Digital Creation: Skills, Strategies and Success
Updated: June 16, 2024
What Do Digital Creators Do?
Digital creators, also called content creators, make and share online content on various platforms. This content can include social media posts, blogs, podcasts, or videos. Usually, digital creators focus on a specific niche or audience, creating and sharing content that is true to their personal brand. They use channels like TikTok, YouTube, and their websites to share their content, helping them reach more people.
A Digital creator works on engaging with their audience, building a community of followers, and sharing their unique thoughts on different topics. There are many ways digital creators can earn money. They can do this through brand partnerships, advertising, selling merchandise, and creating gated or paid content on different platforms.
Difference Between a Digital Creator and an Influencer
Although the terms "creator" and "influencer" sound similar, they differ in significant ways.
A digital creator makes original and engaging content unique to them and their brand on social media, blogs, YouTube, and podcasts. They focus mainly on creating high-quality, valuable, and often niche-specific content that connects with a particular audience. While creators can influence purchases, their main goal is to provide value through their content. They aim to entertain, educate, or inspire their audience by offering something new and unique online. Creators earn money from various sources, such as sponsorships, memberships, merchandise sales, or ad revenue. They are known for their expertise, skill, and passion in specific areas like photography, writing, art, cooking, or other creative pursuits.
On the other hand, an influencer has a certain level of authority in a particular niche or industry. Influencers can impact their audience's opinions, behaviors, and decisions because they have many social media followers. While an influencer can create generalized content, they focus more on shaping perceptions and driving engagement around products, services, trends, or ideas. Influencers often work with businesses and brands for promotional activities. They use their relationship and credibility with their followers to endorse products or experiences. Typically, influencers create sponsored content, and their income often depends on the number of followers they have.
How Can You Become a Digital Creator?
Becoming a professional digital creator takes many skills, effort, and commitment. Here are some crucial skills and steps you need:
Creativity: You need to be creative in everything you do. This includes coming up with new ideas for content, speaking well on camera if you make videos, and creating eye-catching visuals. Try new ways to engage your audience, like hosting Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions or sharing behind-the-scenes footage.
Communication: Clear communication is key. You need strong interpersonal skills and clear speech to share your ideas and brand message. Digital creators also meet with brand representatives, companies, and other creators for collaborations. You must explain your points clearly and effectively.
Business Sense: You must understand how projects benefit you and others involved. Know your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) and how to sell, whether you aim to reach a new audience, re-ignite interest, start a debate, or encourage sales. Collaborating with other creators can introduce you to new audiences and help you grow. Build relationships through online communities, events, and networking.
Being Approachable and Adaptable: Listen to constructive criticism to improve. Change your content based on your audience's preferences, and always look for ways to improve your work.
Resources:
- Learn necessary technical skills.
- Use podcasts, books, and social media to learn.
- Get the right software, tools, and equipment for your craft.
Online courses, videos, blogs, and networking are valuable resources for aspiring digital creators.
How Do You Get Started as a Digital Creator?
- Identify Your Niche: Focus on a specific topic you love. This helps build a loyal audience. Your audience should know what to expect from your content.
- Choose Your Archetype: Decide what type of creator you want to be. Are you a Performer, Virtuoso, Maker, Artist, or Enthusiast?
- Set Up Your Studio: Create a nice space for your videos or photos in your home or office. You don't need expensive equipment at first. A clean, well-lit area works great.
- Start Creating Content: Find out what your audience likes. Make content at a specific time every day. Try different types, like social media posts, podcasts, or videos.
- Generate Engagement: Use good digital marketing strategies to talk to your audience. Reply to comments and ask questions to get them involved.
- Monetize Your Content: Earn money through sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, working with other creators, selling merchandise, and subscriptions.
- Analyze Your Performance: Use tools on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to see how well your content is doing. Look at what works best and do more of that.