EP. 035 | 10 lessons I have learned from creating content for 10+ years
Podcast Summary
After a decade in the content creation game, I'm pulling back the curtain on what really works and what doesn't. From surviving countless algorithm changes to building genuine connections that drive business growth, I share 10 honest lessons learned from creating content since Instagram was just fancy filters.
I break down why algorithms don't build businesses (people do), how perfectionism kills progress, and why authenticity isn't just a buzzword. If you're tired of burning out trying to follow everyone else's rules, this episode is your permission slip to do content differently.
Episode Highlights
Ever wonder what 3,650 days of content creation really teaches you? In this raw and honest episode, I'm sharing the unvarnished truth about what it takes to create content that actually works - lessons learned from being in the trenches since before Instagram was what it is today.
I've seen platforms rise and fall, weathered countless algorithm changes, and watched marketing gurus come and go with their promises of overnight success. But the real lessons? They're not what most people think. In this episode I talk about:
Why chasing algorithms is a losing game and what to focus on instead
The surprising truth about which posts get the most engagement
How breaking marketing "rules" might actually help your business
Why strategic platform diversification matters more than ever
The real reason some content creators never burn out
I dive deep into why authenticity isn't optional anymore and share my personal experience with creating content that honors your energy, especially important for those with ADHD or other challenges that impact content creation.
Most importantly, I reveal why consistency beats creativity and how to build sustainable systems that work for your business without consuming your life. These aren't just theories, these are battle-tested lessons learned from real wins and failures.
Whether you're just starting your content journey or you've been at it for years, these insights will help you create content that feels good, serves your audience, and actually drives business results… no dancing on camera required.
You don't have to learn these lessons the hard way like I did. You have permission to skip the struggle phase and go straight to what works.
10 Game-Changing Content Creation Lessons From Over a Decade of Content Creation
When I started creating content, Instagram was just fancy filters and Facebook was still cool. After 3,650 days of content creation (yes, I counted, jk), I've learned a thing or two about what really works - and more importantly, what doesn't.
I've survived more algorithm changes than I can count. I've watched marketing gurus come and go with their magical formulas for overnight success. I've made every mistake in the book, and now I'm sharing the real, sometimes uncomfortable truths about creating content that actually works.
Why I'm Spilling These Content Creation Secrets Now
I watch too many people stress about algorithms and force themselves to create content they hate. They try to be everywhere at once, following some mythical content creation playbook that's supposed to guarantee success. But here's the thing - I've learned these lessons the hard way so you don't have to. Let's dive into the 10 biggest lessons I've learned from over a decade of content creation.
One: Algorithms Don't Build Businesses… People Do
I used to spend weeks perfecting my hashtag strategy, only to discover that my most engaged followers came from genuine conversations in my DMs. You can implement all the tactics and strategies that experts preach, but algorithms won't build your business. Your connections and relationships with real people will. Those hours spent perfecting hashtags and posting schedules? They don't matter nearly as much as the conversations happening in your comments and messages.
Two: Done Is Better Than Perfect (Really)
Want to know which post got the most engagement for me this year? It wasn't the one I spent hours perfecting. It was a quick thread I wrote in five minutes while making my morning latte. As a perfectionist with ADHD and Type A tendencies, this lesson was hard to learn. But here's the reality: that "perfect" post sitting in your drafts isn't getting any engagement. Even a post that only gets three likes is doing more for your business than the one you never publish.
Three: Content Should Feel Good to Create
If I see one more expert telling overwhelmed business owners they need to jump on the latest trend to succeed, I might scream. Here's my controversial take: forcing yourself to create content you hate is probably sabotaging your growth. Personal example? Everyone tells me I need to be consistent with Instagram Stories to make more money. But I hate creating Stories. It drains my energy and feels like a chore. So I don't do it. Instead, I focus on content that feels natural and energizing to create.
Four: Strategic Platform Diversification Is Key
When Instagram crashes and everyone panics, I don't skip a beat. Not because I'm special, but because I learned long ago not to put all my marketing eggs in one basket. This doesn't mean you need to be everywhere. Instead, focus on three key areas:
One long-form content platform (blog, podcast, or YouTube)
One short-form platform you enjoy (Instagram, TikTok, or Threads)
An email list (because you actually own this audience)
Five: Systems Beat Hustle Every Time
Remember that blank-mind feeling when you sit down to create content? I lived that daily until I realized something needed to change. Instead of trying to hustle every morning for the perfect post, I built backend systems that support consistent content creation. These systems become your safety net when motivation dips or creativity runs dry.
Six: Authenticity Isn't Optional Anymore
I've made some embarrassingly inauthentic content. I tried jumping on TikTok trends, complete with pointing and dancing. It failed miserably. But when I started just talking to the camera and sharing valuable tips? That's when things took off. It wasn't about standing out - it was about being true to myself and my style.
Seven: Honor Your Energy
After being diagnosed with ADHD, I realized I wasn't bad at content creation… I was just following someone else's rules. Now my content strategy aligns with my energy patterns. I batch create when I'm feeling energized and inspired, rather than forcing daily content creation. Your content strategy should work with your natural rhythms, not against them.
Eight: Repurpose Everything
This blog post you're reading? It started as a podcast episode and will become at least 15 other pieces of content. I'm not spending hours creating each piece, instead, I'm smart about repurposing. One long form piece of content can become:
Blog post
Newsletter
Social media posts
Infographics
Thread posts
Pinterest pins
And so much more
Nine: Break the Rules That Don't Serve You
Some experts might say this approach would tank your business, but it's actually the key to sustainability. For instance, I don't spend hours editing TikTok videos with trendy transitions. I batch record, use Descript for quick edits, and move on. The ROI on perfectionism just isn't there.
Ten: Consistency Beats Creativity
Here's a hard truth about viral content: those viral moments don't pay your bills. What does? Showing up consistently, even when 90% of your content gets minimal engagement. That post that only got 10 likes? It might be the one that convinced someone to become a $2,000/month client. Success in content creation isn't about viral hits, it's about consistent presence.
Here is to the next 10 years…
The wildest part? I'm still learning every day. Every post and platform update teaches me something new. But here's what I know for sure: content creation doesn't have to be overwhelming or soul-sucking. It can be sustainable, feel good, and actually work for your business without consuming your entire life.
You don't need to learn these lessons the hard way like I did. You don't need to burn out following everyone else's rules. And you definitely don't need to dance on camera if you don't want to.
Find your rhythm. Trust your gut. Build systems that work for you - not for some expert or algorithm, but for you and your actual business. Start with just one of these lessons. Maybe give yourself permission to repurpose content. Maybe break a marketing rule that never felt right. Whatever resonates with you, start there.
It took me 10 years to learn all this, but it doesn't have to take you that long. You have permission to skip the struggle phase and go straight to what works. Keep creating content that feels good, serves your audience, and doesn't make you want to quit social media forever. That's the real secret to long-term success.