Just Do It: How to Get Started With Creating Content
So you have decided that you want to create your own content, whether it be a blog, YouTube channel, podcast, or even a TikTok video. That might not seem like a lot to you. That first step, however, is always the most difficult. And, taking that leap is something to be proud of.
Now, the million-dollar question: What’s next?
It’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed when starting out. Where do you begin? How do you come up with ideas? Is your content any good? Each and every content creator has asked themselves these same questions as well.
For all the aspiring content creators out there who are just embarking on their journey, this post is for you. I’ll give you some tips and tricks to help you get through this new (and sometimes scary) world of content creation.
Embrace Imperfection
There is a misconception that your content must be flawless from the beginning. From my experience, that’s just not true. Many of the most successful creators started with rough, unpolished content. Even industry leaders have had their less-than-stellar writing published in legitimate publications like Forbes. Why? Their knowledge is what matters, not what would please their English teacher.
Don’t believe me? Watch some old YouTube videos by your favorite creators. At the time, they weren’t known for the quality of their production. Their focus was on delivering value, whether that was through entertainment, education, or inspiration.
In short, you don’t have to be Ernest Hemingway to write compelling content or need WWE-level production to create engaging videos. People connect with authenticity. Your unique voice and perspective is what they want to hear. Don’t be perfect, and instead be authentic.
Start With What You Know
Look, when it comes to content creation, you’re not reinventing the wheel here. You can start by sharing what you know and what you care about. Are you a fitness fanatic? You can share home workout tips with beginners. Love to cook? Post a simple lasagne recipe.
Despite what you might think, your unique perspective is valuable. What seems basic to you could be a breakthrough for someone else.
Try coming up with a list of topics you’re interested in if you are stuck. Afterward, break each topic down into smaller subtopics. Going back to the cooking example, you could create content about:
- Recipe development. You can share original recipes, stunning visuals, and helpful tips with your friends and family.
- Cooking tutorials. Step-by-step instructions or demonstrations for beginners can help viewers understand complex techniques.
- Ingredient spotlights. Use seasonal ingredients and explore their nuances and creative uses.
- Cooking tips & tricks. Identify common cooking challenges, share helpful hacks, and offer troubleshooting advice.
- Food stories. Tell a story about your food experiences, travels, or cultural insights.
Be Yourself
What makes you, well, you? What are your passions, hobbies, and interests? Don’t pretend to be someone you aren’t. In the words of Chris Cornell, “To be yourself is all that you can do.”
You can also experiment with different writing styles and presentation formats. If you keep doing this, you will eventually find what feels natural and comfortable for you.
Focus on Your Audience
Do you have a specific audience in mind for your content? Who are they and what are their needs and interests? Knowing this will help you create content that your audience will find valuable. Specifically, you can share your knowledge, provide helpful tips, tell engaging stories, and initiate meaningful discussions by sharing your expertise.
Most importantly, engage with your peeps. Build relationships with your audience by responding to comments and answering questions.
Set Realistic Goals
When you start something new, it’s easy to get carried away by the excitement. When you set unrealistic expectations, you may feel overwhelmed to the point that you throw in the towel.
Rather than setting lofty goals, focus on achieving them. A few examples are:
- Publish one blog post per week.
- Post on Instagram three times a week.
- Record and upload one video per month.
You’re better off creating one high-quality piece of content weekly than churning out mediocre content daily.
You can also plan and schedule your posts by using a content calendar. As a result, you will be held accountable, organized, and able to keep posting on time. You don’t have to get fancy either. A Google Calendar or Doc will be just fine.
Use Tools to Make Your Life Easier
Content creation doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. There are tons of tools available to simplify the process. Some must-haves include:
- Grammarly. You can use this AI-powered tool to ensure your content is polished and professional by checking your grammar, spelling, and tone.
- Canva. For social media posts, blog posts, or presentations, it’s perfect for creating visually appealing graphics.
- Google Docs. It’s a simple, collaborative platform for organizing and drafting content. Personally, I couldn’t live without Google.
- Notion. Organizes and tracks your content ideas.
Using these tools lets you focus on creating instead of getting bogged down in technical details.
However, you don’t feel that you have to learn every tool at once. Begin with one or two tools that align with your needs and then gradually add more.
Learn By Doing
As the cliched saying goes, “practice makes perfect.” You learn what works and what doesn’t with every piece you produce.
Also, if you wait until you feel 100% ready, it might never happen. Start small and grow from there. Make a quick Instagram Reel, record a quick podcast, or write a blog post. As you develop your skills, you will gain confidence.
You may want to go one step further and analyze your performance. Pay attention to engagement, views, and shares to understand what resonates with your audience. You can refine your approach based on this data.
Overcome the Fear of Judgment
It’s natural to worry about what other people will think. Are people going to criticize you? Yeah, probably. As a writer, I’ve encountered my fair share of negative comments. In most cases, though, people are encouraging and supportive.
Don’t forget that you aren’t creating content for everyone. Your goal is to create for your target audience — the people who understand your message and value your expertise. Keep your focus on them and not on the Jabroni who may be causing trouble.
Here’s another tip. In times of self-doubt, remember why you started. When you feel low, make a list of positive feedback and accomplishments to boost your confidence.
Keep It Simple
To get started, you don’t need expensive equipment or complex strategies. All you need is a smartphone, basic editing software, and a clear message. You can improve your process and invest in better tools as you grow.
Start with:
- Blog posts or social media captions that are short and sweet
- A simple video shot with your phone
- Basic graphics made in Canva
Keep this timeless advice in mind: Quality over quantity. In the long run, well-thought-out content will always do better than rushed content.
Stay Consistent
Building a following and building credibility requires consistency. Keep showing up, even when you don’t feel like it. In time, your efforts will compound, and you will see results.
At the same time, create a routine that works for you. Decide what schedule works best for you, whether writing an hour in the morning or batch-creating content over the weekend.
Play the Long Game
It takes time and effort to build a successful online presence. If you don’t see results right away, don’t get discouraged.
- Build relationships with your audience.
- You need to be patient and persistent.
- Take advantage of the journey.
Putting it All Together
Creating content can be a rewarding experience. It’s a chance to share your passions, connect with others, and build something truly unique. If you follow these tips and stay consistent, you’ll be well on your way to creating a thriving online presence.
However, this is just the beginning of your content creation journey. Don’t forget to adapt these tips to your own style and goals. Also, make sure you have fun while you’re doing it.