The TikTok Ban That Wasn't...

Welcome back to the Million Dollar Breakthrough newsletter.? You may have noticed by now that we've re-branded it from the former "Insider" to be more aligned with our over-arching mantra around here at Podcast(H)er: Every woman is capable and deserving of making a million.??

Before we dive into the?social media tips?I want to discuss, I'd like to discuss the TikTok "ban" / "Stunt" that occured over the weekend.? Here's my take on what went down:

First let me set the scene.? Both of my teenagers had Sunday, January 19th marked off as "D-Day" for a potential ban.? (Meanwhile I'm over here marking off the 21st on my calendar???? as the day Onyx Storm releases....IYKYK).? On Saturday evening I found myself at the local taco restaurant, picking up Emily from a birthday party.? While I'm casually chatting with the dad of the birthday girl we're startled by the collective scream of the 10 girls who were at the party.??

What happened?? Was someone choking?? Having a seizure?? SHOULD WE CALL 911...??

Nope.? Turns out they all opened up the TikTok app to create one last video....and it was already shut down.??

How could this be?? Shut down EARLY?? Oh the horrors.? (And trust me....tears were involved and I'm pretty sure some of the girls uttered a few words that even my f-bomb loving self was shocked to hear).

2 events then happened in my household.? My son simply moved to Instagram where he had already begun checking out in anticipation of this happening.? My daughter?? Curled into the fetal position in agony yelling about the government taking away her right to free speach, ruining her life, and oh the poor people who's careers were OVER because they used TikTok for their livelihoods.??

By Sunday morning the news had spread via her snapchat network that TikTok was back up so don't worry.? Emily is now doing just fine.??

It got my curiosity up though.? What was the purpose of the ban that really wasn't???

I put a few things together in my head after watching the inauguration of President Trump.? If you missed the signing of the executive orders, he openly chatted with the press during it and one thing came to light.? President Trump was asked about the ban and his answer was that the valuation of TikTok without Americans is almost $0.? Yet with our usage...it's worth a Trillion.? He mentioned tht by lifting the ban for another 90 days it would allow the opportunity for an American buy out so that America received some of the money that we as a people created the value for.??

So really....was the ban a stunt to prove value and force a buyout?? Or was it for security purposes?? I'll let you ponder that one while I settle in with my book for the day.??

Here's what the takeaway is that you should know and embrace... and it's totally opposite of what you've been taught before by other 'experts' but hey, when has that ever stopped me before?

??? Don’t post on more than one social media platform until you hit 100k followers on ONE platform first!

The chances of a social media platform disappearing overnight? Practically zero.?Even the TikTok ban gave plenty of notice prior to Saturday night.? But do you know what is a risk? Spreading yourself too thin before you’ve mastered your messaging and built a loyal following.

If you’re under 100k followers, here’s the truth:

?? Scattering your efforts across platforms is stunting your growth. You’re not just diluting your time—you’re also missing out on the chance to truly connect with your audience and create a solid sales pipeline.

Here’s Your One-Platform Plan:

? Master One, Then Multiply Start with one platform and OWN it. Hone your messaging, nail your content strategy, and get crystal clear on how to engage your audience.? Not sure which platform to master?? The only question you should be asking yourself is this: Where does my Avatar hang out???

? Quality Over Quantity Put your energy into high-value, consistent content on that one platform. Once you hit the 100k mark, you’ll have the blueprint to scale your success elsewhere.

? Clarity Brings Cashflow Spoiler: You don’t need 100k followers to start making money. I’ve seen podcast hosts with less than 2,000 followers hit consistent $100k months because their messaging was dialed in and resonated with their niche.

? Focus is Your Superpower Juggling platforms too early dilutes your impact. When you pour your energy into one space, you’ll build a community that amplifies your podcast—and in turn your business.??THEN you can expand to another platform.? Think of it as scaling an already successful company or brand to new areas.??

?? Your next 100k month might be ONE message away, but it has to hit the right audience on the right platform.

So, where’s your focus for 2025? Is your marketing plan set to help your podcast stand out in a big way? Because now’s the time to streamline, strategize, and shine.? Personally I'm building my LinkedIn community.? Join me there!?

Here’s to less hustle and more intentional growth, Joanne??

P.S. Your podcast deserves an audience that can’t get enough of you. Start with one platform, and let’s build something unstoppable. ??

Books To Binge Right Now:

Make sure to follow me, Joanne Bolt for more tips on earning $1000k+ months + Podcasting. Every women CAN and SHOULD make a million. When's your breakthrough??