Are you ready to leave your 9-5 job for something more flexible and creative than the “nine-to-five”? You may want to consider becoming a professional content producer. A content creator is someone who creates digital content, such as blog posts, podcasts, videos or graphics. These professionals are able to run their own business and take on paying clients when they choose. Some content creators are hired by marketing companies or other businesses.
Salary.com reports that the average salary of a full-time content producer is between $36,762 to $45,898 per year. You’ll also enjoy other benefits when you do this kind of freelance work, such as a flexible schedule or the freedom to decide how much work to take on.
You may wonder how to start if you feel a career as a content creator is for you. This is a very competitive field, and it can be difficult to get your foot in the front door. You can be a writer for thesisgeek.com or make videos for brand’s TikTok. Here are some tips that will help you improve your skills, find your first clients and achieve success in this dynamic and rewarding field.
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Consider Your Content Creation Talents
Assess your skills and talents. You can then decide what kind of content you would like to create. The Internet is awash with a variety of different content.
- Blog posts
- Social media posts
- Infographics
- Photos
- Video
- Podcasts
- Webinars
- Articles in depth
- Download eBooks
You might want to start here if you have experience in certain content types. If you have a background in writing, becoming a content writer is logical. There’s no harm in learning new skills as a content writer to increase your offering. You can diversify your work by developing your technical skills.
But remember that it is sometimes better to master a few content types than to try to do everything. Start by focusing on the content types that excite you most. As your career progresses, you can always learn new skills in content creation.
Create a Portfolio
A strong writing portfolio will help you land your first client in the world of content creation. You’ll likely find more work as you establish your reputation in the industry. Your clients will look at your portfolio when you first start out to see if you are a good match for their needs.
You could use personal blog posts as examples of your writing. You can also use relevant classwork if you are a recent graduate. Infographics and videos are fair game , as long as they belong to you.
Even if your samples aren’t “officially” posted anywhere online, you can still create them for your portfolio. You can include guest blogs, LinkedIn articles that you have published yourself, or even social media posts with a high level of engagement in your portfolio.
Create an Professional Website
You will be hard to find if you do not have a website. A well-designed site shows clients that you are serious about your work. Your website is also a good place to display your content portfolio.
But not all websites are the same. Your site could scare away potential customers if it is poorly organized and designed. It is useful to hire a web designer to ensure that your website is not only beautiful but also functional. You can achieve a professional look without hiring someone by using a template, whether it’s free or paid.
You should have a home page on your website that summarises your work, what you do and a contact form. You may want to add an “About Me”, a portfolio, a service page, or a pricing page. Make sure there is a way to contact you on each page (whether that’s through an email, a phone number, or if it’s incorporated into the form).
Your logo is an important element of your website as well as for your brand identity. Although not all content producers have a logo, it can be an excellent way to stand out. Research has shown that 75% of people can recognize a company based solely on its logo. A great logo can be used to identify your brand.
Make sure that you choose a logo that looks great in different settings, such as your social media pages, website headers, or even print materials.
Build Your Brand Identity
After your website and your portfolio have been set up, the key to breaking into content creation is to build your personal brand. What makes you different from other content producers in your niche? Do you offer a quick turnaround? Your communication is it second to none? Your brand identity should include these differentiators, so make sure you use them in your marketing.
You’ll want to ensure that you also have a solid social media presence. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are great ways to find new clients, and they’re also a good way to share your work. Consider paying for targeted advertisements on these platforms, or even on search engines such as Google. Print marketing is a powerful tool if you’re targeting local businesses.
It’s not enough to be good at your job. You have to stand out and set yourself apart. Focusing on the unique selling points of your brand is usually the fastest and most effective method to get your first client.
Diversify your income streams
Do not forget to diversify as many income streams as you can in the world of content creation. It’s especially important to diversify your income streams if you are freelancing instead of pursuing an “traditional” job in-house. In the world of content creation, it is possible to put too many eggs into one basket. You may find yourself in serious trouble if you depend on only one or two clients for your income.
It’s important to keep networking and seeking new opportunities, even after you have landed steady work in your chosen field. Adding to your portfolio regularly and improving your skills can help you remain relevant and competitive, even in slower times.
Are you ready to start a new career?
Professional content is often taken for granted. Content creators spend hours every day researching and creating quality content. It takes time and effort to break into this field, but if you follow these tips, you will be on your way to being successful!
