The Socialize Podcast

Today we’re diving into the world of social media ads—how they hit us, how they're crafted, and why they’re more familiar than you think. After decades working behind the scenes in commercial production, I’m pulling back the curtain on the old-school tricks that are now dressed up as everyday TikToks and Instagram Reels. From bubble machines that never worked to duffel bags that “magically” shrink, let’s get real about the...

In this episode, I’m sharing a wild personal update (spoiler: it involves 15 stitches and a middle-of-the-night fall), followed by two unsponsored product reviews—one brutally honest take on a trending TikTok bra alternative, and a rave about my favorite organizing pouches. Then we dive into practical, easy-to-understand tips for choosing the right iPhone camera settings for high-quality content creation without overwhelmi...

In today's on-the-road episode of The Socialize Strategy, Helen records from a hotel room in Las Vegas—mic in suitcase, content in motion. She kicks things off with her beloved “unsponsored buys,” including Halara jeans, SmallRig tripods, and a shout-out to her licensing show client, Hangry Pets.

The heart of this episode dives into a shared creator struggle: low views. Helen breaks down why they happen, how to stop letting...

In this episode of The Socialize Strategy, Helen kicks off with her "Unsponsored By" segment, spotlighting two favorite products—a sleek, smartly designed water bottle and a game-changing wireless microphone. Then, she dives into making engagement on Instagram (and beyond) easier and more intentional. From clever comment strategies to the secret power of Instagram’s “favorites” feed, Helen shares practical, heart-forward t...

📌 Making Content Planning Easy

In this episode, we're diving into one of the biggest game-changers for any content creator: getting organized. Whether you're juggling multiple platforms or just trying to post more consistently, having a solid content planning system can save you time, reduce stress, and seriously level up your output.

🧠 Core Tips & Takeaways

1. Set a Realistic Posting Goal
   • Aim fo...

Today’s episode covers how to use SEO strategies to get your social media videos discovered. Make sure you use this powerful tool for increasing visibility on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.

💡 Key Takeaways:
1. SEO Works on Social Media
• Helen shares a real-life story: a baton tutorial she posted a year ago was discovered by someone searching for baton lessons on TikTok — proving vi...

In this episode of The Socialize Strategy, Helen kicks off what she’s calling Part One of the Small Business Series, dropping essential social media tips for small business owners. Whether you're strapped for time, creatively blocked, or just unsure where to start, Helen’s got real talk, relatable examples, and honest advice to help you level up your content game—without burning out.

Plus, don’t miss her hilarious (and pain...

This week Helen breaks down why video formatting is essential for engagement across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. She walks through editing basics in CapCut, sharing how to fix common issues like black bars, wrong aspect ratios, and poor layout.

✂️ Key Takeaways:

• Set your aspect ratio first! Use the correct format (like vertical for TikTok/IG Reels) to avoid black bars.
• CapCut Tips: How the first clip...

🎉 Highlights from This Episode:

This week’s episode is full of reflection, celebration, and practical tips for creators at every stage of their journey. Helen shares big updates from her world and drops some major knowledge on growing your presence—and confidence—on social media.

LINK TO VIDEO MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTjeQV7qW/

📰 Big News:

New Sponsor: Morning Brew!
A full-circle moment for Hel...

Maximizing Music on Social Media:

Why Use Music on Social Media?

• Using trending music helps increase visibility on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts.
• Trending music doesn’t guarantee followers, but it improves your chances of being discovered.
• Music trends can either be random (like an '80s song becoming popular unexpectedly) or driven by artists paying to promote their new songs.

How to Use Music E...

Introduction: "Socialize Strategy"
• Podcasting from the Road: A brief reflection on how content creation can happen anywhere, even from a sparsely decorated Airbnb.
• Main Topic: Understanding the balance between using trends and creating original content.
 
Section 1: Understanding Social Media Trends
• Defining Trends: What are social media trends and why should you care?
• Two Types of Trends:

1. Audi...

This week @themuthership provides a social media overview that gives you the basics with insider tips on how to maximize your presence on social media as a brand or business that has a team.

 
Clarify Your Goals
Determine your goal on social media, promoting your business, showcasing expertise, being visible, or navigating social media credibility. A sales-driven approach can result in a "non-social vibe" for your con...

Podcast Notes: Simplifying Content Creation & Managing Social Media

Helen production background video HERE!

The Challenge of Social Media: The constant cycle of producing content can feel overwhelming, similar to the “hamster wheel” of social media management. The key is finding balance and simplifying the process.
Content Creation vs. TV Production: Content creation for social media isn't all that different from TV p...

Today, we’re talking about the downside of going viral – a topic not often discussed. While going viral brings excitement, it can come with unexpected challenges.

• The rush of virality: Watching views and comments flood in is exciting, and it feels like a dopamine rush. But the flood of activity also has negative consequences.
• Clogged comment feeds: With viral videos, it becomes impossible to keep up with comments. The f...

In this episode, we're diving into the realities of monetizing on social media—debunking some common myths and sharing practical advice for creators at every stage of their journey. From the misconception that a big following equals big money to the strategies that actually lead to successful monetization, we cover it all.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• Myth Busting: Having a large following doesn’t automatic...

In this episode, Helen shares insights from the past week and dives into trends, content creation strategies, and upcoming events:

Recap of Last Week's Episode
Helen highlights her conversation with Grace McCarrick about negativity on social media, emphasizing how interviews that unfold organically, instead of following a rigid question list, lead to more insightful content. She reflects on how she’s learned to be more ...

On today's episode, we welcomed Grace McCarrick whose expertise is dealing with negativity on social media. 

Grace is a founder and content creator on a mission to revolutionize how we approach work. Over the past three years, she has helped teams become more cohesive and has recently worked with brands like Airbnb, Chewy, Abercrombie, and more. She joined us on the podcast today to discuss how she handles receivin...

Today is our weekly trends and content ideas episode.

Before diving into trends, a few thoughts and observations from the past week.

Topic 1: Algorithm Mistakes

Misleading Advice on Following Niche Accounts

• Many people advise following accounts in your niche to grow your audience.
• This advice can be misleading and counterproductive.
• Following similar creators may lead to constant comparison, stifling creativity.
• Risk of uni...

In this episode, we dive into key takeaways from our latest Socialize Studio sessions, featuring expert insights on casting, camera angles, and video production techniques to enhance your content.

🎭 Casting Director Donald Case’s Session

• Discussed shifts in commercial and video content casting
• Compared the use of actors vs. real people in production
• Shared advice for pursuing on-camera opportunities
• Members enjoyed the ins...