As the world becomes more and more interconnected, opportunities to sell to destinations both near and far are growing increasingly larger. This holds especially true for content, which one can basically do from anywhere on the planet with an Internet connection. If you are looking for some extra cash, becoming a content creator could be the right path for you.
For some, becoming a content creator is their desired full-time job, while others simply want to enjoy some passive income on the side. Regardless of your goal, here are six pointers for succeeding as a content creator.
1. Find Your Niche
Like most things in life, making sure that you are interested in your prospective gig is one of the fundamental keys to your eventual success. Developing expertise in any subject matter becomes much easier if it is something you are personally passionate about.
Before you consider whether other people will be interested in learning about a particular subject, make sure that it excites you. Even if it is a field that many are already involved in, remember that you can bring your own unique perspective to bear.
This could be something that you have been doing for years or just started learning about. Whatever direction you choose, to be successful, you will have to devote thousands of hours to perfecting your craft. Make sure it is something that you find compelling.
2. Choose Your Medium
There are multiple ways to express yourself, including through videos, images, music, and text.
If making videos sounds appealing, then this is probably the right mode for you. If you prefer writing, blogging is the way to go. If conversation is your thing, start a podcast.
Make sure that it is something you will enjoy doing. Even if it does not come naturally at first, the more you practice, the better and more professional your content will become.
3. Define Your Goal
Are you trying to become an influencer, or are you looking to sell a product? There is an overlap between these two options, though your focus will be different depending on the path you choose.
If you wish to become an influencer, then content will be king. Your end goal is to attract eyeballs and page views, and your content should be geared toward this end. You will make money by getting paid advertisers, sponsors, and affiliate marketing deals.
If you are looking to sell a product, then you want to convert these page views into a purchase — either of a physical item or a service.
Either option can become a nice side hustle, though you should have a good sense of which direction you are aiming for.
4. Be Consistent
In order to attract a following, you will need to be posting content at regular intervals. Figure out the schedule that works best for you, and then make a plan to stick with it.
In the beginning, especially when you are trying to gain page views, you should probably emphasize quantity over quality. You will improve as you gain experience, and there is no better way to do so than by the art of creation.
As you gain steam (and hopefully followers), you can experiment with different posting cadences to find the right balance.
5. Try Creative Ways to Attract an Audience
Everyone wants to crack Google’s algorithm, finding the magic formula that will maximize your Search Engine Optimization (SEO). In order to get Google’s attention, you need to have followers.
This creates a chicken-and-the-egg type of dynamic, as it is hard to gain viewers when Google does not bump up your content. Still, there are a couple of different ways you can get beyond this hump.
Think about which other influencers in your fields have strong followings. Direct Message them, letting them know what you like about their work and sharing some of your posts with them. They may turn around and give you a shout-out.
If no one knows who you are, they will not be able to find you. Therefore, go to trade shows and other gatherings that are related to your field. Meet as many people as you can, explaining to them why you think they will love your work.
6. Make Exclusive Content
Everyone wants to feel special, so consider creating a separate category of content for those who agree to sign up for your channel. If you can make them feel that it is worthwhile, you might even be able to charge them a small fee.
Having two tiers of content can be a challenge, but it could also generate greater feelings of loyalty. The more affinity they have for you, the better your chances of drawing regular visitors to your content.
Conclusion: Enjoy the Ride
People consume information online mostly to be entertained or to be educated. Hopefully, you can find a sweet spot where you are doing both simultaneously.
It can take some time to get to the point where your content is monetized, so make sure that you are enjoying yourself during this process by focusing on what you love.
At the end of the day, you will want your viewers to enjoy watching, listening, or reading your content. You should be having a good time as well.
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