The Freelance Friday Podcast

Time for my year in review! Breaking down my revenue streams, what YouTube paid me in 2025, goals for 2026, and so much more! How'd 2025 go for you?FREE CLASS - The Business of Influence: https://event.webinarjam.com/gp60q/register/p5oxltmyJoin my free community, DOWN TO BUSINESS, to connect with me and other viewers: https://www.skool.com/down-to-business-with-latasha-5593/

Here's how to grow on social media in 2026 -- according to data from a new social media study from Metricool! ↪️ CHECK OUT THE FULL STUDY HERE! https://metricool.com/social-media-study?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=20251212_latasha-james_2026-social-media-study_en&utm_content=audio&utm_term=q4⭐️ Thanks to Metricool for sponsoring this episode. Get 30 days free on any Metricool plan with code LATASHA using this link: https://metricool.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=20251212_latasha-james_sign-up_en&utm_content=audio&utm_term=q4

Let's talk about what's new in social media marketing right now, from the metaverse collapsing to Instagram's competitor insights! Become a member to watch What's New In Social LIVE and in full once a month with Q&A: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9aFCPXdF5AtiQd8L62GkSA/joinThanks to Metricool for sponsoring this episode. Get 30 days free on any Metricool plan with code LATASHA using this link: https://metricool.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=20251207_latasha-james_sign-up_en&utm_content=audio&utm_term=q4

Come see me talk about long-form content and comfort creators at Metricool's UNFILTERED: https://unfiltered.metricool.com/Subscribe to my YouTube channel: http://youtube.com/@thelatashajames/Cute raccoon mental health advice: https://www.reddit.com/r/wholesomememes/comments/yigmp7/this_is_the_most_important_mental_health_advice/

Here are my easy tips for getting more client testimonials, even if you're shy like me! Shop the Cyber Week sale: http://latashajames.com/bfcmTake the 2025 audience survey: https://forms.gle/Sk5dNCDLTwgpfSov7Shop merch: http://jamesandpark.com/shopTools mentioned - HoneyBook: http://share.honeybook.com/latashaRiverside: https://creators.riverside.fm/LatashaJames

Here are my thought son the social media strategies that will rule 2026. WATCH this episode instead: https://youtu.be/SPN13aY5O-4Thanks to Metricool for sponsoring this episode. Get 30 days free on any Metricool plan with code LATASHA using this link: ⁠https://metricool.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=20251114_latasha-james_sign-up_en&utm_content=audio&utm_term=q4Unfiltered Social Media Summit: https://unfiltered.metricool.com/Storytelling Challenge: https://brave-hall-727.myflodesk.com/azadowo39l50% off Flodesk (and lock in unlimited plan): https://flodesk.com/c/LATASHA

Let's talk about how to get HIGH QUALITY social media management clients in 2025 with my Social Media Management Accelerator alum Caitlyn Grad! More about SMMA: https://courses.latashajames.com/courses/smmaFind Caitlyn here: https://www.caitlyngradmarketing.com/https://www.instagram.com/caitlyngradmarketing/https://www.tiktok.com/@madebycaitlyn 0:00 - Introduction & Guest Welcome0:30 - Niching by Location: Becoming a Local Expert1:16 - Caitlyn’s Background & Journey into Social Media2:07 - Formal Education vs. On-the-Job Learning3:52 - Early Career Steps & Agency Experience5:16 - Getting Client Results: The Importance of Strategy5:25 - Finding Clients Offline & Online6:12 - Facebook Groups for Local Client Acquisition7:18 - Specializing in Local Businesses8:01 - A Day in the Life: Working with Local Clients8:55 - The Local Niche as a Superpower10:10 - Facebook Posting Strategies for Client Acquisition11:56 - Networking & Staying Top of Mind13:27 - Collaborators & Referral Partners through Networking14:06 - Networking Group Experiences & Pricing Insights16:00 - Leveraging LinkedIn for Leads and Branding17:26 - Video Strategy for LinkedIn18:29 - Evolution of Video Content on LinkedIn19:06 - Managing Client Load & Setting Boundaries21:36 - Balancing Client Work with Personal Brand24:32 - Creating Content for Your Own Brand25:36 - Content Creation Schedule & Finding Inspiration26:20 - Working Non-Traditional Hours28:31 - Scaling Your Business: Hiring vs. Staying Solo29:54 - Embracing Solopreneurship32:06 - Expanding Skills Beyond Social Media Management34:52 - Advice for New Social Media Managers37:53 - Where to Find & Connect with Caitlyn

Answering your questions about pitching UGC to social media management clients, imposter syndrome, and what my future life and business plans are.Thanks to Melio for sponsoring today's episode: https://go.melio.com/latashaJoin my free community, DOWN TO BUSINESS, to connect with me and other viewers: https://www.skool.com/down-to-business-with-latasha-5593/Mentioned - The Gap by Ira Glass:https://vimeo.com/85040589TIME STAMPS:0:00 - What we’ll be covering today0:33 - Melio (ad)2:05 - The case for UGC4:50 - What younger me would be surprised about5:52 - Business and life advice I hate8:58 - When to start charging as a content creator10:32 - I’m going back to school14:00 - How AI is impacting online business16:59 - My background and upbringing19:04 - What I’ve learned about myself through entrepreneurship21:07 - Separating my personal life from my online presence 22:26 - Something people misunderstand about my job23:46 - Will I ever move out of Michigan?24:50 - Do I want to get married again?26:33 - Is it harder to grow online nowadays?28:45 - What’s been bringing me joy lately29:29 - What I’d do if not marketing30:44 - Imposter syndrome31:39 - Final thoughts

Content marketing, specifically on YouTube is a great way to generate leads and income. Here's your 5 step plan to getting started! WATCH this episode here: https://youtu.be/5oSfvyBQAJwJoin the YouTube Creator Accelerator: https://courses.latashajames.com/courses/creator-acceleratorThanks to Metricool for sponsoring this episode. Get 30 days free on any Metricool plan with code LATASHA using this link: https://metricool.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=20251024_latasha-james_sign-up_en&utm_content=audio&utm_term=q4Mentioned: Evolved Finance Online Business Reporthttps://evolvedfinance.com/industry-webinar-youre-in/

Ryan Redute, a short-form content creator and comedian known for his Michigan-based videos, shares his insider knowledge on crafting influencer marketing campaigns. He emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals and the impact of different creator types on campaign success. Ryan discusses the benefits of combining influencer content with paid ads and provides tips on effective outreach to creators. He also highlights budget strategies and creative processes that help maintain authenticity while ensuring successful collaborations.