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Google expands AI Overviews in Circle to Search, enabling instant insights from visual content on Android devices. The post Google Expands AI Overviews In Circle To Search appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I’m a recent grad, and I’ve been searching for my first full-time position. Recently, I was invited to second round of interviews for an event planning position at a national organization with a recognizable name. It included a schedule of seven virtual half-hour interviews with different groups of people at the organization and a request for me to prepare a 10-slide presentation of a potential event for the organization and challenges I might face. I thought seven interviews were overkill for such a junior position, especially as the organization does not specialize in event planning, but I was happy to participate. The seven interviews were horrifyingly awful. In the very first one, I was asked a very technical question about a product the organization produces. In response, I was clear that I was new to the field, did not know enough technical info to answer the question successfully but was excited to learn, and tried to redirect to my event planning experience. I was then reprimanded by the person who asked the question for not having knowledge that I think would take several degrees and 10 years in the field to acquire. The other three interviewers seemed to take their cues from the first interviewer, and were very dismissive. Their tone was along the lines of “You definitely don’t know this, but how do you…” including saying those exact words to me. They were correct, I did not know! I clicked into the next Zoom link utterly certain it was not the right role for me. Each of the remaining interviews, with the exception of one with five similarly junior employees who I would not actually be working with, was similarly challenging. I was asked questions that I was very uncomfortable answering, with very little relevance to the role and the responsibilities: for example, how I would solve a crisis like the Israel-Palestine conflict, or tackle a hate crime that had happened to a specific employee, enacted by an employee in the next group to interview me, who they named. All cameras were off for my presentation, and I wasn’t asked a single question — including by my potential direct supervisor, present on the call, who left it to me to wrap up the meeting in dead silence. I’ve since found another role, where I was asked sensible, relevant questions during the hiring process, but I can’t help wondering about how I should have handled that series of interviews. Was there a way I could have pulled out of the entirety of the planned day and consideration for the position after the first interview of the day? Was there a way I could have expressed feedback — perhaps to the very lovely HR person — after the truly horrific day of interviewing? And frankly, why would they have that many people (I want to say a total of 50) take the time to interview me? For what it’s worth, I don’t think I was underqualified for the position. The first round was an interview with someone from HR, and my understanding of the role was that I would provide support logistics for the several large conferences the company hosts — booking rooms, tracking RSVPs, sending invitations, and the like. They clearly decided they didn’t want me during the first 10 minutes (I sent an email the next day thanking them for their time and politely withdrawing), but I am genuinely confused about how and why the day went the way it did. They asked how you would solve the Israel-Palestine conflict in a job interview for a junior events planning position?! Or how you would solve a hated crime perpetrated by one employee against another, then sent you to interview with the doer of the crime?! WTF?! Yes, you can cut short an interview if it becomes clear that you’d never want to work there or that moving forward isn’t a good use of anyone’s time. Most of the time it makes sense to see out an interview through to the end — since the employer might have a different opening in the future that you would be considered for if you make a good impression now — but there are a few situations where it makes more sense to just call it to a halt: * if an interviewer is being abusive or insulting * if you’re in the middle of a day-long series of interviews (and so it’s not a matter of just getting through the next 30 minutes, but of investing hours more of your time and theirs) * if it becomes clear that the job is absolutely not right for you for an easily explainable reason that you’re comfortable being straightforward about (for example, it turns out the job was advertised as mostly X but turns out to be mostly Y and you hate Y, or the hours are obviously not the right fit) In those situations, it’s fine to say something like: * “I really appreciate your time, but as we’re talking I’m realizing that this wouldn’t be the right match for me.” * “As we’re talking, I’m realizing that this job wouldn’t be right for me, and since I want to be respectful of your time I don’t think it makes sense for me to continue with the rest of the day’s meetings.” * “It sounds like this job is really focused on X. I’m actively trying to move away from X and focus on Y, so this doesn’t sound like it would be the right match. I don’t want to take up more of your time so why don’t we wrap up here and you can focus on other candidates.” Again, the bar should be fairly high for doing this, but in situations like the ones above it’s a reasonable choice. To your other questions: It would be fine to give feedback to the HR person afterwards! You could say that the questions gave you a very different idea of the role than she had (and be specific about the two questions you shared here because those are %$&*#!) and/or that the interviewers were dismissive to the point of rudeness. As for why they’d have that many people interview you: they’re terrible at hiring! That explains basically all of this. View the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I own and operate a small business. The workflow is typically manageable within a 40-hour work week. However, occasionally an important project comes in with an especially tight deadline and usually affects a different person each time. I have difficulty asking employees to go the extra mile for that day or two when needed. I’m not even sure what constitutes a fair request. What are the “rules” about this? I almost always decide that I will take on whatever extra work is necessary myself, rather than ask for any extra push from employees. My logic is that I will “save it up” for when something is really critical. Of course that day never comes. Taking on the additional work from employees in this way has become distracting from my primary job. Hiring an additional person is not an option because the extra work does not always pop up in the same operational area, and typically the work overflow requires deep knowledge of a particular project. (Also, all but one of my employees are salaried exempt.) Under these conditions, is it appropriate to ask for an occasional extra push? If so, how do I go about asking for that? I answer this question over at Inc. today, where I’m revisiting letters that have been buried in the archives here from years ago (and sometimes updating/expanding my answers to them). You can read it here. View the full article

Resource planning templates simplify the process of assigning and allocating resources throughout your project. They save you time and effort, help you make strategic resourcing decisions, and help deliver the project successfully—on time, on budget, and within scope. The post 4 Resource Planning Templates For Excel & Sheets appeared first on The Digital Project Manager. View the full article

Want to retain employees? Here’s one way. By Beth Bellor Go PRO for members-only access to more Beth Bellor. View the full article

Want to retain employees? Here’s one way. By Beth Bellor Go PRO for members-only access to more Beth Bellor. View the full article

Yes, we included the answers ... just in case. By Ed Mendlowitz Tax Season Opportunity Guide Go PRO for members-only access to more Edward Mendlowitz. View the full article

Yes, we included the answers ... just in case. By Ed Mendlowitz Tax Season Opportunity Guide Go PRO for members-only access to more Edward Mendlowitz. View the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: This letter has a lot of personal issues attached to it, but I swear this is job-related. My mother is trying to strong-arm me into letting my 13-year-old brother stay in my office with me after school since his school is close to where I work. I’ve had an exhausting feud with my mother because of her passive parenting of my brother. She simultaneously thinks I don’t do enough to control him, while any actual consequences I give him always get me a “why did you have to be so meeeeeean to him?” (My father passed away a few years ago, unfortunately.) Predictably, this has led to my brother being insufferable for anyone to be around and, bluntly, a professional liability. To briefly give you an idea of what my brother is like: * On a family trip to the zoo this last Christmas, my brother “innocently” pointed out the size of the zebra’s genitalia loud enough for anyone within ten feet to hear. * Made inappropriate remarks every time one of our toddler cousins used a phrase with the word “daddy.” * Remember those DJ Bouncin’ Beats toys where the toy makes a song and bounces to whatever someone records on it? Guess who followed the TikTok trend of making porn noises to it in the Walmart toy aisle? * And the reason why this discussion about me babysitting him at work came in the middle of the school year? Because he isn’t allowed in extracurriculars for the rest of the year because he’s been sexually harassing a female classmate. My response to my mother was ABSOLUTELY NOT, and I put my foot down by saying I couldn’t let my brother into the office even if I wanted to. Unfortunately, my mother has taken it a step further by calling my job without my knowledge. She only got to talk to the receptionist, but when my mom asked if single moms are allowed to bring their kids in, the receptionist confirmed that it was allowed. My mother then let me know how wrong I was about the policy at my own job. I haven’t brought any of this up to my manager because I wanted to solve it on my own first, and I didn’t think my family issues should be his problem. However, I’m starting to feel like I should bring it up to him to figure out what we can do to keep my brother out of the office (especially now that my mother already involved my job). Do you have any suggestions or scripts to navigate this professionally without any undue burden to my manager or coworkers? In terms of telling my manager about my family situation, do I just say that I do not trust my brother to curb his disruptive behavior in the office? I felt like my mother contacting my job herself was also a huge unprofessional breach, so how do I tell my manager that I had never asked her to call on my behalf? Or is there any way I can approach this without dragging my poor manager into it at all? Whoa, your mom really overstepped when she called your office! Remember this, though: your office isn’t going to make you bring your brother in just because your mom wants you to. You don’t need to figure out a solution with them. You only need to hold firm with your mom that it’s not happening. It was reasonable to tell your mom that you couldn’t bring your brother to work even if you wanted to; that would be the case in many — in fact, most — jobs. And for what it’s worth, even if your particular office allows parents to bring kids in, (a) this isn’t your kid, and (b) that generally means “on rare occasions during a child care emergency,” not “as a daily supervision plan.” But even if you worked in the rare office that would allow your brother to hang out there every day, your mom should have dropped it as soon as you said you couldn’t make it work. Wanting to be able to focus on your job without babysitting a challenging kid is a very, very reasonable stance; most people would feel that way. Pushing you to divide your attention every day would be unfair to you, to employer, and to your coworkers (and probably to your brother, too). And even if your office welcomed the daily presence of your brother (which, again, is highly unlikely even if he were well-behaved), it doesn’t matter because you get to decide you’re not doing it. You’re not doing it because he’ll distract you from work that requires your focus / he’ll distract other people from their work / he won’t behave appropriately / it would reflect poorly on your own professional judgment — take your pick. All of those are legitimate reasons. If your mom will only accept a no if you first persuade her that you have a “good enough” reason: that’s too bad for her. You don’t need her to sign off on your decision. You can just say, “No, I can’t do that” and hold firm. If you want to explain more, you can say, “I can’t do my own job and watch him.” You can say, “I’m not willing to jeopardize my job over this.” Sometimes when you’re dealing with boundary-crossing family members like your mom, it’s better not to give any reason at all because the person will just debate you, but you know best whether that’s the case with your mom. Either way, what ultimately matters is that your answer is no and you’re not going to change that. You don’t need her to be happy about your stance, or to convince her that her proposal is a bad one. You just need to convey that it will not happen and it’s not up for further debate. Her feelings about that are up to her and she will have to work through them, but you do not need to give in just because she’s unhappy. Maybe she’s going to be unhappy about it, and that’s okay. As for your boss, I don’t know that you need to say anything about it to him at all. But if addressing it would give you peace of mind, it’s fine to! You could say, “I want to give you a heads-up that my mother, who tends to cross boundaries, has been trying to convince me to let my brother stay at the office with me after school. I consider that an absolute no-go and told her that — and then unbeknownst to me, she called the office and asked Jane if it would be allowed. I’m handling this within my family — and my brother will not be coming here — but I wanted to loop you in in case she tries calling again. I’m sorry to involve you at all.” (You don’t need to get into your brother’s behavior at all; it’s understandable to refuse the request regardless, even if he were an angel who would mop the kitchen and deliver snacks to your coworkers.) View the full article

Duplicate title tags occur when multiple pages on your site use the same title tag copy, which can harm SEO. View the full article

This article is posted with permission from our partner MacPaw. MacPaw makes Mac + iOS apps that have been installed on over 30 million devices worldwide. Freelancers Union members receive 30 days of free unlimited access to CleanMyMacX and Setapp: https://freelancersunion.org/resources/perks/macpaw/ It’s often quite a challenge to have deep focus when you begin your career as a freelancer and must complete online freelance work, right? This is especially true when working from home — there are so many distractions that can result in poor-quality work. To succeed, you’re going to need strategies that’ll restore your deep focus. And this is easier with the best apps and tips. So, how to focus on work?’ (particularly freelance work from home). Let’s figure this out. 3 approaches to help you focus on freelance workEach way to boost your focus on freelance work has its own vibe, but they can really help you get things done. All of these methods come with some awesome apps to try. So, here are three cool approaches to help you zone in on your freelance projects. Working with timersSometimes, focus can require timeboxing or setting aside specific amounts of time for specific online freelance work. If you’re a huge fan of the Pomodoro technique, many studies state it helps individuals complete similar tasks in a shorter timeframe. So, this is the FIRST tip for focusing as a freelancer. Now, the Pomodoro technique is a time management strategy that requires breaking tasks down into 25-minute intervals. For instance, you might need to set aside 25 minutes for researching an article and 50 minutes for writing it. But this can be quite challenging if you’re not working with a precise timer — a technique that involves allocating time slots for each task, such as creating an outline, and then setting the timer. In fact, you might find yourself losing focus if you use an alternative strategy and keep checking the clock on your phone. That’s where Focused Work can make a difference. This app is a timer that allows you to allocate time for tasks. The app has a built-in Pomodoro tab ideal for time allocation for each task. It’ll count from 25 to zero for each 25-minute interval, after which you can take a break. 0:00 /0:33 1× Focusing on writingStaying organized can help when completing online freelance work. But there are, of course, times when, despite being organized, you simply can’t focus at work. It requires a specific mood of focus to ensure you can complete a task effectively. So, a couple of tips for this include staying focused by keeping notes and playing focus music for work. Thankfully, there are apps that offer both of these features. Focused, for instance, offers note-taking advantages and music to enhance your focus. This simplified note-taking app also offers formatting benefits, which you can use for creating a list of blog ideas divided into separate sections with headers. Adding a focused mood with audio surroundings Background sounds can really make a difference to your level of focus when completing freelance work. Now, each individual will likely have preferences for their focus music for work. That’s where the customizable GetSound app can be music to your ears. GetSound offers features for switching locations for soundscapes. It offers options from Bangkok, New York, Paris, and more, and even lets you access environmental layers like wind chimes and streams. 0:00 /0:31 1× Focus deeper on tasks with top strategies and appsIt’s with a great level of focus on online freelance work that you can stay productive and avoid distractions. It can make a real difference to your output, and the right strategies and apps can support you when you can’t focus at work. With my strategies and the apps covered, you’ve almost got all you need to complete tasks efficiently. All that’s left is to access, download, and use the apps, which you’ll find at Setapp. Setapp offers a seven-day free trial, too, so you can use these apps without paying for them during this timeframe and get an idea of how they work. When you can’t focus, don’t panic. Use great apps from Setapp and the tips mentioned to succeed as a freelancer. View the full article

This article is posted with permission from our partner MacPaw. MacPaw makes Mac + iOS apps that have been installed on over 30 million devices worldwide. Freelancers Union members receive 30 days of free unlimited access to CleanMyMacX and Setapp: https://freelancersunion.org/resources/perks/macpaw/ It’s often quite a challenge to have deep focus when you begin your career as a freelancer and must complete online freelance work, right? This is especially true when working from home — there are so many distractions that can result in poor-quality work. To succeed, you’re going to need strategies that’ll restore your deep focus. And this is easier with the best apps and tips. So, how to focus on work?’ (particularly freelance work from home). Let’s figure this out. 3 approaches to help you focus on freelance workEach way to boost your focus on freelance work has its own vibe, but they can really help you get things done. All of these methods come with some awesome apps to try. So, here are three cool approaches to help you zone in on your freelance projects. Working with timersSometimes, focus can require timeboxing or setting aside specific amounts of time for specific online freelance work. If you’re a huge fan of the Pomodoro technique, many studies state it helps individuals complete similar tasks in a shorter timeframe. So, this is the FIRST tip for focusing as a freelancer. Now, the Pomodoro technique is a time management strategy that requires breaking tasks down into 25-minute intervals. For instance, you might need to set aside 25 minutes for researching an article and 50 minutes for writing it. But this can be quite challenging if you’re not working with a precise timer — a technique that involves allocating time slots for each task, such as creating an outline, and then setting the timer. In fact, you might find yourself losing focus if you use an alternative strategy and keep checking the clock on your phone. That’s where Focused Work can make a difference. This app is a timer that allows you to allocate time for tasks. The app has a built-in Pomodoro tab ideal for time allocation for each task. It’ll count from 25 to zero for each 25-minute interval, after which you can take a break. 0:00 /0:33 1× Focusing on writingStaying organized can help when completing online freelance work. But there are, of course, times when, despite being organized, you simply can’t focus at work. It requires a specific mood of focus to ensure you can complete a task effectively. So, a couple of tips for this include staying focused by keeping notes and playing focus music for work. Thankfully, there are apps that offer both of these features. Focused, for instance, offers note-taking advantages and music to enhance your focus. This simplified note-taking app also offers formatting benefits, which you can use for creating a list of blog ideas divided into separate sections with headers. Adding a focused mood with audio surroundings Background sounds can really make a difference to your level of focus when completing freelance work. Now, each individual will likely have preferences for their focus music for work. That’s where the customizable GetSound app can be music to your ears. GetSound offers features for switching locations for soundscapes. It offers options from Bangkok, New York, Paris, and more, and even lets you access environmental layers like wind chimes and streams. 0:00 /0:31 1× Focus deeper on tasks with top strategies and appsIt’s with a great level of focus on online freelance work that you can stay productive and avoid distractions. It can make a real difference to your output, and the right strategies and apps can support you when you can’t focus at work. With my strategies and the apps covered, you’ve almost got all you need to complete tasks efficiently. All that’s left is to access, download, and use the apps, which you’ll find at Setapp. Setapp offers a seven-day free trial, too, so you can use these apps without paying for them during this timeframe and get an idea of how they work. When you can’t focus, don’t panic. Use great apps from Setapp and the tips mentioned to succeed as a freelancer. View the full article

Helping clients with these filings isn’t just a responsibility—it’s a chance to enhance your practice and grow your billable hours. Quick Tax Tip With Art Werner CPE Today Go PRO for members-only access to more Art Werner. View the full article

Helping clients with these filings isn’t just a responsibility—it’s a chance to enhance your practice and grow your billable hours. Quick Tax Tip With Art Werner CPE Today Go PRO for members-only access to more Art Werner. View the full article

Compare Shopify vs. WordPress to determine which ecommerce platform is the best for your online store. View the full article

Understanding the types of SEO out there can help you choose the right services to get your website in the spotlight. It also helps you to fix issues yourself and then hand the rest off to a specialist. View the full article

Learn top internal linking strategies and get a free template to optimize your site‘s SEO and user experience. View the full article

The main benefit of SEO is search engine visibility, which can increase brand awareness and site traffic. View the full article

Finding content gaps and focusing on user needs can help you increase engagement. Here are more tips. View the full article

Appear higher in Airbnb search results by adding amenities to your listing and responding to guests quickly. View the full article

There’s a bit of a misconception that it’s “too late” to get started as a creator in 2025. Sure, the TikTok boom of 2020 is behind us (RIP days where videos of your sourdough starter got 10K views), but that doesn’t mean you’ve missed the boat. For one thing, it’s probably never going to be as easy as it is right now, ever again. The space is crowded, but it’s only getting more so. And another: there's still plenty of room for authentic voices to make their mark. "Your voice and your perspective matter," says creator and marketer Aarushi Singh. "There's room for everyone in the creator economy, and the world needs more passionate people sharing their knowledge and creativity." Plus, you’ve got a secret weapon — the tried-and-tested advice of successful creators who have been there, done that, and got the blue check (or Top Voice badge). I spoke to several of my favorite creators across platforms and asked them, with all their years of experience (and cross-platform followings), what they would do differently if they were starting from scratch today. And they had some fascinating insights to share. Armed with their wisdom, Buffer’s data, and my own experience as a creator, I’ve pulled together this step-by-step guide. So, whether you're dreaming of becoming the next big TikTok star or building a meaningful community on LinkedIn, I've got you covered. Let’s start building your plan — and your following. ⚡P.S. You’ll find a little ‘worksheet’ at the bottom of this article you can copy and paste into your notes tool of choice.1. Find your ‘why’ — and write it downWhat is motivating you to start building your presence on social media? Setting an overarching goal will help you get clear on your audience, content, and more. On top of that, it’s a useful north star to revisit when you need some motivation to stick to your plan. Gina Sapién, a marketer who grew her LinkedIn following to over 10K in just six months in 2024, says this is one of the most important pieces of the puzzle. “What’s your main reason for creating content? Are you growing a brand, closing deals, landing a job, or something else? Your strategy will depend on this.” She cautions against setting a goal like ‘get followers.’ “Don’t get distracted by vanity metrics like followers if they don’t align with your goal. For example, if you’re building a business, focus on leads, not likes.” In my case, I’m focused on building my audience on LinkedIn in 2025 (supported by content on Instagram, TikTok, and Threads). My overarching goal is not to get followers but to generate multiple income streams. That means landing creator partnerships with brands I love and picking up content marketing and podcasting freelance work. Once you’re clear on your why, write it down somewhere visible. Research supports the idea that writing down your goals makes it more likely you’ll achieve them — 50% more likely, according to a study out of the Dominican University of California. I’ll take those odds. 2. Find your (for now) sweet spotIf you’ve consumed any content about getting your start on social, you’ll likely have heard a thing or two about choosing your niche. It’s good advice, but one that, in my experience, might lead to some overthinking. According to social media strategist Lindsey Gamble, the key is picking a topic you can talk about day after day without wanting to throw your phone out the window. "While some topics may have broader appeal or better reach, I'd focus on one or two that I'm passionate about and can consistently develop content for," he explains. "Consistency is key to content creation, and choosing a topic you know or love helps prevent burnout and keeps you motivated." Gina has some great advice on this front, too: “What’s that one thing you could talk about all day without getting tired AND people actually want to hear about? Start there,” she suggests. “Then break it down into 3–5 smaller themes (content pillars) you can stick to each week. These will keep you focused and help you build trust with your audience.” For Aarushi, this step would include "a thorough self-analysis of my skills/interests and how they align with my big-picture goals." "For example, I'm a marketer by day, so it's naturally easier for me to talk about marketing and be more confident about it," she says. Still feeling a little overwhelmed by trying to narrow down all your passions? Lindsey shared this nugget, which will hopefully alleviate some pressure: “Ultimately, your niche is you and not just the topic you focus on.” Gigi Robinson, creative economy educator and chronic illness activist — who has more than 200K followers across TikTok, LinkedIn, and Instagram — shared something similar on Buffer Chat: The Podcast. Start by focusing on one area of content that you are passionate about and expand from there, she suggested. “Think of your own brand as a solar system. You are the sun, and all of your interests are planets that you build upon over time." 3. Find your ‘connection’ pointIn my original draft of this article, I had a rough note about ‘finding your audience.’ But Pretty Little Marketer director, Sophie Miller, shared a tip that takes this a step further. “My first step would be to define my connection point,” she says. “Community is everything in 2025, and it's integral to building a presence that stands the test of time, especially if you’re looking to build on a busy platform like Instagram.” Sophie certainly would know. She started out on her “first love” Instagram back in 2020, amassing more than 100K followers. Now, she’s more focused on LinkedIn, where she has an audience of 200K on her personal profile and more than 300K on Pretty Little Marketer’s page. “Your connection point is the shared interest between you and your audience, that you can use to build relationship, maintain a consistent personal brand and as direction for your content,” she explains.” “Who are you posting for? If it's Gen-Z fashion girlies, your connection point might be feelings of trend fatigue and desire for timeless pieces. If you're a foodie looking to connect with other treat lovers, it could be life's little luxuries and indulgent yet quick recommendations.” “Defining your connection point means that you know what you're creating, and they know what to expect from you — right from the get-go.” 4. Play to your strengths“I’d love to create content, but I really don’t want to be on camera.” If I had a dollar follower for every time someone told me that, I’d have about… 12 more followers. (Which is quite a few people, to be fair.) I get that this is a major blocker for loads of people, but the reality is that you really don’t need to be a pro videographer to make it on social. Yes, short-form video is (still) having a moment — but it’s far from your only option when it comes to building your audience on social media. Far more important than format is consistency. So, choose a format (or a mix of them) that works for you. “While short-form video is often recommended because of its popularity on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, I’d focus on formats that play to my strengths,” Lindsey says. “If short-form video doesn’t come naturally to you, starting with it might feel forced. Instead, I’d prioritize formats that allow me to create content effectively because that is what is likely going to resonate best with audiences.” So, if you’re comfortable on camera and enjoy editing videos, setting out to create three videos every week is great! If you don’t fall into that camp, then trying to churn out all that video content is going to lead to burnout faster than you can say, “Export to camera roll.” No matter what the naysayers might tell you, there is still room on social media for photo- and text-based content — just look at the incredible rise of text-based platforms Threads and Bluesky. And if you're looking for receipts, we have them — a recent analysis of millions of Instagram posts found that, while videos do get more reach on the platform, it’s carousels that get the most engagement. When you’ve landed on your preferred content format, it’s time to consider… 5. Choose your platforms (wisely)As an aspiring creator, I’m sure you already have a platform (or several) in mind you’re hoping to lean into. That’s great! But now you’ve already done some strategy leg work as you work through these steps, there are a few more things to consider: What is your ultimate goal? If it’s booking brand partnerships, Instagram is the #sponsoredpost OG, while LinkedIn is definitely up-and-coming. If you’re looking to monetize natively, YouTube should be your first port of call, though TikTok is another strong option. Looking to drive click-throughs to a website or online store? Pinterest is where you want to be.Where is your audience? I’d argue this is not as important a consideration as it once was, since you can find all sorts of niches on the sprawling social networks of today. That said, common sense rules apply. (In other words: You’re probably not going to find too many pensioners on TikTok.)What format can you stick to consistently? While most platforms do support a mix of formats, there are one or two that just work best in-feed. On TikTok and YouTube, it’s video. On Instagram, it’s videos and carousels. On LinkedIn, Threads, Bluesky, or X, text can still reign supreme.If you’re still feeling confused, here’s a deep dive on platforms with Lindsey Gamble: 5. Build your creator tool stackBy now, you’ll know what type of content you're creating, where, and for who. If you’re starting from scratch, you probably feel like you’ve got your work cut out for you — but don’t assume the brace position just yet. There are loads of wonderful tools out there that can help you make the process smoother and faster. Here’s a quick list of some tools and use cases you might want to consider: A social media calendar: Whether it's a simple diary or spreadsheet or a more powerful tool like Buffer or Notion, a social media calendar is essential for staying consistent and organized. Here are some social media calendar templates to get started (or watch the video below to build one from scratch with me.)Photo editor: Whether it’s resizing to the best dimensions for each platform or tweaking the colors to fit your feed, a photo editor should be your first port-of-call. I use Canva and Adobe Lightroom for most of this.Design app: For creating carousels, adding text to images, and even some lightweight animations, you’ll need a design tool. Canva is my go-to, though Figma is a great option if you’re looking for something a little more powerful.A text editor: If you’re a text-based creator, I’d recommend a tool that dots the i’s and crosses the t’s. Grammarly’s browser extension is my favorite for most text, though AI writing tools like ChatGPT, Writer, and Claude can also be handy. I also like to use Speechify to read longer posts aloud to me to make sure they make sense.Video editor: You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to great video editors. My favorites are CapCut and Veed, though it might take some experimentation to find a system that works for you. These video editing tools are all excellent options.Social media management: No surprises here, but I’m a huge fan of scheduling social media posts in advance. Plus, I crosspost to multiple channels and there is no way I’m going to do that manually. Buffer is, of course, my go-to for scheduling and crossposting (it’s an excellent choice for beginners, and it’s free). If it’s not the right fit for you, here’s a comprehensive list of social media management tools and who they’re best for.Social media analytics: Figuring out what content works best for your audience is a crucial (and ongoing) task for creator success. Most platforms do have native analytics baked in which can be helpful, but it gets really fiddly if you’re sharing on multiple channels. Again, Buffer’s my top choice here as it does the math for you (recommending your best day, frequency, and content type to post on most channels), but here’s a bumper list of all the great social media analytics tools out there.An ideas hub: Once you get posting, I can pretty much guarantee that your best content ideas will come to you at the gym/at the store/out on a walk. You need a tool you can use on the go to store these sparks of genius. Your Notes app, Notion, Google Keep, and Buffer’s Create Space will work a treat.⚡If you want to take your creator tooling to the next level, this episode of Buffer Chat a must-listen: My Creator Tool Stack: Productivity Tips + Tools for Consistency with Anna Burgess Yang →6. Lean on other creators who inspire youWhen I first started creating on TikTok more consistently, one of the best pieces of advice I ever received was from Buffer’s own Nathan Nannenga, who has built up more than 30K followers on TikTok for his game and hobby store, Riftgate. He advised me to find other creators in my niche who I love, and use their videos as a template for my own. That definitely doesn’t mean copying them outright of course (there’s no way to flop on TikTok faster than inauthenticity). I’d put my own spin on their ideas, filming similar shots for my videos and seeing where and how they incorporated transitions and other effects. Doing this really helped me find my feet as a video creator and define my own style. Gina has some similar advice for text-based creators. “Writing as a newbie can feel overwhelming, so find posts that work and use them as a starting point,” she says. “Just don’t copy and paste — and always give credit if you borrow an idea.” 7. Make some friendsNot all the work that goes into building an audience happens on a public feed. Kiran Shahid, a content strategist, says that one of the best things she ever did when building her 10K audience on LinkedIn was connecting with other creators. "I'd study their content, understand their journey, and then send them super personalized DMs that showed I'd actually done my homework,” she says. “I also left detailed, thoughtful comments that added real value to discussions. The key was being ridiculously consistent with this approach. I'd follow up with people, share their wins, and genuinely celebrate their successes.” This investment still pays dividends today, Kiran says. “These same people regularly engage with my content, but more importantly, they've become part of a tight-knit community where we all support each other's growth.” “I've gotten amazing referrals for work, and collaboration opportunities — all because I took the time to build relationships rather than just collecting connections." Similarly, Lindsey recommends fostering connections on your own content, too. “One advantage new creators have is a smaller audience, which allows for deeper, more personal engagement,” he says. “Early on, I’d make it a priority to interact with every comment, DM, or message on my content. This kind of direct engagement helps build strong relationships and can turn casual viewers into loyal, engaged followers.” “As your audience grows, scaling this level of interaction gets harder, so take advantage of it while you can.” 8. Set a realistic, flexible scheduleCreator burnout: A thing to be avoided at all costs. While posting more is often touted as better for most platforms, that’s pretty unrealistic for most folks. There’s no point in posting daily if that ignites your inner Icarus. To make sure you don’t fly too close to the sun, don’t put yourself under too much pressure. Callie Schweitzer, Head of Scaled Programs at LinkedIn, works with a lot of new creators. One of the things she stresses to all of them: Don't try to go from zero to daily posting overnight. "Don't set a New Year's resolution that if you have posted zero times in the last month, you're going to post every day," she warns. "That's unrealistic... and we can all tell when somebody's posting on a platform, and it feels forced." Instead, start small and build up gradually. Maybe that's one post a week, then two, then three. The key is finding a rhythm you can actually maintain. Again, consistency > frequency. 9. Consider building a home home baseIf there’s one thing we’ve learned from the rapid banning and unbanning of TikTok, it’s that there’s something to be said for the old adage, “Don't put all your eggs in one basket.” "With algorithms constantly evolving, policies changing, and the possibility of platforms being banned, creators should focus on building channels that they own too," Lindsey says. Consider starting: A blog (like Lindsey Gamble’s)A community platform (like Sophie’s PLM community)A newsletter (like Buffer’s Tami Oladipo’s Content-as-a-Career)These owned channels aren't just backup plans — they're potential early monetization opportunities too. It’s time to take the plunge — and postIf you’ve worked your way through this article, you’re ready. It’s time to get to the fun — and most challenging part — posting. I don’t say difficult because creating content is hard work. It is, but it’s no harder than working through the creator strategy you’ve just finished. Hitting ‘publish’ is tough because it means stepping into the unknown, to a degree, with every post. "That's the thing about being a creator. When you haven't started, you build a mountain of self-doubt and impostor syndrome that makes you believe you can't achieve things because someone else is better at it, has bigger numbers, or better equipment," Aarushi says. "But take it from someone who's been there and done that, you need to get over your perfectionism. You don't need a crazy new idea or an otherworldly genius interstellar craft to be a successful creator." More good news: It gets a little easier every single time. Which is where this brilliant advice from creator and social strategist Jayde Powell comes in: “Just post the content. I think over time, things will fall into place, but you won't have all the answers until you actually start posting. “But I would say, don't think so critically about it,” she adds. “This is supposed to be something that is really fun and enjoyable and natural to you because it is an extension of who you are.” “So just get to posting. And then, over time, things will fall into place accordingly.” New Creator WorksheetCopy and paste these questions to your notes tool of choice and work your way through them (a pen and paper will do just fine, too!). My ‘why’ is:Why am I starting as a creator? What's my overarching goal? (e.g. brand partnerships, driving traffic to my website, building my newsletter mailing list, finding new clients for my business...). What motivates me? My sweet spot is:What is the one thing I could talk about endlessly without getting tired? …and that leads to these content pillars: First core themeSecond core themeThird core themeThe connection point/s between me and my audience are:Who are you posting for and are your shared values and interests? What do they need/feel? (e.g. Gen-Z fashion girlies with feelings of trend fatigue and desire for timeless pieces). My strengths are:What formats (e.g., video, text, photo, etc.) or styles of content play to my abilities? The platforms I will focus on are:What channels align with my goals, audience, and strengths? My creator tool stack includes:Content calendar: e.g., Buffer, Notion, diaryPhoto editor: e.g., Canva, Adobe LightroomDesign app: e.g., Canva, FigmaText editor: e.g., Grammarly, ChatGPTVideo editor: e.g., CapCut, VeedSocial media management: e.g., Buffer, Sprout Social, HootsuiteAnalytics tools: e.g., Buffer, native platform analyticsIdeas hub: e.g., Notes app, Notion, Buffer’s Create SpaceThe creators who inspire me are:Whose work resonates with me? What lessons can I take from them? Pro tip: Keep a list of links to their profiles so you can regularly visit, engage, and learn from their latest content. My content schedule is:What posting frequency can I maintain without burning out? The owned channels I will explore are:What home base (e.g., blog, newsletter, or community) will I build to secure my content and diversify my income opportunities? My next steps:What is the very first piece of content I’ll post? When? How will I follow up? Looking for more support?As a new (or even experienced) creator, it can be easy to feel isolated and overwhelmed. That’s why we kicked off Buffer’s Creator Camp, a program to help you post on social media consistently for 30 days. This high-touch, free challenge provides the structure, support, and community to make posting a habit. Learn more here → Missed the latest round of Creator Camp? No sweat: We kick off a new challenge every quarter! Until then, you can always join our Discord community to connect with other creators. View the full article

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