An *Actual* Day in the Life of a Content Creator (with timestamps)

Key Concepts

• Realistic day in the life of a content creator
• Prioritization of tasks (health, paid work, content creation)
• Managing finances (high yield savings accounts, invoicing)
• Dealing with security issues (account lockouts)
• Customer service and troubleshooting
• Studio setup and content creation (podcast ads, test shots)
• Affiliate marketing and partnerships
• Time management and productivity
• Build days vs. paid work
• Balancing work and personal life

Scheduling and Prioritization (8:00 AM - 10:31 AM)

The day begins around 8:00 AM with some time spent relaxing in bed, which is acknowledged as not being a best practice for productivity. The content creator notes the absence of meetings or immediate deliverables, making it a potentially less hectic day. The initial focus is on scheduling an eye doctor appointment due to concerning news from a previous visit, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing health. Following this, the focus shifts to paid activities, specifically contract and invoicing tasks related to a long-term podcast sponsor and extended usage rights for an Instagram reel ad campaign. The goal is to secure April revenue by completing these tasks.

• Eye Doctor Appointment: Scheduling is a priority due to concerning news.
• Contract Resigning: A long-term podcast sponsor has agreed to resign for the year ahead.
• Usage Rights Extension: A brand requested to extend paid usage rights for an Instagram reel ad campaign. This is described as "a good amount of additional money for not having to do any additional work."
• Wave: Used to create quick invoices.

Security Issue and Financial Management (10:31 AM)

While attempting to send an invoice, a security issue arises with the Wave account being locked due to an unfamiliar phone number for verification. This prompts a check of all bank accounts to ensure no unauthorized activity. The content creator then discusses the importance of high yield savings accounts, specifically mentioning Marcus by Goldman Sachs, and shares a referral link for an additional APY (Annual Percentage Yield) bonus. The benefits of earning 3-4% on savings compared to regular savings or checking accounts are highlighted.

• Wave Account Lockout: Security issue requiring verification due to an unfamiliar phone number.
• Marcus by Goldman Sachs: Recommended high yield savings account with no minimum deposit or balance. Offers around 3% APY plus a 0.25% bonus through a referral link.
• APY (Annual Percentage Yield): The effective annual rate of return taking into account the effect of compounding interest.

Customer Service and Studio Preparation (11:25 AM - 12:42 PM)

While getting ready, the content creator receives DMs from customers requiring immediate attention. A customer is experiencing a typo issue with their course access, requiring a quick video explanation and resolution. After resolving the customer issue, the focus shifts to preparing for studio work, including camera blocking and test shots.

• Customer DM: Immediate attention required to resolve a typo issue with course access.
• Studio Preparation: Intention to head to the studio for camera blocking and test shots.

Studio Setup and Content Creation (12:42 PM - 1:47 PM)

Upon arriving at the studio, the content creator provides a brief tour and mentions tidying up and unpacking boxes. The primary goal is to record ad reads for the podcast, both for personal products/affiliate partnerships and for the show's sponsor, Metrical. The intention is to test lighting and sound in the studio, which hasn't been used for recording other than vlogs. The content creator also mentions a privacy wall from Ikea that they are trying to assemble.

• Studio Tour: Brief overview of the studio space.
• Podcast Ad Reads: Recording ads for personal products/affiliate partnerships and Metrical.
• Ikea Privacy Wall: Attempting to assemble a privacy wall for the podcast shots.

Ikea Assembly Frustration and Ad Filming Location (1:47 PM)

The content creator expresses frustration with assembling an Ikea privacy wall, encountering difficulties with screwing in metal pipe things. This leads to a change of plans, deciding to film the ad reads at the desk section instead. The rationale is to create a visual break during podcast interviews by cutting away to a different location for the ads. The desk section is acknowledged as being backlit, potentially affecting the video quality.

• Ikea Assembly Issues: Frustration with assembling the privacy wall.
• Change of Filming Location: Deciding to film ad reads at the desk section instead.

Ad Filming Setup and Content (1:47 PM - 3:07 PM)

The content creator sets up the filming equipment, including a phone tripod with a MagSafe mount for a second angle. The content involves creating a list of affiliate partnerships and winging the ad reads. The content creator emphasizes that they will be more organized when working with clients in the studio, offering services such as script writing and teleprompter setup.

• Phone Tripod with MagSafe: Used for a second camera angle.
• Affiliate Partnership List: Creating a list of affiliate partnerships for ad content.
• Studio Services: Offering script writing and teleprompter setup for clients.

Technical Difficulties and Sassy Ads (2:20 PM - 3:07 PM)

The content creator encounters technical difficulties with updating their Mac and setting up a screensaver. This delay is used as an opportunity to brainstorm ideas for the ad reads, aiming for a sassy and loose tone. The filming environment presents challenges, including a backlit location and a dump truck in the alley. A new camcorder recommended by a friend is being used, but the content creator is not yet fully familiar with its operation. A DJI microphone with a Freelance Friday podcast mic flag is used for audio.

• Mac Update Issues: Technical difficulties with updating the computer.
• Sassy Ad Tone: Aiming for a fun and loose tone in the ad reads.
• New Camcorder: Using a new camcorder with limited knowledge of its operation.
• DJI Microphone: Using a DJI handheld microphone with a Freelance Friday podcast mic flag.

Ad Filming Completion and Reflection (3:07 PM - 4:00 PM)

Despite the challenges, the content creator manages to film several ad reads. The quality is deemed acceptable despite the less-than-ideal conditions. The day is characterized as a "build day," involving experimentation and acclimation with the new camera. The content creator acknowledges that such days can be frustrating as they don't result in immediate payment.

• Ad Filming Completion: Several ad reads filmed despite challenges.
• "Build Day": Characterizing the day as focused on experimentation and preparation rather than immediate income generation.

Build Days and Their Importance (4:00 PM)

The content creator reflects on the importance of "build days," even though they can feel frustrating and unproductive. These days are crucial for setting up the foundations of a business or content creation, such as creating reusable ads and staging the studio space. The content creator shares that they can feel guilty when vlogging these days, fearing that viewers might perceive them as simply playing around.

• Importance of Build Days: Emphasizing the value of preparation and experimentation for long-term success.
• Guilt about Vlogging Build Days: Concern about viewers perceiving the day as unproductive.

Evening Plans and Final Check-in (5:00 PM - 9:30 PM)

The content creator plans to cook dinner, listen to music, and give their eyes a break from screens. The evening will also involve editing the vlog, aiming to complete the initial cuts. The final check-in occurs around 9:00 PM, with the cuts completed and only music and final touches remaining. The content creator anticipates spending an additional 30 minutes selecting music tracks before ending the workday.

• Dinner and Relaxation: Cooking dinner, listening to music, and taking a break from screens.
• Vlog Editing: Completing the initial cuts for the vlog.
• Music Selection: Planning to select music tracks for the vlog.

Conclusion

The vlog provides a realistic glimpse into the daily life of a content creator, highlighting the diverse range of tasks involved, from administrative work and customer service to content creation and technical troubleshooting. It emphasizes the importance of prioritization, financial management, and the value of "build days" in establishing a sustainable business. The content creator's reflections on the challenges and rewards of their profession offer valuable insights for aspiring creators.