First of all, what is a content creator anyway?
Uhm…short answer, a person who creates content (Duh!).
But what type of content?
Anything! The type of content a content creator make can be anything on the Internet. I'm talking about those photos you see while scrolling on Instagram, to the funny TikTok dancing video your friends force you to watch at 3 AM. News, graphic info, How to tutorial, DIY blog, meme, etc are all categorized as "content".
So, if you've been recording your makeup look or your cooking video and share it on social media, congratulation, you are a content creator!
- Choose your platforms.
You can't really start your path to become a fulltime content creator if you don't know what platform to start on (well, or maybe you can, I cannot tell you what to do).
There are so many social media platforms right now, the first step to become a content creator is to choose which platform is right for you. Before jumping on all social media platforms existing out there, write down the type of content you're most interested in seeing and creating. For example:
- Instagram and Pinterest are the best platform to be on if you're into creating stunning images.
- Youtube is best for longer and more in depth video such as How to, DIY, products review.
- TikTok is the right place for you if you love short videos. Think of Tik Tok as your old friend Vine.
- Facebook is for old people. Yes, I said it.
"But I like them all, can I be on all of them?"
Of course! You can have a presence on all social media platform, but choose your focus. This is important, so you don't burn out!
2. Choose your gears
"Do I need expensive equipment to start?"
No. You don't!
Many brands and businesses, especially in 2021, are looking for content creators that can make quick and inspiring content with their smartphone.
Consumers are smart, and they're fed up with ads targeting them every single minute on every single platform.
But marketers are also smart (teehee), they need to find a better way to market the products to these consumers who are sick of seeing ads. What is better way to make an ad than an ad that doesn't look like one itself? And that, my friend, is where YOU come in, with your smartphone and your creative eyes.
Basic gears to start with are:
- A smartphone
- A cheap tripod
- A curious mind
That's it.
3. Networking
There are obviously many ways to put your name out there, but an easy way I found after 5 years of being a content creator is networking.
You can be a creative genius, but there are thousands of other geniuses out there, how are you going to get noticed?
Network.
Coming from South East Asia, speaking English as my second language sure did not help much with my confidence and desire to network. But hey, that's a fun challenge. And if I can do it, you can do it!
If you're shy like me, I'm sure you feel weird talking about yourself to strangers. A trick is to put that other person you want to talk to in the spotlight!
Yup. As much as I like to think people are as shy as myself, some people love to share their stories and even appreciate to be put in the hot chair. So start with a hello, ask for their name and ask about their passion and dream, that would get the conversation going!
Be genuine and be yourself, you don't know the person you talk to today will be the bridge to your dream collaboration tomorrow.
4. Be Curious!
Always *clap* Be *clap* Curious *clap*
Being a content creator, especially in social media era, you need to always be curious. What you know about content creation today would look different in the next 3 months.
Always on the alert, follow other content creators you admire, follow marketing agency, take free workshop, free classes about social media so you can make sure to stay in the loop.
Keep learning and improving your skills.
And don't forget, to show off your creation online! Even if you feel like you can do better next time, just SHOW IT OFF and improve on the next one. After all, what's a better way to learn than getting feedback on your previous work, right?
