My Content Creator Journey: What Worked, What Didn’t & What I’d Tell You

Answering your questions about getting started, growing an audience, and figuring it out as I go 💗

So, let’s talk about being a content creator.

Before getting into it, I do want to say I feel somewhat weird deep diving into this topic. I think I have this weird “ick” around people that have built their following around telling people how to build their following and now I’m like “Omg, am I about to become *that* person!!?!”

I’m not. Or at least that’s not the plan.

I know that many of you couldn’t give a crap about this. And that’s totally cool too. I’ll see you on Friday for Logging Off.

But… I also know some of you are curious, whether it’s because you want to grow your own platforms or because you just like a little behind-the-scenes nosiness.

Since loudly announcing my pivot into being a full-time content creator (or at least attempting to be one) I’ve gotten some questions about content creation and social media.

And, well, I do love nerding out about social media.

Pssst: This post is a big one! Open in your browser to see the full post 💗

But let’s back up for a second…

My journey as a content creator goes way way back, like before Instagram was even a thing people took seriously.

If there’s anything I’ve learned in all these years it’s that success can take time.

So before I dive into the Q&A, here’s a little backstory on how I got here.

Quick Recap of my log (okay and stubborn) content creation journey…

I made you a little visual 📍

What you need to know:

• 2011: Started my blog Kayla in the City (inspired by Sex and the City). Wrote mostly about fitness & college life in NYC.

• First Sponsored Blog Post: Made $50 and was thrilled.

• 2015-ish: Instagram started to take over, so I shifted focus there.

• 2015-ish: Likely my first Instagram-sponsored post.

• 2023: Everything changed.

  • A few posts about being single in your 30s went viral.

  • I figured out content formats that worked for me.

  • My following grew from 18K to 100K.

• Moral of the story? I’m really stubborn, and I just kept going

Shameless plug: Did you know I offer social media coaching? I do!

If you're looking to grow your following, launch a new project, or feel more at ease with your online presence, my coaching sessions are designed to help you achieve your goals in a way that feels cozy and aligned with who you are.

Book a session here

📱 How do I get started!?!?!

Alright friends, here’s the deal. I’m putting the rest of this post behind a paywall. Why? Because I love talking about content strategy… but also, this is my job!

If you’re curious (or just nosy 😉) about how I actually grew my following, what works, what doesn’t, and how to build an audience without losing your mind, it’s all here for paid subscribers.

No pressure, of course! But if you want the full behind-the-scenes tea (or just wanna support me), I’d love to have you on the inside. 💗