My goal is to become a paid content creator and I’m starting with an audience of 0. Am I dumb?
In January, I went full time starting my micro design agency. (technically three days a week - I still work two days a week at my old job) Business has been great but has definitely slowed in late summer. I have no current projects lined up (but some MRR) so I really want to take this time as a breather and just create and build a community. I’m thinking a YouTube channel, digital products, consulting, etc.
Is this dumb? Or does it make sense in todays world?
I would say dip your toes and see what grabs you. Its going to be a long haul and if you dont enjoy at least some of the elements of whatever it is you attempt to do, you're not going to stick with it long enough to see if it has legs.
So try all those areas you mentioned. Is anything engaging for your personally in some aspect? Then thats what I would pursue, long before I thought about audience or traffic, because this is going to be a years long journey for most people.
"A journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step" - some wise person
You may have to charge to fee to get started and then charge after you gain an audience.
I have an idea of you can blog about , if you reach out.
Everyone needs to start somewhere. If it's something you can do - arguably feel passionate about doing it. With this type of thing commitment is quite a big deal when it comes to whether you can succeed, also bear in mind that no everyone does.
If you can, it's good to find something unique - maybe in what you offer or your personality/character.
its not dumb youtube etc. act as your marketing channels. Just don't get discouraged by low view count in the starting, it takes time. all the best!
Does it make sense to pause client work and focus on building this? My goal would that this would eventually bring in clients on its own anyway.
you don't need to infact it is beneficial if you have client work. You can use it to create content about your learning, how you solved problem for client etc. It will add to your credibility.
I could be totally wrong, but I don't think that's the right idea. Content-driven acquisition is something that takes a long time to work.
I built a LinkedIn content engine for my product and it took a few months to build decent enough volume. Many people don't even make it to this point.
I'd recommend you avoid putting all your eggs in one basket.
Maybe spend 60% of your effort on content and 40% on a channel that works (referrals, direct outreach, etc.) so you're protected.
Going all-in on content would mean no projects for a long time + risk of it not working out later. Continue your client work and spend the remaining time on content.
I don't think that's dumb, I remember back in 2010 people were saying it's 'too late to do a pod cast'. Just do it!
No, not dumb. Every single person who has a following started from the same place. Good luck!!
Does it make sense to pause client work and focus on building this? My goal would that this would eventually bring in clients on its own anyway.
Honestly? No.
Work on it as you get paid. It's way less stressful and you'll enjoy the work more than if you have to worry about it making money right away.