110: Creator to CEO: 5 Steps to Build a Real Content Business This Year

 👉 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.com Sign 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 $5 Say hi on Instagram 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 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.com Sign 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 $5 Say hi on Instagram 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 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.com Sign 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 $5 Say hi on Instagram 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 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.com Sign 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 $5 Say hi on Instagram 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 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.com Sign 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 $5 Say hi on Instagram 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 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.com Sign 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 $5 Say hi on Instagram 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 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.com Sign 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 $5 Say hi on Instagram 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 HERE

Everyone loves talking about passive income… but let’s be honest — most of what creators call “passive” is just another full-time job in disguise. So today, we’re cutting through the bro-marketing fluff and having a real conversation about what passive income for content creators actually looks like — especially if you’re a travel creator who wants a business that works while you’re offline.If sipping a margarita on a beach at 2pm on a random Tuesday sounds like the goal… this episode is for you.What We’re Talking About in This EpisodeIn this episode, Laura breaks down:What passive income is (and what it absolutely is not)Why “just make a course” is terrible advice without strategyThe best passive income streams for travel creatorsHow to turn your content into long-term digital assetsThe upfront work required — and why that’s actually a good thingThis is a must-listen for any content creator looking to build passive income through digital products, affiliate marketing, and automated systems — without burning out.Want more UGC Tips? 🎧 Listen to Paid to Travel and learn more about UGC:Podcast: Paid to TravelFollow Maddy: @maddyoutdoors.coach🎧 Talented A.F. Podcast Production by Your Girl Media 📲 Follow: @yourgirlmedia 💻 Visit: www.yourgirlmedia.com Sign 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 $5 Say hi on Instagram 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 HERE

What if I told you the fastest way to sabotage your content creator business… is setting New Year’s goals on January 1st? Yep. I said it. This is one of my hottest takes—and 12 months later, I still stand by it.In this rerun episode, I’m breaking down why January is actually the worst time for travel creators and content creators to set new goals, routines, or systems—and how waiting just a little longer can completely change your momentum, your mindset, and your long-term success.If you’re a travel creator, juggling constant movement, post-trip slumps, family time, inbox overload, and way too many “new year, new you” messages… this episode is your permission slip to breathe.In this episode, we talk about:Why January goals set most content creators up for failureThe post-trip slump (and why ignoring it kills productivity)How travel and the holidays drain your creative energy more than you thinkWhy “hitting the ground running” on January 1st is unrealistic for a content creator businessHow to use January as a reset month instead of a pressure cookerThe real reason 80% of New Year’s goals fail by FebruaryHow to set smarter, more sustainable travel 2026 goals (yes, starting now—but executing later)If this episode hit home:DM me on Instagram and tell me—do you agree that January goals are BS?Share this episode with a fellow travel creator who’s putting way too much pressure on themselves Sign 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 $5 Say hi on Instagram 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 HERE

Happy New Years Travel Creators!!! You made it through 2025 and to help welcome in 2026 I am sitting down with my podcast editor Marie from Your Girl Media to talk about the 10 lessons we learned in our businesses in 2025. We are talking all things burnout, boundaries, branding, money, and why “doing it messy” might be your biggest advantage in 2026. Whether you’re scaling your offers, rethinking travel, or trying to make your business feel easier (and more fun), these business lessons for 2025 will hit home.🎧 What We Cover in This EpisodeWhy travel burnout is real (even when you’re living the dream)The hidden cost of being a digital nomad for too longWhy doing what you actually want beats choosing the “smart” business moveHow a single rebrand or identity shift can unlock momentumWhy “less but better” is the secret to scaling as a content creatorHow attraction, energy, and fun play a bigger role than strategy aloneWhy community is the future of creator businesses in 2025The power of being in the right room (one networking event can change everything)How client experience matters more than priceWhy selling identity — not features — is the key to consistent salesWhy “doing it messy” can outperform perfectionThe money systems every creator needs before they scaleTrusting that things can be easier (even when your brain wants control)LISTEN to this episode of Jamie Sea's podcast: 4 Steps to Reach $100k📍 Connect With Marie:Want to learn about every country in the world? Check out her travel podcast:  Culture Cult Show ( pst.. Laura is the writer and researcher) Want more business lessons? Listen to her business podcast: Your Girl Follow her on insta: @yourgirlmedia  Sign 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 $5 Say hi on Instagram 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 HERE