Chapter 7:
Create Content That Builds Trust and Brings Revenue
Content: Your Conversation Starter
Content is not about pushing a product or service; it’s about starting a conversation. When you create content, think of it as opening a door for someone to get to know you and what you’re about. Once they feel connected, they’ll be much more likely to engage with you, buy from you, or recommend you to others.
Here’s the golden rule for creating content:
Be authentic, be real, and be consistent.
Tell Your Story—It’s What Sets You Apart
The most powerful content you can create comes from your own story. People are drawn to stories because they feel relatable. It’s how you explain your journey—what inspired you, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the moments that made you want to turn your passion into a business.
Example:
“I used to be terrified of public speaking, but then I realized that sharing my story could help others who feel the same. Today, I speak to groups of 100+ people, and my mission is to help others conquer their fear of speaking too.”
This simple story builds trust because it’s personal, real, and helps others understand that you’ve been where they are.
The Gardener’s Journey
A passionate gardener started a blog where he shared his experiences of starting his garden from scratch. He posted about mistakes he made, such as using the wrong soil, and his successes, like growing heirloom tomatoes. This kind of transparent content made readers feel connected. Soon enough, people reached out for gardening tips, and he started a paid subscription for exclusive content like how-to guides and video tutorials.
His authenticity, willingness to share failures, and helpful advice turned a hobby into an income-generating business.
Yoga Teacher Who Built a Loyal Following
A yoga teacher posted content that was both inspirational and educational. She shared quick stretches for desk workers, her own wellness journey, and occasional live sessions where she answered questions. Her posts didn’t focus on selling classes right away. Instead, they were about providing value and showing up for her audience consistently. As a result, her inbox filled up with people asking for private sessions and online courses, leading to a sustainable revenue stream.
Handcrafted Jewelry Business
A jewelry designer began posting short videos of the process of making her pieces, from selecting stones to assembling the jewelry. In one post, she shared a story about how one of her pieces was inspired by her grandmother’s ring. The story resonated with her audience, and it sparked interest in her unique designs. Soon, people were not only commenting on her craftsmanship, but they also started purchasing directly from her website.
Her content was focused on crafting stories around her products, not just the products themselves. And that made all the difference.
Creating Content Doesn’t Have to Be Hard
You don’t need expensive equipment or a huge production team. Content creation can be simple and still incredibly effective. Here’s what you can do to make content creation easier:
Start with what you know. Share your expertise, your learning moments, or your personal stories.
Keep it simple. A picture with a thoughtful caption is often more effective than a highly produced video.
Consistency is key. It’s not about perfection. It’s about showing up regularly with something of value.
Types of Content You Can Share
Here are some content ideas to help you get started:
Content Type | Example |
Behind-the-scenes | A photo of you working on your passion or your workspace |
Progress updates | “Here’s what I’m working on today…” |
Educational tips | A quick how-to or lesson you’ve learned |
Client stories | “I helped [Name] achieve [Result]. Here’s how.” |
Relatable moments | Share something funny or frustrating you’ve experienced in your work |
Q&A posts | Answer common questions people have about your niche |
Product sneak peeks | Give a glimpse of something you’re launching or offering |
Call to Action | Invite people to book a service, buy a product, or follow you for more tips |
Creating Content That Sells Without Selling
The key to making money through your content is understanding that your audience needs to trust you first. That’s why your posts should be a balance of giving value and making your offer clear, but without being pushy.
Here are some non-salesy ways to sell through content:
Show Results: Share a case study or client testimonial. “Here’s how my client [Client Name] went from [problem] to [solution].”
Share Benefits, Not Features: Instead of saying, “My service includes 10 sessions of coaching,” say, “In 10 sessions, you’ll discover how to confidently speak in front of an audience, even if you’ve never spoken before.”
Soft CTA: End your post with something like, “DM me if you want to learn more about how I can help you,” or “Comment below if you’ve tried this.”
Workbook Activity: Plan Your Next Posts
Personal Story: Write about a small, meaningful moment from your journey—something that shaped your passion.
Tip or Lesson: Share a tip or lesson that you think would be useful to your audience.
Testimonial or Review: Post a positive review or a comment someone left about your work.
Question: Ask a question that encourages engagement (e.g., “What’s the one thing you wish you knew before starting?”)
Final Thoughts
Building trust through content isn’t about flashy ads or “selling hard.” It’s about showing up regularly, sharing your expertise, and being human. People connect with people, not brands. So share your journey, your passion, and your process. Let them get to know the real you.