So you’ve chosen a platform to start creating content. The next step is deciding on a topic as a beginner creator.
Every content creator has the same burning question:
What should I talk about?
As a beginner content creator, this question is overwhelming.
Your mind goes through every topic you have researched, your favorite things to watch, and what other creators are talking about. The worry and the stress of choosing the wrong topic consume you.
You think about what niche will be perfect. What if I choose a topic no one cares about?
Listen, I get it. To be honest, I’m still there.
The questions are never-ending.
- Is this the right niche?
- Are the topics I’m choosing under this niche for me?
- Do I like what I’m sharing?
- Should I switch to something totally different?
But it’s important to remember something:
You only need one decision and one step.
At Beginner Content, we believe in starting small. One decision leads to one simple step. Don’t overthink it. When you do, you become overwhelmed, and it leads to indecision.
When you are overwhelmed, start with our guide about How to Start Creating Content When You Feel Overwhelmed. There, we will explain a simple framework that all beginners should follow.
This framework includes three simple steps:
- Choose one platform
- Create your account
- Choose one topic
Also, check out our previous guide on How to Create Your First Content Creator Account to learn more about step number two in our three-step framework.
Why Choosing a Topic Feels Overwhelming As a Beginner Creator
Many beginners get stuck when choosing the perfect niche. There are many niches out there to choose from.
You might think:
- What if I pick the wrong niche?
- What if I get bored?
- Is this niche oversaturated?
- Will anyone care about my niche?
The pressure of these questions can feel extremely heavy. Beginners often get stuck because the questions are daunting. This can prevent you from creating content.
Here are more reasons this can happen:
Fear of Choosing the Wrong Niche
A common fear for beginners is choosing the wrong niche. What if it’s a mistake?
Guess what? It could be.
Many creators shift content direction as they mature.
Your niche does not have to be the same for your entire career.
Use it to learn how to create and share ideas publicly.
To remove pressure, let’s focus on one specific topic within that niche. For example, if your niche is helping women over 40 with exercise, focus on how menopause affects weight loss.
Remember, start with one decision and one step.
Trying to Copy Successful Creators
Beginner content creators often try to imitate successful creators.
You may see a creator in your same niche build an audience around certain topics and assume you can do the same.
But those creators have spent years researching and discovering what is best for them.
Remember that you are seeing the end product. You are not always privy to the behind-the-scenes work.
Your goal is not to copy a seasoned creator’s work. There is nothing wrong with being inspired by them.
As a beginner, your goal is to find your own voice.
Waiting for the Perfect Idea
Another trap for beginner content creators is waiting for the perfect idea.
I have fallen into this rabbit hole a lot. You are thinking, I will start when I find the perfect topic.
But the truth is, there is no perfect moment of clarity.
It will never arrive before you begin.
You gain clarity by producing content, not before.
Find your niche and pick your topic.
The Truth: Your First Topic Does Not Need to Be Perfect
Many beginners don’t realize this:
Your first topic is temporary.
It helps you to get started. Your first topic helps you get accustomed to making content.
Over time, you will evolve as a creator.
Niches and topics change.
Your skillset will improve.
Plus, understanding your audience will grow.
During your content journey, you will explore many ideas before narrowing your niche.
When beginning, choose a topic that is a content starting point.
A Simple Way to Choose Your First Topic As a Beginner Creator
Choosing a topic becomes easier when you focus on what interests you.
You don’t have to recreate the wheel.
Start small with things you enjoy thinking about, learning, and discussing.
Instead of searching endlessly for the perfect niche, try simplifying the process.
Let’s try this simple exercise to start.
The 3-Question Method for Choosing a Topic
Ask yourself these three questions:
1. What do I enjoy talking about?
If there was no pressure right now, what could you talk about for five minutes? You don’t need to be an expert. Sharing your thoughts and experiences is enough to begin.
2. What makes me want to learn more?
Think about things that grab your attention. How does it move you to learn more? Your curiosity is a great indicator of what you want to create content about.
3. Do people ask me about certain subjects?
Family, friends, and coworkers often associate you with certain knowledge or skills. Those questions will become great starting points for content.
If you’re curious about what people are already searching for, tools like Google Trends can help you explore popular topics and see how interest changes over time.
This can give you ideas for subjects that pique your interest.
Just remember, the goal isn’t to chase trends.
The goal is to find a topic that helps you take your first step into creating content.
A 30-Second Topic Exercise (put in box)
Before you keep reading, try this quick exercise.
Grab a notebook, your phone, or a blank document, and write down three things you enjoy talking about.
They don’t have to be perfect ideas.
They don’t have to be profitable niches.
Just write down three topics that naturally interest you.
For example, your list might look like this:
• learning to draw
• beginner gardening
• organizing a small apartment
That’s it.
You now have three possible starting points for your content.
Remember the philosophy at Beginner Content:
You only need one decision and one step.
Your only job right now is to pick one of those topics as your starting point.
You can always change later.
Your Topic Can Start Small
When you choose a topic as a beginner content creator, start small. This prevents you from becoming overwhelmed.
Starting too broadly can lead to burnout. Plus, you don’t have a focus.
For example:
Niche: Drawing
Smaller topics:
- Proper grip when drawing
- Warm-up exercise before drawing
- Practice different ways to draw a line
This allows you to start with small steps and not do every topic in that genre.
Plus, you feel confident to create more content.
Have you picked a platform yet? Read How to Pick One Platform As a Beginner (Without Regret) for more information.
It’s Okay to Experiment
Just like choosing a platform, choosing a topic can be a test.
You don’t have to commit to one topic forever.
Think small. For now, you are just exploring a subject you love.
Take your time. Create content around this topic for a few weeks and months, and see how it feels.
During that time, figure out:
- What do you enjoy talking about?
- Does this content feel natural?
- Are there ideas you want to explore?
Experimenting is a process.
And yes, it can be overwhelming.
Your next step is simple.
Always remember the Beginner Content philosophy:
You only need one decision and one step.
What Not to Worry About Yet
I know all of this can become too staggering. Choosing a topic as a beginner creator is no easy task.
As I said before, start small.
Try not to jump ahead.
You don’t need to worry about:
- Becoming an expert immediately
- Gaining a large audience quickly
- Monetizing your content
- Having hundreds of ideas ready
These things will come naturally.
Your focus is on being comfortable creating content around a topic you enjoy.
Small steps build confidence.
Confidence builds consistency.
Consistency creates content.