Issue #166 | October 28th, 2025

Hey there,

It’s that time of year again — pumpkin spice is back, holiday decorations are already sneaking into stores, and if you’re a creator, the next few months are packed with opportunity.

But I’m not just talking about Black Friday deals or Cyber Monday sales. The holiday season is a goldmine for creators in ways most people overlook.

Let’s get unstuck.

Quote of the Week

“Opportunities are like sunrises. If you wait too long, you miss them."

—William Arthur Ward

Story of the Week

Why Now Is the Best Time for Creators

First, let’s talk ad revenue. If you’re on YouTube, running a blog, or creating content anywhere that pays you for ad views, November and December are your Super Bowl.

Companies are spending more on ads during these months than at any other time of year, which means your CPMs (the amount you get paid per thousand views) are at their highest. If you’ve been thinking about ramping up your content, now’s the time to do it.

But don’t stop there.

Brand Deals and Sponsorships

Brands are planning their biggest campaigns right now. If you already have relationships with companies, reach out and ask what they’re working on for the holidays. Maybe you can run an affiliate offer, or maybe it’s time to pitch a sponsored video, newsletter, or social post.

Don’t wait for them to come to you — be proactive and start those conversations now.

Holiday-Themed Content

This is also the perfect time to plan holiday-related content. Think:

• Gift guides (for your niche, your audience, or even just your favorite things)
• Travel tips and guides for the busy season
• Feel-good, family-friendly, or nostalgia-driven content (I’m working on something special for my Pokémon channel for December!)
• Year-in-review or “best of” roundups

People are actively searching for this kind of content, and brands love to be associated with it.

Digital Product Launches: Pros and Cons

Thinking about launching a new course, membership, or digital product? The holidays can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, people are in a buying mood and looking for gifts (even for themselves). On the other hand, inboxes are crowded, people are traveling, and attention is scattered.

If you can get your launch ready and in front of people before the holiday chaos peaks, go for it. But if you’re not ready, don’t force it — sometimes waiting until the new year, when people are focused on self-improvement and new goals, is the smarter move.

Your Holiday Creator Checklist

1. Ramp up your content on ad-supported platforms — now’s the time to maximize those views.
2. Reach out to brands you’ve worked with (or want to work with) and ask about holiday campaigns.
3. Plan and schedule holiday-themed content — gift guides, travel tips, feel-good stories, or year-end reviews.
4. Decide on your digital product launch timing — can you make a splash before the holidays, or is January a better bet?
5. Get ahead on your content calendar so you can actually enjoy the holidays, too.

The holiday season is a sprint, but it’s also a huge opportunity. Don’t let it sneak up on you — start planning now, and you’ll be in the best position to finish the year strong.

Here’s to making the most of the season!

Join Our Next Starter Series!

Ready to launch your channel and hit your first 1,000 subscribers?

Join our YouTube From Scratch Starter Series: A free, 5-day experience that covers the first five lessons of our YouTube From Scratch course.

It is designed for creators who are serious about growing a successful YouTube channel and want the support, structure, and accountability to make it happen.

We'll kick things off this Thursday, October 30th, with a ​live YouTube Q&A​ where I’ll answer your questions about getting started on YouTube and walk you through what to expect from the Starter Series.

Then, the coursework officially begins on Monday, November 3rd.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

✅ Find your niche so you stand out and attract the right audience.

✅ Research what’s working to uncover proven formats and spot content gaps.

✅ Generate 30+ video ideas using tools that take the guesswork out of planning.

✅ Create videos that get clicked and watched with hooks and strategies that keep viewers engaged.

✅ Build your roadmap to 1,000 subscribers with a clear, proven growth plan.

The Starter Series takes place in the free Explore tier of the SPI Community. If you don't have an account yet, you'll be prompted to create one for free to get access.

SPI News and Notes

Curious about starting a YouTube channel or struggling to gain traction with the videos you’ve already posted? Join me for a live Q&A this Thursday, October 30th, where I’ll answer your questions about building momentum on YouTube. I’ll also share stories and insights from my own creator journey — including how I built Deep Pocket Monster, a channel that grew from zero to nearly two million subscribers by combining passion, strategy, and experimentation. Click here to secure your spot! This event takes place in the free Explore Tier of the SPI Community. If you don't have an account yet, you'll be prompted to create one for free to get access.

We all know it’s smart to save and invest for retirement, but what if the traditional idea of retirement doesn’t fit your life? In this episode of The Smart Passive Income Podcast, I sit down with Derek Coburn to explore how to build a secure financial future without sacrificing the present. This isn’t about chasing a dream business you never want to leave. It’s about designing a life you don’t need to escape from. Tune in for a fresh perspective on saving, spending, and redefining what retirement really means. SPI 897: Why We Need to Forg... Oct 22 · The Smart Passive Income... 45:07   ​ Want to get an email from me every time I release a new podcast episode? Click here and I’ll make sure you never miss out!

Earning my very first dollar online changed everything for me. That small win gave me the confidence to keep going and eventually build the businesses I run today. That’s why I created the First Dollar Formula, a free 30-day email series designed to help you experience that same breakthrough. Inside, I share personal insights, step-by-step instructions, and actionable tasks to guide you all the way to your first sale. If you’re ready to take the first real step toward your online income journey, subscribe today, and let's make that first dollar together!

Cheers,

Pat Flynn

Founder, SPI

Dad Joke of the Week

I borrowed a spreadsheet.

It was Excel-lent.