How to Become a Highly Successful Content Creator

Aug 11, 2020

Photo by Burst

Originally Posted On: https://socialbuzzhive.com/blog/2020/06/12/how-to-become-a-highly-successful-content-creator

If you’ve been traveling along this journey with me, then you may already know that I didn’t start my blog to promote my own products and services. Blogging for me was a way for me to provide resources for others to have a flexible career working at home. Especially as a single mom and now living in the time of global health concerns. But, as time went on, I began to notice that a lot of folks were making loads of money by becoming content creators – creating their own information products, training, courses, guides and resources. They were growing on a global scale and creating new opportunities for everyone who wanted to know a range of topics; from how to grow a successful online business to how to sell photographs from their iphones, open a shop on Etsy, and teach others a myriad of different things from A-Z. These enterprising creators were leveraging their knowledge, partnering up businesses and major brands and getting the word out there! Read this quick start guide on this fantastic opportunity to learn how you can get started becoming a highly successful content creator in your own right.

This guide contains affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase we will receive a small commission which helps run this blog and we thank you. This is at no additional cost to you. Please read our disclosure for more information.

Transition from Blogger to Content Creator

So as I began to understand the power of branding my own products and services, I gradually transitioned from internet marketing blogger and strategist to content creator. Now if you don’t know what a content creator really is – it’s someone who makes money creating and selling their own digital products; like ebooks, online courses, templates, swipe files, workbooks, planners, videos, webinars, etc.

This revelation of selling your own content literally transformed my business overnight and it has been booming ever since. Creating digital products may be something you already implement in your business model, but it took me a while to get the nerve up. Maybe I was scared to put myself out there, maybe I didn’t think I held enough authority to create and sell my own products, but once I made the decision to just go for it I was all in!

Don’t let your fear of ‘imposter syndrome’ hold you back. As world renowned entrepreneur Maria Forleo says “begin before you’re ready!”. And “what you can create will absolutely astound you, but you have to start now!”.

I took her advice. Now, this is all I do. Create, brand and sell information products and content on topics I love. And I’m going to show you how easy it is to do!

If you’re interested in knowing what some of the hottest digital products to sell online are and the best platforms to sell yours on read these posts:

WHY I LOVE BEING A CONTENT CREATOR

A content creator is someone who makes money sharing their passion and gifts. They make a living with their knowledge, their creativity, their enthusiasm, their heart and their mind.

I find it really rewarding being a creator of things that other people need. It gives me a deep feeling of satisfaction. I think this is why it can be beneficial to you as well as a full fledged career.

A content creator also loves learning, implementing what they learn, sharing what they learn and teaching what they learn so that others can benefit in a positive way.

Take a look at some amazing facts:

‘eLearning Market size is set to exceed USD 375 billion by 2026, according to a new research report by Global Market Insights, Inc.’

The growing demand for technology-enabled teaching and training is driving the market growth.

The content availability related to course materials for educating and training students or employees has surged over the past years. eLearning market players are partnering with content providers to offer training and education to employees and students. The flexibility of learning from remote places is propelling the market demand.

The ongoing health crisis has led to temporary closure of businesses and educational institutions, limiting public gatherings and maintaining social distancing to contain the spread of illnesses. This has positively impacted the market with increasing number of organizations switching to virtual learning experience. Resource – gminsights.com

And here’s the best part. You have the ability to monetize your expertise in a way that empowers, encourages and educates others.

If you are not sure what you can monetize or what types of content products you can create, brand and sell, here is a list to hopefully inspire you to get those juices flowing:

Content You Can Create

On the web, ‘content’ is simply a piece of information that’s available digitally or electronically.

Good content should without a doubt be valuable, entertaining, interesting and worth the readers time. Here are some examples:

Infographics
Memes
Templates
Videos
Product Reviews
How to guides
Tool kits
Lists
Photo galleries
Case studies
Apps
GIFS
eBooks
Podcasts
Slideshares
Printables
Free or Paid Tools
Webinars
Mind Maps
Inspirational messages/quotes
PDFs
Plug ins
White papers
Mobile Apps
Wikis
Influencer Marketing promos
and more!

You may be thinking…app? I’m going to create an app? Well why the heck not? Beginners have to learn somewhere. And every master was once a beginner. They just started and kept going. No matter what.

Why Content Marketing Matters

According to the Content Marketing Institute, “9 out of 10 marketers are using content marketing.” In 2013, Curata found, “71% of marketers will increase their content marketing investment in the next year.”

The question to be asked, then, is why are marketers continuing to grow their content marketing strategies?

Here are ten facts to illustrate just how important content marketing can be when used effectively.

1. Content marketing has been able to convert 30% more organic traic into high-quality sales leads. (Source)

Website conversion rates can double from 6% to 12% when an inbound strategy is put into (Source)

Inbound tactics can save a business an average of 13% in overall cost per lead. (Source)

60% of decision-makers reported that content marketing helped them make better purchasing (Source)

Approximately 60% of marketers believe their “ROI from content marketing is increasing” or remaining the (Source)

73% of surveyed marketers stated that “content marketing creates improved brand awareness”. (Source)

B2B companies that maintain a blog generated 67% more leads than companies who don’t (Source)

78% of CMOs believe custom content will be the future of marketing. (Source)

80% of people appreciate learning about brand via custom (Source)

Around 40% of the world population is connected to the (Source)

As you can see content marketing is extremely effective and it’s only continuing to grow. It’s a highly effective way businesses are reaching more customers and staying competitive and why more companies are implementing a content marketing plan.

That’s why it’s a great career option for you!

What’s Being a Content Creator Really About?

It’s about acknowledging the fact that you have something special to share with the world.

It’s about learning how to take your experiences and share them in a way that helps others do better, live better, be better.

It’s about discovering how you best like to teach what you know best and how your audience likes to be taught.

It’s about connecting your passion to other people’s problems in a profitable and purposeful way.

It’s about leveraging your energy, time and knowledge to create products that bring in passive income whether you are actively working or not.

Being a content creator gives people access to you and your expertise in a way that you just can’t achieve in a one-on-one setting. (i.e. lower price points, self-paced, lifetime access)

It’s knowing that you can change someone’s life in a very powerful way.

The time to get started is now. Don’t wait another day.

Compensating Creativity

There’s a huge demand for content today in every single industry.

As a creator you have the chance to monetize your creativity and influence by promoting things you love and stand behind.

As an influencer you can get started doing this with major brands and companies seeking your expertise today.

Learn more in this post how to find relevant campaigns, the right way pitch to get sponsorships with email templates, and how to be in the top 10% of paid social influencers:

Ultimate Guide to Being a Paid Social Media Influencer

According to Payscale.com Content Creators average 35K-75K yearly. In New Zealand the average is 76K.

HOW TO GET STARTED AS A CONTENT CREATOR

The great thing about being a content creator is that you have complete and total control over what you create.

And now you can’t use technology as an excuse to get started either because you don’t need to be a developer or a coder or be technically savvy whatsoever to do it!

But, if you need a little guidance on where to start here are the easiest, least technical ways to turn your ideas into digital gold:

ebooks
workbooks
ICE planners
checklists
e-courses (email courses)
swipe files
templates
printables

P.S. I have a course in my Academy, Mastering the Art of Social Media: The Ultimate Guide To Social Media to Monetize and Leverage Your Business Without a Ton of Followers – if you’re interested, by the way.

THE EASIEST WAY TO BECOME A CONTENT CREATOR

I am a true believer that anyone can become a content producer. If you have valuable information that can help someone either solve a problem or satisfy a need, then you can create an interesting info product!

As mentioned earlier, e-Learning is only going to become more popular in the future.

‘The digital learning segment is witnessing high demand for curriculum design & development, training delivery and analytics services for the seamless functioning of online education systems.

Companies are focusing on providing custom eLearning services that help organizations to create strategy, identify specific requirements, and develop content with subject experts. Growing competition among players to offer user-centric and efficient learning solutions will drive the market growth.’ – Resource gminsights.com

When people ask me, “What’s the easiest, least expensive way to create online content?” – I always say ebooks.

Why?

Ebooks are inexpensive.
Ebooks are easy to consume.
Ebooks are easy to deliver.
Ebooks are easy to write.
Ebooks are easy to sell.

In 2 weeks I sold over 500 eBooks and earned $7,475. Not bad for a weekend’s work! It cost me almost nothing to create it except for my time, the platform fee I created it on, Canva for designs, some paid ads, and my website hosting.

The biggest effort was marketing it. I spread the word via my blog, social networks, email lists, a little FB advertising and Pinterest promo ads. I also have an army of popular social media influencers who spread the word about my products via their huge followings and social networks all over the WORLD.

I do share a piece of the profits with them which makes it a win/win for both of us. I discuss more about the power of social influencers and how you can utilize their massive followings to promote your work in my eBook.

The cost for paid ads if you’re wondering was less than $15 per day. That’s a pretty crazy return! I could of even extended it via FB live, a podcast, Instagram ads etc. there’s many different options for promotion which I mention at the end of this post.

Now whether you are creating an ebook or an app, an online course, a tutorial, or a mastermind 15 course video guide, the process to creating, branding and selling your info product is about the same.

My newest eBook goes over all my inside secrets on how to create a successful online business and more compelling reasons why now is the perfect time to do it!

STEP: 01 CHOOSE YOUR PROFITABLE TOPIC OR NICHE IDEA

It’s important to pick a topic that you are passionate about, but also one that will make you money! You don’t want to be bored. You will quit.

Money is a great motivator. Sometimes it’s enough to keep you going. And sometimes it isn’t.

Most of all you want to be helpful! You want to make sure your topic solves a problem enough people have and are willing to pay to get fixed.

Help people seeking answers and listen to your audience! It’s an absolute must that you know your audience and who you will be creating this content for. Because even though you should enjoy the creative process, it’s not ultimately for you.

“Be more interested, than interesting.” Robert Tiede

STEP 02: DECIDE HOW YOU WANT TO DELIVER YOUR CONTENT IDEA

What type of content are you going to create – a webinar, an ebook, an app, or full blown online course?

The type of product you create depends on a few things – your budget, your know-how, your comfort level and how your students learn best.

Here are a few questions to think about:

How do I feel most comfortable sharing information?
How does my audience like to learn?
Which platforms am I most comfortable with producing?
Which products are easiest to create with the resources and tools I have?
What types of media are best for the content I’m sharing?

With smartphones and mobiles getting more affordable and internet connectivity getting faster, developers are working on enhancing solutions for on-the-go learners. In response to the surge in market demand for efficient eLearning solutions, various companies offer mobile-based learning options with advanced technologies.

There are many many platforms you can share your content on.

If you’re going to be creating digital products read this post:

This will give you a good idea of some simple yet powerful ways to sell your digital content. I myself love Podia and also Teachable.

I happen to use Podia to house my Academy because it’s simple, no tech is required (it’s all drag and drop) professional looking, easy, and I can create as much as I like without being charged more.

You can read my review of Podia below.

STEP 03: CONNECT THAT IDEA TO THE RIGHT AUDIENCE

People buy with their eyes first. It’s a lot like dating. Before people get to know what’s inside, they make assumptions on what they see.

That’s why it’s just as important to have an impressive package as it is to have stellar content. Your copy, your product messaging, your branding, colors, fonts, graphics and design elements all lend to a brand experience that can attract or repel your perfect fit customer.

Know what audience you want to attract, create a product that speaks directly to those people and make a great first impression!

Be S.M.A.R.T

To help you create you a documented content strategy, TrackMaven suggests that you use the following framework based on Peter Drucker’s S.M.A.R.T criteria.

Specific: Answer the who, what, when, where, and why. For example, writing a blog post and sharing on LinkedIn and other social platforms three times a week to increase activity on the platform.

Measurable: Quantitative or qualitative tracking. For example, you want to generate x number of leads per week.

Attainable: Only set goals that will be possible to achieve. For example, writing an eBook this month.

Realistic: What results can be achieved with your current resources? For example, converting a set # of leads from your eBook or promotion.

Time-related: Set deadlines for the completion of goals. For example, “eBook to be released on a certain said date”. And stick with it!

STEP 04: PROMOTE YOUR CONTENT UNTIL YOU START MAKING REGULAR PROFITS

You don’t make a dime until someone smacks that buy now button. The more you promote, the more eyeballs you get on your products, the more profits you’ll make. Period!

Find 2-3 key marketing strategies you can use to drive a steady stream of traffic your way. Then create a simple sales funnel that allows you to capture leads, grow your email list and sell your products on autopilot. I mean really, turning your ideas into income couldn’t be easier.

It’s not that hard once you follow the formula. Consistency is key.

But, what about the content you create on and of of the landing page?

Here are some further suggestions.

Create a video: Place a video on the landing page that shows exactly what your product or service does.

Email marketing: Create personalized email messages to previous customers.

Speak at industry or communal events: If you choose the right events, you will have the undivided attention of your target audience. Create a sparkly presentation to keep their attention.

Blog: Create valuable content that shares relevant tips, ideas, or advice to showcase your expertise.

Use social media networks: Ask a question or create a poll to share with your audience on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or wherever your audience spends their time.

As you create your content, keep the following in mind: Any product or service you put your name on reflects your brand.

This is very important! Make sure you always under promise and over deliver EACH AND EVERY TIME.

Your business and brand represent you. People remember the experience, the small details and the way you make them feel. If the experience they have with your products is a good one, you best believe they will run and tell everyone they know.

If it’s a bad one, you best believe they’ll run and tell everyone they know and some people they don’t know! So ask yourself, “Did I do everything I could possibly do to help my buyer achieve their goal while giving them the best experience possible?”

If the answer is YES, then you best believe you’re on your way to becoming the content creator you know you were always meant to be.

Need help promoting your products or courses?

Read this post on how to build the ultimate social media strategy!

Help and Educate Your Audience

What do you believe is the main reason content creators fail. It’s fear. Which is why it’s really important to develop trust – so your prospects can get past their fear.

You can begin to build a rapport with your audience by producing a lot of valuable content. If you sell digital products, for example, then why not create an instructional video that shows viewers how to build a Website on WordPress from scratch, set up an affiliate marketing plan, or grow traffic from Pinterest?

If you want to continue to build trust among your audience, there is no better way than by showcasing your skills as an industry leader. You can achieve this by answering questions on sites like Quora, or writing a guest post on a niche related site. As for content that can improve your credibility, you could host a webinar, conduct interviews on social or on a podcast, or conduct research that you use to create for an infographic.

Additional Content Creator Goals

Here are even more goals for content creators that will enhance their reach even further with their audience:

Enhance Your Customer’s Experience: Improve your customers lives and make them happy with useful and valuable content. They’ll be grateful and keep coming back for more.

Acquire Better Talent: You want team members who are enthusiastic about your product. I only accept influencers who are excited about my products and really want to promote them. What would be the point of having someone who didn’t give a hoot? A talented person should want to join your promotional campaigns not only to make money for themselves but because they support your goals.

Showcase Products or Services: What does your product actually do? Content should demonstrate exactly what your product does and how it can be of help to your customer. It needs to be crystal clear.

Strengthen Loyalty for Referrals: Your loyal customers will become your biggest champions and will refer others to your products and services.

Be Entertaining: Don’t always have to be about business. Creating content that makes others laugh or is unrelated to business, is an effective way to attract customers and increase shares. This is especially true on social networks.

Address Objections: Never neglect questions or concerns customers may have about your product or service.

Get Found Online: Blogging frequently gives web sites 434% more indexed pages and 97% more indexed links. Having a website with a blog to store your content is a great idea!

Attract The Right Partners: Finding the right partnerships can help introduce your brand to a new audience. Whether this be influencers, other bloggers, or people in your niche. Promoting others in your industry can be a very good thing!

Build a FB Group: Another way to build trust since potential consumers will consult an online community before making a purchase.

Link Acquisition: Use quality content and blogger outreach to earn links from influential websites in your industry.

Be on the Lookout for New Ideas: Maybe you have never hosted a podcast before, but you may find it’s beneficial for you and you get a brand new audience to showcase your products.

The key takeaways from this are – the more meaningful and authentic connections – the more revenue you will earn as a respected content creator.

What Makes Content Creators the Most Money?

According to Social Media Examiner – creators indicated that advertising was the most lucrative source of income.

Bloggers make the most money by selling services (31%), followed by selling their own products (26%).

Video creators make the most via advertising (46%), followed by selling their own products (19%).

Podcasters make the most money through selling their own services (39%), followed by selling their own products (24%).

Good news! Half of all creators are making more money today than last year!

Tip! Don’t limit yourself to just one type of content. For example if you’re a blogger, don’t just create blogs – include rich media like video, graphs, charts, images and podcasts.

How often should you create content?

Here are some averages for successful creators;

Blog posts – 6-8 times per month

Video (not live) – 6 times per month

Live video – 3 times per month

Podcasts – 3 times per month

Content Marketing Tools

To assist you with creating, producing, promoting, and distributing your awesome content, here are 30 essential content marketing tools.

While this is not a comprehensive list, all of these tools can be used for getting ideas and developing and implementing your content creation strategy.

Content Discovery & Ideas

Feedly: Organize, read, and share content from relevant blogs and websites

BuzzSumo: Content analyzer tool used for discovering influencers and tracking competitors

Quora: Find trending discussions on the popular question and answer network

Klout: Suggests shareable content and tracks your impact on social media

Reddit: Discover what topics are trending worldwide

Swayy: Discover engaging content to share with your audience

Content Curation & Creation

Curata: Content discovery tool that also allows you to curate and share anywhere under one platform

WordPress: Most popular blogging and CMS tool

Podia: A super intuitive, simple drag and drop platform to house digital products, courses, webinars and more. This is where I built my Academy.

Teachable: Another very popular platform to create digital courses and lessons

Visme: Create infographics and animated presentations and video

UberFlip: Aggregate your content so that it will speak to different audience members

Canva: Create animated presentations and any type of graphic you need

Google Keyword Tool: Can be used to discover keywords for article headlines and body

Distribution & Marketing

Promo Republic: Easy way to share and schedule content on your social media channels

Outbrain: A service that promotes your content on premium websites

PR Newswire: Send out a press release to a variety of sources

ConvertKit: Email blast your newsletter subscribers, get autoresponders, build landing pages and more

Promoted Posts on Facebook: Pay to have your content featured upfront on Facebook

WHAT WORKS IN CONTENT MARKETING: CASE STUDIES & TOOLS FOR SUCCESS 61

SlideShare: Discover, upload, or share content, such as webinars, in presentation form

Social Media Listening, Managing, & Monitoring

Promo Republic: Award winning social management tool that allows you to schedule, publish, and engage your social media audience

Social WarFare: A plugin that allows you to share your content automatically and immediately to a variety of social networks

Tailwind: An auto scheduler that makes it simple to post on FB, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram on Auto-pilot ahead of time.

Analytics & Testing

Monsterinsights: The best Google Analytics tool that lets you measure website data and discover where your audience is coming from and what content they like the best.

KISSMetrics: Allows you to track, analyze, and optimize marketing campaigns with person-centric data

SE Ranking: Delivers complete metrics reports, analysis and tools for SEO, runs audits, lead generator widgets, and social media tools from your very own dashboard.

SEMrush: Provides a competitive intelligence that analyzes complete competitors activity and makes content recommendations

Conclusion

If you’re unique and provide real value you can be destined for success as an online content creator! Just keep in mind that content creation is a business and not a one week or one month gig.

Unless of course you’re a freelance content creator for others which is a viable career as well.

If you’re going solo however, forge ahead and do what you love! Don’t look at the numbers in the beginning or that will kill your motivation.

Chase your freedom and passion and you’ll have the inspiration and energy to build a business and a life you absolutely love!

Teachable is having a FREE online coaching challenge all through the month of July 2020!

Get my eBook to learn how I amass a global ARMY of influencers to promote my digital products all for FREE and you can too!

We have several guides and swipe files in our Academy to help you so check them out!