Ep. 038: The Dark Side of Being a Social Influencer, Addicted to Smoking Weed w/ Taylor Hereid
- Ryan Snaadt
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Building a Digital Brand: Lessons on Discipline and Influence with Taylor Hereid
In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, staying relevant is a constant battle. For Des Moines, Iowa business owners and regional marketers, the challenge isn't just about "posting content"—it’s about character, consistency, and the courage to pivot when your "heart posture" isn't right.
In the latest episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast, Ryan sits down with content creator and marketing specialist Taylor Hereid. From his roots in small-town Northwest Iowa to managing digital growth for iconic Iowa landmarks like Arnold’s Park Amusement Park, Taylor’s journey offers a masterclass in what it takes to build an authentic brand in 2026.
From Small-Town Iowa to Social Media Influence
Taylor Hereid’s story begins in Fonda, Iowa, a town so small that "everyone knows everyone." For many local entrepreneurs, this sense of community is a strength, but for Taylor, it was a catalyst for growth. By choosing to attend Simpson College in Indianola—where he knew no one—he forced himself into an environment where he had to either grow or remain isolated.
Ryan Snaadt and Taylor first crossed paths at a Collegiate Entrepreneurship Organization (CEO) conference in Florida. Even then, the "Simpson connection" was strong. This highlights a key takeaway for Iowa marketers: the power of the local network is global. Whether you are in Des Moines or Tampa, your local roots provide a foundation of trust that is essential for business development.
The "Dark Side" of Influence: Why Taylor Deleted 400 Videos
In an era where every business is told to "go viral," Taylor offers a sobering perspective on the weight of influence. He recounts a pivotal moment when, while working at an amusement park, a 13-year-old fan approached him. At the time, Taylor wasn't in a headspace to be a role model.
"I realized I needed to do better. There is so much negative in this world; I want to be a good influence." — Taylor Hereid
Despite having a video with 35 million views, Taylor chose to take it down. In total, he deleted over 400 videos and took a five-month hiatus from social media.
The Lesson for Des Moines Businesses: Quality and "heart posture" matter more than metrics. If your content doesn't align with your core values, it can actually damage your brand long-term. Ryan Snaadt emphasizes that internal building—developing the "why" behind the "what"—is a step most people skip in their rush to gain followers.
The Bodybuilding Blueprint: Applying Fitness Discipline to Marketing
A significant portion of Taylor’s development came through his 60-pound weight loss journey and subsequent bodybuilding career. He argues that the principles of fitness are identical to the principles of a successful marketing strategy:
Delayed Gratification: You won't see a six-pack after one workout, just as you won't see a ROI after one Facebook ad.
Discipline Over Motivation: Motivation gets you to the gym on Monday; discipline gets you there on a rainy Thursday morning when you’re tired.
Consistent Hard Work: "You're going to suck when you first start," Taylor admits. The key is to keep documenting the process.
Ryan Snaadt notes that many entrepreneurs give up too early. Ryan shared his own experience of posting weekly YouTube videos for a year only to have 40 subscribers. However, that "failure" spearheaded his current successful business. For Iowa business owners, the message is clear: The process is the prize.
Case Study: Growing Arnold’s Park TikTok to 25,000+ Followers
For the marketers tuning in, Taylor’s work with Arnold’s Park Amusement Park provides actionable insights into platform-specific growth. When Taylor started as an intern, the park had a minimal digital presence.
1. Identify the Gap
Taylor noticed that while the park had a rich history (dating back to 1889), it lacked a voice on TikTok. He didn't just ask for a job; he proved his value by creating a strategy that the park didn't even know it needed.
2. Trends with a Twist
Taylor utilized "Trends with a Twist." Instead of just copying a viral sound, he adapted it to the park’s unique features—like using a Cars movie audio clip for the park’s raceway.
3. Community Engagement
By live-streaming concerts and documenting behind-the-scenes moments, he tapped into the existing community of families who had visited the park for decades. This resulted in gaining over 25,000 followers in a single summer—surpassing his own ambitious goals.
Content Creator vs. Content Copier: A Warning for Marketers
One of the most profound realizations Taylor shared with Ryan Snaadt was the transition from being a "content copier" to a "content creator."
In the beginning, it is natural to emulate industry leaders like Christian Guzman or Lex Little. However, Taylor warns that if you stay in that phase, you never develop a unique brand identity.
Content Copiers chase algorithms and sounds.
Content Creators tell stories that have an impact.
For a Des Moines business, this means moving away from generic "Stock Photo" marketing and moving toward authentic storytelling. Your customers in Iowa don't want to see a polished, fake version of your business; they want to see the "character development" and the real people behind the brand.
Conclusion: The Path Forward for Iowa Entrepreneurs
The conversation between Ryan Snaadt and Taylor Hereid serves as a reminder that the "Dark Side" of social media—the anxiety, the comparison, and the pressure to perform—can be mitigated by a strong internal foundation.
Whether you are a solopreneur in West Des Moines or a marketing director for a large Iowa corporation, Taylor’s journey suggests that your greatest asset isn't your camera gear or your ad budget—it's your discipline and your authenticity.
Key Takeaways for your 2026 Marketing Strategy:
Audit your "Heart Posture": Is your content helpful, or just loud?
Commit to the "Bulk": Be willing to go through a messy growth phase before you try to "shred" and look perfect for the public.
Focus on Local Storytelling: Use Iowa’s unique history and community to build a loyal digital following.
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