114: Answering Your Top Questions: UGC, Brand Deals, & Making Money as a Travel Creator

Today I’m pulling back the curtain on real questions coming straight from inside my community—and giving you the honest answers you actually need (not the fluffy internet ones).We’re talking everything from brand deals and pitching, to building content creator income streams, to whether you actually need a website as a UGC creator.Because here’s the truth: Knowing how to create content and knowing how to run a business as a full time creator are two completely different skill sets—and most people are only learning one.✈️ What We Cover→ Do you actually need a website as a UGC creator?→ Where to sell your digital products (like travel guides)→ How to pitch brands + land brand deals without wasting time→ The smartest way to build content creator income streams→ Lead magnets that actually convert→ How to find brands that will pay you→ The biggest mistake creators make when trying to grow💡 Key Takeaways You don’t need everything set up perfectly to start making money  Your time is your most valuable asset—protect it  Your audience will literally tell you what to sell (if you ask) Brand deals, UGC, and digital products should all work together as income streams  Growth is easier when you stop trying to “go viral” and start getting in the right rooms 🔥 Mentioned in This Episode Building UGC creator portfolios (without overcomplicating it)  Using email platforms like Kit to grow + sell  Creating scalable content creator income streams Transitioning from creator → thought leader → business owner 🎧 Talented A.F. Podcast Production by Your Girl Media 📲 Follow: @yourgirlmedia 💻 Visit: www.yourgirlmedia.comSign up for my newsletter, the Content Compass to receive free tips and tricks to beat the content creation overwhelm and get back to traveling.Get five shifts that will take you from travel creator to business owner with actionable next steps included. AND two private podcast episodes. Get the Creator to CEO Playbook for $5Say hi on InstagramJoin Us 👉 The Travel Creator Business Plan Community!The only business-building community designed specifically for travel creators.  You’ll get:  ✔ monthly business systems  ✔ coworking + Q&A calls  ✔ a private community of creators building real businesses  ✔ guidance to help you move from “content machine” to “CEO energy”Sign Up HERE

Okay, creators… we need to talk about the most underrated growth tool you are absolutely sleeping on: your email list.In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Jessie (aka your travel blogging fairy godmother), and we are diving deep into newsletter for creators, email marketing, and exactly how to start a newsletter that actually grows your business.Jessie has been in the game since 2011 (!!!) and has built a multi-offer, multi-platform empire—and spoiler alert: her email list is the backbone of it all.We’re breaking down how to grow your newsletter, why your email list is more valuable than your followers, and how to turn subscribers into actual income (yes, even if you don’t have a product yet).And if you’ve ever thought “I’ll start my email list later”… consider this your sign that later is now.💡 What We Cover:Why email marketing is the most stable and profitable platform you ownThe biggest mistake creators make when starting an email listHow to start a newsletter (even if you’re overwhelmed or short on time)The easiest way to send emails without creating more content (hello RSS hack)Jessie’s highest-converting lead magnets (and why they work)How to turn your newsletter for creators into a revenue streamWhat to send after someone joins your list (welcome sequences made simple)The perfect balance between nurturing vs. selling in your emailsHow to use your email list to land brand deals + sponsorshipsWhy shorter emails = better results (yes, really)If this episode lit a fire under you and you’re ready to finally start (or actually stay consistent with) your newsletter…I’m hosting a live training on how to create a newsletter for creators that’s as easy as sending a text message 👀👉 DM me “newsletter” on Instagram @travelcontentwriting to get on the waitlist and come hang out live, ask questions, and build your email list the right way.🌍 Connect with JessieHer website: jessieonajourney.comFollow on Instagram🎧 Talented A.F. Podcast Production by Your Girl Media 📲 Follow: @yourgirlmedia 💻 Visit: www.yourgirlmedia.comSign up for my newsletter, the Content Compass to receive free tips and tricks to beat the content creation overwhelm and get back to traveling.Get five shifts that will take you from travel creator to business owner with actionable next steps included. AND two private podcast episodes. Get the Creator to CEO Playbook for $5Say hi on InstagramJoin Us 👉 The Travel Creator Business Plan Community!The only business-building community designed specifically for travel creators.  You’ll get:  ✔ monthly business systems  ✔ coworking + Q&A calls  ✔ a private community of creators building real businesses  ✔ guidance to help you move from “content machine” to “CEO energy”Sign Up HERE

Join Us 👉 The Travel Creator Business Plan Community!The only business-building community designed specifically for travel creators.  You’ll get:  ✔ monthly business systems  ✔ coworking + Q&A calls  ✔ a private community of creators building real businesses  ✔ guidance to help you move from “content machine” to “CEO energy”Sign Up HEREToday, I’m breaking down my 12-month roadmap for turning your creator brand into a real, scalable business. Month by month, I’ll walk you through what to focus on so you can stop winging it and start building something that supports your remote work lifestyle and long-term digital nomad freedom.Whether you’re a travel creator wanting more brand deals, scalable income, or a business that runs beyond just posting, this roadmap will show you exactly where to start.In this episode, I cover:Why most content creators stay stuck in “posting mode” instead of CEO modeThe first 3 months every travel creator should focus on to build a solid foundationHow to create a clear brand identity (so people instantly know what you do)The 5 goals that should guide your entire year as a creatorWhy organizing your content strategy is the fastest way to growHow to stop chasing shiny opportunities that don’t move your business forwardThe shift from “creator” to business owner that supports real remote work incomeIf you want a sustainable creator career that supports your digital nomad lifestyle, you need more than content—you need a plan.And this episode will help you build one.🎧 Talented A.F. Podcast Production by Your Girl Media 📲 Follow: @yourgirlmedia 💻 Visit: www.yourgirlmedia.comSign up for my newsletter, the Content Compass to receive free tips and tricks to beat the content creation overwhelm and get back to traveling.Get five shifts that will take you from travel creator to business owner with actionable next steps included. AND two private podcast episodes. Get the Creator to CEO Playbook for $5Say hi on InstagramJoin Us 👉 The Travel Creator Business Plan Community!The only business-building community designed specifically for travel creators.  You’ll get:  ✔ monthly business systems  ✔ coworking + Q&A calls  ✔ a private community of creators building real businesses  ✔ guidance to help you move from “content machine” to “CEO energy”Sign Up HERE

 👉 Come join me inside the Travel Creator Business Plan.This is where we shift out of “go viral” energy and into real business strategy. See you inside. Hate to break it to you.. If you think posting more is the thing that’s going to make you more money… I love you, but we need to talk.In this episode, I’m breaking down why content creation is not your most important task — even if you’re building a content creator business.Content is a lead generation tool. It’s not the whole business.I walk you through the difference between creator thinking vs. business owner thinking, why going viral doesn’t automatically mean getting paid, and how to reverse engineer your revenue goals instead of obsessing over posting five times a week.We’re talking about:Why pitching, following up, and selling matter more than trending audioHow to build a real content strategy that supports incomeThe busy work you need to stop doingThe one task that will actually move the needle in your content businessYou don’t need to post daily. You don’t need perfect content. You don’t need to go viral.You need to treat your travel creator business like a business.Happy creating. Or honestly… maybe don’t create this week. Repurpose instead.🎧 Talented A.F. Podcast Production by Your Girl Media 📲 Follow: @yourgirlmedia 💻 Visit: www.yourgirlmedia.comSign up for my newsletter, the Content Compass to receive free tips and tricks to beat the content creation overwhelm and get back to traveling.Get five shifts that will take you from travel creator to business owner with actionable next steps included. AND two private podcast episodes. Get the Creator to CEO Playbook for $5Say hi on InstagramJoin Us 👉 The Travel Creator Business Plan Community!The only business-building community designed specifically for travel creators.  You’ll get:  ✔ monthly business systems  ✔ coworking + Q&A calls  ✔ a private community of creators building real businesses  ✔ guidance to help you move from “content machine” to “CEO energy”Sign Up HERE

Join Us 👉 The Travel Creator Business Plan Community!The only business-building community designed specifically for travel creators.  You’ll get:  ✔ monthly business systems  ✔ coworking + Q&A calls  ✔ a private community of creators building real businesses  ✔ guidance to help you move from “content machine” to “CEO energy”Sign Up HEREIf you’re a travel creator getting brand deals, posting consistently, and technically “making it”… why does it still feel unstable?Because knowing how to create content and knowing how to run a content business are two completely different skills.In this episode, I’m walking you through the 5 shifts that take you from just posting online to becoming a true full time content creator who gets paid to travel sustainably.We cover:Leveraging content instead of constantly creatingMoving from unpredictable brand deals to real revenue assetsTracking your numbers and setting non-negotiable ratesProtecting your genius zone and managing your timeBuilding simple business systems that let you step into CEO modeIf 90% of your income requires you to personally show up every day, you don’t have a business yet — you have a freelance gig and a ring light.Happy creating. Now let’s build the business that funds it. ✈️🎧 Talented A.F. Podcast Production by Your Girl Media 📲 Follow: @yourgirlmedia 💻 Visit: www.yourgirlmedia.comSign up for my newsletter, the Content Compass to receive free tips and tricks to beat the content creation overwhelm and get back to traveling.Get five shifts that will take you from travel creator to business owner with actionable next steps included. AND two private podcast episodes. Get the Creator to CEO Playbook for $5Say hi on InstagramJoin Us 👉 The Travel Creator Business Plan Community!The only business-building community designed specifically for travel creators.  You’ll get:  ✔ monthly business systems  ✔ coworking + Q&A calls  ✔ a private community of creators building real businesses  ✔ guidance to help you move from “content machine” to “CEO energy”Sign Up HERE

Snag one of the last TWO spots to work with me to start and grow your travel content newsletter this year.DM me on Insta for more questions: @travelcontentwritingIf it's a heck yeah: snag your spot here Buckle up. We are talking about my favorite subject, how and why you should start your newsletter for your travel content business in 2026.If you’ve been putting off starting an email list because it feels overwhelming… this episode is your sign to keep it simple.I am breaking down how to start a newsletter as a travel creator in a way that feels sustainable, fun, and actually doable - not polished and perfect.We dive into: The easiest structure for your newsletter (4–5 repeatable sections)Why 600 words is the sweet spotThe 80/20 rule for newsletter contentSubject line + preview text tips that get opensWhy email is the only platform you truly ownHow to grow your list using InstagramIf you’re building a content creator business and want long-term stability beyond social media, this is your foundation.And if your newsletter has been sitting on your back burner — I have ONLY two open spots for my 1:1 newsletter services. Learn more about it here Questions? DM me on Instagram @travelcontentwriting to chat about what we can do with your newsletter and how we can grow your email list. Happy newsletter writing. It’s really not that deep. 💌🎧 Talented A.F. Podcast Production by Your Girl Media 📲 Follow: @yourgirlmedia 💻 Visit: www.yourgirlmedia.comSign up for my newsletter, the Content Compass to receive free tips and tricks to beat the content creation overwhelm and get back to traveling.Get five shifts that will take you from travel creator to business owner with actionable next steps included. AND two private podcast episodes. Get the Creator to CEO Playbook for $5Say hi on InstagramJoin Us 👉 The Travel Creator Business Plan Community!The only business-building community designed specifically for travel creators.  You’ll get:  ✔ monthly business systems  ✔ coworking + Q&A calls  ✔ a private community of creators building real businesses  ✔ guidance to help you move from “content machine” to “CEO energy”Sign Up HERE

Guys I'm scared... I've set a big bold goal… I'm sharing it publicly. Here is why you should too.I’m sharing why I’m building in public and my current pants on fire challenge to grow my travel creator community, The Travel Creator Business Plan  to 100 members by MARCH 1st- less than 30 DAYS. Today I’m breaking down exactly what I’m doing to grow my content, attract aligned travel influencers, and turn creators into real business owners who get paid to travel. But more importantly why you need to set challenges for you content creator business and sharing it with everyone, makes you hit your goal faster. We are talking about:Why public goals accelerate your growthHow I’m using Threads + DMs to growThe systems every travel creator needsHow to turn content into consistent income🎉 Grab your free 2-week trial of the Travel Creator Business Plan below. Let’s grow your content — and your business — on purpose: https://app.heartbeat.chat/travelcreatorbusinessplan/invitation?code=E6J23C PARTY WITH TRAVEL CREATORS: https://forms.fillout.com/t/cKTdsJBsrEus🎧 Talented A.F. Podcast Production by Your Girl Media 📲 Follow: @yourgirlmedia 💻 Visit: www.yourgirlmedia.comSign up for my newsletter, the Content Compass to receive free tips and tricks to beat the content creation overwhelm and get back to traveling.Get five shifts that will take you from travel creator to business owner with actionable next steps included. AND two private podcast episodes. Get the Creator to CEO Playbook for $5Say hi on InstagramJoin Us 👉 The Travel Creator Business Plan Community!The only business-building community designed specifically for travel creators.  You’ll get:  ✔ monthly business systems  ✔ coworking + Q&A calls  ✔ a private community of creators building real businesses  ✔ guidance to help you move from “content machine” to “CEO energy”Sign Up HERE

👉 Join The Travel Creator Business PlanToday I am sharing exactly how I  cold pitch brands, tourism boards, and partners — without sounding desperate, spammy, or like every other travel creator in their inbox. We’re talking mindset, strategy, real examples, and the systems that make cold pitching scalable (because no one is copy-pasting 100 emails by hand in 2026).If you’ve ever thought:“My cold pitch sucks”“Brands never respond to me”“I just want one brand deal so I know this works”…this episode is for you.What You’ll Learn in This Episode✨ The mindset shift that changes everything 📊 Why cold pitching is a numbers game 🧠 How to research and find the right people to pitch 📩 The exact cold pitch structure that works 🔁 Follow-ups that don’t feel annoying 🖊️ Email signature + PS strategies creators overlookResources MentionedApollo.io – email scraping + lead buildingHunter.io – find brand and marketing emailsLinkedIn – warming leads + finding decision-makersThe Travel Creator Business Plan- Our business-building community for travel creatorsDone-for-you pitching systems (inside the community) to send 100+ personalized pitches without losing your mind🎧 Talented A.F. Podcast Production by Your Girl Media 📲 Follow: @yourgirlmedia 💻 Visit: www.yourgirlmedia.comSign up for my newsletter, the Content Compass to receive free tips and tricks to beat the content creation overwhelm and get back to traveling.Get five shifts that will take you from travel creator to business owner with actionable next steps included. AND two private podcast episodes. Get the Creator to CEO Playbook for $5Say hi on InstagramJoin Us 👉 The Travel Creator Business Plan Community!The only business-building community designed specifically for travel creators.  You’ll get:  ✔ monthly business systems  ✔ coworking + Q&A calls  ✔ a private community of creators building real businesses  ✔ guidance to help you move from “content machine” to “CEO energy”Sign Up HERE

You didn’t become a travel creator to spend summer locked in a room editing reels while everyone else is actually traveling. And yet… here we are.In this episode, I’m breaking down how to stop treating your travel content like a hobby and start running it like a real business — one that pays you, supports your lifestyle, and doesn’t rely on you posting 24/7 just to stay afloat.If your goal is to be a paid to travel content creator (without burning out), this episode is your roadmap.What We’re Talking About in This EpisodeBy the time summer hits, you don’t need more followers — you need systems, strategy, and sustainable income. In this episode, I walk you through what separates creators who get stuck from creators who actually build something long-term.Here’s what you’ll learn:The difference between being a travel creator and being a travel creator business ownerWhy relying on one income stream (or just brand deals) keeps creators stuckHow UGC creators and travel creators can build diversified, predictable incomeThe systems you need so your business doesn’t fall apart every time you travelWhy an email list is the most underrated asset in your content creator businessHow to track your numbers (without overcomplicating it)A realistic plan to build multiple revenue streams before summerIf you’re a content creator, travel creator, or UGC creator who wants consistent income and freedom — this is the shift you need to make.If this episode clicked for you:DM me on Instagram and tell me which income stream you’re starting withIf you want support, accountability, and real systems, check out The Travel Creator Business Plan — all the details are in the show notesJoin a coworking session if you need help actually sitting down and building this (body doubling works)I can’t wait to see where you are this summer — both physically and in your business.Happy creating, happy building, and I’ll see you in the next episode ✈️🎧 Talented A.F. Podcast Production by Your Girl Media 📲 Follow: @yourgirlmedia 💻 Visit: www.yourgirlmedia.comSign up for my newsletter, the Content Compass to receive free tips and tricks to beat the content creation overwhelm and get back to traveling.Get five shifts that will take you from travel creator to business owner with actionable next steps included. AND two private podcast episodes. Get the Creator to CEO Playbook for $5Say hi on InstagramJoin Us 👉 The Travel Creator Business Plan Community!The only business-building community designed specifically for travel creators.  You’ll get:  ✔ monthly business systems  ✔ coworking + Q&A calls  ✔ a private community of creators building real businesses  ✔ guidance to help you move from “content machine” to “CEO energy”Sign Up HERE

Join Us 👉 The Travel Creator Business Plan Community!The only business-building community designed specifically for travel creators.Sign Up HERENo one tells you this when you become a content creator: not every paying client is worth keeping. In this episode, I’m giving you permission to fire bad clients—and showing you how to do it professionally.We’re breaking down the biggest red flags, how to exit a client relationship without burning bridges, and how to protect your reputation as a content creator or travel creator.What You’ll Learn:Clear red flags it’s time to fire a clientHow to handle boundary violations and scope creepWhat to do when a client won’t take no for an answerHow to protect your content creator business with better contractsHow to avoid bad clients in the futureFinal Thoughts:You’re allowed to say no. You’re allowed to protect your peace. And you’re allowed to run your business in a way that doesn’t make you miserable.If this episode helped you, come say hi to me on Instagram and make sure your contracts are locked in and up to date.Happy creating—and happy firing ✨🎧 Talented A.F. Podcast Production by Your Girl Media 📲 Follow: @yourgirlmedia 💻 Visit: www.yourgirlmedia.comSign up for my newsletter, the Content Compass to receive free tips and tricks to beat the content creation overwhelm and get back to traveling.Get five shifts that will take you from travel creator to business owner with actionable next steps included. AND two private podcast episodes. Get the Creator to CEO Playbook for $5Say hi on InstagramJoin Us 👉 The Travel Creator Business Plan Community!The only business-building community designed specifically for travel creators.  You’ll get:  ✔ monthly business systems  ✔ coworking + Q&A calls  ✔ a private community of creators building real businesses  ✔ guidance to help you move from “content machine” to “CEO energy”Sign Up HERE