Season 1 / Episode 8
From Rodeo Arena to Digital Marketing Success with Colter Ellis
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Affiliate marketing is changing how entrepreneurs—including horse professionals—are building additional income streams. In this episode, Jamie Birch sits down with rodeo competitor and digital marketing expert Colter Ellis to break down exactly how affiliate marketing, TikTok Shop, brand partnerships, and content creation can become real sources of revenue.
Colter takes listeners behind the scenes of his transition from rodeo to entrepreneurship, sharing how he built a business around affiliate marketing, TikTok Shop, brand deals, and content creation. He explains how these opportunities work, what beginners should focus on first, and why authenticity, consistency, and finding the right audience are the keys to long-term success. Whether you’re a horse professional or simply looking to diversify your income, Colter provides practical, actionable advice you can start using today.
Whether you’re a horse professional, entrepreneur, rodeo athlete, content creator, or someone simply looking to diversify your income, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world examples you can apply immediately.
Show Notes & Timestamps
00:00 – Intro: From Rodeo to Digital Marketing
Jamie introduces Colter Ellis and his unique journey from competitive rodeo to building a successful online business through affiliate marketing and content creation.
00:48 – Growing Up in Rodeo
Colter discusses his background in calf roping, team roping, rodeo announcing, and how the western lifestyle shaped his work ethic and entrepreneurial mindset.
02:08 – Why Rodeo Wasn’t the Long-Term Plan
A candid conversation about the financial realities of rodeo and why Colter began searching for additional income opportunities.
03:47 – The Wyoming Ranch Inspiration
How a conversation about Wyoming land ownership changed Colter’s perspective on wealth, freedom, and creating income outside traditional career paths.
08:00 – Discovering Affiliate Marketing
Colter shares how he and his mother discovered affiliate marketing and generated their first $2,500 within a week.
11:19 – Early Online Success
The first signs that online marketing could become a serious business opportunity.
12:41 – Helping Family Through Entrepreneurship
How online income allowed Colter to positively impact his family and work toward helping his father retire earlier than expected.
15:06 – Redefining Wealth and Success
A discussion on financial freedom, purpose, generosity, and creating opportunities for others.
17:34 – Faith, Character, and Money
Colter shares his perspective on money, stewardship, and maintaining strong values while pursuing financial success.
18:54 – Building the Dream Ranch
How entrepreneurship supports Colter’s long-term vision of land ownership and serving others.
21:43 – Avoiding the Dark Side of Affiliate Marketing
Recognizing scams, avoiding bad actors, and protecting your reputation online.
22:36 – The Importance of Mentorship
Why finding credible mentors and proven programs can dramatically shorten the learning curve.
27:20 – Affiliate Marketing Explained
A practical breakdown of:
• Affiliate Marketing
• TikTok Shop
• Brand Deals
• User Generated Content (UGC)
28:33 – Creating Content That Converts
Colter shares his framework for:
• Strong hooks
• Storytelling
• Calls-to-action
• Audience engagement
40:11 – Content Strategy and Planning
How to consistently create videos without overthinking the process.
42:30 – Authenticity Wins
Overcoming camera shyness and building trust through genuine content.
46:22 – Faceless Content and UGC Opportunities
Why you don’t always need to be on camera to generate income online.
52:07 – Building Relationships with Brands
Practical outreach strategies for securing partnerships and long-term brand relationships.
61:25 – Maximizing TikTok Shop Revenue
How creators with relatively small audiences can still generate meaningful affiliate income.
66:55 – Equipment You Actually Need
Affordable tools for getting started:
• Smartphone
• Natural lighting
• Basic microphone
• Phone stand/tripod
• Simple editing tools
70:04 – Getting Started Today
Actionable first steps for beginners entering affiliate marketing and brand partnerships.
75:30 – Investing in Yourself
Why mentorship, courses, and education continue to provide the highest return on investment.
77:18 – Final Thoughts & How to Connect with Colter
Where to follow Colter and learn more about his work.
Resources Mentioned
• Digital Wealth Academy
• MiniChat
• TikTok Shop