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May 8, 2023 Content Chat Recap: 2023 Creator Economy Expo (CEX) Wrap-Up

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A Content Chat header image that says today’s topic is a 2023 Creator Economy Expo (CEX) wrap-up with guest Pamela Muldoon, who is @PamelaMuldoon on Twitter.

Of all the marketing and related industry events we look forward to each year, Creator Economy Expo (CEX) has quickly earned itself “must-attend” status given its value-packed sessions and electrifying atmosphere. It makes sense, considering The Tilt and the ‘Godfather of Content Marketing’ Joe Pulizzi host the event (and have they ever done us wrong?).

If you’re looking to see what content creators learned at the event—you’re in the right place. In this #ContentChat recap, Erika joins Pamela Muldoon (@PamelaMuldoon), content marketing strategist at Muldoon Media and voiceover actor, to share their takeaways from the event that any creator can use to reinvigorate their content strategy.

Read through a few highlights from the conversation below, and listen to the full recording here.

Q1: If you attended #CreatorExpo, what did you think of the event experience? Would you recommend it to a fellow content creator?

Erika and Pamela are both never-ending ticket owners for CEX, which is a huge vote of confidence for the event. Below are some reasons why they love the event:

  • “As I was looking at the agenda for the conference this year, I was like ‘this is exactly what I need to give me the kickstart to actually get things going [with my gluten-free and low-FODMAP food blog]’. It’s my passion. I love that stuff.” – Erika Heald
  • “I’ve been using my expertise and skills around content development and strategy, but it’s been a while since I’ve had to wear the hat of content entrepreneur. The idea that there is a conference not only dedicated to that, but we’d be learning from people doing it—people making their dollars now using these ideas—was a huge reason why I needed to engage with this community.” – Pamela Muldoon
  • “There’s something about being surrounded by people who are trying to make the same kind of work that you are working on happen. It’s super motivating to have those conversations and be surrounded by that energy. I love my furry coworkers, but they don’t give me the motivation to work and write.” – Erika Heald
  • “I really feel like the attendee audience and people… getting together a diverse group of people who are singularly focused on having content be their business and improving that business of creation is very unique.” – Erika Heald
  • “Most of the conference presenters are those that are building their business in some way. It’s amazing, really, and one of the things that stuck out to me is the concept of ‘failing forward’ constantly. It’s refreshing to be back at something where creativity was front-and-center.” – Pamela Muldoon
  • “I’m not surprised by this, but there was a much stronger global presence at the conference. And in only year two, which is really awesome.” – Pamela Muldoon

Q2: What are some of the key themes or points you heard that spanned sessions across the event?

Content is a long-term strategy.

  • “It takes about 18 months to earn the first real dollar in your business. Content is a long play. It’s a slow burn. It’s not going to happen overnight.” – Pamela Muldoon

Consistency is key.

  • “Build that content strategy and that plan that is focused and consistent. Consistency will beat creativity any day of the week. It was really validating to hear that and hear the results from that consistency.” – Pamela Muldoon

Communities are everywhere.

  • “People are talking about subscriptions and memberships, but what they’re really talking about is creating a place for people who have these needs or need this kind of support. It’s about creating that place as part of the whole content experience and content brand. To me, that’s a community.” – Erika Heald
  • “When people spend their hard-earned money to participate in your course, enlist in your membership, and gain value from that, that is a different level of community that we now have the ability to crate. This is really cool not only for you the creator, but those that are seeking that community and trying to find their people.” – Pamela Muldoon

Q3: Which individual presenters stood out to you? What did you learn from them?

Erika and Pamela spotlight the following speakers in the audio recording:

  • Brian Fanzo: By harnessing AI, Brian has been able to create beautiful artwork that he uses to express things about what it’s like to be a creator and running this business and have ADHD. AI has made it easy and accessible. If there’s something you want to do that you thought you could never do, why don’t you just try?
  • Jay Baer: Your ideal audience is the person you used to be. When you think about your buyer persona, who was it that you were four years ago? 10 years ago? If you’ve been in marketing for a decade, it’s important to remember you’re talking to someone in their first year or second year.
  • Alexis Grant: Let small bad things happen so you can do big things. Allow yourself to fail. Allow something to go wrong. You need to spend your time and your focus on doing this other big, hair, important thing. It’s easy to focus on all the little things you need to do, but if you get caught up in the little things then you’re not able to be consistent and have the energy to pursue the bigger things.
  • Mike Paramore: Put out more content and just see what happens, because you never know what it is that’s going to genuinely connect with people in that moment.
  • Wendy Williams: Wendy is the co-host of Fruitloops: Serial Killers of Color. If there is a gap or missing piece of the conversation in your space, explore it. See if you can create something different to help you get attention.
  • Jay Clouse: When you Google your topic ideas, it’s good for them to have competition. When you’re trying to balance being unique and different, you also need to validate whether your idea will have legs with your ideal community.

Q4: What other content marketing and content creator events are you planning to attend this year?

Pamela is potentially going to attend Content Marketing World, and she is presenting at One Voice Conference.

To gain more valuable insights from the event, check out the below tweets from the event community.

About Alek Irvin

Alek Irvin is a content marketing professional with a rich history in social media management, executive thought leadership development, and media relations. As a consultant at Erika Heald Marketing Consulting, he creates human-focused content and thought leadership platforms that help brand leaders connect and engage with their communities. Alek has worked with a range of startups and Fortune 500 companies across the B2B technology and consumer spaces, including IBM, Dell Technologies, Hitch Works, Emtrain, Integrate, and Frameable. Connect with him on Twitter @AlekIrvin.

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