Hearing Crickets? The truth about content creation success
Have you ever felt like you're putting content out into the void with little to show for it? You're not alone. In this post, I'm sharing a candid look at what content creation success actually looks like—and why patience might be your most valuable asset.
The Reality Check We All Need
Do you create content and feel like you're speaking into the void?
Have you ever found yourself questioning if all the content you're creating is actually worth it?
I had a major realization this week that I just HAD to share with you.
I received an email newsletter this week from Christy Price (a Squarespace web designer). She shared something so honest and raw with her audience (which is hard to find these days in the online business world).
It's been on my mind ever since. I can't stop thinking about her email.
She told us that it took her 14 MONTHS of weekly YouTube videos before she started monetizing her channel and bringing in course sales.
That's right. Over a year of consistent videos EACH WEEK before seeing the financial payoff.
Let that sink in.
In a world where we're constantly bombarded with stories of overnight success and 5-figure launches, this was the reality check I needed. And maybe you do too?
The Numbers Don't Lie
When I started my YouTube channel in January, I didn’t put much effort into it. I repurposed content I already had created and now have 31 subscribers. But those early videos that started with just 15 views have now grown to around 105 views. So imagine where I will be 14 months and how many views those initial videos will get me!
Similarly, my Pinterest strategy began with about 2,000 monthly views and has grown to 12,000 monthly views with minimal attention. I spend mayyyybe once a month pinning pins and this has grown quickly. I also automatically publish my blog and Instagram posts to YouTube. This video will show you how to do that.
I’m excited to spend more time on my pinterest & YouTube Strategy and see where I’m at in 14 months.
The pattern is clear: consistent content builds on itself over time and only a little effort can product results.
Why This Matters For Your Business
AND WHY I COULDN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT HER EMAIL:
Most "overnight successes" aren't overnight at all.
14 months seems like a long time.... but it's really not in the grand scheme of your business.
Consistency beats “going viral” every time
Your competitors are quitting too soon
Different platforms require different timelines for growth
Most long-term successful businesses (those thriving 3, 5, or 10+ years) didn't have overnight success
Content like YouTube videos and Pinterest pins continues working for you long after posting
Many of us abandon platforms or strategies too quickly when we don't see immediate results. We question if we're in the right space or if we should pivot to something else.
She didn't have to share her real numbers. I appreciate that she told her audience the honest truth. At 9 months of YouTube content creation, she also questioned if it was worth it.
We typically assume creators with 2,900 YouTube subscribers have it all figured out and are making tons from their channel. I'm so happy she shared how much time IT REALLY TOOK to monetize it. It’s actually quite refreshing to see she was able to monetize her channel so soon.
So if you're feeling discouraged because your content isn't "taking off" immediately, I want you to know you're not alone—and you're not doing anything wrong.
Finding Your Content Sweet Spot
Instead of pouring all your energy into one platform (like Instagram, where content typically has a 24-hour lifecycle), consider diversifying with platforms that offer long-term returns:
YouTube: Videos can continue bringing in viewers years after posting
Pinterest: Pins have impressive longevity and can drive traffic months after creation
Blog content: Builds your website's authority and can be optimized for search
The Commitment Challenge
The hardest part? Sticking with it when results aren't immediate. Nine months into her journey, Christy Price was still questioning if it was worth continuing.
I'm challenging myself (and you) to take a longer view. Maybe you can't commit to weekly YouTube videos—that's okay! What if you did 1-2 videos monthly? It might take longer to see results, but in two years, you'll wish you had started today.
THE SUCCESS FORMULA:
Choose platforms with compounding returns
Create consistently (weekly or monthly)
Repurpose across platforms
Track growth at 6-month intervals
STICK WITH IT
What's Your Next Step?
Take a screenshot of where your numbers are today—subscribers, views, followers. Then check again in six months. You might be surprised by your progress when you track it over time.
Want more candid insights about building a successful online business? Listen to my full discussion on this topic in The Secret Podcast. New episodes drop regularly with honest conversations about what it really takes to build a sustainable passive income business.
What content platform are you committing to for the next year? Let me know in the comments below!
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