3 Steps to Creating Killer Content When You Don't Feel Like an Expert

Have you ever felt like an imposter?

Imposter syndrome: “A collection of feelings of inadequacy that persist despite evident success. ‘Imposters’ suffer from chronic self-doubt and a sense of intellectual fraudulence that override any feelings of success or external proof of their competence.”

Maybe you're dabbling with affiliate marketing in a new industry. Maybe you've started a business from scratch – or maybe you're running a successful business with a ton of experience, but for some reason you still feel inadequate.

Like you're faking it, and someday people will find out.

Good news: you're not alone.

The imposter syndrome is actually pretty common, and it even happens to some of the most talented people in the world. People like Tina Fey, Seth Godin and Maya Angelou.

If you've ever felt like a fraud, or doubted if you even know what you're talking about, you're probably experiencing the imposter syndrome.

And since creating useful, valuable content for your prospects is an important function of your business, you will probably feel these feelings – at least on some level – at some point in your life.

You don't have to know every single detail about your industry to create valuable content.

Maybe you haven't been around that long. Maybe other people are more knowledgeable than you.

So what?

Everybody has to start somewhere.

It's important to know how to handle those feelings, so you don't get sucked into a negative spiral of insecure, debilitating thoughts. Because if you doubt yourself, you're less likely to take action. And if you don't take action, you won't find success.

So how do you create killer content when you don't feel like an expert?

Follow these three steps from Neil Patel at QuickSprout:

1) Change your mindset

Deep down, many people are just balls of insecurities. One day our confidence is on, and the next day it’s off.

The truth is that everyone is winging it to some degree. Everyone experiences self-doubt at some point. It’s a normal part of life.

Feeling like an imposter can actually provide you with the fuel to keep improving and stay on top of your game.

The key is to not allow imposter feelings to rule your life.

Call yourself out when these feelings emerge.

Self-awareness is a critical first step to changing this type of thought pattern. You need to catch yourself when these feelings emerge and become aware of them.

Many people—artists, musicians, authors, and even business tycoons—have dealt with this. And even at the height of their success, many continue to struggle.

The bottom line is you’re by no means the only person who has felt like an imposter.

Stop with the comparisons.

It seems we’re living under one big microscope these days.

With social media, personal branding, and digital portfolios, everyone’s affairs are seemingly out in the open for everyone else to see.

Constantly comparing yourself to others is a surefire way to become discouraged and generate feelings of being an imposter.

2) Think of yourself as a work in progress

It’s impossible to know everything.

Those who think they are total experts are often the most delusional and provide very little value.

I’ve found I can increase my confidence and feel a lot better about myself when I simply acknowledge that I’m a work in progress.

Remember: the more you write about it, the more you’ll learn, and the bigger of an authority you’ll eventually become.

As time goes on, you’ll inevitably make more and more progress.

3) Make it about the content, not you

I think the easiest way to get over imposter syndrome is to place your focus on providing value to your audience and not make it about you.

Having the mentality of legitimately trying to help someone shifts the focus from you to your content.

As a result, you’re able to churn out amazing content without placing unnecessary stress on yourself.

If you feel like an industry imposter, don’t sweat it. It’s an issue that countless people have dealt with and will continue to deal with.

By developing a healthy mindset and focusing your efforts on your content, you should be able to weaken any imposter feelings and move past them.