Make Money, Adapt & Be True to Yourself with Shelly Saves the Day
- August 5, 2024
Welcome to another episode of the Road to Revenue, where we dive, or in this case step, into the lives of creators, uncovering the twists, turns, and triumphs on their path to success. Today, we’re joined by Shelly, a YouTube creator known for her diverse content and educational tutorials. Shelly’s journey is a fascinating one, starting with aspirations to become an NFL cheerleader and evolving into a successful career on YouTube. We’ll explore how she transitioned from the cheerleading stage to the digital screen, sharing valuable insights along the way.
From Cheerleading to YouTube
Shelly’s journey into the world of YouTube began with an unexpected twist. Years ago, while trying out for an NFL cheerleading team, a coach advised her to improve her makeup skills. This simple suggestion led Shelly down a rabbit hole of beauty tutorials on YouTube. Despite not feeling confident enough to create makeup tutorials herself, Shelly found her niche in unboxing subscription boxes like Ipsy and BoxyCharm. Her first YouTube channel focused on sharing her opinions about the products she received, marking the beginning of her creator journey.
Evolution of Content
Shelly’s passion for creating and sharing her experiences didn’t stop at beauty products. She ventured into discussing the creator journey itself, sharing insights on filming equipment, video editing, and lighting. This shift led to the birth of her current channel, where she educates fellow creators on the technical aspects of content creation. Shelly’s tutorials are highly regarded, reflecting her dedication to helping others succeed in the digital realm.
The Revenue Journey
Interestingly, revenue wasn’t Shelly’s primary motivation when she started. Her initial focus was on educating and removing excuses for those wanting to create content. However, as her channel grew, the reality of needing to monetize her efforts became apparent. Shelly’s first significant revenue stream came from Amazon’s influencer program, which eventually became a substantial part of her income. She emphasizes the importance of diversifying revenue streams, sharing her experiences with affiliates, AdSense, courses, and consulting.
Overcoming Challenges
One of the biggest challenges Shelly faced was her discomfort with selling. Having worked in sales for a decade, she initially resisted monetizing her audience. However, she realized that providing valuable solutions and being transparent about her revenue streams was essential. Shelly’s mindset shift allowed her to embrace selling as a necessary part of her creator journey.
Adapting to New Technologies
Shelly is no stranger to experimenting with new technologies. She leverages AI tools for content creation, such as generating scripts and automating tasks. Her curiosity and willingness to adapt have allowed her to stay ahead in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Shelly even created an AI-generated YouTube channel, showcasing her innovative approach to content creation.
The Creator Council
Networking and collaboration have been crucial to Shelly’s success. She regularly engages with a mastermind group of fellow creators and industry professionals, providing and receiving support. This community has been instrumental in navigating challenges and sharing valuable insights, underscoring the importance of building a strong support network.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Shelly is excited about the prospect of launching a 90-day creator program. This initiative aims to bring together creators at similar stages, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Shelly believes that such programs can significantly impact creators’ journeys by providing structured guidance and peer support.
Conclusion
Shelly’s journey from aspiring NFL cheerleader to YouTube educator is a testament to her ability to adapt, her resilience, and to the power of community. Her dedication to helping others succeed and her willingness to embrace new technologies have set her apart in the creator landscape. As she continues to evolve and innovate, Shelly remains an inspiring figure for aspiring creators worldwide.
Follow Shelly on her social media channels under “Shelly Saves the Day” to stay updated on her latest content and insights. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just starting, Shelly’s journey offers valuable lessons and inspiration for everyone.
Resources
Mentioned in this Episode:
- Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini
- TubeBuddy
- Canva
- Descript
- Etsy
- ChatGPT – AI Chatbot
- Merch by Amazon – print-on-demand
- Creative Fabrica – print-on-demand
- Vista Social – social media scheduling and content management
- PixiImperfect – learning resource
Connect with Shelly
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