This could be your year to become a full-time content creator! Maybe this is something you’ve been wanting to do for a while, or you’ve already started your journey and just want to take it to the next level. If that’s you, today I’m going to walk you step-by-step through what I would do if I were just starting and aiming to turn my hobby into a serious, full-time income.
Six years ago I decided to become a content creator and it has completely changed my life. I started a blog that turned into a Youtube channel and subsequently started my social media profiles. Soon I was able to replace the income from my job and become a full time content creator. These are the steps I would take today to do it all again.
Set Your Goals
The first thing you want to do is set some goals for yourself. What is it that you really want to accomplish by becoming a full-time content creator? What is your “why”? Knowing why you want to do this will push you when you’re ready to give up and when things seem too tough.
For instance:
- Pay off debt: Maybe you aim to save an extra $1,000 a month to put toward debt.
- Supplement household income: Stay-at-home moms might want to bring in some extra income.
- Save for a big purchase: You might be saving for a house or another major expense.
- Work life balance. Many people are looking for more flexibility and freedom in their work schedules, and being a full-time content creator allows for that.
- Pursuing your passion. Some may have the goal of turning their hobby into a full-time career, allowing them to do what they love every day.
Your goals should be clear because they will keep you motivated. And remember, full-time income looks different for everyone. For one person, it may be $150,000 a year; for another, it might be $40,000. Determine what full-time means to you and how much you need to earn to consider this a full-time job.
Know Your Audience
Who is it that you want to talk to when you create your content? If you try to talk to everyone, you’ll end up talking to no one. Get specific on who you want to reach.
Create an Audience Avatar: This is a detailed profile of your ideal follower. Think about:
- Name and Background: What could this person’s name be? Where do they live?
- Interests and Hobbies: What do they like? What TV shows do they watch? What hobbies do they spend time and money on? What skills do they want to learn?
- Life Situation: Are they married or single? Do they have kids? What kind of car do they drive? What stage of their life are they in?
- Pain Points and Struggles. What are their biggest struggles? How can your content help them?
Knowing your audience inside and out will help you create content that speaks directly to them. Look at the profiles of your current followers and see if they match the characteristics of your ideal audience. Engage with them through comments and DMs to get to know them better.
Choose Your Platform
What platform will you use to create your content? I recommend choosing both a search-based Evergreen platform like YouTube, a blog, or Pinterest, and a discovery platform like Instagram or TikTok.
For example:
- YouTube: Great for long-form content and building community.
- TikTok: Ideal for quick growth and discoverability, though it requires frequent posting.
- Instagram: Good for a balanced approach between quick discoverability and community building.
- Blog. Blogs are great for creating long-form content and establishing yourself as an authority in your niche.
Consider your lifestyle and preferences when selecting platforms. If you’re a busy mom, you might not have time to post multiple times a day on TikTok. Choose platforms that align with your schedule and vibe.
Once you’ve chosen a platform, take action and set it up! Do it today.
To start a blog, sign up with Bluehost and follow my tutorial on How to Start a Blog in 2024.
To start a YouTube channel, sign up for free, and follow my tutorial on How to Start a Successful Youtube Channel.
Create a Content Calendar
A content calendar will guide you on what to post and when. Start by establishing your content pillars—the main topics your content will focus on. Then, create theme days to make planning easier.
If you need more help crafting a content strategy and sticking with it, I recommend the One Year Of Content In One Month Challenge, designed to help you bulk-create content for your platforms.
For example:
- YouTube: Post one long-form video per week.
- Blog: Post 4-5 articles per month, and create 2-3 main blog categories.
- TikTok: Post daily with themes such as “30-Minute Meals Mondays” for food content.
Use tools like YouTube’s search bar to see what people are searching for and tailor your content accordingly. This will help ensure your content meets your audience’s needs.
I also recommend Tube Budy for finding and picking the best keywords, video titles and optimising your videos so that Youtube recommends them to new subscribers.
Consistency is Key
Consistency is extremely important when it comes to building a following and becoming a full-time content creator. It’s not enough to just post whenever you feel like it or have free time. You need to establish a schedule and stick to it.
This includes consistency in:
- Timing: Choose specific days and times to release new content.
- Quality: Make sure the quality of your content is consistent as well. This will help build trust with your audience and keep them coming back for more.
Monetize Your Content
How will you make money as a content creator? Here are some strategies to consider:
RELATED ARTICLE: How to Make Money Blogging
Affiliate Marketing
Share products you love and earn a commission on sales. Programs like Amazon Associates and the Amazon Influencer Program are excellent starting points. You can also link to your favorite products and earn money when your followers purchase them.
Digital Products
Create and sell digital products like eBooks, printables, or presets. These products can provide passive income and are scalable. For example, create an eBook by turning your expertise into a written format, which can be completed in a weekend and start generating income quickly.
If you don’t know where to start, grab my free list of 40+ Profitable eBook Ideas below or enroll in my Ebook Bootcamp course. Both will help you create, launch and sell your first eBook.
Brand Collaborations
Work with brands to promote their products or services. Make sure the brand aligns with your values and niche before agreeing to collaborate. You can also reach out to brands directly or use influencer marketing platforms like AspireIQ and TRIBE.
Remember, as a full-time content creator, it’s essential to diversify your income streams to have a stable source of revenue.
Build a Community
Engagement is key to building a loyal community. Respond to comments, ask questions, and interact with your followers. Consider live streaming to build deeper connections. People appreciate real-time engagement and getting to know your personality.
If live streaming isn’t your thing, long-form videos on platforms like YouTube can also build strong connections. People need more than a 30-second clip to get to know you, so show your personality and engage authentically.
Invest in Yourself
To become a full-time content creator, you need to treat it like a business. This means investing time and money into yourself and your craft. Consider taking courses or workshops to improve your skills (Skillshare has some amazing courses and teachers) and learn new strategies for growing your audience.
Additionally, invest in equipment such as a good camera, microphone, and editing software to ensure the quality of your content is top-notch. Remember, this is an investment in yourself!
READ THIS NEXT: Best Youtube Equipment for Beginners
Consider your lifestyle and preferences when selecting platforms. If you’re a busy mom, you might not have time to post multiple times a day on TikTok. Choose platforms that align with your schedule and vibe.
How To Become A Full Time Content Creator Concluded
Building a full-time content creator business in a year is challenging but entirely possible with the right strategies. Set clear goals, know your audience, choose the right platforms, create a content calendar, monetize your content, and build a community. If you’re serious about achieving this, check out my Creator Guide, which provides a step-by-step blueprint for success.
Remember, turning your passion into a full-time career will require dedication, but with these steps, you’re well on your way to making it happen. Happy creating!
How To Start & Run A Content Creation Business:
- 3 Ways to Make Money with a Small Youtube Channel
- 5 Things you Must do Before you Start a Blog
- How to Write an Ebook that Makes Money on Autopilot
- Side Hustles To Make Serious Money From Home In 2024
This is the BEST post I’ve found (and I’ve been researching for months) on how to start as a blogger/content creator! A+
Thank you so much!
I’m so glad it helped.