What is a content creator, anyway? And how can you skip the trial-and-error so you can make money faster?
That’s what you’re going to learn in this article. If you’re serious about things like…
- Earning more money than you’ve ever made in your 9-to-5
- Working from anywhere
- Having more purpose in your professional life
…then becoming a content creator could be an ideal fit for you.
Want to learn more? Here we go.
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How to become a successful content creator:
- Find a niche
- Know your audience
- Decide on a platform
- Publish content
- Use tools to automate and measure
What is a content creator?
First off, a content creator is someone who creates content for a digital audience.
As you can imagine, this can mean a lot of things because content comes in so many forms: Blogs, podcasts, videos, social media, and so on.
For example, you could be a content creator who creates podcasts about a particular topic, like personal finance.
Is writing your strong suit? Then you could start a blog and create written content instead.
For example, I have a:
- YouTube audience
- A blog audience
- A sizable email list
And I share advice on something I have 10+ years of experience in – building businesses.
You get the idea…
The important thing? Choose a medium you can see yourself committing to for long enough to see results.
So, if you hate the idea of being on video, vlogging probably isn’t your best bet. Ideally, choose something you already enjoy or want to learn more about because this will help you keep going.
Okay, but what else can you do to succeed faster?
That’s what you’re about to find out.
How to become a successful content creator in 5 steps
Here’s what I recommend to maximize your results.
1. Find your niche
If your goal is to grow quickly as a content creator, niching down is really important. That means targeting a specific market segment rather than trying to reach everyone.
Here’s an example: Let’s say you want to become a podcaster because you like discussing ideas and having interesting conversations.
Great! Here’s the thing, though… Podcasting is still really broad.
And because it’s really broad, it doesn’t speak to anyone in particular.
So, think about a specific topic you’re knowledgeable about – and that others will be interested in.
For instance, maybe you’re passionate about helping young adults live debt-free because you used to be in debt and turned things around for yourself..
Or maybe you want to help middle-aged adults get in shape using science-based strategies you’ve had success with.
Having a niche will help you speak to your target audience and address their specific pain points.
Ultimately, think: What are some problems that I could help people solve based on my experience?
Once you’ve chosen a niche, you’ll have a solid foundation that you’ll be able to build on.
Action steps:
✅ Identify an audience you’re passionate to help (your WHO)
✅ Identify problems you’re skilled to solve (your WHAT)
2. Know your audience
Okay, so you’ve chosen a niche. The next step is to get to know your audience and what they want.
Because remember…
To create engaging content that solves people’s problems, you have to know what those problems are in the first place.
So, what would attract the people you’re trying to reach?
Going back to our earlier example, if you want to appeal to young adults trying to get out of debt, you wouldn’t use the same language you’d use to appeal to people in their 50s.
That’s why it’s so important to research your target audience.
For example, look at what discussions people are having in online groups, how they engage with other content creators, and so on.
Think: What do they need? What are their priorities? How can I use my experience to make their lives easier?
If you create content with them in mind, you’ll get better results.
Action steps:
✅ Research your target audience’s problems and desires
✅ Figure out how you can make their lives easier
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3. Decide on a platform
Once you’ve decided who your audience is, you have to choose what platform you’re going to use to reach them. This step is essential, and it ties into knowing your audience.
Why? Because just as communication styles differ, so too do people’s preferences about how and where they consume content.
That’s why each social media platform attracts a different crowd.
For example, Gen Z is a big fan of visual platforms like Instagram and TikTok. So if you’re trying to appeal to a younger market segment, those are great platforms to target.
On the other hand, if you’re aiming for a slightly older audience, Facebook is a better choice.
(Also, keep in mind that statistically, adults who are 55+ tend to prefer text-based content versus video.)
Here’s a quick overview of different platforms and what they’re best for:
- Facebook: Ideal for building niche groups on a variety of topics, especially among millennials (69% use it).
- YouTube: Ideal for long-form and short-form video content, especially if you’re trying to target Gen Z or millennials.
- Instagram: Ideal for sharing visual content, with a majority of users (over 60%) being between 18 and 34 years old.
- TikTok: Ideal for short video content to attract Gen Z.
- X/Twitter: Ideal for sharing written content, podcasts, and videos. Most popular among men (60.9%).
As you can see, there are a lot of great platforms you can use to reach your target audience as a content creator.
In fact, you might even be tempted to sign up for all of them to try to reach more people.
Sounds like a good strategy, right?
Actually, trying to grow on a bunch of different platforms at once can be counter-productive. Instead of reaching more people, you’ll risk reaching less – and burning out in the process.
Let me explain…
Unfortunately, you can’t just use one strategy across the board. Different platforms require different approaches, and it takes time to figure out what works and what doesn’t on each.
And if you try to do it all, it’ll be much harder to get traction.
So, here’s what I recommend:
- Start with one or two platforms
- Learn as much as possible about the platform(s) and what users want to see (for example, user-generated content is popular on platforms like Instagram, and funny posts work great on Facebook)
- Once you get traction, rinse and repeat elsewhere
With this strategy, you’ll get better results, fast.
For example, when I was starting out, I got really good at using one platform (Facebook) to help me scale.
Later on, I added YouTube and search engine optimization, which helped me build the sustainable eight-figure business I have now.
Action steps:
✅ Figure out where your target audience is most active and join them there
✅ Master one platform before expanding to the next one
4. Publish content consistently
Being consistent is one key to growing an audience as a content creator.
Okay, but how?
Choose a medium that works for you.
Remember: If you enjoy creating content, it won’t feel like a chore.
And… if it doesn’t feel like a chore, you’ll be much more likely to want to do it every day. Even if you don’t see results immediately.Sticking to a schedule is also crucial. I recommend creating content early in your workday so you’ll be less likely to skip it – especially if you have a busy schedule.
Want more tips? I go into a lot more detail in this video:
Action steps:
✅ Create a content calendar and stick to it
✅ Post early in the day to make sure you don’t skip (or forget) it
5. Use tools to automate and optimize
As your audience and business grow, so will your workload.
That’s where tools come in.
The right tools help you automate routine tasks and optimize your workflow.
In turn, you free up a lot of time and energy.
Now, which tools will help you manage and scale your business?
Here are some of my favorites:
- Content scheduling and management: Later lets you plan, schedule, and automatically post your content across multiple social media platforms. I use it for my Instagram marketing and it saves me a bunch of time.
- Task management: Trello is a project management tool that helps you keep track of tasks, deadlines, and so on. It’s super useful if you’re working with a team.
- Performance measurement: Google Analytics lets you measure your results to help you improve your content and reach even more people.
- Email marketing: Mailchimp allows you to create, send, and analyze email campaigns and automations. This makes it easier to nurture leads and maintain engagement with your audience.
- Graphic design: Canva is a free and user-friendly graphic design tool that I use a lot. It has templates for everything, from social media posts to infographics.
- Content creation: ChatGPT and other AI tools can help with many things, like brainstorming new ideas, writing an article or script, and so on. Just make sure to fact-check its output and add your own personality.
- Trend analysis: Google Trends shows you which topics and search terms are trending in Google. Want to be ahead of the rest? TrendFeed is a research app that offers early insights into upcoming trends.
Action steps:
✅ Check which routine tasks you could automate
✅ Find the right tools to automate and optimize your workflow
What skills do content creators need?
The content creation market is expected to be worth $23.2 billion by 2026.
In other words? The demand for content creators who know how to create engaging content isn’t going anywhere.
And if you want to quit your job and become one yourself, there’s plenty of room in the market for you.
With that said, the specific skills you’ll need as a content creator depend (at least in part) on what format you choose for content delivery.
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Here’s what I mean by that…
Some people excel at creating engaging videos that viewers love consuming. Or they’re really good at interviewing people and creating podcast episodes that their audience comes back to again and again.
But… sometimes, the same people can struggle to create attention-grabbing written content, like social media captions or blog posts.
The good news is that you don’t need to know everything about content creation to be successful. Choose a format that works for you.
If you’re a strong writer and video isn’t your thing, that’s fine. Just stick with writing and get even better at it.
Ultimately, no matter what format you go with, here are some key things you should get good at:
- Creating valuable content – Ask yourself: Is this useful to my target audience? Does it address a problem they have?
- Researching trends – What’s new? What do people want to see?
- Monitoring your content’s performance – Are certain types of content getting more traction than others? Look for patterns that can help you focus on creating content that will outperform what you’ve made in the past.
- Building an audience – This is a key part of being a successful content creator, and it starts with identifying a target market.
- Monetizing your content – From brand partnerships to monetizing videos and podcasts, there are a lot of ways to make money from your content (and we’ll get into the details in a bit).
- Coming up with a content strategy – Think: Who am I trying to reach? What am I going to post? How often? Having a plan will help you work effectively and know if you’re on the right track or not.
What are the best content creator ideas?
Now that we’ve covered what skills you need as a content creator, what are the different ways of becoming one? That’s what we’ll look at next.
Blogger
If writing is your thing, blogging is an ideal way to become a content creator.
According to LinkedIn, 77% of internet users read blogs.
Which means? There’s a huge audience you could tap into.
And remember, you don’t need any formal higher ed to be a blogger.
In fact, having an academic background can work against you because you might have to unlearn the stuffy writing that’s taught in college.
So, what do you need?
The key to effective blogging is creating content that interests your audience by being engaging and using your personality.
That’s how you set yourself apart.
For instance, I run a successful blog and newsletter teaching busy entrepreneurs how to create a thriving business.
Did I study writing in college?
No.
But I do know my audience very well. I know their struggles, what they want, and how I can best help them.
In other words: I offer them real value.
And that’s why my readers keep coming back for more.
📘 Read more: The 16 Best Blogging Platforms (& How to Pick One)
YouTuber
As a YouTuber, you’d create videos geared toward your specific audience and get paid through sponsorships or YouTube itself (and I’ll cover specific ways you can earn later on).
There are all kinds of YouTubers out there – from teens who do makeup tutorials to middle-aged digital nomads who vlog about their lifestyles.
One benefit of going this route?
Unlike other platforms, like Instagram, YouTube content has a much longer lifespan.
In other words, you can create valuable content and keep making money on it years down the road.
In fact, that’s why I’ve moved away from Instagram in favor of YouTube myself:
Ultimately, if video creation is your thing, choosing YouTube specifically is a solid choice.
Why? 47% of internet users watch YouTube videos at least once a month, so there’s a huge audience to tap into.
📘 Read more: How to Become a YouTuber and Get Paid: 13 Tips
Content writer
If you decide to become a content writer, you could create a wide range of content, from ebooks to articles.
But again, it does help to have a niche.
That way, you’ll know who you’re writing for and you’ll get better at writing for a specific audience.
As a content writer who runs their own thing, you have the flexibility to work from anywhere. But, of course, you can also stay rooted in one place.
For example, Kat Boogaard is a Wisconsin-based freelance writer who earns six figures through her writing.
Ultimately, practice is key to becoming a better writer. Once you’ve decided on a niche, get some experience under your belt for your portfolio.
Don’t have any professional experience yet? Don’t worry, you can still get published on platforms like Medium.
📘 Read more: How To Become a Content Writer | Top Content Writing Skills
Social media content creator
As the name suggests, social media content creators focus specifically on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and so on.
You can either create content for other businesses or run your own account.
My advice?
Start by creating content for other businesses.
It’ll bring in money right away, and you can use that experience to grow your own account.
Once you’ve built a following, maximize your profits by offering:
- Courses
- Coaching
- Products
And no, you don’t need millions of followers to make a good income.
Take Erika Cramer, “The Queen of Confidence”, for example. She built a seven-figure business with less than 100k Instagram followers by using her content to sell courses and coaching.
📘 Read more: 27 Social Media Tools Every Content Creator Needs | Digital Marketing Institute
Influencer
In a nutshell, influencers leverage their popularity to promote products or services among their target audience.
As we’ll see in a bit, making money as an influencer depends on a few factors, like:
- The size of your audience
- Your engagement rate
- What you promote
- And so on
As an influencer, you could use various platforms, like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Again, choose what makes sense for you.
You can also pick from several niches, like entertainment, beauty, finance, you name it.For instance, Chiara Ferragni is a famous fashion influencer with a net worth of $7 million.
📘 Read more: How to Become an Influencer in 11 Steps | Coursera
Podcast host
Podcasts are an incredibly popular form of content.
In fact, over 500 million people listen to podcasts worldwide.
And in the U.S. alone, the average listener spends seven hours per week consuming podcasts.
Clearly, there’s a big demand for engaging podcast content – and again, there are all kinds of niches you could explore, from food to personal finance.
As a podcast host, don’t limit yourself to only making money from ads. Instead, maximize your profits by adding several revenue sources.
For instance, for Rayna Greenberg and Ashley Hesseltine, their relationship podcast “Girls Gotta Eat” quickly turned into a full-time job. They built a global listener base, secured brand deals, and make additional money through merchandise and live shows.
If you enjoy interesting conversations with people on a range of topics, podcasting is a solid choice.
What you need to get started are a:
- Decent microphone
- Hosting platform
- Quiet recording space
To improve your audio quality, editing software like Audacity and Alitu are two great options.
📘 Read more: The 10 best podcast hosting platforms
Designer
Content designers are in charge of curating digital content to enhance the user experience (UX).
So, they focus on understanding the target market they’re trying to reach, developing a consistent style guide, and evaluating how content is performing.
As a designer, you’d work to make designs across mobile and web applications easier to understand and use.
📘 Read more: What is a Content Designer & what do they do?
Photographer
These days, content is incredibly visual. That means, knowing how to take great pictures is a valuable skill. Plus, as a photographer, you could work in a variety of settings.
For example, you could work with influencers, do weddings, or specialize in something like portrait photography.
Take Trish Allison for example. She set up her photography business and left her 9-5 in less than six months. Today, she makes a six-figure income as a luxury photographer.
To get your foot in the door, learn how to use industry tools like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.
📘 Read more: How to Become a Professional Photographer
Videographer
Videographers create and edit video content.
In the world of content creation this often means making content for video-based social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok. But you could also work on websites, films, and marketing campaigns.
For instance, Casey Neistat is a filmmaker and YouTube vlogger who got famous for his daily vlogs and storytelling. Today, he charges $30,000 per brand deal.
If you’ve always wanted to work behind the scenes on a viral video, then this could be the career for you.
📘 Read more: How to Become a Videographer (Next Steps + Requirements)
Streamer
Simply put, a streamer is someone who uses social media platforms (like Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook) to go live for an audience.
By streaming live, you interact with your viewers in real time and get immediate feedback.
There are all kinds of streamers out there, from gamers to chefs. And it can even be something as niche as playing chess.
Take Alexandra Botez, for instance. As a professional chess streamer, she makes six figures a year.
No matter who your target audience is, streaming can be a great way to create a genuine community around your content.
Want to interact with your whole audience at the same time? Tools like StreamYard let you live stream across all your platforms at once.
📘 Read more: How to Be a Successful Streamer: Do You Have What It Takes? – Restream Blog
How do content creators make money?
The average income for content creators is $89,128.
However, as a content creator, you don’t have to depend on one income stream, like you do in a typical 9-5.
Let’s take YouTube as a quick example:
As a YouTuber, here are some of the ways you could earn money from your content:
- Ads (specifically through Google AdSense and the YouTube Partner Program)
- Super Thanks
- Super Chats and Super Stickers
- Brand sponsorships/partnerships
- YouTube Premium
And YouTube is just one example.
What are some other ways to earn?
Here are a few:
- Affiliate marketing
- Online courses/services
- Digital downloads
- Merch (t-shirts, mugs, hoodies, etc.)
- Exclusive content on Patreon
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There are plenty of different ways you could monetize your content depending on things like your experience, the format you choose, your niche, which platforms you’re using, and so on.
Of course, how much you earn also depends on how big and engaged your audience is.
A big, engaged audience gives you more control over how much you can charge for things like brand deals.
For instance, content creators with at least one million followers can earn $10,000 for a single post – and some charge significantly more.
And even with a small following, you can earn a decent income. That’s because brands prioritize engagement over audience size. A small, engaged audience is worth more than a big, disinterested one.
However, there are lots of content creators who make very little money because they haven’t built a sustainable business from the start.
One study shows that content creators make, on average, $323.19 per month. Those with 100,000-999,999 followers make $1,727.29 monthly. Creators with more than 1,000,000 followers make $6,109.83.
So, what can you do?
Focus on creating high-quality content and becoming an authority in your niche. Next, add in multiple income streams to diversify your earnings.
Once you’re doing that, making a good income will be a lot easier.
Examples of successful content creators
Okay, now that we’ve talked about how content creators make money, let’s look at some specific examples.
LuisaZhou.com
First up, hi – it’s me, Luisa. As an eight-figure coach, my top platforms include this blog, email, and YouTube. My secret to getting traction and results? Focus.
As I mentioned earlier, signing up for too many platforms and trying to do it all won’t help you grow. Instead, stick to one or two platforms and learn the ins and outs of how to use them effectively.
IWillTeachYouToBeRich
This platform is all about helping people create a rich life and get rid of limiting beliefs they may have about money. The founder, Ramit Sethi, reaches his audience through his podcast, his blog, X, and Netflix. He’s even written a best-selling book.
AliAbdaal.com
Ali Abdaal is a former doctor turned YouTuber, podcaster, and New York Times bestselling author who creates content around topics like productivity, money, and tech.
As you can see, these content creators all have a focus.
In other words, they don’t create random content and hope that people will like it. They have a specific audience in mind, and they create content geared toward that audience.
For example, in my business, I help people who are disillusioned with their boring, restrictive 9-5 and want more freedom, money, and purpose.
Since that’s the audience I want to attract, I speak to their pain points in my content.
Ultimately, knowing who you’re trying to attract makes it easier to create the kind of content that helps you succeed.
Discover the top 3 reasons most courses fail
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Next steps
So, there you have it!
Now you know what a content creator is and how you can become one yourself. As you can see, you have all kinds of options to explore depending on your interests and preferences.
Ready to get started but not sure where to go from here?
I’m giving you FREE access to my PDF to help you avoid three big mistakes creators make.
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