TL;DR:
In this article, I share the five most challenging mindsets or mental barriers that I had to go through as a content creator. If you’re a content creator, chances are you may have to go through similar mindset shifts to be start creating consistently.
Developing a Thick Skin
The first mental barrier discussed is the challenge of not having a thick enough skin. As a content creator, putting yourself out there invites criticism and judgment. I recount personal experiences of transitioning from being known as a "video guy" to a brand strategist, facing skepticism and mockery from those who perceived me differently. The importance of developing resilience and embracing imperfections is emphasized, as the journey involves inevitable mistakes and external criticism.
Balancing Quantity and Quality
The second deadly mindset centers around the common pitfall of focusing too much on quality in the initial stages. I stress the importance of prioritizing quantity early on, establishing a consistent rhythm before elevating the quality of content. Drawing from my podcasting experience, I share how it took several episodes to refine and enhance the podcast's quality, highlighting the need to find a balance between quantity and quality at different stages of one's content creation journey.
Effective Content Packaging
The third mental barrier addresses the misconception of neglecting the time spent on packaging content. I emphasize the significance of creating compelling titles and thumbnails, citing examples of successful YouTubers who prioritize these elements. Acknowledging my initial disregard for packaging, I stress the impact it has on attracting and retaining an audience, urging creators to think strategically about how to present their content to stand out.
Importance of Keyword Research
The fourth deadly mistake discussed is the failure to conduct keyword research. I highlight the difference between creating demand and serving existing demand, underscoring the efficiency of aligning content with what people are actively searching for. Practical advice is offered, including using tools like Google Trends or VidIQ to identify relevant keywords and validate content ideas before investing time and energy into creation.
Sharing and Promoting Your Content
The final mental barrier delves into the reluctance to share and promote one's own content. Drawing from personal hesitation, I discuss the shift in perspective, recognizing the importance of promoting content as a service to the audience rather than ego-driven self-promotion. A genuine desire to provide value to the target audience is presented as the driving force behind effective content promotion.
Conclusion
Aspiring content creators can benefit from understanding and overcoming these mental barriers. By cultivating resilience, finding the right balance between quantity and quality, investing time in effective packaging, conducting keyword research, and embracing content promotion as a service, creators can navigate the challenges of the content creation journey more successfully. Remember, these lessons are born from personal experiences, aimed at empowering others to build impactful careers in content creation.