Creator's Leverage Guild

Amazon Influencer Program 101: Getting Started & Building the Proper Foundations

In this episode of the Creators Leverage Guild podcast, Mike and Ben break down the Amazon Influencer Program from the ground up, with a strong focus on beginners and those early in the process.We walk through what the Amazon Influencer Program actually is, how Phase One works, and the different ways you can apply using your existing social media accounts. We also share practical tips for getting approved and setting yourself up for success right from the start.From there, we move into Phase Two and talk through what your first three videos should and should not look like. We cover common mistakes that can slow people down early on, what Amazon is really looking for, and how to avoid unnecessary rejections.A big part of this episode focuses on the importance of volume and consistency, specifically why creating your first 100 videos matters so much. We explain how those early videos help you build confidence, improve your filming process, and better understand the metrics that actually drive engagement and conversions.We also touch on basic equipment considerations, technical tips to make filming easier, and how being part of a community can shorten the learning curve as you grow in the program.If you’re brand new to the Amazon Influencer Program or looking for clarity on what to focus on next, this episode lays out a clear path forward.________________________JOIN THE COMMUNITYIf you are looking for deeper strategy, accountability, and honest conversations with other serious content creators, the Creator’s Leverage Guild was built for exactly that.Learn more and join here:⁠Creator’s Leverage Guild⁠WORK 1-ON-1 WITH MIKE AND BENGet personalized guidance on content strategy, monetization, brand deals, and scaling your creator business.• Book a 1-hour coaching call• Save with a 4-session coaching package⁠Sign Me Up!⁠_________________________JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK COMMUNITYConnect with other Amazon Influencers and content creators, ask questions, and stay up to date on what is working right now.⁠Amazon Influencer Success Facebook Group⁠_________________________TOOLS AND RESOURCES FOR CREATORSViral VueMake smarter content decisions and grow faster.⁠Try Viral Vue here⁠Use code STRAHL10 for 10% off for lifeOinkTrack earnings and performance across platforms.⁠Try Oink here⁠Use code STRAHL10 for 10% off for lifeDescriptEdit podcasts and videos faster and easier.⁠Check out Descript here⁠Affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.__________________________CONTACTHave a question, collaboration opportunity, or topic request?Email: mike@creatorsleverageguild.com

Free Samples, Paid Deals, and the Line Every Creator Eventually Crosses

In this episode of the Creator’s Leverage Guild Podcast, Mike and Ben break down the real-world mechanics of free samples, brand collaborations, and how creators can turn those opportunities into meaningful income without burning bridges or underselling themselves.They kick things off by sharing their early experiences with free samples, including the excitement of those first offers and how their approach has evolved as their platforms and leverage have grown. The conversation moves into common pitfalls creators face when relying too heavily on unpaid collaborations and how to recognize when it is time to shift from “free product” to paid partnerships.Mike and Ben dive deep into outbound brand outreach, including how to structure professional emails, how to communicate value, and how to confidently discuss budgets and collaboration fees. They also cover why professionalism, clarity, and consistency matter so much when dealing with brands long-term.The episode also touches on important topics like FTC disclosures, tax considerations around free products, and why understanding the business side of content creation is just as important as filming great videos. They explain how proper setup on YouTube, smart SEO practices, and deep linking tools can dramatically improve performance and earnings.This conversation is packed with practical advice for creators at every stage, whether you are just starting to receive samples or you are actively negotiating paid brand deals and looking to stack multiple income streams more effectively.If you want a clearer framework for handling brand collaborations, maximizing free samples, and building sustainable creator income, this episode is a must-listen.________________________JOIN THE COMMUNITYIf you are looking for deeper strategy, accountability, and honest conversations with other serious content creators, the Creator’s Leverage Guild was built for exactly that.Learn more and join here:Creator’s Leverage GuildWORK 1-ON-1 WITH MIKE AND BENGet personalized guidance on content strategy, monetization, brand deals, and scaling your creator business.• Book a 1-hour coaching call• Save with a 4-session coaching packageSign Me Up!_________________________JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK COMMUNITYConnect with other Amazon Influencers and content creators, ask questions, and stay up to date on what is working right now.Amazon Influencer Success Facebook Group_________________________TOOLS AND RESOURCES FOR CREATORSViral VueMake smarter content decisions and grow faster.Try Viral Vue hereUse code STRAHL10 for 10% off for lifeOinkTrack earnings and performance across platforms.Try Oink hereUse code STRAHL10 for 10% off for lifeDescriptEdit podcasts and videos faster and easier.Check out Descript hereAffiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.__________________________CONTACTHave a question, collaboration opportunity, or topic request?Email: mike@creatorsleverageguild.com

What We’re Building in 2026 and Why Accountability Is the Foundation

In this episode of the Basic Influencer Strategies Podcast, Mike is joined by Ben for an important announcement episode that marks a major turning point heading into 2026.This conversation represents the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Mike and Ben share why they have decided to officially partner together on the podcast going forward and what that means for the future direction of the show.They talk through how their focus as content creators has evolved, including a stronger emphasis on YouTube, higher-quality video production, and building systems that support long-term growth instead of short-term wins. Ben shares insight into narrowing focus, improving production quality, and why intentional content decisions matter more than ever.A big part of this episode centers around the importance of community, accountability, and surrounding yourself with creators who are actively building. That leads into the announcement of a brand-new community that Mike and Ben have been building behind the scenes. This community is designed specifically for serious content creators who want structure, strategy, accountability, and real conversations about what is actually working.They also discuss personal goals for 2026, how to balance content creation across platforms without burning out, and why quality, efficiency, and focus will be the difference-maker going forward.If you have been following the podcast for a while, this episode sets the stage for what is coming next and why things are about to look very different, in the best way possible._________________________________JOIN THE NEW COMMUNITY:If you are looking for deeper strategy, accountability, and real conversations with other serious content creators, we have launched a brand-new community designed to support creators who want to grow with intention.You can learn more and join the community here: Creator's Leverage GuildWork 1-on-1 with Mike and BenGet personalized guidance on content, strategy, and monetization. Book a 1-hour call or save with a 4-session coaching package. Sign me Up!__________________________________JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK COMMUNITY:Amazon Influencer Success Facebook Group__________________________________TOOLS AND RESOURCES FOR CREATORS:Viral Vue. Make smarter content decisions and grow faster.Try Viral Vue here Use code STRAHL10 for 10% off for lifeOink. Track earnings and performance across platforms.Try Oink here Use code STRAHL10 for 10% off for lifeDescript. Edit your podcasts and videos like a pro.Check out Descript hereAffiliate link. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.___________________________CONTACT:Have a question, collaboration opportunity, or topic request?Email: mike@creatorsleverageguild.com

From Teacher to Creator: How Jen Built Income with UGC and Travel Content

In this episode of the Basic Influencer Strategies Podcast, Mike is joined by Jen, a full-time content creator and photographer from Alberta, Canada, to break down how User Generated Content (UGC) actually works and how creators are getting paid without relying on a large following.Jen shares her journey from being a grade one teacher to building a full-time income through photography, UGC, and brand partnerships. We talk through what UGC is, how it differs from traditional influencer marketing and the Amazon Influencer Program, and why it has become one of the most accessible ways for creators to monetize their skills.The conversation dives into how Jen landed her first UGC opportunities, what brands look for when hiring creators, and how to position yourself professionally even when you’re just getting started. Jen also walks through her experience using Fiverr for UGC work, including how response rates, reviews, and communication directly impact long-term success.We also explore the travel side of UGC, where Jen shares how she’s exchanged content for luxury accommodations, how to pitch hotels and travel brands, and what creators need to understand before trading content for experiences.If you’re interested in UGC, freelancing as a content creator, or using content creation to unlock paid brand deals and travel opportunities, this episode is packed with real-world insight and actionable advice.Topics covered in this episode:What UGC is and how it differs from influencer marketingUGC vs the Amazon Influencer ProgramHow to get started with UGC as a beginnerCreating content brands are willing to pay forUsing Fiverr for UGC work and brand outreachBuilding a portfolio without prior brand dealsNegotiating rates and understanding your valueWhy response rate and communication matterUsing UGC to unlock travel and hotel opportunitiesBalancing UGC with other income streams_______________Follow along with Jen's Journey!Travel with Jenny JoUGC with Jenny Jo_______________💡 Work 1-on-1 with Mike🚀 ⁠⁠Book a Single 1-Hour Strategy Session⁠⁠💼 ⁠⁠Save with a 4 Session Bundle⁠⁠👥 Join Our Free Facebook CommunityConnect with fellow creators, share wins, and learn strategies that work:👉 ⁠Amazon Influencer Success Facebook Group⁠⁠🔥 Tools & Resources for InfluencersViral Vue – Make smarter content decisions and grow faster.👉 ⁠⁠Try Viral Vue here⁠⁠ — Use code STRAHL10 for 10% off for life(Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)Oink – Track earnings and performance across platforms.👉 ⁠⁠Try Oink Here - Use code STRAHL10 for 10% off for lifeDescript – Edit your podcasts and videos like a pro.👉 ⁠Check out Descript here⁠⁠(Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)📩 ContactHave a question, collab opportunity, or topic request?Email: mike@creatorsleverageguild.com

Unlocking Tax Strategies for Content Creators: Expert Insights with Tina McGlynn

In this episode of the Basic Influencer Strategies Podcast, Mike is joined by tax professional and Amazon Influencer Program participant Tina McGlynn to break down essential tax strategies every content creator should understand.We dive into why creators need to start treating their content as a business early on, and Tina walks through foundational topics like Schedule C filings, LLC vs S-Corp considerations, deductible expenses, and proper record keeping.Special attention is given to navigating brand deal income, understanding the fair market value of gifted products, and avoiding common mistakes that can cost creators thousands at tax time. Tina also shares practical advice on setting up business bank accounts, tracking income correctly, and staying organized year-round.The episode wraps up with resources and guidance Tina offers to help creators confidently handle their taxes and legally minimize what they owe.Whether you’re brand new or scaling fast, this episode will help you build smarter systems and avoid painful tax surprises.Treating content creation like a business from day oneSchedule C basics for content creatorsLLC vs S-Corp considerationsDeductible expenses creators often missHandling brand deals and gifted productsFair market value of samplesSetting up business bank accountsRecord keeping and tax prep systems________________________________Download Tina's Tax Guide Here!Tax Guide Checklist________________________________💡 Work 1-on-1 with Mike🚀 ⁠Book a Single 1-Hour Strategy Session⁠💼 ⁠Save with a 4 Session Bundle👥 Join Our Free Facebook CommunityConnect with fellow creators, share wins, and learn strategies that work:⁠👉 Amazon Influencer Success Facebook Group⁠🔥 Tools & Resources for InfluencersViral Vue – Make smarter content decisions and grow faster.👉 ⁠Try Viral Vue here⁠ — Use code STRAHL10 for 10% off for life(Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)Oink – Track earnings and performance across platforms.👉 ⁠Try Oink here⁠ - Use code STRAHL10 for 10% off for life(Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)Descript – Edit your podcasts and videos like a pro.⁠👉 Check out Descript here⁠(Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)📩 ContactHave a question, collab opportunity, or topic request?Email: mike@creatorsleverageguild.com⁠