Welcome to Content Creation 101. This is for those of you who want to become a content creator.
So you want to work from anywhere in the world? Get paid to talk on social media about your favorite products? Build up a community of like-minded people who share your interests and values?
It’s not as unattainable as it sounds.
I mean, I did it. An introvert with no prior content-creating experience, who desperately hated selfies, is now a full-time influencer, working with massive brands, and speaking at Vidcon….I still can’t quite believe that this is real life.
So if anything about the above entices you, let’s talk about how to get started.
What is a Content Creator/Influencer?
First, let’s get some operational definitions on the table because a lot of things fall under the umbrella of content creator.
While I don’t think that they are synonyms, for today’s conversation we are going to use influencer and content creator interchangeably because the steps required to get started for either one are similar enough to be grouped together:
For today, I am defining it as…
Someone with an online presence who creates digital content and shares it with their audience. Due to their content-creating skills and/or their influence over their community, brands will pay them to create content highlighting their products and services and to share it with their followers.
And now without further ado…
How To Become a Content Creator (For Beginners)
If you’d like to watch the video-version of this post, find it below! The text highlights are beneath it. ⬇️
Step One: Be Honest with Yourself
It’s important to ask yourself: “why do I want this?”.
Seriously think about it and share in the comments below. If the only reason you want to do this is to make money or gain access to a particular lifestyle, then you’re not gonna make it that far.
You’ll likely quit before you get the chance to enjoy any measure of success because there’s a lot of hard work and sacrifice that goes into getting to that point. You need something to keep you motivated throughout the entire journey.
Is there a particular message you’re hoping to spread?
Are you looking for a sense of community?
Do you truly enjoy creating and playing with a camera?
And maybe the heart of your motivation really is money. But if so, then ask yourself why you want that money. Is it to escape a particular situation? Is it to spend more time with your loved ones? Find something to hold on to that will pull you through.
Step Two: Choose Your Angle
Determine what it is you want to create content about.
Some people define this as choosing your niche, a narrow topic or subject that you want to cover as a creator.
Niching is definitely good advice that has been around for as long as digital content creation has existed. Back when people first started monetizing their blogs, they realized that the more narrow a topic they covered, the easier it would be to emerge as an expert or authority on it. That same principle applies today for all types of content creation.
An alternative, however, is to define your target audience.
Figure out who you are speaking to, who you’re creating for. This allows you to reach a wider audience while covering different subjects.
I started firmly in the natural hair niche. Then I realized that my audience was primarily made up of millennial women who cared about taking care of themselves while still being relatively low maintenance. I’ve dug so deep into my audience that I know what their demographics are, what they value, what their worldview is, and what their hopes, dreams, and fears are. This has allowed me to branch out into skincare and lifestyle topics authentically because I still know who I’m talking to.
If you’re still stuck, consider these three things:
- What do you know? What would you say your expertise is? What can you educate people on?
- What are you going through? Is there a journey you’re on that you can document and share with others? Someone might find it relatable, motivational, or inspiring.
- What do you care about? What’s something you’re incredibly passionate about but not necessarily an expert in? Something you might want to raise awareness on.
Stay authentic to these things, and you’ll begin to attract the right audience. From there, you can start dialing in on their demographics, interests, and values to expand your brand.
And as you continue, don’t stress too much about picking the right niche or audience. Yes we are content creators, but we are human, we can evolve, and we can pivot.
Step Three: Choose Your Platforms, But Secure Them All
There are so many different platforms to create for these days, and it can be overwhelming to choose where to start.
My advice is to first choose one evergreen platform where your content can reach people weeks, months, and years into the future. Examples include a blog, YouTube, or even Pinterest.
And for a second platform, choose something that gives your content a chance to get in front of a wider audience but has a shorter lifespan, such as Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
Consider what type of content you’d like to create and where your target demographic is.
If you’re targeting baby boomers, TikTok might not be the best use of your time. Likewise, if you’re targeting Gen Z, don’t spend too much time on Facebook.
But remember it’s important to secure your handle on all platforms because you never know when you’ll want to start creating there. Also, while you’re at it, get yourself a website and an email set up with your domain name. This makes you look professional and shows you’re taking your business seriously.
Step Four: Choose Your Tools
Now that we have the foundation set, it’s time to think about content creation.
I recommend starting with your phone. Phone quality is amazing these days, and since you don’t know if you’ll stick with this, it’s not worth spending money on a new camera right away. I upgraded to my current camera, the Canon RP, nearly five years into my content-creating journey.
Some tools I recommend investing in early on are:
- Adobe Express for graphic design.
- Lightroom for photo editing.
- A video editor of your choice.
- I started with InShot Pro and now use Final Cut and Premiere Pro, but still use InShot for most Instagram and TikTok content.
Related Post: Every Tool I use as a Full Time Content Creator
Step Five: Start Documenting and Curating
It’s time to create some content.
If you’re stuck on where to start, just film and share your everyday life.
Think about the products and services you use that would interest your audience and review them. This is important not just for practice but to start building up a portfolio and a following.
Step Six: Immerse Yourself in Your Community
I always prefer to use the word community over followers.
It implies more of a relationship, a give-and-take, rather than a fan behavior.
Search through hashtags, follow people actively, and engage with people in the community you’re trying to attract. You can’t expect engagement if you’re not engaging with others.
Step Seven: Start Thinking About Your Income Streams
A strong foundation needs to come first, and the money will follow.
However, it’s important to educate yourself about the different ways you can make money as a content creator.
There are more options than just brand deals, there are:
- Affiliate Marketing
- Ad Revenue
- Selling Products (Digital and Physical)
- Providing Services
- And so much more!
If you’re ready to explore these monetization options, read this next! If you’re more focused on getting brand deals, read this!
Final Thoughts on Getting Started as a Content Creator
Now that you’ve completed Content Creation 101, you know how to proceed in becoming an influencer.
It’s a long, but rewarding journey, so don’t be too hard on yourself! If you want to learn more, check out the related posts below!
Until next time!
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