✨ Episode Overview:

In this heartfelt and information-packed solo episode, Helen kicks things off with a meaningful story sparked by a letter and a stack of old cards—reminders of the deep, lasting connections she’s built through her content and community. She then dives into two of her most-used (unsponsored!) products that make her content-creating life easier, and shifts into a hands-on mini-masterclass: tips for getting the most out of your phone’s camera to improve your content instantly.

🛠️ Helen’s Unsponsored Product Picks:

1. Dyson Airwrap
   • Daily staple for Helen
   • Works great on thick hair
   • Comes with multiple attachments (round brush, curlers, etc.)
   • Honest review: No complaints—except clean your filter regularly!
2. VRURC Power Bank
   • A content creator must-have
   • Charges iPhone 4–5 times
   • Built-in cords for multiple devices
   • Heavy and bulky—but totally worth it
   • Perfect for full-day shoots without access to power

📱 Phone Content Tips You Probably Aren’t Using (But Should Be):

• Clean Your Lens
  Smudgy lenses = blurry content. Simple but essential.
• Turn on Do Not Disturb While Filming
  Interruptions can ruin your footage. Don’t forget to turn it off afterward.
• Use Gridlines for Better Framing
  Help your eye compose more balanced, level shots.
• Zoom with Your Feet
  Don’t pinch to zoom—walk closer to preserve quality. (And don’t ever Zoom if someone else hands you their phone!)
• Lock Exposure and Focus (AE/AF Lock)
  • Tap and hold before recording
  • Great for consistent lighting (especially for split screens or stop-motion)
  • Slide up or down to adjust brightness
• Camera Settings Refresher
  • 30 fps = best for sharp video
  • 24 fps = filmic look
  • 4K = high detail (but watch your storage!)
  • Know when to toggle off HDR (high dynamic range)
• Cinematic Mode
  • Great for film-style depth
  • Limited zoom, but beautiful focus blur for storytelling shots
• Use the 0.5 Wide Angle Lens
  • Capture more of your environment
  • Especially helpful when shooting yourself with back camera
• Tap to Focus on What Matters
  • Want your product in focus? Tap it on screen
  • Switch focus between objects mid-recording for dynamic storytelling

🎧 Studio Spotlight:

🎙️ July Theme: Podcasting 101

• Studio members are diving into a podcasting series!
• Lesson Part 1 is now live in the Studio.
• More parts coming soon, including:
  • How to podcast without fancy gear
  • How to scale up when you're ready
  • Behind-the-scenes tips Helen uses herself
• Weekly themes continue as usual—content creation tips, community calls, and more!

🌀 Weekly Challenge:
This week’s tutorial lesson focused on playing with speed changes—recording at different speeds and editing speed shifts post-recording.

🔗 Links & Mentions:

• Want to join The Socialize Studio and access podcasting tutorials + challenges?
  ➡️ https://socialize-studio.mn.co
• Missed the newsletter on mobile camera tips?
  ➡️ Check your inbox or studio dashboard!

❤️ Closing Thoughts:

Thanks for being here. If you learned a new tip—or just enjoyed the vibes—drop a comment or reply to the newsletter. The support means everything. ✨

On this week’s episode, Helen covers: Favorite Tools + TikTok Future + Building What’s Next

🔌 Unsponsored Favorites of the Week

1. Hollyland Wireless Mic:

• Compact, clean audio, magnetized for easy placement
• Comes with adapters for iPhone/Android
• Great alternative to bulky, poor-quality wireless mics
• Bonus: Comes with discreet black stickers to cover the logo

2. Eastpak Travel Backpack:

• Perfect for laptop + travel essentials
• Dual function: backpack + shoulder strap
• Sleek, under-the-seat friendly
• Only con: missing suitcase handle slot

🎧 Coming Soon in the Studio:

How to Launch a Podcast on a Budget

• Step-by-step lesson inside the Studio
• Includes: affordable gear, uploading, podcasting on YouTube correctly
• Perfect for creators wanting to test the waters

JOIN THE STUDIO NOW!

📣 On the TikTok Shift + What to Do Now

• New US-only TikTok (“M2”) feels isolating and problematic
• Claims about follower migration seem unrealistic
• Likely changes in community feel and algorithm
• Helen’s current stance: It’s a no (as of July 11)

💡 Diversification Strategy

• Now is the time to explore other platforms
  • YouTube: More stable, values real creators, no AI monetization starting July 15
  • Email Lists: Essential for staying connected
  • Newsletters / Free Communities: Building sustainable spaces
  • Podcasting, Blogging, Amazon Associates — lean into what fits you

🔁 Tip: Think about what you loved most about TikTok and recreate that feeling elsewhere.

💬 Final Thoughts

• Use this moment as a creative reset
• Build toward your strength — community, teaching, entertainment, etc.
• Studio community is evolving — real-time support + collaborative growth
• Join the 7-day free trial to explore lessons, tools, and creator support

JOIN TODAY!

How to Build Effective Social Media Habits

If staying consistent on social media feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Between the pressure to post, the temptation to scroll, and the constant changes in trends, it can be hard to build a rhythm. But what if creating content became as automatic as checking your phone?
This week, we’re diving into simple strategies to turn content creation into a daily habit—starting with one surprisingly effective mindset shift.

Why This Habit Is Working

This strategy is gaining traction because it creates a gateway to using the app—you must post before you scroll. By treating posting as a requirement for opening the app, it sets a purposeful tone.
We tried it for a day, and not only did we post more, but we also found ourselves reaching for the app less out of boredom. (Unintended bonus: reduced doom-scrolling!)

But the real power of this method is that it helps you build a content creation habit—and habits are the backbone of consistency and growth on social media.

Tips to Build a Daily Creation Habit

1. Start with a realistic goal
If you never post and suddenly aim for three videos a day, it likely won’t stick. Set an achievable starting point—like three posts a week. Once that feels easy, increase to five, then more, until you reach a rhythm that works for you.

2. Act when inspiration strikes
Do you ever think of a great video idea but push it off for later? Try recording it right when the idea hits. Even if you don’t post that first take, you’ll capture the most authentic version of your thought when your energy is highest.

3. Done is better than perfect
Social media isn’t film or TV. While quality matters, obsessing over tiny details can slow you down. Focus on sharing value. Most viewers are scrolling quickly—they care more about your message than your lighting.

4. Use the newsletter to your advantage
Every Tuesday, we send the Socialize Forecast—packed with trends, content ideas, tutorials, and trending audio. Use it to plan your weekly content. Adapt the ideas to fit your style, or treat it as your go-to resource for what’s working now.
SUBSCRIBE HERE: https://www.hellosocialize.com/

We’re here to help make daily content creation easier, not harder.