HOW TO BE A CONTENT CREATOR IN 2024 🤳
Alas, today I’m answering one of my most asked questions - how do I become a content creator?? While this is a WILDLY complex question that considers far more research and insight than I’m able to provide in one blog post, I’m going to try my very best! But first it starts with the most important thing.. what are you passionate about?
In this blog post I’m going to share the following: ⤵️
Deciding on a Niche
Making Money
Tools and Subscriptions That Make a Difference
DO YOU NEED A NICHE? 💭
I’ll be honest, I cannot stand when people say you need to “niche down” when it comes to content creation. My content started performing 10x better when I stopped caring and removed the box that I put myself in by defining a specific niche. I truly believe the main focus of your content should be whatever brings you joy coupled with what you have the most fun filming/photographing/talking about. If you enjoy showing up to make content, chances are you will be more consistent. 😉
All that being said, experimentation will be your friend. I’m not going to sit here and tell you to post 2-3x a day like I do, but I will be honest in saying posting 2-3x a week isn’t worth your time 👀 (if you’re looking to build a sustainable career out of content creation that is). I firmly believe volume is everything when it comes to social media in 2024. More people than EVER before are posting online and you have to find a way to stay at the top of people’s feeds. On top of that, only 20% of the people who follow you actually see the content you post. The more you post, the better you’ll get, the more people you’re reach and most importantly - the faster you find what style content resonates with your following.
The more you post, the better data you have to finding what works best for you and the quicker you’ll be able to lean into that and grow! Don’t be afraid to talk about the same thing over and over and over again. People are so inundated with information that they won’t care or remember if you share the same thing twice in one week. Experiment, have fun and don’t be afraid to post like crazy!
TLDR; you do not need a niche. Just post your dang content.
HOW TO MAKE MONEY 💰
I have an entire blog post dedicated to my revenue streams in 2024 (which tbh is already needs updating - I’m always expanding my income streams). But for someone starting out, I think you should lean into opportunities such as UGC (user generated content) - where brands pay you to create videos but you don’t have to post them. I find the standard/average rate for UGC is around $100-$500 per video. This is an excellent way to perfect your skills and make some cash/build relationships. I recommend exploring creator apps/websites such as Palm, #Paid, Cohley, Aspire IQ for opportunities in UGC. Do your research - there are a ton out there.
It also doesn’t hurt to dip your toe in the water with affiliate marketing. You may think it’s useless to post/share links to things when you have a small following but Pinterest is a gold mine when it comes to discoverability. I recommend familiarizing yourself with LTKit and Amazon Affiliates as these two places are king when it comes to making affiliate $$$.
My last advice is to make a media kit (see mine here) and set a goal to send 5-10 pitch emails per week (minimum). Even if you have 2,000 followers a brand may be willing to work with you for $300.. you never know! Usage rights are a great money maker as well. Developing brand connections early in your career is excellent because as you grow, so do your rates. Brand also like working with creators who have trackable growth! Start building those relationships while you’re small and keep up with them as you grow!
TOOLS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS (I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THESE)
Manychat ➡️ One of the best tools when it comes to conversion. Use it to automate the DM process with followers/viewers to drive traffic to your website, newsletter, affiliate links etc.
CapCut ➡️ I use capcut to edit literally every single video that I publish on my socials. Download it! Immediately! 🏃♂️💨
Any Task Management System (Monday/Notion/Trello etc) ➡️ I personally have tested many of these task management systems but IMO, Monday is king! Everyone has a different preference, but I think step 1 to becoming a creator is TREATING YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA LIKE A BUSINESS. 👏 I can’t emphasize this enough. Using a task management system keeps me organized and ensures I can spend more time actually creating content.
Any Newsletter Platform ➡️ I understand this may seem insignificant/unimportant if you have a super small following, but let’s be real. You do not have control over any of the social platforms. Owning your own email list ensures you have a solid way to reach the people who follow you on social media OUTSIDE of social media itself. I use Mailchimp but I know a lot of people use ConvertKit. Up to you!
LINKING MY FAVORITE TRIPODS, RING LIGHTS, ETC. HERE
If you’re an aspiring creator - I’m here to answer your questions! Use the comment box feature below and ask away! ⬇️
Thanks for being here. I’m rooting for you!
XO Reagan Baylee 🧚
