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Since 2016, I actually have built my profession by developing strategies and producing content for YouTubers, brands and influencers alike. Back then, entering this industry got here at a high price, each financially and creatively. In those early days, the need to develop into an influencer felt just like the pursuit of a rarefied type of celebrity.
The learning curve was steep and success required careful content curation. It was an era characterised by exclusivity.
Then got here TikTok. Suddenly the barriers fell and the entry point became accessible to everyone. With only a smartphone and an idea, anyone could step into the highlight and share their creativity with the world. From overnight “it girls” to on a regular basis people transitioning from 9-5 jobs to full-time creatives, TikTok has revolutionized the way in which people achieve financial independence.
Personally, I used to be swept up on this wave of democratization and took the chance to share my knowledge and insights about marketing and entrepreneurship through my very own content as a “Latinapreneur” and use the platform to advertise my services as a marketing strategist.
Not only was I capable of quickly scale my service-based business, but I also began working with a few of my favorite brands. In 2023, I earned over $250,000 from branded content, solidifying my position as a successful content creator with the power to work full-time if I wanted.
However, this spontaneous rise to fame and fortune isn’t a universal experience for each content creator. In fact, even for knowledgeable creators, there is normally one drought season, Brand deals fail and algorithm changes limit content reach. I do know the fight all too well.
Related: I made $389,822 on YouTube in a single yr. I did it that way
One moment you are riding the wave of virality and the subsequent you are refreshing your email and hoping a brand representative doesn’t actually do it Ghosting You. The truth is that there aren’t any guarantees on this area. Deals can fail, campaigns may be canceled and budgets can suddenly dry up.
So, too Creator and entrepreneur For those uninterested in being on the mercy of quarterly marketing budgets and enduring payment terms of greater than 90 days, here’s a roadmap for transitioning from working with brands to becoming a brand.
1. Redefine your identity
The way you speak about yourself determines the opportunities you get. Think beyond your current role and picture where you ought to be. Start branding yourself accordingly and make your platform an added asset relatively than the only real focus.
Related: How to Create Consistent Branding That Sticks
2. Mobilize your audience
Although you could be uninterested in hearing about it, constructing an email list is crucial to engaging your audience. If email is not your thing, consider communities like WhatsApp or Discord. Don’t wait for an additional possible platform ban to take motion.
3. Identify successful concepts
Which of your pieces of content caused a stir on social media? What do your followers continuously ask for? These are your concepts for fulfillment. Discover easy methods to develop and monetize them.
Related: 4 Ways to Use TikTok for Startup Growth
4. Start small and scale up
You do not have to leap straight into high-priced offers. Start with something easy, like lead magnets or reasonably priced mini-courses. The goal is to create a product with minimal investment. I recently began a vision board mini-course that raised over $8,000 in the primary month. From ideation to publication, including compiling the content for promoting, it took just 4 hours.
5. Broaden your horizons
While creators often give attention to diversifying content types and transitioning to long form, I imagine the discussion about diversification needs to be broader. For example, I recently took on a position as an executive and inventive lead at an entertainment company. This move has opened up opportunities for skilled development in a totally latest field.
While the creator economy is booming, questions remain about its long-term sustainability and fair compensation for influencers and content creators.
Most content seems to position brand partnerships as that abundant and crucial indicator of success within the creator economy. Although brand partnerships may be lucrative and beneficial, they’re just one piece of the larger puzzle.
It’s time to expand the conversation and recognize the multiple paths to success for content creators and highlight the importance of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship beyond traditional brand collaborations.
