What does it take for a wedding content creator to go from zero to over 50,000 loyal followers—and rack up half a million views on a TikTok video about bridal shower dresses?

In this lively, unscripted episode, Adriana Brauckmann, founder of The Pre-Nup podcast and a seasoned wedding industry insider, dishes on her unfiltered journey from filming solo tips on her iPhone to joining forces with major players like Love Stories TV and David's Bridal.

Expect surprising confessions about what really works on TikTok, why the best-performing videos sometimes have zero talking, and how authenticity, consistency, and a touch of chaos fuel her content success.

You'll also hear insider details on how Love Stories TV became the biggest wedding video platform—and why David's Bridal is betting big by acquiring media brands to build a community, not just sell dresses. If you want practical tips, honest stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at the evolving world of wedding content, this is your episode.

📝 Key Topics Covered 📝

• 00:00 How "The Pre-Nup" started: wedding industry roots, podcast launch
• 05:09 Building a platform: TikTok beginnings, Instagram hesitations
• 07:25 Viral breakthrough: 500,000+ views for a dress montage
• 10:16 Growing a following: Reaching 10K fans, then 50K+
• 11:06 Production value: Why the shift to pro studio skyrocketed results
• 12:24 Short vs. long form: Why short clips feed podcast growth
• 15:33 Hooks, tactics, and audience-first strategy
• 24:20 David's Bridal acquisition: Building community & launching Pearl
• 27:49 Content as CRM: Moving audiences through the wedding journey
• 31:32 SEO for creators: Challenges & tips for wedding industry brands
• 35:09 Behind the scenes: Planning, prepping, and the value of guests
• 44:12 Authentic camera setups & DIY production hacks
• 50:24 CapCut, editing, and learning the tools vs. hiring out
• 56:05 Big-picture goals: Building "the go-to" wedding podcast
• 58:32 Fun afterparty: favorite honeymoon spots, cocktails, and hot dog debates

Ready to be inspired, entertained, and pick up tactical tips? Jump in—this episode is for wedding industry creatives, marketers, and anyone who loves a smart business (and content!) comeback story.

🚨 WANT MORE? 🚨

• Going Viral on TikTok and YouTube with Adriana Brauckmann

TikTok Shop success is about more than just trending audio or lucky virality — it's about authentic storytelling combined with smart strategy across content, community, and commerce.

Whether you're a small business owner, an aspiring content creator, or a brand exploring social commerce, the secret to winning on TikTok lies in understanding how the TikTok algorithm, TikTok Seller Center, and creator partnerships all work together — powered by emotionally engaging content.

Let's break down how AJ Rantz (a true social media and TikTok Shop success story), the founder of Cocktail Cards, used storytelling to go viral, grow revenue, and scale a brand using TikTok Shop, YouTube, and beyond.

For content creators, we'll look at extra strategies you can use today to build your own TikTok Shop success.

✨ Ready to Launch or Scale on Tik Tok Shop? Here's what you can do today:

🎥 Post your origin story as your pinned video 🔗 Apply to Tik Tok Shop and upload your first product 🤝 Partner with 2–3 micro-influencers this week 📊 Explore your TikTok Seller Center for insights 🧠 Think like a storyteller — not just a seller

In This Episode:

• 00:00 From Bartender to Entrepreneur: The COVID Catalyst for Business Growth
• 02:22 Inventing Cocktail Cards: Developing a Unique Product Idea
• 05:25 Product Launch Challenges: Navigating Startup Hurdles & Pitfalls
• 08:23 Authentic Storytelling in Marketing: Social Media & Branding Secrets
• 11:26 Building a Strong Brand: Importance of Design & Customer Feedback
• 14:15 Crowdfunding Success: Mastering Kickstarter and Indiegogo Campaigns
• 17:26 Going Viral on Social Media: Leveraging Platforms for Sales Growth
• 20:30 Scaling Your Business: Manufacturing and Inventory Management Tips
• 23:33 Email Marketing Strategy: Boosting Customer Engagement & Loyalty
• 26:29 Expanding Your Content Strategy: Diversifying Platforms for Reach
• 29:32 TikTok Shop Explained: Unlocking a New E-commerce Revenue Stream
• 32:31 The Future of Your Brand: Personal Branding & Product Expansion
• 33:00 TikTok Viral Success: How One Video Generated $22K in Sales Instantly
• 34:19 Leveraging TikTok Bio Link: Turning Viral Views into Crowdfunding Sales
• 52:37 Ultra Viral TikTok Moment: 5 Million Views & $57K in Sales Overnight
• 55:55 Mainstream Media Exposure: Access Hollywood Interview & Sales Boost
• 57:59 Email Marketing Power: Retaining Customers & Sales Beyond Viral Spikes

This episode is Part 6 in a multi-part series on YouTube marketing. To continue learning on this niche, visit:

• Part 1 - How to Grow a YouTube Channel in 2025: A Case Study [YouTube Marketing with Natalie Brunell]
• Part 2 - Get More Views on YouTube Channel (Small Business Edition) [YouTube Marketing with JC Polk]
• Part 3 - Grow Your Business on YouTube and LinkedIn for Content Creators and Startups [YouTube Marketing with Finn McKenty]
• Part 4 - Get Millions of Views By Decoding the YouTube Algorithm [YouTube Marketing with Mike Desmarets from Evolve Ink]
• Part 5 - How to Build a Profitable Podcast & YouTube Studio from Scratch [YouTube Marketing with Tom Brown]
• Part 7 - Coming soon

• The Power of Storytelling in Marketing, YouTube, and TikTok Shop Success (full shownotes)

• Full video interview here: The Power of Storytelling in Marketing, YouTube, and TikTok Shop Success

Don't break the bank! Here's what actually works when launching a content studio, podcast studio, or YouTube studio -- whatever you want to call it!

Tom Brown and John Bertino break it all down—no fluff, just real stories, honest mistakes, and the gear and strategies that helped them build profitable studios from scratch. Tom is the founder of Chicago Podcast Studio @TheStudioBusiness.

John is the host of this show and co-host of @NJCSshow with a studio in New Jersey. ----

Are you ready to launch your own podcast studio, video podcast studio, or content studio?

Whether you're a podcast creator building a home podcast studio, a business owner seeking a professional podcast studio, or a marketer wanting to boost your brand, this guide is packed with expert advice, hands-on experience, and practical tips from Tom Brown (Chicago Podcast Studio) and John Bertino (NJ Content Studio).

In This Episode:

• 00:00 The Power of Video Podcasting, Short-Form Clips, Studio Gear Myths, and More
• 01:17 Welcome & Guest Introduction
• 02:46 Tom's Viral YouTube Success
• 04:42 Consulting, CPS Builds & The Studio Business Community
• 06:48 Podcast Studio vs. Content Studio: Evolving Language
• 07:16 Tom's Journey: From Audio to Full-Service Studio
• 09:03 The Untapped Market for Podcast Studios
• 10:07 The Real Value of Short-Form Content
• 11:06 Who Uses Podcast Studios?

This episode is Part 5 in a multi-part series on YouTube marketing. To continue learning on this niche, visit:

• Part 1 - How to Grow a YouTube Channel in 2025: A Case Study [YouTube Marketing with Natalie Brunell]
• Part 2 - Get More Views on YouTube Channel (Small Business Edition) [YouTube Marketing with JC Polk]
• Part 3 - Grow Your Business on YouTube and LinkedIn for Content Creators and Startups [YouTube Marketing with Finn McKenty]
• Part 4 - Get Millions of Views By Decoding the YouTube Algorithm [YouTube Marketing with Mike Desmarets from Evolve Ink]
• Part 6 - Coming soon
• Part 7 - Coming soon

• How to Build a Profitable Podcast & YouTube Studio from Scratch (full shownotes)

• Full video interview here: How to Build a Profitable Podcast & YouTube Studio from Scratch

Did you know that over 500 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute -- but only a tiny fraction ever break through to get millions of views?

What if you could crack the code behind YouTube's algorithm and unlock massive growth for your channel?

In this episode, a collaboration with the NJ Content Studio show, Mike Desmarets from Evolve Ink pulls back the curtain on how he grew his tattoo-focused YouTube channel to over 230,000 subscribers and millions of views -- all by decoding what really makes YouTube's algorithm tick.

Whether you're a content creator struggling to get traction or just curious about how the platform really works, this conversation is packed with actionable insights you won't want to miss.

In This Episode:

• 00:00 Introduction to Evolve Ink and Mike Desmarais
• 07:12 The Journey of Content Creation
• 19:09 Rebranding and Finding Success
• 23:44 Consistency and Monetization Strategies
• 31:49 Tattoo Reactions and Community Engagement
• 36:30 Transitioning from Live Streams to Short Form Content
• 39:05 Monetization Strategies in Short Form Content
• 46:34 Content Creation Insights and Audience Engagement
• 55:58 Building a Brand Beyond Social Media

This episode is Part 4 in a multi-part series on YouTube marketing. To continue learning on this niche, visit:

• Part 1 - How to Grow a YouTube Channel in 2025: A Case Study [YouTube Marketing with Natalie Brunell]
• Part 2 - Get More Views on YouTube Channel (Small Business Edition) [YouTube Marketing with JC Polk]
• Part 3 - Grow Your Business on YouTube and LinkedIn for Content Creators and Startups [YouTube Marketing with Finn McKenty]
• Part 5 - Coming soon
• Part 6 - Coming soon
• Part 7 - Coming soon

• Get Millions of Views By Decoding the YouTube Algorithm (full shownotes)

• Full video interview here: Get Millions of Views By Decoding the YouTube Algorithm

Going viral is overrated! Want to know how to really grow and profit on YouTube and LinkedIn? Then watch the full interview between host John Bertino and guest expert Finn McKenty.

You will hear behind-the-scenes stories and facts about:

• engaging audiences on platforms like YouTube with differentiation and understanding the true goals of content marketing
• nuances of content creation, particularly on platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn
• maximizing time as a resource - the indirect acquisition strategy of YouTube
• effectiveness of LinkedIn for business engagement
• application of creator skills, emotional engagement in content, and the balance between authenticity and energy
• and more!

Let's dive in.

In This Episode:

• 00:00 Understanding Attention in the Digital Age
• 06:56 The Evolution of Content Creation
• 13:49 Authenticity vs. Professionalism in Marketing
• 21:09 The Value of Going Viral
• 24:06 Defining Success in Content Marketing
• 27:34 Maximizing Time as a Resource
• 28:37 YouTube as an Indirect Acquisition Strategy
• 29:44 The Power of LinkedIn for Business
• 30:43 Applying Creator Skills to LinkedIn
• 31:39 Understanding Creator Tactics
• 33:40 Emotional Engagement in Content Creation
• 35:22 Authenticity vs. Energy in Content
• 36:31 Crafting Effective Hooks for Engagement
• 39:11 The Role of Video on LinkedIn
• 41:05 Consistency and Content Fatigue
• 43:59 Maximizing Attention with Minimal Effort
• 49:01 The Comment Game on LinkedIn
• 51:28 Navigating the YouTube Algorithm
• 54:03 Defining Good Content on YouTube
• 56:22 The Engagement Spectrum: Movies and Genres
• 58:21 SEO and Engagement: The Recommendation Engine
• 01:00:57 Understanding Your Audience: The Key to Content Creation
• 01:01:56 Content Strategy: Breaking Down Long-Form Interviews
• 01:02:34 Monetization Strategies: Brand Partnerships and Influencer Marketing
• 01:05:07 Structuring Brand Partnerships: Lessons Learned
• 01:11:14 Marketing Insights: Quotes and Their Implications
• 01:15:44 The Art of Storytelling in Marketing
• 01:16:47 Niche vs. Broad Strategies: Finding the Balance

This episode is Part 3 in a multi-part series on YouTube marketing. To continue learning on this niche, visit:

• Part 1 - How to Grow a YouTube Channel in 2025: A Case Study [YouTube Marketing with Natalie Brunell]
• Part 2 - Get More Views on YouTube Channel (Small Business Edition) [YouTube Marketing with JC Polk]
• Part 4 - Coming soon
• Part 5 - Coming soon
• Part 6 - Coming soon
• Part 7 - Coming soon

• How to Grow Your Business on YouTube and LinkedIn (full shownotes)

• Full video interview here: Grow with YouTube Marketing & LinkedIn Strategy

Tired of your small business videos on YouTube getting lost in the noise? Let's explore video strategies that are currently working for JC Polk, Executive Producer and Co-founder of Olas Media, and John Bertino, CEO of The Agency Guide and Host of the Niche Marketing Podcast.

John and JC aren't just discussing theory; they have hands-on experience, from learning video editing alongside marketing students, clients, and their own brands. They understand the unique challenges small businesses face and share actionable insights you can implement immediately.

Prepare to discover:

• The surprising power of repurposing your existing video content—turn one hour-long video into a goldmine of engaging clips.
• Why relying solely on written content is leaving you behind in today's multimedia landscape.
• The crucial first steps to take, even before you hit record, to solidify your brand identity on YouTube.
• The counterintuitive truth about authenticity and how it can be your biggest advantage in a crowded digital world.
• And more.

Don't let your valuable video content gather dust. Tune in now to gain the insider knowledge you need to cut through the clutter and make your YouTube presence a game-changer for your small business.

• This episode is Part 2 in a multi-part series on YouTube marketing. Find the rest of the episodes in the series at NicheMarketingPodcast.com

• Full shownotes and guide on leveraging YouTube to grow your channel here: Get More Views on YouTube Channel (Small Business Edition)

• Full video interview here: Grow Small Business - YouTube Marketing

Learn how to grow a YouTube channel in 2025 with insights from Natalie Brunell's journey to nearly 200,000 subscribers! We share actionable strategies for mastering the YouTube algorithm, optimizing for SEO, and building a thriving community.

Natalie Brunell transformed her passion for Bitcoin into a thriving YouTube channel. Her journey from journalist to crypto expert making a full-time income as a content creator showcases how passion and dedication can lead to incredible success in niche markets.

YouTube Growth Key Takeaways

1. Content is King:

• Evergreen & Trending: Balance timeless content with timely trends.

• Guest-Driven: Feature high-profile guests for unique insights.

2. YouTube Tactics:

• Thumbnails & Titles: Compelling visuals + SEO optimization are crucial.

• Playlists: Increase watch time by organizing videos thematically.

• Shorts: Boost visibility with short-form content.

• Cards & End Screens: Promote related content for further engagement.

3. SEO & Promotion:

• Video Description Optimization: Use relevant keywords to improve search rankings.

• Cross-Platform Promotion: Leverage platforms like X (Twitter).

4. Monetization Tips

• Selective Sponsorships: Partner with aligned brands.

• YouTube Ad Revenue: Optimize for ad placement.

• Expert Services: Offer speaking or consulting.

5. Tools for Success

• Adobe Premiere & Audition: For professional editing.

• TubeBuddy: To optimize titles, descriptions, and tags.

• YouTube Studio Analytics: Track performance metrics.

Summary: Grow Your YouTube Channel in 2025

Combine passion, strategic planning, and active audience engagement to build a successful YouTube channel. Use these strategies to resonate with viewers and stand out from the crowd!

• This episode is Part 1 in a multi-part series on YouTube marketing. Find the rest of the episodes in the series at NicheMarketingPodcast.com

• Full shownotes and guide on leveraging YouTube to grow your channel here: How to Grow a YouTube Channel in 2025: Natalie Brunell's YouTube Case Study

• Full video interview here: How to Grow a YouTube Channel in 2025: A Case Study

If your nonprofit is looking to grow your impact, YouTube offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with a wider audience, raise funds, and inspire action. With over 2 billion monthly active users, YouTube is not just a video-sharing platform; it's a powerful tool for nonprofit marketing, brand awareness, and storytelling.

Whether you're running a small nonprofit or a large charity organization, YouTube can elevate your mission to new heights.

In this episode of the Niche Marketing Podcast, Amber Melanie Smith, founder of Activate Good and a social impact YouTuber with over 200 nonprofit-focused videos, shares her insights on leveraging YouTube to grow a nonprofit organization.

Want more niche marketing insights on how to market a nonprofit organization?

This episode is Part 8 in a multi-part series on nonprofit industry marketing. To continue learning on this niche, visit:

• Part 1 – Nonprofit Communications Strategy [Nonprofit Marketing with Rick Cohen]
• Part 2 – Nonprofit Omni-Channel Marketing [Nonprofit Marketing with Michael Goodrum]
• Part 3 – Nonprofit Branding and Websites [Nonprofit Marketing with Alex Morse]
• Part 4 – Google Ad Grants for Nonprofits [Nonprofit Marketing with Grant Hensel, Part 4]
• Part 5 – Influencer Marketing for Nonprofits [Nonprofit Marketing with Ashwath Narayanan, Part 5]
• Part 6 – Nonprofit SEO Strategy 101 [Nonprofit Marketing with Jake Bohall, Part 6]
• Part 7 – Video Production & Storytelling For Nonprofits [Nonprofit Marketing with Billy Silva]

Full shownotes and guide on leveraging YouTube to grow your nonprofit here: How to Build and Grow a Thriving YouTube Channel for Nonprofits

Storytelling has always been a cornerstone of human connection, and for your nonprofit marketing strategy, it's an essential tool to inspire, engage, and drive action. Paired with video production, storytelling becomes even more powerful, enabling organizations to connect emotionally with their audience, amplify their message, and achieve their goals.

Whether your nonprofit seeks to attract volunteers, secure funding, or raise awareness, understanding how to craft impactful stories and videos is critical.

This guide explores effective nonprofit storytelling strategies and video storytelling techniques for nonprofit organizations, even on a limited budget, to ensure your fundraising efforts and mission resonate deeply with your audience.

Want more niche marketing insights on how to market a nonprofit organization?

This episode is Part 7 in a multi-part series on nonprofit industry marketing. To continue learning on this niche, visit:

• Part 1 - Nonprofit Communications Strategy [Nonprofit Marketing with Rick Cohen]
• Part 2 - Nonprofit Omni-Channel Marketing [Nonprofit Marketing with Michael Goodrum]
• Part 3 - Nonprofit Branding and Websites [Nonprofit Marketing with Alex Morse]
• Part 4 - Google Ad Grants for Nonprofits [Nonprofit Marketing with Grant Hensel, Part 4]
• Part 5 - Influencer Marketing for Nonprofits [Nonprofit Marketing with Ashwath Narayanan, Part 5]
• Part 6 - Nonprofit SEO Strategy 101 [Nonprofit Marketing with Jake Bohall, Part 6]
• Part 8 - coming soon

Full Shownotes for this Episode on Video Production & Storytelling For Nonprofits

Search engine optimization (SEO) helps your nonprofit website show up higher in search engine results like Google and Bing. But for your nonprofit organization, it's more than just about getting clicks—it's a game-changer for spreading the word about your mission and boosting website traffic, which leads to increased donor engagement, more volunteers, and helping make a bigger impact in the world.

A well-crafted nonprofit SEO strategy isn't just about quick SEO tips or shortcuts; it's about implementing effective SEO strategies that create lasting connections, complement your nonprofit marketing efforts, and drive real results.

Want more niche marketing insights on how to market a nonprofit organization?

This episode is Part 6 in a multi-part series on nonprofit industry marketing. To continue learning on this niche, visit:

• Part 1 - Nonprofit Communications Strategy [Nonprofit Marketing with Rick Cohen]
• Part 2 - Nonprofit Omni-Channel Marketing [Nonprofit Marketing with Michael Goodrum]
• Part 3 - Nonprofit Branding and Websites [Nonprofit Marketing with Alex Morse]
• Part 4 - Google Ad Grants for Nonprofits [Nonprofit Marketing with Grant Hensel, Part 4]
• Part 5 - Influencer Marketing for Nonprofits [Nonprofit Marketing with Ashwath Narayanan, Part 5]
• Part 6 - coming soon
• Part 7 - coming soon
• Part 8 - coming soon

Full Shownotes for this Episode on Nonprofit SEO Strategy 101