Influencer Confidential

Everyone asks the same question: "What's the best niche to make money with brand deals?" The answer probably isn't what you think.

In this episode, Nina shares the six types of creators consistently landing paid brand deals today. From results-driven creators and platform specialists to consistent pitchers and systems builders, you'll learn the habits and strategies that separate creators who consistently monetize from those who stay stuck waiting for opportunities.

If you're serious about growing your creator business, landing sponsorships, and building a sustainable income, this is the mindset shift you need.

💻 Free Brand Dea...

You Can Follow Ali Here:

Instagram: @aligrant https://www.instagram.com/aligrant/
TikTok: @aligrnt https://www.tiktok.com/@aligrnt
Website: http://thedigitaldept.com

In this episode of Influencer Confidential, I sit down with Ali Grant, a true OG in the creator space who has quite literally grown alongside the industry.
From the early days of blogging and gifting campaigns to now managing hundreds of creators and building a full-scale talent management company, Ali shares a behind-the-scenes look at how the creator economy has evolved and where it’s headed next.
We get in...

If you've been wondering why brand deals feel harder to land lately, you're not imagining it, but it's not because influencer marketing is dying. In this episode, Nina Zadeh from Sidewalker Daily breaks down how the creator economy has evolved, what brands are actually looking for today, and the biggest mistakes creators make when pitching themselves for sponsorship opportunities. You'll learn how to adapt your strategy, position your value, and continue securing paid partnerships even as the industry changes. Whether you're a content creator, influencer, UGC creator, or aspiring brand partner, this episode will help you understand where the opportunities...

You Can Follow Adobe Here:

Instagram:@adobeexpress
TikTok: @adobeexpress
YouTube: @adobeexpress
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/adobe-express/
Website: adobe.com/express

#PartneredwithAdobeExpress In this episode of Influencer Confidential, I’m sitting down with the incredibly talented Elise Swopes, an artist, creative pioneer, and Senior Evangelist at Adobe, who has truly been ahead of the curve since day one.

From becoming one of the first iPhone artists to gaining global recognition before “influencer” was even a title, Elise brings a level of experience and perspective that feels both rare and deeply needed right...

If you're creating UGC content but not getting consistent brand deal offers, this episode is for you.

Sidewalker Daily has worked on both sides of the influencer industry, consulting for brands and helping creators build sustainable businesses, so Nina knows exactly what brands are looking for when they choose (and re-hire) UGC creators.

In this episode, Nina breaks down the key differences between UGC creators who get hired repeatedly and those who get passed over — from how you present your work to the quality signals brands actually evaluate to the professional behaviors that make brands want to...

Brand deals are just for influencers…says WHO?? You do NOT need to be a traditional influencer to work with brands.

If you’re a coach, course creator, podcaster, speaker, founder, business owner, newsletter writer, community builder, or expert in your niche… there are still SO many ways for you to land strategic partnerships and brand deals.

Partnerships are not just for influencers. They’re for entrepreneurs who know how to position the value they already bring to the table.

This episode is all about the creative ways YOU can work with brands - even if...

Speaking on stages isn’t just about public speaking. It’s one of the fastest ways to build authority, grow your network, create partnerships, and open up entirely new revenue opportunities in your business. If you’ve been thinking about landing speaking opportunities as a creator, influencer, founder, or entrepreneur… this episode is for you! I’m breaking down how YOU can actually land speaking gigs and why these opportunities can lead to brand deals, partnerships, clients, and long-term business growth far beyond the speaking fee itself.

💻 Free Brand Deals Training: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/brand-deals-training/
🤩 Ready To Level Up? Speak...

You Can Follow Mafe Here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mafeanzures/
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@mafeanzures

I Missed Me Podcast:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2nVufNbqEdpodCw624vLUf
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/hr/podcast/i-missed-me/id1643377497

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mafeanzures
Website: https://mafeanzures.com/

Community (THE INFLUENCER LAB):  https://www.patreon.com/mafeanzures
Join the Editing Masterclass: https://shop.beacons.ai/mafeanzures/6df9e4e6-fea6-4e03-90eb-2d9023177b50?pageViewSource=lib_view&referrer=https://mafeanzures.com/

In this episode, I s...

You Can Follow Lucie Here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luciebfink/

The Real Stuff Podcast:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0TdvoWQBDY353htUa47qSp?si=1368f8ea280f4c74Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-real-stuff-with-lucie-fink/id1724982367 Website: https://luciefink.com/ Course: Youtube LaunchPad: https://luciefink.com/youtube
In this episode, I sit down with Lucie Fink, a powerhouse creator, video producer, and entrepreneur who made her mark in digital media creating viral video...

If you want to be seen as an authority in your space… you can’t rely on content alone.
You need to start putting yourself in places that validate your expertise.
And one of the most powerful ways to do that is through media and press.
In this episode, I’m breaking down how to pitch yourself for press features so you can build credibility, increase visibility, and open doors to new opportunities beyond brand deals. Because pitching isn’t just for paid partnerships.
When you learn how to pitch the media, you position yourself as someone...

You Can Follow Conar Here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conarfair/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@conarfairway
Conar Fair Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conarfairway
One Peak Creative Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onepeakcreative/

Enroll in the Tik Tok & Reels Course: https://findyourpeak.onepeakcreative.com/a/2147636233/qJ2aDraT

Try Format Finder AI Tool for your content: https://get.onepeakcreative.com/format-finder-97?via=nina

Conar is truly one of those creators who has cracked the code when it comes to content, and in this episode, it shows. I sit...

One of the most overlooked growth strategies as a creator or business owner is getting booked on podcasts.
In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how to pitch yourself as a podcast guest - so you can grow your audience, build authority, and create opportunities beyond brand deals.
Because the creators who grow faster aren’t just waiting to be discovered…they’re actively putting themselves in rooms they weren’t invited to yet.
Podcast guesting is one of the most powerful ways to expand your reach, build credibility, and grow your network - while positioning yourself a...

If the idea of collaborating with other creators feels awkward, forced, or a little “what do I even say?” - then this episode is for you. Because the relationships you build with other creators can completely change your business. From new opportunities, referrals, and audience growth… to friendships that actually make this whole journey more fun! In this episode, I’m breaking down how to collaborate with YouTubers, Instagrammers, TikTokers (and more) in a way that feels natural, mutually beneficial, and not weird at all. Because the creators who grow the fastest? They’re not doing this alone!

💻 Free Brand De...

If you think pitching is just about brand deal… then this episode is going to change how you see your entire business!

Because the truth is: most creators are pitching in the smallest way possible and pitching is actually so much bigger than that.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the opportunity strategy no one is teaching - how pitching can open doors for growth, visibility, relationships, and revenue in your business (not just sponsorships).

We’re diving into the 3 types of pitching every creator should be using… so you can start building a system...

If you’ve been trying to grow on Instagram but feel like nothing is working… this is what Instagram actually wants you to do.

Yup - straight from the Instagram team itself. No guessing, no trends, no opinions. In this episode, I’m breaking down the 5 ways to grow your reach based on what Instagram has directly told creators to focus on. AND more importantly, showing you exactly how to apply each one to your content strategy!

✨ AI Prompt to Generate Instagram Hooks: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UBPLYDqTerT2mFdXYCsXTdgQAD9D-3sF/view?usp=sharing

Thinking about hiring an influencer manager to help you land brand deals? Before you sign anything… listen to this.

In this episode, I’m breaking down what it actually looks like to work with a creator manager, when it does make sense to get one (and when it doesn’t), plus what managers are really looking for before they even say yes to working with you!

This will help you make a smarter, more informed decision for your business. Because at the end of the day… this is your business. And how you choose to run it matte...

If you're trying to land UGC brand deals or paid creator opportunities, you can’t just sit around waiting for brands to magically show up in your inbox. You have to go find them!
In this episode, I’m sharing some of my favorite places creators can look for UGC partnerships, paid creator jobs, and brand collaborations — including a few spots that many creators completely overlook. This will help you think more strategically about where opportunities actually live (and how to go after them).
Because the creators who get paid consistently? They’re searching, pitching, networking, and building systems...

There’s a big difference between making money as a creator… and building a sustainable, scalable creator business.

And once you hit that $50K mark, the strategy, mindset, and legal + financial structure need to shift - fast. In this episode, I’m breaking down what creators at this income level need to think about differently.

How you position yourself and price your work, to the backend decisions that protect your growth as you scale.

If you’re considering electing S-Corp status and need a simple payroll system, Gusto is our go-to: https://gusto.pxf.io/55XYO...

You Can Follow Kristen Here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kbousq/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kbousq
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KristenBousquet
Website: https://www.yoursoulcialmate.com/
Podcast: https://www.yoursoulcialmate.com/podcast
Join Soulcialmate: https://www.yoursoulcialmate.com/membership

In this episode of Influence Confidential, I sat down with Kristen Bousquet — Creator Monetization Coach, founder of Your Soulcialmate, and Contributor at Forbes — to talk about what it really takes to build a profitable, sustainable Creator business. After generating over $500,000 as a micro-influencer and selling her first business at 25, Kris...

I’ve been on both sides of the creator economy - I’ve managed influencer budgets on the brand side and I’ve helped creators negotiate paid partnerships from the creator side. In this episode, I’m breaking down what brands will and will not pay creators for, and where I see negotiations get messy (or unnecessary) because expectations weren’t clear from the start. We’re talking about what’s typically fair to charge for in brand deals, sponsorships, UGC, and influencer partnerships, etc. My goal is simple: help you create a win-win partnership where you get paid like a pro, and the...

Think you can only pitch brands in your niche? Think again!

Limiting your pitches to one category might be the very thing capping your income as a creator.

In this episode, I’m sharing why pitching outside your niche can actually help you land bigger (and better-paying) brand deals - plus real examples of creators getting paid when they expand their angles.

Remember: brands care about ideas and storytelling just as much as they care about niche.

💻 Free Brand Deals Training: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/brand-deals-training/
🤩 Ready To Level Up? Speak with Our Succ...

You Can Follow Laura Here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ganacomobookkeeper/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-grajales-51b226152/ Website: https://www.paragonacct.com/ Portal del Cliente & Acceso a Recursos: https://www.paragonacct.com/recursos Client Portal & Access to Resources: https://www.paragonacct.com/en/recursos Tools Mentioned: Influencer Taxes 101 Masterclass: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/influencer-taxes-101/ Gusto: https://gusto.pxf.io/55XYOn Monarch Money: https://monarchmoney.sjv.io/DyjnDy QuickBooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/poygo9t2u82p

In today’s episode of Influencer Confidential, we did things a little differently.
I invited my CP...

After years on the brand side managing influencer budgets (and plenty of honest conversations with friends who still run campaigns today), I’m sharing five things creators do that quietly destroy their chances of getting a paid partnership - often without even realizing it.

We’re talking about the small habits, wording, and positioning choices that can either build trust with brands… or quietly hurt your credibility.

If you’re trying to land more paid opportunities this year, this episode is a helpful reset and a reminder that a few small tweaks can completely change how you’re p...

It seems like Instagram drops a new feature every five minutes 😅

And if you feel like you can't keep up with all the new updates lately... I got you! 

In this episode, I'm breaking down the latest Instagram updates every creator should actually know about (and how to use them with intention).

These are the tools we’re seeing right now on the platform and how creators are using them to stay visible, test content, and work smarter inside the app.

Get the full presentation here: https://sidewalkerdaily.kit.com/52b84fa32d

You Can Follow Jessie Here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@makemoneytravelblogging

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessieonajourney

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessieonajourney/

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@jessieonajourney

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessieonajourney

Twitter/X: https://x.com/JessonaJourney

Website: https://jessieonajourney.com/

Free Blogger Resource Library: 75+ Cheat Sheets, Templates & Tutorials To Grow Your Traffic, Email List & Income: https://jessieonajourney.com/free-blogging-printables/

The Profitable Travel Blogger Podcast: https://jessieonajourney.com/podcast-for-bloggers/

Travel Creator Community Facebook Group: https://www...

⚡️ Want to know more about Paid Creator? Click here! https://thepaidcreator.substack.com/

 💻 Free Brand Deals Training: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/brand-deals-training/

🤩 Need Help With Your Creator Business? Speak with Our Success Manager: https://calendly.com/sidewalkerdailyteam/discovery

🌟 Best-Selling Pitching to Brands Mastercourse: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/ptbm/

🎁 Free Gift For Influencers & Creators: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/influencer-business-resources/

👀 Want to get brands to notice you? Try THIS! https://sidewalkerdaily.lpages.co/how-to-get-brands-to-notice-you/

💫 Inner Circle: Private creator community + weekly support https://sidewalkerdaily.lpages.co/inner-circle/

:::::

This episode can be seen on YouTube: htt...

I’ve worked behind the scenes with top travel influencers - and once you’re close enough to watch how the pros move? You start noticing patterns.

I’m walking you through the habits I consistently see among successful travel creators, and one of the first habits I talk about is a big one: if you want to be taken seriously as a creator, you can’t afford to be unreachable.

That’s why we partnered with GigSky, an eSIM that keeps you connected in 120+ countries - without airport SIM swaps, unreliable Wi-Fi, or expensive roaming fees.

You Can Follow Megan here:

Website: https://grin.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grin-inc- 
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megvas/

Today on Influencer Confidential, I’m sitting down with Megan Vasquez from GRIN, a true OG in the creator economy who’s worked brand-side, agency-side, talent-side, and now in tech. We talk about how brands actually discover creators, what’s happening behind the scenes when brands are scrolling Instagram on desktop, and why things like consistency, your bio, and having your email visible matter more than most creators realize.

We...

Whether you love AI or hate it, one thing is clear: IT’S HERE TO STAY.

We’ve all seen the AI and deepfake videos floating around the internet lately and they’re equal parts fascinating and terrifying! And no, the creator industry is not exempt from this shift. In fact… it’s already showing up inside brand deal contracts!

In this episode, I’m walking you through what I’m actually seeing right now when it comes to AI and brand partnerships from both the brand side and the c...