Being a content creator can be very rewarding. You have landed on the right page.
Now more than ever, people are leaving their day jobs to pursue something they genuinely enjoy.
For the last few years, I have been a content creator as a freelance copywriter. It was indeed something I just stumbled into, but I have enjoyed the journey.
Becoming a content creator is much easier than you think, especially with all the tools at your disposal.
This post will take you step-by-step on getting into content creation sooner than later. Heck, you might even be the next Neil Patel or Adam Enfroy.
What is a content creator?
A content creator produces written, audio, visual, or video content for online platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or a blog (like this one).
Content creators can work on their own as freelancers, run an agency with a team of creators, or work in-house for a company.
When it comes to becoming a content creator, the possibilities are limitless. It's a skill that you can use to become financially free or use the craft to land your next job.
What does a content creator do daily?
The title sums up what the skill is all about; creating content.
Though it can go much deeper, let's cover all the bases and show you what a content creator might do.
- Develop and plan a content strategy
- Manage and maintain a content creation calendar
- Come up with new content ideas to stay relevant
- Record and edit video content for Youtube
- Record and edit audio content for podcasts
- Conduct SEO audits for specific pieces of content created
- Understand each platform and stay on top of all the updates
- Write long-form and short-form content for blog posts
I'm sure there are way more things I can list, but I think you get the point as to what a content creator does.
To give you a more real-world example, I will share with you what my day looks like as a content creator.
Conduct competitor analysis
I always take the time to spy on my competitors. It's good to know what your competitors are writing and talking about.
It's also a great way to find a way to differentiate yourself from your competition. Don't just copy what they are doing, but put your spin on things. Use your voice.
Brainstorm content ideas
Anyone in the content creation business will always need to develop new content ideas.
Looking at your competitors is a great way to make better content or develop new angles for your next post.
Creating the content
The best part is creating the content. I generally like to write down bullet points of what I want in my blog post and then figure out the flow.
I am a very visual person. It's essential for me to visually see the flow of my future article before I get into details.
Editing and making final touches
When it comes to content creation, you should put out your best work, but you do not need to make it perfect.
Many content creators take weeks to publish an article because they need it to be "perfect."
My rule of thumb is to make sure that your content is SEO friendly and grammatically correct. Then hit publish as soon as possible.
You can continually update and tweak your content later, but don't waste weeks trying to make something perfect since perfection does not exist.
Share it with the world.
Once you publish your content, share it on your social channels and email list. Don't be shy and don't fear what people will say.
Guest blogging outreach
Another part of my day is reaching out to various websites to build a relationship. Relationships are critical, especially if you are trying to start your own business or blog.
Guest blogging is the best way to share your knowledge with a new audience and gain new friends and eyes to your website.
What type of content should you create?
This part is up to you, and it depends on what you enjoy.
Some people are camera shy, while others feel natural in front of a lens. Some people hate writing, but others could write for hours on end.
Once you figure out what type of content you want to create, here are a few steps to take to become a content creator.
Choose a niche market.
Think about a niche you have experience or knowledge in. Don't worry about being an "expert" as long as it's an industry you can see yourself consuming every day.
Also, make sure that your niche market is large enough where people are already investing their money.
A few examples of niche markets:
- Software as a service (SaaS)
- Finance
- Online coaching
- Crypto
- Fitness and weightloss
- Dating and relationships
- Pets
The list can go on, but here is a list of 100+ niches for you to choose from.
Practice content creation daily.
Unless you are a rare unicorn and are good at everything on the first try (highly unlikely), you need to practice.
You need to create content daily, even if it's just a little bit every day.
Have you ever heard of the snowball effect? Your efforts may start slow, but you will amass a massive boulder of snow with consistency.
A great way to practice is choosing whether you want to write, do audio, do video, or create visual content, and do it 100 times.
Imagine doing one thing 100 times in a row. You will find things to improve on, and it will also feel easier to do.
Land your first client.
That's right! Let's start to make some money with your new content creation skill.
When I first started, I took to Upwork to find clients that had their wallets open and ready to go.
I recommend using Upwork to gain some experience with clients so you can learn the ropes.
No, you will not make hundreds of thousands of dollars. You will learn how to speak with clients, you will learn how to create processes that work for you, and you will also know what you do not like doing very quickly.
Before you can start asking clients to pay you a lot of money for your services, you need to gain experience.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a content creator can be a rewarding skillset to have. Though it does take practice, there isn't a steep learning curve, and you don't need to attend college to do this.
With some effort and dedication, you can embark on a fantastic journey in the digital world.
Now it's time to get to work and start creating content!
