If something has felt off lately - the deals quieter, the reach dropping, the inbox not what it was - this episode is why. And more importantly, it's the fix.
In episode one of Bad for the Algorithm, Emily lays out the five shifts that quietly rewired the creator economy in 2026, what they look like in real brand deals happening right now, and exactly what you need to do differently to get paid like the professional you already are.
This isn't theory. Emily is actively negotiating brand deals as a talent manager alongside running her own creator business - which means she's seeing these shifts in real briefs, real fees, and real brand decisions before most creators know the rules changed. The through line across all five? What are you actually bringing to the table beyond your follower count? Because the creators winning right now aren't the ones with the biggest numbers. They're the ones who know their value, position it properly, and get paid for it.
Ready to build a brand deal pipeline that actually works? Apply for The Creator Method - link in the show notes.
IN THIS EPISODE
Why a brand chose a 14K follower account over a 40K account at the same fee - and what it proves about where the industry is heading
The UGC brief dressed up as an influencer campaign - how to spot it and use it as leverage to increase your rates without increasing your workload
Why being an expert on your journey is just as powerful as being the expert - and how to own your niche so completely brands have no question you're the one
The sticky bra story - how an £8 Amazon find, zero polish, and complete unapologetic energy drove 3,000 link clicks and hundreds of sales
Why burnout comes from pushing content that's no longer aligned with who you are - and what to do about it
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Everyone says the creator economy is dead. Here's why they're wrong.
01:00 The most exciting time in history to be a woman building a personal brand
01:30 How to claim your piece of the $35 billion industry
02:00 Fired with 8K followers and no deals. Here's what happened next.
03:30 Five shifts. Everything you need to know about getting paid in 2026.
04:00 Why a brand paid four figures for 14K over 40K
06:00 The brief in your inbox that's actually worth more than you think
08:00 What authority looks like when you don't think you're an expert
11:00 The £8 Amazon sticky bra. 3,000 link clicks. Unpolished content wins.
13:00 Why creators who've been at this for years are burning out
17:00 The one question every brand is asking about you right now
18:00 What happens when you stop creating for the algorithm
19:00 Next steps
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Apply for The Creator Method (1:1 coaching)
Learn more about The Creator Method here.
Join the my mailing list for FREE weekly value to your inbox weekly.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
badforthealgorithm.substack.com
