Getting Off the Content Creation Hamster Wheel

The Creativity & Heart Podcast – Episode 3

Let’s talk about what the content creation hamster wheel is, how to know if content creation is keeping you stuck, and how repurposing content can help you overcome this issue.

What is the content creation hamster wheel? 

Did you ever have a hamster as a kid? I did! I named him Dash after the character from the movie The Incredibles because he was super fast – whether he was running on his wheel or escaping from his cage.

You know what’s funny about hamster wheels, though? They put in all that hard work running, but the whole time they’re stuck in a cage, not moving forward. 

The idea behind the content creation hamster wheel is the same. You’re hustling and bustling to create content – you know, really breaking a sweat – but none of the work that you are doing is actually moving your business forward.

Signs that You’re on the Content Creation Hamster Wheel

Now before you say, “sheesh Maya, I’ll have you know that I am PROUD of that Instagram post I made last week!” know that I’m not here to make you feel bad. 

Sometimes, we get so focused on the content creation part of marketing that we forget to stop and check to see if what we’re doing is actually working and getting us results (I’m guilty of this, too!)

So how do you know if you’re on the content creation hamster wheel? If you clicked on this article, you might already have a feeling that you are.

Here are 3 signs to look out for:

1. You’re feeling burnt out and the thought of having to create another (insert blog post, instagram caption, YouTube video, or other piece of content here) makes you want to cry.
2. You’ve been pumping out new content like a machine, but you’re running out of ideas. And while you’re getting some engagement, you’re not sure if your efforts are really getting you results.
3. You’re posting because you feel like you have to, rather than posting with intention. 

How to Get Off the Hamster Wheel and Create With Purpose

If you can relate to those statements I just shared, it’s time to get off the wheel and start moving forward again. It isn’t just bad for your marketing strategy, but it will also threaten to steal the joy out of being a creative business owner. Even if you don’t feel it yet, you’ll probably start feeling worn out and disappointed by your lack of results. 

You can’t serve well if you’re trying to pour from an empty cup, and not taking the time to be intentional about sharing meaningful content with your audience.

So, what can you do?

Repurposing content is a fantastic way to provide your audience with meaningful content without constantly looking to create something from scratch.

You see, repurposing content doesn’t mean that you have to bore your audience by sharing the same things over and over again. You can share the same content in new ways, break key topics into multiple posts, or expand on certain things that you’ve touched on before. 

Repurposing Content Example – Using this Podcast Episode!

For example, when I turn this podcast episode into Instagram content, I’ll probably get about 4 posts from it – I can make one post announcing the new episode & sharing highlights, another relating unintentional content creation to being on a hamster wheel, a third one about the signs that you’re on the hamster wheel, and a fourth post about how repurposing content can help. 

By breaking this one piece of content into 4 Instagram posts, I am making less work for myself (I have 4 ideas for Instagram, rather than having to come up with ideas from scratch). And since I’m sharing the content in a new way with a different audience, it won’t seem repetitive. After all, everyone who follows me on Instagram won’t listen to this podcast episode! 

Best of all, when you have a really great piece of content, you can get even more out of it and reach more people by sharing it in different forms.

How Will You Repurpose Content in Your Business?

I’d love to know – how will you use content repurposing to keep yourself from running around in circles? You can find me on Instagram @mayapalmerdesigns. I will be making a post about this episode, you can leave your comment on the post or feel free to DM me!

Free Quiz: Brand + Site Checkup

Do you love serving your clients and using your passions to make an impact, but find yourself struggling? It’s not just you – being the owner of a growing business isn’t always easy peasy, lemon squeezy. 

What if a strategic, beautiful website that works for you was part of the solution to getting you back on track towards building the business you want? You could take a sigh of relief and log off to spend more time doing what you love (or at home with those you love). 

If you want to see how well your current brand + site is serving your business take my free Brand + Site Checkup quiz. Based on your result, I’ll recommend a freebie to help you!

Related Articles:

• How to Create a Social Media Content Calendar Using Trello
• How to Schedule Instagram Posts for Free Using Planoly