Being a creator is one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done. It’s allowed me to share my passions, connect with incredible people, and build a life of freedom. But it’s not without its challenges. Some of the worst things that have happened to me as a creator have been mentally draining, physically exhausting, or financially damaging. And I’m not alone—many creators face similar issues.
This post is not to scare you but to prepare you. I’m sharing my experiences along with 9+ actionable tactics you can use to protect yourself so you can keep creating confidently. Let’s dive in.
1. Regularly Check for Impersonators
One of the most unsettling things about being a creator is seeing people pretend to be me online. They steal my identity, content, or even set up fake accounts to scam others. These impersonators can damage your reputation or even hurt your followers.
To stay on top of this, I set a monthly reminder called “Check Yourself” in my calendar.
I open an incognito browser (so my search isn’t influenced by my history) and Google my name. I scroll through several pages to ensure no one is impersonating me or misusing my content. This practice not only helps me spot impersonators but also gives me insights into what people are searching about me, which helps me stay ahead.
Tactics:
- Search for your name regularly in an incognito browser.
- Report any fake accounts or misuse of your content immediately.
- Ask your community to help report impersonators when necessary.
2. Build a Thicker Skin Against Hate
No matter what you create, you will face criticism. Hate comments range from petty insults to deeply personal attacks. It’s painful, but it comes with the territory. Early on, I realized that having a strong mindset was essential for staying motivated.
I’ve learned to save two types of comments: hateful ones that fuel my determination to keep creating and loving ones that remind me of my impact. For every hater, there’s someone who’s been positively impacted by my content, and those are the people I create for.
Tactics:
- Save positive comments to revisit when you need encouragement.
- Stay clear on your “why” to ground yourself during tough times.
- Actively ask your audience for positive reviews and shares—it’s okay to ask!
3. Delay Real-Time Posting
As a travel creator, I’ve learned that sharing posts in real time can put me in risky situations. I once went live from a hotel balcony only to receive messages identifying my exact location. Some were friendly, but others were much more aggressive.
Since then, I’ve made it a rule to delay posts, especially when traveling solo or in vulnerable situations. Even when I’m with family, I’m cautious about what I share in the moment. Safety first, always.
Tactics:
- Post travel content after you’ve left the location.
- Avoid sharing identifiable details, like room numbers or specific landmarks, in real time.
- Use location tagging thoughtfully—consider tagging a general area instead of an exact spot.
4. Monitor Your Credit Card Activity
Imagine someone booking flights using your credit card, flying on those flights, and preparing to take another trip—all without your knowledge. That’s what happened to me. Worse, it wasn’t even an international scam; it was someone in the U.S.
This experience taught me to be vigilant about monitoring my credit card activity. I used to rely on auto-pay and check my statements monthly (or less often when traveling). Now, I check my expenses weekly and use a VPN to secure my transactions when abroad.
Tactics:
- Bring multiple credit cards when traveling, in case some are compromised.
- Use a VPN for secure browsing, especially on public Wi-Fi.
- Set a regular schedule for reviewing your credit card statements.
5. Protect Yourself from Burnout
Burnout as a creator is real and debilitating. Creativity doesn’t flow like clockwork, and when you’re constantly creating, it’s easy to hit a wall. I’ve had moments where I’ve been so drained I couldn’t even get off the couch for a trip I’d been excited about.
I now prioritize rest and creativity breaks. Whether it’s rollerblading, watering my plants, or spending time in nature, I schedule time to recharge. Recognizing the signs of burnout before they escalate is key.
Tactics:
- Take breaks to protect your energy, even during busy periods.
- Learn to recognize burnout symptoms, like losing excitement for things you normally love.
- Limit how much you take on, even if it’s tempting to say yes to everything.
Read more on burnout:
6. Guard Against Online Scams
Hackers are getting smarter. I’ve received phishing emails, fake links, and messages with malicious attachments—all designed to trick me into compromising my accounts. It’s a daily battle to stay ahead of these scams.
One of my most nerve-wracking experiences was losing access to my Instagram account. Hackers used open Wi-Fi to steal my login information, and it took a lot of work to get it back.
Tactics:
- Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts.
- Change your passwords regularly and make them strong.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi or use a VPN to protect your data.
7. Cover Your Ass (CYA)
For every success, there will be people rooting for your failure. I’ve had posts reported, content taken down, and even public shaming from PR firms. It’s frustrating but predictable.
I’ve learned to anticipate backlash and take precautions. For example, when posting drone content near a national park, I include GPS coordinates to prove I was flying legally. Taking these extra steps has helped me navigate false accusations and protect my credibility.
Tactics:
- Anticipate potential backlash and address it in your content.
- Keep evidence or documentation to defend your actions if necessary.
- Invite constructive feedback to turn potential critics into contributors.
8. Diversify Your Platforms
Relying on one platform is risky. I learned this the hard way when I lost access to my Instagram account. If Instagram disappeared tomorrow, how would I connect with my audience?
To mitigate this risk, I’ve built a presence across multiple platforms and backed up all my content. I also focus on capturing my audience in ways I can control, like email lists.
Tactics:
- Build your presence on multiple platforms.
- Back up your content regularly and keep organized copies.
- Use email lists or other methods to connect directly with your audience.
9. Build a Strong Support Network
The creator journey is tough, and having the right people around you makes all the difference. Whether it’s other creators who understand your struggles or loved ones who encourage you, a support network is invaluable.
For me, this includes friends in the creator space, as well as my partner, Lou (aka Meatball), who knows exactly when I need a pep talk—or a glass of champagne.
Tactics:
- Connect with other creators for advice and camaraderie.
- Lean on friends or family who want to see you win.
- Take time for activities that refill your energy and creativity.
One more thought: Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket
Beyond diversifying platforms, it’s crucial to consider how you organize and protect your content. Have a plan for worst-case scenarios.
Tactics:
- Regularly back up your content on external drives or cloud storage.
- Consider the implications of losing each platform you’re on—how would you recover?
- Periodically audit your digital presence and security measures.
Bottom Line
These challenges aren’t unique to me—many creators face them. But with the right strategies, you can protect yourself and thrive. Remember, creating is worth it, and your voice matters more than you realize.
If you’ve found these tips helpful, share this post or leave a comment. And if you’ve faced similar challenges or have advice to add, let me know—I’ll keep updating this post to include community insights. Let’s keep supporting each other and creating boldly.
hello (at) christinelozada (dot) com
About the podcast
Everyday Badassery is a travel podcast of inspirational stories to help you be just 1% more badass than you were yesterday. This episode is part of the creator series, where you’ll find helpful tips and interviews with creators that will help you to be just 1% more badass as a travel creator or small business.
Find the creator series starting with the intro at episode 80.
Leave a Reply