by /
AI can create images, write stories, and even simulate voices. But what AI can’t generate is the spark of real-life moments. This guide is all about how to make your content resonate with the power of lived experiences.
Produce Authentic Content from Real Interactions
AI can process and enhance videos and photos, but it can’t replicate real-life moments. When audiences see a genuine connection, like my interaction with Ninja Kidz (40M subscribers)—creates a unique connection. This difference makes the content feel less like a video and more like an experience that audiences genuinely connect with.
When I shared stories of being featured on CNN or speaking at major conferences, engagement spiked. Why? Because people can feel the authenticity behind these experiences. Without real moments, AI has nothing meaningful to enhance. It can only generate synthetic content, content that lacks substance.
If I asked AI to write about hibachi, I’d get something that sounds like a textbook (“Hibachi is a Japanese style of cooking where food is prepared in front of you, and here’s its history…”). But because I can draw from my own visits to a friend’s hibachi restaurant in Vegas, I add details about the chef’s personal touch, the unique flavors, and the atmosphere. That’s the difference real experiences make.
Building Your Content Library
My Content Library includes day-to-day experiences. These real interactions transform into valuable articles, social posts, or other media.
The Content Factory leverages real-life experiences to create relatable, engaging content. When I add photos with Snoop Dogg or Mike Tyson, or even just moments from day-to-day projects, it boosts engagement because it’s not just a story—it’s my story.
Content Creation Process: From Real Life to Engagement
Capturing and organizing these experiences is just the start. Our team uses tools like MarketScale to process video content and platforms like CapCut and Descript for repurposing content. Our Virtual Assistants (VAs) turn raw content into articles, YouTube videos, and other engaging formats, helping businesses rank on Google and drive leads.
On my MarketScale profile, you’ll find a variety of videos from different locations: interviews with entrepreneurs, discussions about the economy, and insights into AI tools. These videos are created simply by being active in real-world situations and capturing those moments to share.
Content creation is like basketball. Having the best shoes or equipment won’t make you a star. It’s about the fundamentals: understanding your GCT (Goal, Content, and Target) to create impactful, meaningful content. Our approach of capturing real experiences and strategically repurposing them drives long-term value for clients and supports business growth.
Real-Life Stories: Partnering with Entrepreneurs
Collaborations with successful entrepreneurs add another layer of interest. For instance, when working with Anthony Hilb, who owns a thriving lawn care and tree company, we documented him in action—cutting trees, distributing paychecks, and enjoying hot pot with his crew. These are more than clips; they’re moments of connection that make the story more engaging.
Another example: I took my friend Ben, a professional dunker, to Nike’s headquarters. This was more than just another video; it was Ben’s chance to tour the Bo Jackson gym, try his skills on Nike’s courts, and visit their Portland campus. Adding details like Ben’s journey from pharmacy studies to professional dunking brings depth to the story.
For example, when I upload my experiences with Ben, it tags him as ‘Ben, the pro dunker.’ Adding backstory—like his decision to pursue a dunking career over pharmacy—makes the content even more compelling.
Working with Boostability, which supports thousands of businesses, means there’s a constant flow of content to create. Partnerships like this bring valuable stories that make our work rewarding. I love sharing stories from these collaborations—whether we’re filming, traveling, or celebrating wins together. These connections are what make this journey meaningful.
Telling a Bigger Story Across Platforms
Each piece of content—whether a video, post, or photo—should connect to others, forming a powerful, cohesive story across platforms. For example, Tommy Mello’s brand-building efforts are a great model. His ads are everywhere, from Facebook to billboards and even mailers. His consistent presence has helped build strong brand recognition, proving that content should connect and create a larger story.
Content should feel cohesive and connected. Through branding, consistency, and a blend of work and play, we create content that impacts people’s lives and supports business growth. It’s about making connections, sharing stories, and staying authentic every step of the way.
My Facebook page gives a behind-the-scenes look at who I’m with, what I’m doing, and the moments I’m capturing. I mix things up by occasionally sharing political posts or older content to keep things fresh and engaging.
Promote and Amplify Your Content
Once content is live, it’s time to boost its reach. I use my Dollar-a-Day strategy on platforms like Facebook and YouTube to generate leads and build brand awareness. This approach multiplies the impact of every post and has helped thousands of entrepreneurs grow their businesses.
Take my friend Liam Hughes, who runs a law firm marketing business. He creatively used a video with a wax figure of Vin Diesel, asking viewers, “Would you like your law firm marketing to go faster?” This approach made his service memorable and relatable.
Our Content Factory process is simple: produce, process, post, and promote. Every piece of content needs to follow these stages to create impact. Start with solid content—proof that backs your message. Without proof, even the best ideas fall flat.
Final Thoughts
Digital marketing offers young professionals exciting career opportunities filled with growth, connections, and impact. Through training, collaboration, and firsthand experiences, I’m helping young marketers create these opportunities and challenge industry stereotypes.
Take my buddy Danny Leibrandt, for example. At just 19, he’s successfully running a pest control company, building his brand, and even helping other pest control businesses grow. We’ve worked together on videos and podcasts about running and marketing pest control businesses, and now Danny is speaking at SEO events to share his expertise.
Danny’s journey demonstrates a powerful approach: grow your business, then train others. This model applies across industries—whether it’s pest control, roofing, plumbing, or more. It’s a system that works in any field.
The key takeaway? Start capturing your real-life moments. Use them to fuel your content, adding the authenticity that only comes from lived experience. This approach will not only help build your brand but also create content that resonates and connects with your audience on a personal level.
Dennis Yu
Dennis Yu is co-author of the #1 best-selling book on Amazon in social media, The Definitive Guide to TikTok Ads. He has spent a billion dollars on Facebook ads across his agencies and agencies he advises. Mr. Yu is the "million jobs" guy-- on a mission to create one million jobs via hands-on social media training, partnering with universities and professional organizations.You can find him quoted in major publications and on television such as CNN, the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, NPR, and LA Times. Clients have included Nike, Red Bull, the Golden State Warriors, Ashley Furniture, Quiznos-- down to local service businesses like real estate agents and dentists. He's spoken at over 750 conferences in 20 countries, having flown over 6 million miles in the last 30 years to train up young adults and business owners. He speaks for free as long as the organization believes in the job-creation mission and covers business class travel.You can find him hiking tall mountains, eating chicken wings, and taking Kaqun oxygen baths-- likely in a city near you.