Feeling stuck on Instagram despite all your effort? This episode kicks off our summer series on audience growth for influencers—and we're starting with the platform we love to hate: Instagram.

This episode originally aired in July 2025 as part of a larger series where I walked listeners through platform-specific strategies to grow your audience. This episode is all about building an Instagram presence that actually leads to results—without burning out. I break down the difference between just showing up and showing up strategically, and share the exact 90-day framework we teach inside Boldfluence to get creators unstuck and growing again.

You don't need another "just be consistent" tip. You need a roadmap. Boldfluence gives you the full 90-day plan, a community to support you, and the tools to actually grow your platform with purpose. Let's build your audience—and your income—together.

Join Boldfuence >>

Grab the show notes and watch this podcast here: https://thrivetogether.blog/364

Mentioned in this Episode

Boldfuence

The Country Peony

Do you ever feel like you're doing everything right as a creator, but the money still isn't showing up? In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on something most creators are feeling, but few are talking about: the system behind influencer income isn't always built in our favor. From low affiliate commissions to influencer rate calculators that undervalue your work, there are a lot of big players shaping the creator economy.

Today I'm breaking down what's actually happening behind the scenes with platforms like Amazon, LTK, and influencer networks—and more importantly, how you can take your power back. If you've ever felt frustrated, stuck, or like you're working twice as hard for half the pay, this conversation is for you.

I'm also sharing the exact shifts that will help you grow faster, stand out online, and focus your energy in the places that actually lead to income.

Find It Quickly:

00:57 - Big Players Explained

02:01 - Amazon Commission Mystery

04:24 - LTK Algorithm Reality

06:22 - Influencer Networks Lowballing

11:55 - Quick Fix Ads Trap

13:28 - Boldfluence

15:08 - Own Your Voice

19:55 - Focus One Platform

20:46 - Pick Monetization Stream

Mentioned in this Episode:

Content Creator Pricing Guide

Boldfluence

Content Creator Blueprint

You know that content calendar you swore you were going to stick to this time? Yeah… me too. In this episode, I'm breaking down the real reason you're not staying consistent — and spoiler alert: it's not because you're lazy. It's because your setup is creating friction.

I recently joined Stan Store's "Dare to Post" challenge, which requires posting every single day for 30 days. I'm only 6 days in, and it has already shifted something in my brain. So today, I'm sharing exactly what this challenge is teaching me about consistency, habits, and removing the invisible barriers that keep us stuck.

Today's episode is brought to you by Cookie Finance:

Are you a content creator making money online but still guessing when it comes to taxes, write-offs, or setting up your business the right way? Creators work way too hard to feel stressed and confused about their finances.

If you're earning income from brand deals, digital products, or affiliate marketing and you're ready to feel organized, confident, and actually supported by a team who understands this industry—then you need to check out Cookie Finance.

Cookie Finance is built specifically for content creators and offers everything from LLC setup to full-service bookkeeping and tax strategy as your income grows.

Stop guessing. Start treating your creator brand like the real business it is.

Try Cookie: thrivetogether.blog/cookie

Find It Quickly:

01:01 - Dare to Post Challenge

03:34 - Five Minute Filming

05:30 - Ready to Film Setup

07:46 - B-Roll Farming

12:45 - Theme Your Days

16:25 - Lower the Stakes

Content Creation Tools I Love:

MagSafe Tripod: amzlink.to/az0iB9PpZIlGO

Mentioned in this Episode:

Cookie Finance: thrivetogether.blog/cookie

Stan Store's Dare to Post Challenge: stan.store/blog/dare-to-post

Boldfluence: thrivetogether.blog/boldfluence

Thrive Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/702582376526506

Are you consistent but still not seeing growth? You're not alone. Every creator has been there. You're posting regularly, checking off your to-dos, doing everything "right," and yet, the needle barely moves. It's frustrating and exhausting. Here's the truth: consistency is not a strategy. Listen in as I break down why doing more isn't the answer and what actually moves the needle when you feel stuck.

This episode originally aired on June 26, 2025 as episode 362.

Find It Quickly

00:46 - Consistency Isn't a Strategy 02:28 - The 'Do More' Trap 04:06 - 3 Fixes When Growth Stalls 06:47 - Content Pillars 10:14 - Monetization Clarity 11:32 - Pause to Refine 13:10 - Real Examples of Taking Breaks 16:08 - Diagnose the Gap With Metrics + Next Steps

Mentioned in this Episode

• Boldfuence
• Shift
• Studio DIY's Kelly Mindell

Tax season doesn't have to be scary, especially when cookies are involved. In this episode, I'm joined by Katie Callaway from Cookie Finance to tackle all things taxes for content creators. We break down exactly what you need to have in place—from LLCs to business bank accounts—and demystify the world of write-offs, quarterly payments, and how much to set aside for the IRS.

The team at Cookie is specifically trained for and tailored to creators like us. They actually get our industry and all of the nuance that goes into our purchases.

Find It Quickly:

00:16 - Meet Katie from Cookie Finance

06:39 - The Importance of LLCs for Content Creators

11:23 - Setting Up Business Bank Accounts

15:14 - Preparing for Tax Season

19:48 - Common Tax Deductions for Content Creators

24:17 - Cookie Finance Services

Connect with Cookie:

Try Cookie: thrivetogether.blog/cookie

Tired of writing blog posts no one reads? Let's fix that. In this episode, I'm walking you through the exact steps to format your blog posts so that people actually want to read them. We're talking real strategies, tactical steps, and zero fluff. If writing makes you nervous, or you feel like no one's clicking through your content, this episode is your starting point.

This is part four in our blogging series, and we're covering why structure matters, how to make posts scannable, and how to use headings the right way for both your reader and Google.

PLUS—our very first listener question! Sabrina asks about Wix vs. WordPress, and I give you a full breakdown on which is better for long-term growth and monetization.

Check Out the Episodes in Our Blogging Series:

381: How to Pick the Right Blog Platform Based on Your Goals

386: What to Write on Your Blog as an Influencer: Your Guide to Content Pillars, Keywords, & Calendars

392: Is Blogging Still Worth It? Yes—Here's How to Get Consistent Traffic

Find It Quickly:

01:31 - Blog Writing Confidence and Structure

02:36 - Formatting Tips for Readable Blog Posts

07:17 - Using Headings for SEO and Readability

12:09 - Final Tips and Encouragement

18:26 - Listener Question: Wix vs WordPress

Mentioned in this Episode:

Ask Bree: thrivetogether.blog/askbree

Boldfluence: thrivetogether.blog/boldfluence

Siteground: siteground.com

BigScoots: bigscoots.com

381: How to Pick the Right Blog Platform Based on Your Goals

Want to make money on Instagram without waiting for brand deals or hitting 10K followers? In this episode, I'm breaking down how you can start making real money through short-form video without needing a big following. We're going beyond the usual "wait-for-brand-deals" model and diving into smart affiliate strategies that work now.

Find It Quickly:

01:59 - The Importance of Publishing Content

02:46 - Monetizing Instagram Reels

04:49 - Affiliate Marketing Strategies

07:04 - Maximizing Affiliate Income with Reels

11:16 - Engaging Content Ideas for Affiliates

14:42 - Consistency and Community Support

Mentioned in this Episode:

Pricing Guide: thrivetogether.blog/pricingguide

Boldfluence: thrivetogether.blog/boldfluence

Youtube Channel: youtube.com/@thrivetogetherblog

If you're listening to this, you might be feeling the weight of the world—and you're not alone.

I'm recording from Minnesota, with a heavy heart, in the middle of a time when the news and social media feel overwhelmingly heartbreaking. Today's episode is about holding space for both grief and growth. So many of you have reached out, asking: How do we keep showing up? What do we post when the world is in crisis?

This is not a how-to guide. Instead, I'm offering a moment of reflection. I'm here to remind you that your work matters and that taking care of your mental health, protecting your energy, and showing up with purpose is necessary.

Find It Quickly:

01:11 - Balancing Grief and Purpose

02:20 - Building a Sustainable Business

04:43 - Protecting Your Mental Health

05:58 - Adapting Your Content Strategy

06:58 - Embracing Authenticity and Visibility

09:18 - Holding Multiple Truths

Mentioned in this Episode:

Episode 144: How to Handle Societal Crisis as a Blogger & Influencer

Episode 375: Protecting Your Peace as an Influencer

If you've ever sat down to plan your content and felt completely stuck or overwhelmed, you're not alone. I have a simple concept to help you plan your content for the next 12 months! In this episode, I walk you through a framework that guides you through brainstorming and mapping out content for your entire year—without pressure, perfection, or burnout.

I know how good it feels to take an idea and turn it into a system, so that's exactly what we're doing together today. We'll break down your year into manageable steps, so you don't walk into the next month without a plan.

Make sure you snag our Holiday Calendar >>

Find It Quickly:

01:47 - The Importance of Planning

05:41 - Step-by-Step Content Planning

07:59 - Holiday and Special Days Content

13:11 - Quarterly Planning and Core Content

Mentioned in this Episode:

Holiday Calendar: thrivetogether.blog/holiday

Boldfluence: thrivetogether.blog/boldfluence

Think blog traffic is dead? Think again. In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly how to get eyes on your blog in 2026 without burning out or depending on one algorithm to rule them all. If you've been putting in the work to write valuable content but no one's reading it, this one's for you.

We're continuing our blog series (catch up on Episodes 381 and 386 if you missed them!) with a full traffic game plan: five key sources to help you bring consistent, diversified traffic to your blog. From SEO to Pinterest to strategic collaborations, I'll walk you through what works, what to expect, and how to stay consistent.

✨ Want to ask me a question on the podcast? Leave me a message >> ✨

Find It Quickly

• 02:34 - The Reality of Blog Traffic
• 04:56 - Diversifying Traffic Sources
• 05:32 - SEO: The Long-Term Traffic Driver
• 09:30 - Pinterest: The Visual Search Engine
• 13:08 - Leveraging Social Media
• 15:27 - Email Lists: Your Most Engaged Readers
• 18:42 - Collaborations and Guest Posts
• 22:47 - Creating a Traffic Plan

Mentioned in this Episode

• 381: How to Pick the Right Blog Platform Based on Your Goals
• 386: What to Write on Your Blog as an Influencer: Your Guide to Content Pillars, Keywords, & Calendars
• Ask a Question: thrivetogether.blog/askbree
• Boldfluence
• Tailwind
• Canva Templates
• Why Flodesk is the Best Email Marketing Tool for Influencers
• Flodesk
• ManyChat