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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: TikTok's Fate Hangs in Balance
TikTok's future in the U.S. is hanging by a thread. President Trump's 75-day extension on the ban runs out on April 5, and ByteDance's only way forward is selling to an American owner.
Bidders range from billionaire Frank McCourt to upstart entrepreneur Reid Rasner, who vows to pay users. His plan, "FoundersTok," even includes revenue sharing for influencers. But Beijing doesn't want to part with TikTok's algorithm, and that could kill any deal.
Meanwhile, Oracle lurks as a contender. With the deadline looming, all eyes are on whether TikTok survives—or vanishes for good from American phones.
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No. 2: Is Affiliate Marketing Easy Money Online?
Affiliate marketing is the internet's version of commission-based sales, and for content creators, it's one of the easiest ways to turn an audience into income, according to The Side Blogger.
You promote a product using a unique affiliate link. If someone buys through that link, you get paid. No inventory, no customer support, just revenue for recommending something your audience actually wants. It's a great starting point, and for some, it's a full-fledged business.
Done successfully, affiliate marketing can even open the door to more significant sponsorships or direct partnerships. If you're building an online brand, ignoring affiliate marketing means leaving money on the table.
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No. 3: Micro-Influencers Are Winning Big
Forget the celebrity endorsements. Smart brands are betting on micro-influencers—creators with 10,000 to 50,000 followers—because they drive real sales, not just vanity metrics. One company found its best-selling influencer had only 12,000 followers but outperformed big-name partnerships combined.
The industry is moving toward engagement-based metrics. Comments, shares, and repeat brand deals mean more than raw follower counts. Video content performs best, and Instagram Stories convert better than static posts.
For creators, this shift is massive. Big budgets are chasing authenticity and results. If you've built a real connection with your audience, your value just skyrocketed.
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No. 4: Bloggers Fail for These Reasons
Most bloggers fail before they ever gain traction. The most common mistake? Ignoring the power of a newsletter. Social media and search rankings shift constantly, but an email list is an asset you own. Start one from day one.
The second big misstep? Picking a vague niche. Casting too wide a net means no one sees you as an authority. Narrow your focus, dominate a specific space, then expand.
Lastly, too many bloggers write blindly without understanding their audience. Dive into forums, comments, and real conversations. Serve your readers, not just your ideas. Everything else flows from these fundamentals.
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No. 5: YouTube Creator Events Nationwide
YouTube's Creator Collective is hitting every state this year, bringing in-person events to content creators nationwide.
Whether you're just starting or scaling up, these gatherings are about connection—helping creators expand their reach, sharpen their business strategies, and thrive in the evolving digital economy.
Major stops include SXSW, VidCon, and DreamCon, with a special focus on short-form video. If you want to network, learn, or just meet people who understand the grind, this might be worth checking out. After 20 years of YouTube, the platform is doubling down on community. It might be time to do the same.
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