17 Ways to Create Consistent Content

One of the biggest challenges that content creators tell me is how to to be consistent. Even though they may have nailed down the process of creating content, they struggle with doing it consistently. 

Creating content consistently is vital for the success of your business or practice. It’s just like going to the gym. You can’t build up a muscle by lifting one weight. And you can’t build up your practice by writing one newsletter. It just won’t work. 

James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, wrote, ‘I accumulated small but consistent habits that ultimately led to results that were unimaginable when I started. Changes that seem small and unimportant at first will compound into remarkable results if you're willing to stick with them for years.’

His book is proof of the truth of those statements. Atomic Habits recently achieved number one on The New York Times Best Sellers List. But it didn’t come quickly. In fact, it took 93 weeks. James took to Twitter on the day he finally cracked the number one position and said, ’93 weeks after launch. Atomic Habits. finally cracks the #1 spot on the New York Times bestseller list. (Chop wood, carry water, etc.)’

What James meant by ‘chop wood, carry water’ is that no matter our level of success, we still have to do the mundane tasks of life. To reach the number one spot James didn’t just sit back and hope for success. Instead, he got out there and was interviewed on podcasts. He appeared on video blogs. And he did countless media interviews. He chopped wood and carried water every single day, consistently, until he reached success (and he didn’t even stop then).

Consistency is the key to success, whether you’re promoting your book or creating content. If getting to that consistency is a struggle, here are 17 ways to create consistent content and grab that success. 

17 Ways to Create Consistent Content 

1. Capture your ideas.

Capture your ideas when you think of them. Write them down, or use a dictation app, or tell your VA, but get them down immediately. If you’re present and mindful of your ideas, you’ll retain them far easier. You might even like the app Productivity Expert Dermot Crowley and I created called Memo Mailerwhere you can send yourself voice memos as ideas come to you.

2. Repurpose your content.

Repurposing your content is one way to significantly increase the amount that you are able to produce and, therefore, your consistency. In fact, you can repurpose one piece of content at least 99 ways. 

3. Update existing content.

Sometimes things will change in your industry. Other times new information might make you change your opinion or point of view. When that happens, it’s a great opportunity to update and redistribute existing content without having to start from scratch.

4. Create a calendar or plan.

Put together a calendar or plan of when you’re going to send out content. Whether it’s daily, weekly or some other frequency is up to you – it’s the commitment to the routine that’s important. And don’t just whack it on a task list. Instead, be sure to allocate enough time in your calendar to create and distribute the content as well.

5. Create a list of topics.

If you have a list of topics in your area of expertise, you’ll always have something to write about. I’ve written about brainstorming content before, but if you’re struggling to get started first think about what problems and fears your clients or customers have. And consider the questions you’re most frequently asked. You can also use industry tools that help you see the kinds of questions that people are searching for online, as well.

6. Join (or create) a content creation accountability group.

Get involved with a group of other content creators who can help motivate you and focus you. There are Facebook groups, you can join Content Club or if there’s nothing that seems to suit you, create your own. These groups are also a great source of ideas and inspiration.

7. Get a content creation accountability buddy.

If groups aren’t your thing, hook up with a colleague or business acquaintance and become content creation accountability buddies. Make a regular date to check in with each other to help support your consistency. 

8. Set a goal.

Set a goal to complete a certain amount of content within a certain timeframe. Maybe it’s 12 blog posts a year. Or maybe it’s 100 pieces of thought leadership content each year, which is the target I set for myself. Whatever the number, set the goal and then break down the process into months or weeks. If you have a business manager, assign it as a project for them to oversee (keeping you consistent and accountable).

9. Outsource distribution.

I often hear that the sticking point for consistent content is not the ideas, or even the content creation, but rather the actual distribution. It’s a process that can be time-consuming and take you away from your area of expertise.

If you’re finding that’s the case for you, outsource the distribution. You can hire a VA either onshore or off, or hand the job over to your EA or business manager if you have one already on your team.

10. Use a transcription service.

Not everyone loves to write. Some people are more comfortable speaking. If you’re a speaker who writes rather than a writer who speaks, use a transcription service instead. I use Rev, but there are plenty of others out there, both AI and human beings.

11. Work with a professional writer.

Working with a professional writer can help you capture your thoughts and turn them into content. Setting up regular meetings with them can also help with your consistency by keeping you accountable. And though they’re doing the writing for you, it’s your expertise that’s driving the content.

12. Hire a researcher.

Professional researchers can help you find topics that are trending to give you fresh ideas for your content. They can also find the research to support your topics once you’ve nailed them down. This can include statistics, data, quotes or whatever else you might need to lend strength to your writing. You can find researchers on Upwork, Fiverr, or reach out through your own community.

13. Remove distractions.

When you’re working on your content creation, remove all distractions. This might mean working in a different environment, or with a different system. I used to do all my writing on an old computer. I knew that when I was on that computer I was only meant to be writing – not checking my email or social media, for example. 

Also, turn off all your notifications and alerts – from your phone, email and apps. This will help you keep focused during this time.

14. Create a daily cadence.

Entrepreneurship expert Marie Forleo says, ‘Create before you consume’. This means creating content before you spend any time looking at emails, social media or even the news. Make the first thing you do each day creating one piece of content and you’ll be on the road to consistent content creation.

15. Spend time reading.

It might seem counter-intuitive to spend precious time reading, rather than just focusing on writing and creating. But reading within your niche is vital for creativity. It stimulates you and helps you to think about your own opinion on issues in your area of expertise. So, switch off social media and open up a book.

16. Let go of perfection.

Lynne Cazaly wrote the excellent book, ish, which talks about the pursuit of perfection and its negative effects on our health, mental health and even our success. At the end of the day when it comes to content, we need to let go of perfectionism and just start. Just get it down. 

‘You can’t edit a blank page.’ – Jodi Picoult

17. Reward yourself.

Make creating content a game and reward yourself. You might set it up like a 30-day challenge. You might say, in the next month I’m going to create three social media posts, a video, a newsletter and two blog posts. Once you achieve your goals, give yourself a reward. Maybe it’s a trip to the day spa. Maybe it’s an afternoon at the beach. Just make it something that feels great. It could even just be as simple as having that cup of coffee after you finish your blog rather than when getting started.

What do you do to keep yourself creating content consistently? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Jane Anderson is a strategic communications expert, speaker and the author of seven books including the upcoming Catalyst Content. With over 20 years of experience helping people to communicate confidently, she is obsessed with authentic influence and human connection to drive business growth in a world of disruption and automation. She delivers Content Creation Bootcamps (Virtual and Face to Face), Coaching and Keynotes. To inquire about her working with you or your organisation please contact us here.