You have the idea. Maybe you’ve even gotten brave enough to admit, I think I might actually want to do something with this. And then comes the next question:
What in the world am I supposed to post about?
This is usually where we make things approximately 900% harder than they need to be. We think we need a content strategy. A perfectly defined brand. Professional photos. Five content pillars. A Canva template. Maybe a ring light for good measure. But if you’re at the very beginning of exploring this nudge, this possible business idea, here’s one of the easiest places to start:
Share what you’re already figuring out and start with what you already have.
Most people overlook the simple fact that other people, aka your audience, want to relate to others. They want to connect with what resonates or can legitimately help them in some sort of way. The more authentic and human you come across as, guess what, the more you build that trust that you are going to need in order for people to want to stick around and buy from you in the future.
You Don’t Have to Be the Expert Yet
This is one of the biggest things that keeps people from sharing online. They think “Who am I to talk about this? There are already people who know more than I do. I’m just getting started.“
Exactly. So don’t pretend you’re ten steps ahead. Talk about the step you’re on.
Be authentically YOU.
You’re simply inviting people into the process. And that can make some of the most relatable content.
Try This: The “I’m Figuring Out…” Post
Open the Notes app on your phone and finish this sentence:
I’m figuring out…
Don’t overthink it. What have you genuinely been thinking about lately?
Maybe it’s:
I’m figuring out how I could turn something I love doing into something I get paid for.
I’m figuring out what I actually want my business to look like before I worry about what everyone else is doing.
I’m figuring out how to take better photos of the things I make.
I’m figuring out how to talk about what I do without feeling like I’m constantly selling something.
I’m figuring out whether this little idea I’ve had for three years might actually be worth trying.
Now add one more sentence:
Here’s what I’ve learned so far…
There’s your post. No, seriously! You don’t need to turn it into seven tips and a downloadable PDF. Tell us what you’re learning.
Your Everyday Life Is Giving You Content So Stop Overthinking
Once you start looking at content this way, you’ll probably realize you have more to talk about than you thought. Let’s say you’re thinking about starting a cookie business. You don’t have to wait until you have professional branding and a website. Show the recipe you’re testing. Talk about why you’re changing an ingredient. Share the three boxes you’re considering for packaging. Tell the story of the person who first taught you to bake. Ask people which flavor they’d choose. Share the batch that came out looking like hockey pucks…especially share the hockey pucks!
That’s the stuff that makes people want to follow along. They’re not just seeing the finished business. They’re watching you build it.
Take One Photo While You’re Doing the Thing
Here’s another way to make this ridiculously simple. While you’re working on your idea this week, take a picture. Not a photoshoot.
A picture.
Your laptop and coffee.
The supplies spread across your kitchen table.
Your notebook filled with ideas.
The packaging you’re testing.
The corner of the room you’re turning into a workspace.
The giant mess you made trying something new.
You don’t need to manufacture a moment for social media. Photograph the moment that’s already happening. Then tell us what was happening when you took it.
That’s content.
Start Before You Have Something to Sell
There’s another reason I love this approach. You’re giving people a chance to come along with you. Instead of disappearing for six months while you secretly build the perfect business and then suddenly popping onto Instagram yelling, “SURPRISE! BUY MY THING!” People have already watched the idea grow. They know why you started. They’ve seen you experiment. They’ve heard what you’re learning. Some of them may have even helped shape what you eventually create. And it starts long before you have anything to sell.
Your First Content Challenge
So if you’re onboard, I have an assignment for you. Sometime this week, catch yourself working on, researching, thinking about or experimenting with your idea.
Take one photo. Then write:
I’m figuring out __________.
Something I’m learning is __________.
Next, I’m going to try __________.
That’s it…then post it. It doesn’t need to establish you as an expert. It doesn’t need to go viral. It doesn’t even need to lead anywhere yet. Right now, you’re simply letting people into the story. And every good business idea has to start somewhere.
