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Going Viral: The Truth About Social Media Growth, Trolls & Monetization

Manifesting Photographer Podcast Show Notes

Manifesting Photographer Podcast Show Notes

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • How being your most authentic self on social media drives engagement and builds community
  • Why trolls (yes, trolls!) can actually help your content go viral
  • How to start making money from social media—without needing millions of followers

Social media isn’t just a tool for business growth—it’s a game-changer for female entrepreneurs looking to turn passion into profit. But let’s be real: navigating the world of viral content, brand partnerships, and internet trolls isn’t always easy.

In this episode of Rebel CEO, I’m sitting down with Sarah from Sway and Sarah Build to unpack the highs, the lows, and the unexpected wins of growing a business online. Whether you’re building a personal brand or scaling a small business, this conversation is packed with insights to help you show up, stand out, and get paid.


Authenticity = The Ultimate Growth Hack

Want to grow on social media? Stop trying to be what you think people want—just be YOU.

Sarah built her DIY home renovation account by sharing the real stuff—wins, fails, and all the mess in between. “People want to see stuff that’s relatable and authentic,” she says. And guess what? That honesty built a loyal audience who showed up for her, not just her projects.

I’ve seen the same in my own business. When I ditched perfection and started sharing my actual journey—wins and struggles—my engagement (and impact) went up. Because the truth? People connect with people, not highlight reels.


Trolls = Free Marketing (If You Play It Right)

Haters in your comments? You might be winning.

Sarah shared how negative comments actually helped her content go viral. “The hate comments literally blew up our account,” she laughs.

Here’s why: Social media platforms love engagement. And when trolls start commenting, debating, or dragging you? That’s free visibility. More engagement = more reach = more growth.

Moral of the story? Don’t let the negativity stop you. “When you do end up getting hate… you’re in the right place,” Sarah says. Keep going.


You Don’t Need a Million Followers to Get Paid

So many female entrepreneurs think they need huge followings to make money online. Nope.

“You don’t need a ton of followers to start monetizing your account,” Sarah explains. What actually matters? A highly engaged audience and strategic brand partnerships.

One of the easiest ways to start making money? UGC (User Generated Content)—creating content for brands instead of relying on influencer deals. “The worst they can say is no,” Sarah reminds us. Pitch yourself, show your value, and start building partnerships.

This applies to any creative business. Photographers build portfolios through styled shoots. Coaches offer free value-packed content to attract clients. Your work is what sells—so start putting it out there.


Final Takeaway: Success Comes from Showing Up (Even When It’s Messy)

This conversation was a masterclass in social media growth, but the biggest lesson? Success isn’t about going viral overnight—it’s about consistently showing up, standing firm in your worth, and seizing every opportunity that aligns with your vision.

As I always say: Nobody who’s doing more than you is ever going to criticize you. So stop holding back, start posting, and trust that your people are out there waiting for you to show up.

🎧 Ready to dive in? Listen to the full episode of Rebel CEO now.

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