Content, Content, Content

Content, Content, Content – Enhancing my Understanding of my Niche through Content Generation

As I continue creating content within the ‘Female Hormonal Health and Fitness’ niche on TikTok, I’ve come across pivotal moments that align with the ethnographic research skills including, comparing, contrasting, reflexivity, sensitivity, and flexibility.

Including:

One of the key skills in media ethnography is the ability to include diverse voices and perspectives, especially those that have been marginalised. This aspect became evident when I focused on ‘PCOS Awareness Month.’

Significance: I created content to shed light on what PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is and the challenges women with PCOS face. The impact was significant. The ‘PCOS Awareness Month’ video received a remarkable 2,700 views, along with more saves and likes compared to my other content. This experience underlines the audience’s preference for content that encompasses diverse perspectives.

Influence on Content Creation: This observation has led me to prioritise inclusive content. I now aim to include a spectrum of voices in my content to connect with a broader audience- more specifically, I now want to produce more content relevant to and representative for women who struggle with hormonal disorders.

Comparing:

Significance: I realised the importance of comparing my content. A comparison was evident between personal content and educational content. The ‘PCOS Awareness Month’ posts were educational and informative, but they received fewer comments, likes, and shares compared to personal content. I also used content from other creators within in my niche to compare my content and inform my future content. For example, another creator recently posted a video using the same information, but presented it in a different format that offered a more engaging and personable experience for viewers.

Influence on Content Creation: This discovery highlighted the audience’s preference for personal content. In response, I have adjusted my strategy. I now aim to infuse personal elements into educational posts. This approach maintains authenticity while delivering information.

Contrasting:

Significance: The importance of contrasting personal and educational content was evident. While personal content thrived, educational posts received less engagement.

Influence on Content Creation: This insight led me to rethink the balance between personal and educational content. I am now working on seamlessly merging both elements to offer a holistic and engaging content experience.

Reflexivity:

Significance: Exploring reflexivity, I reviewed my content to identify instances where personal biases influenced my work. These biases included:

• Gender Bias: Being inclusive and avoiding stereotypes in female hormonal health and fitness content
• Stereotyping: Recognising diversity in women’s experiences and avoiding generalisations.
• Confirmation Bias: Present balanced, evidence-based information and consider different perspectives.
• Ethnocentrism: Avoid assuming my cultural perspective applies universally.
• Health Bias: Promote evidence-based practices
• Accessibility Bias: Ensure content includes options for varying abilities.
• Age Bias: Tailor content for different life stages, not just one age group. Eg. menopausal age, menstruation age
• Bias in Sources: Using reliable, evidence-based sources to prevent misinformation.
• Body Image Bias: Encourage self-acceptance and self-care, avoid promoting unrealistic beauty standards.

Influence on Content Creation: Reflexivity has become integral to my content creation process. It ensures that I question assumptions, biases, and acknowledge that imperfections can be refreshing. This has made my approach more responsible, empathetic, and considerate.

Sensitivity:

Applying sensitivity is especially important in the context of health-based topics like female hormonal health and fitness

Significance: Recognising the significance of handling sensitive topics with care was vital. It’s crucial to ensure content is well-informed, respectful, and free from harm or misinformation. I ensured all the information I presented was evidence-based and from credible sources. I also included disclaimers throughout my content to avoid causing unintentional harm

Influence on Content Creation: This skill has instilled in me the importance of approaching controversial or sensitive subjects thoughtfully. It’s about demonstrating respect and care and understanding the broader implications of my content.

Flexibility:

Significance: Flexibility was particularly relevant as it emphasises the readiness to change and pivot in content creation. The media landscape and audience preferences are ever-evolving.

Influence on Content Creation: I applied flexibility by adapting to new trends and challenges. I utilised trending audio and content creation methods, such as carousel posts, to engage the audience effectively. Additionally, I created content focusing on PCOS awareness month, aligning with the timely and relevant theme. This adaptability and responsiveness contributed to the effectiveness of my content in a dynamic online environment.

In conclusion, creating content within the ‘Female Hormonal Health and Fitness’ niche has been an insightful experience. Applying these skills has not only made my content more engaging but have also deepened my understanding of the platform and the community I’m a part of. By utilising these skills, I aim to contribute meaningful and inclusive content to my audience and contribute to the supportive online space.

Bibliography:

• Creswell, JW 2016, 30 essential skills for the qualitative researcher, SAGE Publications, Inc., Thousand Oaks, California.
• Moore, C 2023a, BCM 241Content Generation 3, www.youtube.com, <https://youtu.be/tU0narcqsEY>.
• PCOS Challenge 2023, 2020 PCOS Awareness Month, pcosawarenessmonth.org.