How to Become a Content Creator
Many people are looking for ways to start selling online or offer products and services that would allow them to work on their own terms. Being a content creator comes to mind for a lot of people, and before we dive deeper, it's important to understand that there are so many different types of content creators.
You'll learn some examples here but know that there are so many more ways for you to become a content creator, and you will define what that looks like for you.
For example, you have content creators who create video content and monetize channels like YouTube and TikTok. You also have people who create content on social media to drive traffic to products and services such as courses and coaching.
You have marketers who create content and establish an online presence to drive leads, and the list of niches that do this is endless. In simple terms, you have people in pretty much every niche creating content to drive leads and sales to both products and services.
On the flip side, not every service provider is a content creator, and not every content creator monetizes in some of the most popular ways that are known to us. Get ready to take some notes as you learn how to get started as a content creator and what to do to start selling online.
Your Goals and Passions Go Hand in Hand
One of the most common mistakes people make when it comes to the idea of becoming a content creator is that they either think that their idea is too niche or they think the market is too saturated.
I have always said this, and this will never change: there is room for everyone, no matter what niche and industry you choose to work in. As you go on this journey, you will build a community, and your clients will want to work with you because of you. You bring something unique to the table.
It's also important to remember that while you may be tempted to go with a niche or idea because you've seen it work well online, you want to ensure that it aligns with your passions. At the end of the day, if you start creating content for a living, you'll be doing this a lot, so make sure you are passionate about it.
Tips to help you get started as a content creator.
Make a note of what you are passionate about, and write down some industries and niches you are passionate about or how you'll monetize your current expertise.
Identify your end goals. Example: If you want to become a full-time content creator or if you want to start taking content seriously to drive leads to your business. While both are similar, there's a big difference. A local business embarking on a content creation journey to drive more traffic and someone who wants to start a travel vlog and do that as their main source of income require two very different strategies.
Get clear on what problem you solve for your audience. What will they learn from you? How will you help them?
Craft your brand story. Read the book Story Brand by Donald Miller or listen to his podcast. What you learn will help you craft a brand and content that converts.
Surround yourself with a like-minded community. It is guaranteed that on your journey, you will come across people who will tell you that it's not secure, it's not a great idea, the market is too saturated, etc. While they likely mean well, should you really be taking advice from them?
Research, research, research. On your journey, whether you are starting to create content for an existing brand or you want to become a full-time content creator, you will make mistakes and experience failures. Look at positive learning experiences that help you fuel your research to propel your efforts forward.
Pivot. Sometimes life has other plans, and what if your niche, YouTube, or TikTok account starts to gain traction for a one-off topic that you didn't expect? Roll with the punches, and don't be afraid to pivot. This goes for both people testing content to promote their business and anyone wanting to become a full-time content creator.
There is no cookie-cutter answer for this type of guidance, but these tips should guide you in taking some important next steps.
Seek Proper Guidance
While content creation is fun, it can also be a source of stress for anyone who overcomplicates their processes. For example, in the context of evergreen content or Pinterest, I always guide my clients through my evergreen content framework so that they have content that will remain relevant for a long time.
Everyone is at a different place in their business and content creation journey, and sometimes, getting clarity on a coaching call is exactly what people need. My friend, Evelyn, is an incredible Content Coach who guides entrepreneurs through her framework, teaching them how to make an impact without endless screen time. She helps brands, entrepreneurs, and creators redefine creativity at any age.
We recently had a video call to catch up, and one of the topics that came up was how sometimes there is something that holds us back from posting on social media, and it's hard to pinpoint exactly what that is. Is it because we care about what others think?
I can tell you from personal experience that speaking with someone who works with content on a daily basis and has mastered the art of creating impactful content is helpful to anyone.
Even though I have had my business for almost eight years, I always seek guidance and recommend that anyone do the same.
If you're ready for a transformative experience, I highly recommend getting in touch with Evelyn for a Content Coaching Hour.
This may just be the guidance you’ve been looking for to create content that aligns with your goals, dreams and vision.
Overcoming Saturation with Community
I want to dive a bit deeper into the topic of surrounding yourself with a like-minded community. One of the reasons this is critical is that no one will understand better what you are going through than someone on a similar journey, even if you are different types of content creators and even if you work in completely different niches. Entrepreneurship feels lonely at times, but you can't put a price on what you get in return.
Here are a few ways to connect with other entrepreneurs and content creators.
Look for memberships and communities for others looking to become a content creator or sell online.
Do some research to find Facebook, Telegram, and WhatsApp communities. There are so many resourceful and valuable communities that are completely free; it's about finding the right one for you.
Find creators in your niche or business type on YouTube and learn from their valuable videos.
Do the same with podcasts and blog content.
Search Google for things like content creator meetups events, content creator conferences, digital nomad tips, and YouTube creator communities, etc. Your searches will look different based on what you do.
One of the many reasons finding a good online community can help is the accountability factor. It's easy to get comfortable or let things fall through the cracks when you aren't a part of a community.
Accountability makes a big difference. Remember Evelyn from earlier in this blog post? We actually met on Instagram. This just goes to show you the power of networking and connecting with others.
Evergreen Content & Pinterest
This should be no secret to you but I've long been a Pinterest fan for a reason. When you use a platform like Pinterest, combined with an evergreen content strategy, you set your set up (as a content creator or business owner) to get ongoing long-term traffic to your website, products, services, and offers.
A lot of people don't realize that many entrepreneurs use Pinterest to drive traffic to places other than a website. For example, many of the blog creators I work with also use Pinterest to drive traffic to their YouTube channels or even podcasts. If you are already using Pinterest for your business but are not seeing the traffic you were hoping for, a mini Pinterest video audit may just be what you need.
During a Pinterest video audit, I use Loom to record myself giving you feedback about your Pinterest account; I go into as much detail as possible and even give you keywords, some boards, and content tips to help you improve your results on the platform.
I hope that you have found these tips useful, and before leaving you, I want to remind you to give yourself some grace. You won't have all the answers you are looking for from the beginning, and depending on how you wish to use content and what being a content creator means to you, your journey will look different.
Special mention:
Follow and connect with Evelyn on Instagram here.