
Hosted by Bree Pair and Thrive · EN

Tax season doesn't have to be scary, especially when cookies are involved. In this episode, I'm joined by Katie Callaway from Cookie Finance to tackle all things taxes for content creators. We break down exactly what you need to have in place—from LLCs to business bank accounts—and demystify the world of write-offs, quarterly payments, and how much to set aside for the IRS. The team at Cookie is specifically trained for and tailored to creators like us. They actually get our industry and all of the nuance that goes into our purchases. Find It Quickly: 00:16 - Meet Katie from Cookie Finance 06:39 - The Importance of LLCs for Content Creators 11:23 - Setting Up Business Bank Accounts 15:14 - Preparing for Tax Season 19:48 - Common Tax Deductions for Content Creators 24:17 - Cookie Finance Services Connect with Cookie: Try Cookie: thrivetogether.blog/cookie

Tired of writing blog posts no one reads? Let's fix that. In this episode, I'm walking you through the exact steps to format your blog posts so that people actually want to read them. We're talking real strategies, tactical steps, and zero fluff. If writing makes you nervous, or you feel like no one's clicking through your content, this episode is your starting point. This is part four in our blogging series, and we're covering why structure matters, how to make posts scannable, and how to use headings the right way for both your reader and Google. PLUS—our very first listener question! Sabrina asks about Wix vs. WordPress, and I give you a full breakdown on which is better for long-term growth and monetization. Check Out the Episodes in Our Blogging Series: 381: How to Pick the Right Blog Platform Based on Your Goals 386: What to Write on Your Blog as an Influencer: Your Guide to Content Pillars, Keywords, & Calendars 392: Is Blogging Still Worth It? Yes—Here's How to Get Consistent Traffic Find It Quickly: 01:31 - Blog Writing Confidence and Structure 02:36 - Formatting Tips for Readable Blog Posts 07:17 - Using Headings for SEO and Readability 12:09 - Final Tips and Encouragement 18:26 - Listener Question: Wix vs WordPress Mentioned in this Episode: Ask Bree: thrivetogether.blog/askbree Boldfluence: thrivetogether.blog/boldfluence Siteground: siteground.com BigScoots: bigscoots.com 381: How to Pick the Right Blog Platform Based on Your Goals

Want to make money on Instagram without waiting for brand deals or hitting 10K followers? In this episode, I'm breaking down how you can start making real money through short-form video without needing a big following. We're going beyond the usual "wait-for-brand-deals" model and diving into smart affiliate strategies that work now. Find It Quickly: 01:59 - The Importance of Publishing Content 02:46 - Monetizing Instagram Reels 04:49 - Affiliate Marketing Strategies 07:04 - Maximizing Affiliate Income with Reels 11:16 - Engaging Content Ideas for Affiliates 14:42 - Consistency and Community Support Mentioned in this Episode: Pricing Guide: thrivetogether.blog/pricingguide Boldfluence: thrivetogether.blog/boldfluence Youtube Channel: youtube.com/@thrivetogetherblog

If you're listening to this, you might be feeling the weight of the world—and you're not alone. I'm recording from Minnesota, with a heavy heart, in the middle of a time when the news and social media feel overwhelmingly heartbreaking. Today's episode is about holding space for both grief and growth. So many of you have reached out, asking: How do we keep showing up? What do we post when the world is in crisis? This is not a how-to guide. Instead, I'm offering a moment of reflection. I'm here to remind you that your work matters and that taking care of your mental health, protecting your energy, and showing up with purpose is necessary. Find It Quickly: 01:11 - Balancing Grief and Purpose 02:20 - Building a Sustainable Business 04:43 - Protecting Your Mental Health 05:58 - Adapting Your Content Strategy 06:58 - Embracing Authenticity and Visibility 09:18 - Holding Multiple Truths Mentioned in this Episode: Episode 144: How to Handle Societal Crisis as a Blogger & Influencer Episode 375: Protecting Your Peace as an Influencer

If you've ever sat down to plan your content and felt completely stuck or overwhelmed, you're not alone. I have a simple concept to help you plan your content for the next 12 months! In this episode, I walk you through a framework that guides you through brainstorming and mapping out content for your entire year—without pressure, perfection, or burnout. I know how good it feels to take an idea and turn it into a system, so that's exactly what we're doing together today. We'll break down your year into manageable steps, so you don't walk into the next month without a plan. Make sure you snag our Holiday Calendar >> Find It Quickly: 01:47 - The Importance of Planning 05:41 - Step-by-Step Content Planning 07:59 - Holiday and Special Days Content 13:11 - Quarterly Planning and Core Content Mentioned in this Episode: Holiday Calendar: thrivetogether.blog/holiday Boldfluence: thrivetogether.blog/boldfluence

Think blog traffic is dead? Think again. In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly how to get eyes on your blog in 2026 without burning out or depending on one algorithm to rule them all. If you've been putting in the work to write valuable content but no one's reading it, this one's for you. We're continuing our blog series (catch up on Episodes 381 and 386 if you missed them!) with a full traffic game plan: five key sources to help you bring consistent, diversified traffic to your blog. From SEO to Pinterest to strategic collaborations, I'll walk you through what works, what to expect, and how to stay consistent. ✨ Want to ask me a question on the podcast? Leave me a message >> ✨ Find It Quickly 02:34 - The Reality of Blog Traffic 04:56 - Diversifying Traffic Sources 05:32 - SEO: The Long-Term Traffic Driver 09:30 - Pinterest: The Visual Search Engine 13:08 - Leveraging Social Media 15:27 - Email Lists: Your Most Engaged Readers 18:42 - Collaborations and Guest Posts 22:47 - Creating a Traffic Plan Mentioned in this Episode 381: How to Pick the Right Blog Platform Based on Your Goals 386: What to Write on Your Blog as an Influencer: Your Guide to Content Pillars, Keywords, & Calendars Ask a Question: thrivetogether.blog/askbree Boldfluence Tailwind Canva Templates Why Flodesk is the Best Email Marketing Tool for Influencers Flodesk ManyChat

I don't know about you, but I love starting the new year feeling fresh, especially after the chaos of the holidays, travel, and family events. That reset feeling is real, and it's the perfect time to map out your content strategy for the year ahead. If you're building a brand, whether you're a blogger, influencer, or full‑time creator, 2026 will not be the year you succeed by winging it. The content landscape is evolving, and the creators who grow will be the ones who combine creativity with intentional, audience-focused strategy. In this episode, I'm sharing the six strategic shifts every content creator needs to thrive in 2026. Find It Quickly 01:10 - Content Strategy for 2026: Key Elements 02:25 - Video Content Dominance: The Future is Visual 05:11 - The Power of Storytelling in Content Creation 07:07 - SEO in Social Media: Adapting to New Trends 10:27 - Building Community Connections 15:32 - Going Deeper with Your Audience 18:58 - Leveraging AI for Content Creation 25:34 - Consistency and Content Creation Tips 31:04 - Metrics and Accessibility in 2026 Mentioned in this Episode: CEO Report Boldfluence

Have you ever blamed the algorithm for hurting your content's performance? Same—we've all been there. In today's episode, Shannon McKinstrie joins us to share how we can take back the algorithm through a few content creation strategies and tips! Today's episode is brought to you by Shift: Are you ready to get paid for your creativity, have more flexibility, and make a consistent monthly income without overwhelm? Bloggers, influencers, and content creators work so hard and are not getting paid what they're worth. If you're making more than $10,000 a year from your brand and are craving the strategy and confidence to create consistent monthly income in a brand that gives you stability, then blogging babe, I want you to go and apply for Shift. Shift is 12 months of customized strategy and coaching for bloggers, influencers, and content creators who are ready to have a consistent monthly income. APPLY NOW Important Sections of the Conversation: (2:08) Meet Shannon (4:20) Challenges in Social Media (8:18) The Four H's of Content Creation (12:22) Understanding and Leveraging the Algorithm (14:11) Engagement Strategies and Relatability (17:17) Apply Today for a Brand Review (17:36) Understanding Low Growth and Engagement (18:01) Effective Calls to Action (18:39) Self-Awareness in Content Creation (19:58) The Importance of Social Media Buddies (20:48) Tweaking Content for Better Engagement (26:25) Repurposing Content That Didn't Perform (27:51) Navigating Algorithm Changes Connect with Shannon shannonmckinstrie.com Good Content with Shannon McKinstrie The Reels Lab Looking for more support? Check out our coaching programs! Shift—If you've made more than $5k in the last 12-months, apply today! Boldfluence—if you need help getting your foundation started, as well as knowing where to spend your time for the most growth! ----- If you're looking for a blogging & influencer community, then join us over on Facebook, the Thrive Blogging Community!