Threads App: A New Social Platform by Instagram

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Social media managers everywhere are cursing. Creators everywhere are cheering. Look out universe – a NEW social media platform is here! And it’s already making waves and bringing up some great questions. So let’s dive in to Threads and get to know it a little more. Because trust me, you will want to know.

About the new Threads app

Threads is a new social media platform created as an extension (of sorts) of Instagram. But with a twist. Once you download the app and log in to your profile, it will be pretty clear that this app is a spin off of Twitter. Because it’s owned by Instagram, creating your profile is easy. You can import it directly from Instagram with no muss or fuss.

Now you’re probably wondering about gaining followers. Or even just getting the followers that you already have on Instagram to follow you on this app. Good thing they have simplified that too. When you first log in and are connecting your Instagram account to Threads, it will ask you if you want to follow the same people on your Instagram Following list. A simple “yes” and you’re on your way to growing your followership with the same incredible people that follow you on Instagram!

Better yet, if some people who already follow you joined the Threads app before you did, they actually are waiting at the bottom of your notifications for you to accept their request to follow you. This will only happen directly after you have created your account. After that, anyone on your following list that downloads the app and accepts to follow their same following list will start popping in automatically. Like I said, no muss and absolutely NO fuss!

What’s different about this app compared to others

Well here’s the thing, nowadays you can only make some many “different” apps. And Instagram has always been known for taking bits and pieces from other apps to make their experience “better”. They took inspiration from SnapChat and made Instagram Stories. They took inspiration from TikTok and started Reels. Now they’re coming for Twitter with the Threads app. You’ll find very soon after scrolling your Threads feed that this is a different landscape than Twitter.

Since it is so new, take this information with a grain of salt as this app will surely make some big changes in its lifespan. The absolute BIGGEST difference to note for Threads is (drumroll) hashtags don’t exist. Yes, you read that right. No, it’s not time to start hyperventilating (yet). Threads is advancing the social sphere by getting rid of those nasty hashtags and instead banking on relevant content to show you exactly what you want to see. Or so that’s what the hope is. Don’t worry, there is still a search function so if need be you can still find something you are looking for.

On your feed, you will see a lot of content from the people you do know and follow. But you will also see a healthy portion of content from people that you don’t follow. There is currently no option to just see the content from the people that you do follow. You will be able to tell who you don’t follow because on the bottom right of their profile picture icon will be a “+” sign.

There is also no Explore tab. Which means you are quite literally at the mercy of scrolling your feed to see any and all content. That or you search for content specifically.

At this time, there is no information on which content will perform better than others. Is it strictly word-based content? Picture? Video? Who knows. But it is labeled as “Instagram’s text-based conversation app” so as long as the content is sparking conversation of some sort, you must be doing something right!

How will I be able to succeed on the Threads app?

The tone on Threads is 1000% different than any I have seen anywhere else. It honestly feels like a complete reset. A fresh start. Threads, although a sister app to Instagram, is all about sharing YOU. And no I don’t mean sharing “your brand”. As a creator sometimes those lines get blurred. But think about Wendy’s on Twitter – absolutely unhinged and unapologetic. Threads should be like that for everyone. You are encouraged to post whatever you want. But remember – the key to success is going to be authenticity. You will want to show your followers that side of yourself that you may hold back on with other platforms.

It’s about sharing random, funny moments or thoughts. It’s about creating conversation with others. And it’s about sharing your life on a deeper, more personable level than Instagram. This is not to say that brands on this platform won’t succeed because that is not the case. It will just mean that you may see brands taking on a different tone on this app. I have already seen so much content from the brands that I follow that I do not see on Instagram. It’s more off-hand, humorous, and conversational. Take after them and other fun creators and let your hair down! Enjoy the casualness of it all.

Final thoughts on the new Threads app

Once you download the app and start Threading, you’ll notice that this truly does feel like a breath of fresh air. Get involved with the conversation on your feed. Not only with your friends but with brands too! You can share memes, gifs, a quick thought, or you can link to your blog, outfit details, or literally anything else. Joke around, have fun, share your little moments in life, and honestly just live your best social media life. You can download the Threads app on the Apple and Google app stores. And be sure to follow me!

What is Gumdrop? New app for influencers to work on more brand collaborations instantly.

GumDrop: New App for Influencer Collaborations

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Every week it seems like there is a new influencer app to get collaborations from brands. They all pitch the same thing. That they’re the best app, that they have more opportunities, and that they are becoming super popular. More often than not, I have found that to not be the case. So is the GumDrop app any different? Should you download it or is it just going to waste your time? After using it for some time now, here is the scoop.

How this app is changing the game

I found GumDrop through an Instagram ad. And as every great influencer knows, you always test new areas for opportunity. Because more opportunities means more money. The downside of it being as new as it is, I couldn’t find any third party information on them. I’m here to fix that.

GumDrop is changing the game when it comes to brand collaborations. For platforms like Aspire, Creator.co, #paid, Tribe, and whatever million other platforms you may use to try to work with brands, you are doing just that. TRYING. You are probably constantly pitching ideas and applying for campaigns. Worst of all you are competing with someone else applying for the same thing. Gumdrop stops this.

Instead of applying and pitching and waiting, Gumdrop pairs you with collaborations that you are already approved for. This takes literally all of the guess work out of working with brands! And better than getting free, awesome items, every single collaboration offers commission for you and a discount code for your followers.

Everything to Know About the GumDrop App

First and foremost, Gumdrop works on a “gifted plus affiliate code” basis. These are not “paid” collaborations. This means that you will not be paid a base rate for making your content. And of course, there is no guarantee for you making any commissionable sales. Now that we have that ugliness out of the way, let’s dive in to the specifics.

The Gumdrop app will allow you to connect your Instagram and your TikTok. Now although I logged in to both platforms, I only see collaborations for Instagram. For reference, I have 19,600 followers on Instagram and 2,650 followers on TikTok. This could mean that my TikTok did not meet a certain follower requirement. Or it could just simply mean that there are not any TikTok partnerships available at the moment. For the continuation of the blog, all of my information will only pertain to the Instagram part of this app.

About the collaborations

Once my account was approved, I already had 20 collabs waiting for me. You will have one week to decide from the list of “Product Drop this Week” what collaboration you would like to take on. A “day” ends at 3pm PST. You can also “Explore Future Drops” and express your interest in them. This help you get paired with similar collabs in the future. Keep in mind though that you will only receive the opportunity to claim two collaborations. So make them count!

The different collaborations on the Gumdrop app.

Each tile shows the product that the brand is trying to have promoted. Be warned, not all of the collabs will be geared to your niche. For example, I have a lot of mom and kid products available to me in the app. But I am not a mom so none of those collabs will work. Of the opportunities that did fit my content, the brands not only will send you the item completely free, but you can make 5-10% commission as well. You can easily see how much commission they give by looking at the number next to the diamond in the upper right corner of the collaboration tile.

Once you click on one of the collaborations, it will show you:

  • more pictures of the product,
  • the product’s description
  • how much commission you’ll earn,
  • what your deliverables are,
  • when the content is due by,
  • and the companies social media links and website link

Products with a value of $50+ will show that your deliverables are either an Instagram Feed Post or an Instagram Reel. Products with a value less than $50 will show that your deliverables are an Instagram Story.

Claiming a collaboration in the app

Once you claim a collaboration, the app will verify that you are willing to make the content needed. Once you verify, the app with render a unique coupon code for you to purchase the item. Now before you start throwing the red flags, yes this code ensures that there is NO COST to you. After you click the link to shop the item in their store, add to your cart, and head to check out. The code should already be in your cart but always double check. You will notice that by the end of the review of your order, the item, the tax, and the shipping were all $0. I personally really like that the purchase is made on the merchant’s site. This puts my mind at ease that the transaction was made securely.

The item will then ship to you. Once you receive it, the countdown is on. You will have 10 days, or whatever the collab details were, to create and submit your content. If you navigate to your “In Progress” collabs, it will make sure you have all the information you need to create your content. Including that desirable coupon code for your followers!

The coupon codes

Of the features of the Gumdrop App, this by far my favorite. I always strive to give my followers the most amount of coupon codes. Especially when it’s for a product I am sponsoring. The fact that all of the brands in Gumdrop give out coupon codes is amazing.

Affiliate codes, such as these, act as a way for brands to track which sales came from whom. And that helps you get paid! Obviously with higher commission rates and higher priced products, you could make some pretty good money.

Coupon Codes on Gumdrop app. Personalize the affiliate code to boost commission.

The code is also customizable. And for me that is where I am ecstatic. Creating my personal coupon code helps me keep in line with my personal brand. And it also allows me to create something easy to remember. Using your handle name as your coupon code is a great way to accomplish both.

The coupon codes will be be active for 3 months. This means you can create additional content for the brand to try to increase your commission payout. Or if your content goes viral, it still allows you enough time to make those additional sales. Or even for someone like me who also has a blog, I can offer this coupon code to my readers more readily and regularly.

Download the GumDrop App

Overall, if it wasn’t clear enough, I highly recommend this new influencer app, Gumdrop. Not only can you paired with brands automatically, you also have the potential to make commission. Not to mention you get personalized coupons for your followers too! So it’s time to start making content that helps you actually get paid. Download the Gumdrop app using this referral link, and you’ll receive $20!

(June 22, 2023) Currently Gumdrop is only available for Apple users.

Build a successful and scalable at-home business

Build a Successful and Scalable At-Home Business

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Now more than ever people are flocking to remote jobs. Some may even make it a requirement during their job hunt. And now more and more Americans want to build an at-home business. Not only for convenience but also as a means of pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams. With great flexibility and low overhead costs, it’s appealing to take a first step on the entrepreneurial journey. For approximately 15 million Americans, the potential for financial independence with a home-based venture, from investing in Fixed Annuities to selling products, makes it an attractive option. However, starting a business from home requires careful planning and execution to ensure long-term success and scalability. Not sure where to start? Here are some ideas to get you started.

Woman facing her computer screen working in her in-home office.

A productive routine at home

It doesn’t matter if you’re a full-time remote professional or you only work on your home-based venture in your spare time. One of the biggest challenges for a successful at-home business is maintaining your productivity. That’s where having a strict routine can make a big difference. Having your set “office hours” as well as scheduled break times will keep you on track. It may be tempting to do chores, watch TV, or shop online. But you have to remember that even though you are at home, you are also still at work.

Furthermore, don’t get caught up in your work. It can be easy to build an at-home business whenever with such a convenience of working from home. But it’s just as important to know when to stop your work day. Your house should still be a place to relax. But if you feel like working from home is turning your sanctuary in to a constant work environment, you may want to consider having your own office space in a spare bedroom or in a granny flat. This will allow you to close the door on your office at the end of the day and put it out of your mind.

Additionally, you want to optimize your tech use. Ensuring you’ve got the right tools and software solutions is only the beginning. You also want to make sure you know how to make the most of your work devices to leverage productivity and manage your time more effectively. 

Money being exchanged between two people for a loan. Cash is in hand.

Funding solutions to build your at-home business

The key to growth is money. You can’t level up your business without enough capital. But capital, as you may have guessed, is not easy to generate yourself. That’s why you want to investigate the best options for your needs: 

  • Pitching to investors. Take your time to research your audience group and niche market. This will help you to present a fully relevant and informed value proposition. Investors seek compelling pitches that highlight the growth potential of each venture. So the more prepared you are, the better!
  • Selecting the right investors or partners. Just because someone is ready to invest in your venture, it doesn’t mean you should embrace all offers. In fact, it is worth researching investors and comparing their GIPS performance to ensure they are trustworthy. 
  • Apply for a loan. Either personal or commercial, depending on your options. Evolve Bank & Trust is an option if you need reliable and secure financing. They offer business loans tailored specifically for helping companies reach their growth objectives. With competitive interest rates and flexible terms they have something suitable for every need. But make sure that before signing any loan agreement that it fits in with what your requirements are or else you could find yourself stuck with one that doesn’t meet them!
  • Run ads on social media. This route is far less lengthy and expensive. You will still easily be able to fund your growth without breaking the bank or taking out a line of credit.

Keep in mind though that not all businesses require capital! Many successful at-home businesses are formed and run using dropshipping. This allows businesses to start and grow without upfront costs. With easy connections through popular hosting websites like Shopify or WordPress, all you have to do is pick your products, market them, and rake in the money! Your profit margins may be smaller than if you had your own equipment. However, during the beginning phases of your business, you can really focus on what works and what doesn’t. And from there, once you start scaling your at-home business, you can then switch to owning your own equipment.

Build social media account to create a supportive community to grow your at home business

Building a supportive community

Business communities can serve multiple purposes, from providing valuable guidance to building value-generating connections. A strong and supportive community can contribute to long-term success. First and foremost, you need to be on social media. You will want to create social media pages for most social media platforms under your business name. From there, create your brand voice and persona. Is your business more fun and conversational or is it more serious and direct? Who do you want to attract as a potential customer? Direct your posts towards them and you will soon start to see your social media following growing.

But it’s not just about growing your community through social media. Additionally, it is worth reaching out to existing business networks to connect with experts, mentors and potential partners and suppliers. Your community will help your business reach the next step of its growth. Whether it be through fans of your business or other businesses that will help you expand.

Starting an at-home business is an exciting journey that requires careful planning and strategic execution to enable long-term growth. Is it going to be easy? Of course not. But your efforts are more likely to be fruitful once you’ve managed productivity, financing, and audience.

How Much Do Influencers Make?

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Congratulations, you have decided to search one of the most difficult questions! How much do influencers make? Let’s dive in to understand why this isn’t as easy to answer as you may think.

Why is it a difficult question?

The reason this question is difficult to answer is because there isn’t one answer. Many influencers keep their posting rates to themselves. By refusing to share this information, it makes it hard to give any definitive answer. It also makes it hard for there to be one answer for every influencer level. Thereby making it impossible to say that “every influencer over X engagement rate charges this amount for this service”.

Simply put, there is no one answer. It’s essentially the same as asking artists to all have one rate. Art will vary from artist to artist. Their experience will also play a factor in how much they charge. This is the same for influencers too.

How do they calculate their personal posting rate?

I have seen many blogs that try to make a formula for posting rates. Maybe you have even seen these formulas that say “for every thousand followers, you can charge $X”. Or something similar to this. Unfortunately, influencer posting rates will never fit in to one single formula. The fact of the matter is that posting rates can’t be determined off of any one factor. Especially if that factor is JUST your social following.

Not only that, but some influencers fluctuate their posting rate. For example, depending on the brand and collaboration terms, I have worked for less than my normal rate simply because I really wanted to work on that project!

What affects an influencer’s posting rate?

Posting rates are determined by a number of different things. Including engagement rate, follower count, niche speciality, content usage rights, contract duration, and if there is any additional, non-monetary compensation like free items, commissionable sales, or travel fees. These all will play a factor in what an influencer can negotiate with.

Additionally, some influencers believe that by sharing their posting rate, they could be outbid by a competing creator. This is understandable if someone has a similar page with similar analytics and is willing to do a collaboration for less.

What revenue streams can they use to make money?

How much influencers make strongly depends on what streams of revenue they are pursuing. Every social media platform they have is another opportunity to make money. But breaking it down, here are some of the top ways influencers get paid:

  • Instagram’s Influencer Program
  • Tik Tok Creator Fund and Marketplace
  • Pinterest Creator Rewards
  • YouTube Ads
  • Affiliate links
  • Paid sponsorships
  • Ambassadorships and commissionable sales
  • Selling content rights

Conclusion on ‘How Much Do Influencers Make?’

How much money do influencers make? Well, it depends! There will never be one right answer or one set number. Some influencers make a few dollars here and there, and some make a few thousand dollars a day! It will really just boil down to how determined that influencer is to monetize their content.

Learn more influencer tips, tricks, and helpful blogs on Donna Gail Blog.

Do I really need to start a blog?

Do I really need a blog?

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Whether you are a budding content creator, an established influencer, or a business, you may be considering starting a blog. But obviously you are questioning whether or not it’s even necessary. Blogs can be time consuming and extremely difficult to start up. So the question stands…

Do I really need to start a blog?

Simply put, yes, you need a blog. It does not matter what industry you are in, you need a blog if you are trying to make money through selling products, services, or monetizing your content with affiliate links. But this is a loaded question as it also brings up other questions about why you should make a blog and how.

Why do I need one?

When people are looking for something, they are using a search engine to help them. They are typing words into a computer and hoping for an answer. That answer will not be found on your social media page. It will be found on your own website. Social media is great for fleeting engagement, time sensitive information, or sharing something fun. You may recommend to your followers how awesome a certain vacuum is, but within a week, your audience probably will forget the model you were talking about. And if they weren’t a follower of your page, the odds of them finding the answer with you is slim to none.

Having your own website with blog content ensures that those searches find their way to your door.

What do I write about?

It’s easy enough to say that you can “write whatever you want”. But that’s too vague and mostly untrue. You need to write things that are 1) in your wheelhouse, and 2) relevant to your audience. For instance, I don’t have kids and as such you won’t see content about “what to pack in a diaper bag” on my blog. Because that is not in my wheelhouse of knowledge. I also don’t write about “the best plays by the Kansas City Chiefs” because that is not relevant to my audience.

So I will say this: you can write whatever you want within reason.

What shouldn’t I write about in my blog?

Like I have said before, people everywhere are looking for answers to questions. It will be your job to answer them. I can tell you from personal experience that writing about your personal experience will get you nowhere. I am not sorry to say this, but no one cares about how much fun you had in Utah. No one cares about how difficult it was during your breakup. No one cares about the list of books you read this year.

Instead, you should be writing content like this:

  • “Fun Activities to Do in Utah”
  • “How to Get Through a Rough Breakup”
  • “30+ Books that You HAVE to Read This Year”

People are searching for answers for themselves. They are not going to type “what did Chelsea do while visiting San Diego”. They are going to search “what to do on a short trip to San Diego“. Obviously to answer these questions you will need to have personal knowledge on it. But your content should be geared towards helping someone else. Nothing is more painful than looking up a recipe for snickerdoodles and having to scroll through paragraphs and paragraphs of that person telling us about their life history with their grandma. I’ll say it again for the people in the back – no one cares about YOUR experience. And as such you will have to spin your blogs to make sure it is directed towards what other people would be asking.

Blogs are meant to answer questions. Even if they never formally asked them. Write your content in a way that helps to answer a question that they may not have even known they were trying to ask.

So stop waiting. You need to start a blog because you need a blog. I personally recommend WordPress. It has helped me start at the level that I wanted for free and as I saw growth, they had upgrade options to help me do that. I love the amount of customization you can put in the blog content itself. You can also install plug-ins to help advance your blog further. A lot of the plug-ins I use are free too! This year, I was even able to use one of the plug-ins to make my own app! (Check it out – it’s available for iOS and Android!)