Cassey Ho of Blogilates shares the secrets to success ahead of SXSW

Feb 25, 2023

In the event of a recession, people are seeking methods to protect themselves as well as content creators. That's for many to come to the conclusion that engaging in exclusive sponsorship and brand agreements to earn revenues isn't sustainable..

An upcoming recession aside brands and brands' agreements as well as similar deals don't have a reputation for reliability even among creators who have established large fan bases. Add a slowdown to the mix, and it could disappear completely as an income option for many creators.

Solutions to this problem are being developed. Among them are creator accounts on social networks such as TikTok's. Although the funds seem to be working, under scrutiny, the accounts have been criticized for their payouts being limited due to the large number of creators seeking a portion of the funds that are limited. In response to this, TikTok is actively exploring a creator's fund that would give creators an increase in funds, however it's too early to know if the new fund model can achieve the same outcomes as the 2020 version could not.

To understand the basics of building profitable companies that aren't bound by the limitations of social media, we sit down to chat with the queen of Entrepreneurship herself - Business mogul Cassey Ho AKA Blogilates.

Nearly 12 and a half years ago, a modest house pilates YouTube video made Cassey an influential persona. Cassey has inspired over 14 million people through her videos , which have been watched over two billion times.

The end result was that Cassey could focus her energy on her passion for fashion. Cassey has two of her multimillion dollars portfolio brands: Blogilates and POPFLEX as well as the partnership she has together with 24 Hour Fitness, where her unique style of POP Pilates which is taught at fitness centers throughout the United States. The partnership includes her signature POP Pilates online certification course and a course for certification, which Cassey is an instructor for .

Through her followers as well as adapting to their needs through a range of services, Cassey has been able to build an enterprise that has been successful and has been featured in the spotlight for more than 10 years.

Take a look at the Q&A with Cassey for a deeper look at how she's diversified her sources of earnings through digital goods, physical goods and more.

Note: The responses were lightly modified to enhance clarity.

How do you pitch the elevator music you play?

There is a possibility that I'm an entrepreneur within the fitness and fashion industry. owner. My first venture started with YouTube as an instructor for pilates. On all platforms I've had between 14 and 15 million subscribers, as well as two billion views, and my first venture was through providing exercise videos for home use for users. This wasn't, however, my main motivation behind starting. I've always dreamed of being at the top of fashion. When I started teaching yoga, it was the year 2000. I was able to gain a following and later, because of my popularity, I was able to get back to my desire to be fashionable. My students wanted yoga mats, yoga clothing and also clothing and so I started to dress my students. It's been an amazing experience as social media has inspired me to rekindle my love for yoga. Yoga mats can be found at Target under Blogilates. POPFLEX is my company with clothes.

Let's take a look at the aspects of social media in your experience. Was there a reason that led you starting your personal YouTube channel?

I was employed as a pilates instructor during the college. in POP Pilates specifically. It is done to music. At the time, no one was teaching the style of Pilates. Pilates is a form of exercise that can be performed even without music, or just to music of classical origin. So, I worked as a teacher of 24 Hour Fitness, and I was in the process of finishing my masters degree when I was offered an opportunity to be a teacher in Boston as well as being aware that I needed to relocate to another state. There was no one who taught this type of pilates. In this situation my decision to film the workout in ten minutes, then post it to YouTube. The YouTube site was created in 2009. It was made for 40 people who attended the gym. That's it. After I uploaded the video on YouTube I didn't even go back to it until about a month later. It received thousands of visits along with hundreds of requests to add more. That's the reason why I decided to start Blogilates!

Have you made any changes to the way you use social media? What has changed in your experiences since you first started Blogilates back in the year 2009?

In 2009, YouTube in the form of video was launched in the year 2009. Facebook was the ideal platform for building communities. It's a great place to get to be in back. Over time, we've experienced various social networks become available which, frankly speaking, has been tiring. However, you must to keep your relevance through changing to the most recent platforms. It's your responsibility to determine how you reach out to those that use them, as well as the best way to tailor your content to every one of them. One of the most important things is staying active, but social media in the end is just the tool that you use. It's therefore subject to the scrutiny of people who watch your activity on the tool but in general I believe that it's advantageous because it blocks the entrance and there is no one to stop the way to achieving what you want. It is possible to keep looking and trying until you find an aspect of the content you enjoy, but you are always looking to improve and do it better each and every time.

What's changed since YouTube first launched in 2009? As creators YouTube creators of YouTube?

A lot has changed! In 2009 the year 2009, being an influencer was not something that was fashionable; making money via brand deals wasn't an alternative. AdSense wasn't even a thing at the time. Videos were uploaded on YouTube in order to serve the goal of wanting to show their expertise and also to share their funny moments as well as their personal videos. That was it. This wasn't about making it famous or become YouTube famous. It's 2023 and the world differs and, in numerous ways, I feel it's not as authentic.

There are many who want to be successful or innovative in search for fame and recognition. Self-worth for these individuals is based on numbers, which makes me regret the fact that a lot of creators that first began their careers in 2009 gathered to discuss their work. That's why I was at the event. I had a desire to instruct POP Pilates. My opinion is that this is one of the main reasons Blogilates was around for fourteen years. The company didn't die as you'll find among the younger generation of creatives. I believe the market is different and more competitive. However, it's an incredible opportunity for entrepreneurs because it's not necessary to rely on traditional media or advertisements to establish your name within the marketplace. It is possible to begin communicating with potential customers using smartphones and develop the following: TikTok and YouTube-based short, and Instagram Reel.

What was your experience when you started earning money through YouTube? Did you have a system for making sustainable money? If yes, could you share the specifics of your strategy?

To be honest I'm not exactly sure what was the original plan. There was always work in the background as a way to earn cash. My goal was not to make it an all-timer on YouTube. I was in the background in whatever way. You could have been selling items or at my very first company position. Thus, I didn't make a plan. At first, I began to realize that bloggers and YouTubers received brand contracts, and I didn't realize whether being able to have an agent, or any supervisory role was viable. A blogger friend of mine stated "Don't stress about it; you do not need to be moved out. Continue to build your fan base and you'll be able to see them. That's exactly what I did. It's hard to say if it's true, but I tried my best to focus on my readers and assisted them in putting out some amazing content I believed in as well as everything else that resulted out of that. AdSense, brands, or any else, are an important source of revenue, however in the present, they represent just a fraction of my revenue total since this is my primary source of income.

Was it always this option for you? Was it initially triggered by social media?

The beginning was probably divided due to the fact that I made yoga mats and yoga bags, as well as branding partnerships. There were partnerships every day and increased in size, but as they grew in number and I also got more upset. I didn't enjoy them (brand-related deals) because usually they are tied to an organization who doesn't understand or trust the direction you are taking. You follow the bullet points in the document. Then you submit your own material and cut off each bullet point. Then you're trying to get a change because they are unhappy with the way it's being shown. The constant feeling was that people were constantly informing me of what I could or could not create using my material as well as my audience. I became so unhappy with the brand partnerships that it's been my goal for the past few years to get rid of these agreements, and focus on communicating my image.

We'll now discuss the algorithms. Are algorithms affecting your ability to earn money from social platforms?

My first time that I created videos on design, just a year, and two months ago, I realized that how the TikTok algorithm or YouTube algorithm did, but maybe less so than as the Instagram algorithm could determine the direction of the item in terms of how quickly it's likely to sell out. For instance one, we watched a shambling video explode in popularity and receive at minimum 25 million or more views in a matter of hours. Also, we sold the video in only two hours. Sometimes, however, a YouTube video might become popular in one area however not be the same in another. The video is identical. It's intriguing to know how it's going, but I'm not entirely sure if that's because my users being distinct on different platforms, I do believe this is due to the fact that, as an instance TikTok is an extremely risky platform for being popular due to the fact that it has the same audience like the ones who use TikTok and, regardless of how you look at it, the outcome, they are fascinating. The algorithm is a key element in the way that videos perform in the end and it is an important aspect in the selling of. However, if you continue to focus on the quality of your product, like I and my staff are doing every day, there's no reason to utilize the most popular video content. Though they're attractive but my business isn't dependent on the impact of the content. Instead, it's dependent upon the quality of the products.

In the coming years, creatives will be aware of the need to use social media more of an audience-building tool as well as a source of traffic, and less of direct monetization tools like that which you've already used. Do you have a chance to make a discuss this development?

It's important to provide an item that is valuable to your clients. It's essential to give them something valuable, whether it is entertainment or education. It's not possible to build an audience when you only try to earn money from your audience. No matter what you've learned this morning. What is that aspect you could impart to the viewers to be able to take away and keep in mind? Just keep trying to improve your content to become more beneficial to the people who watch it. Once you're ready to go live with your new product, people will remember the occasions when you assisted them. They'll wish to be into consideration the journey you take when you announce your new product. As for me, even though I didn't plan it however, this was what happened.

Videos on YouTube for free over the course of 10 years. While we're at it we're also working on products. We are looking for people who know about how the product is made and want to be part of the process. By involving all the participants in the design of the project, it's an authentic community.

The majority of creators think that the only way to earn money is via affiliations and brand partnerships with social media networks. Where would you suggest that creators diversify their income sources?

Here we'll discuss all ways creators could diversify the sources of their income. There are obviously deals and brands, however you can also make use of AdSense on YouTube and the TikTok Creator Fund. Creators are also able to develop merchandise and items, or digital goods such as products, services, or even an online training course for . After you've finished your work, you need to think about the value your services providing. What are people willing to purchase? That's an excellent idea since you could create free content however, it's not a good idea to offer everything you've got for nothing. If you do not, you'll end up burning out. Additionally, the behavior of consumers has shown that when a person purchases something, they're more likely to keep the purchaseeven when they get it free of charge.

HTML0 It is essential to define what the significance of your effort is, and then transform it in something other than as a service, product, or even a piece of the material.

What strategies have you used to expand the reach of your followers on social media to benefit POPFLEX and the Blogilates brand at Target? What is the most efficient method you have funneled visitors through social media towards your website?

The viewers will be able to see the thoughts I had in the process of creating something. When I present an incredible piece of clothing I'm not telling them "oh, I've got a great garment. You can buy it. We're not selling to an audience. They are being educated. I develop products that tackle the challenges. I involve them in the design process and aid by involving them into the design process. I also take part in the design process. Their design requests will be considered for product design and then made into a reality. This will happen and by doing so, we build confidence with my customers. We do not treat them like customers, rather we treat them as co-designers. That's why the experience is enjoyable for everyone.

If the goal is to move my fans to my website instead of my social media sites towards my site I will focus on easy things, like placing links on my Instagram. For example, using tags to promote your product. Linking can be a method in order to move my clients away from my social media channels and to my site. In addition, I employ additional content creators who present my merchandise in addition to demonstrating how the clothing will suit women of different dimensions and shapes. We are sure that the articles we write will guide people to my website. Additionally, I use the newsletter to generate an immense amount of revenue.

What was your first idea ? What motivated you to design Your Pop Pilates courses on ?

I had been desperately searching for a website to provide my instructor certification , so near the end of the show I spoke about possibilities of teaching POP Pilates in the 24 hour Fitness. Within a few years later, POP Pilates becomes the official pilates class at all 24 Hour Fitnesses across the US. This is why I attempted to locate an online platform, or software to host the instructors and also share the choreography. I didn't come across anything. I was watching the time of Chalene Johnson's show of her radio show. She was talking with the casualness of a conversation about some issue, when she brought it the subject up . This is how I was introduced to the subject ! This was truly the sole thing that could let me do the things I was looking to achieve in the amount that was required of me to achieve that's why I'm grateful to it.

The world of creators in general. What are the biggest mistakes creators make in the current environment today?

Creators make a lot of mistakes today The biggest problem I've seen is when creatives manage to gain popularity with large audiences. But, suddenly they get contracts with brands and their work starts to look like they've been forced into. It's true that they need to earn a wage as well as pay their bills and pay their expenses, but at the very moment, they're ruining their fan base's trust. This kind of content has been observed to of content] sever the reputations of the creators. Additionally, I'm curious to find out how the work of a creative person based on the other professions is handled. The teacher in the above example becomes an influencer. A teacher's success as teachers is due to their role as teacher. What happens after they cease to be a teacher after they've become famous as creators?

It's easy to start your own course .

What's it that creators aren't able to be doing enough?

Everybody tells me every day that "Everyone is looking for" exactly the same items they get from you. It is important for them to have a wide range of items so they do not have to speak about various brands all the time. It is true that I'm sure you're attracted by this. You should be able to visualize running an enterprise that is built on products. It seems to me that any artist who has an audience must be able to offer a product or service or. It's the place they must be however, you must be a believer and living the productbecause if you're not convinced of it then it will be extremely difficult to sell it.

Have any suggestions that you can offer to someone who is new to this area who is looking to get started using digital tools?

It seems to be related back to the point I made earlier about finding out what benefits you can provide to your target audience first before figuring out how you can create a package in a way that it is sold. You have to remain focused on what that is. If you're not certain, that's fine. You are able to evaluate your own thoughts by reading the material at no cost. You must know who you are speaking to. It's crucial to keep in mind that you should be cautious regarding letting your audience direct your actions in something that you are confident about. If you aren't paying close at the numbers, and you make excessive comments, this can cause losing your personal identity. Your purpose can be lost as you lose sight of the values you hold dearly. This is a major reason why creators burn out. The people who make such work have a lot of problems because they do not be themselves. They're living their lives and doing things to the benefit of somebody else. So, you have to pay attention to every signal, not only your heart. Important to keep in mind that you should be creating content that appeals to the person who is creating it, as otherwise, it's unlikely to be a achievement.

Make your own destiny Digital goods

The key to success for creatives is diversifying their revenue streams in order to establish viable businesses. It's similar to what Cassey has done.

With digital products, such as online courses, along with tangible products and partnership with brands Cassey has been able to increase her reach around the world, and eventually be in control of her future.

When creators begin to follow to their fellow creators, the methods they utilize social media will change. It will be used not to earn cash, but rather as the purpose of generating traffic and help their followers find other, stable source for income. This could include digital products.

"The greatest part that my job is that I have helped me establish an instructor group which is actively engaged in Pop Pilates." -Cassey Hooper - Cassey Ho

The program has helped more than 55,000 entrepreneurs with a flair for creativity in their pursuit of $4.9 billion. The number of people benefiting from it grows with every passing minute.

We're eliminating the middleman, permitting you to control all your earnings and manage your clients, audience, branding, business model, and even your own branding.

Find out more about ways to achieve your goals and succeed in the realm of business and creativity. There's a chance to see Cassey along with Matt Steffanina, 's President/CPO Sean Kim, and Jim Louderback on the stage sponsored by a sponsor at SXSW later this month..

If you're looking to increase the amount you earn from digital items, check the options available with the 14-day free trial.

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