So, you finally decided to get serious about content creation? Love that for you! But let’s be real… starting out can be overwhelming, and mistakes will be made. The good news? I’m about to spill the tea on the seven biggest mistakes new content creators make (so you can dodge them).
1. Trying to Be Everywhere at Once
Listen, sis. You don’t need to be on every single platform from day one. Trying to post on IG, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, and Pinterest all at once? That’s a recipe for burnout. Pick two platforms and master them first. Once you build consistency, then expand.
2. Ignoring SEO & Hashtags
If you’re just posting and praying people will find you… let me tell you, it’s not going to happen. If you’re not using SEO (search engine optimization) or the right hashtags, you’re making it 10x harder for people to discover your content.
Use SEO-friendly captions (Ex: Instead of “Love this look!” → “This curly hair routine is a game-changer for natural hair”). Add 3-5 relevant hashtags (not just #viral, sis). Research high-ranking keywords in your niche and use SEO-friendly titles & descriptions.
3. Waiting Until You’re “Perfect” to Start
You’re waiting for the perfect lighting, the perfect caption, or the perfect moment to post? Meanwhile, somebody else with half your talent is out here growing because they actually show up consistently. Sis, perfectionism will keep you BROKE. You don’t need the perfect camera, lighting, or setup. What you need is to start.
Let’s Fix This:
- Use your phone—most iPhones and Androids shoot high-quality content.
- Get good natural lighting or a cheap ring light.
- Just post it! Your content will improve as you go.
- Growth comes from testing, learning, and adjusting.
- Your audience wants real, not perfect.
4. Not Engaging With Your Audience
Posting and ghosting? That’s why your engagement is low. Social media is about being social!
Spend 15-30 minutes daily engaging (liking, commenting, and replying to DMs). Use call-to-actions (CTAs) in every post (Ex: “Drop a 🔥 if you agree!”)
5. Not Picking a Clear Niche (Just Vibing & Posting Anything)
I get it. You’re multi-talented. You love beauty, fashion, travel, fitness, and a little bit of DIY on the side. But if your content is all over the place, how will brands or followers know what to expect from you? Pick a niche or at least a core theme for your content. Ask yourself:
- What do I love creating?
- What do people come to me for advice on?
- What am I good at?
6. Posting Without a Strategy (Throwing Content at the Algorithm & Praying for the Best)
Posting whenever you feel like it and expecting to grow? Nah, that’s not it. The algorithm favors consistency, and so do your followers. If they don’t know when to expect content from you, they’ll forget you exist. Post at least 3-4 times a week (depending on the platform) and use a content calendar to plan your post.
Analyze what’s working, your numbers will tell you what your audience actually enjoys, not just what you think they want.
7. Not Monetizing Early Enough
One thing about me? I believe in getting paid for your content ASAP. Too many creators wait until they have 10K followers to start monetizing—big mistake! Brands are now collaborating with nano influencers since they have a better engagement rate. The number of followers does not matter! I repeat it does not matter! Too many new creators miss out on brand deals, affiliate marketing, and digital product sales because they think they’re “too small.”
You need to be pushing out your affiliate links when you talk about these products or share things you love, you been doing it for free long enough. Tag those brands as well.
Speaking of which…
If you’re tired of guessing your way through content creation and want a step-by-step guide to making money as a creator, my ebooks, The Ultimate Content Creation Guide, Mastering YouTube & Securing Brand Deals, is exactly what you need. It gives you a step-by-step roadmap to turning your content into coins. Head on over to the ebook section and add them to your cart. Don’t wait until you’re “big” to start making money. Thank me later.