By Alright, y’all, let’s get real for a minute.
Creating content online? It ain’t just about throwing words or videos into the void. Nope. It’s about Your Topics—those weird, wonderful things you actually care about. Like, the stuff you nerd out on when nobody’s watching.
I learned this the hard way. My first blog? Total flop. Why? Because I was writing about stuff I thought would “perform,” not what I loved. Spoiler: that sucked.
Finding Your True Passions (Hint: It’s Easier Than You Think)
Okay, picture this: Rain. Mud. A shovel. That’s how my composting disaster began. I’m not exactly Martha Stewart, but hey, I was passionate. And that’s the whole point.
Your Topics are those subjects that make time disappear for you. The ones where you lose track of hours and forget to eat dinner (been there, done that).
Try asking yourself: What do I talk about even if no one listens? What do friends bug me about, like “Why do you always bring up that weird book?” (Yes, my friend Sarah still teases me about The Secret Lives of Fungus.)
If you don’t have a clear answer yet, no sweat. Jot down 5–10 things that spark a fire inside you. Could be gardening, vintage sneakers, urban birdwatching—whatever.
Now, About Demand… Yeah, It’s a Thing
Look, just ‘cause you’re obsessed with vintage typewriters doesn’t mean the internet is clamoring for that content (although, shout-out to all my fellow typewriter nerds).
So here’s the trick with Your Topics: find where your passion meets some kind of audience.
I once tried to Google “how to knit with spaghetti” because I thought it was a quirky niche (don’t ask). Not much there. So… I switched to “DIY fiber arts” and boom. People actually want that.
Tools like Google Trends or Reddit searches are your best friends here. But don’t get too obsessed. Remember when I spent three hours researching the perfect keyword, only to realize I typed it wrong? Yep. Their/there mix-ups? Guilty as charged.
Pick the Platform That Fits Your Vibe
Blogs, podcasts, TikTok, YouTube—the options are endless. Here’s the thing though: your content platform should match Your Topics and how you like to express them.
I’m more of a “talk it out” person, so podcasts worked well for me. But my buddy Max? He’s all about those short, punchy TikTok vids about antique car restoration.
Don’t force yourself onto a platform just ‘cause it’s trendy. If you hate being on camera, don’t make videos—write blogs or start a newsletter. Your audience will feel the authenticity.
How I Make Content Plans Without Losing My Mind
Honestly, planning can be a total drag. I tried making a fancy spreadsheet once. It was so complicated I gave up by week two.
So now, I keep it simple.
Your Topics deserve a content calendar that doesn’t stress you out. Here’s my “lazy genius” method:
- Write down 3 broad themes under Your Topics (like “home gardening,” “plant care hacks,” “DIY garden decor”).
- Rotate these themes weekly so you don’t get bored.
- Mix up the content types: some how-tos, some stories, some quick tips.
- Throw in engagement posts (polls, questions).
This way, I’m always ready with ideas but not chained to a strict schedule.
Personality Makes Your Topics Pop
Here’s the thing: you can have the best ideas in the world, but if your content sounds like a robot wrote it, people will scroll right past.
I’m still working on this—sometimes I get too “professional.” But when I share dumb stories like the time I killed my first herb garden faster than my 2020 sourdough starter (RIP, Gary), people connect.
Also, fun fact: Victorians believed talking to ferns prevented madness. I talk to my begonias just in case.
So, don’t be afraid to be messy, weird, or funny. Share your fails, your aha moments, your random thoughts.
Monetize Without Selling Your Soul
Fast forward past three failed attempts at selling “expert advice” eBooks, I realized my audience wanted real talk, not slick sales pitches.
Here’s what works for me with Your Topics:
- Affiliate links: I only recommend stuff I actually use (like the cracked watering can from Pete’s Hardware on 5th Ave—that thing survived my overwatering phase).
- Sponsored content: Only when the brand feels right.
- Digital products: Think printable guides or mini courses.
- Memberships: Exclusive groups for my core fans.
Monetizing isn’t about tricking people—it’s about providing value, plain and simple.
Growing Your Tribe (It’s Not Magic)
Building a community is like throwing a backyard BBQ: you want people to feel welcome, have fun, and come back.
I always reply to comments—even the weird ones. Once, someone asked if I used unicorn tears for my plant spray. I said, “Nope, just water and love.”
Engagement around Your Topics doesn’t have to be complicated:
- Ask questions your audience can answer.
- Share user stories or shoutouts.
- Create inside jokes or memes related to Your Topics.
- Host giveaways or challenges.
My neighbor Tina swears her kale patch cured her Zoom fatigue—and she’s not wrong. Sharing stories like hers keeps the community real.
When to Pivot and How Not to Panic
People change. Interests shift. Your Your Topics might not be the same in a year.
That’s okay.
I started with urban homesteading and slowly added “eco-friendly tech” because I got curious. I told my followers, “Hey, new stuff coming, let’s figure it out together.”
Pro tip: Don’t ghost your audience. Bring them along.
Some Stuff That Trips Folks Up
- Getting too niche too fast. If you talk only about growing heirloom tomatoes in vertical gardens in Antarctica, your audience might be… small.
- Copying others too closely. Your quirks are your secret sauce.
- Ignoring SEO or trends completely. I used to think SEO was some evil sorcery, but turns out it’s just understanding what people want (and sprinkling Your Topics keywords naturally).
Handy Tools for the Journey
- Notion or Trello for keeping your ideas and calendar tidy.
- Canva to make your posts look less like a kindergartner’s art project.
- Google Analytics to see what’s working and what’s not.
- Buffer or Later for scheduling so you don’t burn out.
Honestly, the cracked watering can from Pete’s Hardware gets more use than I do these days, but at least my content schedule is on point.
Real Humans Killing It with Their Topics
- Matt D’Avella makes minimalism cool and approachable. His videos feel like chats with your chillest friend.
- Tabitha Brown turned vegan cooking and good vibes into a booming brand. I still watch her videos when I need a mood boost.
- Marques Brownlee reviews tech like a pro but keeps it relatable—even when talking about super complex stuff.
Your Topics Are Your Secret Weapon
At the end of the day, it’s not about chasing trends or views. It’s about sharing what lights you up and letting people find you there.
Sure, it might feel awkward at first. You’ll mess up. You’ll spell “teh” instead of “the” (oops). But that’s part of the charm.
Go on, start scribbling down Your Topics. Tell your stories. Make mistakes. Grow.
Because there’s no one else out there quite like you.