How Haliey Welch Could Have Turned “Hawk Tuah” Into a Business Empire (Without Crypto Scandals)

Haliey Welch became an internet sensation when her off-the-cuff response in a street interview—”You gotta give him that hawk tuah and spit on that thang!”—turned into a viral meme. Within weeks, the phrase had taken over TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter, with millions of views, remixes, and even merchandise popping up everywhere.

Like many viral stars, Welch had a golden opportunity to turn her 15 minutes of fame into a long-term business. She launched Talk Tuah with Haliey Welch, a podcast produced by Jake Paul’s Betr Media, and quickly built an audience beyond just meme enthusiasts.

But then she made a crucial mistake. Instead of focusing on sustainable ways to monetize her fame, she endorsed the $HAWK cryptocurrency, which skyrocketed in value before collapsing in a classic pump-and-dump scandal. The backlash damaged her reputation, leaving many wondering: What if she had taken a different approach?

Had Welch avoided the crypto route, she could have built a multimillion-dollar brand through smart monetization strategies like affiliate marketing, merchandise sales, and a well-optimized website. Here’s how she could have done it the right way.

Why Crypto Was the Wrong Move

Meme coins can seem like easy money, but they come with major risks. Many influencers who launch their own cryptocurrencies end up facing accusations of fraud, even if they had no intention of scamming anyone. Prices skyrocket, early investors cash out, and everyday people lose money. The same thing happened with $HAWK.

Instead of relying on a short-term gamble, Welch could have focused on long-term, legitimate ways to make money—ways that wouldn’t destroy trust with her audience.

Affiliate Marketing Could Have Been a Goldmine

One of the easiest ways Welch could have monetized her massive online following was through affiliate marketing. She had millions of people quoting her catchphrase and engaging with her content—prime real estate for product recommendations.

With the right partnerships, she could have made thousands per month just by linking to products her audience would love. Some easy affiliate opportunities for her brand include:

• Funny T-shirts and novelty gifts – Amazon Associates, Redbubble, TeePublic
• Podcast and streaming gear – Rode, Shure, Blue Yeti microphones
• Southern fashion & accessories – Wrangler, Ariat, cowboy hat brands
• Betting & gaming platforms – Betr Media’s gambling verticals
• Beverages & party products – Energy drinks, whiskey brands, funny shot glasses

A simple “Shop My Favorite Things” page on her website could have turned into a consistent passive income stream.

The Missed Opportunity of a “Hawk Tuah” Merch Empire

Welch’s meme was tailor-made for merchandise, and yet, she barely capitalized on it beyond a few quick collaborations. The reality? She could have built an entire clothing and accessories brand around Hawk Tuah.

Think about the possibilities:

• T-shirts & hoodies with viral catchphrases
• Trucker hats that fit the Southern-country vibe
• Mugs & drinkware for that signature “spit on that thang” humor
• Stickers & decals to appeal to TikTok and meme fans

By setting up an independent Shopify store (or even using Printify and Printful for a hassle-free approach), she could have made steady profits for years—long after the meme stopped trending.

Brands like Friday Beers and Nelk Boys have built multi-million dollar businesses off meme-inspired merchandise. Welch could have done the same.

A Website Would Have Turned Her Fame into Passive Income

Relying solely on social media for income is risky. Welch should have launched a website where she could control her brand, drive traffic, and generate income through multiple revenue streams.

A well-optimized Hawk Tuah website could have included:

• Blog content & SEO – Articles ranking for keywords related to internet culture and meme trends, bringing in ad revenue.
• An online store – Selling her own merch instead of letting bootleggers profit.
• Lead magnets – Collecting emails in exchange for free downloads, eventually turning them into loyal buyers.
• Brand sponsorships – Companies paying for shoutouts and collaborations.

With a strong website, Welch wouldn’t have to rely on social media algorithms or viral moments—she could have built a real business.

YouTube and Podcast Monetization Had Bigger Potential

Welch already had Talk Tuah, a podcast that was gaining traction. But instead of risky ventures, she could have leaned harder into podcast and YouTube monetization.

She could have:

• Maximized YouTube Ad Revenue – By turning clips from her podcast into viral YouTube Shorts and long-form videos, she could have earned consistent income from ads.
• Secured Sponsorship Deals – Big brands would have lined up to advertise on her show if it stayed controversy-free.
• Created Exclusive Memberships – Patreon, YouTube memberships, or a private fan club with extra content could have been a steady moneymaker.

Many creators make six figures just from these revenue streams alone.

What Could Have Been: The Long-Term Potential of “Hawk Tuah”

If Welch had focused on building a legitimate business, her Hawk Tuah brand could have expanded far beyond its meme origins.

Imagine:

• A “Hawk Tuah” Comedy Tour, selling out shows across the U.S.
• A collab with major brands—Wrangler, Budweiser, or Barstool Sports.
• A Southern lifestyle brand with its own clothing line and accessories.
• Even a TV deal or Netflix special, turning her viral moment into a lasting entertainment career.

Other viral stars have done it—look at how Bhad Bhabie (Danielle Bregoli) turned a meme into a successful music and business career. Welch could have done the same.

The Lesson: Quick Money vs. Smart Money

Welch’s story is a cautionary tale of what happens when viral fame is monetized the wrong way. Instead of launching a questionable cryptocurrency, she could have:

✅ Built a sustainable business through affiliate marketing
✅ Created a thriving merch brand
✅ Developed a website that printed money through SEO and sponsorships
✅ Used YouTube and podcasting for consistent revenue

Instead, she’s now fighting to repair her reputation while others profit off her meme.

The takeaway? If you ever go viral, don’t chase quick money. Focus on building something that lasts.

Interested in turning your podcast into a business that earns money passively? Click here to get my free monetization guide and start now!