If you've ever felt like you're "too small" to get a cookbook deal or that everyone with a million followers is getting all the opportunities, this episode is for you.

Amanda breaks down what's really happening in the influencer world right now. Spoiler: follower count doesn't matter the way it used to. Instagram's algorithm shift means small creators with shareable content are getting discovered regardless of how many followers they have. And that changes everything.

This is a warm, honest conversation about building something real in a landscape that's constantly shifting. Whether you're dreaming about a cookbook deal, tired of chasing viral trends, or just trying to figure out how to show up authentically online, this episode will give you permission to do things differently.

You'll hear about:

• Why the algorithm shift to prioritize shares over followers is actually good news for micro-influencers
• The real story behind follower counts and book sales (and why 5,000 engaged followers can matter more than 500,000 passive ones)
• Why starting an email list is less scary than you think—and why one client went from zero to 6,000 subscribers in six months
• What makes your content uniquely yours in a world where everyone's copying everyone else
• How to think about building a platform that outlasts every algorithm change

Perfect for: Food bloggers, aspiring cookbook authors, content creators who want to build something sustainable, and anyone who's ready to stop copying trends and start creating something that's actually theirs.

Shownotes: https://www.amandapolick.com/blog/influencing-is-dead-episode Newsletter: Weekly insights on writing and creativity Connect: Instagram @amandapolick | amandapolick.com Work with Amanda: Apply here