Many professionals have this weird stigma against calling themselves content creators. I get it, the term has some effect and can make you feel like another social media influencer in this booming creator economy. But let me tell you, that mindset needs to be updated.
Curating content is a super valuable skill that goes way beyond just posting on social media channels. Professionals in all fields- marketing, PR, even mental health- use informative content to build their brands, share their expertise, and connect with their audience.
And they’re crushing it! In fact, the average content creator salary in the United States is a lucrative $79,760 as of March 2024.
In this ultimate guide, I will show you how to become a content creator in your own terms. No influencer act or social media manager is required. Just authentic, visually appealing content that showcases your unique skills and perspectives.
If you are passionate about video content and get stuck on the video editing part, I have a suggestion in this blog post to simplify that process. Ready to ditch the stigma and start creating content? Let’s do this, but first.
What is a content creator?
Content creators are the digital masterminds behind all kinds of online content- from social posts to websites. They use tech, design, and writing skills to make an engaging blog post, create videos, or informative material that connects with audiences.
Whether working for a company or freelancing, content creators are crucial for modern marketing. Their content builds brand awareness, engages customers, showcases expertise, and boosts search rankings.
These creatives produce a wide range of content- online courses, articles, graphics, podcasts, and more. The key is sharing the correct info in the proper format to capture attention. And it’s a lucrative career path, as content creators are in high demand.
How do you become a content creator?
Let’s walk through the essential elements of becoming a content creator, from defining your unique persona to choosing the right platforms and building a sustainable strategy. With the right approach, you’ll be well on your way to creating engaging, impactful content that sets you apart from the rest.
Shift your mindset: content creation is a powerful professional asset.
Okay, let’s talk about this whole “content creator” label. Many people think it’s just for social media influencers and successful creators , but that’s wrong.
Authoring content is a fantastic skill that can take your career to the next level. Think about it– when you share your expertise and ideas online, you build your brand and show the world what you’re made of. It’s a powerful way to position yourself as an expert.
And get this, some of the most successful content creators didn’t even set out to be “aspiring content creators” in the first place.
Take Alex from Target, now a successful content creator, for example.
A photo of him went viral when he was just a regular store employee. His social media followers suddenly grew, and he was offered all kinds of opportunities. Or what about Lyn Slater, the fashion icon discovered by accident at Fashion Week, who has now a strong personal brand online?
The point is that producing content isn’t just for social media stars. It’s a valuable skill that any other content creators can use to raise their brand and showcase their expertise.
So don’t be afraid to embrace the “content creator” title, it might be the key to taking your content creation journey to the next level.
Define your unique creator persona to be a successful content creator.
Now that you’ve got the right mindset, it’s time to define your unique content creator persona. This is all about focusing on what makes you unique from other creators– your skills, interests, and goals.
First, think about your specific talents. What are you really good at? Crafting written content? Creating landing pages? Editing videos? Highlight those strengths and weave them into your content marketing plan. This will help you stand out from the crowd.
Next, tap into your personal passions. What topics get you fired up? What kind of social media content do you love creating? Lean into those interests– they’ll shine through in your work and help you build a loyal and large following.
Oh, and one more thing, try to avoid copying the popular content creators out there. Those cookie-cutter personas won’t work for you. Instead, develop an authentic brand identity that reflects your values and personality. This is what’s going to make people really connect with you.
The key is to own what makes you unique. You can create unique and great content when you focus on your specific skills, interests, and goals. And trust me, that’s way more powerful than trying to be someone you’re not.
Choose platforms that fit your professional objectives.
Okay, now that you’ve figured out your unique creator persona, it’s time to decide where you will put that content to work. The key is to focus on social media platforms that align with your professional goals.
First up, own your own space. I’m talking about a blog, YouTube channel, or even your website. These are your “home base” where you can create educational content, showcasing your expertise and connect with your audience on your own terms.
Next, you’ll want to be strategic about social media. Create top-quality content on the platforms where your target audience spends time online, not everywhere. Using LinkedIn, you can share thought leadership while using Instagram to show your visual skills.
But the most important part is quality over quantity every time. It’s way better to post one killer YouTube Vlog post than five rushed ones. Take the time to create content that’s truly valuable and engaging. Your audience will notice the difference, and it’ll help you stand out from the crowd.
The key is finding the right mix of owned media and social platforms that fit your professional objectives. When you nail that, you’ll be well on your way to building a content powerhouse that works for you– not the other way around.
Create a sustainable content strategy.
Now that you’ve lined up your platforms, it’s time to build a sustainable strategy for our content. This is where the real magic happens.
First things first- consistency and patience are key. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to grow like crazy overnight. Rather than wasting time to produce content, focus on creating high-quality content regularly. Keeping your audience engaged and interested is what will build trust.
Now, let’s talk about your content rhythm. It would help to find a beat that works with your workload, not against it. Determine how much time you can devote in creating great content each week and build a content calendar. It’s better to post fewer perfect pieces than to burn yourself out trying to pump out content daily.
And remember tools and workflows! Invest in content creation tools, scheduling apps, and even video editing software. These help streamline your process and make content design a whole lot easier. Trust me, it’s worth the small investment upfront.
The bottom line is that building sustainable content ideas takes some work. But when you nail the consistency, rhythm, and proper tools, you can create different content formats without burning yourself out. And that’s the key to long-term success as a content creator.
Dominate content creation to advance your career.
Once your content management is in place, it’s time to put your created content to work to boost your career. Here’s how:
First, let’s talk about showcasing your expertise and thought leadership. You’re positioning yourself as an expert when you create high-quality, valuable content. Share your insights, opinions, and solutions, and watch as people start to see you as a go-to source of information.
But it doesn’t stop there. Creation of content can also help you generate new business opportunities. Your content can open many doors, whether attracting clients, finding speaking gigs, or landing that dream consulting role. If you get stuck on the video editing part, the team at Vidpros has your back with their top-notch video editing services.
The key is to really lean into your unique skills and perspectives. When you put out authentic and engaging content, people will notice. Before you know it, you’ll be fielding all sorts of exciting new opportunities to advance your career.
So don’t be afraid to embrace the “content creator” label. With the right strategy and a little help from the Vidpros video editing team, you can use content to become a true thought leader in your industry. The possibilities are endless!
Capping Off
Alright, let’s recap what we’ve learned today about becoming a content creator without becoming an influencer.
The key is to see content development as a powerful professional asset, not just some latest trends in social media. Creating valuable and engaging content helps build your brand, showcase your expertise, and open new opportunities.
So don’t be afraid to call yourself a content creator- wear that title with pride! It’s a skill that can take your career to new heights.
Now, to get started on your creator journey, my biggest tips would be to define your unique persona, choose the right platforms, and build a sustainable content strategy. And if you need any help with that video editing part, the team at Vidpros is always just a call away.
The bottom line is that content creation is an incredible tool for professional growth. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start creating!