In today's episode, we share how to become your most authentic self on camera. Helen went well beyond the newsletter outline below and covered bonus tips about how to gain confidence with little camera hacks and practice ideas!

🎬 Record Something Daily (Even If You Never Post It)

Treat it like vocal warm-ups for your face. One take, one topic—anything goes. Talk about your breakfast, your to-do list, your opinion on oat milk. Just get in the habit of showing up. No pressure to publish, just practice.

Remember, when you are filming don’t look at yourself, look into the lens!

👩‍🎤Channel a Character

You’re not “being fake”—you’re stepping into a version of yourself. Some people do better pretending they’re talking to a close friend. Others imagine they’re the lead in their own how-to show. Find a persona that makes the camera feel more like a conversation.

🎥 Go Live (Seriously, Try It)

Lives take the pressure off being “perfect.” You’re reacting in real time, and that can feel way more natural. Bonus tip? Download the replay and edit it into short-form content. It’s like two-for-one confidence training and content creation.

💻 Use Zoom to Trick Your Brain

Want it to feel like a chat, not a performance? Open a Zoom call, hit record, and just start talking. You can later cut yourself out from the background and pop into another scene using editing tools. It’s sneaky—but effective.

⚡️ Confidence Grows When You Keep Showing Up

Your first video won’t be your best. But your 50th? Game-changer. And if you stop waiting until you “feel ready”... you’ll get there a whole lot faster

Try this challenge:

Film one 30-second video each day this week. No pressure to post it—just talk. Keep them in a folder called “Confidence Practice.” Watch how quickly it starts to feel easier.

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 strategies advertisers have used for years—and why they still work. Even on us professionals.

🔍 Episode Summary – Key Takeaways:

• Old Tricks, New Faces:
  The core tactics used in today’s social media ads are the same ones from the '80s and '90s—just with new faces (creators) and a new format (your feed).
• Behind-the-Scenes of Ad Shoots:
  Ads often feature pre-market prototypes or visual tricks like masking or strategic editing to simulate product performance (e.g., bubble machines or steamers).
• Spot the Editing Magic:
  Learn to watch for things like wrinkle removals or magical bag-packing by analyzing ad cuts—sometimes a quick jump hides a lot of manipulation.
• Even Pros Get Influenced:
  Despite being industry-savvy, I still get pulled in. I almost bought the steamer! This stuff works—and that’s the point.
• Modern Tools, Same Goal:
  Apps like CapCut make it easy for anyone to "enhance" product demos. The editing tools that were once exclusive to pros are now in everyone’s hands.
• Algorithms Are Listening:
  Yes, your phone is listening. Algorithms target you based on behavior and even spoken keywords. Ever say “steamer” out loud and then see steamer ads? Same.
• How to Stay Smart with Ads:
  • Ask yourself: Why am I seeing this ad?
  • Watch ads with the sound off to better spot visual cuts or tricks.
  • Read the comments—people often expose shady edits or give honest feedback.
  • Vet UGC creators: Are they truly aligned with the product, or just cashing in?
  • Appreciate the good ones—some ads do help raise real awareness (shoutout Sensodyne!).
• The Bigger Picture:
  Ads aren’t inherently bad. In many cases, they raise awareness or help people discover products they genuinely need. The key is curiosity and critical thinking.

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 overwhelming your storage or workflow.

Here's the outline and if you'd like to try out the Socialize Studio free for 7 days, CLICK HERE!

📱 Camera Settings Breakdown:

Default Recommended:
1080p HD at 30fps — Great balance of quality and manageable file size.
1080p HD at 60fps — Use if you plan to slow down footage; better quality slow-mo.
Avoid:
720p — Lower quality, only if desperate for storage space.
4K — Amazing quality, but huge files; only for pro projects or if exporting to big screens.
🎞️ Slow Motion Settings:

120fps vs. 240fps — Higher number = smoother slow-mo but needs more light.
Shoot in regular video and slow down in CapCut for more flexibility.
Avoid shooting slow-mo under fluorescent lights — causes flicker.
🎬 Cinematic Mode:

Shoots at 24fps in 4K with shallow depth of field — great for storytelling or stylized content.
Note: No zoom in this mode!
💡 Pro Tips:

Light is crucial for slow motion.
Be aware of local lighting systems when traveling (PAL vs NTSC frame rate differences).
Always shoot in the best quality you can afford in terms of data/storage.
You can always downscale, never upscale.

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 them derail your momentum, and how to use them to your advantage. From reframing your perspective to seeing each post as part of a larger archive and community journey, this episode is full of grounded, no-nonsense advice (plus a few laughs).

She reminds us that even seasoned creators with large followings experience algorithm dips, and that sometimes not going viral is actually better for your business. Helen also shares how collaborating with her daughter, Julie, helped shake things up and free her from perfection paralysis.

Finally, studio members get a sneak peek at this week’s Loop Action Video lesson—and a special bonus session coming up on Friday. If you're craving a mix of strategy, support, and straight-up storytelling, this one’s for you.

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 tips to grow real community and connection on social.

📱 Main Content: Engagement Made Easy (Especially on Instagram):

• Why engagement matters:
  • Builds trust, loyalty, and eventually leads
  • Even big stars like Lady Gaga engage intentionally
  • It's about consistent, intentional effort
• Instagram Favorites Hack:
  • Add up to 50 accounts to a "Favorites" list
  • View their posts in chronological order (no ads, no algorithm interference)
  • Great way to support creators and curate your feed
• Power of Comments:
  • Be clever—comments can lead people to your page
  • Big creators do read comments
  • Helen herself checks out smart or thoughtful commenters
• Comment Section = Content Gold:
  • Treat comments as an idea bank
  • Respond with videos to keep the momentum going
  • Replies to viral video comments often perform well

💬 Engagement Do’s & Don’ts:

• ✅ Leave thoughtful comments (not just emojis!)
• ✅ Save and share videos you like—it's more powerful than just liking
• ✅ Watch full videos to help creators with completion rates
• ✅ Be kind—compliments cost nothing but mean everything

📌 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 for 3–4 posts per week. Studio members get a ready-made weekly framework with ideas for 3 base videos + 1 bonus.
2. Plan by Themes
   • Organize content by day/theme to spark ideas and stay consistent.
     Example:
     • Monday = Tips
     • Wednesday = FAQs
     • Friday = Behind-the-scenes/Fun
3. Use a Planner or Notes App
   • Write down your weekly ideas and check them off. Use digital tools like Asana or just notes on your phone.
4. Batch Your Content Creation Time
   • Block time (e.g., 12–1 PM daily) to shoot. Set alarms. Avoid rescheduling endlessly.
   • Helen admits this is the hardest part — distractions happen, but consistency is key.
5. Stay Flexible
   • A weekly plan is more manageable than a monthly one. It also lets you pivot if a trend pops up.
6. Engage With Content
   • Scrolling is research, not wasted time! It fuels creativity and keeps you current with trends, humor, and new formats.

🎧 Listener Q&A

1. Voiceover Editing Tips
   • Yes, you can change your recorded voice in editing. Helen recommends using CapCut’s text-to-speech for more voice effect options.
   • Here’s the tutorial for the NARRATOR TREND

1. New Instagram Edits App vs CapCut
   • Instagram Edits is solid for quick, in-app editing (especially for green screen), but lacks key CapCut features like keyframes. CapCut still leads for more advanced edits. A full comparison tutorial is on the way

📣 Studio Plug + Special Offer
Helen wraps with a reminder that the Socialize Studio gives you weekly blueprints, community support, and a Mother's Day promo is live now. Check the newsletter or show notes for links and tutorials mentioned.

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 videos can be surfaced by search if optimized properly.

2. How to Find the Right Keywords
• Ask: “What is this video about, and what would someone type in to find it?”
• Use search bar auto-suggestions (on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Google) to see common related queries.
• On TikTok, scroll past the first few videos in a search to find related keywords under “other topics searched.”

3. How to Use Keywords Effectively
• Say them aloud in your video — algorithms do pick up on spoken words.
• Include them in on-screen text (don’t hide them offscreen).
• Use them in your caption — avoid clever wording that misleads the algorithm.
o Example: Saying “Watch this magic trick” for an outfit change video may categorize it as “magic” content.
• Put keywords in your profile display name and bio.
o Ex: Instead of “@latchkeylife,” say “Finance Tips for Gen X.”

4. Profile Optimization = SEO
• Your display name and username are searchable.
• Incorporate what you teach or share into your name (e.g., “Helen | TikTok Tips”).
• Think of your pinned videos as your homepage — pin the content you want to be known for.

5. Other SEO Boosters
• Geotags: Help surface your video in local searches (great for local businesses).
• Engagement: Comments, likes, and shares tell the platform your content is active and valuable.
• Hashtags:
o TikTok: Use a few relevant ones as a safety net.
o Instagram: Not necessary anymore. Meta says they no longer impact reach significantly.

6. The Wild Part: AI Recognizes Your Footage
• Platforms like TikTok and Instagram can visually interpret your video content.
• Helen saw a video categorized as “board games” — despite no mention in audio, text, or captions — because of what was in the footage.
• Bonus tip: TikTok auto-selects music based on the video’s vibe — proof that it understands what’s happening visually.

7. Pro Tip for Desktop Posting
• Rename your video files before uploading.
o Instead of IMG_024.mov, rename to green_screen_editing_tutorial.mov
o Helps with SEO on YouTube and even TikTok desktop uploads.

🧠 Final Thoughts:
• SEO is everywhere now — even in how platforms auto-tag and categorize content.
• Do all the little things: say your keywords, show them, write them, name your files.
• Treat your content like searchable assets, not just scrollable posts.

📢 Resources Mentioned:
• YouTube 101 Lesson in the Socialize Studio!
• 7-day free trial available and our Muther’s Day promo!
LINK TO TRY IT FREE: https://socialize-studio.mn.co

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 painful) “unsponsored by” review of TikTok-famous Crocs. Spoiler: it didn’t end well for her feet.

📌 Topics Covered:

1. Unsponsored Buy: Crocs Edition 👟

• The allure of TikTok’s viral Crocs
• Comfort level: ✅
• Style: Meh 😬
• Blister count: High 🩹
• Verdict: Proceed with caution

2. Free Workshop Announcement 🎓

• When: TODAY @ 4 PM ET
• Topic: Deep dive into small biz content creation
• Where: [Link in show notes – Replay available if missed]
• Learn how to work content into your day without burning out!
• REGISTER TO JOIN FREE

3. Helen’s Upcoming Trip to Jamaica 🇯🇲

• Speaking at a long-awaited conference
• Virtual retreat access available : CLICK HERE TO JOIN
• She’s planning to record from Jamaica next week—stay tuned!

📲 Small Biz Social Strategy Breakdown:

📹 Video is King

• Static posts won’t drive new reach
• Video content is the discovery tool—embrace it!

🚀 Start Small, Then Scale

• Pick 1–2 platforms to focus on
• TikTok is not just for Gen Z—Helen’s stats prove it
• Don’t try to be everywhere at once!

🧠 Work With What You’ve Got

• Create content while doing business
• Document, don’t over-produce
• Got a team? Bring their personalities in!

🎯 Sell Less, Connect More

• Educate, entertain, and inspire—don’t hard sell
• Save product mentions or CTAs for the end of videos
• Use your content to showcase transformation, not just the product

🎥 Feel Camera-Shy?

• Talk to the camera like it's a friend
• Or pretend you're on a Zoom—whatever gets you creating!

🧩 Stay Consistent, Not Constant

• No need for daily posts—3x/week is enough
• Prioritize quality and value over quantity

🔧 Tools & Support Mentioned:

✨ Helen’s Content Studio

• Weekly 10–15 min lessons
• Beginner + advanced options
• Includes challenges + community Zoom calls
• Try it free for 7 days → Join the Studio

📚 Additional Links:

• 👉 Free Workshop Sign-Up / Replay Access
• 🌴 Virtual Conference Retreat – Join from Anywhere
• 💌 Helen's Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up

🎤 Quote of the Episode:

"You have to do what you're gonna actually be able do. If you're too nervous to talk to the camera, you're never gonna do it. So figure out what you can do consistently—and do that." – Helen

💌 Stay Connected:

• Instagram: @hellosocialize
• TikTok: @hellosocialize
• Website: hellosocialize.com

🎧 Tune in next week from Jamaica! Helen's bringing the vibes, the tips, and possibly a fresh new unsponsored buy.

👉 Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!