How To Turn Content Into Cash

There are far more online tools and resources than any successful content provider, writer, vlogger, or social media influencer needs.

The variety of online tools can distract you from succeeding. Pick one that will be of most use to you and that you can get excited about.

Stick with it until you both master it and put it to good use. I'm sharing the tools I frequently use, those I couldn't live without.

While I use them routinely, I do not feel you must, either. In the spirit of authenticity, I encourage you to be true to yourself and follow your passion. I also have tips for identifying your passion.

• KDP – Kindle Direct Publishing
• Canva – Graphic Designs
• PowerPoint – Slide Shows
• Screencast-O-Matic - Screen Recorder & Video Editor
• Microphone -My pick for quality sound and ease of use while eliminating background noise.

I've found many tips and tricks to streamline the entire process of creating good content.

As content providers and writers, we tend to get lost down the rabbit hole seeking fresh ideas. The problem is that anytime you veer away from what excites you, there's a risk you will bore potential long-term followers. Bored people don't tend to return.

After years of writers like us trying to compete by producing content in volume, we've lost something those searching the web crave most: authenticity.

SO be AUTHENTIC, it will shine through and attract followers which will one day become raving fans.

Decide who you are and the message you deliver, and stick to that. Volume is good, yet it is relevant content created with passion that attracts followers and raving fans.

Follow the KDP publishing guidelines and take advantage of the many tutorial videos they offer. They provide both written and video guides, but I prefer the videos. The book formatting is crucial, but not to fret. There are also videos on YouTube that can easily guide you through the process. You have two learning options. Check out both and use what works best for you. Don't get frustrated with a process; instead, find one you understand. Reach out for help here by leaving questions in the comments section.

TIP—I find it best to work on one chapter at a time, perfecting and editing it just as you would a single article before moving on to the next chapter.

I love PowerPoint and use it for all my videos.

You no doubt teach or impart information and knowledge to your readers. I’ve found it better to create slide shows with both images and written content to cover each style of learning.

I rarely include my floating head in the corner. I’m only joking, a bit of video humor.  You can include a frame of yourself in videos, it’s a matter of preference.

The most important thing is that you create videos. Why? Because videos convert higher than written content alone. Yes as a society we’ve evolved and or changed given the advancements and changes in the online delivery of information.

I use Canva to create images for my videos and I also use free images from pixaby. Once I build the PowerPoint slides I record the video using Screencast-O-Matic.  I like it for its ease of use and love the easy edit features.

Again, I’ve been using these tools for a while. Those of us who've been doing something for a while sometimes forget what it was like to learn from scratch. There is a learning curve. Take your time to get the hang of it all. Remember, learn one new skill at a time, don’t try to juggle. Don’t beat yourself up for not learning it the first time. If when watching a video tutorial on YouTube you feel lost or confused, look for a different teacher. It is often the teacher's style that doesn't work for you, not that you cant learn how. 

I once used my laptop microphone but it was difficult and timely because I had to be in a quiet environment which was hard. There were a lot of things that interfered with my recordings. The microphone I will share with you later is a dynamic mic that only picks up the sound directly in front of it.

I now record my videos using the dynamic mic. The television can be on in the other room and the mic only pics up my voice. It is WAY easier than the laptop mic and the quality is amazing.

I’ve added a video I recorded using PowerPoint, Screencast-o-matic, and a dynamic mic plus one I created using only my laptop for comparison.

Screencast-O-Matic is my favorite screen recording video tool. It is easy to use, and the edit feature is very handy.

Before recording, check the record options, as seen in the black popup screen below. This can be accessed by clicking the tool icon, also known as the blue gear.

When first viewing the black popup setup screen, you will see the record option, which shows three choices: 1. screen, 2. webcam, or 3. both. Select one to choose the area you want to record.

The first choice is a screen that provides an adjustable frame you can customize to include the specific area you want to share in your videos. It works like a cropping tool.

Webcam records you.

Both options record your computer screen and you.

I use the screen view in all my videos. I adjust the size to record my PowerPoint slide presentation with my voice as narrator, teacher, and guide.

This is also where you select time; I opt for none.

Size is the next option. I leave this at the default, which is determined by the area you select to record.

Narration is the next option. This is where you click to choose the mic you want. Be sure to test the mic. The default mic will be your laptop mic or what you currently use as your primary mic.

The dynamic mic I use is a simple USB plug-and-play device. Use the test portion of the setup to select your mic and test it.

Computer audio allows you to include computer sounds, etc.

Pro Tip:  Don't try to power through a video from start to finish. It is stressful. Mistakes can be made, and there is no need for this when using the Screencast-O-Matic screen recorder.

During record time, you can pause to stop the video. When you begin again, you will see a countdown from 1 to 3. The countdown will not be seen on the actual recording; it resumes recording after the countdown reaches 3.

Once you've finished recording a video, the edit option becomes available. You want to make sure you take this screenshot. While in edit mode, you can listen to the video, add music, and delete any sections that need to be removed.

This is crucial because if you mess up while recording, there is no need to start over again. Simply pause, allowing a few seconds of silent recording. This creates a flat line and marks the spot you want to delete.

When you're finished editing, name the file and save it. You have two save options: save to SCOM or your computer file. I prefer my computer, but you can do both.

The second book I wrote is one near and dear to my heart. Both books are, it’s akin to picking your favorite child, who can?

I've been helping people transform their lives for years now. I enjoyed many years of face-to-face sessions helping those who believe they were meant for more sort it all out and make it happen. I’m a transformation coach.

During the pandemic I could no longer meet face to face with those I typically helped. I had to shift my paradigm.

I began Zoom meetings, and before long, I was having group sessions. Together, we formed a beta group that helped me sort out the best content for the books. Long story short, I used the help of my beta group to design two mastermind courses and the books.  Creating The Life You Crave By Becoming The Creator Of Your Happiness and Success is below and contains around 47,000 words. Not bad for repurposed material.