#CreativePromoTips

[laurafaritos]

HDMS047. You Wrote It Once and It’s Still Working — That’s Owned Media Magic

Most of what we post online disappears in 24 hours—or worse, gets buried by an algorithm in 24 seconds.

Owned media doesn’t play by those rules.

That’s what this week’s lesson from Harvard’s Digital Marketing Strategy course made clear: when you own the content, it doesn’t just work once. It can work again. And again. And again.

One well-written blog post, one strong podcast episode, one solid email sequence—these things can live on, pulling in new audience members or converting fans months (or even years) after you hit publish.

This module focused on why owned media is such a powerful channel, not just for brands like OOFOS, but for creators like me. This post breaks down what I learned, how I’m thinking differently now, and why this kind of slow-burn strategy might be the most sustainable move for comedians and creatives.

This submodule was all about the specific advantages of owned media, and honestly, it kind of felt like a love letter to sustainable content.

We checked back in with OOFOS, the recovery footwear brand, to see how their owned media strategy was doing. The results were kind of amazing:

Owned media (like email, blogs, organic social) brought in only 25% of total traffic, but that 25% generated 30% of their revenue.

That means fewer people, making more purchases—aka, a much more efficient channel.

Kate Laliberte, Head of Ecommerce at OOFOS, explained that owned media gives them total control: they can decide what to say, when to say it, and who to say it to. That level of flexibility isn’t possible with paid ads or unpredictable social platforms.

Sunil Gupta broke it down even further:

Owned media works at every stage of the funnel:

Top: blog posts + SEO for discovery

Middle: emails + long-form content for education

Bottom: persuasive copy + CTAs for conversion

It’s perfect for creative storytelling, like REI’s long-form YouTube documentaries (real people, real vibes, not a hard sell)

Here’s a quick rundown of the benefits:

Full control over messaging and timing

Consistent brand tone and voice

Stronger long-term relationships with customers

Value across the entire funnel

No ongoing cost once the content is created

No algorithm interference

More trust from audiences who choose to subscribe or follow

For a content-obsessed person like me, this was a wake-up call: one good post can do more than ten rushed ones.

This module didn’t just teach me about owned media—it gave me permission to slow down.

As someone who’s both autistic and ADHD, the constant pressure to be “on” and always posting can feel impossible. Social media moves fast. Algorithms reward consistency, but punish unpredictability—like taking a break, or needing more time to think, or not being in the mood to scream into the void every day.

Owned media? It doesn’t expect that from me.

This idea that I can make something once—a thoughtful blog post, a well-structured podcast episode, a solid “about me” page—and it can keep working for me without me chasing it down again and again? That’s revolutionary.

It means I can spend time making something I actually like, without the pressure to remix it five different ways in the same week just to get attention.

It means I can set up systems and content that meet people where they are, when they’re ready—not when the feed says it’s time.

It means I don’t have to chase my audience. I can invite them into a space I’ve built to last.

Here’s the thing about owned media: it’s not just for brands with marketing teams. It’s for anyone who’s tired of fighting for visibility every single day.

If you’re a comedian or creator, here’s how you can start using it to your advantage:

Think evergreen. Instead of always making content for “right now,” start making content that stays useful. A “start here” page, a bio that actually explains what you do, a pinned podcast episode that gives people a clear entry point.

Use social media to send people somewhere that’s yours. Don’t just let Instagram or TikTok be the final destination. Link to your site. Promote your email list. Archive your best work in a place that’s searchable and permanent.

Make your content reusable. One strong story or bit can become a blog, a newsletter, a show opener, a TikTok, a press blurb. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel—you just need to own the wheelhouse.

Don’t wait for someone to “discover” you. Create the discovery engine yourself. Whether it’s SEO, email, or long-form YouTube content—start leaving digital breadcrumbs that lead back to your work.

Owned media is how you stop chasing and start curating. It’s how you shift from hoping people find you to actually building the infrastructure for them to land and stay.

I used to think the only way to stay relevant was to keep shouting louder and more often. But now I get it:

Good content isn’t always loud—it’s lasting.

Owned media gives you a way to show up without burning out. To build something once and let it keep serving you. To stop chasing temporary attention and start creating durable connection.

So next time you’re tempted to rush out another story or throw together another promo post, ask yourself—can I build something that works harder and longer than I do?

That’s the magic of owned media.

And I’m finally learning how to use it.

I hope this post was as helpful to you as it was to me <33

Tchau tchau <33