Content Creation 101: How to Become a Content Creator

By Liz Willits October 3, 2023

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

You seemingly know the perks of being a content material creator: Autonomy in your profession, artistic 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 per week creating content material.

Feels like a dream job. 

Nonetheless, in 2023, there are some main challenges to changing 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 how you can 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

If you happen to’re uncertain what kind of content material creator you wish to be, this part will stroll you thru a few of the commonest varieties of creators, what they do, and what varieties of content material they publish.

When serious 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 assist you reply each of those questions beneath. First, let’s focus on the varieties of content material you possibly can create based mostly on the content material matter.

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

1 – Influencer

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

They usually collaborate with manufacturers and share their suggestions, style decisions, journey adventures, or day-to-day routines. Influencers goal to attach with and affect their viewers.

For instance, Kylie Jenner is an influencer. She is likely one of the most adopted Instagram influencers on the earth 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 be taught new abilities or acquire insights into particular topics. 

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

One other instance is SkinnyTaste. Gina Homolka, Founding father of SkinnyTaste, educates her viewers on cooking and wholesome consuming, primarily by means of 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 interact in reside streaming, the place they broadcast themselves enjoying video video games, discussing varied subjects, or showcasing their skills. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube Dwell 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 widely known as probably the most fashionable and influential streamers on the earth. He gained huge recognition primarily by means of streaming the favored online game “Fortnite” on platforms like Twitch and YouTube.

4 – Coach

Content material creators within the teaching area of interest provide steering and help in areas comparable to private improvement, health, profession, or life teaching. They use their content material to encourage and empower their viewers to realize their targets.

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 artistic creativeness.

One well-known creator who grew to become well-known by means of content material creation, significantly on social media, is Rupi Kaur, a Canadian poet, author, and illustrator. She gained recognition for her brief, 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 fashionable locations to publish musical content material.

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

One notable instance of a musician who gained fame by means of 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 track. This user-generated content material contributed to the track’s viral nature and helped it acquire 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 Sizzling 100, making Rodrigo one of many youngest artists to realize this feat.

@livbedumb ♬ drivers license – Olivia Rodrigo

7 – Comic

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

Comic Trevor Wallace gained fame by posting brief 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 repeatedly on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

8 – Artist

Artists showcase their artistic talents by means of 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 fans.

Matt Chessco, who stop 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 most typical content material codecs and publication websites. There are numerous 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 known as Twitter), and lots of extra platforms.

1- Bloggers

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

Associated: promote a weblog (with methods and examples from established bloggers)

2 – Vloggers

Vloggers seize their experiences and tales by means of video, creating vlogs (video blogs) that showcase their every 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 numerous subjects — from tutorials and critiques to leisure and vlogs. 

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

4 – Podcasters

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

5 – TikTok Creators

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

6 – Instagram Creators

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

7 – X (previously known as Twitter) Creators

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

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

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

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

• Newbie creators’ revenue: 59 p.c of newbie creators haven’t monetized but. 35 p.c have monetized however earn beneath what is taken into account a “livable revenue.” Six p.c of newbie creators have earned better than $10,000 (Linktree Creator Report, 2022).
• Prime creators’ revenue: Solely about 4% of creators make greater than $100,000 a 12 months., in accordance with Goldman Sachs. Mr. Beast was the top-earning creator on Forbes‘ Prime Creators 2022 checklist. He made $54 million.
• Full-time creators’ revenue: 12 p.c of full-time creators make better than $50,000 per 12 months. 46 p.c of full-time creators make lower than $1,000 per 12 months (Linktree Creator Report, 2022).
• Half-time creators’ revenue: Three p.c of part-time creators make better than $50,000 per 12 months. 68 p.c of part-time creators make lower than $1,000 per 12 months, (Linktree Creator Report, 2022). 
• Common wage for content material creators: In 2022, the common wage for content material creators was $44,192 per 12 months, Hubspot analysis discovered. That’s over $22 per hour or $3,680 per 30 days.

Whereas content material creators’ salaries range, hopefully this offers you a good suggestion of how a lot creators could make as rookies and professionals. 

Steps to turn into a content material creator

It’s time to offer you a step-by-step blueprint that’ll present you how to turn into a content material creator. Comply with 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 determine 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 subjects or actions genuinely excite you? Your content material creation shall be way more pleasing if you happen to create content material round one thing you’re keen on.
• Your abilities: Think about your abilities, experience, and areas the place you excel. Your content material shall be extra invaluable if it aligns along with your experience, and will probably be simpler to advertise your self as a thought chief if you have already got deep experience or abilities in an space.
• Your information: Take into consideration the themes you understand so much 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 begin creating nice content material shortly if you happen to’re creating content material round a subject you’re already educated about. 

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

Right here’s how to do that:

• Analyze tendencies: Analysis trending subjects and niches associated to the passions, abilities, and/or information you simply wrote down. Use platforms like Google Developments, 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 measurement. Determine gaps or alternatives inside these niches. Write down what subjects they cowl of their most-popular content material and contemplate creating distinctive content material on these subjects 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: Generally, narrowing your focus inside a broad area of interest might be useful. For instance, if you happen to’re interested by health, contemplate specializing in “house exercises for busy professionals” fairly than basic health.
• Discover your distinctive angle: Assess what distinctive perspective or angle you possibly can deliver 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 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 just a few causes for this:

• Focus: Concentrating your efforts on one platform permits you to focus your power and sources on that platform. It’s simpler, at the least 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 illustration, creating content material on TikTok could be very totally different from creating content material on X. In case you are attempting to submit on each platforms directly, chances are you’ll turn into overwhelmed and succeed on neither platform. 
• Time: Managing a number of platforms might 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 should utilize the checklist of varieties of content material creators from earlier on this information to determine what kind of content material you’ll create. Take into account: It’s simpler to create content material utilizing abilities you have already got than studying new abilities.

So, if you happen to’re already a fantastic author, you would possibly wish to contemplate running a blog or creating written content material on X or LinkedIn.

If you happen to’re a fantastic photographer or videographer, contemplate creating content material on TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram.

If you happen to’ve podcasted earlier than or know how you can edit a podcast, take into consideration changing 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 identify. It’s the essence of who you might be as a content material creator, and it encompasses varied parts:

Values

Think about what you stand for, your ideas, and the message you wish to convey by means of your content material. Your values will type the inspiration of your model.

Imaginative and prescient and imaginative and prescient assertion

Your imaginative and prescient guides all the 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 to your viewers. 

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

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

[NAME OF YOUR BRAND] creates [SPECIFIC TYPE OF CONTENT] for [YOUR AUDIENCE] that helps them [PROBLEM YOU SOLVE]. This content material is printed on [PLACE(S) YOU PUBLISH CONTENT].

Visible id, emblem, and design parts

Select a visible model that aligns along with your area of interest and persona. This consists of colours, fonts, and graphics that you simply constantly use in your content material and throughout your platforms.

If relevant, create a memorable emblem and design parts (like icons or imagery) that signify your model. These visible cues may help 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 partaking along with your content material with out seeing your identify or emblem. 

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2 – Set up a constant on-line presence

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

Constant enterprise identify or deal with

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

Coherent content material model

Preserve a constant model 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 photographs.

Predictable and common posting schedule

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

Common engagement

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

Collaborations that match your model and imaginative and prescient

Collaborate with different content material creators or manufacturers that align along with your values and area of interest. These partnerships can increase 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 here are some confirmed ideas that can assist you develop extra shortly and create extra partaking 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 more likely to be shared and really useful.

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

Associated: 18 greatest content material creation instruments that may make creating content material a breeze

Tip 2: Have interaction with different creators

We already touched on partaking along with your viewers, however you may as well interact along with your wider business or area of interest; those that don’t at present observe you. 

This may be an efficient option to develop your personal viewers. Whenever you remark and interact in a useful or entertaining means on different creators’ posts, their followers would possibly see your engagement and observe you themselves.

Tip 3: Create interactive content material

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

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

Make the most of hashtags, related key phrases, and trending subjects 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’ strategies and incorporate their concepts when related. Get content material subjects and submit concepts from their feedback and questions. Conduct surveys or polls to assemble insights and preferences.

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

Tip 7: Diversify your content material varieties

If it aligns along 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 totally different studying kinds.

Preserve content material recent and fascinating by attempting new codecs and subjects.

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

Tip 8: Optimize for web optimization

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 provide insane worth

Present worth to your viewers by means of informative, entertaining, or inspirational content material.

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

Tip 10: Use electronic mail advertising and marketing

Construct an electronic mail checklist to remain in direct contact along 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 electronic mail viewers

Tip 11: Evaluate analytics and adapt and evolve

Constantly refine your content material technique based mostly on analytics and viewers habits. Preserve knowledgeable on adjustments 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 in periods 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 begin incomes revenue out of your content material creation:

1 – Commercials

Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and blogs provide content material creators the chance to earn advert income. This usually entails displaying advertisements 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 critiques, tutorials, or endorsements.

3 – Digital merchandise

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

• Ebooks and guides: If you happen to’re educated in a specific topic, you possibly can write and promote ebooks or guides. These can cowl a variety of subjects, from health and cooking to advertising and marketing and self-help.
• On-line programs: Educate your viewers invaluable abilities or information by means of 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 neighborhood entry to paying subscribers by means of 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 is usually a nice monetization technique. Listed below are some concepts for bodily merchandise:

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

Begin publishing and turn into a content material creator

On this information, we’ve supplied 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 revenue streams, and acquired invaluable recommendations on discovering your area of interest, constructing your model, partaking your viewers, and monetizing your content material.

As you embark in your content material creation journey, keep in mind that success usually involves those that are affected person, persistent, and captivated with creating their content material.

Success additionally usually involves creators who use electronic mail advertising and marketing, and AWeber is a superb possibility for creators for just a few causes:

1. It’s free for amateur creators! Simply getting began and don’t have the cash to pay for electronic mail advertising and marketing but? No downside. AWeber has a free plan for content material creators who’re simply beginning to develop their viewers.
2. Develop your electronic 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 along with your model.
3. Automate your electronic mail advertising and marketing. With AWeber, you possibly can ship personalised, automated electronic mail campaigns that nurture your viewers with related content material and well timed updates, all whilst 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 function. 

Prepared to make use of AWeber to develop your content material enterprise? Begin with a free AWeber account as we speak!