Success With Jewelry Podcast – Episode 128 Summary

Title: Success With Jewelry
Host/Authors: Laryssa Wirstiuk and Liz Kantner
Guest: Jordan Harris, Digital Content Creator and Producer
Release Date: April 28, 2025

In Episode 128 of the Success With Jewelry podcast, hosts Laryssa Wirstiuk and Liz Kantner delve deep into the art of content creation and visual storytelling with their special guest, Jordan Harris. As a seasoned digital content creator and producer, Jordan shares invaluable insights tailored for jewelry designers and entrepreneurs aiming to elevate their online presence in a competitive marketplace.

1. Introduction to Jordan Harris

The episode opens with Laryssa introducing Jordan Harris, her husband, and the creative force behind Joy Joya, the content producer operating behind the scenes. Jordan outlines his extensive background in entertainment, highlighting his roles as an editor, writer, producer, and director for both live-action and animated content. Notably, he mentions his recent work on Cartoon Network's "Tig and Seek" as the supervising producer and voice director. Transitioning from traditional media, Jordan is now focusing on online content creation through platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch, emphasizing his new web series, "Stiltskin," a modern take on the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale.

Notable Quote:
"I've been working in entertainment for most of my career... And now I'm shifting from traditional content into more online content." [03:04]

2. Embracing New Platforms: Twitch and Discord

Jordan provides a comprehensive overview of Twitch, describing it as a live streaming platform predominantly popular among younger audiences. He emphasizes the importance of building a community around content, highlighting Twitch's strength in fostering immediate and direct interactions with viewers.

Key Points:

• Live Streaming: Jordan explains that Twitch focuses solely on live, unedited content, differentiating it from platforms like YouTube or Facebook which offer both live and pre-recorded options.
• Community Building: He underscores the significance of creating a supportive community where fans not only engage with the creator but also with each other.
• Discord Integration: Expanding on community building, Jordan introduces Discord as a modern revival of old Internet forums, facilitating live chats and fostering close-knit groups with shared interests.

Notable Quotes:
"Twitch is all about building a community of people around your content." [05:00]
_"Discord is just a forum that you can create that has basically like live chatting channels." _[10:00]

3. Strategies for Effective Content Creation

When discussing content creation, Jordan emphasizes the necessity of being entertaining and engaging. He advises creators to experiment and find their unique voice through consistent effort.

Top Tips:

1. Be Entertaining: Content should inherently entertain to capture and retain audience attention.
2. Consistency is Key: Regular content production helps in building and maintaining an audience over time.
3. Collaborate and Network: Engaging with other creators and brands can help expand reach and foster community support.

Notable Quote:
"I think the thing is you just have to be doing it a lot until you kind of figure out what works for you." [14:00]

4. Overcoming Technical Barriers in Content Creation

Addressing common concerns about equipment, Jordan encourages aspiring creators to start with what they have, such as a smartphone, and upgrade equipment gradually as needed.

Advice:

• Start Simple: Utilize existing devices like smartphones for video creation and live streaming.
• Upgrade Over Time: As commitment and consistency grow, consider investing in better audio and video equipment.
• Lighting and Audio: Ensure adequate lighting and clear audio to enhance content quality without needing expensive gear.

Notable Quote:
"I would just start with a telephone and then see how you could, you know, expand from there." [22:35]

5. Mastering Visual Storytelling

Jordan elaborates on the importance of clarity and brevity in visual storytelling. He advises creators to deliver their message promptly to engage viewers who have limited attention spans.

Key Insights:

• Get to the Point: Clearly communicate the purpose of the content without unnecessary delays.
• Avoid Overcomplication: Keep visuals and messaging straightforward to ensure the audience understands the intended message quickly.
• Focus on Communication: Prioritize conveying the core message over elaborate stylistic elements.

Notable Quote:
"You need to let them know immediately, you know, if there's like a new product that you have... make it clear and immediate." [27:44]

6. Building and Engaging Communities

Highlighting the role of community, Jordan discusses how platforms like Discord and Twitch facilitate meaningful interactions beyond just the creator-to-audience dynamic. He emphasizes the value of nurturing relationships within the community to foster loyalty and support.

Discussion Points:

• Community Support: Encouraging fans to support each other can strengthen the overall community fabric.
• Engagement Beyond Content: Actively participating in community interactions helps maintain a loyal and engaged audience.
• Adaptation to Algorithms: Building a community-based presence can mitigate the challenges posed by platform algorithms that may limit content visibility.

Notable Quote:
"It's about being present kind of in the spaces where the people you want to reach are." [17:03]

7. Practical Applications for Jewelry Designers

Liz and Laryssa draw parallels between Jordan's content creation strategies and the jewelry industry, emphasizing the potential for live streaming and showcasing craftsmanship to engage audiences.

Suggestions:

• Live Crafting Sessions: Jewelry designers can live stream their creation process to attract viewers interested in the craftsmanship behind the products.
• Interactive Showcases: Engaging audiences through live interactions can build a deeper connection and enhance customer loyalty.
• Authentic Content: Sharing genuine, behind-the-scenes moments can resonate more with audiences compared to highly polished advertisements.

Notable Quote:
"There’s a lot of craft kind of stuff in the live stream space... You can just set up your computer, laptop, your webcam, whatever, and just, you know, have it running while you're working." [21:00]

8. Insider Insights and Future Directions

In the bonus segment, Jordan shares his observations on common mistakes content creators make, such as overcomplicating their content or neglecting clear messaging. He also touches upon the evolving nature of online communities and predicts increased mainstream adoption of platforms like Discord.

Predictions:

• Mainstream Adoption: Discord and similar platforms will become more widely used beyond their current niche communities.
• Evolving Content Strategies: Content creators will need to adapt to new formats and community-based interactions to stay relevant.
• Integration with Marketing: Live streaming and community engagement will become integral components of effective marketing strategies for businesses, including those in the jewelry industry.

Notable Quote:
"There's nothing that says that an expensive, highly produced image or video on the Internet will be more successful than one that's just done with the cameras that we all have in our pockets." [26:16]

9. Conclusion and Community Building

The episode wraps up with encouragement for listeners to engage with the podcast's community via Patreon, highlighting the benefits of joining a supportive network alongside accessing exclusive content and live streams.

Final Thoughts:

• Join the Community: Listeners are invited to join the podcast's Patreon for additional resources and community interaction.
• Continuous Learning: Engaging with a community of like-minded individuals fosters continuous improvement and inspiration.

Notable Quote:
"With that, you can join the Patreon. It's not just about supporting the podcast... you get Liz and Larissa's insight as sort of marketing leaders, but then everyone else is there too." [32:33]

Find Jordan Harris Online:

• YouTube: Search for "Shrug Buds" (one word) to access his web series "Stiltskin."
• Twitch & TikTok: Follow "Shrugbuds" across all platforms to stay updated with his latest content.

This episode serves as a treasure trove for jewelry designers and entrepreneurs seeking to harness the power of digital content creation and community building. Jordan Harris's expertise provides actionable strategies to navigate the ever-evolving online landscape, ensuring that jewelry brands can effectively communicate their stories and connect with their audiences.