As a content creator, you’re set with the task of making content that informs and entertains viewers. However, like any other job, you run the risk of forming bad habits that can impact your workflow and affect the chance you have of succeeding in a competitive environment.
Unfortunately, habits can be formed without one realizing it. But if you have a general understanding of what to avoid, you may be proactive with what habits you build before developing any bad ones.
1. Using Clickbait
You’ve seen it before. A creator pulls you in with an interesting thumbnail, but the content has nothing to do with it. Or they don’t give you the whole story in a short-term video and ask you to “like for part two.”
In the end, it’s best to stay truthful with your content. You’re more likely togenerate organic growthand create an engaging community.
2. Inconsistent Posting
If you have a following, it’s because people enjoy your content and want to see more of it. However, if you are not posting consistently, it shows that your profile is not stable, and people may find themselves losing interest in what you have to show.
To help avoid this bad habit, you can always tryusing a content calendar tool to help you organizea regular posting schedule.
3. Relying Heavily on AI
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The use of AI has skyrocketed, and with good reason—it’s a beneficial resource for anyone. However, if content creators find that they are starting to rely on AI to do all the work, they simply won’t grow in their profession.
It takes hours of learning and practice to become a successful creator. So, if AI is doing everything for you, how will you grasp the ever-evolving world of content creation?
This is not to say that you shouldn’t use AI.ChatGPT has numerous ways it can help content creatorswhile allowing them to develop alongside their brand.
4. Producing Poor-Quality Content
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When creating content, quality over quantity should be the goal. If you find that you’re more concerned with pushing content out for views without concerning yourself with how well you’re producing the content, you will find your viewership lacking.
Poor-quality posts show your audience where your focus lies. It will also stop you from growing as a creator because putting time and energy into your work is how you become better. Ultimately, the better the quality of the work, the more likely you’ll flourish.
5. Ignoring Audience Feedback
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Let’s face it—your following is your bread and butter. Without consideration of what your audience wants to see, you won’t succeed as a content creator.
It’s important to take time to engage with your viewers and learn about what they want from you. Not only will this help form a strong relationship within the community you are building, but it will also give you ideas for future posts. It’s a win-win.
6. Not Adapting to Changes
Trends and preferences are constantly changing, which means you have to change with them. If you refuse to adapt your content to the changes, you’ll find your creativity stagnating and your profile irrelevant.
Additionally, if other channels are adhering to the changes that come and go, you’ll also be getting overshadowed.
To help with adapting, stay observant of your audience’s engagement and be open to trying new things and experimenting. You’ll find the more you involve yourself with the ever-changing online world, the easier it will be to adapt as necessary and stay relevant.
7. Over-Promoting Content
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Though it is smart to promote your content, like pushing your new YouTube video with an Instagram Reel preview and a guide to the video’s link, no one likes having the same content frequently thrown at them. It can start to feel like you’re spamming your followers.
Instead, find ways to engage your audience with your content, so they’ll feel more inclined to be involved with your newest post. For example, ask questions rather than request that they watch your video.
8. Changing Niches Regularly
Usually, when you develop a following, it’s because they’re interested in the type of content you’re creating. So, if you find yourself constantly switching niches or making content on too many things, you’re not developing a brand that people can recognize.
For example, if you had a travel YouTube channel and started posting videos on motorcycles you think are cool, you’re going to confuse your audience and lose engagement.
To avoid this bad habit, simplyfind a niche as a content creatorand stick with it. If you want to create content on a different theme, you can always start a new profile—just make sure your first channel won’t suffer from it.
9. Disregarding SEO
SEO is one of the most important factors in content creation if you want your work to reach ideal visibility. By neglecting SEO practices, you’ll be limiting your viewership and wasting your valuable time. In other words, no one will see your posts.
Instead, practice utilizing tags and hashtags to push your content out into the platform you’re on and using keywords in your titles and descriptions for better discoverability.
10. Lack of Planning
Content creation is a lot of work, especially when longer videos are involved. If you record content without a plan, you may end up in the editing process without a storyline, which won’t make for a very successful video.
Creating this type of bad habit will affect different aspects of your role and your process, like the quality of your work and the value you bring to your niche.
This doesn’t mean that every piece of content has to be planned out to the second. You can opt for simple bullet points orwrite a script for an engaging video. Either way, some planning has been put in place to give you the upper hand on your content.
11. Ignoring Self-Care
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Sometimes, it’s not always about creating habits as a content creator but for yourself.Content creator burnout is a real issuethat many find themselves going through.
Taking care of yourself is important when you try to consistently plan out content while trying to stay relevant, adapt to changes, and be part of the community you’ve built. Prioritize your physical and mental health in any way you deem fit for yourself, whether that be yoga, reading, taking a walk, or even watching television.
Stay Aware of the Habits You Build as a Content Creator
In most things you do for a period of time, you tend to build habits. In terms of content creation, especially if you want to try and make it a full-time gig, you’ll need to stop yourself from building bad habits that will affect your process.
Instead, attempt to actively find a way to set yourself up for success with good habits like keeping up with a content calendar or engaging with your audience for fresh, quality ideas.
