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How to use Pinterest for affiliate marketing

Software Stack Editor · July 18, 2024 ·

Our view at Stack - Teachable’s is an online training platform and it's key features include an intuitive course builder, rich multimedia lectures, and powerful sales and marketing tools. It offers flexible pricing options, advanced analytics, and student management capabilities. Additionally, it provides great customer support and mobile accessibility

Did you know that with Pinterest, every eye-catching image you pin could be a potential paycheck? It’s true, and it’s rooted in the fact that Pinterest isn’t just about discovering your next DIY project; it can also be used to turn creative images into a lucrative stream of revenue. With its giant user base that’s always eager to click and buy, Pinterest is more than just a social network; it could be a significant asset in your sales strategy.

Well, it can be if you engage in Pinterest affiliate marketing (which we’re talking about today), and if you haven’t heard of that yet, our Pinterest affiliate marketing overview will help you turn pins into profit. Since Pinterest pulled in 518 million monthly active users worldwide in the first quarter of 2024 alone, it’s clear that there are a massive amount of people that you can potentially reach, folks who are ready to engage with your content and click on your links.

So, if you’re ready to build up a winning approach to affiliate marketing, stick around as we explore how to make Pinterest your next best friend in business.

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What is Pinterest affiliate marketing?

In a nutshell, Pinterest affiliate marketing is when you make money every time someone shops through your pin. The two main things your Pinterest affiliate marketing strategy needs to be successful are:

Affiliate links: These are specific URLs that track the referrals from your Pinterest account to the merchant’s website
Pins: As your primary tool for promotion, your pins should be both visually-appealing and tailored to the interests of your target audience

Essentially, you are earning a commission every time someone purchases a product, just because they clicked on a pin you posted. Pinterest’s format is well-suited to affiliate marketing because it tends to be visual-stimulating and inspiring, encouraging users to discover and act on new ideas. And by tapping into the platform’s massive, engaged audience, you can earn money by creating pins that not only look good but also lead viewers straight to affiliate products.

Related: How to use Pinterest to grow your business: Strategies to market your brand

Benefits of using Pinterest for affiliate marketing

Using Pinterest for affiliate marketing has a ton of advantages, from tapping into a ready-made audience to making evergreen campaigns that can have a long life. Let’s take a look at a few key Pinterest affiliate marketing benefits.

High user engagement: The thing to realize is that Pinterest users aren’t just passive scrollers; they’re active searchers. They’re actively engaged in searching for and discovering new products, ideas, and inspirations; this makes them more likely to click on pins that interest them, including those with affiliate links. The platform’s structure encourages users to explore and purchase, which can lead to higher conversion rates for marketers.

Visual appeal: Pinterest is all about visuals, and let’s be honest, we all love something that’s easy on the eyes. High-quality images and well-designed pins can grab attention and drive traffic, making it easier for you to highlight the features and benefits of your affiliate products.

Niche targeting: Since Pinterest caters to a wide range of niche markets (from fashion to recipes to home decor to fitness to travel, and everything in between), you can tailor your content and affiliate strategies to specific audience interests, enabling your pins to reach audiences who are most likely to click-through and buy.

Longevity of pins: Unlike posts on other social media platforms that quickly lose visibility, pins on Pinterest can continue to drive traffic for months or even years after they are first pinned. Pinterest functions more like a search engine, where content can be discovered repeatedly over time through searches and re-pins; this long shelf-life can provide a sustained flow of traffic and potential income from a single pin.

SEO opportunities: Pinning on Pinterest can be a great boon to your search engine optimization (SEO) efforts, because pins often appear in the search results on Pinterest as well as on broader search engines like Google. So optimizing pin descriptions and profiles with relevant keywords can increase your discoverability and attract more targeted traffic.

Direct link to sales platforms: Pinterest allows you to use direct links in your pin descriptions, which offers the perfect opportunity to embed affiliate links. You can guide potential customers straight from a pin to a purchase page, making the journey from discovery to sale super easy.

Built-in analytics tools: Pinterest provides its own analytics tools, which allow you to measure the effectiveness of your pins in terms of impressions, clicks, and repins. These insights can help you understand what content works best, allowing you to refine your strategy and improve your results over time.

So as you see, using this platform offers a lot of benefits when it comes to affiliate marketing, and you’ve got several options when it comes to successfully monetizing Pinterest.

Setting up your Pinterest business account

Okay, so, now that you’re ready to start your money-making journey in affiliate marketing, let’s take a look at the step-by-step of Pinterest business account setup.

Step 1: Set up your account

First things first: you’ll need a business account in order to gain access to professional features like Pinterest Analytics and ad tools, which are essential for tracking your success and refining your strategies. Setting it up is a breeze; just sign in, fill out some details about your business, verify your website, and you’re good to go.

Step 2: Optimize your profile

Once your account is set up, it’s time to make it pop. Your profile should clearly state your niche and what followers can expect from your pins; this helps in attracting an audience that is genuinely interested in your offerings. Use keywords relevant to your affiliate products in your bio to improve visibility in searches.

Step 3: Enable Rich Pins

Rich Pins provide more context because they show extra information directly on the pin itself. There are several types of Rich Pins, including Product Pins, Recipe Pins, Article Pins, and more; for example, Product Rich Pins are particularly useful as they include pricing, availability, and where to buy, which can increase conversion rates. To enable Rich Pins, you’ll need to apply by adding specific meta tags to your site and validating them through Pinterest’s Rich Pins Validator.

Step 4: Start pinning

Now it’s time to start creating and organizing your pins into boards! Make sure your pins and boards are optimized with descriptive, keyword-rich titles and descriptions to improve their discoverability. And don’t forget to make your pins visually-appealing to the audience you’re trying to attract.

Step 5: Engage and analyze

Engage with other Pinterest users by following relevant accounts, re-pinning their content, and commenting on pins. Use Pinterest analytics to track the performance of your pins and boards, understand what content resonates with your audience, and refine your strategy as needed.

Related: A guide to Pinterest marketing for online courses

Creating engaging pins for affiliate marketing

Keep in mind: not all pins are created equal. When it comes to creating Pinterest pins, it’s important to design pins that look great, resonate with your audience, and are optimized for clicks and conversions.

Start with designing click-worthy pins. To be honest, creating pins that get noticed is part art, part science. Each pin should be visually-appealing, rich in color and style, and speak directly to the desires of your target audience; high-quality images, attention-grabbing titles, and a clear call-to-action (CTA) are essential.

But it’s not just about looking good; your pins must also be strategic, including enticing descriptions that don’t sound too salesy. So don’t just pin and run; take some time to write effective descriptions that both inform and entice. Your descriptions should tell a mini-story that highlights the benefits of the affiliate product, using keywords to boost your pin’s searchability and personal touches that connect with your audience. Remember, the right words can turn curiosity into clicks.

Use the right links. When you create a pin, include your affiliate URL in the website section of the pin’s details; this ensures each pin links directly to the product page or a relevant landing page, and reduces the number of clicks required for a user to reach the affiliate product.

Pinterest affiliate marketing tips

If you want to really rock your Pinterest affiliate marketing, you’ve got to be smart with your pinning strategy, from planning your content calendar to tapping into group boards. There are a few key Pinterest marketing strategies that’ll help position your pins for greater engagement, so let’s take a look.

Plan your content: Consistency is key on Pinterest. Planning your content not only helps keep your feed active but also ensures that you are regularly engaging with your audience, keeping them interested and ready to click. Use a content calendar to map out when to post what, so your pins stay relevant and timely.
Participate in group boards: Expanding your reach on Pinterest can sometimes mean joining forces with others. Group boards are a fantastic way to get your pins in front of a larger audience because they allow multiple users to pin content on the same board. So if you choose boards that align with your niche and have an engaged community, your pins will be visible to all the board members’ followers, too.
Leverage Pinterest SEO: Use keywords in your pin titles, descriptions, and image alt-text to increase the chances of your pins appearing in search results, both on Pinterest and in external search engines. Think about what your target audience might be searching for and integrate those terms naturally into your content, and also use relevant hashtags to further categorize your pins and improve their searchability on the platform.
Be ethical. Always adhere to transparency and ethical marketing by clearly disclosing affiliate links. Pinterest requires that you disclose your affiliate relationship, and this can be done within the pin description or in your profile bio. A simple statement like, “This pin contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through this link,” should suffice, but always check the latest guidelines.
Optimize your pins: Pay attention to how your pins are performing, and use analytics data to regularly tweak them. For example, if you notice that pins with a certain style of image or type of product description perform better, you might focus on creating more pins similar to those.
Consistently update and test: As we all know, the digital landscape is dynamic, and what works today might not work tomorrow. So regularly update and test different aspects of your pins, such as the imagery, the call to action in descriptions, and even the landing pages you link to; you can even try A/B testing by creating two versions of the same pin with different images, descriptions, or links to see which performs better.
Seasonal and trend adjustments: Keep your content fresh and relevant by aligning your pins and links with current trends and seasonal demands. This approach can be particularly effective because Pinterest users often look for ideas and products that align with upcoming holidays and events.

By implementing these strategies, you can use your Pinterest account to drive traffic, conversions, and success in affiliate marketing.

Examples of Pinterest success

Here are some strategies you can use to create your own Pinterest affiliate marketing success story:

If you’re a home decor enthusiast, you could create pins that showcase before-and-after photos of room makeovers that feature products you love. Each pin can include an affiliate link to purchase the home decor items featured. By focusing on beautiful transformations, you can tap into your audience’s desire to replicate these looks, driving sales through affiliate links.

If you specialize in outdoor gear, you could create themed boards for different outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and cycling. Each board could feature products that you personally test and review, and by embedding affiliate links in your pin descriptions and using enticing imagery, you can attract outdoor enthusiasts ready to buy goodies for their next adventure, resulting in increased affiliate sales.

If you focus on makeup and beauty tips, you could create short video pins that feature products with affiliate links. These video pins capture attention and lead to clicks on your affiliate links, because your videos not only introduce the product but also demonstrate its value, which helps in convincing your audience to make purchases.

If your niche is tech gadgets, you may find that collaborating with other pinners on group boards can boost your affiliate marketing. By sharing your content on group boards that are relevant to your niche and have a large following, you can gain access to a broader audience, which significantly increases the visibility of your affiliate pins.

If you’re all about seasonal and event-driven campaigns, then you likely love creating pins that align with of-the-moment trends and topics. For example, during the back-to-school season, you could create pins related to school supplies, clothes, and tech gadgets, with each pin including affiliate links to products that are likely to appeal to parents and students preparing for the school year.

So these are just a few examples of how you can align Pinterest affiliate marketing with your goals and interests!

Related: How to sell your online course on Pinterest

Measuring and optimizing performance

In order to learn what works and what doesn’t, make sure you’re regularly measuring your Pinterest performance. Tap in to data-driven insights to track the effectiveness of your pins and refine your strategies.

Use Pinterest Analytics

Pinterest provides analytics tools that allow you to track the performance of your pins, including how often they are saved, viewed, and lead to website clicks. If these numbers are low, consider whether your images are compelling or if your call-to-action is strong enough.

Optimize your pinning strategy

Based on the insights gathered, tweak your approach. Perhaps certain types of images or topics resonate more with your audience. Or maybe posting at specific times of the day (or year) yields better engagement. The key is to stay nimble, adapting your strategy based on real-world data to continually refine your approach and maximize your affiliate marketing success on Pinterest.

Using third-party tools

Don’t forget, there are other tools out there that can help you dig even deeper. For instance, Tailwind is a popular choice for pro pinning because it’s like having a personal assistant for your Pinterest account. It not only helps you schedule pins but also analyzes the best times to post and tracks how your pins perform over time. Similarly, you can also use Google Analytics to track how much traffic and how many sales are coming from your Pinterest marketing.

Measuring and optimizing your Pinterest performance is about making informed decisions, understanding your audience, and refining your approach, so that every pin you drop helps make your affiliate marketing sales get better and better.

Challenges and considerations

While this platform offers significant opportunities for affiliate marketers, there are definitely Pinterest marketing challenges and considerations to keep in mind. Here are some common ones you might face, and a little insight on how to tackle them.

Staying on top of Pinterest’s rules: The platform has strict guidelines on how you can use affiliate links, and if you don’t keep up the current rules, you might find your pins getting less exposure or your account getting flagged. So make sure you’re always up-to-date with Pinterest’s guidelines, especially regarding affiliate links and promoted content.
Creating fresh and engaging content: Pinterest users are hungry for new and interesting content, but constantly coming up with fresh ideas can be challenging as time goes on! To overcome this, keep an eye on trends, and don’t be afraid to give old ideas new twists.
Link integrity issues: Sometimes affiliate links break or products become unavailable, and there’s nothing like a dead link to turn a hot lead cold. Regularly check your links to make sure none have changed, are broken, or have been swapped to another destination.
Standing out in a saturated market: Whether you’re in DIY crafts or gourmet cooking, chances are, there are thousands of others pinning in the same niche. To stand out, you need to define your unique angle; maybe your crafts use only recycled materials, or your recipes are all about cooking in under 10 minutes. Find your niche within the niche! Keep experimenting with different types of content to see what resonates best with your audience.
Driving consistent traffic: Getting a surge of traffic after a pin goes viral feels great… but the real challenge is keeping that traffic consistent over time. This requires regular pinning, engaging with other users, and maybe even a bit of paid promotion. Brainstorm strategies to keep the traffic flowing your way.
Converting pins into profits: Getting someone to look at your pin is one thing, but convincing them to click-through and actually buy something is a bit different! Even if your pins are getting likes and shares, the key to succeeding with Pinterest affiliate marketing is converting that engagement into sales or leads. To improve conversion, use strong calls to action and make sure your pins link directly to effective landing pages.
Optimizing for search: Pinterest is more search engine than social network, and figuring out the best keywords and SEO practices for your pins will do a lot of the heavy lifting in connecting with the right audience. Your content needs to be optimized to show up in searches, so keep up with SEO best practices and continuously tweak your strategy.

So these affiliate marketing considerations may be a bit tricky, but with a bit of creativity, strategic planning, and stick-to-it-tiveness, you can tackle them like a pro.

Pin your way to success with Pinterest affiliate marketing

With its unique advantages and built-in community, Pinterest offers a ton of opportunities for affiliate marketers. If you’re ready to dive in, then start crafting those engaging pins, regularly analyze your performance, and adjust your strategies as needed to keep your affiliate marketing fresh and effective. With the right approach, a bit of creativity, and some strategic planning, your Pinterest account can become a flowing source of affiliate revenue.

And if you’re inspired by the potential of Pinterest affiliate marketing, why not take the next step and start building your own online course? Teachable makes it easy to create, market, and sell your courses. Sign up for a free plan today and transform your knowledge into a thriving online business.

Get started with Teachable now and see how simple it is to turn your expertise into a successful online course. Your journey to becoming a successful course creator begins here!

If Teachable is of interest and you'd like more information, please do make contact or take a look in more detail here.

Credit: Original article published here.

Watch Teachable and Creators on the 60 Day Hustle on Amazon Prime Video

Software Stack Editor · July 18, 2024 ·

We’ve been keeping a BIG secret over here at Teachable, and we’re thrilled to finally share it with you! In partnership with Sonic God Studios, Teachable is bringing you the reality competition show for creator-entrepreneurs—announcing 60 Day Hustle streaming on Amazon Prime!

As a founding partner and pioneer of the creator economy’s first-ever competition series, Teachable is committed to being a partner and advocate for creators everywhere. We firmly believe that the creator economy is here to stay and that creator-founded businesses are the future. That’s precisely why we’re thrilled to help bring this new series to a silver screen near you!

What’s more, we’re excited to share that real creators like Chris Do from The Futur who have made a real impact and income on Teachable will be featured on 60 Day Hustle! Chris steps in to mentor the contestants during a key episode, and you won’t want to miss it.

What is 60 Day Hustle?

A first-of-its-kind, 60 Day Hustle is an intense timeframe competition for early stage entrepreneurs. streaming this summer on Amazon Prime, 60 Day Hustle challenges creators to take their business ideas and grow them beyond their wildest dreams. See real people handle real challenges and get tips you can apply to your own business.

Led by serial entrepreneur, Teachable creator, and global influencer Rudy Mawer, contestants will not only compete for a life-changing investment opportunity, but they will also receive expert mentorship and insight from star-studded industry leaders along the way.

Over a six-week period, entrepreneurs dive headfirst into a series of challenges and gain the knowledge and experience that can sometimes take years to master.

Witness the high-stakes drama and learn alongside the contestants as they get a deep dive into some of the biggest entrepreneurship lessons. Most importantly, find inspiration for your own work and life!

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Why “hustle”?

We know just hearing the word “hustle” can sometimes send a wave of stress crashing down. But the reality is: being a creator is a hustle. Creators wear so many hats from CEO to marketer to social media editor to accountant—and more.

But we’re here to remove the bad rap that hustle culture gets. Hustling isn’t just about making money or the next big win. It’s not about getting rich quick or pivoting to the latest trend or fad. True hustle is about drive, passion, and creativity. In fact, it’s precisely these qualities that are necessary for business longevity.

We believe it’s this blend of hard work partnered with a genuine sense of compassion for the people and lives they impact that makes the hustle of a creator so important and worth celebrating.

You’ll see all this and so much more on 60 Day Hustle on Amazon Prime.

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What does the creator economy have to do with this?

If you know anything about us here at Teachable, you know that we’re passionate about the creator economy. Creators from every industry are not only sharing what they know, but they’re leading the charge and becoming entrepreneurs daily. In fact, you’ll spot a successful Teachable creator as a mentor on 60 Day Hustle.

We believe in creators as game changers in the entrepreneurial world so much that we’ve built a platform and tools to support creators like you monetize your knowledge and build a more impactful business through online courses, coaching, and digital downloads.

‍By the numbers

The creator economy now supports 207 million creators! According to a survey conducted by ConvertKit, nearly 46.7% of creators are full timers, with 88% of creators expecting to earn more money in 2024 than in 2023.

In Teachable’s own Creator Connections report, which dove into more creator economy insights, we uncovered that 95% of consumers say they have learned something new from a creator. So there’s no better time to embrace the creator economy and make an impact.

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What does Teachable have to do with the 60 Day Hustle?

Built for creators and sponsored by your favorite creator platform, we’re excited to help bring to life a first-of-its-kind competition show for creators: 60-Day Hustle with a Teachable creator as a mentor.

Meet the Teachable creators involved:

Chris Do, Founder and CEO of The Futur

Emmy-winning director, designer, and all-around brand expert, Chris offers his marketing secrets in a launch-focused challenge.

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Rudy Mawer, host of 60 Day Hustle

Influencer, podcaster, and multi-talented marketer Rudy Mawer steps in as host of 60 Day Hustle, guiding creators through this entire journey. Want to learn directly from Rudy? Sign up for his free course on Teachable, where iIn just four quick lessons Rudy will teach you how to harness the power of AI to grow your online course business.

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Abagail Pumphrey, creator and course instructor

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Online sales expert, marketing guru, and creator extraordinaire, Abagail Pumphrey is a key instructor in the 60 Day Hustle companion course, teaching how to launch your own digital products.

How to watch 60 Day Hustle

Here’s everything you need to know about how to tune into 60 Day Hustle.

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How to watch

You can stream all the episodes on Amazon Prime. Binge watch or go at your own pace. 60 Day Hustle is included on all Prime subscriptions.

‍When to watch

You can tune in this summer on Amazon Prime.

‍Who’s the host?

Rudy Mawer, a business mogul and global influencer, will be guiding contestants alongside other mentors including Teachable creator Chris Do (Founder, The Futur).

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Who are the contestants?

Creators like you, looking to turn their unique knowledge and ideas into thriving entrepreneurial businesses.

Why tune in?

Support the creator economy and learn tips from business moguls and top creators. The contestants are put through a business accelerator and you can follow along and apply the tricks of the trade to your own business.

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What we hope you take away from watching 60 Day Hustle

We believe so strongly in the power and hustle of creators that we’re thrilled to support 60 Day Hustle in partnership with Sonic Gods Studios.

As you watch 60 Day Hustle, you won’t just see the impact of Teachable and online learning, you’ll see real entrepreneurs overcoming business challenges. You’ll be inspired by mentors’ and contestants’ personal growth stories. And you’ll walk away with creative business strategies you can put into practice in your own business.

But we know the real hustle doesn’t just happen on TV. It happens every day. And we want to see you, in the weeds, doing what you do! Use #showusyourhustle

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Take our quiz to see what your creator superpower is and which contestant you most embody. Follow us on social media for more information about our upcoming show giveaway as well as more news about the show and red carpet event coverage. Get ready to #showusyourhustle!

If Teachable is of interest and you'd like more information, please do make contact or take a look in more detail here.

Credit: Original article published here.

How to beat burnout: 15 easy tips

Software Stack Editor · July 17, 2024 ·

Burnout is a state of exhaustion often caused by prolonged excessive stress. It’s an unpleasant experience that can affect one’s emotional, physical, and mental health, and it’s especially prominent among content creators. 61% of content creators admit that they have experienced burnout at some point in recent years.

The pressure content creators face to produce content and always be available is intense, and most content creators wear many hats. It’s easy to get lost in your business and miss some early burnout signs. However, the sooner you acknowledge you’re burned out, the sooner you can deal with the issue and minimize the effect on your creativity and business.

So, let’s discuss the signs of creator burnout and the best short—and long-term strategies for overcoming burnout, reigniting creativity, and returning to work rejuvenated and ready to take on a new challenge.

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Recognizing the signs of creator burnout

“The factors that lead to burnout are not just professional ones. They are parenting and social activism, and anything where you need to care and invest, where there are ongoing demands, that are unmeetable expectations, and unceasing demands. That is the formula, no matter what context it’s in, for burnout,” says Dr. Emily Nagoski, the co-author of the book she wrote with her sister Dr. Amelia Nagoski called Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle.

Recognizing burnout can be challenging, especially when you’re not sure what burnout looks like. But the sooner you notice the symptoms, the easier it will be to deal with it. So, here are the symptoms of burnout you should look out for:

Fatigue: One of the most popular symptoms is extreme fatigue, the sense of never being able to feel rested and energized. You might also notice a reduction in the quality of your sleep or trouble getting enough sleep.
Lack of motivation and focus: Another prominent symptom of burnout is losing interest in your work and life. You might have trouble focusing on any task at hand, trouble planning, and be unmotivated to work on current projects or take on new ones.
Decreased creativity: Burnout often affects your ability to create, especially if you feel overwhelmed and unmotivated. You might find brainstorming harder, and creating content might become a real challenge that further fuels your frustration.
Feeling overwhelmed: When you’re burned out, even the smallest thing can feel like the most difficult task on hand. You might notice that you’re feeling agitated and overwhelmed with your day-to-day tasks, and even the thought of a new project makes you feel hopeless and stressed.

“Anyone can experience burnout. But your specific way of experiencing it is probably going to be different depending on who you are,” explains Dr. Emily Nagoski. “For men, burnout tends to manifest as depersonalization in particular. And for women, burnout tends to manifest as emotional exhaustion.”

If you notice any of these signs, you might be experiencing creator burnout. It might be time to step back from your work and finda way to cope with it.

Immediate steps to take when experiencing burnout

If you think you might be experiencing creator burnout, here are the steps you want to take to help you recover and get back to your feed in no time:

1. Take a break. No, really

When struggling with creator burnout, the first thing you want to do is take a step away from your work and business and take a break. Taking a break might be incredibly challenging, but giving yourself space to recover is essential. Immediate burnout recovery requires taking a break from your business—the longer you wait, the harder it will be to recover.

So, find a way to offload as much work and obligation from your schedule as possible. If you can, consider taking a vacation for a week or a few that would allow you to disconnect and rest. Once you’re rested, you’ll feel much better, regain your focus, and be ready to take other recovery steps.

2. Establish new systems and get help

Being a creator and entrepreneur can be lonely, but it certainly doesn’t have to be. One way to help yourself is to ask for help. If you have a team, delegate as many tasks and projects as possible to your team so you can have a little more space to rest. Otherwise, consider hiring help where possible to help you deal with some work tasks like admin.

Also, consider automatic as much as possible. Things like social media, email marketing, and other similar tasks can be easily automated with software. Automating these things will free up time and headspace for you so you can recover from burnout.

3. Find self-care routines that work

Self-care is essential for your wellbeing. If you don’t have self-care routines that help you unwind and relax after a long day, you might want to invest your time in establishing a self-care routine that helps you do just that.

The great thing about self-care is that it can look however you want it to — if you enjoy face masks and long hot showers to de-stress, then do that. But self-care can also involve reading a book with a cup of coffee or setting boundaries with your family and team by establishing work and communication schedules.

4. Connect with those around you

Studies show that feeling connected to those around you has a huge positive impact on your health and wellbeing. When recovering from burnout, it’s essential to find the time to connect with your friends, family, and even strangers in the coffee shop. Every interaction helps reduce stress and feel safer and rejuvenated which are crucial for burnout recovery.

Plus, connecting with your loved ones and new people can be a phenomenal way to find meaning in life and even spark your creativity back to life if you have been struggling with that during your burnout.

Strategies for long-term recovery

How long it will take you to recover from burnout will depend on many factors, such as your personality, circumstances, and the severity of your burnout. We already discussed some of the immediate things you can do to help you recover in the short term, but it’s also important to discuss a long-term burnout recovery strategy, which will also be useful when it comes to preventing creator burnout in the future.

1. Understand the stress response cycle

Understanding stress and how it works in our bodies is very important. First, stress and a stressor are two different things, and a stress response cycle is how we’re wired to process stress in our bodies.

In pre-historic times, a stressor was a dangerous animal, like a tiger. Let’s say you venture outside your village to forage and encounter a tiger or a bear. Your body reacts to the stressor (a tiger or a bear) and goes into flight mode (alternatively, fight or freeze mode). There is a surge of hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which help you run away from the threat. Once you’re back at the village, and the stressor (the tiger or a bear) is gone, you laugh or cry or jump from happiness and connect with the other villagers by hugging or telling them a story of how you escaped. It signals to your body that the stress has passed and you’re safe.

“That’s the complete stress response cycle: it has the beginning when you perceive the threat, a middle, where you do something with your body, and the end, where your body receives the signal that it has escaped from this potential threat, and your body is now a safe space to be,” explains Dr. Emily Nagoski.

To prevent burnout in the future, it’s essential to understand the stress response cycle and how to close it anytime you experience stress in your life and work. Once you learn to recognize what’s happening in your body and at what times, you can be much more efficient at finishing the stress response cycle and minimizing the damage of chronic stressors you encounter daily.

2. Set realistic goals

By definition, burnout “is that feeling of being overwhelmed and exhausted by everything you have to do while still worrying that you’re not doing enough,” says Dr. Emily Nagoski. To void creator burnout, you might want to review your business goals and adjust them to be more realistic and achievable.

Consider utilizing goal-setting strategies like S.M.A.R.T., designed to help you determine achievable and measurable business and personal goals so you can track and celebrate progress and minimize feeling overwhelmed. Having more manageable goals that allow you to move forward will help you feel more confident and balanced in your business.

3. Create a balanced schedule

As an entrepreneur and a content creator, it’s very easy to get lost in your work and completely abandon the notion of having a working schedule separate from your personal life. However, creating a balanced work and life schedule is essential to decrease your chances of creator burnout in the future.

So, play around with different options for your work schedule and make sure to leave enough time off for yourself to spend time with family and loved ones, work out, or simply engage in hobbies you love. Following a schedule will help you show up to work energized and have a more fulfilling and satisfying life.

4. Learn to prioritize

It’s normal to want to do everything at once. And while you can have everything you desire if you set your mind to it, you might not be able to do it all at once — that’s where prioritization comes in handy.

When deciding on what projects to work on, carefully weigh which should be a priority and which can wait. Also, review your tasks and be ruthless when it comes to eliminating ones that are not essential to growing your business right now. Your time, energy, and mental capacity are valuable resources, so treat them like such.

5. Focus on your health and wellness

“Many people’s minds are so invaded by forgetfulness, despondency, irritability, and insanity because of their poor physical condition that their knowledge is actually driven out of them,” Ancient Greek philosopher Socrates said. Greeks believed that for the mind to thrive, one must train one’s body and vice versa.

Taking care of your body through movement and nutrition can greatly increase your chances of being more productive while minimizing your chances of being burned out. Movement can be a great way to close the stress response cycle, and wellness routines such as mindfulness can completely transform how you show up in your day-to-day life.

So, if you want to prevent burnout in the long run, consider investing in health and wellness routines that help you support your mind, body, and soul and avoid excessive chronic stress.

Reconnecting with your creative self

As we already discussed, burnout can significantly impact your creativity as a content creator and entrepreneur. Once you’ve recovered, you might notice that your creativity is slowly returning. However, if you still struggle to find your creative self after a burnout, here are some things you might want to try to reignite creativity:

1. Explore new hobbies

Running a business and managing day-to-day responsibilities is no joke. Most adults consider hobbies something only children engage in, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Exploring new hobbies can be the best way to find daily joy and reignite your creativity.

So, list hobbies you have always wanted to try or hobbies that sound fun. It can be anything from painting, coloring, pottery, reading, gaming, and more. Allow yourself to take up any hobby you desire and dedicate some time to that hobby.

2. Find inspiration

Finding inspiration as a creator is so important, and one of the best ways to boost your creativity is to find new places and things that inspire. It can be as small as a flower or a restaurant sign you pass on your daily walk. Revisit your favorite movies, TV series, books, and cartoons from childhood. Allow yourself to fully immerse yourself in your inspiration sources, even if initially hesitant. Being curious and open-minded is the key to reigniting creativity after burnout.

3. Reintroduce creating into your routine

If you took a break from creating while dealing with burnout, it’s normal to feel like returning to content creation is challenging – you’re definitely not alone. It might be smart to start reintroducing creation into your routine slowly. Instead of jumping right in where you left off, start with small tasks and projects without deadlines and other pressure. Getting back into your routine slowly will be less shocking to your system, giving you an opportunity to learn how to enjoy the process again.

Returning to your business with renewed energy

Returning to work after burnout doesn’t have to be stressful or challenging. As long as you’re returning to work in a mindful way, you’ll be back on track in no time and better than ever.

1. Review your goals

Setting realistic goals once you’re ready to return to work is very important. It’s natural for us to want to do everything at once, and that can easily add a lot of pressure that will eventually lead to burnout.

So, the first step when returning to work is to review your goals and set new ones that are realistic and measurable while still getting you closer to where you want your business to be in the future.

2. Implement new productivity systems

Boosting productivity without overextending yourself is key to preventing burnout. Once you’re ready to return to work, assess how to improve your productivity systems to help you do more with less.

3. Maintain balance

Balance is key to a happy life and a healthy business. So, when you’re back to work, remember to be mindful about how much time you spend on your business, take regular breaks, and remember to pay attention to your health and wellness. A healthy mind and body will help you show up better in your business and accomplish your goals without burning out.

Expert advice on managing burnout

Jenna Kutcher is a successful online course creator and entrepreneur who runs a seven-figure business and has a team of people helping her with her podcasts and online courses. Yet, even with all the experience running a business and the help, she isn’t immune to burnout—back in April this year, she shared that she’s struggling with burnout on her podcast.

Aside from being honest and vulnerable about her reasons for struggling with burnout, and not for the first time in her entrepreneurial career, she also shared how she’s trying to get out of that exhausting state. Kutcher seriously took the expert burnout advice, such as finding new hobbies (learning to bake sourdough bread), leaning into her friendships, and taking more breaks.

A huge YouTube content creator, Thomas Frank, also experienced burnout and got out of it in 2019. His reason for feeling burnt out was the insane pressure he put on himself to create engaging, high-quality videos for his YouTube channel and having a whole team rely on him being the most productive and efficient version of himself.

One of the first things Frank did was to cut back on his work and project schedule. He immediately noticed that his drive and passion for creating and taking on new, exciting projects returned. “I had a lot of interest for life in general coming back,” he shares.

Cutting back on your number of commitments is the first thing Frank recommends content creators do. Just knowing that your workload will be smaller in the near future when you start planning what projects to let go of will have an immediate positive effect, clearing up mental space for you.

Adapting to changing algorithms and trends

Content creators wear many hats and often have to change and pivot their business and strategy to ensure it is relevant and thriving. Navigating trends as a creator and adapting to ever-changing algorithms are among the reasons why many content creators face burnout.

While pivoting and adapting to changes is challenging and can cause discomfort and fatigue, it’s an essential part of life and business. So, to avoid burnout and make the change as effortless and stress-free as possible, consider implementing structures in your business that allow for time and space to change when needed.

It’s smart to dedicate time and space in advance to reviewing your business every quarter and identifying what’s working and what needs improvement. The more flexible and open you are to unexpected changes, the more successful you’ll be at handling whatever life throws at you.

Mental health resources and support

If you’re struggling with burnout symptoms, don’t hesitate to find support for burnout and mental health. Many mental health resources for creators are available online, including blog posts, podcast episodes, and YouTube videos that offer valuable advice.

However, if you feel like online resources are not enough, don’t hesitate to reach out to a therapist, either online or locally. You can start by using tools like BetterHelp, an app that connects you with a therapist so you can start therapy as soon as possible from the comfort of your own home.

If Teachable is of interest and you'd like more information, please do make contact or take a look in more detail here.

Credit: Original article published here.

How to create a great landing page (with examples)

Software Stack Editor · July 10, 2024 ·

Oftentimes, a landing page sets the first impression a potential customer has of your business. The best landing pages inspire visitors to take action. It tells your brand’s story, nurtures new customers, and drives conversions – landing pages have 160% higher conversion rates compared to other types of sign-up forms.

To maximize your chances of getting new leads and increasing your sales, you want to make sure you invest your time and effort in building a landing page with great design for your business. Improving your landing page design can lower your paid ad spend because each new visitor who lands on your improved page through ads will be more willing to stick around and convert into a new lead.

Sounds pretty good, right? Now that you know the benefits of a well-designed landing page, let’s talk about how to create high-converting landing pages for your business.

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What is a landing page?

A landing page definition is pretty straightforward — it’s a single page with a specific target of getting visitors to complete an action. The name “landing page” comes from the idea that people will land on it from somewhere else, usually digital marketing, such as an ad campaign.

Your landing page design needs to speak to your target audience and drive them to your call-to-action (CTA). A CTA can be for a visitor to sign up for your newsletter, download an ebook, enroll in your online course, buy a product, or something else. Everything on a landing page, from copy and images to layout, should support that one goal.

There are different types of landing pages, and each has a slightly different purpose:

Lead generation page: This type of landing page is designed to capture leads’s information like name, email, industry and more by offering a lead magnet (ebook, trend report, etc.) in return.
Click-through page: This landing page is the page that the visitor sees before they’re asked to make a purchase, and it’s goal is to entice the visitor with an irresistable offer such as a free trial of a product.
Squeeze page: A squeeze page is the most effective landing page, and its sole purpose is to capture the user’s email address.
Splash page: It’s a page that precedes the main page of your website, with the goal of promoting a new offer, showing a disclaimer, or asking the user to verify their information.
Sales page: These landing pages are often long and have a very clear CTA at the end, which is often a link to an expensive product like an online course. These pages are long because they are focused on selling a high-value product to those who land on the page.

Key elements of a great landing page

Effective landing page design consists of a few key components. These six components need to work in cohesion together to create a high-converting landing page. The key landing page elements are:

Headline

Your headline is the first thing a viewer will see when they come to your page. It needs to be clear and concise, confirm your offer, and include messaging that reflects the audience’s entrance point.

For example, Function of Beauty has a landing page for its line of custom skincare products. The headline is “the world’s most customized skin care”. It highlights that it is made for you, not just a skin type and it also uses a personalized quiz CTA to reinforce the custom skincare value proposition.

Subhead

Your subhead is a more in-depth description of your headline. It usually appears just below your headline, and it is in a smaller font. Use the subhead to be persuasive and explain your offer in greater detail.

Let’s look at Slack as an example. It clearly highlights the value proposition — work faster and more flexibly — when you use Slack.

Compelling visuals

Include a striking image of your product or a photograph that relates to your message. It is even better if you can show your product or service in action or include a video — that alone can increase conversion rates by 86%.

According to The Next Web, our brains process visuals 60,000 times faster than text. Captivating images makes your page look better and gives your audience a better page experience. They also provide visual cues to entice your audience to remain on your page and learn more about your offer.

As a design tool, Figma needs to have well-designed visuals. This landing page for its prototype features includes examples of what you can create using Figma. It makes it easy to visualize using it for your design projects.

User-friendly design

Your landing page should be easy to navigate no matter what device people use to access it, and have all the important information in a very digestable form. Minimize the pop-ups, because too made might cause people to click off your page, and ensure your landing page loads quickly, because there is a 4.42% drop in conversion rates for every second of load-time.

Social proof

Including social proof no your landing pages can increase the conversion rates by 5%. Social proof shows your audience that others have taken your course or used your products and would recommend it. It is a necessity to design landing pages that convert. The more a visitor sees that others like and benefit from using your product, the more likely they are to convert.

You can leverage different types of social proof, including testimonials, reviews, and press features.

Usually, social proof will appear many times on a landing page, primarily right after the above-the-fold section. Semrush is a great social proof example. You can see they include top companies that use the product, leveraging their brand equity and creating credibility.

Strong call-to-action (CTA)

Your call-to-action is the most important element of your landing page – that’s why you have a landing page. You want someone to sign up for your offer. What it looks like, how it reads, and where it is placed will impact your conversion rate.

Remember, you want to have just one CTA – multiple CTA’s reduce the conversion by 226%. A single strong CTA makes it clear to potential customers what you want them to do. Plus, you’ll increase your chance of conversion if you are driving them to one goal versus dividing their attention between more than one.

Be brief but clear. Avoid the “submit” and “send” CTA buttons because they are vague. You need to describe exactly what you want from your customers or the next steps — what will happen when they click.

Another element you can capture in your CTA is urgency. For example, this landing page for Nom Nom highlights a special offer to get 50% off and free shipping.

Best practices for landing page design

Let’s talk about landing page best practices that will help you design great landing pages that convert well and bring in new leads to your business.

Utilize the white space

When it comes to design, sometimes less is definitely more. Utilizing the white space when creating your landing page can be a simple yet powerful way to increase your conversions. By definition, the white space is the space in between design elements, and it doesn’t have to be white – it can be any solid color.

So, why white space is important? Well, it makes your landing page easier to read, which means that people will digest information much easier. Also, white space is prominent in modern designs, and it signals to your website visitors that you’re a modern, innovative brand.

When designing your landing page, make sure you take the less is more approach and let the design elements you choose to use stand out on their own.

Optimize load speed

Load speed is the single most important aspect of a successful landing page. It has to load fast and efficiently so visitors can turn into warm leads. So, be wary of adding images and videos to your landing page, and make sure you’re optimizing them to increase your lead speed.

Responsive design

Over 60% of all website traffic comes from mobile devices. It’s crucial that when you’re building your landing page, you optimize not only for desktop but also for mobile. You might even do better if you design your landing page through the mobile view (which most landing page builders like Unbounce and Leadpages should support). It’s also smart to do a quick test once you’re done with the design to make sure all the elements of your landing page work on mobile, too.

Conduct A/B testing

Once you have nailed the design of your landing page, it’s time to put it to the test. That’s where A/B testing or split testing comes in handy. Split testing involves splitting the traffic into two (or more) groups and directing them to different versions of the same landing page to see which one performs better. It’s an essential component of conversion optimization.

The key to successful A/B testing is to focus on tweaking small details. Instead of creating two different landing page designs, create identical ones and test one element at a time (headline, visuals, etc.) to see what works the best and what might be your pain points.

So, what are the elements you want to test with split testing? We recommend starting with:

Headline
Visual assets like images and video
CTAs: placement, color, copy
Lead form length
Landing page copy

These elements can have a huge impact on your conversions, and even the smallest change can make a difference.

Creating compelling headlines and CTAs

A headline and strong call-to-action can make or break your landing page – that’s how important these two elements are. So, spend the time crafting the perfect headline and CTA for your landing page. Better yet – draft a few different options and conduct an A/B testing (as we discussed before).

Headline tips

Effective headlines have these three things:

Clarity: The best headlines are clear, straight to the point, and easy to understand the moment people read them.
A hook: Effective headlines capture readers’ attention, draw them in, and make them curious to find out more.
Empathy: Great headlines empathize with people’s pain points and offer a solution or a transformation.

If you keep these three elements in mind when drafting your landing page headlines, chances are that you’ll be able to craft just the right headline (or a few) that speak to your target audience and increase your conversions.

CTA design tips

When creating a CTA, it’s best to enclose the CTA text in a box. This makes it look like a button, and people want to click buttons. When the mouse hovers over the button, have it change colors or shade. It entices people to click and shows them that it is clickable.

The button color doesn’t matter that much, but contrast does. Your CTA button should stand out from everything else on the page. First, find the main color of your site, then look at the color that is directly opposite it on the color wheel. That is the best complementary color for you to use for your CTA. For example, if your page background is blue, use an orange CTA to stand out from the rest of the site.

Lastly, size is important. Make the button larger than the other text on the page. You don’t want your ultimate goal to get lost. Include white space around your button, so it clearly stands out from everything else on the page.

Sun Basket has a CTA button that pops off the page. The bright yellow stands out from the background, and there is enough white space around it to draw your attention.

Using visuals effectively

Landing page visuals such as images and videos can elevate the design to the next level and improve your landing page conversions. Visuals help break down the text and make the landing page much easier to read. Also, visuals make the landing page much more engaging, which can be a great way to hook the visitors in and keep them on the page longer.

While not every landing page requires a video, using images on landing pages is a must. Always make sure that the images make sense and complement your copy, offer, brand, or tell a story that helps entice visitors to take the action you want them to take.

Including images like infographics can be a very engaging, and you might want to consider turning your social proof like testimonials and reviews into images instead of having them in the text form.

Landing page examples

The best way to understand the secret to building successful landing pages is to see all these practical tips we discussed today brought to life. So, let’s take a look at a few powerful landing page examples:

Shopify

This is an excellent example of a click-through landing page.

A strong headline, a quick subhead explaining the most important thing, and a very clear CTA to type your email address and get a free trial of the software.

Lower down the page, it has social proof and an FAQ section addressing the most important questions and concerns people might have, which all add to a very simple yet effective landing page design.

Ali Abdaal

Ali Abdaal’s landing page for his bestselling book Feel Good Productivity takes the landing page design to the next level. The landing page design is simple, yet effective and super interacting with all the visual element playfully moving through the screen as you scroll down, without impacting the load speed or responsiveness.

This landing page has a strong headline, video explainer, testimonials from industry experts, and very clear CTA’s inviting you to buy the book at the very top and bottom of the landing page.

Pat Flynn

Pat Flynn’s online course landing page is very modern and simple, and it captures the visitor’s attention immediately. The headline and subhead tell you everything you need to know about the course, and the video explainer is engaging and enticing. There is a very clear CTA, testimonials, and even an FAQ addressing any questions people might have about joining his online course.

Jenna Kutcher

It’s worth putting in the effort in your landing pages for free training, and Jenna Kutcher is a great example. Her free email-building training landing page is informative and engaging and has the best personalized CTA right at the beginning of the page. While there is no explainer video, there are visual assets like videos and images of Jenna, which make the design high-quality and professional.

Mel Robbins

Another phenomenal free-training landing page example is for Mel Robbins’s 2-part video training. Right at the very top of the landing page, you see the benefits you’ll gain from taking part in this training. Next to it, there is a video explainer, that’s informative and engaging. The CTA is clear and simple and takes less than a few seconds of people’s time.

Measuring and optimizing performance

Once your landing page is live, your landing page analytics will be your best friend. Through analytics, you can learn what works and what doesn’t, and you can get a better look at your audience’s behavior. By analyzing your analytics, you’ll be able to improve and reap better results for your business.

Here are some of the most important metrics you want to pay attention to when it comes to analytics and optimizing landing pages:

Page visits/views: This metric tells you how many people visited your landing page, and it’s a good indication of how well your marketing is working – if you have lots of visits and views, it means that your marketing efforts to drive traffic are working. And if not, it’s a sign you might to review your strategy.
Traffic sources: This metric allows you to inspect where people are coming from, and it’s a good way to understand which marketing channels are worth your time and which might need a new approach.
Bounce rate: Bounce rate tells you how quickly after someone lands on your website they leave. A higher bounce rate means that people are not getting what they expected when they clicked the link to visit your landing page, or that they loose interest.
Submission rate: This metric tells you how many people filled the submission form, and it’s an important metric that tells you how enticing your offer is.
Form abandonment: This metric shows how many people started filling out the submission form, but chose to leave mid-way. It could mean that your submission form needs some adjustment to make it shorter or maybe you need a stronger offer.
Heat mapping: This metric is a bit more advanced, and it allows you to see which parts of your landing page got the most action. Tools like Hotjar allow you to see which elements of your landing page design work, where people lose interest, or which parts are not interesting to them.

Biggest landing page mistakes people make

The two most common landing page challenges businesses face are high bounce rates and low conversion rates. If you’re also facing these challenges, don’t be alarmed – we have landing page solutions for every challenge you might face.

High bounce rate

On average, landing pages have a bounce rate of between 70-90%. Obviously, you want to keep your bounce rate at the lower side of things because if you have a high bounce rate, it means that something on your landing page is not working for people. It could be a marketing problem – you’re attracting the wrong people, so they bounce quickly. Or, it could be an indication that you need to improve your landing page design.

So, consider tackling the issue at hand in small steps. First, review your marketing efforts and see if your social media promos, and paid advertisement is driving the right people to your landing page. If you find that you are targeting the right people, then it’s time to take a look at your landing page design.

Consider tweaking small elements like headlines and your visuals (include visuals if you have none), and review your CTA’s – are they clear? Is there more than one? Make sure your copy is easy to read and digest. Utilize the white space and simplify your landing page design.

Low conversion rate

The average landing page conversion rate across all industries is 4.3%. A good conversion rate is anything above 10%. If you notice your conversion rate to be low, don’t get discouraged – there are plenty of things you can do to change that.

One thing that could compromise your conversion rates is your CTA. So, the first thing you want to do is review your CTA’s – is there one clear CTA or multiple ones? Is the CTA personalized or general? Does your CTA stand out, or does it get lost amongst other design elements on your landing page?

Once you review your CTAs and make adjustments where needed, you should see an increase in your conversion rates. If not, then consider looking into your submission form, especially if you notice high form abandonment rate. Remember, the more information you ask in the sign up form, the less likely people are to sign up. Maybe it’s worth simplifying your submission form to minimize the obstacle.

Alternatively, you might need to reconsider your offer. Maybe it’s not clear enough, or maybe you need to find a different angle to convince people why they should sign up for your offer, and how much value they’ll get from it if they do sign up.

Design your landing page with Teachable

Ready to boost your business with high-converting landing pages? With Teachable, you can easily create pages for your learning products. Sign up for a free Teachable account today and get access to powerful tools and resources to help you design pages that drive sales and capture leads. Start now!

If Teachable is of interest and you'd like more information, please do make contact or take a look in more detail here.

Credit: Original article published here.

21 Most Profitable YouTube Niches

Software Stack Editor · July 10, 2024 ·

You know the saying “riches are in the niches?” Well, it’s never been more true in 2024, especially if you’re looking to start a profitable YouTube channel.

Most successful YouTube channels on the platform have a niche, and their audience knows and loves the creators because of the value they create in their niche.

YouTube has been growing non-stop as a platform, and it shows no signs of stopping. Many creators have found a way to build a successful YouTube channel, and some have turned their YouTube channels into full-blown businesses.

It’s definitely not too late to start a YouTube channel if that’s something you’ve been thinking about. To maximize your success, we recommend picking one of the profitable YouTube niches to maximize your YouTube earnings and increase your chances for success.

1. Education and tutorials

Nowadays, there is so much educational content on YouTube that you can learn almost anything by watching a couple of videos. Many people do just that, and that’s why the education and tutorial niches are so profitable, and many creators find success within these niches. Profitable tutorial content includes things like how-to tutorials, online courses, and general educational content on a certain topic, like gardening.

Blippi is one of the biggest educational YouTube channels for kids, with over 20 million subscribers and 100K+ views on each of their videos. Their channel is estimated to make between $31K and $500K per month from their YouTube channel.

2. Technology reviews

One of the most profitable tech niches on YouTube is technology reviews. Everyone owns a phone, a computer, and plenty of other gadgets. Before people commit to buying an expensive phone, tablet, microphone, or other technology gadget, they tend to seek out reviews to help them make a decision.

With all the new shiny tech things coming out every year, there is a huge demand for these videos, and tech review YouTube channels are racking up millions of views every month.

Marques Brownlee is one of the biggest tech review YouTubers, with an audience of 19 million subscribers, and his videos get millions of views. According to Social Blade, his estimated monthly earnings from ads on his YouTube channel are between $13.6K and $200K.

3. Entertainment

If your passion lies in the music and entertainment industries, you’re in luck – these two niches can be extremely profitable on YouTube. Music YouTube channels get hundreds of thousands of views, and many artists were able to build their music careers by posting song covers on the platform.

Music is not the only thing that pays big bucks – entertainment niche has a ton of potential too. Profitable entertainment content includes things like entertainment news, participating in challenges, and going out of your way to make people laugh.

MrBeast is one of the biggest YouTubers in the world, with over 200 million subscribers and 100M+ views on every video he posts. His estimated monthly earnings from his YouTube video ads alone are anywhere between $700K to $12M

4. Food and cooking

Food and cooking channels are also extremely popular on YouTube. Profitable food content includes recipe videos, cooking tutorials, food reviews, city food guides, and mukbangs.

Joshua Weissman is a food and cooking enthusiast with one of the biggest cooking YouTube channels that has over nine million subscribers. His videos get millions of views, and his estimated monthly earnings are between $10K and $170K.

5. Gaming

Gaming YouTube channels can be super profitable. There are so many games out there that have huge fan bases interested in gameplay and game-related news. Profitable gaming content includes things like Let’s Play, new game reviews, gaming tutorials, and even live streaming.

So, how much do gaming YouTubers make? Well, LilSimsie is a gaming YouTuber who posts The Sims 4 content on her channel and has two million subscribers. Her videos get a couple of hundred thousand views and her estimated monthly earnings are $2.6K – $42.3K.

6. Health and fitness

The health and fitness industry is worth $22.4 billion, and the demand for health and fitness-related content is definitely on YouTube, too. Fitness YouTube channels share workout videos that have millions of views, but that’s not the only popular content. Profitable health content can be wellness tips, health challenges (like 75 Hard), weight loss stories, “What I eat in a day” videos, and supplement routines.

Sanne Vloet is a health and fitness YouTuber (amongst other things) with a channel that has over 1.7 million subscribers. Her videos get a couple of hundred thousand of views, and her estimated monthly earnings are between $400 and $7.5K.

7. Personal finance and investing

Personal finance is one of the most profitable niches on YouTube. Many finance YouTubers have shared that their CPM (cost-per-thousand views) is much higher on ads than other niches, so if you have a passion for finance and investing, YouTube is the perfect platform for you. Many finance YouTube channels share profitable finance content such as budgeting tips, smart investment strategies, and general financial education advice.

Nischa is a personal finance YouTube creator with over a million subscribers. Her videos get between 50K and 500K views on average. According to Social Blade, her channel makes between $500 and $9.7K per month.

8. Beauty and fashion

Beauty and fashion are other profitable niches that you might want to consider. Beauty YouTube channels are highly in demand because the beauty industry is booming – it’s worth over $500 billion, with many consumers looking for beauty-related content like makeup tutorials, product reviews, and first impresssions of new products to watch on YouTube. Fashion is not far behind. Profitable fashion content includes things like clothing hauls, capsule wardrobe tips, styling advice, and more.

Tati is a beauty YouTuber with over eight million subscribers. Her videos get at least 100K views, and her estimated monthly earnings are between $300 and $5.7K.

9. DIY and crafts

People love good DIY and craft content, which is why it’s one of the most profitable niches on YouTube. Profitable craft content includes tutorials, project ideas, fun craft challenges, and craft tips. Many DIY YouTube channels niche down even further, choosing to create content exclusively about sewing, knitting, or home decor.

The Sorry Girls are a Canadian group of women who are masters at DIY and craft content in the home improvement and design space. They have over two million subscribers, their videos get around 200K+ views, and their estimated monthly earnings are between $1.1K and $18K.

10. Travel and vlogs

Travel YouTube channels are also very profitable, and feature content such as travel guides, destination reviews, safe and/or budget travel tips, and sometimes simple travel vlogs. People who are curious to learn about traveling, or are choosing their next destination find a lot of value in these videos.

Daily vlogs are another profitable and very popular niche. Profitable vlog content has to be engaging and unique, really showcasing your authentic personality and views.

Emma Chamberlain is a very successful vlogger with over 12 million subscribers. Each of her videos gets a couple of million views, and her estimated monthly earnings from ads shown on her videos are between $500 and $9.3K.

11. Pets and animals

Who doesn’t love watching animal and pet videos? Profitable animal content can be anything from funny pet videos, pet care videos, and educational animal videos to pet product reviews. Many people who are interested in getting pets are looking for advice from pet YouTube channels. And there are just as many people simply curious to learn about the animal kingdom.

Paul Cuffaro is an animal lover with over two million subscribers on his YouTube channel. His animal videos get over 200K views, and his estimated monthly earnings are between $2.8K and $45K.

12. Real estate

Real estate YouTube channels are huge – YouTube is the perfect medium to show off beautiful homes, after all. However, property tours are not the only thing that’s popular on YouTube. Profitable real estate content like real estate advice, market analysis, and personal real estate stories all have the potential to rack up hundreds of thousands of views.

Graham Stephan is a real estate and personal finance YouTube creator with close to five million subscribers. His videos get 200K+ views, and his estimated monthly earnings exceed $100k per month.

13. Parenting and family

Parenting YouTube channels are doing very well on the platform. Many people seek out videos on parenting tips, child development advice, and fun and heartwarming family vlogs.

The Trench Family shares profitable family content such as fun family vlogs, and challenges with their 8.8 million subscribers. Their videos are super popular and get over a million views, and their estimated monthly earnings are between $73K and 1.2M.

14. Product reviews and unboxings

Unboxing videos, product comparisons, and reviews are extremely profitable on YouTube, with some of the biggest unboxing YouTube channels getting millions of views on each video. People are always curious to find out more about certain products, and YouTube is the perfect platform to show every detail of a product to consumers.

Hope Scope’s channel has over four million subscribers and features product hauls, reviews, and unboxings. Her videos have millions of views, and her estimated monthly earnings are between $7.3K and $124K.

15. Motivation and self-improvement

Motivational speeches, self-help tips, and personal development content do very well on YouTube. It’s one of the most universally consumed types of content that speaks to a large audience. Profitable self-improvement content is also a very wide niche that can include things like sharing your personal success stories, other people’s success stories, productivity tips, spirituality, and everything in between.

Motivational YouTube channels like Ali Abdaal are doing very well on the platform. Ali has over five million subscribers, and most of his videos get at least 200K+ views.

Ali has even reported on his website that he makes $27,000 in passive income every week and reported total earnings over $4.5M in business income in 2021.

16. Automotive

People like to see nice things, and nice cars are not an exception. Automotive YouTube channels that share profitable car content such as car reviews, maintenance tips, and automotive news are doing super well on the platform. So, if you have interest in cars, or you’re curious to learn more about them, it could be a great niche for you.

Cleetus McFarland has a YouTube channel dedicated to everything cars. His channel has over three million subscribers, and all of his videos have over a million views. His estimated monthly earnings are between $7.5K and $119K.

17. Photography and videography

Photography YouTube channels are doing quite well on the platform too. There is a huge interest in learning photography and videography, and YouTube is a great platform to teach people a skill. Profitable videography and photography content includes things like tutorials, gear and tech reviews, and creative tips on how to take better photos and videos.

Peter McKinnon is an OG photography YouTuber with over five million subscribers on his channel and 200K+ views on his videos. His estimated monthly earnings are between $300 and $6K.

18. Home improvement and gardening

DIY home projects, gardening tips, and renovation ideas are blooming on YouTube. The love for home improvement moved from TV to YouTube, and home improvement YouTube channels are attracting hundreds of thousands of views. If you’re into renovation or gardening, then definitely consider making YouTube videos about your passions.

Garden Answer is a great example of finding success in creating profitable gardening content on YouTube. Her channel has 1.9 million subscribers, and each video gets 150K+ views. Her estimated monthly earnings from YouTube videos are $1.6K and $26K.

19. Mental health and wellness

Mental health YouTube channels as well as wellness channels can have a huge earning potential on the platform. The rise in wellness industry that’s worth $5.6 trillion globally definitely reflects on YouTube, with profitable wellness content like mindfulness tips, and wellness routines racking up thousands of views.

Therapy in a Nutshell is a YouTube channel created by a licenced therapist Emma McAdam, with over a million subscribers and thousands of views on her videos. Her estimated monthly earnings are between $6 and $10K.

20. Sports and fitness

Are you a sports and fitness fan? Well, then, you’ll be glad to hear that it’s a very profitable niche on YouTube. Sports YouTube channels that share and discuss sports news are extremely popular, and they can gain a lot by reporting the most relevant stories. But that’s not all – workout routines and fitness challenges are profitable fitness content, so if you’re a personal trainer or have a passion for fitness, YouTube is the platform for you.

Goal 90 is a YouTube channel dedicated to everything football-related, and they have over 300K subscribers and thousands of views on their videos. Their estimated monthly earnings from YouTube are between $600 and $7.2K.

21. Science and technology

Last, but certainly not the least are science and technology niches. Science YouTube channels that feature science experiments and other type of educational content are very valuable and popular amongst all age groups.

Science Max covers a huge array of science topics and experiments on his YouTube channel, which has over 300K subscribers and thousands of views per video. His estimated monthly earnings are between $200 and $4.5K.

Start building a profitable creator business today

Ready to make your passion profitable? With these 21 niches, your YouTube success story is within reach. And you don’t have to do it alone!

Create a free Teachable plan today and get the tools, resources, and community support you need to launch and grow your YouTube channel.

Your path to earning more income and creating more impact on your own terms starts now!

If Teachable is of interest and you'd like more information, please do make contact or take a look in more detail here.

Credit: Original article published here.

Artist statement examples: crafting your own unique narrative

Software Stack Editor · July 10, 2024 ·

Whether you’re a new artist or a seasoned one, and whether you’re into pottery, watercolors, or sculptures, you need an artist statement. Movies and TV series have trailers, books have synopsis and blurbs, and artists have artist statements. It’s essential to being creative and presenting your art to the world.

A well-crafted artist statement is essentially a tool that helps the artist communicate their vision to their audience, completely transforming people’s relationship with the artist’s art. It offers clarity and helps them understand the art and the artist. Your artist statement will be unique to you, just like your art, which only makes it that much more important and special.

So, let’s discuss the key elements of an effective artist statement, look at some examples of artist statements, and dive into the step-by-step process of writing an unforgettable artist statement that touches people’s hearts.

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What is an artist statement?

An artist statement is a short paragraph that describes what you make and why you make it. Essentially, an artist statement allows you, as an artist, to bring your art to life with words. With your artist statement, you have the power to transform how your audience perceives your art and give them a tiny insight into your artist’s mind.

Your artistic statement is a part of your artist tool kit, just like your paints, brushes, or carving tools. You’ll be asked for an artist statement whenever you apply for grants and residencies and something you might need for exhibitions. It’s not just a simple artistic narrative to explain your art. It’s part of your art portfolio.

Key elements of an effective artist statement

There are not that many artist statement tips that make writing an artist statement easy. The truth is that writing an effective artist statement is art in itself. It will take some practice to perfect it, and it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the key elements of an artist statement before you start drafting yours.

Here are the three key elements of every compelling artist statement you might want to consider when drafting yours:

Clarity: Your “what.” This is your time to explain what you do and what artistic medium you work with (watercolor, sculpture, etc.). It gives your audience clarity on who you are as an artist and what to expect from you.
Authenticity: Your “why.” The key element that sets you apart from other creatives is why you create, why you choose your medium, and why your art is the way it is. It’s your chance to tell your audience why you’re unique and what your authentic angle is.
Specificity: Your “how.” Some artists are very particular about their art and techniques, making them an essential part of their identity and art. If you’re one of those artists, make sure to include that in your artist statement to help people better understand the technique and its importance.

Artist statement examples

So, by now, you know what an artist statement is, why you might need it, and the key components of a great artist statement. Before you write a new artist statement or perfect your current one, you might want to get some inspiration from an artist statement. And the best way to do that is to look at other artists’ work. We have three excellent artist statement examples that will help you get a better grip on how to write a compelling artist statement:

Angela Fehr

Teachable Creator and artist Angela Fehr has a very distinct brand, and her artist statement reflects it very well:

“Nature informs both my subject and my process. As a watercolorist, I marry water with color to create my work, understanding that I am working alongside a medium that must be allowed to flow, to evolve, and my responses are as immediate as the flick of a brush.”

Fehr’s artist statement clearly explains her art philosophy and what inspires her to create. She also outlines her art methods (watercolors) and blends them nicely with the goals she tries to accomplish through her art.

Acrylic Pouring

Here is another great artist statement example from a Teachable Creator, Deby Coles:

“Nonetheless, art for me is about the creativity, the color, the release of tension. It’s the taking part, not the winning. And it feels great!”

Cole’s artist statement is short, sweet, and to the point. She communicates what’s important to her about art and how she uses it in her artistic practice. She also shares her art philosophy and values, which helps people connect better with her art and her as an artist.

Yayoi Kusama

Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama’s artist statement is as iconic as she is:

“My art originates from hallucinations only I can see. I translate the hallucinations and obsessional images that plague me into sculptures and paintings.”

This artist’s statement is unique and authentic, written in the artist’s voice, which makes it stand out immediately. It perfectly complements Kusama’s art and artistic identity. Kusama’s artist statement is an extension of her art, and that’s exactly what you want to aim for when drafting your artist statement.

How to write your own artist statement

The next step is to learn how to write an artist statement. While it might be daunting, it’s not as hard and intimidating as it might seem from the first look. We put together a quick artist statement guide that will help you make the process effortless. Essentially, the process of writing your artist statement can be broken down into three stages:

Step 1: Brainstorm

So, the very first stage to writing your artist statement is brainstorming. This is the process that sets the foundation, and it’s crucial. What should you do during the brainstorming stage? Well, you might want to take a good look at your artwork and your library. Notice the themes, the colors, and the concepts. Then, make a list that describes your art – what words, emotions, feelings, and thoughts come up when you look at your art?

Consider talking with a friend, peer, or mentor about your art. Tell them what you feel, see, think, and imagine. Hearing yourself talk out loud about your art or trying to explain it to another person can spark some great ideas you wouldn’t get otherwise.

Also, look inward. Use journaling to really understand your values and inspiration. What drives you and motivates you to pick up your tools and create? Document all these things about yourself and your art because they’ll be useful in the next step.

Step 2: Drafting

Once you’ve brainstormed, it’s time to combine all your notes, journaling prompts, and other pieces into a cohesive paragraph. This is where you might want to look at examples of artist statements to get inspiration and understand how other artists connect words in meaningful, powerful ways.

Don’t focus too much on getting it perfect the first time. It will take a few drafts to get it right. The key here is to determine the best way to explain who you are, what you do, and why your art and process matter.

Step 3: Refine

Truthfully, the third and final stage might be the most important in the whole process—revising, editing, and refining your artist statement. Many skip this step, but we recommend it because it will help you improve your artist statement.

First, you might want to read your artist’s statement out loud. Sometimes, reading it out loud can help you notice if something doesn’t sound quite right or if you made mistakes or typos.

As you’re reading your statement, spend some time looking over your work. Do the words you’ve written about it make sense as you look at your art? Or did the meaning get lost in translation during the process?

Lastly, Stephen King always advocates for “killing your darlings” when authors edit their novels. The same advice can be applied to your artist statement: look at every single word and evaluate whether it’s necessary, holds value, or simply fills an empty space.

Common mistakes to avoid

Sometimes, it’s easy to get carried away when drafting your artist statement and get lost. That’s why revisions are so important to the process – they allow you to identify any artist statement mistakes you might be making in the process. Here are some common artist statement pitfalls you want to avoid:

Using jargon

When you draft your artist statement, remember to write what’s true to your work instead of trying to write what you think people want to hear about your art. You’re an artist, and your statement should reflect that and not sound like it was written by a professional art critic. Forgo difficult, fancy words and make your writing simple and clear, sounding like your authentic self.

Being too vague

Remember, clarity is one of the key components of an effective artist statement. So, when drafting yours, always try to be clear and straightforward with your words. While purple prose has its place and time, it’s definitely not your artist statement – it should read as something human, relatable, and super easy to gauge the key meaning of.

Overload of information

People don’t need to know everything about you, your art, and what’s going through your mind — some things are best left to yourself. It’s tempting to overexplain yourself and go in-depth on all details about your art, inspiration, and work, but consider keeping things minimal. Less is more when it comes to your artist statement, so focus on only essential information.

Getting feedback and refining your statement

Once you have your first draft, getting feedback on an artist’s statement from your peers, mentors, and art experts is essential. It can definitely be daunting to show something personal to other’s feedback and constructive criticism, but an extra pair of eyes or a few can make a huge difference.

Your mentors and peers can offer an outside perspective of how you as an artist and your art shows up that you might not notice yourself. All that is useful, so avoid getting defensive about any feedback you receive. You don’t have to implement something that doesn’t feel right. But give yourself time to mull over the feedback you receive and truly consider if it might be useful.

That’s why giving yourself enough time to gather, receive, and review the feedback is essential. Give your peers and mentors enough time so they are not in a rush and can properly take in your artist statement and gather their thoughts. Then, leave enough time and space for yourself to consider the feedback and what’s worth implementing.

Also, always make sure to review your artist statement for types, which can take a few rounds. Getting a few pairs of eyes when proofreading can be a great help, so make sure you leave enough time for that, too.

How to use your artist statement

Creating a compelling artist statement is an essential step in defining and communicating your artistic vision. It not only helps others understand your work but also deepens your connection with your audience. Now, imagine having the ability to share your unique artistic journey with a wider audience, reach new clients, and generate income from your passion.

With Teachable, you can do just that. By creating your own digital products, like online courses or workshops, you can start earning and making a greater impact today. Sign up for a free Teachable account and take the next step in your artistic journey. Empower yourself to share your art with the world and inspire others through your creativity.

If Teachable is of interest and you'd like more information, please do make contact or take a look in more detail here.

Credit: Original article published here.

Is blogging dead in 2024?

Software Stack Editor · July 10, 2024 ·

Alright, let’s settle this once and for all: is blogging still a thing in 2024? With the whirlwind of digital marketing evolutions, AI stepping up its game, and everyone’s attention span dropping faster than my Wi-Fi speed on a bad day… the blogging world is definitely at a crossroads.

But is it the end of the road… or just a new turn?

After all, a recent Demand Gen Report shows that 44% of buyers say they typically consume three to five pieces of content before buying from a company, which makes a fairly strong case for actually having pieces of content for them to engage with! And DemandMetric reports that companies with blogs produce an average of 67% more leads monthly than companies that don’t blog. Leads can turn into customers.

And besides all that, the truth is that while trends (and even platforms) may come and go, the basic human desire to consume engaging, informative content hasn’t completely disappeared in 2024 — it’s just evolved. That’s where blogging, with a few modern tweaks, still shines. It’s like the jeans in your wardrobe: sure, the styles might change, but they never really go out of fashion.

So, let’s take a look at how the “old-school tactic” of blogging is keeping up with the times.

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The current state of blogging

Let’s start off with a reality check on the blogging landscape in 2024. With a staggering 600 million blogs currently active (and churning out over 6 million posts every single day), it’s clear that blogs aren’t just hanging on; they’re still thriving and providing value, especially for bloggers who adapt to shifting trends, tastes, and algorithms.

Because while social media has risen in popularity in recent years, blogs are still pulling in serious crowds, and the main reason is because they’ve evolved past being just text on a page. These days, interactive infographics, embedded podcasts, and video content have become integral parts of blogging, delivering multimedia experiences that keep readers informed and entertained.

And it’s not just about looking pretty; it’s about depth and value.

Niche blogs are now thriving the most in the blogosphere, pulling in crowds by drilling deep into special subjects and turning bloggers into the influential guides and information curators in their topic areas. Going niche not only boosts search engine optimization (SEO) but also helps establish blogs as go-to resources in their niches.

Related: How to start a blog and make money in 2024

How is AI impacting blogging?

It’s impossible to discuss the current state and future of blogging without highlighting the role of artificial intelligence (AI). From generating content to optimizing SEO, AI tools are making blogging smarter and more efficient; let’s take a look at how.

AI-driven content creation

Remember when AI was just cool tech in sci-fi films? Well, now AI is right at your fingertips, a tool you can tap into to help you generate new ideas, write blog posts, jazz up your content, interpret analytics, and so much more, faster than ever before. Additionally, AI can provide significant help in fine-tuning your blogging strategy; by analyzing data on what works and what doesn’t, AI tools can suggest changes to your approach, from topic selection to keyword integration. So AI can definitely be the ace up your sleeve, helping you optimize your content to ensure maximum engagement and reach. (But remember, it’s just a tool; it doesn’t have the personal touch that truly connects with readers. That’s where you come in, blending AI efficiency with your unique voice and insights.)

AI and SEO

In case you didn’t get the memo, SEO isn’t just about stuffing keywords anymore. This new SEO is all about understanding user intent and delivering exactly what they’re searching for, and AI tools can help make your content more personalized, more relevant, and way easier to find. As search engines get smarter, they prefer content that truly answers questions, and using AI in blogging can help your posts do just that, analyzing top-performing content and integrating SEO best practices to boost your visibility.

Related: Grow your audience and sell your online course with a blog

How should creators adjust to blogging changes?

While it’s definitely tougher to do these days, it is still possible to create successful blogs that turn casual browsers into dedicated readers. Here are a few things to consider.

1. Adapt your content to match shorter attention spans

The modern consumer’s attention span is fleeting, with many digital platforms preferring content that can be consumed quickly. If your blog can’t grab attention in the first few seconds by using compelling headlines, engaging visuals, and intros that promise value, it could easily get lost to the rabbit hole of forgotten tabs. So focus on hooking your readers fast, delivering value quickly, and wrapping it up before they’re tempted to click over to another tab. Blogs that master this not only see more readers, they also see more engaged and returning visitors.

2. Create a mobile-first reading experience

The widespread adoption of smartphones and tablets has completely changed how and where we consume content. Most users now access content on the go, which emphasizes the need for clarity and conciseness in writing. As a result, shorter, more digestible blog posts have become popular, perfect for a quick read during a commute or while waiting in line at a coffee shop. However, it’s not just about making content shorter; it’s about making it smarter. Effective use of bullet points, numbered lists, and bolded text can help highlight key information, allowing readers to scan quickly and grasp the main points without needing to read every word.

3. Keep context in mind when writing long-form content

Having said that, though, it’s not the end of the road for long-form content. There’s still a strong appetite for thorough, well-researched articles among readers looking for comprehensive explorations of topics they care about. These readers want posts that don’t just skim the surface but dive deep into topics, from tech trends to philosophical debates. For them, blogs that blend detailed research with engaging storytelling become ones that they return to again and again.

4. Incorporate multimedia

Many bloggers find that the key to keeping a long blog post engaging is to mix in some dynamic elements to break up the text and add value. And like we noted earlier, multimedia isn’t just flashy; it’s also functional. For instance, incorporating videos into your blog posts can simplify complex topics, podcasts can add a personal touch, and infographics can summarize key points in a succinct and interesting way. By mixing in media, your blog can become a versatile tool that educates, entertains, and engages… and makes the reader come back for more.

So while the challenge of adapting to shorter attention spans and diverse consumption habits is real, it’s also a chance for bloggers to adapt and innovate. By creating engaging blog content that not only wins attention but also keeps it, blogs can definitely continue to thrive.

Related: How to monetize your blog

What are the benefits of blogging in 2024?

So you may be wondering why you should consider continuing to blog even though the internet is already flooded with every kind of content imaginable? Well, despite how crowded it may seem, there are some unique blogging benefits that other media just can’t touch.

SEO benefits

Simply put, blogs are SEO catnip. Regular updates? Google loves it. Long-form content? Bing eats it up. If you’re looking to improve your odds on the search engine results page (SERP), blogging is one of your best bets. It’s a reliable way to boost your site’s visibility and authority, making your whole domain more attractive and accessible to search engines. And in the digital age, being seen is just as important as being good.

Taking that a step further, each blog post is an opportunity to target new keywords and topics, drawing in diverse traffic streams. It creates more touchpoints in the crowded world of search traffic, increasing your chances of catching readers with a variety of interests and things they’re looking for.

Establishing authority and trust

Blogs provide a unique platform to establish thought-leadership. Whether you’re doling out business advice or DIY tips, your blog is your space to highlight your expertise, share your unique take on topics that matter to you and your audience, and build up credibility for your brand with every post you publish.

And the perks of being seen as an authority translate into tangible wins like better engagement, stronger customer loyalty, and maybe even higher sales. People tend to spend their money where they feel confident, and a well-maintained blog builds trust by delivering solid value consistently, without seeming pushy or salesy.

And let’s not forget about the deeper connections that can form through blogging. Unlike quick tweets or pithy Instagram captions, blogs allow for more depth and personality. They’re a chance to not just share what you know but also why it matters. This deeper engagement is a big plus for anyone looking to make a lasting impact with their content.

In short, the usefulness and relevance of blogging in 2024 is as strong as it ever was.

What are the challenges of blogging in 2024?

Blogging today, while still a powerful tool for expression and marketing, comes with its unique set of challenges, especially as the online world becomes more crowded and complex. Here are some of the main blogging challenges you might face:

Content saturation: There’s no denying the sheer volume of content already out there. Everyone and their grandma blogs, and with millions of blog posts published daily, standing out is becoming increasingly difficult, requiring you to dial up the quality, be super clear on your value proposition, and find your unique voice.
Maintaining consistency: Consistency is key in blogging, both in quality and frequency. It’s challenging to keep producing content that is both engaging and valuable, especially for bloggers who have other responsibilities or limited resources.
SEO adaptability: Search engine algorithms are continually evolving, and can feel like you’re trying to win a game that keeps changing its rules. What worked yesterday might not work tomorrow, so stay updated with the latest SEO practices, adapt content accordingly, and keep an ear to the ground for shifts in consumer preferences.
Engagement decline: The competition for attention means that readers may spend less time interacting with content directly on the blog and more time on platforms like social media.
Monetization pressure: For many, blogging isn’t just a passion but also a source of income. But the balancing act is to monetize your blog without overwhelming readers with ads or sponsored content. Not only that, traditional monetization strategies like display advertising have changed in effectiveness over the years.
Audience building: Building a loyal readership takes time and effort, and in a world where everyone’s vying for attention, it requires more than just good content to attract and retain a dedicated audience.
Technical challenges: Managing the technical aspects of a blog, such as hosting, platform updates, and cybersecurity, can be a little intimidating, especially for those without technical expertise.
Content diversification: Readers now expect a variety of content forms (videos, podcasts, infographics, GIFs) in addition to traditional text-based posts. Creating this content often requires additional skills and resources.
Creator burnout: Given all these challenges, plus the pressure to be constantly creative and engaging, blogger burnout is a real thing and keeping the blog passion alive can be a challenge.

Each of these challenges may require some out-of-the-box thinking to keep your blog relevant, profitable, and enjoyable for both you the writer and your readers.

How to grow a successful blog in 2024

Wondering what you can do to make your blog stand out from the crowd? Below are some tactics that successful bloggers regularly employ, so keep these strategies in mind.

Step 1: Find your niche and own it

You know what they say, “Jack of all trades, master of none.” Don’t be that Jack. Carve out your own spot in the blogosphere that you can dominate. Whether it’s vegan cooking, sustainable living, or underwater photography, make sure you’re the go-to website for it.

Step 2: Make friends with SEO

Imagine SEO as that cool friend who knows everyone and can get you into the hottest parties—which, in this case, are the top spots on Google search results. Use the right keywords, format your posts smartly, and become best friends with Google. It’s not just about being found; it’s about being found first.

Step 3: Content is king, but engagement is queen

Great content is crucial, but it’s not just about what you say; it’s about how you spark conversations. Encourage comments, jump into discussions, ask questions, and maybe stir up a little friendly debate. Get people talking, and they’ll come back for more.

Step 4: Diversify like you’re investing

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Spread your content across videos, podcasts, infographics, and maybe even some good old-fashioned quizzes. People love variety, and catering to different tastes can pull in a wider audience.

Step 5: Schedule like a boss

Consistency is key, but don’t confuse that with constant posting. You don’t need to publish every day—just stick to a schedule. Whether it’s twice a week or twice a month, let your readers know when to expect new goodies from you.

Step 6: Go mobile or go home

Everyone’s on their phones these days, so if your blog isn’t mobile-friendly, you might as well be writing on stone tablets. Ensure your website looks good and works well on mobile devices as well as desktops.

Step 7: Make the most of social media

Think of social media as your blog’s cheerleader. Use platforms like Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook to tease content, share snippets, and drive traffic back to your blog.

Step 8: Listen and adapt

Keep an ear to the ground. What are your readers saying? What’s trending in your niche? Adapt your content to meet the current vibes and needs of your audience.

Step 9: Offer exclusive goodies

Who doesn’t love free stuff? Offer your readers something they can’t get anywhere else, like exclusive content, free ebooks, or first access to events. It’s a great way to reward loyalty and keep them hooked.

Step 10: Keep it real

Let your authenticity and unique personality shine through in your writing. People flock to genuine voices and stay for the relatability.

The main key to focus on are to adapt, engage, and be genuine. Your audience doesn’t just want content; they want a connection. Keeping these tips in mind will help make yours one of the next blogging success stories.

The future of blogging: predictions and trends

What does the future hold for blogging? Considering the blogging trends of 2024, it seems that blogging has a promising future ahead. Let’s peek at what’s coming down the pipeline.

Upcoming trends

The future of blogging is likely to see increased integration of AI and machine learning for content creation, increased emphasis on video content, and more interactive content. These advancements could make blogs more personalized and immersive, enhancing user engagement.

This future is also increasingly mobile and voice-search oriented, pushing blogs to become more adaptable to how content is consumed. Whether it’s through smart speakers or smartphones, ensuring your blog is accessible and optimized for all formats is essential for meeting your audience where they are, in the way they prefer.

Long-term projections

Blogging isn’t going anywhere, but it will be getting a major upgrade. As we move further into the decade, the fundamentals of blogging will remain important (great content, strategic SEO, and genuine engagement), but the tools we use and the ways we engage with our audience will evolve.

The blogs that will thrive are those that can not only adapt to these changes but also anticipate them. Blogging in the future will be less about selling and more about connecting, less about keywords and more about conversations.

Final thoughts: why blogging isn’t going anywhere

So, is blogging dead? Far from it. It’s just evolved. And for those who can keep up, tweak their tactics, take advantage of new technologies, and genuinely connect with their audience, blogging is not just alive; it’s thriving, and it can be a potent tool in your digital marketing strategy.

Whether you’re a seasoned blogger or just starting out, the future is bright, so long as you’re willing to take control of the connection you have with your audience.

One great way to do this is to start creating your own learning products— such as courses, templates, and communities. By doing so, you’ll offer immense value to your audience and open doors to deeper loyalty.

Start today with a free Teachable plan and transform your digital presence. Don’t just blog, lead.

If Teachable is of interest and you'd like more information, please do make contact or take a look in more detail here.

Credit: Original article published here.

How to create a LinkedIn strategy as a creator

Software Stack Editor · June 28, 2024 ·

Are you hoping to use LinkedIn more often this year? If so, you need a proper strategy. A good LinkedIn strategy can help navigate your decisions on the platform, like the content you create and the people you interact with.

To help you get started, we’ve compiled a full guide for creating a LinkedIn strategy as a content creator. Follow along to learn more and create your own strategy.

Why use LinkedIn as a creator?

Platforms typically considered creator hubs include Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. They’re more consumer-based and have proven engagement rates.

However, LinkedIn is becoming a prime platform for building an engaged audience, no matter what industry you’re in or who your content is geared towards.

Some reasons to consider adding LinkedIn to your social media marketing strategy include:

It’s a great place for long-form content
You can reach an even wider audience
You can generate more digital product sales
You can position yourself as a thought leader in your industry
Get access to creator tools like a LinkedIn newsletter and live-streaming

Let’s talk strategy if you’re ready to start incorporating LinkedIn.

Related: The Anatomy of a good LinkedIn post

What types of posts to create

There are a few different types of LinkedIn posts you might consider adding to your overall social media content creation queue. Let’s go over the main five types of LinkedIn posts you can create, what they look like, and what they can be used for.

Text-only posts

A text-only post is just as it sounds—a post that’s only text. LinkedIn is unique in that it’s the only platform other than X/Twitter that can actually make text-only posts work.

Here’s an example of what this looks like:

LinkedIn is a great place for creators and professionals to share thought leadership content with their peers and potential clients or customers. By writing long-form posts, almost like a micro-blog, creators are able to share in-depth information and gain a large following on LinkedIn.

When to use:

You want to share a story
You want to put together a list of tips
You want to sell your products or services
You want to engage your audience

Image posts

An image post is exactly how it sounds—a LinkedIn post that shares one or more images. It can be in a single-image format, as we see below:

You can add up to 20 images within a single LinkedIn post, depending on what kind of narrative you need to share within your post.

Keep in mind that you can still create a long-form caption to go along with your image(s). In fact, in many instances, it’s encouraged as that type of post performs well on the platform.

When to use:

You want to showcase something visually
You want to share behind-the-scenes
You want to share an example

Video posts

Video posts share a singular video along with a caption. This is not a commonly used post type by anyone other than brands, however if you believe video is the best format to share what you have to say, feel free to give it a try!

When to use:

You want to showcase something visually
You already have a video asset created

PDF carousels

PDF carousels are a type of post totally unique to LinkedIn. These are uploaded PDFs that can be sifted through natively in LinkedIn like slideshows, and can be a great way to showcase visual information.

Here’s an example of what this type of post looks like:

PDF carousel posts can be great ways to show off your digital products or services, promote yourself and your creative business, and share detailed information with your audience.

When to use:

You want to showcase something visually
You want to sell your products or services

Link posts

Link posts are LinkedIn posts that include a link directly in the post. This type of post is one of the platform’s least favorites, so you’ll often see creators sharing links in their post comments instead.

Here’s an example of a basic link post:

These are great ways to share direct links to your content, digital products, service pages, and other interesting information you think is relevant to your audience.

However, you can also choose to create a text-only or image post, then share a direct link in your comments to see if you generate more reach that way.

When to use:

You want to promote your products or services
You want to link to an external website

Polls

Finally, polls are the last post type we’re going to talk about. These are a fun way to engage your audience and gather insights from those in your network.

You can use polls in a number of ways—to ask silly questions, to get market insights, and more.

When to use:

You want to engage your audience
You want to understand your audience better

How to create a posting schedule

Now that you know the types of posts, you can start creating your own posting schedule. To do this, you need to understand how often and when you should be sharing new content on LinkedIn.

While this changes for every creator and creative business, there are some rules of thumb you can start with, adapting your posting schedule as you go based on your own results.

At the very least, you need to publish new content weekly, as LinkedIn itself says this can double your engagement. However, the platform also recommends posting at least once a day to establish a trusted voice. (LinkedIn’s guidelines say even on weekends—but we think you can keep your weekends to yourself and focus on growth during your business days.)

So start planning on creating five to ten posts per week in order to share new content 1-2x each business day.

But when should you post? Sprout Social has analyzed millions of engagements across various social media networks to discover the best times to post on each.

Their data from LinkedIn can be found in graph form below:

As we can see, weekends are not a great time to post. If you want to test it, feel free, but the data shows that not a lot of people are engaging on Saturdays and Sundays.

Instead, we see a concentration of engaged users around 10am-12pm on weekdays, with the two best days being Wednesdays and Thursdays. This means you should focus on posting by midday each weekday to start.

From there, you can keep an eye on your LinkedIn analytics to see how your posts perform and adjust your posting schedule accordingly.

How to build a network on LinkedIn

The next step is building a network of engaged peers on LinkedIn. This can include others that work in your industry as well as potential customers. Here are a few ways to start building a network of people who regularly engage with your content.

Optimize your profile

Optimizing your profile provides your LinkedIn connections with a better idea of who you are and what you offer. LinkedIn offers a number of sections on your profile for you to fill out that give connections information they need to decide whether to connect with you or to work with you.

Be sure to fill out the following:

Add a professional headshot as your profile photo
Create a headline that accurately describes what you offer
Input your relevant work experience
Write a synopsis about you
Share any services you offer
Add any certifications, skills, courses, or anything else relevant to your work

Make sure all your information is accurate and explains how you started the creative business you currently run. Talk about your digital products or services, who you help, and why you do what you do.

Having an accurate and optimized profile will help increase the number of connection requests you receive.

Post consistently

Next, you need to create your posting schedule and stick to it. Like we mentioned, aiming for at least once per business day is ideal, but at the very least, choose a cadence that will work for you.

For example, if you don’t have the time to create enough content to share every day, choose 2-3 days to post and stick with them. Algorithms enjoy consistency, which means sticking to a schedule can help boost your reach in the feed.

One good idea is to create an entire month’s worth of content ideas before you even start posting. This will give you a library to pull from as the month goes on—then, when you have the time, you can create more content to add to it. But having a solid starting point can help keep you consistent, even when you’re running low on time.

Connect with other users

LinkedIn is all about building connections. When you find someone in your industry, you can send them a connection request in order to add them to your LinkedIn network.

When you find the profile of someone you’d like to add to your network, you can click the button to “Connect” with them. When you do, this prompt will pop up:

As LinkedIn itself states, people are more likely to accept invitations that include a note. Your note can say something like:

Who you are
What you do
Why you sent a connection request

Keep in mind that you only have 200 characters to use for your note, so you want it to be short and sweet.

As you start to grow your own LinkedIn network, you’ll find that you start receiving new connection requests each day as well from others in your industry. Accept the ones that you’d like to build better connections with.

Engage with content regularly

If you want to start seeing more people engage with your content, you have to pay it forward first. Spend a few minutes each day browsing your LinkedIn feed—which will become more and more diverse as your network grows—and engage with posts that interest you or that are posted by people you want to build better relationships with.

React to content you enjoy, leave insightful comments on posts that you have your own thoughts about, and repost content that really resonates with you so that your own connections can see it.

As you become more active on LinkedIn, you should see an uptick in engagement on your own posts.

Create your LinkedIn strategy today

LinkedIn isn’t a set it and forget it strategy. You need to be consistent with your content, engagement, and connection requests. Create different types of quality, interesting content and post at the right times to start building an engaged network.

If Teachable is of interest and you'd like more information, please do make contact or take a look in more detail here.

Credit: Original article published here.

Inside Sloper School: what Jenny Rushmore learned after leading thousands of women worldwide

Software Stack Editor · June 28, 2024 ·

Are you ready to meet a trailblazer in the world of custom-sized clothing? Jenny Rushmore, the founder of Cashmerette, has revolutionized the way women approach their wardrobes. Frustrated with the lack of well-fitting clothes in stores, Jenny embarked on a mission to empower women to sew their own custom-sized garments.

Through her innovative Sloper School on Teachable, Jenny has created a thriving community of nearly 3,000 students who are transforming their lives one stitch at a time. Let’s dive into how Jenny is leveraging community and online courses to make a real impact.

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The Importance of Building a Strong Online Community

Building a strong online community is more than just a gathering of like-minded individuals; it’s about creating a space where people feel empowered and supported. Jenny Rushmore, the visionary behind Cashmerette, understands this better than anyone.

“I couldn’t find clothes that fit me well. I really struggled in the stores.” -Jenny Rushmore

This common struggle led her to create a supportive online space where women could learn to make clothes that fit their bodies perfectly.

The Cashmerette community is a safe haven for those who have felt marginalized by the fashion industry. “Sewing is a very isolated hobby for most people. So it’s something you do in your house. A lot of people don’t know anyone else who sews,” Jenny explains.

By bringing people together in a supportive online environment, Jenny has built a community where members can share their experiences, offer advice, and celebrate each other’s successes.

This sense of belonging is crucial, especially in a field like sewing, which can often be a solitary activity. The Cashmerette community not only provides technical support but also fosters a body-positive environment.

“I learned that I didn’t have to change my body to fit clothes. I could change my clothes to fit my body.” -Jenny Rushmore

This philosophy has resonated deeply with the community, helping many women to embrace their bodies and feel confident in their custom-made clothes.

How Cashmerette’s Community Empowers Women

At Cashmerette, the focus is not just on sewing but on empowering women to feel good about their bodies. Jenny’s personal philosophy, “It’s not you; it’s the clothes,” is a powerful message that she instills in her community. By emphasizing that the problem lies with the clothes, not the body, Jenny helps women shift their mindset and approach to clothing.

The impact of this community goes beyond just sewing. Many members have shared how being part of Cashmerette has transformed their lives.

“We get emotional emails all the time. People say it improved their marriage, that they’ve quit their job and started a new job, that they feel different” -Jenny Rushmore

Cashmerette’s community is also incredibly active and engaged. Members from around the world are constantly posting, learning, and supporting each other. Jenny and her team are deeply involved, providing personal feedback and ensuring that everyone feels heard and supported.

The community aspect is further enhanced by the shared experiences of its members. Jenny notes, “The big change in them comes when they see it in someone else. For instance, I will be very nonchalant about sharing my measurements… and we’ve had multiple people being like, I thought I looked terrible, and I could only ever look terrible. And I would look at pictures of Jenny Rushmore and be like, she looks amazing.”

Seeing others with similar body types looking confident and happy helps members realize they can also look and feel great in their clothes.

Through Cashmerette, Jenny Rushmore has created more than just a company; she has built a community that empowers women to take control of their wardrobes and their confidence. This strong, supportive network is a testament to the transformative power of community in online education.

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How Jenny Rushmore Uses Teachable To Serve Her Students

Jenny Rushmore’s Sloper School is hosted on Teachable, a platform that has enabled her to reach and teach nearly 3,000 women worldwide.

“Teachable has been a game-changer for us. It allows us to create detailed, high-quality courses that our students can follow at their own pace.” -Jenny Rushmore

The flexibility of online learning means that women from all walks of life can join Sloper School and learn how to make clothes that fit them perfectly.

Teachable’s features have been instrumental in creating an engaging and interactive learning experience.

“The ability to include videos, downloadable patterns, and step-by-step instructions has made it possible for us to teach complex sewing techniques in an accessible way.” -Jenny Rushmore

Moreover, Teachable’s community features have played a crucial role in growing the Cashmerette community. Jenny points out, “The discussion forums and comment sections on Teachable have become spaces where our students can ask questions, share their progress, and support each other.”

These interactive elements help to build a sense of community and connection among the students, even though they are spread across the globe.

“We hear from women who have never sewn a garment in their lives, and within a few months, they’re making clothes that fit them perfectly,” Jenny shares.

Jenny’s approach goes beyond technical sewing skills. She exudes a sense of empowerment and self-confidence. “It’s amazing to see how our students transform not just their wardrobes but their self-esteem. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it affects every aspect of your life.” Jenny says.

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The Future of Cashmerette and Sloper School

Looking ahead, Jenny Rushmore has ambitious plans for Cashmerette and Sloper School. “We’re constantly working on new courses and resources to help our students continue their sewing journeys,” she reveals. The goal is to expand the range of courses offered, covering more advanced techniques and different types of garments.

Additionally, Jenny is exploring ways to further enhance the community aspect of Sloper School.

“We’re looking into more interactive features, like live Q&A sessions and virtual sewing meetups,” she says. These initiatives aim to strengthen the bonds within the community and provide even more support to the students.

Conclusion

Jenny Rushmore’s journey with Cashmerette and Sloper School on Teachable is a powerful example of how online education and community can come together to create transformative experiences. By leveraging the features of Teachable,

Jenny has built a supportive and empowering community where women can learn to make clothes that fit their bodies perfectly. Her work goes beyond sewing; it’s about helping women embrace their bodies and feel confident in their own skin.

Want to know how you can build an impactful online community and make a real difference by sharing what you know?

Click the link below to start your free plan today!

If Teachable is of interest and you'd like more information, please do make contact or take a look in more detail here.

Credit: Original article published here.

Rent vs. buy: Video equipment for online course creators

Software Stack Editor · June 28, 2024 ·

Are you getting more serious about creating video content? If so, chances are you’re grappling with the age-old conundrum of whether to rent or buy your video production gear.

Truth be told, it’s a big decision, and the choice between investing in your own equipment or opting to rent it can affect everything from your budget to your timelines to your video quality.

And video quality is a huge consideration. Whether you are producing quick tutorials or an elaborate online course, high-quality visuals and crisp audio aren’t just nice-to-haves; they’re crucial for keeping viewers engaged and making your video content look top-notch.

So, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of both renting video gear and buying video gear, so that you can make an informed decision that feels less like a gamble and more like a strategic move.

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Types of film and camera equipment that course creators may need

Before we dive into the pros and cons of renting versus buying video production gear, let’s unpack the toolkit of a typical video creator. While there’s no set standard of what you’ll need for your specific project, most productions that make online video content will need:

A camera and accessories (battery, lenses, etc.)
A tripod
Lights and lighting equipment (stands, meters, etc.)
A microphone
An audio recording device
A computer or laptop
Video editing software

As you see from this list, your gear can easily extend beyond just a camera and a microphone. The camera you need can range from your smartphone, to a camcorder, to a DSLR that needs interchangeable lenses, to an action camera that allows you to get footage whether skiing down a mountain or swimming in the sea.

No matter what camera you use, you’ll likely also need a tripod of some kind to hold it steady while you film, as well as lighting to ensure that your video subject is easy to see and is portrayed in a flattering light.

Your audio gear will make sure that you record crystal-clear sound, and a computer loaded with the right production and editing software will piece your content together. (You might even need to book some studio time if your home setup doesn’t quite cut it, but that’s a whole other conversation!)

Each piece of equipment plays a role in how your video content is produced and received, so it’s worthwhile to give some careful thought to what you need.

Related: Creators’ top video gear to invest in for your first online course

Understanding your video equipment needs

The first step of deciding whether to rent video equipment or buy video equipment is to get clear on what kind of content you want to create and what gear you’ll need in order to bring it to life.

Here are a couple of questions to consider:

1. How often will you film?

Think about how frequently you plan to record your content and what your video production needs are. If you’re cranking out videos every week like clockwork, then it might be smart to own your gear. After all, nothing beats the convenience of having your equipment ready to roll whenever inspiration strikes.

On the other hand, if you create video content infrequently rather than on a fixed schedule, the financial commitment of buying video gear might not make sense just yet.

2. What are your technical needs?

This question is twofold, because it involves assessing your video content needs, as well as your technological prowess and intent.

Tackling the first part of that, does your video content need Hollywood-level cinematography, or will a simple setup do? This depends largely on the kind of videos you’re making—for instance, TikTok videos in your car versus full-scale online courses. So depending on your video content, simpler gear may do the job for you, or you might need higher-end gear to produce cinema-quality video.

Switching over to your technological prowess, how capable do you feel when it comes to handling video gear and using it to its full capability? Are you a gadget geek who loves tweaking settings… or does “automatic mode” sound more your speed? Be sure not to take on more advanced gear than you’re prepared to handle, especially if you’re buying it. And keep in mind that high-tech gear often comes with a steeper learning curve, so you’ll have to learn it in order to operate it.

3. What’s your budget?

Let’s talk money: how much is the video gear going to cost you… and how much money do you have available to spend on it?

Figure this out, and then do a detailed cost-comparison between how much it’d cost to rent the gear and how much it’d cost to buy it, in order to clarify which option aligns with your financial bandwidth. Renting can minimize your initial expenses and lower the barrier to entry, while buying often reduces costs in the long-term, especially if you’re frequently planning to hit the record button.

4. Do you prefer the latest and greatest?

Tech these days evolves faster than a New York minute; today’s cutting-edge gadget could be tomorrow’s paperweight. So keep that in mind as you consider whether to rent or buy your video equipment.

Renting gives you access to the latest models, and allows you to try out cameras and lights, etc., without making a full investment in them. Buying your video equipment, however, is helpful if you plan to use the same gear consistently over several years… but do keep in mind that it can sometimes leave you with outdated equipment as new technologies emerge.

Related: How to DIY home video recording studio setup and video editing

Pros & cons of renting camera equipment

It can be tough to decide what’s right for you, so let’s lay out a few of the quick and dirty pros and cons of renting video gear:

Pros

Renting reduces your upfront investment: If you want to rent a video camera, for example, you can gain access to professional-quality options without the hefty initial cost.
It’s cost-effective for infrequent use: If you’ve only got one-off projects or need to make occasional updates to your online course, getting the exact equipment you need when you need it is one of the clear advantages of renting.
You get flexibility to upgrade: You can test different kinds of gear before committing to any one model, allowing you to try several and find what really works for your style. Not only that, renting might grant you access to better technology than you could afford to buy, for a fraction of the price.
You’ll get the full picture: The more you make videos, the more you may discover other accessories that you need/want to buy, so renting it first may help you realize what your budget might truly be when purchasing, and prevent unexpected sunk-costs.

Cons

Flexibility to film: It can be difficult to have spontaneous shooting sessions or act upon last-minute creative sparks when you’ve got to rent the gear first. You’ll need to plan your shoots around rental availability and potentially face delays if the gear isn’t available when you want/need it.
Popular items may be booked: Planning ahead is essential since you need to secure your equipment in advance—sometimes way in advance if it’s a popular item. If your go-to rental shop is out of your desired equipment, you might find yourself scrambling or settling for less.
Coordination required: If you need to also book studio time or hire a crew, for instance, you’ve got to make sure it all coordinates with the dates available to rent the equipment; this can sometimes turn into a logistical headache.

Related: Choosing the right camera for your at-home videos made easy

Pros & cons of buying video equipment

There are quite a few advantages and drawbacks to buying the gear outright, so let’s take a look:

Pros

Availability and convenience: When you outright buy your video camera, for example, you can shoot whenever inspiration strikes—no waiting, no fees.
Long-term cost savings: If you make videos frequently, you may find that buying the gear is more cost-effective than renting it each time.
Full control over your equipment: You can tweak your gear to the settings you need and keep them there, instead of getting a reset piece of equipment each time you rent it. Also, though the rental companies inspect and take care of their gear, if you own yours, then you don’t have to worry about receiving a compromised piece of equipment.
Familiarity breeds content: Owning your gear will lead to you learning it inside and out, improving your skills, and streamlining your production process, making it quicker and less stressful to film.
Asset ownership: Equipment can be resold if needed, providing a return on your long-term investment.

Cons

Upfront investment: That initial price tag for all the video gear can be a doozy, and big purchases can certainly put a dent in your wallet… as well as lead to debt if not managed wisely.
Depreciation: Like cars, tech can lose value quickly as new models hit the market. If your needs change or technology leaps forward, you might find yourself with outdated gear. Selling equipment can offset some costs, but it tends to be a hassle and doesn’t always recoup much money, thanks to depreciation.
Storage and maintenance: Think about where you’ll store everything and the potential upkeep involved. If you don’t film frequently, the costs and logistics of maintaining and storing equipment can outweigh the benefits of immediate access.
Commitment to learning: Owning equipment means staying updated on its best uses, which can be a steep learning curve.

Related: 10 pro audio equipment upgrades for your at-home audio recording studio

Making the decision: rent or buy?

Choosing between renting and buying boils down to how you balance cost, convenience, and flexibility against your production frequency and technical needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here, just the best fit for your particular situation.

Think about how often you’re filming, the scale of your projects, what kind of tech you need, and how thick your wallet is. Getting clear on these elements and aligning them with your overall goals will help steer your decision in the right direction.

Because whether you rent or buy your video equipment, the goal is the same: to create engaging, high-quality videos that resonate with your audience! So now that you’ve read our “rent or buy” guide, give it some careful thought, so that when you hit record, you’re ready to create video content that you’re proud of.

And when you’re ready to publish your content, be sure to explore Teachable’s resources for online course creators!

If Teachable is of interest and you'd like more information, please do make contact or take a look in more detail here.

Credit: Original article published here.

Should YouTube Shorts be a part of your content marketing strategy?

Software Stack Editor · June 28, 2024 ·

Remember when videos had to be long in order to be good? Well, times have changed, and YouTube Shorts have quickly become a big deal in the world of short-form video content. With each video clocking in at 60 seconds or less, YouTube Shorts are quick, they’re catchy, and their popularity is impossible to ignore; after all, they’ve racked up more than 5 trillion views since their debut in 2020. (That’s trillion with a T.)

Because of this, YouTube Shorts might be what your digital marketing strategy is missing! These videos allow your brand to play around with different messages and creative approaches, in a format that’s easy to share and can go viral quickly. And with their ability to hook viewers almost instantly, YouTube Shorts can increase your reach, engage more viewers, and boost your brand’s visibility in a competitive marketplace.

So, in a world where bite-sized videos are king, the big question for any digital marketer or content creator is: should you jump on the trend? The short answer is probably yes, as long as you create a clear strategy that considers your overall marketing goals, your target audience’s preferences, and how YouTube Shorts can fit with your brand’s story. This article will give you a YouTube Shorts overview and explore how YouTube Shorts might be smart to include in your brand’s content marketing strategy.

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What are YouTube Shorts?

YouTube Shorts are vertical videos up to 60 seconds long, designed specifically for quick consumption. Launched by YouTube as a response to the rising popularity of similar formats on platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts allow creators to capture fleeting moments or messages in a format that is easily digestible to audiences.

Unlike regular YouTube videos, which can span from a few minutes to several hours, YouTube Shorts give you a literal minute to make your point and make it memorable. In this way, YouTube Shorts can serve as the spark to ignite interest in your brand, and bring in viewers who might then stick around for longer content pieces or dive deeper into your product offerings.

Related: YouTube Shorts: Should you make them?

Benefits of using YouTube Shorts

YouTube Shorts are not just about capturing fleeting attention; they offer tangible benefits that can elevate your digital marketing strategy. From boosting viewer engagement to expanding your reach across younger demographics, these short-form videos offer a lot of value. Let’s take a look:

Engagement and reach: YouTube Shorts really knock it out of the park with their ability to significantly boost engagement. The short duration of the videos encourages users to watch multiple videos in one sitting, increasing overall watch-time from a single user session. This works wonders in reaching younger audiences who prefer quick and entertaining content snippets over longer-form videos.
Algorithm leverage: YouTube loves content that keeps viewers glued to the screen and on their platform longer, which is exactly what YouTube Shorts can do. Their favor by the YouTube algorithm means that YouTube Shorts have a better shot at appearing in feeds and recommendations. So by folding YouTube Shorts into your strategy, you can get more eyes on your content without the heavy lifting required by traditional SEO tactics.
Visibility benefits: YouTube Shorts are also a fantastic way to increase a channel’s visibility. Since they are featured prominently on YouTube, even new creators have a chance to reach large audiences if their content is engaging and meets the algorithmic preferences of YouTube.
Opportunity for creativity: With only a minute to tell a visual story, you can tap into some incredible reserves of creativity, finding unique ways to showcase your story.

Related: How to make YouTube Shorts: An in-depth guide

YouTube Shorts vs. other platforms

While TikTok definitely pioneered popularizing short-form video content, YouTube Shorts offers a distinct advantage with the added benefit of YouTube’s massive audience and sophisticated analytics. So participating in short-form video content on YouTube Shorts isn’t just about going viral; it’s about strategic visibility and data-driven content tweaks.

Similarly, when compared to Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts often offers better integration with the rest of the YouTube ecosystem, including the ability to easily share and promote content across platforms and use existing YouTube channels to boost Shorts visibility.

Related: TikTok vs YouTube Shorts vs Instagram/Facebook Reels: Which platform is best?

Examples of how to use YouTube Shorts in marketing

Many successful YouTube Shorts creators and businesses have leveraged YouTube Shorts to great effect. Let’s take a look at a few creative examples of how different businesses could use YouTube Shorts to uplevel their marketing efforts.

Fashion Retailers: Product Launches and Style Guides

A fashion retailer could use YouTube Shorts to create buzz around new collections or product launches. Imagine quick, visually appealing videos showcasing models wearing new outfits in everyday scenarios or offering a sneak peek behind-the-scenes of a fashion shoot. Additionally, Shorts can be used for quick style tips or fashion hacks, like how to style a scarf in 5 different ways in under 60 seconds. This not only engages the audience with useful content but also highlights multiple products in a single, digestible format.

Tech Companies: Feature Highlights and Quick How-Tos

Tech companies can utilize YouTube Shorts to demonstrate new features of their products. For example, a smartphone manufacturer could produce a series of Shorts, each highlighting a key feature of their latest model, such as camera capabilities, battery life, or special apps. Another approach could be quick how-to videos, like setting up voice commands or customizing widgets, which help users get more from their purchases while subtly promoting the product’s ease of use and versatility.

Food and Beverage Brands: Recipes and Quick Tips

Brands in the food and beverage sector can create engaging Shorts featuring quick recipes, cooking tips, or even food challenges that encourage viewer participation. For instance, a coffee brand might post Shorts showcasing different ways to brew a morning cup at home or tips for making the perfect espresso shot. These videos could also highlight the versatility of a product, such as using a popular snack in various recipes, thereby driving interest and multiple uses for a single product.

Fitness and Wellness Brands: Mini Workouts and Health Tips

Fitness brands have a great opportunity to use YouTube Shorts for quick workout routines, such as “60-second high-intensity workouts” or “one-minute yoga stretches for office workers.” These can be exceptionally engaging and useful for viewers looking for fitness inspiration without the time commitment. Additionally, wellness brands could share quick health tips, like mindfulness exercises or hydration reminders, which fit perfectly into the concise format of Shorts and encourage daily engagement with the audience.

Each of these approaches not only capitalize on the brevity and visibility of YouTube Shorts, they also align with the brands’ goals to engage their audiences more creatively. Not only will these efforts help in building brand awareness, they can also drive actual product usage and customer loyalty.

Related: How to make YouTube Shorts: An in-depth guide

Creating effective YouTube Shorts

Okay, let’s dive into actually creating effective YouTube Shorts! Honestly, the sky’s the limit when it comes to how you approach it, but there are a few keys that can make your content strategy sing.

Choose good content that fits your brand

Focus on high-energy, visually appealing content that fits your brand and is immediately captivating. Quick tutorials, humorous skits, visual transformations, fun behind-the-scenes, before-and-afters, intriguing information, DIY projects, and clear calls to action all perform well as YouTube Shorts. The key is to keep it engaging and packed with value, even in just a minute.

Pay attention to your production

The best YouTube Shorts are those that are well-planned and excellently executed. Good lighting, clear audio, and high-quality video are essential, even for brief clips. And remember, the first few seconds are crucial—include an engaging hook to keep eyeballs on your video.

Optimize it

Optimize each YouTube Short by using relevant hashtags, catchy titles, and engaging thumbnails. Also, encourage viewer interaction by asking questions or prompting viewers to comment, which can boost the algorithmic performance of your videos.

Challenges and Considerations

While YouTube Shorts can offer significant advantages, there are a few YouTube Shorts challenges that could impact your strategy. Keeping these things in mind, as well as other short-form video considerations, will help you seamlessly weave YouTube Shorts into your broader marketing efforts.

Content saturation: To say it’s a crowded medium would be a serious understatement. One of the main challenges with YouTube Shorts is the sheer amount of content being uploaded daily, which can make it difficult to stand out. However, it is possible to combat this by maintaining a unique brand voice, consistently producing high-quality content that resonates with your target audience, and bringing fresh angles to common topics.
Quality vs. quantity: While producing a high volume of content can be beneficial for staying relevant, it should not come at the cost of quality. High-quality, well-thought-out content often performs better than large quantities of mediocre content, so focus on creating memorable YouTube Shorts rather than churning out forgettable ones.
Strategic alignment: Make sure your YouTube Shorts strategy aligns with your bigger marketing goals. YouTube Shorts should be a part of a content strategy that supports your brand message and business objectives, and they should complement, not complicate, your overall brand narrative.

Related: The ultimate guide to YouTube Shorts monetization & strategies

Integrating YouTube Shorts into your content strategy

By now, you know that incorporating YouTube Shorts into your existing content strategy can open up new avenues for engagement and audience growth. But you might be asking yourself how to go about achieving this.

Thankfully, it’s as easy as 1-2-3, and this section of our content strategy guide is devoted to walking you through the steps to blend YouTube Shorts into your broader digital marketing efforts.

Step 1: Planning

Develop a content calendar specifically for YouTube Shorts that complements your other content efforts. This should outline what types of videos will be created, when they will be released, and how they tie into other marketing activities. Remember: your YouTube Shorts should be part of a larger plan, not just random shots in the dark.

Step 2: Execution

Consistency is key. Regular posts keep your audience engaged and your channel favored by YouTube’s algorithms. Additionally, monitor trends within the Shorts community to adapt and innovate continuously (while still staying true to your brand).

Step 3: Performance tracking

Use YouTube’s analytics tools to track the performance of your Shorts. Insights such as view count, watch time, and engagement metrics are super valuable for refining strategies and understanding what content works best.

Get started with YouTube Shorts

“To short or not to short; that is the question.” Well, there’s no denying it: YouTube Shorts offer a fresh, engaging way to connect with an audience that craves quick, entertaining content. They can amplify your reach, boost engagement, and even give you a leg-up in the YouTube algorithm game.

Soooo…. to answer the above question… we’d say, yes, give YouTube Shorts a try! Experiment, analyze, and tweak your strategy to see how these under-a-minute short-form videos can work for you. Here at Teachable, we’ve got our fingers crossed that this YouTube Shorts overview has given you the tools to create a clear YouTube Shorts strategy that fits well with your overall marketing goals, your target audience’s preferences, and your brand’s story.

If Teachable is of interest and you'd like more information, please do make contact or take a look in more detail here.

Credit: Original article published here.

Certified vs non-certified: do you have to be certified to be a life coach?

Software Stack Editor · June 28, 2024 ·

The field of life coaching is booming, and it’s not just a passing trend. Recent statistics from Grand View valued the market at $1.4 billion in 2022, meaning that the life coaching industry is not just surviving; it’s thriving, making it all the more attractive for newcomers.

But here’s the million-dollar question for aspiring life coaches: Do you need to be certified in order to succeed in this field? That question has a few layers, so let’s explore it from a few different angles.

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What exactly is a life coach?

If you’re reading this article, you likely already know what a life coach is! But just in an effort to make sure we’re all on the same page about the career we’re talking about, essentially a life coach is a professional who specializes in helping people achieve their personal and professional goals. By offering guidance, support, and accountability, life coaches help their clients create actionable plans for success and make meaningful changes.

This partnership can focus on various aspects of life, including career growth, relationships, personal development, and overall life satisfaction, and the life coach and client will often work together over a series of sessions to ensure consistent progression in the client’s goals.

So if being a life coach is a goal of yours, you should know that it not only gives you the opportunity to guide others through their personal and professional transformations; it’s a career that also comes with a ton of rewarding benefits. From the satisfaction of making a real difference in people’s lives to the potential for flexible work hours and financial gain, life coaching can definitely be a fulfilling and lucrative career path to pursue.

But do you need to get certified as a life coach before jumping into this field?

Related: How to become a life coach

Understanding life coach certification

What is life coach certification?

Life coach certification is essentially a seal of approval from a professional association that vouches for an individual’s competence and adherence to industry-recognized standards.

Basically, it tells the world you’ve got the chops to coach and you’re not just winging it!

Generally, becoming a certified life coach involves completing specific coursework, accumulating a certain number of real-life coaching hours, undergoing direct mentorship from established coaches, and passing an assessment. The requirements are designed to ensure that coaches have a solid foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of coaching. Entities like the International Coach Federation (ICF) are key players in the certification arena, providing credentials that are recognized worldwide.

Types of certifications available

From helping people climb the corporate ladder to guiding them through personal upheavals, there’s a life coach niche for just about everything… which means there are many certifications that also fit.

Now, each area may require a different type of certification. For example, someone interested in wellness coaching will pursue a different certification than someone looking at executive coaching. So carefully select your certification based on how well it aligns with your intended career trajectory and the specific clientele you aim to serve.

Benefits of being a certified life coach

Getting certified as a life coach isn’t just a formal nod to your skills; it’s a path that can lead to some serious perks. Let’s take a look at how certification can boost your credibility, expand your professional network, and even increase your earning potential.

Credibility and professional recognition: In a field where trust and reputation are extremely important, having a recognized credential can set you apart from the competition. It assures clients and fellow professionals that you’re serious, you know your stuff, and you’re committed to upholding high standards of coaching practice.
Access to professional networks: Being a certified coach often comes with membership in respected coaching organizations, which can be a significant resource. These networks can provide opportunities for collaboration, continuing education, and client referrals, all of which can enhance your professional development and business growth.
Potential for higher income: When it comes to their mental and physical well-being, clients may be more likely to trust someone with documented expertise. Holding a certification may boost their confidence in your skills, and may increase the likelihood that they’ll choose you over uncertified competitors. This results in more sales, and may attract clients who are willing to pay top dollar for top-notch coaching.

Related: How much do life coaches make?

Challenges of being a non-certified life coach

It is absolutely possible to be a life coach without obtaining certification, but you may find that it comes with a few challenges. Here are a couple of hurdles non-certified life coaches may face.

Credibility issues: As a non-certified life coach, you may find it more challenging to establish trust with potential clients and may find that you have to spend extra time proving yourself. You might also face skepticism from within the coaching community, which can affect your professional relationships and growth opportunities.
Limited professional opportunities: Some reputable coaching platforms and networks require certification as a prerequisite for membership. As a non-certified coach, you might miss out on opportunities to work with certain clients or organizations that only hire certified pros.

What your path could look like as a life coach

The truth is, you can have success in life coaching whether you are certified or not. It really depends on personal career goals, financial resources, and the specific audience you intend to serve.

So consider a few of these scenarios of both certified and non-certified life coaches. From Sarah’s jump in income post-certification to Tom’s success in building trust without formal credentials, these stories shed light on a few different paths.

Certified life coaches

Let’s imagine a scenario where a life coach named Sarah decides to pursue a certification through the ICF. Post-certification, Sarah notices a dramatic shift in how potential clients perceive her services. The certification not only boosts her credibility but also connects her with a valuable network, leading to a 30% increase in her income due to higher rates she can now command. Although the journey requires significant investment of both time and money for coursework and mentorship, it pays off as Sarah establishes a thriving practice in executive coaching, serving high-profile leaders.

Consider another hypothetical coach, James, who opts for a specialized certification in wellness coaching to merge life coaching with health advice. This decision arms him with specific tools that appeal to his target audience, enabling him to offer personalized coaching sessions. The process of finding the right certification takes considerable time and effort, but it allows James to develop wellness programs for companies and run workshops that solidify his client base and professional connections.

Non-certified life coaches

On the flip side, imagine Maria, who launches her coaching career without any formal certification, relying instead on her extensive background in HR and corporate training. Initially concerned about her credibility, Maria finds that her practical experience and results gradually win over clients. Despite facing challenges in gaining initial trust and breaking into formal networks, her focus on building strong client relationships and leveraging word-of-mouth becomes her most effective marketing strategy, leading to a sustainable business focused on career transitions.

And finally, picture a coach like Tom, who chooses not to pursue formal certification but instead builds his practice based on personal experiences and self-education. Tom’s approach emphasizes authentic connections over credentials. He faces hurdles competing for contracts in settings that favor certified professionals, yet his commitment to transparency and continual learning helps him cultivate a loyal clientele through online platforms and social media, where his engaging style and personal growth stories resonate with individuals interested in personal development and lifestyle changes.

So the bottom line from all of these examples is that, whether you choose to be certified or not, both paths can lead to success in life coaching, albeit with different challenges and strategies. Certified coaches often benefit from the immediate credibility and networking opportunities provided by formal programs. Non-certified coaches may need to work harder to establish trust and credibility, but can also achieve great success through personalized approaches and strong client relationships.

So should you get certified or not?

There are at least two important things to consider while making your life coach certification decision: your career aspirations and your budget.

As far as your career aspirations, think about where you see your coaching career going. Do you dream of big corporate gigs, or a more personalized practice helping individuals? Your answer might dictate whether you need that certificate hanging on your wall.

With regard to your budget, it goes without saying that certifications can be pricey, with fees for courses and exams, not to mention the time commitment required. So you’ll need to evaluate your financial situation and figure out if the potential payoff in client trust, network access, and higher fees is worth the upfront cost.

Run through this decision-making checklist to further drill into whether certification is right for you:

Identify your niche: Who do you want to coach and what problems are you solving?
Check your wallet: Can you afford the certification hustle?
Career goals: How does certification fit with your long-term plans?
Opportunity scan: What’s the market like? Do your target clients care about certification?

Related: Life coach certification programs

Bottom line: your coaching journey, your rules

Deciding whether to get certified in life coaching is not one-size-fits-all and depends heavily on your individual circumstances and professional aspirations.

Whether you decide to go for that certification or opt to go without it, the key is to stay true to what makes you a fantastic coach. Keep learning, keep growing, and let your passion for helping others guide you and your clients to incredible win-win scenarios.

If Teachable is of interest and you'd like more information, please do make contact or take a look in more detail here.

Credit: Original article published here.

How to sell digital products for beginners

Software Stack Editor · June 27, 2024 ·

Creating your online course is just the starting point. The real game begins when you sell it effectively—turning your expertise and hard work into a steady revenue stream. If you’re ready to see your sales numbers climb, you’ve landed in the perfect spot. This guide is all about actionable strategies to elevate your sales from the ground up.

The e-learning market is on a steep upward climb, expected to hit a whopping $1 trillion by 2032, up from $200 billion in 2022, according to Global Market Insights Inc. This explosive growth encompasses the whole sphere of online education, including university programs, corporate training, and yes—online courses like yours.

With such immense potential at stake, it’s time to dive deep into the tactics that can help you tap into this thriving market. Let’s break down the process of selling your digital products into clear, actionable steps.

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What are digital products?

A digital product is any virtual or intangible item that you can purchase and sell online. Think things like online courses, software, eBooks, digital music, videos, and graphics—all available right at your fingertips through a simple download or online access. These items are particularly perfect for today’s on-the-go lifestyle since they don’t require shipping or physical storage.

The beauty of digital products lies in their scalability. Once you’ve created your product, you can sell it over and over again without the need to restock or incur traditional production costs, which means the profit margins can be impressively high. Plus, they’re instant—your customers can enjoy them right away, no matter where they are in the world, making digital products a perfect fit for our fast-paced, digital-first economy.

So after you’ve created your digital product, now it’s time to get it sold. Let’s look at some strategies.

Related: 23 profitable digital products to sell online

Deeply understand your audience

When it comes to marketing your digital product, particularly an online course, knowing your audience inside and out is your first big play.

Start by developing a detailed buyer persona that includes not just demographics but also your potential customers’ interests, challenges, and online behavior. What’s their age range, where do they hang out online, what hurdles are they trying to jump with your course? Send out surveys, dig through social media insights, and analyze website traffic to get to know your audience and find out what your students are itching to get.

This insight allows you to tailor your content to their needs and create marketing messages that hit home for them. It also helps you choose the channels that are most likely to reach them effectively. For instance, if your course is designed for busy professionals, LinkedIn might be a more appropriate platform for your marketing efforts than, say, TikTok.

Once you’ve got your audience mapped out, start segmenting them based on distinct characteristics and needs. For instance, if you’re offering a photography course, you’ll likely have beginners who are just starting out as well as seasoned photographers aiming to polish their skills. By customizing your course content and promotional messages for these different groups, you’ll likely see an increase in both engagement and sales, making every student feel like you’re speaking directly to them. It’s not just good teaching; it’s smart marketing that turns browsers into buyers.

Related: How to build your audience personas

Pricing your digital product: finding the sweet spot

Setting the right price for your digital product is definitely a balancing act, because it can truly make or break your sales.

Think about the real worth of your course—how does it stack up against the competition out there? Dive into some market research to check out what your competitors are charging, and more importantly, how your course stands out in terms of depth and results.

This isn’t just about finding a sweet spot for pricing; it’s about ensuring your price reflects the unique value you’re offering without scaring off potential customers. You might even consider using tiered pricing to cater to different levels of commitment and budget, providing various access levels or bonus content to sweeten the deal.

Don’t be afraid to shake things up with some promotional pricing, either—think discounts for early birds or special discounts for Black Friday. These strategies can boost early sales and get people excited about your offering.

Remember, flexibility is your friend here. Keep an eye on how these prices perform and listen closely to customer feedback. If your initial price isn’t hitting the mark, be ready to tweak it. It’s all about testing and refining; adjust your pricing strategy as you learn what makes your audience want to hit that “buy” button. Keep your approach dynamic and responsive to ensure you’re always offering the best value at the best price.

Related: Tips for putting a price on what you know

Choosing the right sales platform (Teachable vs. Marketplaces)

Choosing the right platform to sell your online course is like picking the perfect stage for your rock band: you need the right fit to make sure the crowd hears every note.

On one hand, you’ve got big marketplaces where loads of students browse through a sea of courses—think of these like giant music festivals where everyone’s vying for the audience’s attention. These platforms can offer lots of foot traffic… but your course might just be another act in the lineup, struggling to shine among the headliners.

Then there’s Teachable, a platform that’s more like having your own concert venue. Here, you get to control everything—from ticket prices (a.k.a. your course fees) to the posters on the wall (think branding and course design). Teachable lets you personalize your student’s learning experience, keep a bigger slice of the pie, and you get tools that help you understand your audience better, like analytics and marketing features that are tailored for educators.

If you’re tired of getting lost in the crowd and ready to take center stage with your digital products, Teachable might just be your spotlight!

Related: Selling digital products on a platform vs marketplace

Building a compelling product page that converts

A stellar product page is your best salesperson. It’s the first thing potential customers see, and it holds a lot of sway in whether they decide your course is worth their time and money.

So make sure that it leaves a solid impression! Highlight the key benefits of your course in a way that’s easy to digest. Use engaging visuals and a clear layout to guide visitors through the content, answering common questions they might have along the way. Don’t forget to pop in some standout calls to action (CTAs) that nudge them towards signing up. Sprinkle your page with relevant keywords to boost its visibility in search engine results, making it easier for your future students to find you.

Adding a dash of social proof like testimonials, endorsements, and case studies can also spice up the trust factor of your course. When potential students see that others have not only invested in your course but have also reaped substantial benefits, they’re more likely to do the same. Keep your testimonials relatable and genuine, showcasing the real impacts your course has had on past students.

To keep your sales page performing at its best, regularly tweak and test different headlines, images, and CTAs. This ongoing optimization keeps your page fresh and effective, continually enhancing its ability to convert visitors into customers. Treat your product page as an extension of yourself: welcoming, informative, and inviting.

Related: How to create a powerful sales page that converts

Digital product marketing strategies

As you might’ve guessed, marketing is the engine that drives your sales. Effective marketing communicates the value of your course and persuades the right audience to buy.

When it comes to marketing, content is king but context is queen. So think of engaging marketing content that you can create that not only introduces your course but also offers real value—think free webinars, sample lessons, or insightful blog posts related to your course topic. This approach helps build trust and establishes you as an authority in your field, making potential customers more likely to take the leap and purchase your course.

Remember, each piece of content should include a clear call to action (CTA) that guides readers toward your sales page, subscription form, or any other conversion-oriented action.

And like we said in the product page step, don’t underestimate the power of testimonials and social proof. It bears repeating: nothing convinces potential buyers better than hearing from past students who have achieved success through your course. Share these stories prominently on your sales page, in your emails, and across your social media platforms. You might also consider offering a limited-time discount or bonus content to first-time subscribers, which can create a sense of urgency and encourage immediate action.

But above all else, we recommend that you follow the old adage of “connect first, sell second.” Marketing is about building relationships, not just pushing products. If you offer value and build the relationships with the right audience, the sales will come.

Related: Do this to market your course before launching: Expert advice

Launch strategies that work (without a huge audience)

Launching your digital product, especially when you don’t have a massive following, can feel a little like throwing a party where you’re not sure anyone will show up. 😅 But don’t worry; you can still pull off a successful launch… and the main way to do it is by leveraging the power of exclusivity and urgency.

Start by creating a buzz with a pre-launch email sequence sent out to a carefully curated list—even if it’s small. Share sneak peeks, early bird specials, or access to exclusive content for those who sign up or express interest before the launch. This builds anticipation and makes your initial audience feel special, turning them into eager advocates ready to spread the word.

Next, consider partnering with influencers or other course creators who share your target audience but aren’t direct competitors. Now, this can be a game-changer, giving you access to a broader audience and lending credibility to your offering. Arrange for guest posts, co-hosted webinars, or social media shoutouts in exchange for a share in the revenue, or provide them free access to your course for an honest review. Pro tip: the key is to choose partners whose audiences align with your course’s niche, ensuring that the traffic they drive is likely to convert into sales.

Lastly, make good use of social proof and testimonials right from the start. Even if your audience is small, encourage the early adopters to provide feedback and share their experiences. Showcasing these testimonials during your launch can significantly boost credibility and convince fence-sitters to take the plunge. Also, run a limited-time offer or launch discount to create urgency. This tactic can push prospects who are still deciding, to act now rather than later. Keep the momentum going with regular updates and added bonuses for new sign-ups to keep the course appealing beyond the initial launch phase.

Related: About to launch your online course? Use our checklist

The power of community & customer support

Building a thriving community around your online course can seriously amp up your sales game. Think of your community as your course’s fan club—where students gather not just to learn, but to chat, share insights, and support each other’s growth.

This sense of belonging can turn happy students into vocal advocates for your course. Facilitating a place where students can ask questions, get extra resources, and interact directly with you not only enriches their learning experience but also boosts course completion rates. Happy students are more likely to recommend your course to others, creating a cycle of engagement and new sign-ups.

Customer support is another cornerstone of a successful online course. It’s not just about answering queries; it’s about being proactive and genuinely helpful, ensuring that all students feel supported throughout their learning journey. Quick and thoughtful responses to questions or technical issues can make a massive difference in student satisfaction.

Consider setting up a dedicated support channel, like an email helpdesk or a special section in your course community where students can get help. Regularly updating your FAQ section based on the feedback and common issues faced by students can also preemptively solve problems, reducing frustration and dropout rates.

So definitely don’t underestimate the power of going the extra mile with your support and community efforts. Regular check-ins, live Q&A sessions, and providing additional learning materials can further enrich the learning experience. Encouraging students to share their progress and successes builds a positive learning environment and motivates others.

Ultimately, a strong community and robust customer support structure not only enhance the attractiveness and effectiveness of your course but also cement its reputation as a worthwhile investment, leading to better sales and more satisfied learners.

Related: How to build an online community

How Teachable can help you actually sell your digital products

Selling digital products isn’t just about having a great course. It’s about creating an ecosystem where your course can truly thrive—from pricing it right and choosing the right platform to engaging with your community and continuously optimizing your tactics.

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So, are you ready to roll up those sleeves and jump into the lively world of online communities? Head over to Teachable and watch your digital sales take flight! Remember, this digital selling game is all about being proactive. Keep adjusting, keep testing, and keep pushing those sales forward.

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If Teachable is of interest and you'd like more information, please do make contact or take a look in more detail here.

Credit: Original article published here.

Upselling vs. cross-selling for creators

Software Stack Editor · June 27, 2024 ·

So you’ve made your digital product, and now you’re ready to start bringing in the sales. As you learn about ways to market your product, chances are good you’ve come across terms like “upsell” and “cross-sell.” And while they may sound similar, these two sales strategies can play very different roles when it comes to getting your digital products sold.

This guide will break down each term, compare their uses, and offer actionable strategies to optimize your sales process. After all, a study by Forrester Research found that upselling and cross-selling can account for 10-30% of e-commerce revenues. So, with that in mind, let’s get started!

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Upselling explained: offering higher-value options

First up, let’s talk about upselling. Imagine you’re at a fast-food restaurant and you order a burger. The cashier asks if you want to “make it a meal” by adding fries and a drink for a little extra. That’s upselling in a nutshell — encouraging customers to buy a more expensive version of a product, or add extras, to make a higher sale.

For digital products, upselling could look like offering an extended version of a course, additional content, or exclusive access to live sessions for an added fee. The key here is to make the upsell relevant and valuable. It’s not just about selling the most expensive option; it’s about making the customer’s experience better and adding to the value of their initial choice.

In the context of digital products, upselling could look like:

Offering extended versions of a course
Additional, exclusive content
Access to personalized coaching sessions

Related: Upsells: How to increase your revenue

Cross-selling explained: recommending complementary products

Cross-selling, on the other hand, is when you recommend products that complement the original purchase. Think of cross-selling like being at a book club where someone says, “If you loved this book, you might enjoy this one, too.” It’s all about enriching the customer’s initial purchase with products that complement it.

For digital products, this could mean suggesting a course on photo-editing to complement a photography course, or a series on eBook publishing for those who’ve just learned fiction writing.

The trick with cross-selling is to ensure the additional products make sense in the context of the original purchase. They should feel like a natural extension, not just an attempt to push more sales. When executed properly, it can enhance the customer’s experience and increase your sales without significant additional marketing costs.

For digital courses, effective cross-selling might include:

Suggesting a course on SEO to a learner enrolled in a content writing course
Recommending a time-management tool or eBook to students in a productivity course

Upselling vs. cross-selling: when to use each

Now that we’ve unpacked what each tactic is, you may be asking yourself when you should use upselling versus cross-selling.

Well, choosing between upselling and cross-selling is like deciding whether to go deep or go broad with your customer’s interests.

Use upselling when your learners show an appetite for more in-depth knowledge in the same area; it works well when the customer already sees the worth in your offerings and realizes that bundle deals get them even more of the value you offer.

Use cross-selling when you see an opportunity to enhance their experience by offering breadth across different yet related topics. It’s like when you buy a new smartphone and the salesperson suggests buying a protective case or headphones to go with it.

While both strategies aim to increase revenue, they serve different purposes, and which one you choose often depends on customer interaction and the specific products involved.

Upselling pro tips:

Make your upsell relevant. If someone purchases a beginner’s course on web development, offer them a follow-up intermediate course or a bundle that includes advanced topics.
Offer clear benefits: Clearly show the benefits of the upsell, including what the additional features or products can do for them and why the higher-priced option is worth their investment.
Offer incentives: Discounts, exclusive content, or free trials can make the upsell more attractive. For instance, offering the first month free on a premium version if the customer signs up immediately can be a compelling incentive.
Timing matters: Present the upsell at a time when the customer is most likely to consider it, which is typically after they have decided to buy the initial product but before the final checkout.
Leverage social proof: Use testimonials, reviews, and user statistics to validate the upsell. Showing that others have benefited from the premium product can further demonstrate the value.

Cross-selling pro tips:

Leverage personalization: Personalize cross-sell recommendations based on the customer’s past behavior, preferences, and data; these suggestions are more likely to convert.
Use a soft selling approach: Present your cross-sell as a helpful suggestion that could enhance the value of their purchase, not as a hard sell. This approach respects the customer’s decision-making process and keeps the shopping experience positive.
Monitor and optimize: Continuously monitor the performance of your cross-selling efforts. Analyze what’s working and what isn’t, and adjust your strategies accordingly. This might involve changing the timing of offers, the type of products recommended, or the way offers are presented.
Follow-up and feedback: Use follow-up to ask customers about their experience and potentially introduce other products that could complement their purchase. Feedback not only improves customer satisfaction but also provides insights into the effectiveness of your cross-selling tactics.

Upselling & cross-selling examples for creators

Let’s look at some examples of upselling and cross-selling that you might use for your digital products:

Say you’re selling an online course on digital marketing. An upsell could be an offer for an advanced masterclass on digital marketing analytics at a discount, if purchased with the original course. A cross-sell could be suggesting a course on social media marketing strategies, assuming it complements the digital marketing course.
Say you’re selling an online course on creative writing. An upsell could be an offer for exclusive feedback sessions with an author. A cross-sell could be a course on self-publishing a book.
Say you’re selling an online course on digital photography. An upsell could be an offer for a bundle that includes advanced editing techniques. A cross-sell could be a course on videography or a guide to starting a photography business.
Say you’re selling an online course on fitness training. An upsell could be an offer for a more comprehensive course with additional workout plans and dietary guides. A cross-sell could be a wellness and mindfulness course.
Say you’re selling an online course on public speaking. An upsell could be an offer for an advanced communication skills workshop. A cross-sell could be a course on body language.
Say you’re selling an online course that teaches Italian cooking techniques. An upsell could be an offer for a premium package that includes live sessions with professional chefs. A cross-sell could be an eBook with Italian dessert recipes.

These examples show that the key is understanding what adds value to customers’ purchases and takes their experience to the next level.

Related: How to upsell (almost) anything using Teachable

The art of the upsell: doing it ethically

The most important thing to remember, however, is that upselling should feel like a win-win, for both you and the student!

The art lies in making sure that your upsells are genuinely useful, and aren’t just there for the sake of higher revenues or pushing higher-priced products. Offer upgrades or additional features that genuinely add value and improve the customer’s outcome from the purchase. Be transparent and let your customers know what they’re getting and how it benefits their learning journey.

When upselling gets annoying: UX is important

Ever been to a website so cluttered with ads that you couldn’t wait to leave? That’s a perfect example of what not to do with your upsells.

There’s a fine line between effective upselling and spammy tactics, and it definitely impacts your user’s experience (UX). When a customer selects a course, your upselling should feel like a helpful suggestion (not a pushy sales pitch) and integrate seamlessly into their experience.

Think subtle, intuitive prompts in the sidebar or in a pop up that can be dismissed if not interested, rather than those aggressive pop-ups that are impossible to maneuver around.

User experience should never be compromised by aggressive sales tactics. Make sure that your offers are presented as optional and that they provide value.

Sometimes choosing not to upsell is the right choice

Believe it or not, there are times when it’s better to hold back on upselling or cross-selling. For instance, if a customer’s purchase history shows that they prefer lower-tier or introductory products, pushing high-end upsells might feel pushy and lead to dissatisfaction.

Be sure to read the room (or the data), because sometimes, playing it cool is the best sales strategy. If a learner seems overwhelmed or is satisfied with their current purchase, respect their space. This builds trust and increases the likelihood they’ll return to purchase from you in the future.

Related: How to make your first digital product sale (video included)

Upsell & cross-sell successfully with Teachable

By understanding and implementing both upselling and cross-selling, you can not only increase your revenue but also your value to customers, improving customer satisfaction and retention.

That’s a huge win-win, and will keep your customers coming back to you again and again.

So use these strategies wisely, keep your users’ experience at the forefront, and if you’re ready to 10X sales for your digital products, get started with Teachable to make it happen!

If Teachable is of interest and you'd like more information, please do make contact or take a look in more detail here.

Credit: Original article published here.

How to become a content creator after a layoff

Software Stack Editor · June 21, 2024 ·

Losing your job can feel overwhelming and disheartening. But through all the uncertainty and pressure, it’s time to move on and find other sources of income. You may already be considering various career paths, and becoming a content creator could be a promising option.

Content creation has been rising in popularity in the last few years due to the rise of social media platforms and an increasing demand for digital content. A decade ago, few could have imagined that creating simple videos — like speaking to a camera for one-minute clips — could turn into a career.

Yet, today, people like Khaby Lame have turned content creation into lucrative careers without even talking into said camera.

The content creation industry is substantial, with an estimated value of approximately $104.2 billion. This places it on a similar economic scale to established professions such as nursing and marketing.

In this article, we’ll explore content creation as a potential career path for those trying to find their footing after a layoff.

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Why should you try becoming a content creator after a layoff?

While not a get-rich-quick scheme, content creation has the potential to grow over time as you build an audience. You can earn money in different ways, such as sponsorships, merchandise, fan support platforms, etc.

Starting a content creation business after a layoff can be appealing for a few key reasons. First, content creation allows you to make money from skills you already have, like writing, design, video editing, etc. It’s also relatively cheap to get started—all you really need is a computer and an internet connection.

Second, it gives you control and flexibility that you didn’t have before. As a content creator, you’re the boss – you decide what to create, when to work, and what direction to take. This flexibility is great if you have other responsibilities like caregiving.

Third, you get to share your passions, knowledge, and creativity with an audience. There’s a high demand for unique online content across all kinds of topics and niches.

So, after a setback like losing your job, turning to content creation and later, influencing, lets you regain control, pursue your interests, and have flexible income potential. But it does require hard work and constant adaptation.

Skill you need as a content creator

You may be surprised to find that many of your existing skills from your previous job can seamlessly translate into the world of content creation.

Here are some valuable transferable skills that can help you succeed as a solopreneur:

Writing and communication skills
Creative skills (Video editing, graphic design, photography, audio production)
Technical skills (Coding, web development, app creation)
Analytical and research skills
Project management skills
Marketing and promotion skills
Collaboration and teamwork
Adaptability and continuous learning

The challenges of being a content creator

One of the most significant hurdles is building an audience from scratch, which can be a slow and frustrating process. You’ll need to consistently produce high-quality content, engage with your audience, and navigate the unpredictable algorithms of social media platforms.

One of the biggest challenges is standing out in an oversaturated market. With millions of content creators vying for attention, it can be difficult to build a loyal audience and establish yourself as an authority in your niche. This means you’ll need to consistently produce high-quality, engaging content that offers value to your viewers or readers.

Another obstacle is the unpredictable and often inconsistent income stream. Unlike a traditional job with a steady paycheck, your earnings as a content creator can fluctuate greatly, especially in the early stages. It may take months or even years to build a sustainable income, and you’ll need to have a solid financial plan in place to weather the ebbs and flows.

Additionally, you’ll need to stay up-to-date with trends, algorithms, and platforms in the content creation world. What works today may not work tomorrow, and you’ll need to be adaptable and willing to continuously learn and evolve your strategies.

Also, as your popularity grows, complete independence may become unfeasible. You might find it necessary to hire a manager to safeguard your business interests and even engage cybersecurity professionals to use penetration testing tools on your site to guard against hackers. Remember that investing in a good team is crucial for sustained success.

While these challenges may seem daunting, especially for someone who is looking for a career change after layoff, it’s important to remember that with hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt, building a successful content business is possible.

How to find your niche as a content creator

Finding the right niche is crucial but not easy. It sets the direction of your content, helps you connect with the right audience, and distinguishes you in a crowded market.

To find that sweet spot, start by evaluating your interests, hobbies, and expertise. Ask yourself these questions:

What are you truly passionate about?
What topics do you find yourself endlessly researching or discussing with others?
What topics give you joy to explore?

These passions can serve as a solid foundation for your content creation journey.

However, it’s equally important to identify the skills you possess that could be valuable in creating content. Do you have a knack for writing, design, video editing, or public speaking? Matching your creative talents with your interests can help you produce high-quality content that resonates with your audience.

Once you’ve identified your passions and skills, now figure out what kind of personality you want to present to your audience. Generally, there are 2 types of creators: entertainers and educators. Entertainers aim to amuse and delight, while educators aim to teach the audience. For instance, Khaby Lame is an entertainer, while Erika Kullberg is an educator.

Once you have these figured out, now try and study successful content creators in your niche and identify opportunities to differentiate yourself. It’s also essential to understand your target audience’s interests, pain points, and content consumption habits.

Remember, finding your niche is an iterative process, and it may take some experimentation to find the perfect fit. The key is to remain authentic and true to your passions while providing value to your audience.

Low-cost tools and platforms for content creators

There are many low-cost ways to establish your presence as a content creator without breaking the bank.

First, research and find free and affordable online tools and platforms for content creation. For content creation, tools like Canva for graphic design, Audacity for audio editing, and OpenShot for video editing offer robust features at little to no cost.

Leveraging these tools and platforms allows you to create high-quality content without a significant financial investment. This way, you can focus on honing your skills and building your brand more efficiently and cost-effectively.

Also, pay attention to popular content creation tools in the market. Despite the energy demand, AI is revolutionizing the content industry, and finding the right tools can be a game changer for you. In fact, data shows that these tools can help you cut the time and cost needed to make videos by up to 80%.

As you grow and expand your content business, you can explore more advanced tools and platforms that align with your evolving needs and budget.

How to grow your audience

Building an audience as a content creator is a gradual process that requires patience and strategic effort. Here’s a step-by-step guide with practical tips to help you grow your following:

Defining your target audience. Identifying your target audience is the foundation of building a successful audience. Take the time to research and understand their interests, pain points, and content consumption habits.

Engaging your audience. Engagement is key to building a loyal, dedicated audience. Respond to comments and messages promptly, fostering a two-way dialogue. Ask for feedback on your content and incorporate their suggestions.

Provide value. Consistently providing value through your content is the key to retaining and growing your audience. Create content that solves problems, entertains, or educates your target audience.
Be patient and consistent. Building a loyal, engaged audience takes time, dedication, and consistent effort. Understand that overnight success is rare, and be prepared for a marathon, not a sprint. Consistently create high-quality content, engage with your community, and analyze your metrics to adjust your strategies as needed.

Monetization strategies for turning content into income

When transitioning into one of the different types of creator businesses, understanding how to monetize your work is crucial. Here are some practical and effective monetization strategies that content creators commonly use:

Advertising revenue

One of the most direct ways to earn money from your content is through advertising. Platforms like YouTube, blogs, and podcasts can integrate ads.

For example, YouTube pays creators a portion of the ad revenue generated from their videos through their Partner Program, but you need to meet specific eligibility criteria to qualify. Blogs can use Google AdSense to display ads, where earnings are based on clicks and impressions.

Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is a performance-based strategy where content creators promote products or services using unique affiliate links and earn a commission from sales or actions taken through these links.

This model benefits both brands, which gain access to the creators’ audiences, and affiliates, who can earn passive income without handling products directly.

Key payment models:

Pay-Per-Sale (PPS). This is the most common model where affiliates earn a commission for each sale made via their links.
Pay-Per-Click (PPC). Affiliates earn each time someone clicks on their affiliate link, regardless of whether it leads to a sale.
Pay-Per-Lead (PPL). Commissions are earned for generating leads, like sign-ups or consultations, which usually require a higher engagement level than clicks.
Pay-Per-Action (PPA). Similar to PPL, but targets users further along in the purchase process, like those ready to buy.

Joining communities & finding mentors for your journey

Building a strong support network is crucial for the success of any of these popular types of creator businesses, especially when starting out after a layoff. Here are practical strategies to find mentors and communities that can guide and uplift you on your journey:

Find a mentor. A mentor who has already achieved success in content creation can provide invaluable guidance and advice.
Join online communities. The internet is home to numerous vibrant communities of content creators sharing resources, tips, and support. Join niche-specific forums, Facebook groups, or subreddits related to your area of content creation to meet like-minded people.
Attend in-person events. While online communities are valuable, attending in-person events can provide networking opportunities and hands-on learning experiences.
Building a local network. Seek out content creators in your local area and build a supportive network. Attend local events, join co-working spaces, or reach out to creators you admire for coffee or collaboration opportunities.

Things to ask yourself before becoming a content creator

Deciding whether to pursue a career in content creation after a layoff is a deeply personal decision. It’s crucial to engage in honest self-reflection and ask yourself some tough questions to determine if this path aligns with your goals, skills, and lifestyle.

Here are some essential questions to consider:

Are you truly passionate about your chosen niche or topic?
Do you possess the necessary skills (writing, video editing, graphic design, etc.)?
Are you prepared for inconsistent and unpredictable income?
Can you effectively manage your time and juggle multiple tasks?
Are you comfortable with self-promotion and marketing yourself?
Do you thrive on continuous learning and adapting to industry changes?
Does this career path align with your lifestyle and financial situation?
Are you prepared for the potential challenges and setbacks?
Do you have a backup plan or alternative income source?
Are you willing to invest the time and effort required to build a successful career?

While losing your job can be overwhelming, it’s also an opportunity to explore new and fulfilling career paths. Becoming a content creator allows you to leverage your skills, gain control over your work, and share your passions with the world. The journey requires hard work, adaptability, and a willingness to learn, but the rewards can be immense.

Ready to start your journey as a content creator? Join Teachable with a free plan today and begin owning your income and impact. Whether you’re a budding influencer or an established content creator, Teachable provides the tools you need to turn your passion into a thriving business.

If Teachable is of interest and you'd like more information, please do make contact or take a look in more detail here.

Credit: Original article published here.

Cannes Lions Festival for creators (2024)

Software Stack Editor · June 20, 2024 ·

In the sun-drenched realm of Cannes, an event like no other is unfolding.

The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is an annual gathering of the world’s top creative minds, leading companies, and advertisers.

This year it’s where the new rules of the creator economy are being written, and every creator should be paying attention.

Here’s what we’re seeing from the festival so far…

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Creators get in on the action

For the first time, Cannes Lions is rolling out the red carpet for creators. Yes, you read that right.

Creators, who once operated on the fringes of the advertising world, are now being welcomed into the grand halls of Cannes with all the pomp usually reserved for Hollywood’s elite.

Top creators like MrBeast, Colin & Samir, and Madeline Argy are not just attending; they are headlining. They will be rubbing shoulders with tech giants like Elon Musk and stars like Chrissy Teigen and John Legend.

This year’s festival will feature creator-focused panels, networking events, and even a dedicated “headquarters” for creators to meet advertisers. This change shows how creators are redefining the boundaries of advertising and marketing.

What it’s like for creators at Cannes

Picture this: you’re sitting on an outdoor terrace overlooking one of the most breathtaking views in Cannes, complete with perfect lighting and makeup stations courtesy of Elf Cosmetics. This isn’t just a fantasy—it’s the new reality at Cannes, where creators can shoot content that screams luxury and exclusivity. Thea Skelton, vice president of events at Cannes Lions, says, “The backdrop is probably one of the best views in Cannes.”

And if the view isn’t enough to make you envious, consider the special “creator ticket” priced at a tempting €1,374 ($1,476)—about a third of the cost of a standard pass. It’s as if Cannes is saying, ‘Hop in, creators! The water is warm.’

Why the Cannes matters for creators

There is a major shift in how advertisers view and use the influence of creators.

As Ammar Kandil, co-founder of Yes Theory, puts it, “Creators are the ones who have people’s attention through the work that we do. Ultimately, advertising is based on being able to monetize that attention.”

For creators, this festival is a golden opportunity to mingle with top advertising executives. It’s a chance to forge new partnerships and make deals that could elevate their brands to new heights.

Samir Chaudry of Colin & Samir highlights the rare opportunity to sit down face-to-face with marketers. “Those are people making decisions to spend with us, and learning the problems they are trying to solve teaches us a lot about our own business.”

Join Teachable with a free plan today and start owning your income and impact as a creator. Whether you’re a budding influencer or an established content creator, we bring the tools you need to turn your passion into a thriving business. Don’t wait—start completely free today.

If Teachable is of interest and you'd like more information, please do make contact or take a look in more detail here.

Credit: Original article published here.

Build a Stronger Personal Brand Through Diversification

Software Stack Editor · June 18, 2024 ·

As Shakespeare famously said, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts.” Content creators play many parts on the road to success. Just as an actor can get typecasted—only offered similar roles based on one they found success in—creators can also feel pigeonholed into creating the same type of content to keep their audience happy.

Even if you have a personal brand strategy that’s working well for you, you might consider expanding your brand through diversification. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to expand your brand’s reach, mitigate risks, and maximize opportunities for growth through personal brand diversification.

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What is brand diversification?

As its name suggests, brand diversification is a way to diversify your brand. This can be through expanding your content, offerings, and revenue streams. There are many different reasons you might consider diversifying your personal brand, for instance creative freedom, to increase your income, and more.

What makes a good personal brand diversification strategy?

Before you set out in uncharted territory, remain anchored to your personal branding strategy (assuming it’s already working for you). You want to make sure the directions you’re expanding in feel authentic and that you’re not just chasing what others are doing.

Another important brand diversification strategy consideration is why you’re branching out. What is your intention? Is it to reach a new audience? Is it more creative freedom? Is it to earn more revenue? Get really clear about where you’re going, so you don’t stray too far off course.

Next, be considerate about how to mitigate risk. You don’t want to lose your existing audience. That said, you also don’t want to be too attached to them or what seems to be working, as preferences can be swayed based on what’s trending. This is a balancing act; on the one hand, don’t go chasing trends so much that you’re abandoning yourself, but also don’t be so afraid to take risks that you never try anything new.

Expand your content offerings by exploring new formats

One way to diversify is to consider different formants for sharing your content.

For instance, if you have a podcast, you can start video recording episodes to give listeners a new way to tune in—and perhaps reach people who prefer video content to strictly audio content. If you’re a seasoned video editor, consider offering something live, rather than an edited, packaged up version.

When considering which directions to expand in, consider what is a natural extension of what you’re already doing. This isn’t to say that you can’t swing the pendulum in a completely different direction, but starting small can help you test the waters of your new content without abandoning what’s already working.

Diversify your income streams

Once you’ve tested the waters of potential new formats of content, you might start considering ways to diversify your income streams. For instance, if you’re a skilled writer or photographer, and your bread and butter is selling your work, perhaps consider an online course to teach people what you know.

Take a look at what’s working, as well as where you might want to grow. As you weigh your options, be realistic about what feels manageable: what is something you can easily implement, and what are some of the bigger goals that will take some time and planning before you can execute? Are there projects you can create that offer a return on your investment, perhaps by helping you generate passive income?

Explore new platforms

When considering new platforms to share your content, it’s important to keep your strengths and skills in mind. Meanwhile, different platforms come with different opportunities for monetization, such as ads, sponsorships, etc.

If you’re an avid TikTok content creator, for instance, consider sharing your videos on Facebook, Instagram, and/or YouTube to reach new audiences and potentially new revenue streams. What’s nice about this example is you’re repurposing existing content you’ve already created.

In addition to classic social media channels, consider niche platforms that support the work you do. In the example of the writer, mentioned above, you might start self-publishing on Substack, which your audience can read for free or a recurring fee (monthly or annually). Patreon is also a great platform for creators to accept support.

Another important thing to keep in mind is the kind of experience your audience is having. For multi-channel marketing, they will have a different experience on different platforms your personal brand is on. Your brand is the focus. Omnichannel marketing, on the other hand, offers a more cohesive experience that centers the customer. While there is no right or wrong strategy, it is a good idea to consider what kind of experience you want your audience to have.

Collaborate with others

Another simple way to get yourself in front of new audiences is to collaborate with others. Identify partnerships that feel aligned not only with your personal brand strategy but also areas you want to venture into. While it might feel tempting to collaborate with any potential partnership that comes along, stay true to your brand and audience. Seek partnerships that are in integrity with your brand and values.

Build your email list; create a newsletter

One simple way to diversify your personal brand is to build your email list. If you’re not already tapped into email marketing, it is essential to your brand and business. For starters, you don’t have any control over your followers on social media. You could lose them at any time if there is a shift. Plus, algorithms that determine what content is prioritized are constantly changing.

If your content is primarily on one social channel, start introducing ways to engage off the platform by inviting your audience to receive your newsletter. They might need a little encouragement (i.e. with an enticing incentive). Get creative about capturing their contact information, so you can not only connect in a different way (and therefore reach potential customers) but also so you can remain connected outside of unpredictable social media channels.

Invest in your personal brand

Before branching out, invest in your personal brand, so that systems can run smoothly as you explore additional avenues. Investment doesn’t have to mean financial; investing can also be in your time and energy.

In addition to monetary, investments can be in your time and energy. Financial investments might include content creation tools, trainings, and money budgeted for running ads on your content, while investing in your time and energy might look like content planning and reviewing performance of past posts through analytics.

Engage with your audience

We already know engaging with your audience is important when it comes to social media algorithms, and it’s also a good strategy to stay connected with the people already invested in your content. Your audience is a great resource to tap. Test out new ideas by asking for feedback. This can also help create and enhance a sense of community as that human touch can build and strengthen relationships.

Build an authentic community

Engaging with your existing audience can lead to a genuine community. When engaging with them, try connecting in an authentic and vulnerable way. Let yourself be seen and heard, and in turn, when they engage, let them know you see and hear them. This can be by encouraging communication, acknowledging and celebrating them, and holding space for whatever their experience is. The key is to center your audience and offer content that can truly support them. Be patient with growing a community. Prioritize quality over quantity, when it comes to your content, and nurture authentic connections.

Leverage user-generated content (UGC)

User-generated content (UGC) is content that is created by your customers, people that have tried your products and are willing to share their experience. While videos are increasingly popular in the world of Instagram marketing, photos, testimonials, reviews, and comments are also beneficial.

UGC is a form of social proof, helping you build trust among your audience. It can also help widen your reach by introducing your offerings to the user’s network, boost engagement, and create community. When it comes to personal brand diversification, you might partner with micro-influencers to help you launch and build hype around a new offering.

Common diversification mistakes (and how to avoid them)

As we’ve already mentioned, straying too far from your personal brand can be a common pitfall. In addition to neglecting your original content, don’t neglect your existing audience in pursuit of a new one.

Another potential trap to avoid falling into is spreading yourself too thin because you’ve taken on too much or are trying to do everything. Remember what works for you, and don’t get distracted by what everyone else is doing. At the same time, if you are trying something new, don’t give up too easily, as it can take some time to see the fruits of your labor.

The bottom line on building your brand

Stay true to your values

Again, personal brand diversification isn’t about abandoning your core audience, offerings, or strengths. Rather, complement your already-established personal brand with opportunities to enhance what’s already working.

Consider your personal brand strategy your foundation. Diversification is a way to continue building while keeping the integrity of your brand intact.

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If Teachable is of interest and you'd like more information, please do make contact or take a look in more detail here.

Credit: Original article published here.

How to moderate your online course community for success

Software Stack Editor · June 18, 2024 ·

Thinking about leveling up your course by adding an online community? It’s okay to feel a bit nervous about it. Many course creators are in the same boat, unsure about managing a community and keeping it a positive space.

But let’s talk about the upsides—like more engaged students, better learning experiences, and increased loyalty to your course. These perks are just too good to pass up.

So we’re here to make things clearer and show you the essentials of community management and moderation, giving you actionable steps to build a course community that’s fun, respectful, and (importantly) troll-free. Plus, with user-friendly tools from Teachable, you can manage your community with ease, making your teaching experience not only successful but thoroughly enjoyable.

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Related: How to build an online community

Moderating your online community is a non-negotiable

Moderation isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have when you’re running an online community, especially one focused on learning.

A good moderation strategy ensures your community is a respectful and constructive place, where lively discussions can thrive. Without someone keeping an eye on things, your community could quickly get bogged down with spam, off-topic posts, or disruptive behaviors that spoil the learning vibe and might turn people away.

Moderators are the unsung heroes who keep the peace, enforce the rules, and make sure everyone plays nice. They ensure that your community not only stays healthy but also sticks to its true purpose: being a safe place where members can freely exchange ideas and dig deeper into content.

Creating an environment like that relies on proactive planning from the get-go. One of the best places to start is with your community guidelines.

Crafting clear community guidelines: setting expectations from the start

Okay, now that you’ve bought into creating your online community, the next step is to craft clear and comprehensive community guidelines.

Think of these guidelines as the rulebook that sets the tone for your community, outlines acceptable behavior, and outlines the process for addressing issues. It’s all about crafting these rules in a positive light, focusing on encouraging good behavior rather than just slapping wrists for bad stuff.

When creating your community guidelines:

Emphasize respect and inclusivity, making it clear that no forms of harassment, hate speech, or discrimination will be tolerated
Spell out what counts as spam and overly pushy self-promotion, and outline acceptable ways to share relevant content
Emphasize the importance of respecting others’ privacy, maintaining confidentiality, and not sharing personal information without consent
Encourage members to engage in healthy discussions and provide constructive feedback

Getting these guidelines established from the beginning will help you protect your community’s vibe and guide how you and your moderators step in if things start to drift off-base.

For instance, say you’re running an online community focused on digital marketing, and a newbie starts posting links to their own blog in every discussion thread, regardless of whether it’s relevant. This behavior quickly becomes disruptive, with other members complaining about the spam. With your handy guidelines, you can reach out and kindly explain the house rules—that they are welcome to share relevant content in the right spots, but shouldn’t turn every thread into their own personal billboard. Guidelines like this not only help keep the peace, they also keep the discussions rich and relevant.

So having your rules clearly defined and ready to go helps everyone learn how to navigate your community successfully. Pin the community guidelines to the top of your community pages or pop them into welcome emails; this makes sure everyone, especially the newbies, knows how to help the community thrive from day one.

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Moderation tools: making your life easier

Okay, you’ve got your community up and running… does that mean you now have to hover over every word that’s posted to see if it aligns with your community guidelines? Thankfully, nope! Not when you’ve got the right set of moderation tools to take the load off.

Efficiency is the name of the game when it comes to keeping an eye on your community without turning into a full-time watchdog. Luckily, there are tools designed to help you automate repetitive tasks, quickly address issues, and keep the vibes positive.

If you’re running your course on Teachable, you’re in luck. Our platform comes equipped with built-in community features that are about to make your life a whole lot easier. Here’s what you can do:

Set up automated moderation rules to flag or block inappropriate content
Create keyword filters to automatically detect and manage offensive language or spam
Enable tools that allow members to report inappropriate behavior, making it easier for you to identify and address issues
Assign specific user roles and permissions to trusted community members
Use the consolidated review queue to quickly review posts and comments

Tools like these can drastically reduce the manual burden on moderators. For example, say you notice an increase in posts containing some questionable language in your digital marketing course community. Instead of combing through each one, just set a keyword filter to flag them. This way, you’re not stuck hunting down every single slip-up—plus, you can still make the call when a flagged word pops up in a harmless joke. It’s about saving time with automation, while keeping your human touch for the gray areas.

As you can see, using intuitive tools can make the job of moderating your online community so much easier.

Related: 21 ways to grow an online community in 2024

Empowering your members: encouraging self-moderation & positive community culture

Your online community will truly blossom when members feel deeply connected to it and take ownership of their space. When they see the value they’re getting and are motivated to protect this environment, you’ll find they’re more likely to self-regulate. This self-regulation fuels a community culture that’s cooperative, inclusive, and committed to upholding standards—a real win-win!

You can encourage this further by regularly acknowledging both the big wins and the little victories of your members. Recognize those who consistently contribute positively. This not only boosts their sense of belonging but also shows you really value their input, encouraging them to engage even more. Plus, by consistently modeling respectful and constructive behavior yourself, you set a gold standard for how everyone in the community should interact.

But there’s more—this approach can lead to what we like to call community-led moderation. Let’s say you notice a bunch of members struggling with a particular aspect of your course. Why not set up peer support groups? It’s a great way for members to help each other out, share tips, and deepen connections. This doesn’t just strengthen the community’s bonds and shared responsibility; it also eases up your moderation duties by cultivating a supportive and collaborative vibe.

So, by creating a welcoming atmosphere where members feel comfortable helping out—whether that’s by answering questions, sharing resources, or flagging issues—they’ll see their actions as pivotal to the community’s success. It’s about making everyone an active player in keeping the community thriving.

Maintaining an inclusive and accessible online community environment

Making sure everyone can join in the fun means really dialing into inclusivity and accessibility in your online course community. So shake things up by providing content in different formats like text, audio, and video, and sticking to web accessibility standards to ensure no one’s left out. By embracing a mix of media and ensuring things like video subtitles and screen reader-friendly designs, you make sure everyone, regardless of their abilities or preferences, feels right at home.

But promoting inclusivity doesn’t stop with just mixing up content formats. It’s about understanding and meeting the varied needs of all community members, which could range from different educational backgrounds to various physical abilities to differences in tech access to cultural differences. This not only makes folks feel valued but also amps up their eagerness to participate.

And let’s not forget about ironing out any kinks that might stop members from getting fully involved! Whether it’s tweaking the timing of live sessions to fit different time zones or offering transcripts for those who prefer reading to listening, every little change helps. Keeping your finger on the pulse with regular surveys on accessibility, and being ready to adjust on the fly, can significantly boost how accessible and engaging your community is.

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Handling difficult situations: de-escalation strategies & when to take action

No matter how airtight your community guidelines are, tricky situations can still pop up! Handling these effectively is key to keeping your online community healthy and drama-free.

When dealing with conflicts or disruptive behavior, consider the these de-escalation strategies:

Stay cool and neutral. This helps calm things down and encourages everyone to chat it out like adults
Let everyone involved share their side of the story. It shows you’re listening and taking their concerns seriously
Circle back to those community guidelines. Explain why the behavior in question isn’t going to work, backing up your points with the rules everyone agreed to
Offer up constructive solutions or middle grounds that could keep the peace

For example, say two members in your online course community get into a heated debate over a touchy subject. Things get personal, and insults start flying. Time for you to step in. Remind both sides about the community rule: respect is key. You might suggest they take a break to cool off before diving back in with a focus on facts and courteous conversation. Ping them with a private message, too, acknowledging their enthusiasm but stressing the importance of keeping discussions respectful. All of these steps help to de-escalate the situation while reinforcing community standards.

Sometimes, though, a calm chat won’t cut it, and you might need to lay down the law. If someone keeps breaking the rules, don’t be shy about giving them a warning. Make it clear that if the behavior continues, it could lead to steeper consequences, like a temporary ban to give them some time to think about their actions. And in really extreme cases, like if someone’s spewing hate speech or harassing others, a permanent ban might be the only way to keep your community safe.

Handling these sticky situations swiftly and fairly shows everyone that you’re serious about keeping the community a safe, welcoming place to learn and interact.

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Transparency & communication: how to handle moderation decisions with your community

Moderating discussions in an online community is more art than science. It’s about welcoming diverse viewpoints and creating a safe space where members can speak their minds without fear of backlash. As a moderator, your role is to foster this inclusivity while making sure conversations stay polite and productive.

Sometimes, though, you’ll find yourself walking a tightrope—balancing healthy debates with the need to reel in behavior that goes against community guidelines. If a debate starts to turn sour, it’s crucial to step in transparently and communicate openly about any actions you take. Being clear about why you’re stepping in not only builds trust but also keeps everyone on the same page and reduces misunderstandings.

When you do have to make a moderation call, be straightforward and specific, pointing directly to the rule that’s been broken. It’s important to apply these rules evenly across the board, no matter who’s involved, to keep things fair and avoid any whispers of favoritism. Even when you’re calling out not-so-great behavior, keep your tone respectful to maintain the member’s dignity and promote a constructive back-and-forth.

For example, say a member in your community repeatedly makes inflammatory comments and engages in personal attacks, despite multiple warnings. After careful consideration, you might decide it’s time for a permanent timeout to keep the peace. Making this decision public can help everyone understand what happened and why, reinforcing that your actions are about keeping the community a friendly place for everyone. This also serves as a gentle reminder of the rules and how members can report any dodgy behavior.

Deciding when to take issues public or keep them private is another part of your moderating toolkit. General reminders or big announcements about guideline changes should be public to keep everyone in the loop. But for specific issues or sensitive topics, a private chat is better, helping you handle the situation without making a spectacle and respecting everyone’s privacy.

How you handle these tricky moments can really define the spirit of your community, ensuring it remains a safe and engaging place for everyone.

Related: 4 different types of online communities & strategies for your business

So by now you should see that managing an online community for your course is absolutely something you can do — and you should do! The benefits of nurturing a vibrant community are massive, both for you and your students.

It’s all about creating a place where learners feel secure, supported, and keen to get stuck in. This guide has steered you through the nuts and bolts of running an online community smoothly, and now you’re equipped to create a buzzing learning hub yourself. With tools like Teachable, keeping your community in line becomes a breeze, freeing you up to focus on your real passion—teaching!

If Teachable is of interest and you'd like more information, please do make contact or take a look in more detail here.

Credit: Original article published here.

Recurring Revenue for Creators: Models, Strategies, & Tools

Software Stack Editor · June 17, 2024 ·

There is a famous quote in the film Field of Dreams: “If you build it, he will come.” As creators, we often wonder if the same is true: If we build our online courses and/or digital products, will the customers come?

When our dreams of creative freedom are bound to financial realities, it can put a lot of pressure on the “building”, or content creation, process. Creators have a lot on their plates and can use support wherever they can get it. One solution to working smarter, not harder, is to streamline your income with recurring revenue. In fact, it can bring your business from hustling to smooth sailing.

In this article, we’ll cover what recurring revenue is and why creators need it, as well as recurring revenue models, strategies, and tools for execution. Learn why recurring revenue is the key to sustainable growth as a content creator—and how to make it work for you.

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What is recurring revenue (and why creators need it)

As its name indicates, recurring revenue is revenue that is generated on a recurring, or regular, basis. This could be monthly recurring revenue (MRR), for instance, although the auto-renewing terms can also be flexible: weekly, bi-monthly, annually, etc.

Before we dive into types of recurring revenue model examples, consider the benefits of having recurring income.

Consistency: While some create content as a side hustle, complementing other sources of income, others create content as an alternative to a traditional 9-5 job. With recurring income, including passive income, you’re essentially getting yourself back on payroll, if you will, but on your own terms. A predictable stream of income offers stability and allows you to plan for the future.

Freedom: Additionally, as mentioned above, knowing what income to expect means stressing less about numbers frees up time and space for creativity. This might mean more free time for work-life balance or scaling your business to expand your offerings.

Community: Meanwhile, recurring revenue means having customers that are committed to your offerings, allowing you to cultivate deeper connections with your community.

Types of recurring revenue

Now that we’ve explored what recurring revenue is and why you’d want to implement it, let’s take a look at recurring revenue model examples that might be right for you and your business. The following types of monetization for creators can apply to physical or non-physical products, and you might consider a combination of subscription business models, depending on what feels most aligned for your unique offerings.

Subscription boxes

While subscription boxes were once a novelty, offering goodies and treats in various niches, they’re becoming more and more practical. Even big box e-tailers like Amazon have incorporated a “subscribe and save” option at checkout to take advantage of recurring revenue. Customers are inclined to subscribe, especially when it offers convenience to their daily lives. For instance, dog food companies like The Farmer’s Dog and JustFoodForDogs offer healthy meal options and save their customers a trip to the pet food store.

Subscription boxes are ideal for delivering physical products. When considering if this is a recurring revenue model that can work for your business, put your intended audience first: How will this support them? How will it solve a problem or make their lives easier? In addition to creating high-quality products, consider how a subscription box will best serve customers.

Memberships & content tiers

Whether you create physical or non-physical products, memberships and content tiers are a great way to earn recurring revenue. A membership offers your customers exclusive access to your content. Offering tiers makes membership accessible to more people, depending on their wants, needs, and budgets.

An example of this for physical products is Rent the Runway. Different tiers offer you access to a different number of designer apparel and accessories. The higher the rate you select, the greater the access you have.

Online courses (beyond one-time sales)

If you already have a course you’ve created or are thinking about course creation, consider how you can go beyond a one-time transaction. This might look like offering access to your course for a recurring fee, continuing to release bonus videos or modules after a course has ended, or maintaining an accountability group (see community membership below).

Community memberships

For many offerings, the online community is an important feature to highlight. The collective wisdom in the container you’re creating can be something to center your membership around, especially if your audience could benefit from accountability. This type of membership is common in a wide range of lifestyle topics, including business and marketing, dating and relationships, fitness and well-being, and more. Be mindful that offering a community membership will require you to keep your community engaged and connected.

Subscription-based coaching or consulting

If you’re a coach or consultant, offering your services as a subscription is a way to guarantee your clients continuing booking appointments. You might consider offering an incentive to book in advance, for instance a package with a set amount of appointments. You might even have a recurring revenue model as the primary way to book an appointment, so that clients can only book on a recurring basis—and of course have the option to pause or cancel as necessary. While this might create more administrative work (i.e. back and forth communications to answer questions, manually having to pause, etc.), you can strategize how to effectively communicate how the subscription works. Ultimately, you can decide if a little extra administrative work is worth a more consistent revenue stream.

SaaS product

SaaS is “software as a service.” Offering a SaaS product as recurring revenue might look like offering access as long as a customer remains subscribed. Similar to memberships, this might include tiered plans that offer different features.

Wrap up

Now that we’ve explored what recurring revenue is, why it’s important, and different subscription business models, you might be wondering how to actually implement a recurring revenue model for your business. Fortunately, it’s an increasingly popular need that businesses have, so many different platforms accept recurring revenue, meaning you don’t have to keep track or do the administrative work every month / term. Payment apps, including PayPal and Stripe, allow you to set-up recurring payments. We have the functionality to implement recurring payments on your Teachable account. Meanwhile, website hosting platforms, such as Squarespace, and marketing platforms, like Kajabi, also have similar features.

While certain recurring revenue models may be more suitable for certain niches, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all method for a niche. Just as you have your own unique offerings and skill set, so, too, can different types of recurring revenue be tailored to different niches. The best way to start is to center your audience and what will best serve them.

If Teachable is of interest and you'd like more information, please do make contact or take a look in more detail here.

Credit: Original article published here.

12 of our favorite free AI content generator tools to try

Software Stack Editor · June 10, 2024 ·

Writing high-quality content consistently can be a major challenge, especially for brands on tight budgets or busy schedules. However, recent innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) have opened up exciting new possibilities through AI writing assistants.

These AI tools leverage advanced language models to understand context, conduct research, and generate stunningly coherent text on virtually any topic. In fact, data shows that 81% of marketing experts today believe that AI could potentially take over some content writing jobs in the future.

However, not all free AI writing tools are created equal. They can vary significantly in their feature sets, output quality, limitations, and ideal use cases. So, if you want to find the best AI content generator for your business needs, check out our list.

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What are AI content generator tools?

AI content generator tools are software that use artificial intelligence to automatically create various types of content such as email copy, blog posts, social media updates, and ads. These tools simplify content creation by allowing you to input basic details like keywords, which the software then uses to produce content relevant to the topic.

They analyze large datasets to learn how to construct coherent and natural-sounding text on virtually any topic. With just some basic prompts or guidelines, the right AI tool can quickly generate draft content to use as a starting point or even full-fledged written pieces.

State of the AI content tool market

The AI content tool market is growing rapidly. This is driven by increasing demand across various sectors, from marketing to healthcare and finance.

In fact, the global artificial intelligence market is projected to expand significantly, with an expected market size of approximately $305.9 billion by the end of 2024, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 28.46% from 2024 to 2030.

Generative AI is particularly influential. It makes it easy to create everything from text and images to complex simulations. This segment is forecasted to grow exponentially, potentially reaching a market size of $1.3 trillion by 2032.

AI tools are also becoming indispensable in content creation. Approximately 68% of businesses have reported increased returns on investment in content marketing due to AI integration. The technology is especially effective in automating routine tasks and generating data-driven content, which can substantially enhance productivity and creativity.

AI tools we’ll focus on today (for written content)

Our main goal is to determine which free AI writing tools work best for different writing needs and budgets. Some tools may excel at blog drafts, while others are better for creative stories, finding the right expressions or trigger words, or overcoming writer’s block.

That said, here are the top 12 tools we will discuss in this article:

Teachable – best course curriculum generator
Kajabi – best for digital product creation
Copy.ai – best all-around AI content generator
Jasper – best for staying on brand
Simplified – best for content creators
Rytr – Versatile AI Writing Assistant
Writesonic – best for marketing teams
ContentBot – best AI tool for blogging
ChatGPT – Versatile AI-Language Model for Content Creation
Buffer – Comprehensive Social Media Management Tool
ContentShake by SEMrush (now part of ContentStudio) — best for optimizing blog content
Anyword – best AI copy generator

How we selected this list of AI tools

We considered several key criteria when selecting these tools to ensure that each tool meets a high standard of quality and functionality. Here are the criteria you can use if you want to test them yourself:

Accuracy and factual correctness. The AI tools must generate precise and factually correct content. Start by evaluating the tools’ ability to adhere to the facts and provide error-free information, which is crucial for maintaining credibility and trustworthiness in the generated content.
Performance. Assess the tools based on their efficiency and ability to handle requests quickly and effectively. This includes evaluating their processing speed and capacity to handle a large volume of content generation without compromising quality.
Value for money. Cost-effectiveness is another crucial factor. The selected tool needs to offer significant value for its price, providing a wide range of functionalities at a reasonable cost. This helps ensure that users get the most out of their investment in the tool.
Security. Given the importance of data privacy and protection, the tools have to demonstrate robust security measures to protect user data and content. This involves secure data handling practices and compliance with relevant regulations to prevent data breaches and ensure user privacy.
Features. The range and sophistication of features offered by the tools are also a major consideration. Tools that provide a comprehensive set of features, such as content optimization, SEO tools, and integration with other platforms, were prioritized to give users a versatile and powerful tool for content creation.
User experience. Finally, the overall user experience was critically evaluated. This includes the tool’s ease of use, the intuitiveness of the interface, and the quality of support provided to users. A positive user experience is essential for ensuring that users can effectively and efficiently utilize the tool to its fullest potential.

Best AI tool for creating digital products

Teachable – best course curriculum generator

Teachable is our top pick for the best AI course curriculum generator tool. It’s ideal for online educators, experts, and anyone creating digital courses or training materials.

Why Teachable? Its built-in AI writing capabilities are specifically designed to streamline and accelerate the curriculum creation process. This saves course creators valuable time compared to writing everything from scratch.

Teachable’s AI generator is best suited for those who want to rapidly produce first drafts of lessons, modules, assignments, and other course components, which can then be polished and finalized before publishing.

Key features

Topic expansion. Just enter a few keywords about the subject you want to teach, and the AI will generate thorough lesson outlines and scripts fleshing out those topics.
Automated quizzes & assignments. Provide learning objectives, and Teachable’s AI will construct practice quizzes, tests, worksheets, and coding assignments to reinforce the material.
Course workflow integration. The generated curriculums seamlessly integrate into Teachable’s online course platform, making it easy to organize, market, and sell your AI-assisted courses.

What you get: A completely free plan

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Kajabi – best for digital product creation

Kajabi is the perfect AI content generator for creating digital products. It focuses on content for online courses, coaching sessions, podcast episodes, and membership communities. It’s one of the AI tools that can help small businesses build out a number of digital products simultaneously.

Teachable packages advanced AI capabilities into a streamlined, education-focused platform – the ideal AI course builder solution.

Key Features

AI storyboarding. Kajabi’s smart editor maps out multimedia scripts, lesson flows, ebook chapters, and more using generative AI.
Automated digital breakdown. Generate audio waveforms, video storyboards, slide decks, and visual aids from uploaded text with AI.
Intelligent content optimization. Built-in AI analyzes your content for gaps, accuracy issues, SEO opportunities, and engagement factors.

What you get: 14 days free

Copy.ai – best all-around AI content generator

Copy.ai stands out as the best all-around AI content generator thanks to its wide range of capabilities and ease of use. It is particularly useful for content creators who need quick, effective copy for various platforms.

You can use it to brainstorm blog post ideas, answer questions for your research, and even help write long-form blog content. Keep in mind the template library may be plentiful, but it’s not exactly equipped with data annotation, and you’ll have to customize your prompts to a certain degree.

Key Features

Multi-lingual capabilities. In addition to English, Copy.ai supports over 25 languages for added global content creation capabilities.
Advanced tone/style controls. Intuitive sliders let you precisely dictate the tone, creativity level, vocabulary, and other stylistic elements for the perfect on-brand voice.

What you get: 2,000 words free + other free AI tools

Jasper – best for staying on brand

Jasper is an AI content creation tool that focuses on nailing your brand voice so there’s little to no tweaking needed for the content style. Upload your brand voice details and use the AI tool to generate content that perfectly fits your brand style.

This helps cater Jasper’s AI content to ensure it works for your brand and isn’t generic content that could work for any company within your industry. You’ll still need to tweak the content and ensure it sounds human—but it should perfectly match your voice.

Key Features

Brand voice. It ensures your brand’s tone of voice remains consistent across all content. You can train the AI to mimic your unique style by providing it with examples of your writing. Maintaining a consistent brand voice is essential for reinforcing your brand identity.
SurferSEO integration. It integrates with SurferSEO to enhance the SEO of your articles, helping improve your website’s search rankings and increase traffic.

‍What you get: 7 days free

Simplified – best for content creators

Simplified is an arsenal of several AI tools that help content creators build out a ton of content for their creative businesses. Not only does it create content, but it can also create images, presentations, and videos.

This can be extremely helpful for a busy content creator. Though the free trial doesn’t offer much content, it can be a great way to help creators determine whether this tool is worth paying for.

Key Features

AI design. With Simplified, you can tackle various graphic design projects, such as landing pages, posters, ads, and social media posts. This feature is user-friendly, even for those without graphic design experience.
Social media scheduling. Simplified also features tools for planning, tracking, and analyzing social media posts directly within its app interface, streamlining your social media management process.

What you get: 2,000 words free

Best AI tools for writing

Rytr – A Versatile AI Writing Assistant

Rytr is a completely free AI writing assistant designed to streamline the content creation process.

This tool is ideal for those on a tight budget who require frequent content updates without the expense of hiring a content writer. While you can’t really source the data directly from a Microsoft 365 backup, the tool is particularly useful for startups and solo entrepreneurs who need to maximize their content marketing efforts economically.

Key Features

Language and tone customization. Users can tailor the AI’s output to match the desired tone and style, ensuring that the content aligns with their brand identity. Rytr supports multiple languages, making it a versatile tool for global content strategies.
SEO optimization. Rytr includes built-in SEO tools that help users optimize their content for search engines right from the start. This feature is essential for businesses aiming to increase their online visibility and reach a broader audience.

What you get: Completely forever free

Writesonic – best for marketing teams

Writesonic is a great all-around option that works well for teams. It offers collaboration options so marketing teams can work together. Not only that, it also offers a “Photosonic” tool for AI image generation and a “Botsonic” tool for creating a no-code custom chatbot, making this tool the whole package.

Writesonic is particularly beneficial for marketing teams looking for rapid content creation across multiple channels. It’s ideal for businesses aiming to enhance their online presence through compelling and persuasive marketing copy.

Key Features

Ad copy generation. Writesonic excels in generating creative and effective ad copy that captures attention and drives conversions. This feature is crucial for marketing teams looking to boost their campaigns’ performance quickly.
Tailored brand voice. Writesonic provides options to customize the writing style to match a brand’s voice, ensuring all content is aligned with the company’s identity. This feature supports brand consistency, which is vital for building trust and recognition in competitive markets.

What you get: 10,000 words/month

ContentBot – best AI tool for blogging

ContentBot is a great AI tool for blogging, but one of its best features is its ability to help teams create workflows. ContentBot can be used to help automate and create your team’s entire content marketing workflow—content creation included.

This tool is ideal for bloggers, digital marketers, and freelance writers who need to produce high-quality, engaging blog content regularly.

Key Features

Auto-complete writing assistant. ContentBot features an advanced auto-complete function that helps writers by suggesting text as they type, significantly speeding up the writing process and helping to overcome writer’s block.
Rich content templates. With a variety of templates specifically designed for blogging, users can easily create structured posts that are optimized for reader engagement and SEO. These templates cover a wide range of blogging needs, from how-to articles to listicles and reviews.

What you get: 5,000 words free

ChatGPT – A Versatile AI-Language Model for Content Creation

ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, is a versatile AI language model chosen for its ability to generate human-like text and handle a wide range of tasks. It is particularly well-suited for individuals and businesses looking for a powerful tool to assist with content creation, customer support, and various other text-based applications.

Key Features

Versatility in applications. ChatGPT can be used for a wide range of applications, including content creation, customer support, language translation, and even coding assistance. This versatility makes it a valuable tool for various industries and use cases.
Personalization and contextual understanding. ChatGPT can remember user preferences and context from previous interactions, allowing it to provide more personalized and relevant responses. This feature enhances user experience by making interactions more intuitive and tailored to individual needs.

What you get: Unlimited use of the GPT-3.5 model 40 prompts/3 hours + the ability to expand later on

Best AI tool for social media marketing

Buffer – A Comprehensive Social Media Management Tool

Buffer is a comprehensive social media management tool chosen for its ability to streamline content creation, scheduling, and analytics. It is particularly well-suited for small businesses, social media managers, and marketing teams who need to maintain a consistent and engaging online presence across multiple platforms.

Key Features

AI-powered content creation and scheduling. It can create personalized posts tailored to different social media platforms, ensuring that the content is optimized for each channel’s unique requirements.
Data-driven insights and analytics. Buffer provides detailed analytics on social media post performance, including engagement rates, reach, and follower growth.

What you get: 14-day free trial

ContentShake by SEMrush (now part of ContentStudio) — best for optimizing blog content

ContentShake is an AI tool powered by the SEO tool SEMrush, so it only makes sense that it works well for helping companies create optimized content. Start by inputting your topic or idea to generate a good keyword and a few blog topic ideas based on that keyword.

You can then work with the AI tool to create an optimized blog post by both writing and using AI-generated content to build out the blog post.

Key Features

SEO-Driven content suggestions. ContentShake provides users with data-driven suggestions to optimize their content. This includes keyword recommendations, readability improvements, and backlink opportunities, ensuring that each blog post is primed for search engine success.

Content performance analysis. It offers comprehensive analytics that tracks the performance of blog posts. Users can see how their content is performing in real-time, with insights into metrics like page views, time on page, and bounce rates, enabling them to make informed adjustments.

What you get: 7 days free

Anyword – best AI copy generator

Anyword is an AI writer that can help you create social media captions, write blog content, improve existing content, or anything else you want to write. It offers templates and tools for preset content as well as the option to write a prompt for anything else you need to write.

Similar to Jasper, you can also input your brand voice information in order to get content catered to your specific brand. Remember that, as with any AI content, you’ll need to make edits in order to ensure it’s quality content that sounds like a human wrote it.

Key Features

Predictive performance scores. Anyword stands out by offering predictive performance scores for the generated copy, helping users gauge the effectiveness of their text before it goes live. This feature is based on data from millions of advertising campaigns and is instrumental in maximizing conversion rates.
Audience-specific customization. Anyword enables users to adapt their messaging to target specific demographics or audience segments. This customization enhances the relevance of the copy, increasing the likelihood of engagement and conversion.

What you get: 7 days free

Pros and Cons of using generative AI

Generative AI comes with a range of benefits and challenges that impact various industries and creative processes. Here are some of the common ones:

Pros

Enhanced creativity and innovation. Generative AI can assist in creating new forms of art, music, and writing, pushing the boundaries of traditional creativity. It provides tools that can generate novel ideas and designs, which can be particularly beneficial in fields such as digital art, music production, and content creation.
Efficiency and automation. This technology automates repetitive tasks, significantly speeding up processes like content generation, data analysis, and even software development. This can lead to cost savings and increased productivity for businesses.
Personalization. Generative AI excels in delivering personalized content and recommendations at scale, enhancing user engagement and satisfaction in sectors like marketing and customer service.

Cons

Quality control and data dependence. The output quality of generative AI is heavily reliant on the input data it is trained on. Poor or biased data can lead to inaccurate or unethical outputs, including content that may perpetuate stereotypes or spread misinformation.
Ethical and legal issues. There are significant concerns regarding the ethical use of generative AI, especially related to deepfakes, copyright infringements, and the generation of misleading information. These issues also raise legal challenges concerning intellectual property rights and the potential for privacy violations.

Is using AI tools worth it?

Using AI tools can significantly boost efficiency by automating repetitive tasks, reducing human error, and operating continuously without the need for breaks. This makes AI useful in many areas, including marketing, data analysis, and content creation.

While they are not a complete substitute for human capabilities, these tools can help you in many ways, including your content creation journey. For instance, an AI content generator can help you draft out your course curriculum, outline a blog post, find the right topics, get you out of writer’s block, and so much more.

Learn more about Teachable’s curriculum generator and how you can get started with your first online course.

If Teachable is of interest and you'd like more information, please do make contact or take a look in more detail here.

Credit: Original article published here.