Cassey Ho of Blogilates shares tips for success before SXSW

Feb 24, 2023

As the world grapples with the possibility of a recession, people are looking for strategies to safeguard their business as well as creators of content. In the process, many have realized that using just the sponsorship and branding agreements to earn revenue won't last long and isn't sustainable..

The upcoming recession may be a problem. Deals and similar contracts cannot be regarded as reliable particularly for artists who have a large number of followers. Add a downturn into the mix, or brand contracts could be eliminated in order to make income for numerous artist.

Solutions to this issue are being developed, such as the introduction of money to social media , for instance TikTok's. The funds have been scrutinized due to their insufficient payouts because of the high amount of creators who want a share of the money. At the end of the day, TikTok is actively exploring a new creator's fund which will give creators better payments, although it's not yet clear what the new model for the fund will be able to get the same result as its predecessor failed to achieve.

To understand better the challenge of how entrepreneurs can create viable businesses that are not subject to the restrictions that social media has, we arranged the platform for a debate regarding the future of entrepreneurialism herself, the famous business entrepreneur Cassey Ho, otherwise known as Blogilates.

Only 12 years ago an unimportant house pilates YouTube channel earned her Cassey's rise to the rank as an influential person. Cassey has inspired more than 14 million people through her YouTube content that has been watched over two billion times.

In the end, Cassey can focus on her love of fashion. Cassey has two million dollar portfolio of brands like Blogilates, Blogilates and POPFLEX in addition to being linked the partnership with 24 Hour Fitness, where her distinctive method that she developed called POP Pilates is taught in all gyms across in the United States. It is also part of the well-known POP Pilates online certification course and also the one Cassey is an instructor on .

By empowering her followers and adapting to their demands through a range of goods, Cassey has created a company that has been in the spotlight for over 10 years.

Take a look at the Q&A conversation with Cassey to get an in-depth analysis of how she has diverse her sources of income via digital and physical products as well as other revenue sources.

HTML0 Note that the responses have been slightly edited to improve clarity and quality.

What can you do to make your elevator pitch?

One could call me a fitness-related and fashion businessman. My initial venture was in the YouTube world, where I taught pilates. Every platform I have on my account is over 14 million followers  and 2 billion views. The way I started was to offer free workout videos to users However, that wasn't my goal. There was always a need to appear fashionable. My first time offering classes, I developed an online community. Later, due to this I got caught up with a desire to become an edgy. Students were constantly seeking yoga mats, clothing and even yoga mats which is why I began dressing up my students. It's been a wonderful experience as social media has allowed me to revive my passion for yoga. Yoga mats are for purchase on Target within blogilates. POPFLEX is my name for selling clothing.

Check out the site and see what you've gained from your experiences on social media. Why did you decide to launch YouTube?

I taught part-time teaching pilates while in college. I was also a trainer of POP Pilates specifically, which is an exercise that incorporates music. But, I was not the only one taught the same style of Pilates. Pilates can be practiced even in the absence of music or in the context with classical music. This is why I taught this class in 24 Hour Fitness in 2009, and finished my studies in 2009. When I finished my degree and was offered a job with one of the businesses located in Boston since I realized that I'd have to relocate to another country, and no one was teaching the same kind of pilates. This is the reason I chose to develop a 10 minute workout which I uploaded to YouTube. YouTube website in the year 2009. The exercise was only for 40 people in the fitness center. This was the sole occasion it was put up. After I uploaded the file and then deleted the file, I didn't look at it for approximately a month after. It received millions of views, as well as a large number of people requesting to know more this is the main reason why I started Blogilates!

What's changed in the way you use social media? Have you noticed any changes in your way of life since the time you first started Blogilates back in the year 2009?

The year 2009 saw YouTube as the most popular format to record video was announced. Facebook was the best platform to establish communities. It was an excellent platform when it was first introduced. In the last few years, we've witnessed a myriad of social networks come into existence. It's very difficult however, you must stay relevant within the ever-changing environment of various platforms. Discover how you can connect with people on platforms, as well as how you can create information which is relevant to everybody. You must continue to play your part, however social media, at end of the day, is a an instrument. So, everything is depend on the number of people who have access to the platform. However, I consider it to be an advantage since it allows you to build a foundation for positive change. No one can stop your success. Always experiment and try until you come across a kind of content that is effective. Keep trying to make it better each single event.

What's changed since the launch back in 2009? What has changed in the way you create videos on YouTube?

A lot has changed! The job of an influencer was not a popular concept; making money through partnerships with companies was not an option; AdSense wasn't even a idea in its early years. YouTubers posted videos to YouTube for the purpose to showcase their skills and humorous moments , along with personal content. That was it. They didn't intend to be famous or become the next YouTube celebrity. It's 2023 now and the world is different and unique in numerous ways. The world isn't quite as real.

There are many who want to be influential or makers due to the need for attention and recognition. The self-worth of these people is measured by their own standards which makes me uneasy as many of people that started their careers in 2009 had reasons to attend. This is why I attended the gathering. I wanted to teach POP Pilates. According to me, this is the reason Blogilates exists for fourteen years. Blogilates continues to exist and you can witness it happening often with the newest creators. It is my opinion that the market is getting increasingly competitive and exclusive, but, it's also a great opportunity for entrepreneurs because there is no need to rely on traditional media or advertisements for getting your name recognized on the market. Instead, you can start connecting with your followers using your phone or create a TikTok, YouTube Short and Instagram Reel.

What was your first experience making money on YouTube? Do you have a plan which you're able to use to generate consistent earnings? If so, can we provide a brief description of your strategy?

But, I'm not sure which is the true significance or the actual meaning. The work was always behind the scenes. I've never wanted to become completely involved in YouTube since I've always been doing something behind the scenes regardless of whether or not I made any money, or even if it was my first and only job in a business. This is why I did not have any plan. When I first started, I was shocked to observe that bloggers and YouTubers have signed brand agreements. I had no idea about having an agent , or even an administrator was possible. My blogger buddy told me "Don't be concerned about it. It's not necessary to reach out to any person. Keep growing your network and one day, someone will show up.' This is exactly what happened. I'm not certain if I consider this to be an effective strategy but, I tried my best to concentrate on my target audience and provide them with high-quality material that I believed strongly in, and the rest was the outcome of this. AdSense, brand agreements, as well as others make up a significant portion of my income source, but they make up only a small portion of my revenue total as the product I offer is the main component.

This was the way it always was for you. Was it first primarily via social media?

It was initially an awkward division because I created a lot of yoga mats and yoga bags, as well the brand agreements had been in place and anticipated to expand initially. But, they grew and I began to be unhappy. I was not a fan (brand agreements) since, typically in these agreements, you're dealing with the wrong person who doesn't comprehend or appreciate your opinions. You must follow these bullet points within the agreements. After that, you send your information and remove every single bullet point. After that, they're looking for adjustments because they're not pleased with how the content is delivered. The feeling is constant of having to be told precisely what I'm allowed or prohibited from working on my own projects as well as my target audience. I became so annoyed by these contracts that I've decided over the last several years to get rid of the agreements , and instead, discuss my personal brand.

Let's now talk about the algorithm. Do you believe that algorithms affect your capacity to earn money through social media platforms?

Since I began making videos on design, and I've been doing this for one year and an hour before that, what exactly did the TikTok algorithm or the YouTube algorithm accomplish? It was a good ideabut it didn't work nearly as effective as it was the Instagram algorithm. It can determine the future of an item as and the rate of when it's sold out. In one instance the video we reviewed, we witnessed the video's uglyness go through the roof and reach at minimum 25 million or more views within a matter of minutes, before being out of stock within a few hours. But, in some cases, articles are successful on some websites, yet be unpopular for another even though it's identical to the same video. It's interesting to observe what happens, however, I'm not quite sure if it's because my users are different on every platform. This could be because of the platform. TikTok offers a higher chance of becoming popular due to the fact that there is a similar audience. But, regardless of the motivation, this study is fascinating. The algorithm has an essential part in the quality of videos, which is the reason that it could have a huge influence on sales. However, when you are determined to create a high-quality product which I as well as my coworkers use every day, it is not necessary to produce videos that are viral. While they're appealing, my company doesn't rely on them to be popular. Instead, the business was founded on the superior quality of their products.

With time, artists will recognize that they need to make use of social media platforms to increase the reach of their audience as well as for traffic generation instead of an instrument that can allow direct monetization as we've seen you accomplish. What are your thoughts on this change?

It's crucial to give the viewers something to enjoy your work. It's essential to create some sort of value, regardless of whether it's you're in the field of entertainment or teaching. You can't create a loyal audience just by trying to make money out of these people. So, whatever you're doing which you're hearing this morning: What's the part of the communication you have with people that they will have the ability to carry into their homes and remember? Just keep trying to make your message more useful to the people who read it once you're ready to publish the publication. The people will be thinking about the ways you've helped them. They'll be keen to take part in the process as you release your services. This isn't necessarily my idea in mind it was the way it happened.

My channel on YouTube has published over the span of about a decade , and also created products and customers who are aware of how my project is evolving and would like to be part of the process. By involving people when designing my products, I have developed a true community.

The majority of creators believe that the best way to make profits is to sign contracts with affiliates through social media. What suggestions do you have to help creators diversify their income streams?

Explore every possible way that creators could diversify their streams of revenue. You're not denying that you've established brands. However there is also AdSense on YouTube along with TikTok's creator funds. Creators are also able to create a variety of additional products such as goods and digital products that include a service, or online course which are accessible . When you're evaluating your offerings each day, it's crucial to know the value you're offering. What is it that people are looking to purchase? It is important to ask yourself this answer, because it is possible to make content at no cost but you're not capable of providing the world for free. If you make an attempt but not succeed, you'll be burned out. Furthermore, studies have shown that that when someone buys an item, they are more likely to be engaged than if they received it in the form of gifts for free.

It's crucial to establish what the value of your effort is. Then put it in some different context like the product, service or even a bit of metal.

How have you used strategies to expand the reach of your Facebook followers to spread the word about POPFLEX and the Blogilates line of items from Target? How did you get traffic generated by the social networks back onto your web site?

I'll explain to viewers how I came to the concept. If I present the most beautiful piece of clothing I've seen, I'm not just telling you that it's an outstanding garment. It's a must to purchase it.' We're not trying to sell our customers. We are educating them. I create products that address problems. I incorporate participants into the design process this helps to involve them into the design process as well as allowing them to participate in the process of design. Their design requests will be considered prior to the development of products and we assist in bringing the product to life, by working with improve the trust of my clients. They're not treated as customers but considering them as co-designers. This helps make an experience that's enjoyable for everyone.

In terms of transfer of customers from my social media accounts on my website, I concentrate on those things that seem obvious, such as adding the Instagram URL. For example, using tags to advertise your services. Linking is a way for me to redirect my followers from my social platforms to my website. Additionally, I work with various writers to create content, display my clothing and show my clothes to women of different dimensions and sizes. Indeed, the articles that we create will draw customers to my website. Furthermore I use newsletters that bring in significant sales.

Did you know where the first place you started the journey to Pilates ? The reason why did you decide to design Your Pop Pilates courses on ?

I was in desperate search of a website that could offer my teacher training course at the very beginning of the course. I talked about the possibility of of giving POP Pilates at 24-Hour Fitness. In time, POP Pilates becomes the principal pilates classes offered at 24Hour Fitness establishments across the US. That's why I tried to find an online portal or program which houses the instructors and perform the routine. I was unable to find anything. I was watching Chalene Johnson's show on the program. It was a casual conversation regarding something she brought up . That's how I realized the possibility of it being there ! This was actually the only thing that could aid me in achieving my objectives that I wanted to reach at the speed needed by me. That's my reason for being happy with it.

Looking at the creation world general. What are the most costly creation mistakes today that creators commit?

Creatives are not without errors to correct and my main concern I've observed is when artists get a great deal of publicity and gain enormous fan popularity. Then comes the point when they're offered deals from companies, and their work becomes a bit odd. It's true that they need money and need to cover their expenses however they're also ensuring that they're also destroying the confidence of their clients. I've experienced this myself. Content's content could harm the brand of its creators. Additionally, I'm keen to know what happens when an artist's career is an inspiration for another field can play out. In this case, for example, teachers have become an influencer. A teacher's entire success as an educator can be attributed to their capacity to instruct however, what happens when they cease to be an educator since they've transformed into an entrepreneurial?

Create a class that is simple starting .

What is the thing that isn't talked about by creators often enough?

Everyday I get to hear customers want the exact thing you sell. They would like to provide diverse products to ensure that they don't need to discuss different brands every day. In reality, however I think that in order to do thatyou should be able to imagine managing any type of business founded on the notion of products. It is my belief that every artist who has an audience should create a item or service. Creators must be. Be sure to advertise and market your product, since if you don't then your product is likely to be difficult to promote.

Do you have any suggestions that you could offer to those who are only beginning their route and want to start on the digital side?

I believe it is the name of something I previously wrote concerning determining what worth the product offers the user before figuring out how to package it in a way that it's available for purchase. You have to ensure that you know the worth of the product. If you're still uncertain the value, you can use it. Try to test the message you intend to communicate using free content. You must feel out the people who will be watching your material. Additionally, I'd like to say that you must ensure that you don't let your audience direct you to a path you aren't comfortable with. If you're studying statistics and make a lot of comments, it could lead to losing your personal identity. In the end, you're unmotivated and aren't sure what beliefs you hold to that's the main reason why artists quit. Artists who burn out are unhappy because they're unable to lead their lives in a way which is beneficial for them. They are creating, living and growing into a person. Thus, you must be alert to the signals that come through but not just your heart. When you are done with your day, it is important to produce content that feels enjoyable to you or else the end result will be an unsatisfactory product.

Make your own destiny with digital products

The success of creators depend on the diversification of their income streams to create viable companies. The same is true for Cassey has done.

With the help of the web, which includes virtual classes and tangible goods along with brand collaborations, Cassey is able to expand her influence around the world while remaining the one responsible for her own destiny.

If creators begin to be an element of the current and become more popular, how they engage with social media will change. It will not be used as a source of income but will instead can be used to discover more reliable revenue sources, like digital goods.

"The greatest contribution Pop Pilates has played is supporting me in the creation of a vibrant instructor community for Pop Pilates." Cassey Ho Cassey Ho

It has supported more than 55,000 entrepreneurs who are innovative with a total of $4.9 billion. The number of entrepreneurs supported is increasing with each passing second.

We're removing the middleman and allowing you to retain all of your income and enjoy your own customers, model of business, as well as a brand.

If you're seeking to know more about the ways you can achieve your goals and excel in your profession as an entrepreneur or creator, keep an eye out for Cassey alongside Matt Steffanina, 's President/CPO Sean Kim, and Jim Louderback on the stage hosted by Cassey at SXSW in the coming weeks..

If you're looking to diversify your revenue with digital offerings Try them out for yourself through the no-cost trial period for fourteen days.

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