Creating Compelling Content: A Step-by-Step Guide for Busy Entrepreneurs
Have you ever wondered why some businesses seem to effortlessly attract an engaged audience, while others struggle to be noticed? Are you a creative entrepreneur in the African diaspora, feeling overwhelmed by the thought of creating consistent, high-quality content that actually resonates with your target market? Perhaps, you are questioning whether your content truly reflects your personal journey and the unique cultural perspective you bring to the table.
Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Mastery.
What if I told you that you don’t need to spend countless hours or a huge budget to produce content that will elevate your brand and connect deeply with your audience?
In today’s fast-paced digital world, standing out can feel like an overwhelming challenge, especially when you are juggling the many demands of entrepreneurship. Yet, the most successful entrepreneurs know one thing: content is king. And, with the right strategy, content marketing doesn’t have to be daunting.
Whether it’s blogs, videos, or social media posts, the key is to create content that is authentic, compelling, and, above all, purposeful.
This is where the journey of Obehi Ewanfoh, a Nigerian writer, storyteller, and advocate for African identity, becomes invaluable. Through his personal and professional experiences, Obehi has built a platform that unites the African diaspora and creative entrepreneurs through powerful storytelling.
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His journey from Uromi, Nigeria, to becoming a globally recognized voice is a prove to the power of storytelling—and it holds essential lessons for you, the busy entrepreneur, on how to create content that attracts the right audience and drives success.
The Power of Storytelling in Content Marketing
At the heart of successful content marketing lies one simple truth: storytelling is essential. It’s not just about the products or services you offer, but about sharing the why behind your brand. Storytelling connects your audience to your values, your mission, and, most importantly, to you.
Obehi Ewanfoh’s approach to content revolves around personal and cultural narratives that resonate deeply with the African diaspora. His own journey as a writer and cultural advocate reflects the power of storytelling to foster connection and inspire action.
Obehi’s career took off when he wrote his first book, Round My Mind, while in junior secondary school in Uromi, Nigeria. Since then, he has authored over ten books, including the Storytelling Mastery series.
His work has always been centered on empowering people to discover and share their stories—especially those who are part of the African diaspora. Whether he’s writing an article, creating a podcast episode, or hosting a documentary, Obehi’s content always seeks to elevate cultural narratives and showcase the diverse experiences of Africans and African descendants.
Actionable Takeaway:
As an entrepreneur, think of your business as a story that’s waiting to be told. Ask yourself:
- What is the core message of my business?
- What personal or cultural experiences can I weave into my brand’s narrative?
Whether you are in agribusiness, technology, or fashion, people connect with stories, not just products. Your story—your journey—is the unique element that will set you apart from competitors.
Understanding Your Audience: The First Step in Effective Content Creation
Before you begin crafting content, it’s essential to understand your audience. For creative entrepreneurs in the African diaspora, this means recognizing the unique needs, challenges, and cultural nuances that your audience faces.
The African diaspora is vast, encompassing millions of people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. From Africans in Europe to those in the Americas and beyond, the diaspora is an untapped market that holds immense potential.
See also The Power of Podcasting: Building a Strong Brand Identity in the African Diaspora
In fact, the global African diaspora market is extremely huge, with a significant portion directed towards entrepreneurial ventures. In 2021, the estimated spending power of the Black population in the US was $1.7 trillion.
Obehi’s work is a masterclass in connecting with this diverse audience. Through his podcast, The Obehi Podcast, he discusses a wide array of topics that speak to the interests and concerns of African diaspora communities—from agribusiness to cultural preservation.
He has successfully created a platform where people from all corners of the world can come together to discuss ideas, share experiences, and collaborate. His deep understanding of the African diaspora’s unique cultural and historical context has made his content more relatable and impactful.
Actionable Takeaway:
You can’t create content that resonates if you don’t understand your audience’s struggles and aspirations. Start by researching the demographics and psychographics of your target market.
What are their pain points? What are they passionate about? Understanding your audience’s core needs will allow you to create content that speaks directly to them, whether it’s through addressing their problems, providing educational value, or offering solutions.
Creating High-Quality Blogs: Simplicity Meets Depth
While social media and video are essential parts of any content strategy, blogs still remain a powerful tool for building authority and driving traffic to your business. Writing blogs allows you to dive deep into topics, showcase your expertise, and provide value to your readers.
Obehi’s prolific writing career, which includes over 2,000 articles on topics ranging from agribusiness to tourism—demonstrates the value of producing thoughtful, informative content that resonates with an audience.
Creating high-quality blogs doesn’t have to be time-consuming. The key is to focus on quality over quantity. Obehi’s process involves extensive research, outlining key points, and refining his message to ensure clarity and impact. This approach helps him create in-depth, well-researched articles that engage his readers and keep them coming back for more.
Actionable Takeaway:
To write blogs that engage and educate, start by crafting strong headlines that sparks curiosity. Then, focus on providing value by breaking down complex ideas into digestible sections.
Use subheadings, bullet points, and visuals to make your content easy to read. Lastly, don’t forget to incorporate your personal story into your blogs, as this will make your writing stand out and connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Engaging Video Content: Making Your Message Visual
In an age where attention spans are shrinking, video content is one of the most effective ways to capture and retain your audience’s interest.
According to a 2023 report by Wyzowl, 86% of businesses use video as a marketing tool, and 93% of marketers say video has increased user understanding of their product or service.
For African diaspora entrepreneurs, video is an excellent way to share cultural stories, showcase your products or services, and engage directly with your audience.
Obehi’s documentary work, such as Creating the Blackness of Africa, exemplifies how video content can challenge stereotypes and provoke thoughtful conversation. His ability to use visual storytelling to convey complex themes about African identity has earned him critical acclaim, including an award at the Verona African Film Festival.
His approach to video content is rooted in authenticity and cultural awareness, two elements that resonate deeply with his audience.
Actionable Takeaway:
You don’t need expensive equipment to create engaging video content. Start by using your smartphone to capture behind-the-scenes moments, product demos, or quick insights into your work.
Keep videos short, visually appealing, and focused on your message. Remember, authenticity is key—be yourself, share your journey, and your audience will connect with you.
Social Media Strategy: Building a Consistent, Authentic Presence
Social media has become an indispensable tool for entrepreneurs, especially for those looking to reach a global audience. However, simply posting content is not enough; you must be consistent and authentic.
Obehi’s success across various platforms, from Instagram to LinkedIn to his podcast, is built on maintaining an authentic voice that speaks directly to his community.
He consistently shares his thoughts on topics that matter to his audience, creating a space where people feel heard and connected.
For African diaspora entrepreneurs, social media provides an unparalleled opportunity to showcase the richness of African culture and identity. Whether it’s sharing stories, promoting products, or engaging with followers, social media is a platform where you can build meaningful relationships with your audience.
Actionable Takeaway:
Consistency is key when it comes to social media. Create a content calendar to plan your posts in advance and ensure you’re consistently engaging with your audience.
Focus on building a community by responding to comments, sharing user-generated content, and offering value beyond just promotions. Authenticity will build trust, and trust leads to loyal customers.
Time Management for Busy Entrepreneurs
One of the biggest challenges for creative entrepreneurs is finding time to create content amidst their busy schedules. Balancing client work, product development, and marketing can feel like a never-ending juggling act. However, with the right time management strategies, you can create content efficiently without sacrificing quality.
Obehi, despite his demanding career as a writer, podcaster, and nonprofit founder, has developed effective time management strategies that help him stay productive. He focuses on batch content creation, where he sets aside dedicated time to create multiple pieces of content at once.
This strategy allows him to maintain consistency while freeing up time for other aspects of his business.
Actionable Takeaway:
Time-blocking and batching content creation are two simple yet effective ways to stay organized and productive. Set aside specific times each week to create content, whether it’s writing a blog post, recording a video, or scheduling social media posts. This method ensures you can maintain consistency without feeling overwhelmed.
Leveraging Content for Growth: Turning Content Into Conversions
Finally, it’s important to remember that content is not just about building brand awareness, it’s also about driving conversions. Whether your goal is to sell products, increase subscriptions, or grow your audience, your content should always have a clear call to action.
Obehi’s consistent content output has helped him not only build his personal brand but also launch initiatives such as his nonprofit, Evideos Association, which documents African experiences in Northern Italy.
By consistently creating valuable content that addresses the needs of his audience, Obehi has opened doors for collaborations, partnerships, and opportunities that have helped him scale his business and expand his influence.
Actionable Takeaway:
Every piece of content you create should have a clear, actionable next step. Whether it’s directing your audience to your website, encouraging them to subscribe to your newsletter, or offering a limited-time promotion, always include a call to action that guides your audience toward conversion.
Conclusion on Creating Compelling Content
Content marketing can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, even the busiest creative entrepreneurs can create high-quality, authentic content that drives success. By embracing storytelling, understanding your audience, and leveraging the power of blogs, videos, and social media, you can build a strong online presence that resonates with your community and attracts the right customers.
Take a page from Obehi Ewanfoh’s playbook: share your story, embrace your cultural identity, and let your unique perspective shine through in your content. The world is waiting for what you have to offer. So, what are you waiting for? Start telling your story today and watch your business grow.
Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Mastery.
