There’s no shortage of outdoor influencers online these days — all sunrise hikes, shiny gear, and overused hashtags.
But Maddy Marq isn’t that kind of creator.
Before she ever worried about follower counts or affiliate links, she was leading people through real trails, not Instagram ones — working as an outdoor guide in the Midwest and spending her free time writing about the places she loved.
“I want to write content about my area and outdoor stuff that’s written by somebody who works as an outdoor guide — with that spin on it.”
That authenticity — that instinct to tell stories from real experience, not algorithmic trends — became the backbone of everything Maddy does now.
Where Passion Met Purpose
For years, Maddy’s writing was simply a creative outlet. She posted when inspiration hit. She shared what she saw. She built her own small corner of the internet that felt like a walk through the woods: quiet, observant, and full of small details most people miss.
Then came the turning point — the moment when the outdoor creator space started shifting. The rise of AI, new SEO algorithms, and endless “content hacks” made the internet feel louder than ever.
Maddy didn’t panic. She pivoted.
“I was getting under ten thousand a month right up until about the AI… I don’t know if it helped me or if I had just started taking it seriously three months before.”
She doubled down on craft and consistency — the unglamorous stuff most creators avoid.
“Every January I do a full audit of all my blog content, update everything, and try to rewrite as much as I can to stay relevant for SEO.”
Instead of chasing trends, she built a system. And it worked.
From the Woods to the Web
Today, Maddy runs a thriving content ecosystem that spans her website, Substack Hello Stranger, and Instagram.
She still writes about outdoor life — but through a lens that’s deeply personal, full of humor and quiet observation.
Her Substack essays read like letters to a friend: part travel log, part life reflection. Her Instagram, full of moody woods and small moments, carries that same voice — just in visuals.
And unlike a lot of creators, Maddy’s not shy about how she treats this like a real business.
“Of course Instagram is where the brand deals are at, but the blog is where the affiliate money and that recurring revenue is at.”
That balance — creativity on one side, sustainability on the other — is how she’s built something that lasts.
When Storytelling Sells (Without Feeling Like Selling)
Ask Maddy about her approach to partnerships, and she’ll tell you: if it feels like an ad, it’s already wrong.
“I like to create really storytelling-forward content. I think it goes over really well with my audience. If there’s a clear story you can follow along with — not necessarily ‘buy this thing.’”
Her favorite collaborations are the ones where the brand trusts her to weave their product into a story that already fits her world.
“My dream partnership would be somebody who wants to sponsor that storytelling — and trust me to seamlessly integrate the product.”
One of Maddy’s favorite examples of storytelling that sells without feeling salesy came from a simple moment with her grandma.
“The story is, I’m teaching my grandma how to use a camp stove,” she laughed. “It wasn’t about the product—it was about the moment. The camp stove just happened to be part of it.”
That post later connected to a deeper blog article on choosing gear for beginners—showing how one authentic, funny story can spark meaningful content that actually converts.
That’s the Maddy difference: she doesn’t force stories around products—she finds products that already belong in her stories.
She’s not posting to promote. She’s posting to connect.
How RockPorch Fits In
When Maddy joined RockPorch, she wasn’t looking for a shortcut — she was looking for structure.
She already had the voice, the vision, and the audience. What she needed was a way to link it all together and monetize without losing authenticity.
“You’ve worked a lot of our campaigns — paid and affiliate — and I love that you married the two really, really well,” said RockPorch’s Elaine.
“Yeah,” Maddy replied, “and I love that so many of the brands I already use are on your platform.”
Through RockPorch, she’s been able to align with outdoor and lifestyle brands that fit her identity — the kind of partners who care about craft, not just clicks.
She’s proof that when creators lead with integrity, platforms like RockPorch can amplify the work without diluting the voice.
Lessons for Other Passion-Driven Creators
Maddy’s path from trail guide to digital storyteller offers a roadmap for any creator trying to balance art and business.
- Start with what’s real
Your story matters more than your strategy. Write (or post) about what you actually live. - Treat it like a craft
Her January content audits are the unsexy secret behind her growth. Show up like it’s a job — because it is. - Tell stories, not sales pitches
People don’t want ads. They want connection. Maddy’s storytelling-first approach builds both trust and income. - Choose the right partners
Brands should amplify your message, not hijack it. Working through RockPorch ensures alignment from the start.
What’s Next for Maddy
As her creator business grows, Maddy’s leaning even deeper into longform storytelling — expanding her blog, adding new travel features, and exploring the quieter corners of the Midwest.
She’s also writing new pieces for Hello Stranger, where her essays have evolved into something like love letters to small towns, big skies, and ordinary days that deserve more attention.
Her work reminds us that authenticity still wins. The internet might be noisy, but the creators who know who they are — and stay consistent — will always stand out.
Final Thoughts: BUILD FOR THE LONG RUN
Maddy’s Biggest Takeaway For Fellow Creators?
“Treat your creativity like a craft, not a sprint. The brands, the audience, the income—those things come when you’ve built a foundation people can rely on.”
Where the Trail Meets the Timeline
The trail taught her patience. The internet taught her persistence.
Together, they became her brand.
Maddy’s story is a reminder that creators don’t have to choose between passion and profession. You can bring both to the table—and build something lasting.
At RockPorch, that’s what we celebrate: creators who stay true to their roots while growing something real.
Follow along with Maddy’s adventures!
🌲 madelinemarquardt.com
🗞 Hello Stranger on Substack
📸 @maddymarq on Instagram
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