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Hey there Reader

Cooper and I just got back from the sold-out TBEX conference in stunning San Sebastian, Spain 🌞 We are excited to share our top 3 key takeaways with you!

TBEX is one of the world's premier events for travel content creators, digital nomads, and associated travel industry folks. This year's conference was packed with inspiring speakers, valuable workshops, and unparalleled networking opportunities. We had the BEST time! (take a look behind the scenes at some of my recent Reels on Instagram.

After attending awesome sessions across two days, networking with top travel names and creators, and immersing ourselves in the latest trends, we emerged with a renewed sense of excitement and a mountain of actionable insights to implement in our own travel business pursuits.

Here are the 3 most important things we learned that we think will really benefit you and your travel creator journey:

1. Get on Board with AI

If you're not already using AI tools and technologies in your content creation and marketing, now is the time to start. From AI-powered writing assistants to image generators, the savviest creators are leveraging these capabilities to work smarter and faster. Don't get left behind!

One of the standout AI tools we learned about was Poe.com, an AI assistant that can help you draft everything quickly, from blog posts to FAQs and digital marketing strategy. Many speakers raved about how AI tools like this have boosted their productivity and enabled them to produce higher volumes of content without sacrificing quality.

Another powerful AI tool is Midjourney, which uses deep learning to generate unique, photorealistic images based on text prompts. This can be a game-changer for creators who struggle with visual content creation, allowing you to produce custom images, illustrations, and graphics in minutes.

The key is to start experimenting with different AI tools and workflows to find what works best for your unique content and business needs. Don't be afraid to test, iterate, and find creative ways to integrate AI into your process. It may feel futuristic, but mastering these technologies now will give you a major competitive edge.

2. Diversify Your Income Streams

In light of recent Google algorithm changes that have disrupted many creators' traffic, it's critical to have multiple revenue sources set up. Whether that's affiliate marketing, sponsorship, digital products, or alternative platforms, the more diversified your income, the more resilient your business will be.

Some of the most interesting sessions I attended were about monetising in diverse ways, including licensing your own content, coaching (teaching your skills), and setting up events or training in-person or online. A common thread was the importance of having at least 3-5 income streams, so you're not overly reliant on any single source.

For example, many are leveraging affiliate marketing to earn passive income from product recommendations, while also securing brand sponsorship, selling digital products like e-books or online courses, and generating revenue from alternative platforms like YouTube or Patreon.

The trick is to experiment and find the right mix of monetisation strategies for your unique audience and expertise. Don't be afraid to think outside the box - the more creative and diversified you can be, the better positioned you'll be to weather future algorithmic changes or economic uncertainty.

3. Strengthen Partnerships & Communities

Building strong relationships with like-minded creators, brands, and your audience will be key going forward. Collaborations and brand partnerships can open up new opportunities, while fostering a loyal community can help insulate you from the ups and downs of the ever-changing digital landscape.

One of the biggest themes we heard from speakers was the power of community. Those creators who have built engaged, supportive followings are the ones thriving, even as platforms and algorithms shift. By nurturing deep connections with your audience, you create a reliable foundation that can withstand turbulence.

Similarly, strategic partnerships - whether that's cross-promoting with fellow creators, joining forces on content campaigns, or securing brand sponsorship - were highlighted as crucial for expanding your reach and unlocking new possibilities.

Many of the top creators at TBEX attribute their success to the strength of their professional relationships and collaborative efforts.

Be proactive and intentional about building your network, both with your audience and industry peers. Attend events like TBEX, join online creator communities, and make a concerted effort to cultivate meaningful connections. The more you invest in these relationships, the more they'll pay off in the long run.

The team at TBEX and Basque Country Tourism really outdid themselves this year, packing the agenda with so much valuable content, set against a sublime backdrop of pure beauty. If you're looking to take your travel creator business to the next level, we can't recommend the TBEX conferences enough. The fact this was my eighth in ten years (check out another past highlight here!) should speak volumes to our feelings about this event and its global travel-loving community.

Let me know if you have any other questions about our time at TBEX - I'm happy to share more insights and tips.

Here's to your continued success!

Sarah & Cooper