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Top stories for bloggers, newsletter writers, and content creators.
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If there is an article you think should be included in this roundup, please reply with a link. |
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No. 1: Creators Must Pivot as the TikTok Ban Looms
TikTok's fate hangs in the balance, with the Supreme Court poised to decide if it will be banned in the U.S. by January 19.
For content creators, the message is clear —prepare now.
Diversify your audience reach by investing in platforms like X, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, and don't underestimate the value of an email list or website.
Creators should focus on carrying audiences over to spaces they control. Platforms come and go, but strong audience relationships are the bedrock of long-term success.
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No. 2: RedNote is a Threat
With TikTok's future in the U.S. on shaky ground, RedNote —a communist Chinese short-form video app— has skyrocketed in downloads, now topping Apple's free app chart.
Branded the "Chinese Instagram," it fuses short videos with product reviews, leaning toward ecommerce. While some American users embrace it as a lifeboat, censorship looms large —stringent restrictions on content and a language barrier make it tricky to navigate.
While lawmakers aren't targeting it yet, its Chinese communist roots could put it in their crosshairs since the app almost certainly shares information with the communist Chinese government.
For creators eyeing RedNote, the warning is clear —don't do it. RedNote is not an opportunity it is another data-security minefield waiting to blow.
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No. 3: Is Hummingbirds Redefining Local Marketing?
Emily Steele believes she is redefining local marketing with Hummingbirds, a platform that connects brands to creators embedded in their communities.
Think neighbors, not influencers with faceless followings. The SaaS solution has scaled from a Facebook group in Des Moines to a year-over-year growth rate of 350% and is now aiming for nationwide impact.
Hummingbirds thrives on authenticity: its creators shop at the local Costco, play church volleyball, and engage with neighborhood businesses like Olipop or indie pet stores. With fresh funding, Steele eyes broader horizons —pioneering what she calls "community-driven commerce." Her pitch? A creator isn't just an ad. They're your biggest local customer.
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No. 4: From Quip to Content
Turning a clever quip into a full-fledged article does not just happen by accident —it is a process, and one you can replicate.
This "quip-to-article" framework starts with a sharp, one- or two-sentence idea and transforms it into long-form content with the help of AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini.
The steps are straightforward —identify your quip, extract its core concept, expand on it with research, outline the structure, and then write (or have AI write).
This strategy lets you squeeze more value from viral moments and ensures even small ideas can lay the groundwork for compelling, high-performing content.
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No. 5: Securely Sell PDFs Online
Selling PDFs can be a lucrative side hustle —low overhead, global reach, and infinite scalability. But a key challenge? Keeping your content secure while maintaining convenience for buyers. Platforms like Sellfy rise to the occasion, providing tools like PDF stamping, encryption, and restricted downloads. Translation —piracy-proof peace of mind.
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