My top tip is to practice what you preach. When I'm hiring for junior content positions, I'm looking for people who create content regularly for themselves. It could be a blog hosted on WordPress or your own YouTube channel. The subject doesn't matter as long as you're passionate about it. Having somewhere to point people makes a useful portfolio and shows a real dedication to the craft. Practice makes perfect, so don't wait until you get a paid gig to start. Set off doing it for yourself, and you'll find that people are naturally attracted to your enthusiasm.
Don't be caught up with the gear you use. You can use a million dollar camera and still won't be able to get views. The gear doesn't matter, it is what you do with it. Content is king. Focus on making your scripts, ideas better and more engaging. Then use right camera gear to suit the content not the other way around. When you are ready, rent first. Camera Tech is always evolving and don't be caught up with gear. Learn the core film making techniques first.
Treat content creation like a science experiment—embrace failure, test wildly, and never stop experimenting. When you start out, it’s tempting to focus on getting everything perfect: the perfect video setup, the perfect Instagram grid, or the perfect blog post. But perfectionism can paralyze creativity. Instead, approach your content creation like a scientist in a lab—test new ideas, formats, and styles without fear of getting it wrong.
When starting in content creation, prioritize value over volume. Many creators mistakenly produce high quantities of mediocre content, hoping to drive views and sales. This can lead to burnout and disengagement. Instead, focus on creating high-quality content that genuinely helps, educates, or entertains your audience. Building a solid reputation through valuable content will foster loyalty and set you apart in a saturated market.
I've got my Osborne Digital Marketing YouTube (68k subs) and my Ronald Osborne YT (4k subs), and I can say I focus on consistency over perfection. When you're just starting out, it's easy to get caught up in making everything flawless, but the key is to show up regularly and deliver value. Over time, your content will improve, and your audience will grow, but only if you stay consistent.
One piece of advice I'd give to someone starting out in content creation is to focus on authenticity over perfection. It’s easy to get caught up in creating the perfect post, video, or article, but what really resonates with audiences is when they can feel your genuine personality or passion behind the content. Start with what you love and what excites you, and let your authenticity shine through. Over time, you’ll naturally refine your style, but being real and relatable will help you build a loyal audience from the start.
One key piece of advice: be open to learning and taking on tasks that might not seem like your job at first. Don’t limit yourself by thinking, “That’s not my job.” Developing complementary skills, like SEO or marketing, alongside your content creation can make you more valuable and open up better opportunities. Early on, it’s about gaining experience and building a solid foundation. Saying yes to various opportunities helps you grow, learn, and eventually, command higher rates with confidence.
The one piece of advice I always give to new content creators is to give yourself a 30-day challenge to post every day for 30 days straight. The process is simple. For 30 straight days, post content on a social channel that you’d want to go build out in a longer form. You have to do it every day. It gives you discipline, and it forces you to start posting consistently. Discipline and consistency are the most important skills you need to develop in your entire content creation journey. They are what build a meaningful audience at first and ultimately are the foundations for a content empire. Most content creators end up posting without a consistent schedule, and they never develop personal and external momentum it requires to consistently post over time. But once you start (and stick to it), you will absolutely change the trajectory of your work.
One piece of advice our team would give to someone starting out in content creation is to really focus on learning the basics, especially when it comes to editing your own videos. Starting with fundamental editing skills can make a huge difference. It’s essential to be hands-on in the editing process as it teaches you what works visually and what doesn’t, helping you to develop a unique style that resonates with your audience. This hands-on approach not only improves the quality of your content but also equips you with the skills to adapt and innovate as your audience grows and technology evolves.
Focus on creating content that genuinely provides value to your audience. It’s crucial to understand your target audience’s needs, interests, and pain points. Start by conducting research to identify what topics resonate with them and what questions they’re seeking answers to. Craft your content with these insights in mind, ensuring it’s not only informative but also engaging and actionable. Whether you’re writing blog posts, producing videos, or creating social media content, aim to offer unique perspectives, practical tips, or solutions that your audience can benefit from. Additionally, consistency is key. Regularly publishing content helps build trust and keeps your audience engaged. It also signals to search engines and social media platforms that your content is active and relevant, which can enhance your visibility and reach. Leverage AI tools to streamline your content creation process. For example, use AI-driven analytics to track performance and understand what types of content are most effective. Tools like ChatGPT can assist with brainstorming ideas, generating drafts, and refining your content to make it more compelling. Don’t be afraid to experiment and iterate. Content creation is a dynamic field, and what works today might change tomorrow. Pay attention to feedback, analyze performance metrics, and continuously refine your approach based on what you learn. Finally, engage with your audience. Respond to comments, participate in conversations, and build a community around your content. This interaction not only helps you understand your audience better but also fosters loyalty and encourages sharing.