaningful story sparked by a letter and a stack of old cards—reminders of the deep, lasting connections she’s built through her content and community. She then dives into two of her most-used (unsponsored!) products that make her content-creating life easier, and shifts into a hands-on mini-masterclass: tips for getting the most out of your phone’s camera to improve your content instantly.

🛠️ Helen’s Unsponsored Product Picks:

1. Dyson Airwrap
   • Daily staple for Helen
   • Works great on thick hair
   • Comes with multiple attachments (round brush, curlers, etc.)
   • Honest review: No complaints—except clean your filter regularly!
2. VRURC Power Bank
   • A content creator must-have
   • Charges iPhone 4–5 times
   • Built-in cords for multiple devices
   • Heavy and bulky—but totally worth it
   • Perfect for full-day shoots without access to power

📱 Phone Content Tips You Probably Aren’t Using (But Should Be):

• Clean Your Lens
  Smudgy lenses = blurry content. Simple but essential.
• Turn on Do Not Disturb While Filming
  Interruptions can ruin your footage. Don’t forget to turn it off afterward.
• Use Gridlines for Better Framing
  Help your eye compose more balanced, level shots.
• Zoom with Your Feet
  Don’t pinch to zoom—walk closer to preserve quality. (And don’t ever Zoom if someone else hands you their phone!)
• Lock Exposure and Focus (AE/AF Lock)
  • Tap and hold before recording
  • Great for consistent lighting (especially for split screens or stop-motion)
  • Slide up or down to adjust brightness
• Camera Settings Refresher
  • 30 fps = best for sharp video
  • 24 fps = filmic look
  • 4K = high detail (but watch your storage!)
  • Know when to toggle off HDR (high dynamic range)
• Cinematic Mode
  • Great for film-style depth
  • Limited zoom, but beautiful focus blur for storytelling shots
• Use the 0.5 Wide Angle Lens
  • Capture more of your environment
  • Especially helpful when shooting yourself with back camera
• Tap to Focus on What Matters
  • Want your product in focus? Tap it on screen
  • Switch focus between objects mid-recording for dynamic storytelling

🎧 Studio Spotlight:

🎙️ July Theme: Podcasting 101

• Studio members are diving into a podcasting series!
• Lesson Part 1 is now live in the Studio.
• More parts coming soon, including:
  • How to podcast without fancy gear
  • How to scale up when you're ready
  • Behind-the-scenes tips Helen uses herself
• Weekly themes continue as usual—content creation tips, community calls, and more!

🌀 Weekly Challenge:
This week’s tutorial lesson focused on playing with speed changes—recording at different speeds and editing speed shifts post-recording.

🔗 Links & Mentions:

• Want to join The Socialize Studio and access podcasting tutorials + challenges?
  ➡️ https://socialize-studio.mn.co
• Missed the newsletter on mobile camera tips?
  ➡️ Check your inbox or studio dashboard!

❤️ Closing Thoughts:

Thanks for being here. If you learned a new tip—or just enjoyed the vibes—drop a comment or reply to the newsletter. The support means everything. ✨

On this week’s episode, Helen covers: Favorite Tools + TikTok Future + Building What’s Next

🔌 Unsponsored Favorites of the Week

1. Hollyland Wireless Mic: 

• Compact, clean audio, magnetized for easy placement
• Comes with adapters for iPhone/Android
• Great alternative to bulky, poor-quality wireless mics
• Bonus: Comes with discreet black stickers to cover the logo

2. Eastpak Travel Backpack:

• Perfect for laptop + travel essentials
• Dual function: backpack + shoulder strap
• Sleek, under-the-seat friendly
• Only con: missing suitcase handle slot

🎧 Coming Soon in the Studio:  

How to Launch a Podcast on a Budget

• Step-by-step lesson inside the Studio
• Includes: affordable gear, uploading, podcasting on YouTube correctly
• Perfect for creators wanting to test the waters

JOIN THE STUDIO NOW!

📣 On the TikTok Shift + What to Do Now

• New US-only TikTok (“M2”) feels isolating and problematic
• Claims about follower migration seem unrealistic
• Likely changes in community feel and algorithm
• Helen’s current stance: It’s a no (as of July 11)

💡 Diversification Strategy

• Now is the time to explore other platforms
  • YouTube: More stable, values real creators, no AI monetization starting July 15
  • Email Lists: Essential for staying connected
  • Newsletters / Free Communities: Building sustainable spaces
  • Podcasting, Blogging, Amazon Associates — lean into what fits you

🔁 Tip: Think about what you loved most about TikTok and recreate that feeling elsewhere.

💬 Final Thoughts

• Use this moment as a creative reset
• Build toward your strength — community, teaching, entertainment, etc.
• Studio community is evolving — real-time support + collaborative growth
• Join the 7-day free trial to explore lessons, tools, and creator support

JOIN TODAY!

How to Build Effective Social Media Habits

If staying consistent on social media feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Between the pressure to post, the temptation to scroll, and the constant changes in trends, it can be hard to build a rhythm. But what if creating content became as automatic as checking your phone?
This week, we’re diving into simple strategies to turn content creation into a daily habit—starting with one surprisingly effective mindset shift.

Why This Habit Is Working

This strategy is gaining traction because it creates a gateway to using the app—you must post before you scroll. By treating posting as a requirement for opening the app, it sets a purposeful tone.
We tried it for a day, and not only did we post more, but we also found ourselves reaching for the app less out of boredom. (Unintended bonus: reduced doom-scrolling!)

But the real power of this method is that it helps you build a content creation habit—and habits are the backbone of consistency and growth on social media.

Tips to Build a Daily Creation Habit

1. Start with a realistic goal
If you never post and suddenly aim for three videos a day, it likely won’t stick. Set an achievable starting point—like three posts a week. Once that feels easy, increase to five, then more, until you reach a rhythm that works for you.

2. Act when inspiration strikes
Do you ever think of a great video idea but push it off for later? Try recording it right when the idea hits. Even if you don’t post that first take, you’ll capture the most authentic version of your thought when your energy is highest.

3. Done is better than perfect
Social media isn’t film or TV. While quality matters, obsessing over tiny details can slow you down. Focus on sharing value. Most viewers are scrolling quickly—they care more about your message than your lighting.

4. Use the newsletter to your advantage
Every Tuesday, we send the Socialize Forecast—packed with trends, content ideas, tutorials, and trending audio. Use it to plan your weekly content. Adapt the ideas to fit your style, or treat it as your go-to resource for what’s working now.
SUBSCRIBE HERE: https://www.hellosocialize.com/

We’re here to help make daily content creation easier, not harder.

Today we're talking about real life tv commercial production and how it relates to social media content creators.  Helen covered the stages and crew roles on a shoot, as well as how to connect the dots to yourself as a content creator.

Pre-Production: This happens before the shoot where the client sources their team of production experts. Once a crew is established, they all use their expertise to nail down the budget, creative, storyboards, talent, locations, set design, and more. All of this is done to ensure an efficient and smooth shoot day (or days, or weeks, or even months!)

Production: Lights, camera, action! Production is where it all gets filmed. The pre production teams all come together to execute on the plan they made the weeks building up to the shoot. This is what you traditionally think of when you image television of movie filming, big cameras, lots of lights, and tons of people on set!

Post Production: Once the shoot has wrapped, it goes into post. This is where editors take the footage and string together the different spots, marketing executives secure placement for the ads (or television show), PR teams get publicity, and so forth. 

How can you use this knowledge for social media?

The process of a television shoot can be shortened for your own personal social media content. This of post production as your brainstorming and planning of your content, production as your filming, and post production as the editing, posting, and engaging of your content. Putting it into these three categories can help you plan out content. 

The Roles on Set 

Director: This is what @TheMuthership does! This person calls the shots on set and makes sure the vision of the client is captured. 

Producers: On any shoot, producers are who make things happen. Producers are like event planners but for TV or movie production. There could be one or multiple producers on a given shoot depending on the size. They ensure all logistics go smoothly so that the directors and creatives can get their job done. 

Production Assistants: Also known as “PAs”, production assistants are the grunt workers of any set. They take orders from the producers or director to do what needs to be done. They run errands, fetch talent and bring them to set, pick up lunch, grab coffee, etc. If you are interested in learning more about how TV or film works, getting a job as a PA is a great way to get your foot in the door and learn!

Production Crew: These are the groups of crew who are responsible for set design, props, hair, makeup, wardrobe, lighting, props, and more. Next time you watch a TV show or movie, just know that every detail in the background of a scene has been hand selected, curated, by groups of crew, then run by the producers and director - and ultimately by the agency and clients. 

The Ad Agency Creatives: Most TV commercial production sets have ad agency reps who are the ones who come up with the creative ideas for the content. They are usually stationed in what we call “video village” where they watch everything on monitors, away from the live set area.

The Post Production Team: After a shoot has wrapped and all the scenes have been filmed, they are handed off to the post production experts and creatives. These include editors, audio engineers, color correctors, special effects artists, and more who edit the content into the final spots.  

How to use this knowledge for social media?

Creating a great video—whether for TV, film, or social media—involves many people working together behind the scenes. Understanding the different roles on a production set can help you plan your own content more effectively. It can reveal where you might need support, what tasks you can delegate, and how collaborating with others can elevate the quality of your videos.

✨ Get more exclusives like this in the Studio:
https://socialize-studio.mn.co

If you’ve ever wondered why your videos feel flat—even if your content is great—it might be the angles. The right camera angle does more than just capture a scene, it sets the tone, creates emotion, or tells a story without a word.

This week, we’re breaking down the essential camera angles every content creator should know—and how to use them to elevate everything from talking-head videos to creative B-roll and storytelling reels.

Want to know how to put the angles into practice in your own content?  Join the studio where we are covering it this week in our live meetings which are all recorded for viewing later:
https://socialize-studio.mn.co

WIDE SHOT (A.K.A. THE ESTABLISHER)
What it does: Sets the scene.
Best for: Opening a video, transitions, or giving your viewer a sense of place or scale.
Try it when: You’re introducing a location or want to ground the viewer in your environment. It’s perfect for storytime intros or vlog-style openers.

.5 LENS / ULTRA-WIDE
What it does: Exaggerates space, adds a bit of distortion and energy.
Best for: POVs, comedic moments, or adding drama or dynamism to mundane actions.
Try it when: You want to make a shot feel dramatic, funny, or awkward. Great for character videos or TikToks that feel personal and chaotic in the best way.

CLOSE-UP
What it does: Brings emotion and detail into focus.
Best for: Conversations, reactions, or product features.
Try it when: You're making eye contact with the viewer or highlighting a specific detail (a tear, a smile, a button press).

POV (POINT OF VIEW)
What it does: Puts the viewer in the character's shoes.
Best for: Tutorials, storytelling, or immersive B-roll.
Try it when: You want your audience to feel like they’re the one doing the thing—opening a door, holding a phone, or reacting to something off-camera.

OVERHEAD SHOT (TOP-DOWN)
What it does: Provides clarity and control.
Best for: Flat lays, recipe content, step-by-step tutorials.
Try it when: You want to demonstrate a process or create clean, organized visuals that feel intentional.

TRACKING SHOT
What it does: Follows a subject through movement.
Best for: Vlogs, behind-the-scenes, transitions between spaces.
Try it when: You want to add motion and life to your content—walking through a space, showing a routine, or following a subject from behind.

DOLLY VS. ZOOM
Dolly: Physically moves the camera closer to or away from the subject.
Zoom: Changes the lens focal length without moving the camera.
Dolly = immersive, Zoom = observational
Try it when: You want to evoke different feelings—dolly in for tension or intimacy; zoom in for surveillance, detachment, or humor

LOW ANGLE
What it does: Makes your subject look larger, stronger, more powerful—or sometimes ominous.
Best for: Authority figures, characters with confidence, or when you want the viewer to feel small or impressed.
Try it when: You're filming a “boss move,” someone stepping into power, or even a dramatic moment in a skit.

HIGH ANGLE
What it does: Looks down on your subject, making them seem smaller or more vulnerable.
Best for: Capturing vulnerability, childlike energy, or uncertainty.
Try it when: You’re showing someone overwhelmed, alone, or creating a moment of empathy or comedy.

✨ Wanna know how to put these angles into your content?

Join the Studio! We’re breaking it down in content from creators like you—analyzing camera angles, testing different styles, and learning what actually works. Whether you’re filming a character reel, a product demo, or a scroll-stopping skit, we’re showing you how to bring your shots to life with the best angles for YOU!

In today's episode, we share how to become your most authentic self on camera. Helen went well beyond the newsletter outline below and covered bonus tips about how to gain confidence with little camera hacks and practice ideas! 

🎬 Record Something Daily (Even If You Never Post It)

Treat it like vocal warm-ups for your face. One take, one topic—anything goes. Talk about your breakfast, your to-do list, your opinion on oat milk. Just get in the habit of showing up. No pressure to publish, just practice.

Remember, when you are filming don’t look at yourself, look into the lens!

👩‍🎤Channel a Character

You’re not “being fake”—you’re stepping into a version of yourself. Some people do better pretending they’re talking to a close friend. Others imagine they’re the lead in their own how-to show. Find a persona that makes the camera feel more like a conversation.

🎥 Go Live (Seriously, Try It)

Lives take the pressure off being “perfect.” You’re reacting in real time, and that can feel way more natural. Bonus tip? Download the replay and edit it into short-form content. It’s like two-for-one confidence training and content creation.

💻 Use Zoom to Trick Your Brain

Want it to feel like a chat, not a performance? Open a Zoom call, hit record, and just start talking. You can later cut yourself out from the background and pop into another scene using editing tools. It’s sneaky—but effective.

⚡️ Confidence Grows When You Keep Showing Up

Your first video won’t be your best. But your 50th? Game-changer. And if you stop waiting until you “feel ready”... you’ll get there a whole lot faster

Try this challenge:

Film one 30-second video each day this week. No pressure to post it—just talk. Keep them in a folder called “Confidence Practice.” Watch how quickly it starts to feel easier.

Today we’re diving into the world of social media ads—how they hit us, how they're crafted, and why they’re more familiar than you think. After decades working behind the scenes in commercial production, I’m pulling back the curtain on the old-school tricks that are now dressed up as everyday TikToks and Instagram Reels. From bubble machines that never worked to duffel bags that “magically” shrink, let’s get real about the strategies advertisers have used for years—and why they still work. Even on us professionals.

🔍 Episode Summary – Key Takeaways:

• Old Tricks, New Faces:
  The core tactics used in today’s social media ads are the same ones from the '80s and '90s—just with new faces (creators) and a new format (your feed).
• Behind-the-Scenes of Ad Shoots:
  Ads often feature pre-market prototypes or visual tricks like masking or strategic editing to simulate product performance (e.g., bubble machines or steamers).
• Spot the Editing Magic:
  Learn to watch for things like wrinkle removals or magical bag-packing by analyzing ad cuts—sometimes a quick jump hides a lot of manipulation.
• Even Pros Get Influenced:
  Despite being industry-savvy, I still get pulled in. I almost bought the steamer! This stuff works—and that’s the point.
• Modern Tools, Same Goal:
  Apps like CapCut make it easy for anyone to "enhance" product demos. The editing tools that were once exclusive to pros are now in everyone’s hands.
• Algorithms Are Listening:
  Yes, your phone is listening. Algorithms target you based on behavior and even spoken keywords. Ever say “steamer” out loud and then see steamer ads? Same.
• How to Stay Smart with Ads:
  • Ask yourself: Why am I seeing this ad?
  • Watch ads with the sound off to better spot visual cuts or tricks.
  • Read the comments—people often expose shady edits or give honest feedback.
  • Vet UGC creators: Are they truly aligned with the product, or just cashing in?
  • Appreciate the good ones—some ads do help raise real awareness (shoutout Sensodyne!).
• The Bigger Picture:
  Ads aren’t inherently bad. In many cases, they raise awareness or help people discover products they genuinely need. The key is curiosity and critical thinking.