YouTube has changed more in the past year than in any year before it — and it's mostly because of AI. Not just creators using AI to make content, but YouTube itself using AI to power the algorithm. That means a lot of the advice you've been following? It's already outdated.

In this episode, I'm breaking down the 7 biggest shifts happening on YouTube right now and exactly how to adjust your strategy so you can grow your channel — even if you're starting from scratch.

Here's the thing: yes, there are more creators on the platform than ever. But there are also more viewers than ever. And if you know how to work with the new algorithm, this might actually be the best time to grow.

In This Episode, I Cover:

• Why subscribers matter less than ever — and what actually signals to YouTube that your content is worth promoting
• The new algorithm trifecta — click-through rate, retention, AND viewer satisfaction (this third piece is changing everything)
• Why specificity is winning — how to stop chasing broad appeal and start creating content that speaks directly to one person
• The smart way to use Shorts — why going all-in on Shorts is a mistake, and how to use them strategically to grow your long-form channel
• YouTube as TV and podcast — what this shift means for video length, format, and why audio quality is now non-negotiable
• Why AI slop is getting deprioritized — and how to use AI as a tool without losing the authenticity that actually drives views
• Trust as a ranking factor — why your real stories, specific numbers, and honest opinions are more powerful than ever

Supercharge Your YouTube Strategy:
Watch my free one-hour masterclass on how the YouTube algorithm works and how to build a channel strategy that gets results: creatorfasttrack.com

Connect with Gillian:

• 🌐 Website: gillianperkins.com
• 📸 Instagram: @gillianperkins
• 📺 YouTube: Gillian Perkins

Enjoying the show? Screenshot this episode, share it to your Instagram Stories, and tag @gillianperkins — it helps more entrepreneurs find the podcast. And if you love Work Less, Earn More, leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help even more people discover it.

Until next week — stay focused and take action.

In this episode, Gillian Perkins breaks down her real-world experience trying over a dozen different online business models—sharing what worked, what didn’t, and which ones are actually worth your time today.

From affiliate marketing and dropshipping to courses, memberships, and YouTube, she walks through the pros, cons, and earning potential of each model based on years of hands-on experience—including multiple seven-figure successes and a few costly failures.

As you listen, you’ll gain clarity on which business models are best for beginners, which ones scale, and how to choose the right path based on your strengths, goals, and personality.

Ready to finally turn your business idea into real sales? Our 8-week accelerator program Validate helps students launch and earn their first revenue, and we're gearing up to run it again this spring! Put your name on the waitlist to be the first to know when enrollment opens: https://gillianperkins.com/validate

FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:

• The $100K Method Podcast Series: https://www.gillianperkins.com/the-100k-method
• Grab our free course, Small Business 101: https://www.gillianperkins.com/101
• Write a Profit Plan for Your Business : http://gillianperkins.com/free-profit-plan 

Want to quit your job in the next 6-18 months with passive income from selling digital products online? Check out Startup Society.

Have you already started your business, but it isn’t generating consistent income? Schedule a free, 30-minute strategy session with our team to get unstuck!

Work with Gillian Perkins:

• Apply for $100K Mastermind: https://gillianperkins.com/100k-mastermind 
• Get your online biz started with Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com 
• Learn more about Gillian: https://gillianperkins.com 
• Instagram: @GillianZPerkins

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: Businesses I’ve Tried (Wins & Failures)
01:27 Affiliate Marketing (Pros, Cons, Earnings)
04:01 Coaching (High Income, Low Scalability)
06:40 Etsy (Creative but Competitive)
07:56 Dropshipping (Time-Intensive & Risky)
09:02 Courses (Scalable & Highly Profitable)
10:50 Memberships (Recurring Revenue Model)
13:17 Validate Program Mention
16:02 Print on Demand (Flexible but Quality Matters)
18:19 Freelancing (Hard to Differentiate)
20:02 Agencies (Scalable but Not for Everyone)
21:37 Shopify Stores (Powerful but Requires Marketing)
23:31 Blogging (SEO-Driven & Competitive)
26:02 YouTube (Best Growth & Revenue Driver)
27:53 Podcasting (Indirect Monetization)
29:18 Which Online Business Should You Start? 

An audience is the #1 thing that will make or break your business's success... but do you have one? If not, check out this early release video (not yet available on YouTube) about the biggest reasons your audience might NOT be growing: https://gillianperkins.com/early-access/ 

In today's episode, I’m sharing a powerful conversation with entrepreneur and coach Moe Choice about rebuilding after setbacks, redefining success, and creating a business that supports the life you actually want to live. Moe opens up about his journey through multiple businesses, personal reinventions, and why he ultimately chose a simpler, freedom-focused approach to entrepreneurship over traditional hustle culture and constant scaling.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• How Moe rebuilt his life and business after major personal and financial setbacks
• Why solopreneurship and high-ticket consulting became more appealing than traditional business growth
• The mindset shifts that helped Moe redefine success around freedom and fulfillment
• Practical strategies for using LinkedIn outreach to land consulting and coaching clients
• Why simplifying your business can lead to more meaningful and sustainable success

FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:

• Get early access to my latest YouTube video (free!): https://gillianperkins.com/early-access
• Grab our free course: Small Business 101 - https://gillianperkins.com/free-training-small-business-101
• Learn “The $100K Method” with our free audio course - https://www.gillianperkins.com/100k-method-signup

Work with Gillian Perkins:

• Apply for $100K Mastermind: https://gillianperkins.com/100k-mastermind
• Get your online biz started with Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com
• Learn more about Gillian: https://gillianperkins.com
• Instagram: @GillianZPerkins

In this episode, Gillian Perkins highlights the transformative effects of professional photography on branding. Sharing her own journey, she discusses how quality images boosted her confidence and improved her brand perception.

Gillian offers essential tips for planning a shoot and addresses budget concerns, emphasizing the value of hiring experienced photographers. She encourages entrepreneurs to invest in professional imagery and underscores the critical role of photography in business success.

Chapters:
0:00 The Power of Professional Photography
1:27 My First Photo Shoot Experience
4:46 The Cost of a Business Photo Shoot
5:38 Why Not Use a Friend?
7:28 The Value of Professional Photography
10:07 Planning Your Photo Shoot
11:48 Finding the Right Photographer
16:26 Final Thoughts on Professional Photography
17:13 Turning Ideas into Profitable Businesses

Get access to some of my videos EARLY, before they're released on YouTube, right here:

https://gillianperkins.com/early-access

FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:

• The $100K Method Podcast Series: https://www.gillianperkins.com/the-100k-method
• Grab our free course, Small Business 101: https://www.gillianperkins.com/small-business-101-free-opt-in
• Write a Profit Plan for Your Business : http://gillianperkins.com/free-profit-plan 

Want to quit your job in the next 6-18 months with passive income from selling digital products online? Check out Startup Society.

Have you already started your business, but it isn’t generating consistent income? Schedule a free, 30-minute strategy session with our team to get unstuck!

Work with Gillian Perkins:

• Apply for $100K Mastermind: https://gillianperkins.com/100k-mastermind 
• Get your online biz started with Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com 
• Learn more about Gillian: https://gillianperkins.com 
• Instagram: @GillianZPerkins

In today's episode, I’m sharing an inspiring conversation with Jen Gottlieb all about building visibility, becoming a confident communicator, and using public speaking to grow your brand and business. Jen shares her journey from actress to sought-after keynote speaker, along with practical strategies for getting on stages, crafting compelling presentations, and overcoming the fear of being seen. Whether you want to speak at live events or simply become more confident showing up online, this episode will help you step into the spotlight with purpose.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• Why public speaking and personal branding are becoming even more valuable in the age of AI
• Jen’s framework for crafting engaging keynote speeches using storytelling and audience pain points
• The biggest mistakes speakers make on stage — and how to avoid sounding robotic or performative
• Practical ways to start getting speaking opportunities, even if you’re brand new to public speaking
• Jen’s powerful mindset shift for overcoming fear and finding the courage to be seen

Want to quit your job in the next 6-12 months with passive income from selling digital products online? Check out Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com

Have you already started your business, but it isn’t generating consistent income? Schedule a free, 30-minute strategy session with our team to get unstuck! https://gillianperkins.as.me/?appointmentType=57013246

FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:

• Grab our free course: Small Business 101 - https://gillianperkins.com/free-training-small-business-101/
• Learn “The $100K Method” with our free audio course - https://www.gillianperkins.com/100k-method-signup

Work with Gillian Perkins:

• Apply for $100K Mastermind: https://gillianperkins.com/100k-mastermind
• Get your online biz started with Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com
• Learn more about Gillian: https://gillianperkins.com
• Instagram: @GillianZPerkins

In today's episode, I’m sharing a step-by-step plan to transition out of your 9–5 in as little as two months—without building an audience, creating a product, or investing much money. You’ll learn how to leverage a simple high-ticket service model to replace your income quickly by landing just a handful of clients. This episode breaks down exactly what to do week-by-week so you can start earning $5K–$10K/month and take control of your time, income, and freedom.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

•  How the “high-ticket sprint plan” works to replace your salary with just 3–10 clients 
•  Why selling services (not products) is the fastest path to quitting your job 
•  Specific high-value service ideas you can start immediately—even with no audience 
•  The exact marketing strategies to land clients without ads or content creation 
•  A simple weekly roadmap to start earning income and confidently leave your 9–5 

Want to quit your job in the next 6-12 months with passive income from selling digital products online? Check out Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com

Have you already started your business, but it isn’t generating consistent income? Schedule a free, 30-minute strategy session with our team to get unstuck! https://gillianperkins.as.me/?appointmentType=57013246

FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:

•  Grab our free course: Small Business 101 - https://gillianperkins.com/free-training-small-business-101/
•  Learn “The $100K Method” with our free audio course - https://www.gillianperkins.com/100k-method-signup

Work with Gillian Perkins:

•  Apply for $100K Mastermind: https://gillianperkins.com/100k-mastermind
•  Get your online biz started with Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com
•  Learn more about Gillian: https://gillianperkins.com
•  Instagram: @GillianZPerkins

In today's episode, I’m sharing an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what’s really happening in the online course industry right now. With so much noise, skepticism, and changing strategies, it’s easy to feel uncertain about whether digital products are still worth pursuing. I break down how the industry has evolved over time, what’s actually working today, and what this means for you if you’re building (or thinking about building) an online course business.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• How the online course industry has evolved from the early 2000s to today
• Why some courses still sell extremely well while others struggle
• The real impact of AI tools like ChatGPT on digital product sales
• What’s changed about marketing strategies (and what still works)
• The #1 strategy you should focus on if you want consistent course sales

Get access to some of my videos EARLY, before they're released on YouTube, right here:

https://gillianperkins.com/early-access

Want to quit your job in the next 6-12 months with passive income from selling digital products online? Check out Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com

Have you already started your business, but it isn’t generating consistent income? Schedule a free, 30-minute strategy session with our team to get unstuck! https://gillianperkins.as.me/?appointmentType=57013246

FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:

• Grab our free course: Small Business 101 - https://gillianperkins.com/free-training-small-business-101/
• Learn “The $100K Method” with our free audio course - https://www.gillianperkins.com/100k-method-signup

Work with Gillian Perkins:

• Apply for $100K Mastermind: https://gillianperkins.com/100k-mastermind
• Get your online biz started with Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com
• Learn more about Gillian: https://gillianperkins.com
• Instagram: @GillianZPerkins

In this episode, I speak with Alex Cattoni about her business evolution from client work to educational initiatives in copywriting and marketing. Anticipating a return to high-level strategy by 2026, she emphasizes keynote speaking and personal branding. Cattoni reflects on her transformative YouTube journey, her flagship course, and her mastermind program's growth, highlighting the importance of community over automated marketing. She addresses changes in consumer messaging post-COVID-19 and the value of live interactions in launches. Looking ahead, she shares excitement for her personal brand relaunch and discusses AI's role in enhancing human creativity and storytelling.

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
2:21 Evolution of Business Strategy
5:55 Key Decisions in Business Growth
11:34 Mastermind Structure and Dynamics
13:31 Media Features and Recognition
14:36 Trends in Launch Strategy
21:11 Engagement in Marketing
34:02 Successful Initiatives of 2025
37:17 Exciting Future Projects for 2026
43:46 The Role of AI in Creativity

Ready to finally turn your business idea into real sales? Our 8-week accelerator program Validate helps students launch and earn their first revenue, and we're gearing up to run it again this spring! Put your name on the waitlist to be the first to know when enrollment opens: https://gillianperkins.com/validate

FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:

• The $100K Method Podcast Series: https://www.gillianperkins.com/the-100k-method
• Grab our free course, Small Business 101: https://www.gillianperkins.com/small-business-101-free-opt-in
• Write a Profit Plan for Your Business : http://gillianperkins.com/free-profit-plan 

Want to quit your job in the next 6-18 months with passive income from selling digital products online? Check out Startup Society.

Have you already started your business, but it isn’t generating consistent income? Schedule a free, 30-minute strategy session with our team to get unstuck!

Work with Gillian Perkins:

• Apply for $100K Mastermind: https://gillianperkins.com/100k-mastermind 
• Get your online biz started with Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com 
• Learn more about Gillian: https://gillianperkins.com 
• Instagram: @GillianZPerkins

In this episode, Gillian Perkins shares practical ways to turn the time you’d normally spend scrolling on your phone into time that actually makes you money.

She breaks down a wide range of opportunities—from simple microtasks you can do in minutes, to client services and local gigs, all the way to building a full business from your phone. Whether you’re looking for a low-effort side hustle or a scalable income stream, this episode will help you find options that fit your lifestyle.

As you listen, you’ll discover how to replace mindless phone use with productive, income-generating activities—and how to choose the right path depending on whether you want quick cash or long-term growth.

Ready to finally turn your business idea into real sales? Our 8-week accelerator program Validate helps students launch and earn their first revenue, and we're gearing up to run it again this spring! Put your name on the waitlist to be the first to know when enrollment opens: https://gillianperkins.com/validate

FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:

• The $100K Method Podcast Series: https://www.gillianperkins.com/the-100k-method
• Grab our free course, Small Business 101: https://www.gillianperkins.com/small-business-101-free-opt-in
• Write a Profit Plan for Your Business : http://gillianperkins.com/free-profit-plan 

Want to quit your job in the next 6-18 months with passive income from selling digital products online? Check out Startup Society.

Have you already started your business, but it isn’t generating consistent income? Schedule a free, 30-minute strategy session with our team to get unstuck!

Work with Gillian Perkins:

• Apply for $100K Mastermind: https://gillianperkins.com/100k-mastermind 
• Get your online biz started with Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com 
• Learn more about Gillian: https://gillianperkins.com 
• Instagram: @GillianZPerkins

Timestamps:
00:00 Why We Scroll (and How It Wastes Time)
01:16 Making Money From Your Phone Instead
02:17 Overview of Income Categories
03:32 Microtask Apps (MTurk, Clickworker, Remote Tasks)
05:55 Research Studies (Respondent, Prolific)
08:02 Client Services You Can Do From Your Phone
08:25 Short-Form Content Creation for Creators
10:07 Community Management & Moderation
12:04 Local Lead Connector Business
15:10 Local Opportunities & Marketplace Arbitrage
16:34 Mystery Shopping Apps
18:14 TaskRabbit & Local Service Gigs
19:33 Delivery Apps (Uber Eats, DoorDash, Instacart)
20:03 Making Money by Creating Content
21:50 Selling Your Own Products or Services
23:03 Side Hustle vs Full-Time Income Paths
23:53 Free Course: Small Business 101
24:42 How to Turn a Side Hustle Into Full-Time Income 

In this episode, Gillian Perkins talks with sales expert and entrepreneur Andee Hart about the real reasons customers aren’t buying—and why it’s usually not your product that’s the problem.

Andee shares insights from her 17-year career in corporate sales and her experience building a product-based business, breaking down the most common (and overlooked) mistakes that prevent sales—from unclear messaging to friction in the buying process.

As you listen, you’ll learn how to improve your conversions without reinventing your offer—by refining how you present, sell, and deliver your product so it becomes an easy “yes” for your ideal customer.

Ready to finally turn your business idea into real sales? Our 8-week accelerator program Validate helps students launch and earn their first revenue, and we're gearing up to run it again this spring! Put your name on the waitlist to be the first to know when enrollment opens: https://gillianperkins.com/validate

FREE Resources to Grow Your Online Business:

• The $100K Method Podcast Series: https://www.gillianperkins.com/the-100k-method
• Grab our free course, Small Business 101: https://www.gillianperkins.com/small-business-101-free-opt-in
• Write a Profit Plan for Your Business : http://gillianperkins.com/free-profit-plan 

Want to quit your job in the next 6-18 months with passive income from selling digital products online? Check out Startup Society.

Have you already started your business, but it isn’t generating consistent income? Schedule a free, 30-minute strategy session with our team to get unstuck!

Work with Gillian Perkins:

• Apply for $100K Mastermind: https://gillianperkins.com/100k-mastermind 
• Get your online biz started with Startup Society: https://startupsociety.com 
• Learn more about Gillian: https://gillianperkins.com 
• Instagram: @GillianZPerkins

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction & Meet Andee Hart
02:09 Andee’s Background in Sales & Entrepreneurship
05:30 Helping Product Makers Scale Through Wholesale
08:09 Why It’s Usually NOT Your Product
11:10 Reason #1: Inadequate Product Information
17:15 Reason #2: Lack of Convenience
21:34 Reason #3: Unclear Value Proposition
25:48 Reason #4: Lack of Follow-Up
28:30 Reason #5: Poor Customer Experience
30:25 Recap of the 5 Reasons
31:07 Where to Find Andee Hart
31:26 Validate Program Invitation