The Benefits of Sharing Your Process Instead of Crafting Perfect Content

In the ever-evolving world of content creation, the pressure to consistently produce innovative and engaging material can be overwhelming.

However, a powerful shift in perspective can alleviate this burden: focusing on documenting rather than creating.

By sharing real-life experiences, behind-the-scenes processes, and genuine insights, content creators can connect with their audience on a deeper level.

Here’s why documenting is a game-changer in the content creation journey, enriched with book references, podcast suggestions, quotes, and practical examples.

One of the key reasons to document instead of create is the authenticity it brings. Audiences crave real, relatable content over polished, overly-produced pieces.

Gary Vaynerchuk, in his book "Crush It!", emphasizes the importance of authenticity in content.

He states, “Your authenticity is your unique advantage.” By documenting your journey, you allow your audience to see the real you, building trust and a genuine connection.

A practical example of this approach is Gary Vee himself. Through his vlogs and social media posts, he documents his daily life, business meetings, and entrepreneurial insights, giving his audience a transparent view of his world.

Creating new, original content constantly can be draining and unsustainable. Documenting, on the other hand, allows you to consistently produce content without the need for endless brainstorming sessions.

Austin Kleon, in "Show Your Work!", encourages creators to share their process, stating, “Take people behind the scenes of your work. Let them see the process, not just the product.”

Casey Neistat, the YouTube vlogger, built a massive following by documenting his daily life, adventures, and creative process, showcasing that documenting can be both engaging and sustainable.

Documenting your journey allows your audience to grow with you. They become part of your story, experiencing your ups and downs. This shared journey fosters a stronger, more loyal community.

By documenting your journey, you showcase your expertise and the evolution of your skills and knowledge. This ongoing narrative can position you as an authority in your field.

Pat Flynn of Smart Passive Income documents his experiments, successes, and failures in online business, providing real-life case studies that educate and inspire his audience, demonstrating real expertise through his journey.

Documenting your journey can serve as a powerful source of inspiration for others.

It shows that success is a process and that setbacks are part of the journey.

This can be incredibly motivating for those who are just starting out.

By documenting rather than creating, you provide a realistic portrayal of what it takes to succeed, which can be a powerful motivator for your audience.

For many, the idea of creating original content can be paralyzing. Documenting removes this barrier, as it involves sharing what you’re already doing. This approach can be particularly beneficial for new content creators.

Gary Vaynerchuk frequently advises, “Document, don’t create,” as a way to simplify the content creation process.

This perspective makes it easier to start because it eliminates the need to come up with new ideas constantly and instead focuses on sharing your ongoing journey.

Documenting adds a human element to your content. It shows your audience that you’re a real person with real experiences, which can be incredibly compelling. This authenticity can be more engaging than polished, impersonal content.

Shifting the focus from creating to documenting can revolutionize your content creation journey.

It allows you to produce authentic, sustainable content that builds stronger connections with your audience, demonstrates real expertise, inspires others, and adds a human touch.

As Gary Vaynerchuk, Austin Kleon, and many other successful content creators have shown, documenting your journey is not only more manageable but also more impactful.

So, start documenting your story today, and watch your audience grow into a loyal, engaged community.