Have you been longing to start your own authority platform but aren’t quite sure where to begin? 

Whether it’s a blog, YouTube channel, or podcast, creating a platform can be a game-changer for your business. It can help you reach more people, establish yourself as an expert, and create meaningful connections with your audience. 

And yet too often I see amazing boss moms with so much to say either dive in without fully comprehending all that’s involved in this process only to get burnt out while their platform begins collecting dust after only a few episodes or posts. 

Or maybe you’re on the flip side of this… afraid of what you don’t know… paralyzed in waiting to have it all figured out. So that inspired desire to get started keeps getting pushed to the back burner for some other day when you are more ready. (hint: You’ll never be fully ready, but you can strategically approach this decision to be as ready as possible)

So I want to walk you through the decision process, help you determine if you’re ready, and give you the tools to get started on the right foot.

Assessing Readiness

 

Evaluating Your Commitment

First things first, let’s talk about commitment. Building an authority platform requires dedication and consistent effort. It’s not a one-time project but an ongoing journey. Consider how much time you can realistically allocate to this new venture without burning out. Balance is key, especially when you’re juggling family and business responsibilities. Passion and consistency will drive your success, so make sure you’re ready to stick with it for the long haul. I started the Boss Mom Podcast 8 years ago and have been sharing weekly episodes ever since. 

Identifying Your Goals

Clarity is your best friend here. What do you hope to achieve with your platform? Are you looking to educate, inspire, or entertain? Maybe you want to build a community or drive sales for your products and services. Set SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—to give you direction and a clear path to follow.

Self-Assessment

Take a moment to assess your skills, strengths, and current setup. Are you a natural writer, or do you shine in front of the camera? Maybe you have a knack for speaking and engaging conversations. 

Do you have a space you feel confident to record video (or you’re not concerned about having the perfect space) or would you feel concerned for not having the aesthetic that you would want to be seen on camera?

Are you in a season of life where having a quiet space is just impossible due to no space of your own, tantruming toddlers, or dogs barking at everything that walks by your house? Maybe it’s not the time for a podcast.

Identify your strengths and areas where you might need some growth. Understanding your starting point will help you choose the right platform and prepare for the journey ahead.

Choosing the Right Platform

 

Understanding Each Platform

Let’s break down the pros and cons of the three main platforms:

• Blogging: If you love writing and have a knack for storytelling, blogging might be your perfect match. Blogs are great for SEO and allow you to dive deep into topics. However, they require strong writing skills and regular updates to keep your audience engaged.
• YouTube Channel: Are you comfortable in front of the camera? Do you enjoy creating visual content? YouTube is fantastic for building a visual brand and reaching a large audience. But keep in mind, video production and editing can be time-consuming and may require some technical skills.
• Podcasting: If you prefer speaking and love the idea of having in-depth conversations, a podcast could be your go-to platform. Podcasts are convenient for busy listeners and can build a loyal following. They do, however, require good audio equipment and consistent production schedules.

Audience Preferences

Your audience’s preferences should play a big role in your decision. Where do they spend most of their time? Are they avid blog readers, or YouTube watchers, or are they more likely to listen to a podcast on the go? Do some research to understand your ideal client’s habits and preferences, and consider which platform aligns best with their behavior.

Personal Comfort and Skills

Reflect on your comfort level with each type of content. Are you more comfortable writing, speaking, or being on camera? Leveraging your existing skills will make the creation process more enjoyable and sustainable. And remember, it’s okay to step out of your comfort zone and learn new skills too!

Planning Your Content Strategy

 

Defining Your Niche

Narrowing down your niche is crucial. What unique angle or specialty can you bring to your platform? Research your competitors and identify gaps in the market where you can stand out. Your niche will be your guiding light, helping you attract the right audience.

Content Ideas and Themes

Brainstorm a list of content ideas that align with your niche. Mix evergreen content (topics that remain relevant over time) with timely content (current trends and news). Developing a content calendar will help you stay organized and ensure you’re consistently providing value to your audience.

Engagement Strategies

Building a community around your platform is key to long-term success. Engage with your audience by responding to comments, asking for their input, and creating opportunities for interaction. Foster a sense of belonging and make your audience feel valued and heard.

Practical Considerations

 

Technical Requirements

Each platform has its own set of technical requirements. For blogging, you’ll need a website and some knowledge of SEO. For YouTube, a good camera, microphone, and video editing software are essential. Podcasting requires quality audio equipment and editing tools. Budget for these initial setup costs and ensure you have the necessary tools to produce high-quality content.

Learning Curve

Starting a new platform involves a learning curve. It’s important to do a bit of research to understand what goes into producing each type of content, and if this is something you have the time and capacity to learn, if you’d rather outsource the support, or if it’s just not a platform that will be a fit for you at this time. 

But don’t let the fear of what you don’t know keep you from being willing to put content out there. If you choose a platform and don’t know everything, trust you will learn as you go. All great content creators had a starting point, and it didn’t look like the perfect, polished outcome you often see now. Allow yourself to start with imperfect action and let the learning be part of the process.

Promotion and Marketing

Growing your audience requires strategic promotion and marketing. Utilize SEO for your blog, social media for your YouTube channel, and networking for your podcast. Consistent branding across all platforms will help build recognition and trust with your audience.

Overcoming Common Challenges

 

Time Management

Balancing your platform with your personal and professional life can be challenging. As boss moms, you have to be prepared for the inconsistency of your schedule… the unexpected child getting sick and needing extra cuddles, Create efficient workflows, set realistic deadlines, and prioritize tasks. Remember to give yourself grace and adjust as needed.

Staying Motivated

It’s normal to face setbacks and periods of slow growth. Stay motivated by celebrating small wins and milestones. Surround yourself with a supportive community and keep your vision and goals in sight.

Technical Difficulties

Technical hiccups are inevitable. Learn basic troubleshooting for common issues and know when to seek professional help. Staying patient and resourceful will help you navigate these challenges.

 

Starting an authority platform is a powerful step towards growing your business and establishing yourself as an expert. By assessing your readiness, choosing the right platform, planning your content strategy, and overcoming common challenges, you’ll be well on your way to success. Remember, it’s journey and there will be challenges and wins along the way. Stay committed, and watch your platform—and your business—grow and thrive.

Remember, you’ve got this! Take that first step, share your voice, and create something amazing. And make sure to connect with people who understand this journey to help lift you up when you need support and hold you accountable to showing up consistently to reach your goals. A great way to get that kind of support is to join the BossMom+ community.