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How to Become a Content Creator: 6 Simple Steps to Build a Successful New Career

Want to start a new career as a content creator but don’t know where to get started?

You’re not alone. Many people dream about creating and sharing content online, but building a successful brand is easier said than done.

But it’s not impossible, especially if you follow a few key steps that are laid out in this article on how to become a content creator!

An Overview of Content Creators: A Primer

vector graphic showing an illustration of the how to become a content creator

Content creators are people who create entertaining or educational material, share it with an audience, and get paid for it.

They mostly focus on digital content, such as videos, photos, or even texts, which are shared on anything from social media platforms to blogs, podcasts, online courses, websites, or subscription platforms.

Creators focus on a specific niche and create content around it. For instance, if you’re a content writer, you can share unique tips and tricks with your target audience to help them succeed in this industry, such as a blog post on how to become a freelance writer.

A job as a content creator opens a wide array of new opportunities. It can help you monetize a particular skill or interest to either generate side income or even build a full-time career.

How Much Do Content Creators Make?

Content creators make an average of $22.07 per hour. Successful content creators can make as much as $35.08, which adds up to $7,522 per month.

Making money in this field seems simple, but the amount you’ll generate will depend on a few factors, such as:

  • The type of online creator you’ll be
  • Your niche and subject matter expertise
  • The digital platforms you use
  • Your content creation skills
  • Your marketing and content strategy, etc.

What You’ll Need to Become a Content Creator & Associated Costs

Becoming a successful content creator will require an upfront investment, though you don’t have to spend a lot right from the beginning.

Here are the most common things you’ll need to become a content creator:

  • Content creation tools: You need to create quality content, so investing in the right tools is crucial. Think about the type of content you want to create and invest in the tool you need most. For instance, if you want to be a YouTube content creator, you’ll need a camera or a phone that can capture quality video.
  • Studio equipment: If you’re creating videos or photos, you’ll also need to think about lighting, audio quality, and even a green screen to assist in your content creation.
  • Editing software: Video editing or photo manipulation software like Photoshop are also crucial content creation tools that can help you refine your material or showcase your creativity.
  • Marketing tools: They can help you get your content in front of your target audience. The types of tools you need will depend on the marketing strategies you use to grow your online presence.
  • Content creation space: Some content creators may need to consider rent costs, particularly if they need to make niche content or don’t have the room to make their content at home.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Content Creator?

Successful content creators may spend thousands every month to generate organic traffic and reach their target audience, but you don’t have to. At least not right away.

You can start your career as a content creator by investing $0 and using free tools and devices you already own.

Many of the tools you’ll need to promote your content come with free plans. If you create an email marketing strategy to promote your blog posts, you can use MailChimp or Brevo (formerly sendinblue) for free.

The same goes for editing software or other tools needed for content creation. Look for free plans when you’re just getting started to control your costs.

As for equipment, the average cost of a DSLR camera is around $700, but if you don’t have the money right now, you can use your smartphone and shoot your video content with the tools you already have.

Is It Hard to Become a Content Creator?

Becoming a content creator isn’t difficult since you don’t need a lot of special training or experience. But, the journey can be quite long.

A content creator dedicates much time and effort to making and promoting digital content.

Sometimes, it can take a while before they see results. However, with a good strategy, you can make it in this industry.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Content Creator?

You’re a content creator from the moment you post your first piece online. But when it comes to earning money, that can take longer.

report from The Tilt found it takes content creators six months on average to get their first dollar and 17 months to become financially independent.

It also depends on how much time you invest into your new career. If you can only dedicate 2-3 hours a day to your material, then it might take longer for you to grow.

How to Become a Content Creator in 6 Simple Steps

Becoming a content creator is challenging but also rewarding. If you’ve decided this path is for you, here are six steps that can help you succeed:

Step 1: Decide the Type of Content Creator You Want to Be

Content creators come in all shapes and sizes, like:

  • Influencers
  • Brand ambassadors
  • Social media managers
  • Bloggers
  • Podcasters
  • Vloggers
  • Photographers or videographers

Once you decide the type of content creator you want to be, you’ll know what potential clients to target, what tools you need, and how to define your unique style.

Step 2: Think of Your Personal Brand

Your personal brand is how you want your target audience to perceive you. After you figure out your brand, you can identify who your audience is much faster.

Are you the industry expert always connected to the latest trends? Then your target is other people in your industry.

Are you a mother writing parenting blog posts? Then you’ll want to build an audience of parents who can use your advice.

Usually, staying close to home is the best approach here, so don’t try to be someone you’re not. Take an honest approach, and people will respond better to it.

Step 3: Create Your Content

Content creation is easier said than done, but if you know your brand, audience, and the type of creator you want to be, the pieces can fall into place faster.

Decide where you’ll be sharing content. It’s best to produce content for multiple platforms since it will increase your chances of building an audience. The platform will also influence your content format.

Pen down different content ideas you think your audience will appreciate and organize them in a content calendar to get the full picture of your content creation.

You don’t have to plan it a year in advance, but it doesn’t hurt to get a long-term picture.

Step 4: Set Up Your Accounts

When your high-quality content is ready, it’s time to start sharing it. Set up social media accounts or profiles where your audience can interact with you.

Be sure to rely on your brand when creating these profiles. You should aim for consistency when using different platforms, so your description and vibe on your YouTube channel should match the ones on your social media accounts.

After the accounts are ready, schedule your content and start focusing on your audience.

Step 5: Grow Your Followers’ Count

You’ll need to consider different content marketing tactics to help promote your content and increase your audience.

Some tactics to consider include:

  • Search engine optimization to boost organic traffic to your website
  • Lead generation to grow an email list
  • PPC ads to get direct traffic to your site or social platforms
  • Partnering with local brands to boost your visibility, etc.

These are all tactics to drive traffic to your content, no matter where you post it.

Step 6: Monitor Your Key Performance Indicator

How do you know if your efforts are paying off? You monitor your performance closely.

Your website and social media metrics help you understand if your content is reaching the right audience, if they like what you’re posting, and even if you’re sharing content at the right time.

Some key KPIs to monitor include:

  • Organic traffic from search results
  • Website bounce rate
  • Social media traffic
  • Number of social media followers
  • Post likes and comments.
  • Email open rates, etc.

As you continue to create content, you can refine your strategy in real time by checking these metrics.

Reasons to Consider Becoming a Content Creator

Being a digital content creator has a lot of perks, such as:

  • Self-employment: Many content creators are their own bosses and get to set their hours. This career provides a lot of freedom.
  • Extra job opportunities: Brands are looking to hire content creators to promote their products and services, so you can have additional opportunities to generate an income.
  • Connecting with people: Your content will help you connect with new people and build relationships. It’s a rewarding career path, especially if you can help your audience through your content.
  • Turning your passion into a career: You can create posts, blogs, and videos on any topic that interests you, from general news to obscure subjects that only interest a particular audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Be a Content Creator with No Experience?

Many of these opportunities don’t require previous experience in content creation.

For instance, social media content creators can set up their profiles and post even if they don’t have experience.

If you’re interested in specific content creator jobs or collaborations, brands may ask for experience or a portfolio.

What Skills Do I Need to Become a Content Creator?

Creators need digital marketing and content creation skills to succeed, though you don’t have to be an expert in either of these fields.

You can sign up for online classes to learn these skills or even outsource them if you have the budget.

Similar Gigs to Check Out

Not sure if creating content is for you? Maybe these other careers could suit you better:

Wrapping Up

Becoming a successful content creator isn’t the easiest of roads to navigate, but if you’re motivated enough, this guide can help you get started.

Use it as a template when building your new career strategy, and remember to be consistent with your brand identity.

What do you think about this guide? Are you considering becoming a creator? Let us know in the comments! And don’t forget to share this article if you found it helpful.

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