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Being a content creator is all about putting yourself out there, but how do you do that? Do you need some special skills? Is the challenge of content creating worth it? If you’re curious about any of these questions, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll tell you everything there is to know about being a full-time content creator, from the skills needed to how to get started. So, what are you waiting for? Keep reading for your complete guide to becoming a content creator.
This article is based on an interview with our marketing and advertising specialist, Melissa Rodriguez, founder of Social Media Relations. Check out the full interview here.
Things You Should Know
- Producing social media posts, blogs, graphic designs, and videos are all part of being a content creator.
- Focusing on your target audience and staying true to yourself can help you succeed as a content creator.
- Growing as a content creator requires creativity, versatility, and adaptability.
Steps
Section 3 of 5:
How to Become a Content Creator
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Choose a topic you’re passionate about. When you’re making content all day, you want to make sure you’re producing something you care about. Ask yourself, “What do I like to do? What hobbies do I have? What’s my personality type?” Answering these questions can help you find your community and niche.
- For example, if you love reading, consider branding yourself as a “booktoker” who makes TikToks on the latest book and publishing trends.
- If you’re a foodie, think about starting a blog reviewing the restaurants in your neighborhood.
- If you have an interest in true crime, try starting a true crime podcast on unsolved mysteries or cases in your area.
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Know your target audience. Before you start producing content, ask yourself, “Who am I speaking to?” Your audience directly impacts your success as a content creator, so get to know them well! Research the topic you want to cover and notice any similarities between the top search results. Are the articles, videos, and/or photos intended for a younger audience? What vibes do the top results give visually? The answers to these questions will help you tailor your content to appeal to your audience.
- For example, say your target audience is Gen Z. Your content might include trending, upbeat audio, vibrant colors, emojis, and/or slang to appeal to a younger audience.
- If your target audience are baby boomers, your content may be cleaner, more serious, and respectable.
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Pick a platform you’re comfortable using. What do you actively use most today? When you first start making content, it’s important to choose a site that supports your vision. For instance, you wouldn’t want to pick TikTok if you want to write long form posts, but you would want to start a blog . Similarly, you wouldn’t want to start a YouTube channel to make short form video content, but you would want to post Instagram Reels . Scroll through the platforms you like to see what’s trending and if your target audience matches.
- Stick to one platform at first to keep your focus and strategy as narrow as possible. As you grow and learn, you’ll be able to expand across other platforms.
- If you’re unfamiliar with a specific platform that interests you, download it and start fiddling around, search how to make content for the platform online, and get yourself as familiar with it as possible.
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Find your unique style. Every day, there are millions of people marketing content. Your job as a content creator is to make yourself stand out amongst the crowd. Think about ways you can strategically use trends and current events to entertain your target audience and/or amplify your voice and message. [4] X Research source
- For example, if there’s a trending audio going around Instagram and TikTok, see how you can use that audio to match your specific demographic. Maybe you emphasize a movie trope, flirtation tactic, or relatable meme that plays into the audio’s tone.
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Keep a consistent and reliable schedule. To be a successful content creator, you have to be willing to put in the work. Make time each day to brainstorm, create, edit, and post. Stick to a posting schedule to stay consistent in your followers’ feeds. Staying persistent is the key to personal and analytical growth. [5] X Research source
- Programs like Hootsuite , Loomly , SocialBee , and Sprout Social can help you schedule and track your social media posts.
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Engage with your audience. When people engage in your content, they’re building a relationship with you, and reciprocating that engagement will keep you accountable and watchable/readable. [6] X Research source Reply to comments and DMs, repost shares, and start friendly conversations. The more you communicate with your audience, the more “real” and relatable you’ll seem.
- Keep in mind that target audiences often have preferences and favorite social media platforms.
EXPERT TIPBoard Game ExpertAshton Wu is a Board Game expert at Shelfside. After delving into the Yugioh tournament community while growing up, Ashton launched himself into the board gaming community in 2014 and went into reviewing board games as a career full-time in 2019. His YouTube channel Shelfside has over 35K subscribers and over 4 million views, assisted by written reviews on the Shelfside website and BoardGameGeek.com. He also consults with gaming companies to build high-quality gaming products. Ashton is a tournament commentator, board game playthrough director, and host of the Shelfside Podcast, where he talks about board games with his business partner, Daniel. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics at the University of California, Santa Barbara, in addition to the Technology Management Certificate.Engage with your audience to build an online community. Respond to comments across platforms like YouTube, Discord, social media, and relevant forums. Hearing your content inspire viewers is incredibly rewarding. No matter your niche, fostering a supportive community around your passion is a powerful source of fulfillment.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat if I don't have all these skills? What does it take to be a content creator? Can I still be a content creator?Sheraz AliCommunity AnswerYes, you can learn automated content creation from YouTube. AI dominates the whole process now.
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QuestionHow much will a content creator get paid by the platform he or she is using?Community AnswerIt depends on how much traffic the platform receives. YouTube, for instance, pays $18 per 1,000 views. According to Teachable.com, the average YouTube content creator earns about $5500 a month.
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QuestionWhat materials do I need before I become a content creator?Snake98Community AnswerYou don't really need much, just a computer. you can also stream Twitch directly from Xbox, but you won't be able to access/view/edit your channel. You'll need a computer for that.
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Tips
- Keep building your portfolio no matter what! The more content you produce, the more experience you’ll have. Having a product to show for your skills will help you gain clients, followers, brand deals, and/or a corporate career. [12] X Research sourceThanks
- If you want to become a self-employed or freelance content creator, remember that everything you do on social media is a part of your brand. With this in mind, try thinking of your social media pages as more of a professional portfolio rather than a personal outlet. [13] X Research sourceThanks
- You don’t need a large social media following to be a full-time content creator. Work hard to put your skills out there, and you’ll be noticed in no time.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://au.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-a-content-creator
- ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/content-creater
- ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/content-creater
- ↑ https://teachable.com/blog/how-to-become-a-content-creator
- ↑ https://teachable.com/blog/how-to-become-a-content-creator
- ↑ https://youtu.be/APQoWEqezFc?t=163
- ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/content-creater
- ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/content-creater
- ↑ https://www.mtu.edu/umc/services/websites/seo/what-is/
About This Article
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