Almost ten years ago, content creation was a hobby, and not many people were content creators. Today, creating digital content has developed into a career.
Content creators are making millions of dollars every year, but the question is how do they make money?
You might not have noticed, but social media algorithms change all the time, decreasing the organic reach of content.
You put a lot of effort into creating a post on Facebook or any other platform but end up receiving a negligible engagement. An increasing number of content creators face this problem.
The point is how content creators make money in this rapidly evolving and competitive environment?
Whether you are an influencer, coach, or entrepreneur, you can create digital content and open up a new revenue stream.
This post will explain what a content creator is and the ways a content creator can make money in this creator economy.
Let’s get started!
1. Create An Online Community
When it comes to making money online, you have to build a community or be a part of other popular communities.
A community is a platform where you attract and connect with all sorts of like-minded people. This is where your audience can get valuable advice, tips, and tricks. If you are a marketer, your audience should turn to your community to fix their marketing-related needs.
For example, when people need to get some advice on social media marketing, they visit communities like Social Media Examiner.
Likewise, when people need some DIY help, they go to channels like 5-Minutes Craft on YouTube.
To make real money, you have to do something similar to 5-Minutes Craft or Ryan ToysReview. When you create a community, your ideal audience will be comfortable and happy to be a part of it.
2. Offer Exclusive Content
This is an obvious one.
You make money online when you offer something exclusive and exciting to become an Instagram Creator – It is not a one-off job. If you think you can make a couple of videos on YouTube and start earning, that probably won’t happen.
You need to be consistent, relevant, and result-focused. First, you create content to attract and build your audience and then consistently create new content.
Let’s assume that you still don’t have a following online. This is where you need your premium content to build your tribe.
There is no shortage of platforms if you have something amazing to share. Take TikTok or Clubhouse as an example. People just use their great content to start building an audience quickly.
If you get a chance to join Clubhouse, you would know how people build communities and get plenty of exposure for their content. Some people are hosting private rooms for art where they buy, sell, and trade.
3. Collaborate
Success becomes a lot easier when you collaborate. Seriously!
Just go out and find some of the top brands, influencers, and people in your industry. See how you can serve them first before ever asking for anything.
Go like, comment, share their content and build them up the way you want someone to do for you.
Collaborations work when you take the time to build transparent and mutually beneficial relationships with people whose audience aligns with yours.
Likeminded brands and people can be your ambassadors if you follow the right strategies to build relationships.
We understand it takes a lot of effort and time to find the right people. But it’s worth your time to make a portfolio website.
Start with helping and serving others, and everything else will start to fall in line.
Building relationships online is like making friends offline. You meet someone and get to know each other. When you develop good chemistry, only then can you work on a mutually beneficial relationship.
Your goal should be to be omnipresent. Try to look into every place where your content would be appreciated and liked.
4. Use Social Media Advertising
While it is not mandatory to use paid advertising, sometimes it’s necessary to use it depending on your goals.
Social media advertising is a must if you are looking to expand your reach.
No matter how good your content is, it is becoming harder and harder to promote it organically if you are a content creator.
Of course, it can be challenging to shift from organic social strategy to paid advertising. But it is essential to understand that social media platforms are also looking to make money.
They don’t want your content to reach millions for no reason unless your content is genuinely viral. Therefore, you must learn to run profitable social media advertising campaigns and get the extra help you need to expand your reach.
Paid social ads are a hyper-direct way to reach the people you want. For example, if you are a coach and have excellent how-to guides for your audience, you may use Facebook or Instagram ads to reach the right people and warm up a new audience. After all, social media advertising is one of the best ways to grow your brand quickly.
All the major social networks offer advertising options. However, you should not be using all of them. Just use those platforms where your people like to spend time.
For example, if your audience is business CEOs or entrepreneurs, content creators, it might help focus on Linkedin. Likewise, TikTok can be a great place to show your content if your audience is Gen Z or Millenials.
Consider running ads on social sites that are producing good results for you organically.
5. Offer A Product Or Service
Offer something your audience can’t resist as a content creator. This is a proven marketing tactic to get more eyes on your content.
For example, if you have a set of super-exclusive sneakers, then create a private/exclusive sneaker drop with a limited supply. Or offer a subscription service that includes specific content for a specific person.
Or offer an exclusive NFT drop.
The purpose here is to motivate your audience or give them something that could push them to subscribe to or sign up for your offers.
There are so many things you can do to make irresistible offers. Let me give you some hints:
- Free guides or ebooks
- Exclusive one-time drops
- Free subscription
- Offer exclusive perks for a limited time
- Free membership
- Free samples
- Lifestyle discounts
Be sure to offer something valuable and attractive. It is an excellent way to grow your audience quickly.