How to Build a Simple, Effective Content Strategy as a Creative Entrepreneur
Beginner-friendly content marketing tips for creatives and small business owners who want to build a more intentional and sustainable strategy.
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a blank content calendar, wondering what on earth to post… you’re not alone.
For so many creatives, marketing feels like the thing that always gets pushed to the bottom of the list, not because you don’t care, but because you’re juggling 101 other things.
And I get it, even the phrase “content strategy” can sound overwhelming. Complicated. Like it’s something only big brands or full-time marketers can pull off.
And while it can get complicated, it really doesn’t have to. A simple, sustainable approach can still support your creative business in all the right ways.
So instead of overthinking it or ghosting your own feed for weeks on end, here’s a grounded strategy I recommend to every creative entrepreneur I work with. It’s a starting point, simple, adaptable, and easy to build on over time.
Let’s Dive In
1.
Start with your core content pillars
Instead of reinventing the wheel every time you sit down to write a post, define 3 to 5 content pillars. These are the key themes you want to be known for, the recurring topics that anchor your brand message and make content creation so much easier.
Think of them as the foundation of your content marketing for your creative business. They give your ideas direction while still leaving space to be personal and spontaneous.
Here’s an example for a wedding photographer:
Your work (portfolio, featured shoots)
Behind the scenes (editing, gear, day-in-the-life)
Client experience (testimonials, FAQs, process)
Personal values (why you do what you do)
Tips & education (posing guidance, vendor insights)
💡 Choose themes you could talk about all year without running out of things to say.
2.
Focus on 1–2 platforms that actually work for you
You really don’t need to be everywhere to build visibility.
Trying to post on five platforms at once? That’s usually the fast track to burnout, or to disappearing completely because it’s just... too much.
Instead, choose one or two platforms where your ideal clients are already spending time, and where your content will actually get seen and engaged with.
Here’s what that might look like for creative entrepreneurs:
Instagram → for connection, community, and storytelling
Pinterest → for evergreen content traffic (especially for visual businesses)
Blog → for long-term SEO and showcasing your expertise
Newsletter → for nurturing warm leads and deepening trust
💭 Want to know what platform is best? It depends on your audience and your capacity, that’s where a personalized visibility strategy comes in.
3.
Repurpose a core piece of content each month
This one changes everything, especially if you often feel like you're on the content hamster wheel. Instead of constantly creating something new, start with one intentional, long-form piece of content per month, like a blog post, podcast, or video, and use it to guide the rest of your content.
From there, repurpose it into bite-sized pieces:
3–4 Instagram posts
5+ Pinterest pins
1 newsletter
Story talking points
Optional: content for your website, freebies, or lead magnets
This repurposing system is the secret to consistent content marketing for creatives. It saves time, keeps your message clear, and helps you stay visible without always starting from scratch.
4.
Align Your Content with the Buyer Journey
This is the part most creatives skip, and the reason why so many posts go unseen or unengaged.
Your dream client isn’t always in buying mode. They’re moving through a process, called the buyer journey, and your content can gently guide them along the way.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
Awareness: “Oh, I didn’t even know this was something I could get help with.”
Consideration: “This could work for me, but I have questions…”
Decision: “I’m ready, what’s the next step?”
Your content can match that journey:
Awareness content: share your values, story, behind the scenes ➝ build connection.
Consideration content: educate, share tips, walk through your process ➝ build trust.
Decision content: offer details, availability, testimonials ➝ create clarity and confidence.
Instead of just “posting more,” ask: What does someone need to hear before they’re ready to work with me?
This is how you turn visibility into aligned inquiries.
5.
Leave Space for Real-Life Moments
Even the best content plan will fall apart the second life gets chaotic. And that’s okay.
The goal isn’t to post perfectly, it’s to stay present in your business and your content. That means leaving room for the things that can’t be planned:
A spontaneous reflection
A client win
Something personal you feel called to share
These unpolished, human moments often build more connection than the polished carousel you spent hours designing.
✨ A good content strategy gives you a rhythm. But it’s your realness that makes people remember you.
✿
When you’re ready for more than just the basics
These five steps give you a strong starting point, a simple, intentional content strategy for creative entrepreneurs that supports visibility, trust, and connection.
But this is just the surface.
A full strategy goes deeper: into your message, your dream client’s mindset, your offers, your timing, and your energy. It’s about building a marketing rhythm that’s strategic and sustainable, one that moves your business forward while still leaving space to breathe.
Still feeling a bit overwhelmed and would rather hand it off?
Or maybe you’re ready to fine-tune your strategy and explore things more deeply?
That’s exactly what I support creatives and conscious entrepreneurs with on here. Whether you're looking for ongoing support or someone to help you build a strategy that actually feels like you, I'd love to chat.