He’s Been Creating For 10+ Years – Here Are His Top Lessons

For those who search for Matt Ragland’s identify within the Buffer weblog search bar, you’ll come throughout this text from over a decade in the past – when Matt nonetheless referred to himself as an “aspiring blogger.” The time period doesn’t apply now, as Matt has grown in leaps and bounds.

Matt’s come a great distance since that article, rising audiences into the hundreds, launching a YouTube channel with over 67,000 subscribers, podcastst, newsletters, programs, workshops, and now, an company to assist different creators.

On this interview, he shares his ideas and recommendation about content material creation and social media.

How he’s been a creator for greater than a decade

From making YouTube movies to operating a e-newsletter, Matt’s longevity within the house means he’s seen all of the dips and progress within the creator financial system. And as he factors out, the democratization of content material creation implies that anyone can do or speak about something. This implies the platforms required to create and share content material are extra accessible than ever.

“My content material gained traction once I began specializing in productiveness recommendation on YouTube, particularly bullet journaling. Though I’ve all the time seen myself as a generalist, my YouTube channel tells a special story,” shared Matt. “The turning level was once I embraced the “bullet journal man” persona, which helped me construct a good portion of my viewers. Of my 60,000 subscribers, round 60 to 70 % are there for bullet journaling and productiveness content material.”

However the blessing of democratization is a double-edged sword. Differentiating your self turns into tough, with many creators discussing the identical subjects throughout many channels.

A fast Google search on any matter reveals hundreds of creators discussing it, every with their distinctive spin. This saturation can result in what Matt and plenty of others name “paralysis” – the overwhelming feeling of getting too many choices and never figuring out which course to take.

Nevertheless, there is a silver lining – one which induced Matt to pivot his content material away from his hyper-specific area of interest that also grew to become oversaturated. “Mirroring the midweek curve, as my viewers grew and developed, I started to broaden my content material subjects once more, catering to those that have been curious about a broader perspective on productiveness and life. With a devoted viewers, I’ve the liberty to debate a variety of topics.”

It is a testomony that after you construct real, genuine connections along with your viewers, they’re curious about listening to your ideas on something. Within the huge sea of accessible content material, authenticity turns into the lighthouse guiding real engagement, and Matt’s creator journey underscores this. As he put it, “The great thing about dedicating effort and time to viewers constructing is that you just carry that viewers with you, irrespective of the brand new ventures you undertake. It gives a basis to share new concepts.”

In a world the place everyone seems to be sharing, those that converse their reality, stay in line with their voice, and interact authentically are those who stand out. It is not about being the loudest within the room however being essentially the most real.

In essence, the creator’s dilemma is not nearly producing content material; it is about producing content material that actually issues. It is about navigating the overwhelming panorama with a compass of authenticity, guided by real intent and a deep understanding of 1’s viewers.

How Matt makes use of the ICE framework to create content material

How do you constantly uncover concepts and produce content material? For those who’re like Matt, you employ the ICE framework, which stands for Impression, Confidence, and Ease, and is a technique utilized by progress entrepreneurs to prioritize duties and tasks. In fact, the ICE framework isn’t restricted to only advertising; it’s a flexible instrument that may information creators of their content material journey.

• Impression: This measures the potential impact of a selected matter or technique in your viewers. Will it resonate deeply? Will it drive engagement or result in significant conversations?
• Confidence: How certain are you in regards to the potential success of this matter or technique? Have you ever seen it work earlier than, or do you’ve knowledge to again up its potential?
• Ease: This gauges the feasibility of executing the subject or technique. Is it one thing you may simply implement, or will it require vital assets and time?

Matt’s strategy to content material creation typically includes rating potential subjects or methods primarily based on the ICE framework. By scoring every component on a scale of 1 to 10, he can decide which subjects will possible be the simplest. As an illustration, a subject that guarantees excessive affect, instills confidence, and is straightforward to execute would rank excessive and thus be prioritized.

Drawing from his experiences working at startups like ConvertKit and Podia, Matt emphasised the significance of experimentation. “I am going to do that factor for six weeks, after which I will measure the outcomes,” he shared. This iterative strategy, mixed with the ICE check, permits him to refine his content material methods over time, guaranteeing they continue to be related and efficient.

6 puzzle items to capturing and retaining viewers consideration

Capturing and retaining your viewers’s consideration is each an artwork and a science. Matt shared some invaluable insights on successfully have interaction and monetize your viewers which are relevant to new and seasoned creators.

1. Begin with a e-newsletter: “Completely, it is essential to have a technique in place to leverage the eye you obtain, particularly on social media,” Matt emphasizes. His prime recommendation for newcomers? “Begin a e-newsletter as quickly as potential.” Platforms like ConvertKit can assist you arrange a touchdown web page swiftly. The aim is to be able to seize subscribers when your content material positive aspects traction.
2. Foster engagement: To create a sustainable content material ecosystem, Matt suggests integrating your e-newsletter sign-up hyperlink throughout all of your social media platforms. “Constantly publish content material each on social media and in your e-newsletter,” he recommends. A welcome e-mail that prompts new subscribers to share their pursuits generally is a goldmine for content material concepts. “This strategy fosters engagement and naturally guides you in direction of subjects that resonate along with your viewers,” Matt notes.
3. Give attention to one main social channel: For these simply beginning out, Matt’s recommendation is obvious: “Give attention to one main social channel.” Constructing a core viewers on one platform after which repurposing content material for others generally is a game-changer. “Some creators learn their outdated tweets or LinkedIn posts on TikTok. It is about leveraging what you’ve got already created,” he shares.
4. The ability of video podcasts: “If in case you have the assets, I imagine a video podcast is essentially the most high-leverage content material proper now,” Matt states. A single podcast episode might be repurposed right into a plethora of content material, from YouTube movies to Twitter threads.
5. Suppose long-term: The attract of passive earnings as a creator is plain nevertheless it requires lively effort to arrange and keep. He shares an instance: “For a $150 product in case you intention for $500,000 in annual income, you’d must promote to round 3,333 individuals and usher in round 70,000 subscribers a 12 months at a 5 % conversion charge.” This underscores the necessity for a long-term and diversified technique. For instance, you possibly can have a $100 course, a $1,000 cohort, and a $10,000 teaching program.

As you soak up all this recommendation, think about Matt’s warning, “Managing all this as a solo creator might be overwhelming. It is nearly a full-time job.” Keep in mind to assume virtually about what you may deal with along with your present workload with out burning out.

How Matt makes use of iteration to enhance content material

Whereas the attract of latest traits and techniques might be tempting, leaping from one to a different can result in an absence of consistency and readability in a single’s content material. Matt’s recommendation? Select a path, set a timeframe, and provides it your all.

It is simple to get caught within the whirlwind of latest concepts and techniques. Nevertheless, as Matt emphasised, there’s plenty of worth in committing to a course. “You simply gotta go for it for a bit of bit,” he shared, highlighting the significance of dedicating oneself to a selected path.

However dedication does not imply stubbornness. One of many key insights from Matt’s journey is the significance of iteration. After dedicating time to a selected technique or matter, it is essential to step again, consider the outcomes, and refine the strategy if obligatory. “I am going to do that for six weeks, after which I will measure the outcomes,” Matt defined, emphasizing the significance of setting clear analysis intervals.

By way of common assessments, creators can determine what’s working and what’s not. This iterative course of permits steady enchancment, guaranteeing content material stays related, participating, and impactful. Matt identified that this mixture of dedication and adaptability typically results in success.

“After three or 4 months, you may have just a few very particular methods of speaking and experimenting,” he famous, highlighting the insights and instinct that come from constant analysis and refinement.

Whereas the world of content material creation is huge and ever-changing, the facility of iteration stays fixed. By committing to a course and repeatedly refining one’s strategy primarily based on suggestions and outcomes, creators can navigate the complexities of the digital panorama with confidence and readability.

How Matt is constructing real communities

The ability of group can’t be overstated – and never simply any group, however one constructed on real connections and shared experiences. Matt’s journey gives a main instance of this. He spoke fondly of his Slack group for dad entrepreneurs, a distinct segment but genuine house the place like-minded people come collectively.

“I tweet about being a dad and stuff that I am experiencing as a father,” Matt shared, highlighting the natural nature of the group’s inception. It wasn’t about chasing numbers or traits however about connecting over shared experiences. And the end result? A thriving group that grows organically, with members who genuinely care in regards to the group’s core values and one another.

Constructing such a group may appear daunting, however with the correct strategy, it is solely achievable. Listed here are some insights from Matt’s expertise:

• Begin with authenticity: Earlier than you consider numbers or platforms, ask your self: What am I genuinely enthusiastic about? What experiences or insights can I share? For Matt, it was his journey as a dad entrepreneur. Discover your distinctive angle.
• Leverage automation however hold it private: Matt used instruments like Zapier to streamline the invitation course of to his Slack group. However he ensured the contact remained private. “Individuals are simply exhibiting up within the slack. I do not know who they’re. However I do know that everybody within the group now has both utilized immediately by one thing I’ve written in order that they have some context with me, or they have been beneficial,” he defined.
• Have interaction and hear: Constructing a group is not a one-time activity. It requires steady engagement. Hearken to your members, perceive their wants, and adapt accordingly. Keep in mind, it is a house for them as a lot as it’s for you.
• Have a good time small wins: Each new member, each significant dialog, and each shared useful resource is a win. Have a good time these moments and use them as motivation to continue to grow and nurturing your group.

In conclusion, constructing a real group is about extra than simply numbers. It is about creating an area the place members really feel valued, heard, and related. And as Matt’s journey exhibits, with authenticity and the correct strategy, it is a aim nicely inside attain.

Takeaways

Matt’s creator journey highlights a core reality: real resonance with an viewers trumps fleeting traits. Listed here are the highest takeaways from his story:

• Authenticity is essential: Real connections along with your viewers result in lasting engagement. Being true to oneself and one’s experiences fosters belief and loyalty amongst followers.
• Strategic planning with the ICE check: Prioritize content material creation utilizing the ICE check (Impression, Confidence, Ease) to make sure efficient and significant content material that resonates with the viewers.
• Give attention to one factor earlier than increasing: Begin with one main social channel to construct a core viewers. As soon as established, repurpose and broaden content material to different platforms.
• Take an iterative strategy to your content material technique: Decide to a content material technique however repeatedly consider and refine it primarily based on suggestions and outcomes. This steadiness of dedication and adaptability ensures content material stays related and impactful.
• Group constructing by real pursuits: Create communities primarily based on shared experiences and real pursuits. Steady engagement, listening to members, and celebrating small wins are important for nurturing and rising these communities.