Document vs. Create: Elevating Your Content Creation Game

Kate Strachnyi
2 min readJul 29, 2024

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Ever wondered whether you should share your journey as it happens or craft content from scratch? The “document vs. create” debate in the world of content creation is something many of us grapple with. Both approaches have their own magic, and I wanted to chat about them and how they can help us all step up our storytelling game.

The Power of Documenting

Let’s start with documenting. It’s all about capturing what’s happening in real-time and sharing those moments with your audience. This approach feels super authentic and relatable. Here’s why I love it:

  1. Authenticity: When I document my journey, I’m sharing my real experiences. People can tell when something’s genuine, and they really connect with that. It’s like inviting them into my world.
  2. Engagement: Documenting makes it easy to keep my audience engaged. They get to see things as they unfold, which makes them feel like they’re part of the adventure. It’s a great way to build a community.
  3. Consistency: One of the best things about documenting is that it’s easier to stay consistent. I don’t have to come up with new ideas all the time — I just share what I’m already doing.
  4. Learning and Growth: Reflecting on my experiences helps me grow, and sharing that journey provides valuable content for my audience. It’s a win-win!

The Art of Creating

Now, let’s talk about creating content from scratch. This is where you really get to flex those creative muscles. It takes more effort, but the results can be amazing:

  1. Creative Control: When I create content, I get to control every detail. I can make sure everything looks and feels exactly how I want it to. It’s all about bringing my vision to life.
  2. Tailored Messaging: Creating content allows me to tailor my message to my audience’s needs and interests. I can address specific questions or topics that I know will resonate with them.
  3. Innovation: Starting from scratch encourages me to think outside the box. It pushes me to come up with fresh ideas and new ways to present information.
  4. Professionalism: Well-produced content often looks more polished and professional. It’s a great way to boost my brand’s image and credibility.

Finding the Right Balance

So, which approach is better? Honestly, it’s all about finding the right balance that works for you and your audience. Here’s what I’ve found helpful:

  1. Know Your Audience: Understanding what my audience values helps me decide when to document and when to create. I listen to their feedback and watch how they engage with my content.
  2. Mix and Match: I like to combine both documenting and creating. Sharing real-time updates keeps things authentic, while producing polished pieces adds depth and variety.
  3. Leverage Tools: Using the right tools makes everything easier. From vlogging setups for documentation to content planning tools for creation, I use whatever helps streamline the process.
  4. Experiment and Iterate: I’m always experimenting with different formats and styles. Paying attention to what resonates with my audience helps me fine-tune my approach.

What type of content do you prefer to create?

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Kate Strachnyi
Kate Strachnyi

Written by Kate Strachnyi

Founder of DATAcated | Author | Ultra-Runner | Mom of 2

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