Stop Making This Massive Creator Mistake
How to define what makes YOU stand out to your followers & brands + Threads Bonus Hacks
Hey creators!
What a start to 2025! Between the TikTok ban drama to Meta and Substack dropping new creator programs, it's clear that the creator economy is more in the spotlight than ever. With big tech, brands, and even governments paying attention to our space, there's never been a better time to level up and treat your creator business with the seriousness it deserves. That being said, I am so excited to welcome you to the very first installment of our 2025 Creator Strategy Series!
To kick things off, we're diving DEEP into some simple strategies that have helped me build a sustainable six-figure creator business.
Here's what we're covering today:
How to develop your Brand DNA (aka your secret sauce that makes brands + followers obsessed with your content!)
BONUS: Threads Bonus: How to maximize views and earnings.
Developing your Brand DNA as a Creator
Think of your Brand DNA as your content's personality and value system rolled into one. It's NOT only your aesthetic or niche - it's the core of who you are as a creator and what you stand for. When I finally got clear on mine a few years ago, it was like everything clicked into place.
Here's the framework I wish I had when I started my creator journey:
Your Core Values & Non-Negotiables
Let's get super intentional about what you stand for! Quick Exercise, answer these questions:
What are your personal core values, what matters most to you?
What would you NEVER promote/support?
What makes you hit that unfollow button on other creators, what makes you hit the follow button?
What message and feeling do you want your audience to walk away with after seeing your content? (Are they feeling inspired? Educated? Entertained? All of the above?)
PRO TIP: Your core values should feel like second nature. If you're struggling to define them, look at your last 10 posts - what themes keep showing up naturally? That's usually your authentic values shining through!
Your Unique Voice & Perspective
Y'all, there are thousands of creators in every niche, but there's only one YOU. I know you may have heard this a thousand times, but it’s the truth, the secret is to embrace your authentic perspective, what makes you YOU. Think of the most successful creators you follow, there is something pretty unique about them right? They didn’t get to where they are by trying to be someone they aren’t, they got there by being their authentic self. Time for some self-reflection:
What do people constantly come to you for?
What topics can you talk about for HOURS without getting tired?
How do your friends describe you to others?
What makes your content different from others in your space?
PRO TIP: Go check your DMs right now. What are people always asking you about? Those questions are GOLD for understanding your unique value!
Think about how you naturally talk to your friends. Are you:
The hype friend who's always encouraging others?
The analytical one breaking down complex topics?
The funny one keeping it real with relatable stories?
The trendsetter always trying new things first?
Your content voice should feel as natural as texting your bestie.
Quick Brand DNA Checklist:
Write down 3 words that describe your content style
List your top 3 non-negotiables
Identify your unique perspective/experience
Define what success looks like FOR YOU
Remember: Your Brand DNA is about amplifying who you already are and what you naturally do best.
This might take some time to figure out, and that's okay! I'm still refining and evolving mine after 14 years, but having these foundations has made everything else in my creator journey SO much clearer.
That’s it for today, but CSC members check out the bonus tips below on my threads bonus strategy. Next week, we're tackling something that simplified ALOT for me - Strategic Audience Building. We will discuss how to use your analytics to figure out who exactly is your target audience. I’ll be sharing my entire strategy on how I went from trying to please everyone (exhausting!) to building a loyal, engaged audience that literally feel like my online besties. We'll talk about why trying to appeal to everyone is holding you back, and I'll walk you through exactly how I attract my perfect audience without putting myself in a box. Trust me, this one's going to be so GOOD!
Drop a comment below with your biggest takeaway from today's Brand DNA breakdown, and I'll see you next week!
-Tolani 💕
Bonus: The Threads Bonus Program, How to Maximize Views & Earnings. ⬇️
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