"The Rise of Curators: Monetizing Free Content and Building Engaged Communities"

"The Rise of Curators: Monetizing Free Content and Building Engaged Communities"

In today's digital age, the value of content has shifted. No longer is the scarcity in the creation of content, but rather, it lies in capturing people's attention. With the overwhelming flood of information available, it has become increasingly challenging for individuals to absorb everything. As a result, the role of curators has emerged as a vital one in helping people navigate through the vast array of content.

Curation, in essence, is the act of shaping the meaning of a text by using another text. Curators can find success by establishing a targeted online presence and providing curated content to their audience. Consumers are willing to pay for someone who possesses good taste and can help them sort through the abundance of information at their fingertips. As Jim Barksdale once said, "There are only two ways to make money in business: One is to bundle; the other is to unbundle." Curation allows businesses to bundle content effectively and monetize it.

The concept of curation goes beyond just bundling content. It also involves building a sense of community around a particular subject or vertical. Content curation not only saves people time by offering them the promise of learning new skills, but it also fosters a sense of belonging and connection. Successful brands and influencers understand the importance of continuously evolving their curation as a service to keep their audience engaged and loyal.

One example of a platform that has capitalized on the power of community and curation is Strava. This fitness app has experienced rapid growth, adding a million new users every 40 days. The key to their success lies in their ability to create a strong sense of community. As one user put it, "If it's not on Strava, it didn't happen." Strava has become more than just an app; it has become a place where people join and share their active lives.

Strava's success can be attributed to their unwavering focus on their original mission. They have a clear North Star guiding their decisions, and they have maintained a discipline of simplicity. By choosing what not to include in their app, they have created a user experience that resonates with their audience. Building a product, service, or community that people love is no easy feat, but transforming those great ideas into long-lasting global companies requires even greater effort.

While Strava is not yet profitable, they prioritize growing their community and becoming the most engaged community of athletes in the world. This strategy allows them to create opportunities for building a great business in the future. The CEO of Strava, Michael Quarles, emphasizes the importance of being passionate about the product or service you are creating. He personally uses Strava and finds joy in tracking his own progress and improvement.

The phrase "If it's not on Strava, it didn't happen" highlights the power of public proof of work. Strava allows users to hold world records and share their achievements, adding a layer of competitiveness and motivation to the platform. This concept could be applied to other areas, such as Glasp, a platform for active learning. Imagine being able to hold world records for completing courses or mastering skills on Glasp, providing users with a sense of accomplishment and recognition.

In conclusion, the rise of curators and the importance of community in content consumption cannot be understated. As consumers, we rely on curators to help us navigate through the overwhelming amount of information available. Businesses can capitalize on this trend by effectively bundling and curating content, monetizing it, and building engaged communities. The success of platforms like Strava demonstrates the power of community and the need for a clear mission and disciplined approach. To harness the potential of curation, businesses should focus on finding initial traction, shifting emphasis from individuals to the greater media brand, scaling while adding value, and continuously evolving their curation as a service.

Actionable Advice:

1. Establish a targeted online presence and provide curated content to your audience. Cultivate your taste and become a trusted curator in your niche.
2. Foster a sense of community around your curated content. Create a platform where like-minded individuals can connect, learn from each other, and share their experiences.
3. Continuously evolve your curation as a service. Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies, and always strive to provide value to your audience.

By implementing these strategies, businesses and individuals can thrive in the age of curation and build successful platforms that capture people's attention and provide them with curated content they love.