Why creatives, coaches, and small business owners should hire a content creator

Today, I’m writing for the creatives, coaches, and small business owners, to share why you should hire a content creator. (Guess what, I’m one of those! :)) This blog is for the photographers, the sculptors, the stationary makers; the money, mindset, and life coaches; the ethical business owners, and the online solopreneurs. The list goes on, but you’ve got the idea, right?

In this article, you’ll find out what content creators do, and why you’d want to work with one.

Marketing falls last on the list, but it shouldn’t

As a small business owner or solopreneur, you’re pulled in many directions, and lots of times you’re doing it all yourself. Whether you offer services or sell products, though, chances are you can’t get it all done yourself. And many times, your marketing falls by the wayside.

What do content creators do exactly?

We design content such as blogs, social media posts, email blasts, and graphics that resonate with your target audience. We can help you implement the ideas you haven’t had time to act on. And we develop a sustainable plan that doesn’t make you crazy.

Some of the services I help my clients with include:

• Email newsletters 
• Social media copy
• Sourcing and editing images that support the client’s brand
• Freebies or lead magnets (PDFs, worksheets, quizzes)
• Graphics for social media and Pinterest
• Repurposing your content
• …and lots more creative functions that calibrate with the client’s vision

“Willow has done editing and proofreading work of the content for one of my premium online coaching products and our collaboration was smooth and pleasant from day one. She was very professional and reliable at every stage of the project – despite tight deadlines she delivered everything on time and the quality of her work was second to none. She was perfect at managing the fine line between ensuring content flow and maintaining my own tone of voice.

She kept a close eye on consistency and readability of the text and her comments were always spot-on. I felt she really made the effort to understand the subject matter and turn sometimes complex concepts into a simpler, readable copy that a reader can relate to.

I recommend Willow to anyone who is looking for a professional, highly skilled yet empathetic and approachable editor, proofreader, and copywriter who really cares about the quality of your content while keeping in mind the way the world might receive it.”

-Anna Knapik, transformational coach

Four compelling reasons to outsource your marketing to a seasoned content creator

1. Creatives have tons of ideas and not enough time to act on them

I am a creative and I know how our brains work. I’ve discovered that aside from the creativity involved in the products or services you sell, you also need time for creativity for its own sake. Both you and your enterprise need that creative quality time to remain healthy and flourishing. Making enough time to explore your ideas is vital to your creative work and mental health. The time needed to come up with and explore new ideas is not a luxury, it’s essential.

Handing off email marketing campaigns, client outreach, and social media management will free up the time you need for creative exploration. Developing a sustainable marketing strategy that’s perfect for you means you won’t get frustrated and overwhelmed halfway through.

I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in fine art and have owned a documentary photo business since 2009. Therefore; I understand the unique concerns of artists and creatives faced with carving out a path between the business world and their creativity. I am well-equipped to support you.

2. Outsourcing frees you up to focus on your own zone of genius

You probably didn’t start your business so you could spend hours learning how to design an effective lead magnet/email opt-in incentive. But how do you get more signups on your email list? I can help you create enticing copy and images that speak directly to your best prospects, the people who need the products or services you offer.

3. Working with a content creator frees up the time to grow your business

You’ve been wanting to put some critical thought into next steps for your business, but find yourself trapped in day-to-day tasks with no time for deep, strategic thinking. Outsourcing content creation and repurposing your content will free up the time you need to get critical big-picture planning on your calendar.

Consistency and visibility

You’ve probably noticed that social media can be super demanding of your time. You know you need to have a presence, but you don’t have the hours it takes to see what works on social media. A seasoned content creator will create systems and strategies for managing social media that are tailored to your needs. Streamlining your posting and engagement will keep you consistent and visible online without huge time commitments.

Some reasons you wouldn’t hire a content creator

Some creatives and small business owners are resistant to outsourcing. Here’re some of the most common objections I hear.

If you own a small business, the natural urge is to try and do everything yourself. Maybe you feel you can’t afford to invest in outside help yet. It’s scary to invest money on a contractor when you’re still testing your wings as an entrepreneur. But if you assess how much time you spend on the core tasks that really move the needle for your business versus those jobs that need to be done, but are outside your expertise. (Use a time-tracker like Toggl to keep track, if you’re not sure.) If you’re spending a lot of time doing things you’re not really good at or don’t enjoy, you may want to rethink how you use your time.

Investing in outside help sounds scary and expensive

Hiring someone with the training and experience to do the tasks outside your wheelhouse more efficiently and effectively is decidedly worth it. Content creators are up to date on social media best practices and deliver design and writing skills. Freed from those tasks you’re currently shouldering but should likely outsource, imagine what you could accomplish in establishing your brand or getting your business on a more solid footing.

“The interesting and maybe unintended consequence of Willow handling social media for me is that I’m getting two people for the price of one (don’t listen to this, Willow). She knows social media inside and out, but she’s also creative. Her creativity adds deep value to her social media work.”

Christy Strauch, money coach for artists

But, what should I hand off?

Figuring out what to delegate can be a challenge. That’s where an organized and smart content creator can come in and advise you. I offer a complimentary 30-minute call to potential clients in which I’ll help you identify what work would be best to delegate.

Once I onboard a new client we have a longer kickoff  Zoom call to establish next steps. Thanks to my experience helping an array of clients with vastly different needs, I’ve learned how to pose the questions that reveal how we can best work together.

To book a free 30-minute consultation with me to discuss my content creation services, visit my calendar. I’d love to discuss what you’re working on and figure out how I can support you.

So, do you agree with these reasons why to hire a content creator?

Are there other reasons to hire a content creator that I haven’t mentioned? And, what about you–would hiring a content creator benefit you? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.