How to Create Content for a Successful One-Person Business
How to Create Content for a Successful One-Person Business
Welcome! In this comprehensive guide, I'll teach you how to create content that helps you build a successful one-person business. Here's what you'll learn:
- The three pillars of a One-Person Business
- Why content is the most critical aspect of this business model
- How to start creating content effectively
- What I would do if I were starting today
Let's dive in and help you build your business from the ground up!
Introduction: The Long Game of Building a One-Person Business
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand the long game. Building a business, especially as a solo entrepreneur, takes time and perseverance. The journey might feel like wandering in a desert, struggling to open a tap that barely drips water. But with consistent effort, you eventually break through, and success starts to flow more easily.
Just as my growth on Instagram and YouTube didn't happen overnight, your journey will also require patience. You’ll work tirelessly with little to no results initially, but over time, those small gains will snowball into significant success. If you're not prepared to commit to this process for at least two years, this path may not be for you. However, if you stick with it, the rewards will come.
Now, let’s talk about the three fundamental pillars of a One-Person Business.
The Three Pillars of a One-Person Business
There are three core elements to building a successful one-person business:
- Content
- Product and Offer
- Sales Process
In this guide, we’ll focus on content, the most critical element. The other two pillars—Product and Offer, and Sales Process—will be covered in future lessons. But for now, let’s dive into why content is king.
Why Content is the Most Important Part of This Business Model
Content is the cornerstone of a one-person business for three main reasons:
1. Content Makes You Known
No one can buy from you if they don't know you exist. Your content is your introduction to potential customers, helping you become a known entity in your niche. Without content, your business remains invisible.
2. Content Simplifies the Sales Process
Many of us aren’t natural salespeople, and that’s okay. Content allows you to sell without being pushy. It demonstrates your expertise and builds trust, making the sales process smoother and more organic.
3. Content is the Best Form of Advertising
Content proves your competence. A well-crafted piece of content showcases your knowledge and skills, convincing potential customers that you’re worth their investment. Over time, consistent, high-quality content establishes you as an authority in your field.
Let’s break down the two types of content you need to master to achieve these goals.
The Two Types of Content: Superficial and Deep
There are two main types of content you should focus on:
Superficial Content
Superficial content is short and to the point. It’s ideal for social media platforms like Instagram Stories, Reels, and TikToks. This content type introduces you to a broader audience and helps you get noticed.
However, while superficial content is excellent for visibility, it’s not effective for selling. A viral post might bring in millions of views, but it’s unlikely to result in significant sales.
Deep Content
Deep content is where the magic happens. This type of content is longer, more detailed, and typically found in blog posts, YouTube videos, and podcasts. Deep content allows you to showcase your expertise and build a strong relationship with your audience.
This content type is what converts viewers into customers. When someone spends time engaging with your in-depth content, they’re more likely to trust you and invest in your products or services.
It’s essential to create both types of content to build a sustainable business. Superficial content makes you known, but deep content makes you money.
The Three Editorial Lines You Must Follow
To structure your content effectively, follow these three editorial lines:
1. Actionable Content (How-to)
Actionable content teaches your audience how to do something specific. This is the technical content that provides step-by-step instructions, giving your audience the tools they need to take action.
2. Expanding Consciousness (Why)
This type of content helps your audience understand why something is important. It deepens their knowledge and broadens their perspective, making them more informed and better equipped to make decisions.
3. Narrative Content (Stories)
Narrative content shares your personal stories, opinions, and values. This is where you connect with your audience on a deeper level, building trust and creating a sense of friendship. People buy from those they relate to, and your stories are the bridge that connects you to your audience.
Each of these content types plays a vital role in your overall strategy. Actionable content proves your expertise, expanding consciousness builds understanding, and narratives create connection.
Where to Start Creating Content
If you’re just starting, focus on two primary platforms: Instagram and YouTube. Here’s how to approach content creation on each:
Instagram is essential for building your initial audience. Start with daily Stories to engage with your followers regularly. Use Story sequences to share narratives—short stories from your life that convey your values and opinions. This helps build a personal connection with your audience.
In the Instagram feed, post regularly with a mix of Reels and Carousels. I recommend posting two Reels and four Carousels per week, along with a photo with a thoughtful caption on weekends. Your Instagram feed is the storefront of your business, so keep it active and engaging.
YouTube
YouTube is a long-term game, but it’s crucial for creating deep content. Start with one video per week, focusing on delivering value through in-depth tutorials, explanations, or discussions. As you grow more comfortable, consider increasing your upload frequency to two or more videos per week.
The more content you create, the faster you’ll grow your audience. However, remember that quality is just as important as quantity. Make sure each video provides real value to your viewers.
Final Thoughts: Patience and Consistency Are Key
Building a successful one-person business through content creation takes time and consistency. You need to be patient and persistent, even when progress seems slow. Keep creating, keep sharing, and keep refining your approach.
Over time, your efforts will pay off. You’ll build a loyal audience, establish yourself as an authority in your niche, and create a sustainable business that you can run from anywhere.
If you’re ready to start your journey, remember these key takeaways:
- Focus on creating both superficial and deep content.
- Follow the three editorial lines: actionable content, expanding consciousness, and narratives.
- Be consistent with your posting schedule on Instagram and YouTube.
- Stay patient and persistent, even when progress seems slow.
Good luck, and start creating content today. The sooner you start, the sooner you'll see results.
Follow me on Instagram and YouTube for more tips and strategies on building a successful one-person business.