Guides
Playbooks and benchmarks from my own programs
- Influencer outreach: reply rates, follow-ups and what to say
Real reply-rate benchmarks from thousands of creator conversations, why the second message matters more than the first, and the outreach structure that keeps a program full.
Updated 2026-08-23
- Product seeding that actually produces posts
How influencer seeding works when it is done as a program: who to gift, what reply and posting rates to expect, and how the no-strings approach beats demanding deliverables.
Updated 2026-08-23
- Influencer whitelisting and Spark Ads, explained
What whitelisting is, how it differs from reposting, how Spark Ads work on TikTok, what access to collect from creators, and the mistakes that void the whole benefit.
Updated 2026-08-23
- Micro-influencer marketing for DTC brands: the honest playbook
Why nano and micro influencers outperform big names for DTC ecommerce, what results to expect from gifted and paid collaborations, and how to run the channel so it compounds.
Updated 2026-08-23
- UGC ads: what they are, what they cost, and how to brief them
What UGC ads are, how they differ from influencer posts, realistic per-video costs, and the three-hook briefing method that turns one shoot into several ads.
Updated 2026-08-23
- How much do UGC creators charge? Real rate benchmarks
What UGC creators actually charge for videos, usage rights and whitelisting, where marketplaces inflate prices, and how to negotiate bundles without souring the relationship.
Updated 2026-08-23
- How to find UGC creators who actually deliver
The sourcing process behind 5,000+ creator collaborations, where to look, what to check before you message anyone, and why a third of creators who say yes never deliver.
Updated 2026-08-22