Creating content can feel like folding a fitted bedsheet with one arm tied behind your back.
Especially when you’re worried about what others might think or unsure about how to get started. Over the years, I’ve discovered an approach to content creation that not only works but feels authentic, sustainable, and profitable. This strategy has helped me earn about $540 a day selling simple PDFs online, and in this article, I’m going to share exactly how I do it.
Why Most People Struggle with Content Creation
Two main challenges keep people from creating consistent content: fear of judgment and uncertainty about how to create content that actually connects. I’ve faced these challenges myself, and I talk about them often because they’re so common among creators and entrepreneurs.
What I’ve learned is that the best way to overcome these hurdles is to simply start sharing your journey — the wins, the losses, the lessons, and the real day-to-day experiences. This approach makes content creation easier and more enjoyable, and it builds a community of engaged followers who trust you.
Documenting the Journey: The Core of My Strategy
My content strategy is straightforward: I do things in my business and life, then I share what I’m doing, what I’m learning, and how things are going. This isn’t about creating perfectly polished videos or posts; it’s about being real and transparent.
For example, when I started running ads on Threads (yes, Threads now allows ads), I shared my entire process — from launching my first ads to spending $80 without making a single sale. Instead of hiding those “failures,” I openly talked about them and shared the lessons I learned. I explained that even though I didn’t make sales immediately, getting in front of 19,000 people was a valuable branding win.
This kind of honesty resonates with people. When I first started running Facebook ads in late November, I was losing money more often than I was making money. But I shared those updates publicly, including my losses and profits. Within three weeks, people were reaching out to me asking for coaching programs and guides because they saw my progress and authenticity.
Sharing Both the Good and the Bad Builds Trust
One of the things people appreciate about my content is that I share more failures than successes. I don’t sugarcoat anything — I’m open about refunds, chargebacks, and the mental struggles that come with running a digital product business.
“I share the fuckups that I make, and I make a lot of them.”
Refunds and chargebacks are common in this space, but many creators don’t talk about them. I do because it’s part of the real picture. When people see that I’m transparent about the ups and downs, they trust me more. And that trust translates into sales and loyal customers.
Why I Focus on Talking Head Videos
In the age of AI-generated content, I’ve noticed social media becoming flooded with posts written by AI and comments generated by AI too. It’s like AI talking to AI, and the human element is getting lost.
To stand out, I’ve doubled down on talking head videos — simple videos where I speak directly to the camera, sharing my thoughts, lessons, and updates without scripts or fancy edits. These videos feel raw, real, and authentic, and my audience appreciates that.
My style is what I call raw, real, ramble content. I often just hit record and riff on a topic for 5 to 20 minutes while walking around. This approach keeps content creation fun and sustainable for me, and it’s helped me build a community that values honesty over viral hits.
Why I Don’t Overthink Hooks or Virality
I don’t spend hours crafting the perfect hook for my videos. Most of my hooks are simple and straightforward, like “I did this,” “I tried that,” or “Here’s what I discovered.” My goal isn’t to go viral — it’s to connect with my community and share useful insights.
This approach may not get millions of views, but it’s effective. I gain around 150 subscribers a day on YouTube right now, and I’m making more sales from these videos than ever before. The simplicity keeps me consistent and keeps the content genuine.
Examples from My Life and Business
My content isn’t just about selling PDFs or running ads. I also share parts of my personal life that align with my brand and values. For instance, I document my weight loss journey by sharing what I eat daily and my workouts, like wearing a weighted vest or jumping rope. I’m not a fitness expert, but people ask me questions about my routine because I’m honest about what I’m doing.
This kind of content serves two purposes:
- Accountability: Sharing publicly helps me stay committed.
- Connection: It shows my audience that I’m human and relatable.
You don’t have to share your entire personal life. Maybe you’re a parent trying to reduce your kids’ screen time. You can share small tips or tricks that you’re trying, like family game nights or walks after dinner. Documenting your journey in any niche builds trust and community.
How I Handle Mental Struggles and Stay Consistent
Running a business and creating content isn’t always easy. I openly talk about the mental struggles I face, like the frustration of not making a gym membership happen despite wanting to since January, or the daily grind of pushing through failures.
To keep my mind clear and stay motivated, I walk 10,000 steps a day and do 100 push-ups daily, not to bulk up but to build confidence and discipline. These small commitments remind me that I follow through on my promises, which boosts my self-worth and mental clarity.
How I Discover New Ideas and Keep Content Fresh
My content ideas don’t come from expensive courses or complicated strategies. Mostly, I get inspired by other people on social media, podcasts, or YouTube videos. When I hear something interesting, I try it out in my business and then share my results and thoughts with my community.
This ongoing experimentation keeps my content fresh and relevant. I update my audience regularly — sometimes a few days after trying something new, sometimes weeks or months later — sharing why I keep doing it or why I pivoted.
Why This Strategy Works for Me and Can Work for You
This unorthodox content strategy might not build the biggest audience overnight, but it creates a loyal community of buyers and supporters. Here’s why it works:
- Authenticity: People connect with real stories and real struggles.
- Consistency: Sharing regularly, even imperfectly, builds momentum.
- Transparency: Sharing both successes and failures builds trust.
- Accountability: Public documentation keeps me motivated.
- Community: Engaged followers lead to sales and growth.
If you’re stuck or overwhelmed by content creation, try this: start documenting your journey. Share what you’re doing, learning, and experiencing. Don’t worry about being perfect or viral. Focus on being real and consistent.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Raw, Real, Ramble Style
I’m moving forward with this raw, real, ramble style content approach because it’s working. It’s sustainable, fun, and profitable. I’m planning to create daily videos Monday through Friday, riffing on ideas and lessons from my business and life, all unscripted and unedited.
Whether you’re selling PDFs, coaching, or building any kind of business, this strategy can help you create meaningful content without the stress of perfectionism or chasing virality.
If you want to learn more about selling PDFs or have questions about content creation, drop a comment or reach out. Remember, the best way to build your audience and business is to be genuine, share your journey, and keep showing up.
Let’s keep it real, keep it raw, and keep rambling.
