How Creating Less Content Brought Me More Money
The Content Creator’s Dilemma
As I sat down to write this article, I found myself wrestling with countless ideas related to communication and marketing. While all these topics were undoubtedly valuable and professional, none of them was what I wanted to express.
For someone like me, a content creator, writer, copywriter, and journalist, there’s nothing more frustrating than producing valuable content for others while neglecting your own creative desires and self-expression. It’s a torture.
Since I ventured into the world of digital marketing, I’ve served over 60 clients across various niches, always nurturing the dream of professional recognition.
My Journey in Digital Marketing
Between 2019 and 2022, I immersed myself in the teachings of digital gurus, invested money, and actively participated in various communities (I must clarify that not all are created equal; there are genuinely helpful individuals within this universe). However, the majority seemed to prioritize profit over genuine assistance, often leaving me feeling helpless, as if buying their products was the only path to digital success.
My takeaway from these experiences was quite different from what was promised. With almost a decade of professional writing experience and five years in digital marketing, I observed many individuals doing a disservice to their fellow professionals. Despite my efforts to absorb knowledge, and implement strategies like Launch Formula, 6 in 7, traffic management, copywriting, and creatives, the result was nothing but frustration.
The Search for Answers in the “Gurus”
How could it be that a student recognized as one of the best in their communication course wasn’t a millionaire? Why were people offering me paltry sums to create complete strategic plans for things I had invested years in learning? The promise of “just work hard, and it will work” didn’t align with my reality.
In fact, by inundating various platforms with content, I unwittingly attracted clients who sought access to my services at deeply discounted rates.
A Period of Detachment
Time passed, and I grew weary of producing similar content. Surprisingly, the period when I refrained from creating and posting on my social networks turned out to be the most prolific and financially rewarding of my professional journey.
When I chose marketing, it was with the hope of achieving geographical freedom and an improved quality of life. Contrary to the misconception that remote workers do nothing all day, I found myself working tirelessly, often twice as much as before.
I decided to focus my services on B2B clients who valued my expertise and were willing to pay a fee that aligned with the lifestyle I desired. The result was professional recognition, satisfied clients, and, for the first time, I was earning well, something I’d always dreamed of.
Lessons and Advice from an Experienced Professional
I share this personal story as a testament to my experiences. I firmly believe that the best narratives are those steeped in sincerity and personal perspective.
Many individuals profit by deceiving those, like me, who were once misled by the illusion that success in marketing is effortless (it’s not). However, it is entirely possible to secure a select group of clients, organize your efforts, and earn over 5,000 reais every month. I’ll delve deeper into this topic in another article.
Now, in addition to recounting my journey, I’d like to offer some advice from an experienced professional who provides a realistic view of the industry, along with the strategies that have yielded results for me. Perhaps they can work for you:
- Define your niche: determine the specific service you wish to provide, whether it’s social media management, copywriting, video editing, or traffic management. While I offer services across these domains, I’ve recently found more fulfillment in copywriting. Focusing on one area can bring clarity to your efforts.
- Manage your time efficiently: as a self-employed entrepreneur, understanding the time required for each client is crucial. This ensures that you can deliver quality work while maintaining a steady income.
- Set clear goals: establish monthly income targets. Lack of organization and clarity is often why many entrepreneurs consider traditional employment over entrepreneurship. Treat your business seriously and have a clear vision of your monthly earnings.
- Keep your portfolio updated: even if you prefer a low-profile approach, your portfolio must remain current. It serves as a primary gateway to professional recognition.
- Maintain a client and task spreadsheet: create a detailed record of clients, projects, prospecting, interviews, and meetings planned for each month. This method can significantly boost your chances of securing contracts and doing what you love.
Don’t allow the challenges you encounter in your career to deter you from pursuing your dreams. Resist the urge to be influenced by social media comparisons and the apparent success of others. Forge your own path and develop a unique strategy.
Within the marketing field, many skilled professionals earn substantial incomes without creating constant content or maintaining a highly visible social media presence. Remember the age-old adage: “Silence is golden.” You don’t have to rush or skip steps; your journey is unique. Never blindly accept someone else’s truth: conduct your own experiments and, above all, prioritize your mental well-being.
I’ve witnessed numerous talented professionals become disheartened by comparing their reality to what is perceived as “ideal.” Over the years, I’ve learned that what works for one person may have a completely different effect on another’s life.