Content creation becomes easier when you simplify the process of creation.
“Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity”
– Charles Mingus
If you are subscribed to a few marketing emails, you would have noticed that most of these emails are marketing 2 things the most –
AI software that can generate content at will
Templates and tools that gives you access to plug-and-play content
While both the products/services are different, there is something common in both – the idea of simplification.
The very idea of content creation was based of the principle of simplifying information for the consumption of the common.
The rise of blogging and bloggers can totally be attributed to this idea of simplification. Blogs simplified the otherwise complicated information and readers gobbled up every bit of it.
Then videos did the same thing.
It simplified information so that common audience could consume it.
The success of YouTube channels like that of CA Rachana Ranade was only because they simplified information for the audience.
As a creator if you want to succeed, the mantra is simple – “Simplify Things”.
Now let me flip the story and tell you why creators fail.
I have a firm believer of consume and create. If you are not a consumer, you will never really understand the pain of the consumer enough, to create something that helps them.
The most successful creators are the ones that have been consumers at some point.
So, when it comes to “simplification”, it should be no different.
Unless you have learnt to simplify things, you will never be able to help others do it!
And that is where creators fail.
They don’t have systems and processes in place that can help simplify their work. The end-result: Frustration, overwhelm and eventually failure.
They never consume and try to find solutions. Hence they are never really sure of how to help others find solutions, simplify things and consume.
Recipe for failure. Isn’t it?
There are a few simple rules for succeeding at content creation and nothing else. If you can follow these rules, then there is no reason why you won’t succeed.
Become a Consumer
Focus on simplification by putting systems in place
Help others by simplifying information for them
On Twitter:
We built a podcast to 3 million listens. De-motivation, frustration, overwhelm etc. were all part of the journey.
But we persisted and today, it brings in some decent revenue.
Here’s 6 lessons that we learnt while building the Tastes of India Podcast!
You can follow me on Twitter for more such threads.
News that will interest You
Commenting on Podcasts – Spotify seems to be working on a new feature of commenting on your favorite podcasts. They are also doing something similar to what GoodPods are doing – a discover what your friends are listening, feature.
According to Edison Podcast Metrics, Comedy was the #1 podcast genre in the US for the months ending June 30. That encouraging news for all the standup comedians who are looking at an alternate way of building their brand.
From the Podcasting University Podcast
One of the most common questions that I keep getting is about search ability of podcasts and how to rank on search engines.
I released two episodes in the past two weeks primarily focussed on Podcast SEO.
Episode – 72: Podcast SEO and the basics that you should know about SEO
Episode – 73: How to optimize your podcast for search engines.
Do listen to them and if you have any questions, send them over to me and I will respond.
Articles of Interest
This article on writing a podcast script was interesting and gave me some nice tips. I am sure you will love it too.
Podcasting is all about branding. And if you are unable to brand your show with a good intro, then you have lost half of the game. This article on the importance of audio branding will make you review your branding idea.
Reader’s Questions
I got this question from one of my email subscribers –
Is Instagram recommended for Podcast promotions?
That is a funny question considering I am not an Instagram expert. But I will try to answer it.
There is no right or, wrong platform for promotions. Social media is big today and most platforms including Instagram are growing with every passing day.
What is important is that you identify the places where your listeners hang out. If they are hanging out on Instagram, then that is where you should promote.
But, if they are not instagrammers, then look for other platforms.
So, to answer the question – it depends upon where your listeners are found.
Our job is not to create content. Our job is to change the world of the people who consume it. – Andrea Fryrear
Recommended Reading
Here are a few of my favorite books that I recommend –
The 7 habits of highly effective people – This book by Stephen Covey was probably one of the best practical guide that is available out there on personality development. It talks about these 7 habits that can help you develop your personality.
The 4-hour work week – This book by Tim Ferris is what can give you a concrete plan on starting on your 4-hour work week journey. One of my all time favorites, this book is a must have for anybody who is into side-hustles.
That’s it for this week,
See ya again in the next edition,
Dilip K
P.S. If you would like to connect with me or, read more of my writings in the form of blog posts, then you can visit my blog about Podcasting Tips.
P.P.S. If you loved this newsletter, then why not recommend it to somebody you think it will be helpful for.
