How developers can "level up" by creating content
This is the written version of the talk presented by Pachi Parra at Git Commit Show 2021. Learn about the benefits of content creation, how to kickstart the content creation journey, how to choose the right platform and strategies to improve your content's reach.
About the speaker
From a nanny to Developer Relations Manager at New Relic
Pachi is the Developer Relations Manager at New Relic, a popular Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform for web and mobile app monitoring.
Pachi began her incredible journey as a nanny 👶, a role she embraced for nearly a decade. Simultaneously, she nurtured her passion for technology by teaching herself JavaScript and coding through online resources. Her tenacity and drive are evident during her career talks, where she openly shares her unique experiences.
Why content creation is essential for developers
Pachi advocates for content creation as a life and career-changing endeavor for developers. She believes that their natural curiosity and continuous learning make developers the perfect candidates for creating and sharing insightful content.
Tech content creation boosts developer career by
🚀 Showcasing expertise: Developing and sharing content enables developers to display their knowledge and skills to a broader audience, thus helping them establish themselves as thought leaders in their field
🧠 Teaching others solidifies understanding: Content creation allows developers to teach and share their knowledge with others, reinforcing their own understanding of specific topics or technologies in the process
👩💻 Building a professional portfolio: Through content creation, developers can compile a portfolio of their work, which others can reference, and ultimately demonstrate their expertise in various technologies or concepts
💼 Networking and career opportunities: Creating content facilitates networking and connections within the industry, attracting like-minded individuals, leading to new connections, partnerships, and job opportunities
🌐 Building a community: Content creation enables developers to foster a community around shared interests, connecting with like-minded individuals in the industry and forming valuable relationships
How to kickstart your content journey
Ideas and insights for aspiring creators
You can create content about anything. Start with what you know, write for yourself - Pachi Parra
Embarking on the content creation journey can be both exciting and overwhelming. Choosing the right topics and formats might seem daunting; it should not be.
My first blog post was simply about my journey and how I got interested in tech. Over time, my blog posts became more complex and focused on specific topics, but starting with a personal story or journey can be a great way to get started with content creation. - Pachi Parra
1. Decide the topics
- Make a list of everything you know and are currently learning about, including technical skills like programming languages and frameworks, as well as soft skills like public speaking or community management
- Brainstorm questions you or others may have about those topics and identify areas where you can provide insights or share your learning process
- Remember, even if a topic has been covered extensively before, there's always room for a fresh perspective or a new take on the subject. Your unique experiences and insights will provide value to your audience and help you stand out in the industry
Another approach to generating content ideas is to start with personal questions about a topic and document your learning process. Content doesn't always have to provide a definitive answer or solve a problem. Sometimes, sharing your experiences and journey can be just as valuable to others who may be starting out in the same field.
2. Choose the content format
Developers can choose from various types of content, such as blog posts, tutorials, social media posts, videos, podcasts, and webinar.Engaging and interactive content formats such as videos and podcasts allow creators to connect with their audience on a deeper level and can be repurposed and shared across multiple platforms for greater reach and brand awareness.
3. Find the right platform for your content
The world of content creation offers developers an incredible opportunity to share their expertise and experiences with a broader audience. Finding the right platform for your content is essential to connecting with your target audience and creating an impact. Here are some insights on finding the right platform for your content.
Experiment with various platforms to determine which best aligns with your content and target audience. For example, Twitch is perfect for live-streaming and real-time engagement, while YouTube caters more to pre-recorded videos and a wider range of content categories.
Keep these tips in mind to ensure you find the right platform for your content:
- Promote your content on different social media platforms, using relevant hashtags and engaging with online communities related to your niche
- Collaborate with other creators and influencers to expand your reach and grow your audience
- Engage with your audience by responding to comments and building relationships, which encourages continued support for your content
Lastly, focus on delivering valuable content and nurturing a community first. With time, dedication, and hard work, the monetary benefits will eventually follow.
4. Increase your content's reach
In the world of content creation, promotion is key to reaching a wider audience and making an impact. Pachi shares her insights on content promotion and its importance for developers starting out as content creators
📈 She emphasizes the need to follow company brand guidelines and platform policies when promoting content. While also suggests utilizing various channels like social media platforms, Dev.to, and personal blogs to distribute your content effectively
⏰ Timing is everything. Pachi highlights the significance of sharing content at the right moment, capitalizing on industry events and trends for maximum impact
5. Build an engaged community
Create genuine connections with your audience
In the dynamic world of content creation, building genuine relationships with your audience is crucial. Pachi shares her wisdom on building genuine relationships with your audience and its importance for developers starting out as content creators.
🌟 The need to foster authentic connections with your audience. Instead of pushing your views or sales pitches, concentrate on providing value and cultivating a community where people feel comfortable and engaged
🌱 By nurturing these relationships, you can create a loyal audience that continues to support and follow your content. This approach not only enriches your content creation journey but also paves the way for long-term success and a thriving community of fans
She also underscores the importance of fostering authentic connections with your audience. Instead of aggressively promoting your views or trying to sell something, focus on providing value and cultivating a community where people feel comfortable and engaged. By nurturing these relationships, you can establish a loyal audience that continues to support and follow your content.
For building genuine relations with your audience, you have to create good content - Pachi Parra
In Conclusion
Pachi Parra's insights into content creation in the tech industry highlight its immense value for developers and their careers. Embracing content creation nurtures learning, teaching, and networking opportunities. By sharing unique perspectives and experiences, developers can offer invaluable information to their audience while establishing themselves as thought leaders.
Starting out with content creation is as simple as sharing your jouney as a developer. Pachi shared insights and ideas on how you can further pick good topics, content formats, distributions channels, etc. Eventually you start thinking about growth and that's where Pachi shared how you can increase your content's reach and build a community around it.
Remember, even personal journeys can inspire and resonate with others, making content creation a powerful tool for growth and connection.
Thank you for reading this article. Hope this helps in your journey. If you want to be join such live career talks, register for the next Git Commit Show or join weekly events in Invide developer community.