#26

✉️ The Digital Marketing Page

Issue Title: How Tariffs Could Disrupt the Creator Economy
The latest on what global trade decisions mean for your home-based hustle.

🚀 Hey Digital Marketers,

This week, we’re diving into something unexpectedly relevant for anyone working from home or running an online business…

Tariffs.

Yep — those government fees on imports might sound like a topic for Wall Street or big-box retailers… but they could be coming straight for your gear, your margins, and your freedom.

Here’s what’s going on — and how to stay ahead of it.

💼 The Big Shift: Tariffs Are Back, and They Might Hit Creators Next

The U.S. is rolling out new tariffs on Chinese imports, targeting industries like electric vehicles, solar panels, and semiconductors. But buried beneath the headlines are ripple effects that could impact:

• Content creators

• Freelancers

• eCommerce sellers

• Anyone building an online brand from home

Let’s break it down.

💡 Why This Actually Affects You

Even if you don’t run a physical product business, you probably rely on tools and tech that do come from overseas.

Here’s how you might feel the heat:

🧰 1. Higher Gear Costs

Most creator gear is made in China — cameras, microphones, lights, laptops, and drones. Tariffs could bump prices by 10–25% as suppliers adjust.

🛒 2. eCom Margins Will Shrink

If you're dropshipping, private labeling, or shipping merchandise, these new tariffs could eat into profits or slow down deliveries.

💻 3. Software Could Get Weird

Some SaaS tools rely on overseas dev teams or infrastructure. Trade tension might not break your favorite app, but don't be surprised if pricing or availability shifts.

✅ What You Can Do This Week

If you're building a business around freedom and flexibility, here's how to stay ahead:

• Audit your essentials: Where’s your gear made? Start tracking replacements.

• Upgrade now: If you're due for a laptop or camera refresh, it might be cheaper today than in 3 months.

• Explore local or non-Chinese suppliers: Especially for merch or physical product businesses.

• Diversify your tool stack: Avoid relying on a single, low-transparency tool that might be vulnerable to geopolitical shifts.

🔧 Tool of the Week: Refurbed

If you're looking for high-end gear without new-in-box prices, check out Refurbed — they sell professionally renewed laptops, phones, and creator tools with warranties, all while reducing e-waste.

🧠 Something to Think About

This is your reminder to system-proof your business, even from things like tariffs.

✉️ The Digital Marketing Page

Issue Title: Can You Really Make Money with AI?
Short answer: Yes — and here’s how people are doing it (with tools you can use too).

🚀 Hey Digital Marketers,

If you’ve scrolled through TikTok or Twitter lately, you’ve probably seen some version of:

Let’s be honest: 90% of that is hype.

But the other 10%?
🔥 It's real. People are building income streams using AI — and not just coders or prompt wizards.

This week, we’re breaking down how everyday people are actually making money with AI, the tools they’re using, and how you can plug in — no overhyped hustle required.

💰 How People Are Actually Making Money With AI

Here are 5 legit income paths people are taking with AI — and real tools they’re using:

1. Freelance Copywriting & Content Creation

AI tools can help you write faster, better, and take on more clients.

🛠 Tools:

• ChatGPT or Claude – to draft blog posts, landing pages, emails

• Grammarly – to polish your tone

• Jasper – for structured, long-form marketing copy

💸 How people make money:

• Selling blog packages

• Offering email sequences or ad copy to small businesses

• Managing content for niche brands

2. Creating & Selling Digital Products

You can use AI to create eBooks, templates, Notion kits, online courses, and more, then sell them on platforms like Gumroad or Etsy.

🛠 Tools:

• ChatGPT – for content ideas and product creation

• Midjourney / DALL·E – for designing product images and digital art

• Canva + Magic Write – for visuals + copy

• ScribeHow – to generate tutorials from screen recordings

💸 Real-world examples:

• AI-generated journal templates

• “How to start an X business” guides

• Digital planners & checklists

3. Social Media + UGC (User-Generated Content)

With AI, even small creators can build engaging posts and grow fast, or create content for brands.

🛠 Tools:

• Opus Clip – turns long videos into short TikTok-ready clips

• Captions.ai – creates social captions & subtitles

• Vizard – repurpose long content into reels/stories

💸 How people make money:

• Managing social accounts for others

• Charging for content packages

• Monetizing with affiliate links

4. AI-Enhanced eCommerce

People are using AI to build stores, write product descriptions, and even generate original product designs.

🛠 Tools:

• ChatGPT – to write SEO-friendly product pages

• Kittl / Midjourney – to create custom product art

• Descript – for video product demos

• Shopify Magic – AI built into Shopify for writing product copy

💸 How people make money:

• Print-on-demand businesses

• Etsy stores with AI-made art or designs

• Affiliate or dropshipping sites

5. Prompt Engineering (Advanced Side Hustle)

This one's newer, but it’s growing fast. People are selling pre-written prompts, courses, or using custom GPTs to build mini-products.

🛠 Tools:

• ChatGPT (Pro) – create Custom GPTs for niches

• PromptBase – a marketplace to sell effective prompts

• Make.com + Zapier – to automate AI workflows

💸 Real-world angles:

• Selling prompt packs

• Building mini chatbots for businesses

• Teaching prompt writing via Notion or Gumroad courses

✅ Getting Started Without Getting Overwhelmed

Here’s how to actually dive in:

1. Pick a niche you know.
   Don’t try to master AI AND a new niche at once. Start where you already have experience.

2. Choose 1 tool to master.
   You don’t need 10 tools. Start with ChatGPT or Claude and learn how to use it really well.

3. Solve 1 problem.
   Write for someone. Design a simple lead magnet. Offer a service using AI behind the scenes.

4. Scale smart.
   Once you’ve helped one person, productize it. Turn it into a downloadable. Record a mini-course. Grow from there.

🧠 Something to Think About

The opportunity is real — but it belongs to those who take action, not just watch the headlines.

Top 5 Easiest Website Builders for Beginners: Create Your Dream Site in No Time!

Building a website has never been easier, thanks to a wide variety of user-friendly website builders available today. Whether you're a small business owner, a blogger, or just looking to create your personal website, these tools offer simple drag-and-drop features, customizable templates, and plenty of support for beginners. Here are the top 5 easiest website builders you can use to get started!

1. Wix – The All-in-One Drag-and-Drop Builder

Wix is widely known for its ease of use and flexibility. With its intuitive drag-and-drop editor, you can create a professional-looking website without any coding knowledge. Wix offers hundreds of customizable templates, so you can start with a design that fits your style and tweak it however you like.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop interface

• Mobile-responsive designs

• Free plan available

• Integrated tools for SEO, email marketing, and more

Best for: Beginners who want freedom with design and customization.

2. Squarespace – Beautiful Templates with Built-In Features

Squarespace stands out for its sleek, visually stunning templates that look amazing out of the box. It’s a great choice for those who want to showcase their work or create a stylish blog or online store. The platform’s drag-and-drop editor is easy to use, and it offers integrated tools for blogging, ecommerce, and analytics.

Key Features:

• Award-winning templates

• All-in-one solution for blogging, ecommerce, and analytics

• 24/7 customer support

• Mobile optimization built-in

Best for: Creatives and small business owners who want a polished, elegant design.

3. Weebly – Simple & Straightforward Website Builder

Weebly offers a very easy-to-use platform that lets you build a website quickly. Its drag-and-drop interface is perfect for beginners, and the platform offers a variety of themes that can be customized to fit your brand. You can also set up an online store with ease thanks to its e-commerce tools.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop builder

• Customizable themes

• Built-in e-commerce tools

• Free plan available

Best for: Entrepreneurs and small business owners looking for simplicity in building an online store.

4. WordPress.com – The Most Popular Platform Made Easy

WordPress.com is an excellent option for beginners looking to create a website without much hassle. Unlike the self-hosted WordPress.org, WordPress.com takes care of the technical aspects for you, allowing you to focus on creating content. With its wide variety of themes and plugins, you can easily customize your site and grow it over time.

Key Features:

• Large library of themes and plugins

• Built-in blogging tools

• SEO-friendly features

• Free plan available

Best for: Bloggers and content creators who want simplicity with room to grow.

5. SiteGround – Reliable Hosting with Easy Website Building

Although SiteGround is primarily a web hosting provider, it also offers an easy-to-use website builder tool to get your site up and running fast. The drag-and-drop builder allows you to create simple websites, and the hosting features are top-notch for reliability and speed.

Key Features:

• Reliable web hosting

• Simple drag-and-drop builder

• Easy integration with WordPress

• Excellent customer support

Best for: Users who want reliable hosting and a quick website-building experience in one package.

Final Thoughts: Each of these website builders brings something unique to the table, but they all share one thing in common: ease of use. Whether you want total customization or just a quick and simple website, there’s a platform here for you. Ready to get started? Pick the one that best suits your needs and start building your dream website today!

How Social Media Can Help You Build an Audience – The Ultimate Guide!

Are you ready to grow your brand, build a loyal community, and engage with potential customers? Social media is your golden ticket to creating a powerful, thriving audience! Whether you're a small business owner, content creator, or influencer, mastering the art of social media is crucial to expanding your reach. Let’s dive into how social media can help you build an audience, along with tips on which platform works best for your niche. 🚀

Why Social Media is Essential for Audience Growth

Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn are some of the most powerful tools available today for audience building. But why? Here’s why:

• Instant Connection: Social media allows you to connect with people from all over the world in real-time. This instant interaction builds trust and deepens relationships with your audience.

• Massive Reach: With billions of users across platforms, your brand or content has the potential to be discovered by an ever-growing number of people.

• Engagement: Likes, comments, shares, and messages create a dialogue that strengthens your community, turning followers into loyal fans.

• SEO Boost: When you optimize your social media profiles and posts, they can drive organic traffic to your website, increasing visibility and SEO rankings!

Best Social Media Platforms for Different Niches 📱

Building your audience depends heavily on choosing the right platform for your niche. Here’s how you can leverage each social media platform to attract followers in your specific field:

1. Instagram – Perfect for Creatives, Fashion, and Lifestyle

Instagram is one of the most popular platforms for showcasing visual content. It's a hub for creatives, photographers, influencers, and businesses in industries like fashion, beauty, and food. With features like Stories, Reels, and shopping, it’s a fantastic space for audience engagement and conversion.

Format: High-quality images, short videos, Instagram Reels, Stories, and carousel posts.

Best for: Fashion brands, beauty influencers, photographers, artists, fitness coaches, food bloggers, and lifestyle content creators.

2. TikTok – The Home of Viral Content

TikTok has skyrocketed to become one of the most powerful platforms for building an audience. With its algorithm designed to promote viral content, it's perfect for businesses and creators aiming for maximum exposure. Whether you’re in entertainment, education, or even tech, TikTok helps you reach millions with fun and engaging videos.

Format: Short-form video (15-60 seconds), trends, challenges, educational content, and behind-the-scenes.

Best for: Content creators, tech enthusiasts, fitness trainers, educators, small businesses, and entertainers.

3. Facebook – Community Building and Customer Engagement

Facebook is great for building communities through Groups, pages, and direct interactions. Whether you’re running a business or sharing personal expertise, Facebook provides a powerful way to engage with your audience via posts, events, and live videos.

Format: Long-form posts, Facebook Live, articles, events, and groups.

Best for: Small businesses, local service providers, consultants, and community-based groups.

4. LinkedIn – Professional Networking and Industry Authority

If you’re in the business-to-business (B2B) space or looking to build a personal brand as an industry thought leader, LinkedIn is your go-to. This platform allows you to connect with professionals, share knowledge, and build credibility through articles and posts. It’s especially effective for consultants, coaches, and those in finance, marketing, and tech.

Format: Long-form articles, professional updates, industry-related posts, and videos.

Best for: Entrepreneurs, coaches, B2B businesses, recruiters, and professionals aiming to build authority in their field.

5. Twitter – Real-Time Conversations and Brand Awareness

Twitter is the perfect platform for real-time conversations, trending topics, and sharing your thoughts in bite-sized formats. If you want to stay on top of the latest trends and actively engage with your audience, Twitter is your place. This platform is great for news outlets, tech companies, and personalities who thrive on engagement and instant feedback.

Format: Short tweets, polls, threads, and images.

Best for: News outlets, influencers, thought leaders, tech companies, and political figures.

Tips for Success in Building Your Audience on Social Media

1. Consistency is Key: Regular posting is essential for staying top-of-mind. Create a content calendar and stick to it!

2. Engage with Your Followers: Respond to comments, ask questions, and be genuine. Show your audience that you care about their thoughts and opinions.

3. Leverage Hashtags and SEO: Use niche-specific hashtags to get discovered. Incorporate SEO strategies by using relevant keywords in your captions, bio, and posts.

4. Collaborate: Partner with influencers or other brands in your niche to expand your reach. Cross-promotions can attract new followers and grow your audience.

Final Thoughts: Build Your Audience, Build Your Future

Social media is an absolute game-changer when it comes to building a dedicated audience. By using the right platform and creating engaging content, you can turn casual followers into loyal fans who support your brand. Whether you're looking to grow your personal brand, promote a business, or simply connect with others, social media is your ticket to success!

Ready to dive in? Pick the platform that suits your niche, create compelling content, and watch your audience grow! 🌱💡

Is There a Secret Strategy for Going Viral? Uncovering the Truth Behind Viral Content!

We’ve all seen it—one minute, a post or video is just a regular piece of content, and the next, it’s blowing up all over social media. But is there really a strategy to going viral, or is it just a matter of luck and timing? 🤔 In today’s newsletter, we’ll dive deep into the mysterious world of viral content and whether you can actually create a strategy to make it happen. Spoiler alert: there are some secrets to success! 🎉

The Myth of "Viral" – Can You Really Plan for It?

Going viral is the ultimate dream for many content creators, marketers, and businesses. It can bring your brand or message into the spotlight and skyrocket your visibility in ways you never imagined. However, the truth is… there’s no guaranteed formula for virality. That’s right—going viral can feel like catching lightning in a bottle. ⚡

But don’t throw in the towel just yet! While there’s no guaranteed “magic formula,” there are strategies that can increase your chances of creating content that resonates, gets shared, and reaches massive audiences. Let’s break down the key elements of a viral strategy.

1. Create Relatable and Shareable Content

The best viral content often taps into universal emotions like humor, inspiration, or surprise. It connects with people on a personal level and gives them a reason to share it with others. Think about what resonates with your audience:

• Humor: Memes, funny challenges, or lighthearted content have a high potential to be shared.

• Emotion: Content that sparks a strong emotional response—whether it’s joy, awe, or even anger—tends to get more engagement.

• Trend-Driven: Tapping into current trends, challenges, or viral hashtags can boost your content’s visibility.

Pro Tip: The more shareable your content is, the more likely it is to go viral. People want to share content that makes them laugh, think, or feel something deep.

2. Leverage the Power of Timing

In the fast-paced world of social media, timing is everything. Posting at the right moment can mean the difference between a post getting a few likes and it exploding with engagement. Here are a few timing tips:

• Trendjacking: Get in on viral trends and challenges as they’re happening. The sooner you can create content related to a trending topic, the higher your chances of catching the wave.

• Peak Engagement Times: Post when your audience is most active. These times vary depending on your target demographic and platform.

• Real-Time Relevance: React to breaking news or pop culture moments. Being timely with your content can skyrocket its reach.

3. Incorporate Visuals That Catch the Eye

In the age of scrolling, it’s crucial to capture attention within the first few seconds. High-quality visuals—whether images, videos, or infographics—are far more likely to stop someone in their tracks. Some visual strategies include:

• Bright, Bold Colors: These attract attention and make your content stand out.

• Short, Engaging Videos: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels are all about short, punchy videos. Keep them interesting, and you’ll hook your audience.

• Eye-Catching Thumbnails: For YouTube or video platforms, a compelling thumbnail is key to enticing people to click on your content.

4. Encourage Engagement (Ask for Interaction!)

Viral content doesn’t just appear by chance—it’s often the result of strategic engagement. Social platforms love posts with high levels of interaction, like comments, shares, and reactions. To encourage engagement:

• Ask Questions: Create posts that prompt people to share their thoughts or opinions.

• Run Polls and Challenges: Interaction-based content encourages followers to participate and share.

• Call to Action: Encourage your audience to share your post or tag a friend. Simple, clear calls to action boost engagement.

5. Optimize for Platforms and Algorithms

Each social platform has its own algorithm and way of promoting content. Tailoring your posts to fit these algorithms can significantly improve your chances of going viral. Here’s how:

• Instagram: Use popular hashtags, post consistently, and engage with your followers.

• TikTok: Capitalize on trending audio and hashtags to get discovered. TikTok’s “For You Page” (FYP) is a powerful tool for virality.

• YouTube: Optimize your video titles, descriptions, and tags to make sure they’re searchable. Consistently upload and engage with your audience to improve your channel’s algorithm rank.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to engage with your audience in the comments! Responding quickly and genuinely shows the algorithm that your content is engaging, which increases its reach.

6. Collaborate with Influencers or Like-Minded Creators

Collaboration can be a powerful tool for amplifying your reach. By teaming up with influencers or creators who have an established following, you gain access to their audience, which could help your content go viral. This could be in the form of shoutouts, joint videos, or campaigns.

7. Make It Easy for People to Share

The easier you make it for people to share your content, the higher your chances of going viral. This includes:

• Adding Share Buttons: Make sure your posts, videos, and blogs are easy to share with social media buttons.

• Encourage Tagging: Ask followers to tag their friends in posts to increase reach.

Final Thoughts: It’s About the Journey, Not Just the Destination 🚀

While there’s no guaranteed way to make content go viral, focusing on creating high-quality, relatable, and engaging posts can definitely improve your chances. The key is consistency, experimentation, and learning what resonates with your audience. If your content aligns with current trends, taps into the right emotions, and is posted at the right time, you’ll be setting yourself up for viral success!

At the end of the day, going viral might feel like a stroke of luck, but behind every viral post is a strategy designed to maximize engagement, visibility, and shareability. So, don’t be afraid to experiment, get creative, and keep pushing the boundaries of what your audience wants to see.

Ready to go viral? Start implementing these strategies and watch your content take off! 🚀🔥