Building Community and Strategy in the Creator Economy

In this episode, Kelly records outdoors in the crisp fall air of Georgia and reflects on her journey with **KB Media Equine**, her equestrian-focused brand of her media business. What started as a niche equestrian project has taught her invaluable lessons about **community-building, content strategy, and authentic connection**—insights she now brings to other businesses across industries. Kelly emphasizes that there has never been a better time to be in the **social media creator space**, with the value of online presence at an all-time high. She shares her five core principles for building a thriving community:

1. **Create relatable, shareable content** tailored to your target audience.

2. **Blend entertainment with brand awareness**, making content enjoyable while still strategic.

3. **Diversify platforms**—from podcasts to skit series—to reach audiences in multiple ways.

4. **Build trust before monetizing**—authenticity must come first.

5. **Analyze and adjust** your strategy continuously to stay aligned with your goals.

Drawing on her own projects, including a self-funded equestrian documentary series that cost around $9,000 with support from a single sponsor, Kelly explains how storytelling can elevate a brand. She also highlights the importance of **consistent content, clear messaging, and a strong production team** to make podcasts and docu-series successful.