Content material Creation 101: Find out how to Grow to be a Content material Creator

By Liz Willits October 3, 2023

So that you wish to turn into a content material creator?

You probably know the perks of being a content material creator: Autonomy in your profession, inventive work, the power to chase your passions.

Plus, let’s not neglect the potential earnings. The highest 5 creators on TikTok made a complete of $46 million in 2021. 

And the way might you not need the time freedom? 52 p.c of creators who make between $50,000 and $100,000 spend lower than 10 hours every week creating content material.

Seems like a dream job. 

Nonetheless, in 2023, there are some main challenges to turning into a content material creator as nicely, together with:

Regardless of these challenges, it’s nonetheless very attainable to turn into a profitable content material creator in 2023, whether or not you wish to make it a part-time or full-time profession.

On this information, we’ll present you learn how to get began. You’ll find out about:

• The several types of content material creators
• How a lot content material creators earn
• Six steps to turn into a content material creator
• Inspiring tales of real-life content material creators and their work

Now, let’s get began. Studying this information is just step one of your content material creator journey.

The varieties of content material creators

In case you’re not sure what kind of content material creator you wish to be, this part will stroll you thru a few of the most typical varieties of creators, what they do, and what varieties of content material they publish.

When eager about the kind of content material creator you wish to be, there are two inquiries to ask your self:

• What kind of content material will I create?
• The place (and in what format) will I publish my content material?

We’ll make it easier to reply each of those questions under. First, let’s focus on the varieties of content material you possibly can create based mostly on the content material subject.

The varieties of content material creators based mostly on content material subject

1 – Influencer

Influencers create content material that primarily revolves round their way of life, experiences, and character. 

They typically collaborate with manufacturers and share their suggestions, trend decisions, journey adventures, or day-to-day routines. Influencers purpose to attach with and affect their viewers.

For instance, Kylie Jenner is an influencer. She is without doubt one of the most adopted Instagram influencers on the planet with 399 million followers.

2 – Educator

Educators are content material creators who give attention to sharing information and experience. They produce content material to tell, educate, and assist their viewers study new expertise or achieve insights into particular topics. 

Sam Sulek, a health YouTuber and TikToker who has taken off just lately, is one instance of an educator. He teaches his viewers about weightlifting and diet for weightlifters.

One other instance is SkinnyTaste. Gina Homolka, Founding father of SkinnyTaste, educates her viewers on cooking and wholesome consuming, primarily via Instagram and her weblog. 

Professional tip: Some creators are each educators and influencers. You don’t must restrict your self to only one kind. 

3 – Streamer

Streamers predominantly have interaction in reside streaming, the place they broadcast themselves enjoying video video games, discussing varied matters, or showcasing their skills. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube Reside present an area for streamers to work together with viewers in actual time.

A well-known instance of a streamer is Tyler “Ninja” Blevins. Ninja is well known as probably the most in style and influential streamers on the planet. He gained large recognition primarily via streaming the favored online game “Fortnite” on platforms like Twitch and YouTube.

4 – Coach

Content material creators within the teaching area of interest supply steerage and assist in areas corresponding to private improvement, health, profession, or life teaching. They use their content material to inspire and empower their viewers to realize their objectives.

Take Tony Robbins for instance. He’s a famend life coach, self-help creator, and motivational speaker who has been inspiring and training people for many years. 

5 – Writer

Authors create written content material within the type of books, e-books, articles, poems and essays. They inform tales, share information, and/or categorical their inventive creativeness.

One well-known creator who turned well-known via content material creation, notably on social media, is Rupi Kaur, a Canadian poet, author, and illustrator. She gained recognition for her quick, minimalist poems and illustrations, which she started sharing on Instagram. 

6 – Musician

Musicians produce content material centered round their musical skills. They compose and carry out songs, create music movies, and share their inventive journey with their viewers. Platforms like TikTok, SoundCloud, Spotify, and YouTube are in style locations to publish musical content material.

Associated: Promoting digital music on-line: Platforms, suggestions, and techniques

One notable instance of a musician who gained fame via content material creation is Olivia Rodrigo. Rodrigo achieved widespread recognition and success along with her debut single “Drivers License.” 

Rodrigo promoted “Drivers License” on her TikTok, and it shortly went viral when customers began creating movies utilizing the tune. This user-generated content material contributed to the tune’s viral nature and helped it achieve thousands and thousands of views and likes.

Due largely to its TikTok recognition, “Drivers License” climbed the music charts quickly. It debuted at primary on the Billboard Scorching 100, making Rodrigo one of many youngest artists to realize this feat.

@livbedumb ♬ drivers license – Olivia Rodrigo

7 – Comic

Comedians focus on creating humorous, entertaining content material, together with stand-up comedy, humorous sketches, and comedic commentary. 

Comic Trevor Wallace gained fame by posting quick comedy skits on social media. He initially posted these skits on Vine, a platform recognized for its six-second movies. When Vine shut down, he transitioned to YouTube, the place he continues to create longer-form comedy content material and has amassed 4.32 million subscribers as of 2023. 

He now posts comedy skits usually on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

8 – Artist

Artists showcase their inventive skills via visible mediums like portray, drawing, sculpture, and digital artwork. They use their content material to show their inventive imaginative and prescient and join with artwork lovers.

Matt Chessco, who give up his job in 2020 to turn into a full-time artist, gained fame along with his TikTok movies. As of 2023, he has 2.8 million followers on TikTok.

@mattchessco Reposting my most viral video of 2020. The portray is on the market on my web site 😊 #marilynmonroe #artwork ♬ unique sound – Snubby J

The varieties of content material creators based mostly on format and platform

Now, you’ll find out about the commonest content material codecs and publication websites. There are a lot of creators who publish on a number of platforms, like Mr. Beast for instance who’s primarily a YouTuber but in addition publishes content material on TikTok, X (previously referred to as Twitter), and plenty of extra platforms.

1- Bloggers

Bloggers craft written content material within the type of articles or weblog posts, typically shared on their very own web sites or running a blog platforms like Medium. They delve deep into matters, providing detailed insights and evaluation.

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2 – Vloggers

Vloggers seize their experiences and tales via video, creating vlogs (video blogs) that showcase their each day lives, travels, or particular topics. They primarily publish on video-sharing platforms like YouTube.

3 – YouTubers

A YouTuber focuses on creating video content material for YouTube, exploring various matters — from tutorials and opinions to leisure and vlogs. 

Associated: Find out how to get extra YouTube views: a complete information to video success

4 – Podcasters

Podcasters produce audio content material within the type of episodes, which may cowl a variety of matters. Podcasts can be found on varied platforms, like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

5 – TikTok Creators

TikTok creators publish movies on TikTok, typically utilizing music and developments to seize their viewers’s consideration. 

6 – Instagram Creators

Instagram creators curate visually interesting posts and tales on Instagram. They typically give attention to images, trend, magnificence, and way of life content material, aiming to encourage and join with their followers.

7 – X (previously referred to as Twitter) Creators

X creators use the platform to share all types of content material, together with ideas, opinions, and updates. They have interaction in conversations, share information, and construct a following via their tweets.

Content material creator wage: How a lot do content material creators make?

This varies broadly. Some content material creators make no cash whereas others earn billions of {dollars} yearly.

To provide you an thought of what you may earn as a content material creator, let’s take a look at some stats:

• Newbie creators’ earnings: 59 p.c of newbie creators haven’t monetized but. 35 p.c have monetized however earn under what is taken into account a “livable earnings.” Six p.c of newbie creators have earned larger than $10,000 (Linktree Creator Report, 2022).
• High creators’ earnings: Solely about 4% of creators make greater than $100,000 a yr., in keeping with Goldman Sachs. Mr. Beast was the top-earning creator on Forbes‘ High Creators 2022 checklist. He made $54 million.
• Full-time creators’ earnings: 12 p.c of full-time creators make larger than $50,000 per yr. 46 p.c of full-time creators make lower than $1,000 per yr (Linktree Creator Report, 2022).
• Half-time creators’ earnings: Three p.c of part-time creators make larger than $50,000 per yr. 68 p.c of part-time creators make lower than $1,000 per yr, (Linktree Creator Report, 2022). 
• Common wage for content material creators: In 2022, the typical wage for content material creators was $44,192 per yr, Hubspot analysis discovered. That’s over $22 per hour or $3,680 monthly.

Whereas content material creators’ salaries differ, hopefully this provides you a good suggestion of how a lot creators could make as rookies and execs. 

Steps to turn into a content material creator

It’s time to present you a step-by-step blueprint that’ll present you how to turn into a content material creator. Observe these steps to get began in your content material creator journey:

Step 1: Discover your area of interest or content material focus

Throughout this step, you’ll establish what sort of content material you’ll create. 

First, begin by reflecting on and writing down: 

• Your passions: Write down your pursuits, hobbies, and passions. What matters or actions genuinely excite you? Your content material creation will probably be way more fulfilling when you create content material round one thing you like.
• Your expertise: Take into account your expertise, experience, and areas the place you excel. Your content material will probably be extra invaluable if it aligns together with your experience, and it will likely be simpler to advertise your self as a thought chief if you have already got deep experience or expertise in an space.
• Your information: Take into consideration the themes you realize loads about or have a deep understanding of. Your information can set you aside as an authority in your chosen area of interest. Plus, it’ll be simpler to start out creating nice content material shortly when you’re creating content material round a subject you’re already educated about. 

Subsequent, utilizing what you simply wrote down, analysis what niches and matters are already in style with audiences. By selecting a subject or area of interest that’s already confirmed and in style, you will be assured there’s an viewers on your content material. 

Right here’s how to do that:

• Analyze developments: Analysis trending matters and niches associated to the passions, expertise, and/or information you simply wrote down. Use platforms like Google Traits, Reddit, Quora, X, Reply The Public, TikTok, and Instagram. 
• Research your opponents: Have a look at content material creators or influencers in your areas of curiosity. Analyze their content material, engagement, and viewers dimension. Determine gaps or alternatives inside these niches. Write down what matters they cowl of their most-popular content material and contemplate creating distinctive content material on these matters with your personal spin. (Don’t simply copy them!)

Lastly, slim down your focus and write down your creator’s mission assertion.

• Area of interest down: Typically, narrowing your focus inside a broad area of interest will be helpful. For instance, when you’re fascinated by health, contemplate specializing in “house exercises for busy professionals” moderately than normal health.
• Discover your distinctive angle: Assess what distinctive perspective or angle you possibly can carry to your chosen area of interest. What makes your content material stand out from the competitors?

Step 2: Choose the place you’ll publish content material and in what format.

When you’ve decided your area of interest, it’s time to pick out the platform that most closely fits your content material. I like to recommend beginning with one content material format and/or platform once you’re first getting began. There are a couple of causes for this:

• Focus: Concentrating your efforts on one platform means that you can focus your power and assets on that platform. It’s simpler, a minimum of initially, to excel in a single place than to unfold your self skinny throughout a number of platforms.
• Mastery: Mastering one platform is important earlier than increasing to others. Every platform has its personal quirks, algorithms, and greatest practices. As an example, creating content material on TikTok could be very completely different from creating content material on X. In case you are making an attempt to submit on each platforms directly, you could turn into overwhelmed and succeed on neither platform. 
• Time: Managing a number of platforms will be time-consuming. By beginning with one, you possibly can allocate extra time to perfecting your content material and rising your viewers on that platform.

You need to use the checklist of varieties of content material creators from earlier on this information to resolve what kind of content material you’ll create. Consider: It’s simpler to create content material utilizing expertise you have already got than studying new expertise.

So, when you’re already an ideal author, you may wish to contemplate running a blog or creating written content material on X or LinkedIn.

In case you’re an ideal photographer or videographer, contemplate creating content material on TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram.

In case you’ve podcasted earlier than or know learn how to edit a podcast, take into consideration turning into a podcaster.

Step 3: Construct your model

Your model is what units you other than the remaining. It’s your id and what your viewers can anticipate from you. Let’s delve into the 2 elements of constructing your model.

1 – Develop your distinctive model id 

Your model id is greater than only a emblem or a enterprise title. It’s the essence of who you’re as a content material creator, and it encompasses varied components:

Values

Take into account what you stand for, your rules, and the message you wish to convey via your content material. Your values will kind the inspiration of your model.

Imaginative and prescient and imaginative and prescient assertion

Your imaginative and prescient guides the entire content material you create, and your imaginative and prescient assertion clearly and succinctly articulates your viewers, the kind of content material you create and the place you publish it, and the issue you’re fixing on your viewers. 

Right here’s an instance of a creator imaginative and prescient assertion I wrote for SkinnyTaste, the meals and diet weblog I discussed earlier: SkinnyTaste creates nutritious, low-calorie meals recipes, and diet content material for busy mothers and dealing ladies that helps them prepare dinner and eat more healthy meals. This content material is printed on the SkinnyTaste weblog, the SkinnyTaste e-mail e-newsletter, Instagram, Fb, and TikTok.

And right here’s a easy fill-in-the-blank template you should use to jot down your imaginative and prescient assertion:

Visible id, emblem, and design components

Select a visible type that aligns together with your area of interest and character. This contains colours, fonts, and graphics that you just constantly use in your content material and throughout your platforms.

If relevant, create a memorable emblem and design components (like icons or imagery) that signify your model. These visible cues can assist reinforce your model id.

Model voice

Your model ought to have a definite and constant voice. With a constant model voice, your viewers ought to be capable to inform once they’re participating together with your content material with out seeing your title or emblem. 

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2 – Set up a constant on-line presence

The way you present up on-line and the way typically is part of your model as nicely. Right here’s learn how to set up and keep a constant on-line presence:

Constant enterprise title or deal with

Use the identical username or deal with throughout all of your social media platforms. This makes it simpler on your viewers to search out and comply with you.

Coherent content material type

Keep a constant type in your content material, whether or not it’s the format of your movies, the tone of your writing, or the visible aesthetics of your photos.

Predictable and common posting schedule

Create a posting schedule and stick with it. Constant content material supply retains your viewers engaged and coming again for extra.

Common engagement

Work together together with your viewers usually. Reply to feedback, messages, and emails. Engagement fosters a way of group and builds belief and loyalty.

Collaborations that match your model and imaginative and prescient

Collaborate with different content material creators or manufacturers that align together with your values and area of interest. These partnerships can develop your attain and introduce your model to new audiences.

Professional tip: Constructing your model is an ongoing course of. As you evolve as a content material creator, your model might evolve with you. 

Step 4: Begin publishing content material and rising your viewers

Now it’s lastly time to start creating content material and rising your viewers. Don’t fear if engagement and progress are gradual initially. That is the case for many creators. However listed below are some confirmed suggestions that can assist you develop extra shortly and create extra participating content material:

Tip 1: Purpose for high quality over amount

Prioritize high-quality content material over frequent, mediocre or common posts. High quality content material is extra prone to be shared and advisable.

Make investments time in modifying, proofreading, and bettering your content material’s manufacturing worth.

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Tip 2: Interact with different creators

We already touched on participating together with your viewers, however you can even have interaction together with your wider business or area of interest; those that don’t presently comply with you. 

This may be an efficient solution to develop your personal viewers. While you remark and have interaction in a useful or entertaining approach on different creators’ posts, their followers may see your engagement and comply with you themselves.

Tip 3: Create interactive content material

Host Q&A periods, reside streams, or AMAs (Ask Me Something) to work together immediately together with your viewers.

Tip 4: Use social media successfully to spice up your attain

Make the most of hashtags, related key phrases, and trending matters and information to extend discoverability.

Tip 5: Collaborate and cross-promote content material

Collaborate with different content material creators or influencers in your area of interest. Cross-promotion exposes your content material to new audiences.

Tip 6: Take heed to viewers suggestions

Act on viewers suggestions. Take heed to your viewers’ options and incorporate their concepts when related. Get content material matters and submit concepts from their feedback and questions. Conduct surveys or polls to collect insights and preferences.

Associated: How profitable creators constructed a web-based group from the bottom up

Tip 7: Diversify your content material sorts

If it aligns together with your creator imaginative and prescient assertion and the place you publish content material, experiment with varied content material codecs (movies, articles, infographics, and so on.) to cater to completely different studying kinds.

Hold content material recent and interesting by making an attempt new codecs and matters.

Share behind-the-scenes content material and private updates to attach together with your viewers on a deeper degree.

Tip 8: Optimize for search engine marketing

Optimize your content material for search engines like google and yahoo to extend discoverability. Use related key phrases and descriptive titles and descriptions.

Tip 9: All the time supply insane worth

Present worth to your viewers via informative, entertaining, or inspirational content material.

Clear up issues, reply questions, and tackle ache factors related to your area of interest.

Tip 10: Use e-mail advertising

Construct an e-mail checklist to remain in direct contact together with your viewers and guarantee you possibly can all the time talk with them. Ship newsletters, updates, and unique content material.

Associated: Enroll web page methods confirmed to extend your e-mail viewers

Tip 11: Overview analytics and adapt and evolve

Repeatedly refine your content material technique based mostly on analytics and viewers habits. Hold knowledgeable on modifications to platform algorithms and adapt to shifts in viewers pursuits.

Tip 12: Be affected person and chronic

Rising an viewers takes time. Be affected person and chronic, even during times of gradual progress.

Step 5: Monetize your content material

When you’ve been publishing content material constantly and seeing some traction, you can begin turning your consideration to monetizing your content material. 

Listed below are 4 widespread, confirmed methods to start out incomes earnings out of your content material creation:

1 – Ads

Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and blogs supply content material creators the chance to earn advert income. This usually entails displaying adverts earlier than, throughout, or after your content material. The extra views or engagements your content material receives, the extra advert income you possibly can generate.

2 – Sponsorships and influencer partnerships

Manufacturers might pay you to create content material that options their services or products. These sponsored posts can take varied varieties, together with opinions, tutorials, or endorsements.

3 – Digital merchandise

Creating and promoting digital merchandise generally is a profitable solution to monetize your experience and creativity. Examples of digital merchandise embody:

• Ebooks and guides: In case you’re educated in a specific topic, you possibly can write and promote ebooks or guides. These can cowl a variety of matters, from health and cooking to advertising and self-help.
• On-line programs: Educate your viewers invaluable expertise or information via on-line programs. Platforms like Udemy, Teachable, or your personal web site can host your programs.
• Templates and instruments: Create and promote templates or digital instruments that may assist your viewers with duties or tasks.
• Paid subscriptions: Provide premium content material or group entry to paying subscribers via a membership website or platform.

Associated: The place to promote digital merchandise: The most effective platforms for creators

4 – Bodily Merchandise:

For content material creators with a devoted and engaged viewers, promoting bodily merchandise associated to your area of interest generally is a nice monetization technique. Listed below are some concepts for bodily merchandise:

• Merchandise: Design and promote merchandise corresponding to T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, or posters that includes your model, content material, or distinctive art work.
• Books and print supplies: In case you’re an creator or illustrator, contemplate publishing bodily books, prints, or artwork books that your viewers should purchase.
• Handcrafted items: You probably have crafting or DIY expertise, create and promote handmade merchandise associated to your area of interest.
• Occasion tickets: In case you set up occasions, workshops, or meet-ups, promoting tickets or entry passes generally is a supply of earnings.

Begin publishing and turn into a content material creator

On this information, we’ve offered you with a complete roadmap to get began as a content material creator. You’ve explored the varied varieties of content material creators and platforms, discovered about potential earnings streams, and obtained invaluable recommendations on discovering your area of interest, constructing your model, participating your viewers, and monetizing your content material.

As you embark in your content material creation journey, do not forget that success typically involves those that are affected person, persistent, and captivated with creating their content material.

Success additionally typically involves creators who use e-mail advertising, and AWeber is a superb possibility for creators for a couple of causes:

1. It’s free for beginner creators! Simply getting began and don’t have the cash to pay for e-mail advertising but? No downside. AWeber has a free plan for content material creators who’re simply beginning to develop their viewers.
2. Develop your e-mail checklist. With AWeber’s sign-up varieties and touchdown pages, you possibly can seize your viewers’s consideration and convert informal viewers into loyal subscribers. And AWeber’s intensive library of customizable templates ensures that your sign-up varieties and touchdown pages not solely look skilled but in addition align together with your model.
3. Automate your e-mail advertising. With AWeber, you possibly can ship personalised, automated e-mail campaigns that nurture your viewers with related content material and well timed updates, all when you give attention to what you do greatest — creating content material. 
4. Distribute your content material. Effortlessly share your newest weblog posts, movies, podcasts, or some other content material on to your subscribers’ inboxes with AWeber’s RSS-to-email characteristic. 

Prepared to make use of AWeber to develop your content material enterprise? Begin with a free AWeber account at present!