Picture this: Dishes piled up in the sink. Your cat just puked on the couch. Work is pinging you about something urgent. Your child has just knocked over a glass of water. You’re losing your mind, but you still want to create content.
For busy creators and solopreneurs, like you and I, time is limited, and resources are often stretched.
But there’s still hope. It’s called a MVP (Minimum Viable Product or in our world Minimum Viable Post).
“MVP Content Creation” is the key to producing content even in the face of chaos.
I can be a perfectionist at times, so this took some time for me to shift my mindset. And for this method to work, you need to develop a bias toward delivering the core of your content in a way that meets the audience’s needs without spending excessive time or resources.
A few years ago, when I started applying the concept of an MVP to almost every aspect of my life, I realized that people didn’t sweat the details as much as I made them out to be—as long as their needs were being met. My perfectionist mindset held me back from putting stuff out there and delayed my progress.
In this guide, we’ll deep-dive into MVP content creation and make sure you don’t make the same mistake as I did.
What is MVP Content Creation?
MVP content creation, also referred to as a minimum viable post, involves creating the essential elements of a content piece without excessive complexity.
The goal is to identify the core need and provide just that.
That’s how you build an MVP. No need to exceed expectations… yet.
After all, you don’t even know if your audience will resonate with your post. There’s no data yet to validate.
MVP content focuses on clarity, essential information, and practical insights rather than elaborate production.
For creators and solopreneurs, this means producing high-quality content faster and with fewer resources. By delivering value in a streamlined way, you stay consistent and reach your audience without burnout.
The “without burnout” part is what this approach has done for me. Whenever, I find myself getting caught up trying to make highly produced content, I ask myself:
- Is my content clear?
- Does it satisfy the need of my audience?
If I can answer yes to these questions, then it’s good enough for now. I can always create a new and improved iteration later. This made my posts more simple and less stressful to put together.
Benefits of MVP Content Creation
Using MVP content creation offers several benefits, especially for busy creators:
- Saves Time: MVP content lets you focus on the core message, which speeds up the creation process.
- Builds Consistency: Since the process is simplified, you can streamline the process and post regularly, keeping your audience engaged.
- Reduces Overwhelm: Focusing only on essential elements prevents burnout and keeps content manageable. I repeat, there really is no need to burn the midnight oil just to get one post out.
- Ideas Validate Faster: You’ll know whether an idea is worth the effort to refine sooner if you receive feedback from your audience.
A Personal Story: Embracing the MVP Mindset
When I first started creating YouTube videos, I’d spend hours trying to perfect every take, only to be dissatisfied with the final product. It was exhausting and, frankly, disheartening. During my time in the tech industry, I learned the significance of releasing content and obtaining feedback promptly. That’s when I decided to try a new approach: one-take videos.
These simpler videos didn’t come without challenges—I received some negative feedback, like suggestions to get to the point faster. But I also received far more positive responses.
Instead of taking things personally, I used the feedback to refine my content. I still have room to grow, but I’m much farther than I could have ever imagined.
The bottom line: The process is messy, and that’s okay. Let go of perfectionism and you’ll keep the content flowing and, most importantly, connect with your audience.
How to Create Minimum Viable Posts (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps to shift toward creating MVPs:
Step 1. Identify Your Core Goals
What do you want to achieve with each piece?
Do you want to inform, engage, or inspire your audience?
Knowing the purpose behind each piece helps you stay focused on the bare-minimum elements needed and avoid unnecessary details.
By asking myself, “What is the one thing I want my audience to get out of this post?” I’m able to create a focused and impactful piece of content.
Example: If you’re writing a blog post on productivity tips, your core goal might be to provide actionable advice that readers can apply immediately. At the minimum, be sure to provide actionable advice.
Step 2. Choose Simple Content Formats
Certain content formats lend themselves well to MVP content creation because they allow you to deliver value without excessive production. Some MVP-friendly formats include:
- Listicles: Straightforward lists of tips, resources, or steps.
- How-To Guides: Simple guides that outline practical steps.
- Infographics: Visual summaries that quickly convey information.
- Quick Videos: Short, engaging videos that deliver a concise message.
Choosing a simple format ensures that your content is clear, focused, and easy to produce. You don’t need to go overboard. Most of my favorite posts from other content creators were made with just them in front of their phone, in a car. Nothing fancy. Nothing distracting.
Step 3. Focus on Quality, Not Quantity
With this concept, quality is not about the production quality. It’s about how well your content resonates. Often, less is more, because you can get your point across more easily.
Example: If you’re creating a social media post, focus on one takeaway rather than covering multiple ideas.
Step 4. Use Templates to Save Time
Templates streamline the content creation process by providing a reusable structure. For example, a blog post template with sections for an introduction, key points, and a conclusion helps speed up writing. Similarly, a social media template for captions allows you to plug in information quickly without starting from scratch. I am all about using frameworks and templates. I can tell you first-hand that so many hours and brain power is saved when most of the work is already done for you.
Step 5. Repurpose Existing Content
Repurposing is the process of taking one piece of content and adapting it for other formats. This allows you to extend the reach of your content without creating new material from scratch.
One of my favorite things to do is start with long-form content, such as a blog post. Then, I’ll create a long-form video from that blog post, providing the same information. Then I’ll take that long-form video and find nuggets, chop them up, and turn those nuggets into short-form videos. All the hard work (brainstorming, research, crafting my message, etc…) was done ahead of time when I made my blog post.
- Example: Use key points from a blog post to create a short LinkedIn article or Instagram carousel.
Step 6. Batch Similar Tasks
Batching tasks involves grouping similar activities and completing them in one sitting. This method reduces time spent switching between tasks and keeps you focused. For example, you can batch-write blog post outlines or design multiple social media graphics in one session.
I also like to batch tasks based on similar energy levels. That way my energy is more consistent throughout the process.
- Benefit: Batching saves time and helps you stay in a focused state, increasing productivity. I like to batch record similar topics or topics that might have overlap. That way I’m not having to context switch so much and I can improve upon my delivery as the day goes.
Step 7. Leverage Automation Tools
Automation tools help streamline repetitive tasks. Scheduling tools like Buffer or Hootsuite automate social media posts, while email platforms like Mailchimp or ConvertKit handle email campaigns. Automating tasks frees up time for other creative activities. Automation really is a life-saver. Think about all the repetitive tasks involved in content creation. If you can automate just one repetitive task, you’ll free up your time and energy to do things you actually like doing. Want to work smarter and simplify your content workflow? Grab my free Multi-Passionate Creator’s AI Toolkit to streamline your creative process and remove friction today.
- How to Start: Choose an automation tool that fits your content needs and start scheduling posts or emails in advance.
Step 8. Track Performance and Gather Feedback
Tracking performance helps you understand which types of MVP content work best for your audience. Use analytics tools like Google Analytics, social media insights, or email reports to measure engagement and reach. Gathering feedback allows you to adjust your content strategy based on what resonates. It’s always fun in to see in analytics where and how people find you. But, what I really find valuable is that you can start to paint a picture of who your audience really is, based on what content they’re most engaged with.
- Example: If a specific format performs well, create more content in that style for better engagement.
Step 9. Set Realistic Expectations
MVP content creation is about staying practical. Set realistic goals and recognize that MVP content doesn’t need to be perfect. The focus should be on delivering value, not creating polished, time-consuming pieces. By setting realistic expectations, you can maintain consistency and avoid burnout. Honestly, this took a lot of pressure off me as a creator and I hope it will do the same for you too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MVP content?
MVP content refers to “Minimum Viable Product” content. It’s content created with the core message and essential information that delivers value without extensive production. MVP content focuses on simplicity, quality, and clarity.
What is the MVP approach?
The MVP approach involves creating the simplest version of a product that still provides value. In content creation, the MVP approach means delivering useful information with minimal resources, allowing creators to publish quickly and collect feedback.
What is the minimum viable product creator?
A minimum viable product creator is someone who creates content or products using an MVP approach. This creator focuses on the essential aspects of content, delivering value to their audience while conserving time and resources.
What is an example of an MVP business model?
An MVP business model might be a startup that launches a basic version of an app with essential features. This allows the business to test user interest and gather feedback before investing in a full-featured product. The same approach can apply to content creation by focusing on simple, valuable content pieces.
By embracing MVP content creation, you free yourself from the paralysis of perfectionism and open the door to consistent, meaningful engagement with your audience. I’ve seen firsthand how this mindset transformed my approach—from agonizing over every detail to confidently putting out content that resonated. It’s messy, sure, but that’s how growth happens.
So here’s my challenge to you: What’s one piece of content you’ve been overthinking? Take a deep breath, simplify it, and hit publish. Remember, your audience isn’t looking for perfection—they’re looking for value, authenticity, and connection. Start messy. Start simple. Just start. You got this.
If you’re ready to take your content game further, check out more strategies in Content & Monetization, where I break down content creation, SEO, and building sustainable income streams.