Hi Friend 👋

This is kind of a big issue, like in a good way. Today is the first time I wake up on Friday and don’t have to write a newsletter. Because Tom Boyd, the creator economy expert behind bonusfootage, has written the first guest article for this publication.

It’s another sign that all the seeds I’ve been sowing over the last two years are now starting to grow and blossom.

Hope you enjoy

💛 Valentin

New in Orbit:
📺 Why Alex Antolino bet his future on starting a YouTube game show 
📝 The 3 rules of YouTube I finally understand

Make Your First $10K as a Creator (Even With a Small Following)

I've spent years working with brands and creators from both sides – as the guy hiring creatives at a billion-dollar company and landing deals for my own content. I also host the "Creators Are Brands" podcast where I talk to some of the biggest creators in the world about how they've built their businesses & land deals.

I’ve been on projects where I've paid creatives for everything imaginable – TV ads, billboards, logos, music videos – but what fascinates me most is the explosion of short-form content. Today, anyone who can communicate effectively on camera can get paid to create for brands. This simply wasn't possible five years ago.

The most inspiring part? Most of these creators aren't full-timers!

They're moms sharing lunch-packing routines, graphic design students documenting their daily lives, basketball enthusiasts showing summer training sessions. I've watched them earn their first $10K and beyond, all because of smartphones and short-form content.

Here's the truth: The creator economy is noisy,

but the path to your first $10K isn't as complicated as people make it. Brands are desperate for authentic content that converts, because it's their pipeline to organically reach new customers. That’s why they'll pay for it regardless of your follower count. The game has shifted from vanity metrics to performance, and that's great news for small creators who understand how to position themselves.

If you create short-form content that educates, entertains, or inspires - especially if it includes a product and speaks authentically to a specific audience - hen you already have a skill that brands pay for. The opportunity is wide open.

Now here is how to make it happen.

1. Brands pay for QUALITY, not follower count. My friend with 1K followers makes more than some with 50K because her content converts.

2. Think like the brand's customer. The more you can embody their ideal audience in your content, the more valuable you become.

3. DM to Email is the magic formula. Don't pitch in DMs – ask for the email of their creator partnerships person instead.

4. Ask "How do you typically work with creators?" This single question will tell you EVERYTHING about potential fit.

5. Don't be the cheapest option. When I'm hiring creators, I'm suspicious of anyone charging too little because it signals inexperience. Price with confidence and brands will respect you.

6. Your face is worth $500 minimum. When brands license your image for ads, that's valuable – don't undersell yourself. I need you to know your worth and get confident with that number

7. Facebook Ad Library is your goldmine. It’s a public tool that shows you which brands are running ads. If they’re running ads, they have a budget, often tens of thousands of dollars. They’ll gladly pay more upfront to a creator who helps them get better results than the next person.

8. Build relationships, not transactions. The brand manager you're talking to today could be running departments tomorrow. You’re not working with a”brand”, you’re working with a human who is making human decisions. If you make them look good, they’ll make sure you get paid.

9. Make your content searchable. Use relevant keywords in your bio & content so brands can find you. When I search for creators, I don’t use any fancy software. Same with my friends who work at some of the biggest agencies. We start with Instagram and search relevant keywords to that brand’s niche.

10. Exclusivity and usage matter more than deliverables. Understand what rights you're giving away – it's where the real money is. Every month of exclusive — more money. Every month of paid usage — more money. I learned this the hard way for a pajamas ad that ran for a year (I only charged them for a month). All my friends would send screenshots of my dancing around the bedroom in silky loungewear. That reminded me every time I should have charged 12x!

    

Remember, this is still the wild west. The creator economy is evolving daily, and most brand managers are figuring it out as they go – just like you.

When they reach out, they've already sold you to their team. You're pre-approved. So stand your ground on pricing, deliver quality work that makes them look good to their boss, and you'll be in their speed dial for every campaign. Your first $10K isn't just possible – it's waiting for you to claim it.

Your next step is to find three brands in your niche today. Study their content, see how they work with creators, and start building a relationship. If you need help with that check out Tom’s guide on how to DM brands. The sooner you start, the sooner you get paid. 🚀

Do you want to write a guest article that helps solo creators?
Hit reply and pitch your topic.

My favorite things this week

Speed’s guide to dressing better without trying

Ultrasharp’s secret sauce to cinematic colors

Aaron Palabyab is a motorcycle and adventure creator I discovered from a comment on my channel and immediately wanted to binge his videos. If you like outdoor travel content go check him out.

What’s on your watch later list right now?

Cheat Code I discovered this week:

I finally set up a Thumbnail Swipe file and in an effort to dramatically improve my packaging skills I discovered Thomas Frank has a incredibly detailed FREE guide on how to make better thumbnails. Plus a bunch of other well written guides.
I guess websites are not dead yet.

In case you missed it:

⬅️ Last week I discovered the money making power of saying no.

➡️ Next week we talk about how to prevent burnout as a solo creator

Thank you for reading 💛