Accidentally Influential

Kate Robb and Teanna Scot

Accidentally Influential is the show for EDUcreators, experts, and business owners who never set out to be "influencers"… but built influence anyway. Hosted by Kate Robb and Teanna Scot, we've grown a 479K+ audience and landed over half a million in brand deals; now we're pulling back the curtain on how YOU can turn your authority into income. From sponsorship strategy to creator psychology, this is your no-fluff guide to building a creator business that stacks ontop of what you're already doing. You might've become accidentally influential… but what you do with it now? That part is intentional.

  1. Your First Brand Deal Blueprint: How to Create Content Brands Actually Pay For (Part 1 of 2)

    4 DAYS AGO

    Your First Brand Deal Blueprint: How to Create Content Brands Actually Pay For (Part 1 of 2)

    We made this episode to be your home base. If you're just getting started with brand partnerships — or you've been trying to land deals and nothing's clicking — this is where it starts. In part one of our First Brand Deal Blueprint, we're walking you through the first two phases of our four-step framework. And here's the thing: neither of them involve pitching a single brand. Most creators skip straight to the pitch and wonder why they keep getting ignored or lowballed. These two steps are why. The Full Blueprint (Across Both Episodes): Step 1: Post content a brand would actually pay for Step 2: Know who your content is actually for Step 3: Prove your value with data brands understand Step 4: Pitch like a partner, not a creator asking for a chance What We Cover in This Episode (Steps 1 & 2): Why brand deals start way before you ever send a pitch How to create content that produces outcomes brands are actually willing to pay for — comprehension, consideration, and clicks Why EDUcreators have a unique advantage in landing brand partnerships How to make brands feel inevitable in your content, not randomly inserted Why a hot, engaged audience matters more than a huge one The "villain arc" mindset block that stops creators from posting about tools they could eventually get paid for How to identify exactly who your content is for — and why that clarity is what brands are actually buying The one-sentence audience statement you'll use in every future pitch A content audit you can do this week to see where brands could naturally live in your world Your Homework After This Episode: Identify 10 posts — existing or planned — and for each one, note the problem it solves, where a brand could naturally fit, and what category of brand that would be. This becomes your proof bank for Step 4. Then complete this sentence with total clarity: "My content is primarily for _____ who are trying to _____." Go Deeper — Episodes Referenced: Episode 2: Hot Audience > Huge Audience — how to build an engaged community brands want access to Episode 14: How Honest Content Builds Loyal Fans ft. Ryan from Side Hustle Review — on the creator "villain arc" Part 2 drops next Monday — Steps 3 & 4: proving your value with data and pitching like a partner. More From Us: Join the Creator Club Waitlist — coaching, templates, rate calculators, and direct help pitching brands. Built for EDUcreators ready to get paid. Follow us on IG & TikTok: @notaninfluencerco Want More Episodes Like This? → Episode 4: The Obvious YES Pitch — the 5C Framework for pitching brands → Episode 5: What You Should Actually Charge — the 4R Pricing Framework → Episode 11: The Confidence Crisis — overcoming "happy to be here" energy

    28 min
  2. How to Respond to Brand Deal Inbounds, Spot Scams & Stop Undercharging (Real Examples)

    2 MAR

    How to Respond to Brand Deal Inbounds, Spot Scams & Stop Undercharging (Real Examples)

    We showed up late, hadn't washed our hair, and had 696 unread emails between us. Welcome to Q&A day. In this episode, we're answering the questions we see most from creators trying to land brand deals and sponsored content — and being fully honest about what's actually happening in our own businesses right now. We break down a real UGC inbound Kate received from a brand she loves — why the offer was way off, why she said no even after they doubled the rate, and what the face association risk in UGC deals actually means for your personal brand. We also get into Tea's current $30K long-term brand partnership pitch, how to respond to inbounds without the "happy to be here" energy, and the exact red flags that tell you an inbound is a scam before you waste a single minute replying. Plus — we get real about content slumps, creative burnout, and the batch filming vs. same-day posting debate. Spoiler: we are complete opposites and it works for both of us. What We Cover: How to evaluate a brand deal inbound fast — and when to just say no Why doubling a lowball rate still doesn't make it a good deal UGC deals and face association risk: what creators don't think about Tea's $30K long-term partnership pitch and the retainer strategy behind it Red flags that signal a scam before you even respond Why the first email a brand sends tells you everything about what working with them will be like How to get out of a content slump without doom scrolling for "inspiration" Batch filming vs. same-day posting — which works and why it depends on your brain Balancing sponsored content with your own business content when burnout hits LinkedIn brand partnerships — a first for both of us Episodes We Referenced: Episode 13: Why Retainers Are the Secret to Scalable Creator Income — the strategy behind Tea's $30K pitch Episode 14: How Honest Content Builds Loyal Fans ft. Ryan from Side Hustle Review — on UGC and face association risk Episode 2: Hot Audience > Huge Audience — why engagement rate matters more than follower count when evaluating a deal Episode 5: What You Should Actually Charge — the 4R Pricing Framework for when an inbound comes in low More From Us: Join the Creator Club Waitlist – Want coaching, templates, audits, and direct help pricing & pitching? Our membership is built just for creators like you. Follow us on IG & TikTok: @notaninfluencerco

    35 min
  3. How to Grow on Instagram & Turn Followers Into Paying Clients (Even If You're Stuck Under 2K)

    23 FEB

    How to Grow on Instagram & Turn Followers Into Paying Clients (Even If You're Stuck Under 2K)

    How to Grow on Instagram & Turn Followers Into Paying Clients (Even If You're Stuck Under 2K) - w/ Jenna from @jennaspaige If you're posting consistently on Instagram but not getting clients… If you're stuck at 1K–2K followers and growth feels slow… If you're growing an audience but not making money… This episode is for you. Today we're joined by Jenna Harding, marketing coach and host of the Shiny New Clients podcast, to break down how to grow on Instagram in a way that actually leads to sales — not just likes. Because here's the truth: Growing your Instagram following doesn't matter if you can't turn followers into paying clients. In this episode, we talk about how service-based business owners, coaches, and creators can grow an audience that builds trust, authority, and real revenue. In This Episode, We Cover: How to grow on Instagram without chasing viral trends Why you might be stuck at 2,000 followers How to turn Instagram followers into paying clients Instagram marketing strategies for service-based businesses The difference between audience growth and revenue growth How to build authority in your niche Creating content that attracts high-quality leads Why consistency alone isn't enough How to monetize a small Instagram following   Who This Episode Is For: Service-based business owners Coaches and consultants Content creators who want brand deals Digital product sellers Anyone trying to turn Instagram into income Because landing brand deals starts with one thing: An audience that trusts you. And trust isn't built through hacks — it's built through intentional marketing.   About Our Guest – Jenna Harding Jenna Harding is a marketing coach who helps service-based business owners simplify Instagram marketing and turn followers into clients. Through her program Magic Marketing Machine and her podcast Shiny New Clients, she teaches sustainable Instagram growth strategies that focus on authority, visibility, and sales.   If this episode helped you rethink your Instagram strategy: Leave a rating and review Share it with another business owner Tag us on Instagram with your biggest takeaway Because growing on Instagram isn't about going viral. It's about getting paid. Find all things Jenna Here: - Magic Marketing Machine -Instagram    Resources + Mentions: Join the Not An Influencer Creator Club (Waitlist Open!) →  Join the waitlist

    47 min
  4. How to Deal With Hate Comments as a Creator (Handling Trolls, Online Criticism & Going Viral): The reality of being a creator

    14 FEB

    How to Deal With Hate Comments as a Creator (Handling Trolls, Online Criticism & Going Viral): The reality of being a creator

    Let's talk about the part of content creation no one prepares you for: The hate. In this episode of Accidentally Influential, we're getting honest about: Hate comments on Instagram and TikTok Trolls after going viral Mean DMs Public criticism And the emotional toll of being visible online If you've ever: Posted something that blew up… and the comments turned ugly Felt sick reading negative comments Questioned your business because of trolls Wanted to quit after one viral backlash moment Wondered how other influencers handle hate This episode is for you.   In This Episode We Cover: Why hate comments increase as you grow The psychology behind internet trolls What happens when your content reaches the wrong audience How to emotionally detach from negative comments When to delete, block, or ignore When criticism is helpful vs. just noise Building thicker skin without losing your humanity Protecting your mental health as a content creator We also talk about the difference between: ✨ Feedback ⚡ Projection 🚨 Straight-up trolling Because they are not the same thing.   The Truth About Visibility The bigger your platform gets, the more exposure you have. And exposure doesn't just bring opportunity. It brings opinions. We break down how to: Stay grounded when strangers critique your business Not let negative comments control your content Continue showing up confidently after backlash Build resilience as an online entrepreneur Because you can't build influence without visibility. And you can't have visibility without some noise.

    38 min
  5. The Legal Mistakes That Can Cost Creators Thousands: How to Protect Your Content, Brand Deals & Digital Products w/ Alyssa from Legal Doer

    9 FEB

    The Legal Mistakes That Can Cost Creators Thousands: How to Protect Your Content, Brand Deals & Digital Products w/ Alyssa from Legal Doer

    If you're a content creator, digital product seller, or coach — this episode is a must-listen. We're joined by Alyssa from @legaldoer, an attorney who helps creators avoid the kind of legal mistakes that can cost thousands — or even ruin your business. We cover everything from how to legally protect your brand deals, to what contracts you actually need, and the surprising ways creators are leaving themselves exposed (even on a $27 product). Whether you're brand new or scaling fast — this episode will help you protect your business before it's too late.   In This Episode, We Cover: The biggest legal mistakes creators make (and how to avoid them) Why contracts matter even for gifted UGC or $200 brand deals How to legally protect your digital products with the right terms & licensing What to do if your content is stolen or someone copies your work Should you form an LLC now or wait? Alyssa breaks it down by state The truth about AI-generated contracts (and why you should be careful) How to handle FTC disclosures for sponsored content (without killing your reach) Why legal protection isn't about fear — it's about confidence & control What to include in your terms of use, refund policies, and licensing Cease and desist letters, DMCA takedowns, and enforcing your rights without going to court Resources Mentioned: Alyssa's Legal Business Checklist: TAP HERE Legal Templates & Membership: TAP HERE Follow Alyssa on IG → @legaldoer ⚠️ Reminder: Even if you're just getting started, you still need legal protection. This episode will help you understand your options — without feeling overwhelmed.   If this helped you: Leave us a 5-star review, share it with a friend, or post your biggest takeaway on IG and tag us @notaninfluencer & Alyssa @legaldoer.

    44 min
  6. How to Land Brand Deals on Instagram (Even With a Small Following!) ft. Mya Nichol: Turning Educational Content Into Brand Deals

    2 FEB

    How to Land Brand Deals on Instagram (Even With a Small Following!) ft. Mya Nichol: Turning Educational Content Into Brand Deals

    If you're an educator, coach, or course creator using Instagram to grow your business — but feel stuck on how your kind of content could lead to brand deals… this episode is your playbook. This week, Tea and Kate sit down with Mya Nichol, a sustainable business coach, Instagram growth expert, and creator who's built a half-million-dollar business from authentic, strategic content — all while working part-time hours as a mom and homesteader. Mya breaks down exactly how she attracts aligned, long-term brand partnerships without compromising her values or her content strategy. Whether you're new to brand deals or already dabbling in affiliate marketing, this conversation will help you unlock sustainable, layered income on your own terms. In This Episode, We Cover: ✅ The real reason brands reach out to Mya (hint: it's not just her following size) ✅ How to use affiliate marketing to get on a brand's radar — and get paid before they even email you ✅ The one thing most beginner creators get wrong when they want brand partnerships ✅ The difference between top-of-funnel and conversion-driven content — and how to use both ✅ Why Mya stopped chasing trends and started doubling down on evergreen, educational videos ✅ Her strategy for layering brand deals, affiliate links, and digital products in one post ✅ How to work less, earn more, and land repeat brand contracts that last ✅ What to say to a brand if you've never worked together but you're already posting about them ✅ The importance of community trust — and how it helps you charge more   Who This Episode Is For: Instagram educators, coaches, or course creators who want to monetize without while continuing to be AUTHENTIC Edu-creators looking to build long-term brand partnerships Creators who already sell digital products and want to stack brand deal income Business owners who want their content to work harder for them Anyone who's felt "not influencer-y enough" for paid sponsorships Where to find Mya! Instagram: @myanichol Website: myanichol.com Podcast: Radical Disruption More from us: Join the Creator Club Waitlist – Want coaching, templates, audits, and direct help pricing & pitching? Our membership is built just for creators like you. Follow us on IG & TikTok: @notaninfluencerco Want More Episodes Like This? If you liked this one, you'll love: → Episode 8: Why Affiliate-Only Deals Are Undervaluing You — and What to Do Instead → Episode 6: How $10K+ Brand Deals Actually Work (Boundaries, Burnout, and Reality (Unfiltered Q&A) → Episode 4: What to Charge Brands for Content: The 4R Pricing Framework for Brand Deals

    54 min
  7. Transparency with Ryan from @side.hustlereview: How Honest Content Builds Trust, Sales, and Long-Term Brand Deals

    26 JAN

    Transparency with Ryan from @side.hustlereview: How Honest Content Builds Trust, Sales, and Long-Term Brand Deals

    In this episode of Accidentally Influential, Kate and Teanna sit down with Ryan from Side Hustle Review to have an unfiltered conversation about transparency in the creator economy, ethical monetization, and why honest content converts better than ANY of the quick hacks and *things that work* — even if it grows slower. If you've ever wondered: Does being transparent hurt conversions? How do I monetize without betraying my audience's trust? Why do shady side hustle claims grow faster than honest education? How do I choose brand deals without selling out? This episode is a must-listen. Ryan has built a massive audience by publicly testing, reviewing, and debunking side hustles, courses, and online business claims — and in this conversation, he breaks down how transparency has become his biggest competitive advantage. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why transparency is a superpower for education-based content creators How honest content builds deeper trust and higher-quality conversions The real reason "get rich quick" content spreads faster on social media Why the algorithm isn't the problem — human behavior is How misleading income claims damage long-term creator businesses The difference between UGC creators and trusted content creators How to evaluate brand partnerships without risking audience trust Why ethical creators often earn more over time, not less How transparency affects affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and conversions The long-term cost of becoming a "guru" instead of an educator Why repeat buyers matter more than viral views How disclaimers and honesty actually increase credibility What side hustles Ryan would never recommend How to monetize content ethically through sponsorships, affiliates, newsletters, and community support Why creator trust is a finite resource   NOTABLE MENTIONS Ryan – Side Hustle Review TikTok, Instagram, YouTube: @sidehustlereview Review.Courses — a review platform for online courses and digital products Tailor Brands: the EASIEST way to legitimize your creator business, form your LLC, and build a business hub to make that side of earning an income SIMPLE.   Final Takeaway: Transparency isn't just an ethical choice — it's a business strategy. Creators who lead with honesty may grow slower, but they build: stronger communities higher-quality conversions long-term brand partnerships repeat buyers sustainable income And most importantly — a reputation that lasts.

    49 min
  8. The Secret Weapon for Consistent Brand Deals: How to Pitch & Land Retainers as a Content Creator

    19 JAN

    The Secret Weapon for Consistent Brand Deals: How to Pitch & Land Retainers as a Content Creator

    We are DONE with the one-and-done brand deal hamster wheel — this episode will change how you build your business. ⁣ This week on Accidentally Influential, Kate and Teanna are breaking down one of the most underutilized, highest-leverage brand partnership strategies in the creator economy: retainers. Whether you're a UGC creator, edupreneur, influencer, or content creator who sells your own digital products — retainer brand deals are how you create predictable, scalable income without constantly chasing your next opportunity. If you've ever thought, "Brand deals aren't sustainable," or "I wish I could make creator income more consistent" — you're not alone. This episode walks you through the full strategy behind landing long-term brand partnerships — even if you've never pitched a retainer before. In this episode, we cover: ✅ What a retainer brand partnership actually is — and why it's a game-changer for creators ✅ Why retainers are more scalable than one-off UGC or influencer campaigns ✅ How to turn a single video into a 3-video short-form package (and boost your per-video rate!) ✅ Why brands benefit just as much (if not more) from long-term partnerships ✅ The exact language to pitch and re-pitch retainers with confidence ✅ Why "quarterly" thinking can completely change your creator income ✅ How to negotiate quarterly renewals and increase your rates over time ✅ When to pitch long-term vs. short-term — and how to not scare brands away ✅ How to organize your creator calendar like a business, not a hobby ✅ The retention strategy behind recurring MRR (monthly recurring revenue) with brands ✅ And how to show up like a professional content creator, not just a freelancer   Resources + Mentions: Join the Not An Influencer Creator Club (Waitlist Open!) →  Join the waitlist   Episode to Reference: →  How to Pitch Brand Deals That Actually Land (link to your pitching episode) 🛠 Tools we mention: Notion (for content & deal tracking) Tailor Brands: the EASIEST way to legitimize your creator business, form your LLC, and build a business hub to make that side of earning an income SIMPLE. Stripe / ACH (creator-friendly payments)    If You Loved This Episode: ✔️ Subscribe + Leave a Review (it means the world to us) ✔️ Screenshot + Tag us @notaninfluencerco ✔️ Send it to a creator friend who needs to hear this retainer brand deals, UGC retainers, content creator income, brand deal strategy, how to pitch brands, influencer marketing strategy, brand partnerships 2026, how to get consistent brand deals, MRR for creators, digital product creators, edupreneurs and brand deals, UGC pitch template, retainers for content creators, creator economy tips, content creator podcast, influencer pitching tips, long-term brand deals, scalable brand partnerships

    30 min

About

Accidentally Influential is the show for EDUcreators, experts, and business owners who never set out to be "influencers"… but built influence anyway. Hosted by Kate Robb and Teanna Scot, we've grown a 479K+ audience and landed over half a million in brand deals; now we're pulling back the curtain on how YOU can turn your authority into income. From sponsorship strategy to creator psychology, this is your no-fluff guide to building a creator business that stacks ontop of what you're already doing. You might've become accidentally influential… but what you do with it now? That part is intentional.

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