There are thousands of digital creators who are creating great content.
In the vast digital landscape, certain voices rise above the noise, leaving an indelible mark on those who encounter them. It could be on YouTube, Instagram, or Medium: regardless of format, we probably have a list of favourite creators that we love to follow and hear from. My favourite digital creators are the ones who provide valuable content with the objective of helping people solve a problem or help their audience level up in life.
In this blog post, I want to pay tribute to the extraordinary creators who have not only inspired and influenced my writing but also consistently provided immense value to their audience.
The Power Of Digital Influence.
In today's writing landscape, digital creators wield immense power, shaping trends and influencing audiences worldwide.
I decided to write about these influencers because their innovative approaches and authentic voices have profoundly impacted my own writing journey. By observing their strategies and engaging with their content, I’m continuously learning to adapt my writing to be more engaging and relatable. Their influence has inspired me to experiment with new formats and tools and to remain consistent and adaptable as a digital writer.
Influential Digital Creator
#1 Pat Flynn - Architect Turned Online Entrepreneur.
"Building a strong, successful brand is about solving people's problems."
I stumbled onto Pat Flynn's blog, Smart Passive Income by chance in the late 2000's and was immediately inspired by his writing.
After being laid off from his job in 2008, Pat ventured into blogging, where he openly shares his journey building an online business that has now grown into a multi-million dollar empire. His journey from adversity to success has been a source of inspiration for many, myself included. What I admire most about Pat Flynn is his emphasis on authenticity and the importance of providing valuable content for his audience. In fact, he was once listed by Forbes as one of the 10 Leaders Who Aren't Afraid To Be Transparent.
One particular piece of advice from Pat that has stuck with me is the importance of embracing the "process of failing forward". This mindset has encouraged me to take risks and view setbacks as an opportunity for growth, ultimately helping me to refine my craft as a digital writer.
#2 Brian Clark - Founder of Copyblogger.
"I didn't really plan out the business. I built the audience at Copyblogger with the faith and understanding that I would identify problems and desires they have, and then I'd figure out what to make in order to satisfy those problems and desires."
Much like Pat Flynn's blog, I stumbled upon Brian Clark when he first started his blog, Copyblogger.
As someone who was trying to make my mark in the marketing industry, Copyblogger provided great material to help me better understand content marketing. Brian’s emphasis on the power of storytelling and the importance of creating valuable, audience-focused content has profoundly influenced my writing. This principle has guided me not just as a digital writer but also as a marketer. The concept remains the same, the audience always comes first.
While Brian is still actively contributing to Copyblogger, he has expanded to other writing projects such as Further, a midlife personal growth newsletter for those above 50.
#3 Ali Abdaal - YouTuber, Podcaster, Author.
"Consistency is the bedrock of everything."
There was a time in my life when I fancied becoming a YouTuber.
In exploring the path to becoming one, I decided to invest in Ali Abdaal's PTYA course. In case you're not familiar with him, he is a former doctor turned YouTuber, podcaster, entrepreneur, and author who has become a significant figure in the productivity and digital creation space.
While he is more known as a YouTuber rather than a digital writer, Ali's influence on my writing has been profound.
His emphasis on consistency reshaped how I approach my digital writing habits. Learning and experimenting with my learnings through his course made me realise that I didn't like video as a format for creating content. I am more comfortable with writing. Despite that, some of the lessons I learned from his course, PTYA, are also relevant to those creating content through writing.
Encouragement for Aspiring Writers
Learning from successful digital creators can be a game-changer for any writer looking to elevate their writing skills.
Start by identifying creators whose work resonates with you - whether it's their unique voice, storytelling techniques, or the way they engage with their audience. Follow them on social media, subscribe to their newsletters, and read their blogs or books. Pay attention to their content strategies and how they interact with their followers.
Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions; many creators are open to sharing their insights. Additionally, join online communities and forums where writers and creators discuss their experiences and offer support. By continuously seeking out your own writing heroes and learning from their journeys, you’ll find endless inspiration and practical tips to refine your own writing style and build a strong personal brand.
