You may have noticed that I’ve missed a few days here and there this month. My 30-day challenge has had a few blips, but I don’t consider it a failure, and still plan to keep going and post my stats at the end of this month and every month.
Instead, I see those blips as a learning experience. I’ve left too much up to chance with my blogging, and I’ve failed to devlelop a cohesive plan for the month of September. As a teacher, I realize the importance of planning–I couldn’t live without structured lesson planning, but it’s also important for writers and content creators.
I’m publishing this on Saturday night because Sundays are my favorite days to plan. Tomorrow I will share some ideas for you about effective planning, and the best planning strategies that work for me, from the pros and cons to paper vs. digital planners, to whether or not you should do daily, weekly, or month planning layouts.
Planning is also a form of self-care for me, because it helps me feel more in control of my time, helps keep anxiety at bay, and reduces the nasty surprises and panicked Monday mornings when I’ve gotten behind on my tasks.
Content creators of all types (blogging, YouTube, social media, etc.) face the ever-evolving challenge of capturing and maintaining their audience’s attention. With countless blogs, videos, and social media posts competing for the spotlight, how can you stand out and build a loyal following? The answer lies in one key principle: consistency.
There are numerous benefits to consistency when creating content, and this should be the cornerstone of your content strategy.
Here’s why. Consistency helps with:
1. Establishing a Brand Identity
Consistency in content creation helps you build a strong brand identity. Whether you’re an individual blogger, a small business, or a large corporation, presenting a consistent image and message to your audience is essential. It creates a sense of trust and reliability. When your audience knows what to expect from you, they are more likely to engage with your content and return for more.
2. Building Trust and Credibility
Consistency goes hand in hand with trust and credibility. When you consistently deliver valuable, high-quality content, your audience begins to see you as an authority in your niche. They trust that you will provide reliable information and insights, which can lead to increased brand loyalty and customer retention.
3. Retaining and Growing Your Audience
Imagine tuning in to your favorite TV show, only to find it airs at irregular and unpredictable times. Frustrating, right? The same principle applies to content creation. Consistency in posting schedules, whether it’s daily, weekly, or monthly, keeps your audience engaged and coming back for more. It also makes it easier for new followers to discover and join your community.
4. Enhancing SEO and Discoverability
Search engines love fresh, consistent content. When you regularly update your blog or website with relevant content, search engines like Google are more likely to rank your site higher in search results. This, in turn, makes it easier for people searching for topics in your niche to find your content.
5. Content Planning and Efficiency
Consistency in content creation encourages you to plan ahead and stay organized. You’ll be more likely to create content calendars, set deadlines, and streamline your content creation process. This efficiency not only saves time but also ensures that your content aligns with your long-term goals and messaging.
6. Engaging Your Audience
Consistency extends beyond the frequency of your posts. It also relates to the style, tone, and voice of your content. When your audience becomes familiar with your unique voice and style, they feel a deeper connection to your content. This connection can lead to more meaningful interactions and discussions in comments and social media.
7. Monetization Opportunities
If you’re looking to monetize your content through advertising, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing, consistency is key. Brands and advertisers are more likely to partner with content creators who consistently produce high-quality content and have an engaged audience. Your reliability and track record can open doors to lucrative opportunities.
Conclusion
In the world of content creation, consistency is a powerful tool that can propel your success to new heights. It builds trust, fosters audience growth, and enhances your overall brand image. Whether you’re a seasoned content creator or just starting out, make consistency a priority in your content strategy. The benefits it brings will be well worth the effort, helping you achieve your goals and connect with your audience on a deeper level. So, stay consistent, stay true to your voice, and watch your content thrive.
This is a screenshot of the metrics I track for my blog. This shows the past four months of activity, ending in August. I will share an updated version at the beginning of each month showing the last month (I will post my stats for September at the beginning of October). I’m doing this for two reasons. First of all, I love it when content creators are transparant about their stats, showing views and subscribers and income for things like blogs, YouTube, etc. The other reason is that I thought it might be interesting for my readers to see a blog grow from scratch in real time. Most of the time when I follow a blog they already have thousands of subscribers.
I have no goals except consistency. As I mentioned yesterday, I plan to post at least once per day during the entire month of September, partly as a personal challenge to create a blogging habit, and party to measure the impact of consistent posting on my stats.
You may have also noticed that I’m posting a mix of content, which varies from articles about teaching to articles about content creation. I plan to continue with both topics until I figure out whether I can sustain 2 niches, or if my stats reflect a reader preference for one niche or another.
One thing the productivity gurus like to preach is the power of consistency. One of the biggest problems people have with reaching their goals is trying to do too much at once, burning out, and then giving up. Instead, if we are able to commit to tiny changes over the long haul, we can make enormous strides toward our goals. For example, when dieting people often try to lose 2 or more pounds a week, which is not sustainable, and they give up. Most diets fail. However, if we make small changes and plan to lose only 1/2 pound a week, we can lose 25 lbs. in a year. Even though a year seems too long and 25 lbs. seems too little, in one year I’ll bet most of us are the same weight we are now, or heavier. It’s better to focus on small, consistent goals.
I remember when I first started writing my novel, I heard again and again that writers who commit to a page a day (about 250 words) can finish a novel in a year. Once again, a year always seemed too long, and I couldn’t bring myself to commit to such a tiny challenge. Yet it took me more than 10 years to write my novel (more on that in my next post).
SO, I am committing to making small, consistent changes. One way to do this is the 30-day challenge. Building consistency takes practice. I’m going to pick one small goal, which is write a blog post, of any length and on any topic, at least once per day for the next 30 days.
To demonstrate the power of consistency, I’ll also share my stats and how they have changed over the 30-day period. I know consistency works, because I blogged for two weeks straight in July and my subscriber count doubled. Granted, it was tiny to begin with, but I saw in real time how much just posting consistently impacted my blog stats.
I’m excited to see what the next 30-days brings! If you’re not already, be sure to subcribe to my blog, so you can see my journey and real time, and also because I’ll be having another giveaway at the end of this month.
I haven’t blogged here in a while, mainly because I’ve been getting my kids ready for their school year (I have one in middle school and one in high school) and I’ve also been working with new teachers to help them prepare for the coming year. This can indeed be a stressful and anxiety-inducing time for teachers.. Here are some strategies both new and experienced teachers can use to overcome and prepare for the beginning of the school year anxiety and stress:
Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that the beginning of the school year can be overwhelming, but it’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself and your students. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it’s okay if everything isn’t perfect from the very start.
Plan Ahead: Create a detailed plan for the first few weeks, including lesson plans, classroom setup, and administrative tasks. Having a clear roadmap can help alleviate anxiety by giving you a sense of control and direction.
Organize Your Space: A well-organized classroom can significantly reduce stress. Take time to arrange desks, materials, and resources in a way that is conducive to learning and easy to navigate.
Connect with Colleagues: Reach out to fellow teachers, both experienced and new, to share ideas, tips, and experiences. Collaborating with others can provide a sense of camaraderie and the opportunity to learn from one another.
Self-Care: Prioritize self-care and well-being. Make sure you’re getting enough rest, eating healthily, staying hydrated, and engaging in activities you enjoy outside of work. Taking care of your physical and mental health is essential.
Set Boundaries: It’s easy for teachers to overwork themselves, especially during the start of the year. Set clear boundaries between work and personal time to prevent burnout.
Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your routine, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. These practices can help you stay centered and reduce stress.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest accomplishments during the beginning of the school year. Each step forward is a reason to be proud.
Reflect and Adjust: Regularly reflect on your progress and adjust your plans as needed. This ongoing assessment can help you stay on track and make necessary improvements.
Seek Support: If your anxiety and stress become overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek support from a counselor, therapist, or support group. Your mental well-being is a priority.
What are your favorite go-to strategies for getting ready for the new year? Or, if you’re not a teacher, some strategies you use to manage stress or plan your week.
The Creator Mindset is the embodiment of innovation, curiosity, and boundless potential. It is an approach to life that nurtures the belief that we are not passive bystanders, but active creators of our reality. When we embrace this mindset, we tap into our full potential and find a limitless well of possibilities awaiting us.
1. Embrace Curiosity and Continuous Learning
At the heart of the Creator Mindset lies an insatiable curiosity. Creators are always eager to explore, discover, and learn new things. They don’t shy away from challenges but see them as opportunities for growth and expansion. Every setback is viewed as a chance to gain valuable insights, not as a sign of failure. This curiosity-driven approach opens doors to unexplored territories and fuels the drive to seek knowledge beyond conventional boundaries.
2. Embrace Failure as a Stepping Stone
Creators understand that failure is an integral part of the journey toward success. They see it as a stepping stone, not a stumbling block. Instead of being discouraged by setbacks, they learn from them, iterate, and improve. This resilience allows creators to push the boundaries of what is possible and brings them closer to breakthroughs that could transform their lives and the world around them.
3. Cultivate Imagination and Vision
Imagination is the key that unlocks the doors of innovation. Creators dare to dream big, envisioning possibilities beyond the current state of affairs. They don’t limit themselves to what is readily visible; rather, they paint vivid pictures of what they wish to create. This clarity of vision acts as a guiding star, illuminating their path and motivating them to manifest their dreams into reality.
4. Collaborate and Empower Others
Creators understand that they don’t have to go it alone. Collaboration with like-minded individuals amplifies their creativity and multiplies the impact of their endeavors. They foster an environment where ideas are shared freely, and constructive feedback is welcomed. In doing so, they empower others to embrace their own creator mindset and create a collective force of innovation and change.
5. Take Inspired Action
While imagination and vision are essential, the Creator Mindset doesn’t dwell solely in the realm of ideas. Creators take inspired action to turn their dreams into tangible results. They understand that an idea without action remains just that – an idea. By taking the first step, no matter how small, they set in motion a chain reaction that can lead to astonishing accomplishments.
6. Embrace Adaptability and Evolution
The world is ever-changing, and creators are not afraid to adapt and evolve along with it. They understand that clinging to the status quo may hinder progress and limit potential. Embracing change allows creators to stay at the forefront of innovation and ride the waves of transformation, rather than being swept away by them.
7. Find Joy in the Process
Finally, the Creator Mindset thrives on finding joy in the journey, not just the destination. Creators relish the process of creation itself, enjoying the challenges, the ups and downs, and the continuous growth. It is the journey that shapes them and allows them to savor every moment along the way.
In conclusion, the Creator Mindset is not reserved for a select few; it is within the grasp of each one of us. By embracing curiosity, learning from failures, cultivating imagination, collaborating with others, taking action, and adapting to change, we can unlock the creative forces within ourselves. So, let’s dare to be dreamers, innovators, and creators – for it is with this mindset that we can leave an indelible mark on the world and inspire others to do the same.
I’m in the process of learning how to create online courses for the general public. I’m currently taking a Udemy course called “How to Create In-Demand Online Courses.” This is to learn how the nuts and bolts of creating an online course, but will also benefit me in my professional life, since as a professors I also teach an online course. I’m hoping to both improve as a teacher and a content creator, but also pass along that knowledge to you.
As a full-time college professor, former middle school and high school teacher, and someone who has a doctorate in curriculum design and is in the process of learning game design and digital marketing (as fun hobbies, lol), I feel uniquely qualified to help you on your journey to becoming a better teacher or content creator, or to get started on a side-hustle.
One of my biggest frustrations as a newbie content-creator is that so many of the resources out there are loaded with generic bullshit, click bait, and useless platitudes. For example, many of these resources will tell you to “choose a niche” or “know your audience” without really giving you the nitty gritty details of HOW to do that.
That’s why I’m doing a fun experiment and bringing you along for the ride. I’m going to explore several different types of content creation, from blogging to YouTube to TpT (Teachers Pay Teachers) to Fiverr and walk you through the step-by-step details of EXACTLY what I’m doing, how it’s going, what’s working and not working, and how to see results.
In addition to doing 30 days of blogging (which I’ll report on soon), I’m also learning how to create a course and then I’m going to create a post a course. Today I’m going to learn from Udemy and several other online resources, and then tomorrow I will start creating my course.
I would LOVE to hear suggestions for things you’d like to see me build a course on. Taking into consideration my experience and expertise, some options are:
My posts on Side-Hustles for Educators and Getting Started on Teachers Pay Teachers were so popular and have generated so much feedback from my readers that I started thinking about the role that content creation can play in the lives of teachers, writers, and educators.
Let’s face it, in this economy, almost everyone is thinking about how to make more money. But I think content creation is about SO MUCH MORE, especially for educators and writers. It’s about the act of CREATION, finding an audience, and building a community.
Teachers are not lauded and respected for their expertise in teaching, learning, and creating engaging content and lessons for their students. Reaching out to the larger internet community can boost your sense of self as an educator, generate a little self-respect, and even earn a little pocket money.
What is a content creator? Basically, anyone who creates CONTENT that people want to CONSUME. This includes stories, writing of any kind, articles, blog posts, photography, artwork, comics, podcasts, educational videos, vlogs, online courses, etc.
Here are the BENEFITS of becoming a content creator.
Creative expression: Content creation allows individuals to express their creativity and share their unique perspectives with the world. Whether through writing, photography, video production, podcasting, or other mediums, content creation provides a platform for artistic and creative self-expression.
Sharing knowledge and expertise: Content creators have the opportunity to share their knowledge, skills, and experiences with others. By creating informative and educational content, they can contribute to the learning and growth of their audience. It can be immensely fulfilling to see the positive impact of sharing valuable information and insights.
Building a personal brand: Content creation enables individuals to build their personal brand and establish themselves as experts or thought leaders in their respective fields. By consistently creating high-quality content, they can gain visibility, credibility, and recognition among their target audience and industry peers.
Connecting with like-minded individuals: Content creation provides a platform for connecting with like-minded individuals who share similar interests or passions. It can foster a sense of community and belonging, where creators and their audience can engage in meaningful discussions, collaborations, and support one another’s creative endeavors.
Opportunity for monetization: Content creation can offer various avenues for monetization. Through advertising, sponsorships, brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, or even selling products or services related to their content, creators can generate income and potentially turn their passion into a sustainable career.
Professional and personal growth: Engaging in content creation can be a journey of continuous learning and personal growth. Creators often acquire new skills, stay up-to-date with industry trends, and refine their craft through consistent practice and feedback. It can also provide opportunities for networking and professional development within their niche or industry.
Impact and influence: Content creators have the ability to make a positive impact on their audience and influence change. Through thought-provoking content, they can inspire, motivate, educate, and even advocate for causes they care about. The ability to shape opinions, raise awareness, and contribute to positive societal changes can be a driving force for many creators.
Flexibility and independence: Content creation offers a degree of flexibility and independence in terms of working hours, location, and creative direction. Creators have the freedom to work on their own terms, pursue projects they are passionate about, and establish a work-life balance that suits their needs and preferences.
While content creation requires dedication, consistency, and effort, the rewards can be significant. It provides a platform for creative expression, knowledge sharing, personal growth, professional opportunities, and the ability to make a positive impact on others. Ultimately, the decision to become a content creator depends on an individual’s interests, skills, and aspirations.
This month I will explore, in-depth, five possible side hustles for educators. These are tried and true ways that educators can establish themselves as a brand, create content, and make a little extra money on the side. All five of these are possible income streams, and I will feature each one in its own post, along with my own experience creating and monetizing content and how much success I’ve had with each method or platform.
Curriculum Development: Use your expertise as a teacher or writer to create and sell curriculum materials on platforms like Teachers Pay Teachers (now TpT) or Teachers Notebook. I’ve been selling on TpT for five years.
Freelance Writing, Copyediting, pr Proofreading. Write articles or blog posts for websites or publications in your area of expertise. You can find freelance writing opportunities on sites like Fiverr or Upwork. I’ve had great success with Fiverr, although it is a LOT of work.
Create Online Courses: Teach online courses or workshops through platforms like Udemy or Skillshare.
Blogging: It’s still possible to make money blogging! The primary ways people make money blogging are through ads and affilate marking.
YouTube: Although this is a very difficult platform to break into, and making videos is very time-consuming, some creators are able to make a living off of YouTube alone. I think with consistency and persistence this can be a valuable income stream.
I have created content and made money, or attempted to make money, on the following platforms:
TEACHERS PAY TEACHERS (TpT)
FIVERR
UDEMY
WORDPRESS
YOUTUBE
This month I will share my experience with each platform, as well as tips and tricks for how to create an audience and make money, as well as my progress on each platform over the next 30 days.
I wish I did! I have found some really wonderful resources (and recipes!) while reading blogs. This morning I went looking for resources on teaching students to keep a writer’s notebook and found some good information. However, I’ve noticed a disturbing new trend. EVERY teaching and education blog is starting to look the same and is heading in the same direction as cooking blogs: bloated with too many pictures and fancy fonts, packed with ads, slow to load, and tedious to navigate. They have become repetitive with very little content and substance.
I get it. People are trying to appeal to an an alogrithm, an aesthetic, and an audience. But I am not that audience. I don’t care about pinterest-worthy classroom set-ups, or fancy fonts, or cutsy clip art. I want writing, information, and resources. I want honesty. I want help! I think teachers are working to hard to brand themselves like influencers, and it makes it harder and harder to wade through the crap and find quality resources.
In writing this blog (ELAsource), I want to provide useful information, some relevant stories about my classroom experiencs, and easy to find and navigate resources.
What do YOU want in a teaching blog? Please let me know in the comments below! I would love to hear from you. ❤
ELA Source 
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