If you want to create better content, do this first [WRAP 160]
Hey Reader, I’m running a 30 day creator challenge starting on Monday, called Create30. Learn more here or keep reading. Now you may be thinking “I’m not a content creator”. But content creation isn’t just for YouTubers, influencers, and podcasters—it’s for anyone who wants to stand out and build a personal brand. Picture this: you’re a realtor aiming to be the go-to expert in your city or a physical therapist sharing stretching tips on Instagram to attract new clients. By creating and sharing content, you position yourself as a trusted expert in your space. I’m proof of that. I started all this just by explaining how I planned my day, and now look at where we are 👀 Your insights, skills, and experiences are what make you unique. Sharing them consistently makes you an expert and sets you apart from the competition. Are you with me? Here’s how to put content on “easy mode”. The Four C's of Successful Content CreationLook, I'm not going to BS you about content creation. This isn't something you can automate with AI or knock out in 15 minutes a day. But I can show you four simple things you can do every single day that will make you a better content creator. I'm not just talking about having a good year—I'm talking about building a real career in content. The Four C's (And Why They Work)I've broken this down into four daily habits that all start with C:
Now, here's the thing that might surprise you: we're not starting with the "create" part. That actually comes last. Let me show you why. Start By Learning Something Every DayThe first thing I want you to do is commit to learning. We're talking 15-20 minutes a day, maybe 30 if you've got the time. This isn't about signing up for courses or following some strict plan—it can be as simple as watching a YouTube video or reading an article that teaches you something useful. Here's what I mean: Yesterday, I spent 20 minutes watching a video from Aprilynne Alter about growing a YouTube channel. Just watching and taking notes. Why? Because when you're regularly learning, you're filling up your creative well. You're gathering stories and insights you can share with others. Here's What This Looks Like in PracticeLet me give you a real example. Just a few minutes into watching April's video, I picked up something I keep forgetting about YouTube success—keeping your content positioning consistent. On my main channel, this means sticking to productivity content, especially stuff about bullet journals and paper planning. When I drift away from that focus, I can see the engagement drop off. See what just happened there? I learned something, wrote it down, and now I've got at least one piece of content I can share: "Hey, here's what I learned from April's video about YouTube growth." That's how this system starts working for you. Making This Work in Real LifeHere's the deal: you can do all four C's in about 45-60 minutes a day. That might sound like a lot, but break it down:
The magic happens when you stop trying to create content out of thin air and start creating from your actual experiences and what you're learning every day. Want to try this out? I'm running this exact system with the HeyCreator community for the next 30 days. Even if you're reading this way later, you can get the same 30 days of prompts to guide you through this process. Just head over to create30.com to join us. Remember: This isn't about becoming some content machine. It's about being curious, paying attention to what you're learning, and sharing those insights with others. That's how you build something that lasts. See you on Monday! Matt Ragland |