In this episode, Mike returns from a short hiatus with life updates and a powerful guest interview featuring Claire, a data analyst turned Amazon Influencer. Claire brings her expertise in statistics, market research, and creator behavior to the conversation, breaking down what actually moves the needle for influencers.

Claire shares key findings from her influencer surveys, including:

• 📊 Video quality vs. quantity — What matters more?
• 🎯 Thumbnails that convert — Why they play a bigger role than you think
• ⏱️ Time spent on videos — Is effort really correlated with success?
• 🤝 The role of community — How creator relationships affect your results

Whether you’re new to influencer marketing or trying to refine your strategy, this episode is packed with data-backed insights to help you grow smarter and faster.

🔗 Guest Links — Connect with Claire

• 💼 Work with Claire / Shop her storefront: stan.store/datacoachclaire
• 📬 Free Newsletter
• 📧 Email: DataCoachClaire@gmail.com

💡 Work 1-on-1 with Mike

• 🚀 Book a Single 1-Hour Strategy Session
• 💼 Save with a 4-Session Bundle

👥 Join Our Free Facebook Community

Connect with fellow creators, share wins, and learn strategies that work:

👉 Amazon Influencer Success Facebook Group

🔥 Tools & Resources for Influencers

Viral Vue

Make smarter content decisions and grow faster.

👉 Try Viral Vue here — Use code STRAHL10 for 10% off for life

(Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

Descript

Edit your podcasts and videos like a pro.

👉 Check out Descript here

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📩 Contact

Have a question, collab opportunity, or topic request?

Email: levelupwithmike@gmail.com

In this solo episode of the Basic Influencer Strategies Podcast, Mike gets real about the rollercoaster of content creation — especially when your numbers suddenly drop.

Pulling back the curtain on his own major income dip from April to May, Mike opens up about the emotional toll these slow months can take, and why it’s not always your fault. He breaks down the real reasons behind sudden performance declines — including shifts in Amazon’s algorithm, economic changes, and seasonal buyer behavior — while offering clear advice on how to navigate the storm.

This episode is a mix of tough love, encouragement, and practical strategy. Mike shares how to manage mindset during discouraging times, why long-term brand building matters more than chasing short-term wins, and how diversifying your income streams can protect you in uncertain seasons.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, defeated, or ready to throw in the towel — this one’s for you.

Work 1-on-1 with Mike:

⁠Book a Single 1-Hour Strategy Session⁠

⁠Save with a 4-Session Bundle

🔗 Join Our Facebook Community:

⁠ https://www.facebook.com/groups/amazoninfluencerssuccess/

(Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

Make smarter content decisions and grow faster with Viral Vue.

⁠Try Viral Vue here⁠ — Save 10% for life with code: STRAHL10

(Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

Descript:

Edit your podcasts and videos like a pro with Descript.

⁠Check out Descript here⁠

(Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

For all inquiries, email: levelupwithmike@gmail.com

In this episode of the Basic Influencer Strategies Podcast, Mike sits down with Kade Peterson, a leading content creator and co-founder of Viral Vue. Kade shares his journey from Amazon private label selling to rebuilding a multi-platform brand after losing his main TikTok account. You’ll learn how Viral Vue helps creators make smarter, faster decisions and why getting uncomfortable is key to long-term success.

We talk about Kade’s start in Amazon and content creation, how Viral Vue was born and how it’s helping influencers, and tips for new and aspiring creators. Kade also dives into how to overcome challenges, stay motivated, manifest big goals, and why stepping out of your comfort zone leads to real growth. We also cover strategies for expanding beyond Amazon to diversify your income streams, new features and future plans for Viral Vue, and his final encouragement for creators working to build sustainable businesses.

This episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world strategies for content creators at any level.

Connect with Kade:

Instagram: @kade_peterson

YouTube: Kade Peterson

Join Our Facebook Community:

Amazon Influencer Success Community

Work 1-on-1 with Mike:

Book a Single 1-Hour Strategy Session

Save with a 4-Session Bundle

Creator Tools & Affiliate Links:

Viral Vue:

Make smarter content decisions and grow faster with Viral Vue.

Try Viral Vue here — Save 10% for life with code: STRAHL10

(Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

Descript:

Edit your podcasts and videos like a pro with Descript.

Check out Descript here

(Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

For all inquiries, email: levelupwithmike@gmail.com

In this episode of the Basic Influencer Strategies podcast, Mike sits down with Erin Lawrence — a full-time content creator, YouTube strategist, and former TV journalist who’s grown her channel to nearly 100,000 subscribers. Erin shares how she made the leap from news anchor to influencer, how she consistently lands paid brand deals, and what it really takes to build a sustainable, profitable creator business.

We dive into:

• Erin’s transition from traditional media to YouTube
• The real numbers behind her content income
• Her system for pitching and pricing brand deals
• How she handles negative feedback and online trolls
• Tools and workflows that streamline her content creation
• Why professionalism, consistency, and high-quality content matter more than ever

If you’re a creator ready to go full-time, this episode is packed with actionable tips, real talk, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to thrive in today’s digital world.

Connect with Erin Lawrence

• YouTube: Erin Lawrence TV
• Instagram: @amazingintent | @erinlyyc
• Newsletter: The Amazing Intentional Influencer

Work with Mike 1-on-1

• Book a single session: Click here
• Save with a 4-session bundle: Click here

Creator Tools & Discounts

• Viral Vue: Try it here – Save 10% with code STRAHL10
• Descript (Edit like a pro): Click here

Liked this episode?

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this with a fellow creator looking to scale their income and build a long-term content business!

For all inquires please reach out to me by email : levelupwithmike@gmail.com

In this episode of the Basic Influencer Strategies Podcast, Mike sits down with Jesse Lakes, CEO of Geniuslink, to uncover proven strategies for maximizing affiliate earnings. Jesse shares his unique journey from whitewater rafting guide to affiliate marketing expert, offering insider tips on increasing conversion rates, managing multiple affiliate programs, and leveraging AI for efficiency.

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They also discuss:

✅ How to optimize affiliate links for higher commissions

✅ Geniuslink’s powerful tools for international sales and tracking

✅ Staying compliant with Amazon’s affiliate program

✅ Future trends in digital marketing and monetization

Whether you’re new to affiliate marketing or looking to scale your income, this episode is packed with actionable advice from an industry leader.

📢 Join the Conversation & Level Up Your Earnings!

📌 It's not to late to sign up for the course!

Beyond the Basics – The Creator’s Guide to Monetization & Growth

🚀 Learn advanced strategies to grow and monetize your content!

👉 Join here: https://buy.stripe.com/9AQg2Obra4vc9gY8ww

🎯 1-on-1 Coaching with Mike

✔ Book a single session: https://buy.stripe.com/8wMcQC8eYf9Qcta9AC

✔ Save with a 4-session block: https://buy.stripe.com/fZe3g20Mw1j01Ow5kl

🔗 Affiliate Tools & Discounts

🔥 Viral Vue: https://app.viralvue.com/register?fpr=mikestrahl – Save 10% with code: STRAHL10

🎬 Descript: https://get.descript.com/429ryp597xa4 – Edit & transcribe like a pro

🚀 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow creators looking to boost their affiliate marketing success!

For all inquires please reach out to me by email : levelupwithmike@gmail.com

In Episode 64 of the Basic Influencer Strategies Podcast, Mike returns after a period of recovery from nasal surgery & welcomes guest Kevin Thomas. At 55 years old, Kevin is taking an early retirement & transitioning from his established career into content creation. He shares his journey, insights, & practical tips for leveraging Amazon's Creator Connections. He discusses his robust workflow, the importance of prioritizing high-impact products, & the benefits of making both horizontal and vertical videos. Kevin also touches on securing free products from vendors & making informed video content decisions. This episode offers valuable perspectives for influencers aspiring to optimize their time & maximize earnings. Kevin also had a YouTube channel where he shares his tips & insights related to the AIP program. His channel, Bald Man Hustle can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@BaldManBusiness

New Course Announcement!

Beyond the Basics: The Creator’s Guide to Monetization & Growth Course

Join Here!

⁠https://buy.stripe.com/9AQg2Obra4vc9gY8ww⁠

_________________________________________________________

If you are interested in 1 on 1 coaching

1 session

https://buy.stripe.com/8wMcQC8eYf9Qcta9AC

4 session block

https://buy.stripe.com/fZe3g20Mw1j01Ow5kl

Affiliate Links:

Viral Vue

⁠https://app.viralvue.com/register?fpr=mikestrahl⁠

Save 10% by using code : STRAHL10

Descript

⁠https://get.descript.com/429ryp597xa4

______________________________________________________

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this with a fellow creator looking to scale their income and build a long-term content business!

For all inquires please reach out to me by email : levelupwithmike@gmail.com

In episode 63 of the Basic Influencer Strategies podcast, Mike thanks listeners for their support as he takes over from Andrew & Jim Ed. He discusses Amazon's recent transition from Creator Hub to Creator Studio, providing insights into the changes & their implications for influencers. Mike also shares his personal earnings breakdown for January & February, emphasizing the importance of Creator Connections & diversifying income streams.

He offers advice on video metrics, product selection, & effective use of tools like Viral Vue. Additionally, Mike announces a new course designed to help influencers level up their content and earnings. The episode concludes with strategies for acquiring high-ticket items for reviews & leveraging community support.

New Course Announcement!

Beyond the Basics: The Creator’s Guide to Monetization & Growth Course

Join Here!

https://buy.stripe.com/9AQg2Obra4vc9gY8ww

_________________________________________________________

If you are interested in 1 on 1 coaching

1 session

https://buy.stripe.com/8wMcQC8eYf9Qcta9AC

4 session block

https://buy.stripe.com/fZe3g20Mw1j01Ow5kl

_________________________________________________________

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Update

01:09 Amazon Updates: Creator Hub Changes

04:15 Personal Earnings and Creator Connections

06:08 Understanding Metrics and Improving Content

10:07 Introducing the 'Beyond the Basics' Course

12:39 IPX and Other Extensions

14:34 Viral View: A Paid Extension Review

18:21 Finding High Ticket Items for Reviews

23:16 Conclusion and Community Support

Affiliate Links:

Viral Vue

https://app.viralvue.com/register?fpr=mikestrahl

Save 10% by using code : STRAHL10

Descript

https://get.descript.com/429ryp597xa4

__________________________________________________________

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this with a fellow creator looking to scale their income and build a long-term content business!

For all inquires please reach out to me by email : levelupwithmike@gmail.com

In podcast episode number 62, Andrew acknowledges the long break since their last episode and discusses the busy lives of the co-hosts.

Major life transitions, including new jobs and other commitments, have led to a significant announcement: Andrew and Jim Ed will hand over the reins of the podcast to Mike.

Mike shares his impressive journey and earnings in the Amazon Influencer Program (AIP) and outlines his vision for the podcast moving forward. He plans to expand the podcast's scope to cover broader topics within the side hustle and passive income niches, offer coaching, and maintain engagement with the podcast's existing community.

The episode closes with actionable tips on improving video reviews to boost AIP success.

00:00 Welcome Back to the Podcast!00:16 Life Updates and Busy Schedules00:45 Podcast Continuation and Changes00:57 Revenue and Performance Insights03:18 Mike's Impressive Numbers10:02 Community and Success Stories13:06 Big Announcement: Podcast Transition14:45 Future Vision and Plans23:52 Nostalgic Product Reviews24:15 Crafting the Perfect Thumbnail and Title24:53 Engaging Viewers with Hooks27:54 Authenticity in Content Creation28:55 Learning from Feedback34:37 The Importance of Product Familiarity40:36 Expanding Content and Side Hustles42:27 Final Thoughts and Farewell

_______________________________________________

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this with a fellow creator looking to scale their income and build a long-term content business!

For all inquires please reach out to me by email : levelupwithmike@gmail.com