Content Creation For Beginners (The BEST Way To Start)

Digital content creation for social media and our brands can seem hard.

But it doesn’t have to be.

With a little planning and some creativity, you can start creating great content that’ll help your audience and grow your online presence.

If this is something you’re interested in, keep reading to find out more about digital content creation.

You’ll also learn how to get started creating content as a beginner.

What is Digital Content Creation?

Digital content creation is creating online content like blog posts, videos, eBooks, and infographics.

You’re taking good ideas (that’ll hopefully get attention) and turning them into different visual and written formats for a specific audience.

It’s a broad term that can involve everything from social media posts to long-form articles and videos. And it’s an important skill for anyone who wants to build an online presence or become an influencer.

Digital content creation is about you taking your wealth of knowledge and presenting it to your audience in a digestible format. A format that’s easy and accessible for your audience to understand and use.

Once you’ve made your content, you need to evaluate the success of it. You can do this by looking at some data to see if what you’re doing is working or not.

Different Types of Digital Content

When we get into different types of digital content, we’ve got a list of options:

1. Blog posts
2. Website copy
3. Graphics
4. Podcasts
5. Videos
6. Social media posts
7. And much more!

Great content, regardless of its format, plays a huge role in inbound marketing. This involves attracting and keeping customers by creating, you guessed it, digital content.

So, when you enter that question into Google’s search bar and end up with a long list of search results, what you’re seeing is content.

And digital content is really any form of content you find online.

From the marketing strategy guide you stumbled upon to the daily news articles you read. It’s all a part of content created for consumption!

The Benefits of Digital Content Creation

Here are a few ways creating content online can benefit you:

1. Boosts Visibility: Quality content helps brands get noticed online, attracting organic traffic to their sites.
2. Educates and Engages: Informative, engaging content keeps people coming back, establishing a loyal audience base.
3. Promotes Brands: Eye-catching visuals and captivating articles make brands stand out in a sea of digital content.
4. Offers Customization: Unique content can be tailored to specific audiences, catering to their distinct preferences and needs.

As a creator, blogger, or business owner, great digital content creation is your ticket to online success.

The Importance of Digital Content Creation	The Benefit
Enhanced Online Presence	Establish and maintain a strong internet presence, reaching a wider audience.
Brand Awareness and Recognition	Build brand awareness and recognition among your target audience.
Audience Engagement and Interaction	Encourages audience participation and interaction by creating a sense of community.
Search Engine Visibility	Improves search engine rankings, making it easier for people to find your brand.
Lead Generation and Conversion	Attracts potential customers, generating leads that convert into sales.
Educating and Informing	Share knowledge and your experience that’ll position your brand as an industry authority.
Establishing Thought Leadership	Be seen as a thought leader and expert in your field by creating unique and helpful content.

Challenges of Content Creation for Beginners

Creating compelling digital content is as much an art as it is a science. It involves far more than just being good with words and images.

Here are some common challenges you may face:

1. Research & Planning: Good content relies heavily on research, gathering facts/data, strategic planning, and execution, which is time-consuming.
2. Competition & Saturation: With so many channels available, the quantity of content being published can make it tough for yours to stand out.
3. Identifying Content Gaps: Finding the unique angle that sets your content apart from existing material is critical yet challenging.

Budgeting for Digital Content Creation

When you’re starting out, you’ll have to do all the work yourself.

You’re the IT department, sales team, marketing team, customer service team, and CEO, all rolled into one. It’s hard work, but you’ll also learn a lot during this process.

You may find it helpful to create systems or processes that automate as much of your work as possible so you can focus on the important tasks. And as you grow, you can outsource some tasks that take up too much of your time or that don’t require specialized knowledge.

But this requires a budget!

I know… the dreaded “B” word we all don’t like to hear.

But understanding the importance of having a budget is a major key if you want to create content online.

As content creators, we need to align our content strategy with our available resources for maximum impact.

How to Budget as a New Content Creator:

Start by establishing your goals and identifying your target audience. Plan accordingly and decide the content that best suits your audience and goals.

Be it blog posts, videos, graphics, etc.

Then consider the cost of content creation tools or platforms you may need. And if you can’t afford them, use affordable or free tools when starting out.

And finally, keep track of your expenses and adjust your budget as needed.

Following these guidelines will help you create effective digital content without unnecessary financial burdens.

Digital Content Creation Suggestions

Knowing digital content types before creating helps you pick the best format for your message.

Here are some suggestions.

Blog Posts

Blogging is worth the time and effort, and 56% of marketers say blogging is their most effective content strategy.

Blogs are key to attracting traffic and generating leads, upping business revenue. Customers are lured by the informative and engaging content that builds credibility.

Beginner Blogging Tips:

1. Listicles, industry analysis, and original research make great blog posts.
2. Explore different online platforms for blog post ideas – always have something to write about.
3. Address beginner-level queries to establish a solid brand foundation.

Videos

They engage, entertain, and educate, making them vital for your digital strategy. Yet, starting with video creation might seem daunting to you. Don’t worry.

Here’s how to overcome this challenge.

To begin, identify what you want your video to achieve, be it educating or entertaining. Aim to repurpose content from blogs into digestible video formats. Adopt animation to illustrate complex ideas in a fun way.

Basics like ‘how-to’ tutorials or product demos can perform excellently.

Engage with your audience in your comment section to better understand their needs. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t stop creating!

Podcasts and Audio

Similar to radio shows, Podcasts provide an engaging platform allowing you to connect with your audience on a personal level.

They promote authority within your niche and have gained popularity, with about 62% of US consumers tuning in to podcasts.

To begin, maintain a consistent schedule, and have a structure.

Focus On These 4 Core Concepts:

1. Showcase your ‘Thought Leadership’ through relevant professional experiences and case studies.
2. Interview niche influencers who add value.
3. Discuss trends. Then show how they relate back to larger topics.
4. Encourage active listener participation – contests, giveaways, etc.

Exclusive Content

We publish millions of blog posts each day! And as a new content creator, you want to stand out.

That’s where exclusive content comes into play.

Create something only you can create. Start by deeply researching your topic. Then understand yourself and your skill stack.

Now ask yourself, how can I create something that’s unique to me and my brand?

Ensure you’re offering some fresh perspectives or new insights.

If done correctly, in time, you’ll be not just a content creator, but a content innovator. And you’ll get attention using the power of exclusive content.

Visual Content and Graphics

Visual content and graphics play an indispensable role in digital content creation.

Intriguing visuals not only gets your audience’s attention, but it also leads to better engagement.

But how do you create visuals and graphics?

1. Start with visual storytelling. Show, don’t tell. Use images depicting motion and action rather than stagnancy.
2. Use Infographics. Make sure the information is relevant to your audience, and the visual is simple and clear.
3. Give a glimpse of behind-the-scenes. Sharing this candid content increases interest among viewers. The authenticity of your raw, un-staged setting can make others feel more connected to your brand.
4. Research what’s working. Look for graphics that are popular in your field or industry. Note the design elements used in the visuals like fonts, color schemes, and icons. Then take those same components and start creating your own designs.

How To Create Digital Content

The first step in creating digital content as a beginner is to brainstorm and research potential topics for your content.

You also need to keep a content calendar filled with ideas you can choose from.

With that in mind, let’s go through my 8-step process for content creation.

Step 1: Research Topics for Content Ideas

Research is the most important step when creating content.

It gives your content relevance and traction. It also ensures it measures up to what someone has already created and published.

To begin, identify trending topics using keyword research tools to see what your audience is interested in.

Explore social media and sites like Reddit or Quora for questions people might have about your niche. Use customer feedback and your own knowledge to identify unresolved queries or needs.

Study your competitor’s content strategy for gaps and differentiation factors.

And remember, conducting insightful research equips you with the needed information to deliver compelling, valued content that stands out among the masses.

Step 2: Create an Outline For The Content

Creating sensational digital content will require some more groundwork – your content outline.

An outline and end goal will help you structure and transform the research you’ve done earlier into a masterpiece.

So, how do you craft an effective content outline?

1. Start by defining your content structure and length.
2. List out the major topics and keywords you aim to cover.
3. Highlight any internal or external sources that need to be added.
4. Note any personal resources or tools you want to include in your content for monetization.
5. Add your own touch – experience, and tips.

Remember, the best outlines are a blend of precision and flexibility. Prepare them with efficiency in mind, but be open to adding new and evolving ideas.

Step 3: Write The First Draft

Creating a first draft is all about getting your ideas down, so don’t worry about being perfect from the start.

1. Start by following your outline or brief. Ensuring you address each topic and stick to the topic.
2. Write freely. Embrace the messiness of a first draft!
3. Use links or keywords as specified in your outline.
4. Don’t be perfect. When we edit later, you’ll refine the rough areas.
5. In the end, ask yourself, am I missing anything? If so, find and add the information to make your first draft whole.

Step 4: Edit and Improve The Content

Editing refines your masterpiece, ensuring it speaks effectively to your audience. Here’s how to refine and edit your work:

1. Start by taking a breather — that’ll brighten your perspective when revisiting your draft. Fresh eyes = fresh content!
2. Now, scrutinize! Look for clear language, an active voice, and an appealing layout. Use editing tools like Grammarly, ProWritingAid, and the Hemingway Editor to assist you.
3. Ask a friend or someone else to review your work. As fresh eyes might spot improvements, ones you missed.
4. Take the feedback they provide to heart. Did your content satisfy them? It’s a secret question you should ask yourself in your content creation process.

And remember, editing is subjective.

What works for one person might not work for another. Be open-minded when editing and try different approaches until you find the one that works for you.

Step 5: Upload The Content

You’ve done the hard work of creating, now it’s time to publish effectively.

Here’s how:

1. Start by selecting an optimal time to publish. If you have a regular schedule, stick to it. Remember, your audience is waiting.
2. Use a Content Management System (CMS) to schedule your posts in advance. This works particularly well for time-sensitive content. (If you don’t have a system, contact us, and let’s get one built for you.)
3. Finally, hit the publish button.

Tip: Keep your publishing process fluid. Things change. Adjust and evolve your strategy based on your audience’s feedback, analytical insights, and new developments.

Step 6: Promote The Content

So, you’ve created some stellar content – well done! But what’s next?

Your masterpiece deserves an audience, right?

That’s where smart content promotion comes into play. No audience magically appears; you’ve got to lure them in!

Here’s a Concise Guide on How to Promote Your Content:

1. Locate your audience. If they’re scrolling Facebook or Instagram, meet them there.
2. Collaborate with influencers for wider reach.
3. Craft your promotion based on your audience’s preferences.
4. Be mindful of the rules for each promotional platform.
5. Change your content to suit each platform.
6. Share and regularly reach out to your audience using email marketing.
7. Invest in paid promotions/ads that make sense for you and your brand.
8. Go beyond your personal efforts – syndicate your content.
9. Engage, educate, and entertain your audience. Always iterate based on feedback!

Step 7: Network With Those Who Interact With The Content

In the changing world of digital content creation, networking is the hidden magic that amplifies your reach and boosts your brand.

It’s not just about who you know.

It’s about who knows you, admires your work, and spreads the word.

How To Become a Networking King/Queen:

1. Be Present At Key Events: Tradeshows, conferences, and industry gatherings, online and offline.
2. Engage Actively On Social Media: Follow, comment, and share posts from brands and influencers you admire.
3. Mix It Up: Experiment with various forms of content – animations, podcasts, blogs, you name it. Just remember Quality > Quantity!
4. Feedback Is Your Friend: Listen to what your audience says, adapt, and improve.

Remember, each handshake, tweet, or shared post can be a stepping stone toward something bigger.

Step 8: Monitor and Analyze The Performance of The Content

Monitoring and analyzing your digital content performance is the last step in my process.

We need to do this because, in the long run, we want to optimize our content effectiveness. Performing a content audit will allow you to understand what’s resonating with your audience and what’s not.

Paving the way for improvement and growth.

Here’s How You Can Get Started:

1. Track metrics such as page views, organic traffic, bounce rate, engagement rates, and conversion rates among others in your preferred analytics tool of your CMS (i.e., Google Analytics).
2. Break down your content’s performance by setting goals relevant to your objectives and measuring them.
3. Use online tools like to compare your performance against your industry competitors.

Remember, refining your content based on the insights you gain is a continuous cycle. The process you create and design for yourself should improve your overall content strategy.

The Future of Digital Content Creation

But if you want to stay ahead of the curve, stay informed.

Here are some of the biggest trends we think will shape the future of this field.

There Will Be More People and Brands Creating Digital Content

Digital content creation will surge as more individuals and brands recognize its value.

This growth is not just predicted, it’s expected because of the various benefits of online content.

Why?

Simple: more than half of the world’s population is active online. That’s 4 billion+ potential consumers devouring digital content daily.

Brands and individuals can use eye-catching videos and viral takes as effective marketing tools to reach a growing audience.

This digital revolution can’t be stopped. Brands are relying on it more and more. So, you need to embrace the power of digital content creation as well.

You’ll Need To Be More Personable As a Creator

In this world of relentless content generation, the ticket to standing out increasingly lies in being personable.

Empowering your brand with a humane touch reserves your spot in your audience’s heart and mind.

Content creators who excel today invest heavily in understanding their audiences—their challenges, pain points, aspirations, and desires. They graciously embed this understanding into their content.

This leads to a deep-rooted connection with their audience.

You’ll need to look into creating your ideal buyer persona and tailor your content so it resonates with them.

Automation and Using AI To Create Faster and More Thorough Content

Digital content creation is getting faster and better thanks to automation and AI.

These technologies enhance content creation processes while significantly reducing production time. But they’re not human.

Use them to increase your content production, speed, and quality, and stay ahead. But don’t rely too much on AI for content production.

It’s still in its early stages and can’t produce the same quality as humans yet.

Unknown How Things Play Out at This Time

As a content creator, I love the constant change(s) that define our industry.

Content creation never stops evolving.

It’s up to us as creators to adapt. But looking ahead, artificial intelligence will become bigger and bigger. Transforming how we write, design, and share content.

It’s exciting, but not without its potential pitfalls. For example, staying on the digital treadmill without being mindful can lead to creative burnout.

Where To Learn More About Digital Content Creation

There are many places you can go to learn more about content creation. Here are some of the best:

Websites and Blogs

Websites and blogs, in particular, are fantastic tools for expanding your knowledge and refining your skills.

With a few clicks, you can access tutorials, tips, and insights on everything from writing and photography to social media marketing and web design.

YouTube

YouTube is not just a repository, but a dynamic learning platform filled with engaging user-generated tutorials.

The beauty of YouTube is its flexibility. You can learn and grow at your own pace, interact with other content creators, and even monetize your content.

Whether you choose to venture into long-form videos or explore YouTube Shorts, you’ve got options.

Talking With Other Content Creators

In content creation, you need to find a community you can connect with.

Networking with fellow creators sparks ideas, inspires innovation, and fosters growth. Sharing ideas and supporting each other’s work also strengthens our creative community.

Content Done Right: An eBook That Simplifies The Digital Content Creation Process

Step into the content game with our eBook “Content Done Right“. It’s made for new creators and dives deep into simplifying the content creation process.

It will effortlessly guide you around common struggles you might face.

We made content creation less scary and more fun by simplifying the process from start to finish.

And it’s an asset you won’t regret adding to your digital marketing toolkit.

---

Whenever You’re Ready, Here Are 3 Ways We Can Help You:

1. ​Content Done Right:​ A done-for-you system you can follow to create high-quality content and social media posts each week.

2. Photography and Digital Marketing: We’ll take care of your photography, website, and marketing. So your brand, products, and services look great online.

3. ​Join 162+ Brands and Business​ Owners by subscribing to our newsletter. You’ll get the latest resources, guides, and actionable tips to grow and monetize your business.

Share This With Others!