Hey, friends! Today, I want to pull back the curtain and share the unfiltered truth about being a small business owner and a content creator. This journey has been filled with learning curves, late nights, and moments of joy. Whether you’re considering stepping into content creation full-time or as a side hustle, I’ll share my personal story and tips for balancing this rewarding yet demanding lifestyle.
Like visuals better? You can watch it here…
A Look Back: 20 Years of Content Creation
I’ve been a content creator for 20 years. It all started in 2004 when I launched my first website to connect women online—particularly Christian women. Back then, creating content wasn’t about algorithms, marketing funnels, or SEO strategies. It was about building community. My first big project was a community site that hosted teleseminars (yes, before webinars and Zoom were a thing). We gathered virtually with tea and coffee in hand, fostering a space of encouragement and shared faith.
These initiatives weren’t meticulously planned. Many times, they were born from spontaneous ideas, like organizing a health and wellness seminar with an expert dietitian. We didn’t overthink the logistics; we just did it. Those early days taught me the power of showing up authentically and focusing on connection over perfection.
Bridging Passion with Marketing
My transition from creating community to embracing marketing happened naturally. While working as a web designer, I realized my clients needed more than just a website; they needed strategies to build their own online communities. That’s when I started helping them with podcasts, videos, and SEO to boost their visibility. It wasn’t about selling but creating spaces where their audiences felt seen and heard. Over time, I honed these skills into the marketing expertise I share today.
Starting Out: Keep It Simple
If you’re just beginning your content creator journey, my first piece of advice is: don’t overcomplicate it. Starting doesn’t require an elaborate six-month content plan. Begin with a clear goal and take small, actionable steps. When I started, I was a stay-at-home mom seeking connection. My plan was simple: create something meaningful, even if it was just one teleseminar or a blog post a week.
Here’s what worked for me:
- Decide to Start: Commit to your goal, whether it’s posting once a week or launching a podcast.
- Be Flexible: Life doesn’t always go as planned, especially for solopreneurs. Adapt your goals as needed without losing sight of your vision.
- Focus on Connection: Content that resonates with people comes from the heart. Share your story, struggles, and wins authentically.
The Balance of Life and Content Creation
As a solopreneur for two decades, I’ve worn all the hats—writer, editor, marketer, and everything in between. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that balance is key. For most of my career, I prioritized raising my kids and nurturing my family while building my business. This meant saying no to scaling into a large agency or outsourcing tasks, even when the opportunity arose.
In 2022, I considered expanding my business into an agency model but ultimately decided to stay true to what brings me joy: working one-on-one with clients and creating digital products. For me, content creation isn’t just a job; it’s a creative outlet that fits into my life rather than taking it over.
How to Find Your Balance:
- Set Boundaries: Define clear work hours and stick to them. Protect your personal time.
- Know Your Capacity: It’s okay to focus on fewer projects if that’s what aligns with your energy and priorities.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Progress isn’t always linear. Celebrate every milestone, no matter how small.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Content Creators
If you’re ready to dive into content creation, here are some actionable tips to make the journey manageable and fulfilling:
- Start with Your Strengths:
- Are you a great writer? Focus on blogging.Love being on camera? Try video content.Prefer audio? Start a podcast.
- Batch Your Content:
- Dedicate a day to creating multiple pieces of content. For example, record several podcast episodes or write multiple blog posts in one session. This saves time and keeps you consistent.
- Repurpose Content:
- Turn a blog post into a podcast episode or a series of social media posts. Repurposing helps you get more mileage from your efforts.
- Leverage Tools:
- Use scheduling tools like Buffer or Hootsuite to automate posting.
- Explore design tools like Canva for creating visuals.
- Consider productivity tools like Trello or Asana to keep track of your content ideas.
- Engage with Your Audience:
- Respond to comments and messages.
- Ask questions to spark conversations.
- Make your audience feel valued and heard.
The Rewards of Content Creator Life
Content creation is challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Over the years, I’ve seen how my content has impacted lives—whether through a podcast episode that resonated with someone, a blog post that provided clarity, or a video that inspired action.
The greatest reward? The freedom to create on my terms. Content creation has allowed me to:
- I got to build connections. I’ve met incredible people from all walks of life.
- I was able to share my voice. It’s empowering to share my story and expertise.
- I could support my family. This work has provided flexibility and financial support while raising my kids.
My Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey
Content creator life isn’t always glamorous. There are deadlines, tech issues, and moments of doubt. But it’s also a journey of growth, creativity, and connection. If you’re passionate about sharing your voice and making an impact, don’t let fear hold you back.
Remember, you don’t have to have it all figured out to start. Take that first step, learn as you go, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Who knows? Twenty years from now, you might be looking back at your journey with a smile, just like I am today.
So, my friend, what’s your next step in the content creator life? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
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