HOW TO BECOME A CONTENT CREATOR

The world of content creation is becoming more and more valued by businesses with an increased growth of sales and brand partnerships. UGC is becoming more exposed and people want to become the next biggest content creator, believing they can earn money easily.

Let me tell you, it's not easy, it does require consistency, work, effort and dedication to take your business off the ground. With any side hustle it is so rewarding to earn money. If you want to push yourself to the next level and quit your job you need to start treating content creation like a business.

For me, during the past 5 years I've had a passion for taking content, for restaurants, hotels and travel brands. Only the last two years have I really pursed my passions! I always thought I need to get a good paying job and pursue my passions on the side. But what I realised is once you are in alignment with what you're meant to be doing, everything flows. For example, I graduated in 2022 and it took me nearly two years to find my dream job. I started in January 2024 as a social media content creator and little did I know 6 weeks later the company dismissed me! It was completely unfair, I was devastated. But I knew that my passion for content creation was not going anywhere.

So here are my INSIGHTS AND TIPS ON HOW TO BECOME A CONTENT CREATOR:

1. Define your passions. It's fine to start out broad. Most content creators will tell you to find your niche straight away, but you will never know what your niche is if you have multiple ideas, interests and passions. Once you've started creating content then you will realise where your passion lies and what content topic you like creating more information or videos on. Write a list of ideas and content you would like to make videos on.

2. Pick your platform. The world of social media can get very overwhelming. I would stick to 2 main platforms and build your audience. Don't pick one platform because everything is unpredictable, and like we've heard TikTok could get banned in America. So make sure you use the best platform for you and where you think your content would most benefit on! For example if you want to make vlog type content, long GRWM chit chat or educate, then Youtube is your best friend. If you like making short form content, quick tips/ educational videos or reach a wide range of people, then TikTok is the platform for you. Instagram can be used for pictures, however you can make your content into reels as these perform really well!

3. Create a content plan. Now that you've chosen what you want to make content on and your platforms, start with a content plan. This will help you stay disciplined and consistent. You can also track what content works better on your platforms. Personally, I would have a day or two when you can batch make your content for the week. This will stop you burning out and running out of ideas. I don't really post on specific times, I just post whenever I feel like it. Pick the number of times you want to post a week ie every day or 4 times a week and keep to your schedule. Post a mixture educational, trendy and relatable content.

4. Start posting! The most exciting part. Post your content. It can get nerve-wracking but I promise you it will all be worth it. People may say the content creation industry is becoming very saturated. But let me tell you there is room for everybody and you could very well influence, educate and inspire people because there is only one of you!! I'm not saying post your face straight away if you're uncomfortable, because it did take me a while to post my face. However, when people are vulnerable online and show their personality with their face, more people engage and a community is built.

5. Make a portfolio. This step isn't necessary straight away, but if you want to make this into a full time career or make an income as a part time content creator I would definitely make a portfolio. This can showcase your passions, your views, statistics and engagement. This way you can send and reach out to brands to get either gifted or paid collaborations. Your portfolio is a great way to showcase your talent.

6. Reach out to brands. You will find that brands are always in need of user-generated content. UGC also allows you create content that isn't promoted on your page. You simply create the content for a price and send that to the brand. Many creators do gifted or paid collaborations. It is always best to start with gifted, this way you can gain more experience working with brands and see if it is something you would like to pursue. For example, my niche is the hospitality industry. I make content around travel, hotels, restaurants and experiences. I have received many gifted collaborations. At the start of my journey I was getting lots of food collaborations ie going for a three-course meal, bottomless brunch, opening of new restaurants. This really helped me build on my content styles and allowed me to work with multiple different brands. Now I get paid collaborations where brands will ask me how much I charge to make content for them. This is the best way to travel and try new experiences or restaurants, as you are providing a valuable service to brands in exchange for organic social media marketing services.

7. Be consistent. Last but not least be consistent. I know it sounds cliche, but I promise you being consistent pays off in the long run. Results and payments are not going to happen over night, but building your personal brand and showing off your personality will! Trust me, the inbounds will come in which will mean you won't even need to pitch your services because with your high quality content and personality you will attract the right brands! Keep your content relevant, fresh, repurpose when needed and optimise your bios at all times, with emails and links so brands can reach out and contact you! I would definitely recommend link tree, so you can put your portfolio and other social links so brands know who you are!

You have got this! I promise if you stay consistent, provide your audience with value and showcase who you are authentically then everything is going to work out for you! Post that content because you never know who's watching!

You can also grab my guide, in my store, on getting paid as content creator which has some more helpful information and short DM templates to reach out to brands!

Taste Travel Social x