What I’m noticing with businesses that are growing right now

I’ve been having a lot of conversations lately with business owners who feel like they’re doing all the right things—posting content, running ads, answering phones—yet growth still feels harder than it should.

What I’m noticing is that the businesses gaining traction usually have three things working together:

First, they have a clear way to attract the right traffic online, not just more traffic. That usually means understanding how search, content, and simple funnels work so they’re not relying only on paid ads or social media luck.

Second, they have systems that actually follow up. Not just a CRM sitting there, but tools that make it easy to stay in touch with leads, send reminders, and keep relationships warm without more manual work.

Third, they’re using data instead of guesswork. They know which messages convert, where leads come from, and what to improve next—so marketing decisions get easier over time.

I’ve personally been spending more time around platforms and tools that support these three areas, and it’s been interesting to see how much smoother marketing becomes when education, automation, and analytics are all aligned.

If you’ve ever felt like your marketing is scattered—or that you’re one good system away from clarity—it might be worth taking a fresh look at how all the pieces fit together.

As always, happy to share what I’m seeing or point you toward resources that have been helpful for me and others.

Best,
MagicBrad Gudim

PS: Take a browse around this website and look for HubSpot, Thryv and Wealthy Affiliate Model.

The Audio Podcast VS The Video Livestream

Podcast vs Video Show

Same message. Different megaphones. Very different results.


1. How People Find You (a.k.a. “Are You Hunting… or Fishing?”)

🎧 Podcast Platforms (Podbean, Spotify, Apple)

Podcast discovery is like:

  • Fishing with a very nice rod

  • In a very calm lake

  • Where people already like fishing 🎣

Listeners usually:

  • Search for a topic on purpose

  • Subscribe because someone told them to

  • Already trust you

Translation:
Podcasts don’t go viral.
They go loyal.


📺 Video Platforms (YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook)

Video platforms are like:

  • Standing on a street corner

  • With a neon sign

  • And an algorithm yelling, “HEY! LOOK AT THIS PERSON!”

Especially YouTube:

  • #2 search engine on Earth 🌍

  • Videos can surface years later

  • One good thumbnail can change your week

Translation:
Video gets strangers to notice you. Fast.


2. How People Consume It (Eyes vs Ears)

🎧 Podcasts

People listen while:

  • Driving

  • Walking

  • Folding laundry

  • Pretending to work

Long attention spans.
Low distraction.
Feels like you’re whispering wisdom into their brain.

Podcast vibe:
“I trust this person.”


📺 Video

People watch while:

  • Scrolling

  • Half-paying attention

  • Deciding in 3 seconds if you’re worth it

Visuals matter. Energy matters.
Your face becomes familiar.

Video vibe:
“I know this person.”

👉 People buy from people they know and trust.


3. Authority Perception

Podcast Host Energy

  • Sounds smart

  • Feels thoughtful

  • “This person knows things”

Low pressure. No makeup. Pajama-friendly.


Video Host Energy

  • Looks human

  • Feels relatable

  • “I could grab coffee with this person”

Higher effort. More reward.


4. Monetization (Let’s Talk About the Money 🤑)

Podcasts

Monetization usually comes from:

  • Sponsorships (later)

  • Affiliate mentions

  • Coaching, courses, memberships

Pros:
High trust → strong conversions

Cons:
Slower ramp-up


Video Platforms

Monetization buffet:

  • Affiliate links in descriptions

  • Lead magnets

  • Retargeting ads

  • YouTube AdSense (coffee money ☕)

  • Platform tips, stars, bonuses

Pros:
Traffic now.
Funnels work better.
Great for affiliate offers like 👉 MagicBrad.com/WA


5. Content Lifespan (How Long It Keeps Working)

Podcasts

  • Evergreen

  • Old episodes still convert

  • Like planting trees 🌳


Video

  • YouTube = evergreen + searchable

  • Facebook & LinkedIn = short shelf life

  • Shorts = fireworks 🎆 (bright, loud, brief)


6. Effort Level (Be Honest)

Podcast

  • Mic

  • Talk

  • Upload

  • Done

Very sustainable.


Video

  • Camera

  • Lighting

  • Framing

  • Thumbnails

  • Energy

More effort—but way more leverage.


7. The Smart Creator Move (No Extra Work)

Here’s the grown-up strategy:

  1. Record a video show

  2. Strip the audio → podcast platforms

  3. Chop highlights → Shorts, Reels, LinkedIn

  4. Send traffic → MagicBrad.com/WA

You’re not choosing:

  • Podcast or

  • Video

You’re choosing:
👉 One piece of content. Everywhere.


Final Verdict

  • Podcasting builds relationships

  • Video builds reach

  • Both together build income

Podcast = trust
Video = traffic
Together = influence that pays the bills

Things People Buy from Affiliate Links

🏆 The #1 Thing People Buy Through Affiliate Links

(Drumroll please… 🥁)

It’s not a blender.
It’s not a miracle pillow.
And it’s definitely not a protein powder that tastes like drywall.

👉 It’s software and digital subscriptions.

Yes.
Invisible products.
No boxes. No trucks. No returns.
Yet somehow… they make affiliates the most money. 😏


🤔 Why software keeps winning the affiliate Olympics

Because people LOVE:

  • Solving problems

  • Saving time

  • Making money

  • Feeling smart

  • And clicking links that promise all of the above

Software does this while wearing sweatpants and sipping coffee.


🥇 The Usual Suspects (Top Offenders)

These guys show up at the top of affiliate earnings every… single… year:

  1. Web hosting & website tools
    “I want a website.”
    Clicks affiliate link.
    Boom. Commission.

  2. Online business & marketing platforms
    Website builders, email tools, funnels, and yes…
    👉 Platforms that teach people how to make money online.

  3. Finance & investing apps
    Because nothing motivates clicking like the words
    “passive income” and “early retirement.”

  4. VPNs & cybersecurity tools
    Fear sells. Privacy sells. “Hackers” really sell. 🕶️

  5. Online courses & memberships
    Learn fast. Upgrade life. Feel productive without leaving the couch.


🥈 Honorable Mention: Physical Products

Sure, people buy tons of stuff on Amazon:

  • Gadgets

  • Kitchen toys

  • Fitness gear

But affiliates earn about enough commission to buy…
another gadget. 😬

No recurring income.
No leverage.
Just more reviews to write.


🎯 The Punchline (and the truth)

The real affiliate winners promote:

Digital subscriptions that help people make money, save time, or fix a headache.

That’s why platforms like Wealthy Affiliate work:

  • Software ✔️

  • Education ✔️

  • Recurring commissions ✔️

  • People actively looking for the solution ✔️

In other words:
You’re not selling a “program.”
You’re selling clarity, leverage, and a way out of confusion—with no shipping label required. Continue reading “Things People Buy from Affiliate Links”

Activity Commissions: How I Earn $40+ Monthly Free

MagicBrad.com/WA 👈🏼✅ Is the Premium Plus membership worth it? This user’s activity commissions are almost at $40 halfway through the month, nearly covering the monthly cost. See how it pays for itself. #PremiumPlus #ActivityCommissions #Membership #SideHustle #PassiveIncome

Is the Premium Plus Membership Worth It? Let’s Look at the Numbers

When people hear “Premium Plus,” the first reaction is often the same:

“That sounds great… but is it really worth the cost?”

That’s a fair question—and it’s exactly the right one to ask.

Instead of talking theory, let’s look at something real.

This user’s activity commissions are already approaching $40 halfway through the month. That means, without pushing products, without paid ads, and without being a tech expert, their engagement alone is nearly covering the monthly membership cost.

That’s an important distinction.

Activity Commissions Change the Equation

Most platforms require you to sell something first before you earn anything.

Premium Plus rewards you for learning, participating, and helping others.

  • Logging in

  • Completing training

  • Asking questions

  • Helping another member

  • Staying active in the community

Those small daily actions add up.

For many members, the activity commissions alone offset a meaningful portion of the membership cost—sometimes all of it.

Why Premium Plus Accelerates Progress

The real value of Premium Plus isn’t just the commissions.

It’s access to:

  • Advanced training that removes guesswork

  • Live weekly classes and replays

  • A community that actually responds

  • Tools that would cost more elsewhere

  • A faster path from confusion to clarity

Instead of bouncing between YouTube videos, courses, and software subscriptions, everything lives in one place.

The Bigger Picture

Premium Plus isn’t about “getting rich fast.”

It’s about building a long-term digital asset—something that can grow quietly in the background while you learn, test, and refine.

When activity commissions start paying for part (or all) of the membership, the question shifts from:

“Can I afford this?”

to:

“How far can I take this?”

Final Thought

If you’re already curious about affiliate marketing, side income, or creating something online that doesn’t depend on trading hours for dollars, Premium Plus deserves a serious look.

Especially when the platform is designed to reward you for showing up and learning—not just selling.

👉 See how it works here:
MagicBrad.com/WA

No pressure. No hype.
Just information—and a smarter way to decide.

 

Is This Platform Too Complex? Let’s Find Out!

Is This Platform Too Complex? Let’s Find Out!

If you’ve ever searched online for how to make money online, build passive income, or create long-term wealth, chances are you’ve come across Wealthy Affiliate. And if you clicked through, you may have had one immediate reaction:

“Wow… this looks like a LOT. Is this platform too complex for me?”

That’s a fair question—and an important one. Let’s break it down in a simple, honest, no-hype way.


The Real Question Isn’t Complexity — It’s Direction

Wealthy Affiliate isn’t just a single tool or a quick “make money fast” scheme. It’s a complete online business platform designed to teach you how to:

  • Build an online business from scratch

  • Create content that attracts targeted traffic

  • Earn affiliate income and recurring commissions

  • Develop real digital assets you actually own

When people say it feels “complex,” what they’re really noticing is depth.

And depth is exactly what creates wealth.


Why Wealthy Affiliate Feels Big at First

Let’s be honest: most people are conditioned to look for shortcuts.

  • Push-button systems

  • One-page funnels

  • “Do this one trick and get rich” promises

Wealthy Affiliate is the opposite of that. It’s built for people who want sustainable income, not temporary wins.

Inside the platform you’ll find:

  • Step-by-step online marketing training

  • Website building tools

  • Keyword research tools

  • Affiliate marketing education

  • A global community of entrepreneurs

  • Live weekly classes and replays

That’s a lot—but you don’t do it all at once.


The Simplicity Most People Miss

Here’s what surprises new members:

Wealthy Affiliate actually walks you through one small step at a time.

You’re not told:

“Here’s everything—good luck.”

Instead, you’re guided through:

  1. Choosing a niche you care about

  2. Setting up a website (even if you’re not technical)

  3. Writing simple content that helps people

  4. Learning how search engines and traffic work

  5. Monetizing with affiliate programs

That’s it.

No selling to friends.
No inventory.
No cold calling.

Just learning how to recommend products and services online—the same way people recommend restaurants, movies, or tools every day.


Who Wealthy Affiliate Is Perfect For

This platform is ideal if you’re looking to:

  • Create side income online

  • Build passive income streams

  • Learn affiliate marketing the right way

  • Develop digital skills that pay long-term

  • Have a backup income plan in uncertain times

It’s especially powerful for:

  • Beginners with no experience

  • Retirees or pre-retirees exploring online income

  • Entrepreneurs tired of hype-driven systems

  • Anyone who values education over gimmicks


Complexity vs. Capability

Here’s the truth most people don’t talk about:

Simple systems break easily.
Robust systems create freedom.

Wealthy Affiliate gives you the capability to grow—from beginner to confident online business owner. You don’t need to understand everything today. You only need to understand what’s right in front of you.

And the platform is designed exactly for that.


Start Without Pressure

One of the smartest things Wealthy Affiliate offers is a Free Starter Plan.

That means:

  • No credit card required

  • No pressure

  • No risk

You can explore the platform, see how the training works, and decide for yourself whether it feels right.

👉 Take a look here:
https://MagicBrad.com/WA


Final Thought

So… Is Wealthy Affiliate too complex?

Not really.

It’s just complete.

And when it comes to building real wealth online, complete beats simple every time.

MagicBrad

Helping people explore smarter ways to learn, earn, and create online freedom.

Wealthy Affiliate compared to the University of Minnesota

Here’s the revised side-by-side comparison between the Wealthy Affiliate Premium Plus annual price and the University of Minnesota annual tuition, based on the latest information available:


💻 Wealthy Affiliate (Premium Plus) Annual Price

Wealthy Affiliate Premium Plus (the highest tier WA membership) normally costs roughly:

  • **About $995 per year when billed annually at the regular discounted yearly rate. Commission Academy

Some unofficial sites report annual pricing as high as ~$995 for Premium Plus when you choose the yearly option instead of monthly billing. Commission Academy

Note: During limited promotions like Black Friday, some affiliates report significantly lower annual pricing (e.g., ~$497), but that’s not the standard full annual price year-round. Thrivers Hub

👉 Typical Premium Plus annual cost: ~$995/year (regular yearly price). Commission Academy


🎓 University of Minnesota (Twin Cities) Annual Tuition & Costs

For the 2025-26 academic year at the University of Minnesota — Twin Cities campus:

📌 Tuition & Fees (9-month academic year)

📌 Total Cost of Attendance (includes living expenses)

👉 These figures include tuition + fees + room & board + books + personal expenses as typical annual costs for a full-time undergraduate student. UMN Twin Cities Admissions


📊 Direct Cost Comparison

Item Cost per Year
Wealthy Affiliate Premium Plus annual ~$995/year Commission Academy
UMN Undergraduate Tuition (in-state) ~$18,626/year UMN Twin Cities Admissions
UMN Undergraduate Total Cost (in-state) ~$36,656/year UMN Twin Cities Admissions
UMN Undergraduate Tuition (out-of-state) ~$41,512/year UMN Twin Cities Admissions
UMN Undergraduate Total Cost (out-of-state) ~$61,042/year UMN Twin Cities Admissions

🧠 Key Takeaways

  • 📉 Wealthy Affiliate Premium Plus (~$995/year) is significantly cheaper than attending a traditional four-year public university. Commission Academy

  • 🎓 University of Minnesota tuition alone for in-state students is about $18,626/year, and total costs with living expenses can exceed $36,000/year. UMN Twin Cities Admissions

  • 🌍 For out-of-state students, UMN costs rise to $41,512+ for tuition alone and more than $60,000/year total with room & board. UMN Twin Cities Admissions


💡 Bottom Line

Even at the highest Wealthy Affiliate tier (Premium Plus), the annual price is a tiny fraction of what a student spends on one year of college at the University of Minnesota — whether comparing just tuition or the full cost of attendance.

Get your FREE Starter Plan with Wealthy Affiliate by going to https://MagicBrad.com/WA

How much is Wealthy Affiliate?

Wealthy Affiliate’s

Premium Plus membership costs $99 per month or $697 annually, offering extensive features like 30,000 AI credits monthly, 10 websites, over 350 expert classes annually, and advanced tools for building multiple online businesses, significantly more than the standard Premium plan. 

Premium Plus Plan Details
  • Monthly: $99/month
  • Yearly: $697/year (often discounted, check their site for current offers) 
What’s Included (Premium Plus)
  • AI Power: 30,000 AI credits monthly for content creation.
  • Websites: 10 websites to build your businesses.
  • Training: Hundreds of expert classes annually.
  • Support: 24/7 live help and private messaging.
  • Business Tools: Everything from the Starter & Premium plans plus more advanced features like Business Hubs. 

Get Your FREE Starter Plan!

https://MagicBrad.com/WA

 

Is This Platform Too Complex? Let’s Find Out! #fridley

Is This Platform Too Complex? Let’s Find Out! #Fridley

If you’ve been looking for a simple way to start earning money online—without the overwhelm—you’re not alone. Many beginners in Fridley, Minnesota (and all around the Twin Cities) wonder if online business platforms are “too complicated” or “too techy.”

So let’s cut through the noise and talk about one of the most popular beginner-friendly systems out there: Wealthy Affiliate… and more specifically, whether it’s easy enough for YOU.

Are Online Business Platforms Really That Hard?

Some platforms bury you in jargon, dashboards, and endless settings. They’re built for tech pros—not everyday entrepreneurs.

But here’s the truth:
You don’t need to be a tech wizard to start earning online. You just need the right system, the right tools, and the right community.

That’s where Wealthy Affiliate comes in.

Why Wealthy Affiliate Works for Beginners

If you’re looking for something that’s:

  • Step-by-step

  • Beginner-friendly

  • Completely risk-free to start

  • Supportive, with real humans helping you…

…then the Wealthy Affiliate Free Starter Plan is the perfect place to begin.

Here’s what you get as a FREE Starter Member:

✓ Easy website builder (zero tech skills needed)
✓ Training that walks you through everything
✓ Keyword tools to help you attract traffic
✓ A supportive global community
✓ Real ways to earn affiliate commissions
✓ A safe way to “test the waters” before spending a dime

If you live here in Fridley—or anywhere near Minneapolis or St. Paul—you’ll appreciate how simple and beginner-friendly this platform really is.

Is Wealthy Affiliate Too Complex? No—It’s Designed for Real People.

The layout is clean.
The training is straightforward.
The steps are easy to follow.

If you can browse the web, you can build an online business here. It’s that simple.

Whether you’re:

  • Starting fresh at 40, 50, 60, or beyond

  • Wanting passive income

  • Interested in affiliate marketing

  • Looking for a flexible side-hustle

  • Or ready to finally earn money online…

Wealthy Affiliate gives you an uncomplicated way to begin.

Try It—Risk-Free—Right Here in #Fridley

If you’re sitting in a coffee shop in Fridley, relaxing at home, or anywhere in the Twin Cities… you can launch your first website and start learning in minutes.

No credit card.
No obligation.
Just a clear path forward.

Contact MagicBrad OR Jeremy

👉 Get the FREE Starter Account here: MagicBrad.com/WW

Final Thoughts

Is this platform too complex?
Not at all.
It’s one of the simplest on the internet—and one of the few designed specifically for beginners who want a real chance at online income without confusion.

Start today. Explore. Learn. Build.
Your online business journey begins with one click.

Contact MagicBrad OR Jeremy‼️

👉 Join Wealthy Affiliate FREE today at MagicBrad.com/WW