In this day and age, the term “content creator” is commonly used to describe individuals who work independently on the internet, making a living through various informational and content-related pursuits. While I personally don’t consider myself a content creator per se, I do see myself as a creator of educational products. In 2021, being a blogger and course creator has become my full-time job.
So, how did I end up here? The story begins back in 2007 when I created a blog in Italian to document my learning journey in the world of content management systems and blogging software, which were just starting to gain popularity. I also collaborated with a website to produce guides and tutorials, positioning myself as an expert and attracting clients to kickstart my freelancing career.
During this time, I created a video course on using a content management system, but unfortunately, it didn’t generate enough sales for me to transition into full-time content creation. Undeterred, I turned my focus towards building my own software business, with hopes of generating recurring revenue through mobile apps, SaaS, or contracting. However, that plan didn’t materialize over the next 10 years.
Fast forward to 2017, I resumed blogging while simultaneously learning a programming language that I was deeply passionate about. Teaching and writing about what I learned became my preferred method of solidifying knowledge. Additionally, I aimed to establish myself as an expert in the field.
By the start of 2018, I shifted the focus of my blog to JavaScript and web development, which resulted in its growth. In mid-2018, I ventured into creating my first ebook, followed shortly by my first course. These were just the beginning, as I have since developed a total of 9 courses, constantly striving to surpass my previous work. Throughout the past 3 years, I have gained valuable insights into course creation, design, market positioning, promotion, and launching. But above all, I have learned how to genuinely help people improve their skills and craft.
If there’s one piece of advice I would give to anyone looking to embark on a similar path, it would be this:
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It’s a long game: Success stories you come across online may seem like the norm, but they are often outliers. Be prepared to work for free for an extended period of time.
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Consistency is key: This is something I personally struggled with. Starting new projects with enthusiasm only to lose steam after a few weeks. Maintaining consistency is crucial.
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Passion is paramount: You cannot force yourself to pursue something you are not truly passionate about in the long run. If you’re solely motivated by money and wouldn’t engage in the activity if you weren’t being paid for it, you’ll likely abandon ship when challenges arise.
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Good luck: A touch of luck never hurts!
In conclusion, my journey from a blogger to a content creator has been a mix of perseverance, learning, and adapting. It’s important to remember that success in this field doesn’t happen overnight. By staying consistent, fueled by passion, and constantly improving, you too can create valuable content and make a meaningful impact in your chosen niche.