Hey there! I wanted to try a different type of series, something I’ve never really done on Joe’s Daily before but something I’ve considered doing in the past. It’s unfortunate that it only took a global pandemic for me to finally experiment, but here we are.
Over the last ten years, all I’ve known is blogging and content creation. I created Joe’s Daily as a hobby many years ago and have been lucky enough to build a career out of it. My story, though unique, has been echoed far and wide. I’ve met so many great bloggers over the years and happy to say they have become lifelong friends.
For the sake of clarity, I will be labeling all online creators, bloggers, etc in this series as content creators. There’s a good reason for this, and perhaps I’ll address this in another post.
One of the shared topics all content creators have with one another, both big and small, is “how’s business going?” This question can range from “are you getting brand deals” (you know, to pay the bills), “is Instagram’s algorithm screwing you over,” and other business-related topics. With the entire world on lockdown due to the global pandemic, we all find ourselves wondering what’s next. This is new territory for everyone right now, and because the majority of content creators are self-employed, there are many unanswered questions, which sparked my desire to develop this ongoing series.
I’ve pulled together several content creators that I’ve become friends with over the years and asked them 5 of the same questions. I hope, at the very least, their answers give you some sort of escape during these odd times we’re living in. Whether it’s a chuckle, a bit of education, or just some light reading while you’re on the toilet.
To kick-off the ‘How Content Creators Are Surviving the Pandemic‘ interview series, I decided to answer the questions I sent to them. I am a content creator after-all. Here we go:
Interview with Joe Miragliotta of Joe’s Daily
How are you keeping busy during the pandemic?
Lots and lots of video games. I think I’ve clocked more time on Twitch in the last two months than I have in all of 2019. I’ve also begun learning Spanish with the help of Babbel, I started combing through Tim Ferriss’ massive Tools of Titans book and developing new blog series like this one. Additionally, I’ve found a new love for YouTube again and will start producing videos more regularly.
How are you making money?
It has made it difficult to make the same kind of money I was making before with the current state of the world. Influencer agencies have either dried up or started to change the way they handle their clients’ budgets. One of the key ways I’ve begun to make what I’m considering “new money” is through my previous marketing expertise. I have been able to help brands with their digital strategy and have even taken control of their social media accounts in some cases. I’m remaining as flexible as possible so that I don’t miss any new opportunities to make money.
How has your routine changed?
Since I’ve worked from home in the last decade, my routine hasn’t changed much. The only thing that I have tried to improve on since the beginning of the pandemic was how early I wake up. I find that if I get the right amount of sleep and wake up around 7 am, I am far more productive. By the time the early afternoon hits, I’m done for the day and can relax. I do miss those early morning gym sessions, though.
Are you diversifying your content?
I sure am! As I mentioned before, I’ve started to stream on Twitch a lot more. I’ve always been a fan of live content, so Twitch has been a natural shift. I have also begun creating more content for my YouTube channel. Though there isn’t a substantial focus just yet, I am thrilled to start creating videos again. Something is refreshing about presenting an idea on video that I can’t quite put my finger on. Perhaps it is the vulnerability of being on camera and not hiding behind a keyboard. I feel like I will continue to produce videos for YouTube long after this pandemic is over.
Will you continue being a content creator or go back to a traditional job?
Absolutely! I have no intention of going back to a traditional 9-to-5 job ever. It just isn’t for me. I’ve loved the crazy ups and downs that have come with being self-employed, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The freedom and control I’m able to have working for myself is something too difficult to give up. My wife Sarah works with me full-time, and she also can attest to it.
Keep an eye out for other content creator interviews as they go live by bookmarking the following link: ‘How Content Creators Are Surviving the Pandemic‘.
