If you are just starting out as a content creator, there are some questions you'll have in mind. These questions are what I intend to answer in this article, just keep reading.
It is apparent that more people are moving online everyday, which means more people are contributing to contents available on the web in different ways.
You don't have to bear the title "Content Creator" before you can contribute to many platforms available on the web. But, does it really worth the time and effort?
The fact is, you can't spend so much time online doing one thing or another without any expectations. You must have a target, a goal you want to achieve while doing what you love.
Content creation is gaining traction as more people focus in developing contents on various social platforms, for fun, for education, for fame, for business, for promotion, for entertainment, and lots more.
However, if your priority is different and you want to take content creation as a career, then it becomes necessary to know what you're venturing into before you completely commit yourself into it.
It's easy to become a content creator; you only need few things to get started. But the thing is, it takes good skills and abilities to make something out of it.
Like any other careers, there are paths that determine the fulcrum of success.
Knowing what you want to do, how to do it, and how to make something out of it, are some of the questions you need to resolve before you take it as a job.
Nothing comes easy. There is competition everywhere. No matter what field you decide to venture into, there is a high possibility that someone is already dominating there.
If you are new to content creation and you'll love to take it as a career, be ready to face some challenges. You have competitors to outsmart and outrank before you can lay your hand on success!
Getting answers to some questions before you embark on this journey can bring clarity and make your journey easier.
I know by now you already know what content creation is. If you don't know, you can read this article to get a better idea.
Here are seven questions you are likely going to ask yourself:
1. What defines a good content?
2. How often can I create content?
3. Are there rules of thumb to follow?
4. What resources do I need?
5. Can I take content creation as a life career?
6. Can I render multiple service?
7. How long does it take to make money?
I'll answer these questions one at a time.
Do have it in mind that content can be anything, including, but not limited to articles, journals, videos, audios, podcasts, whitepapers, newsletters e.t.c.
Now, to the main part.
What defines a good content?
There are two things that define a good content:
i. Purpose
Before you create a content, let's say a video, you must have think it through and lay plans on what you want to accomplish with it before you post it online.
You can't just wake up early in the morning and take your camera to a nearby hill to record a beautiful scene, and then spend two hours editing it if you have nothing you aim to achieve with it.
The purpose of your video recording must be outlined even before you start. A good content is a content that has a clearly defined purpose.
It'll be difficult to market a content that has a no clear-cut story or definition. The purpose is what determines the content; what to add, what to edit, all depends on the purpose of the content.
ii. Value
Another thing that defines a good content is value. How has it helped? Did it solve any problem? Did it meet anyone's need?
Your content must be valuable if you intend to make money from it. Your content must be so good that people will be willing to spend their time and money on it.
A content with a clearly defined purpose will attract audience, and the more audience it attract the more valuable it'll become.
Before you create any content, first set a goal and outline its purpose. This will ensure you target the right audience.
How often can I create content?
It depends on many factors. For instance, it takes less than an hour to create a news article, which means you can create up to ten news articles per day without much stress.
However, it'll be difficult for a vlogger to create a 45 mins YouTube video five times a day. Why? Because it takes quite some amount of time to record perfect scenes and to do some edit.
Content varies. A 500 words article and a 90 mins podcast are both content, but the time (and effort) required to create each of them are different.
You can create new content as often as you like. There are no restrictions whatsoever as long as you are comfortable doing it.
Are there rules of thumb?
The answer is yes.
Each field requires different disciplines and guidelines. It is important to know the best practices in ones line of profession, so as to be able to conform to them for early chance to success.
For instance, writing 1500+ words article is a rule of thumb for bloggers and copywriters that post articles on the web, because it has been proven that longer articles tend to rank higher on search result than the shorter ones.
The rule of thumb differs for different type of content. To get to know the best practices for different type of content, you need to join forums and groups that talk specifically on the subject.
Quora is a good place to start.
What resources do I need?
Different tools are needed to create different type of content. Vloggers need a good camera and a powerful laptop to edit their videos, likewise a graphics designer.
A writer need a good notepad, while a podcaster need a good mic and an amplifier. It all boils down to what you want to create. It's not only about the hardware - you also need good softwares to make your content stand out.
In addition, you need monthly mobile data subscription to keep you connected to the internet since you'll be spending most of your time posting and promoting your content online.
Can I take content creation as a life career?
Yes, sure.
There are lots of people that are making good amount of money from content creation on the web. You can take it as a profession and make a decent living from it.
If you want to be fully committed to it, and you are determined to make it your life pursuit, you can go ahead and take it as a career. The truth is, you can make it big time if you invest time and effort into it.
Just like other profession, there is a learning curve. Have this in mind, "the patient dog eats the fattest bone."
Can I render multiple service?
If you have the time and energy, you can.
For instance, a blogger with many years of experience can decide to offer proofreading service in addition to writing service to make ends meet.
There are some skills you'll learn along the way as you proceed further in this line of work. You can use these skills to set up another line of business to increase your earnings.
How long does it take to make money?
There is no precise answer to this question. It varies widely depending on several factors. If you are offering services to firms and individuals, you can begin to make money immediately you start.
For instance, if you decide to become a ghost writer, you can write articles or stories, sell it online, and earn your money right away.
But if you open a YouTube channel and you begin to create and upload videos, it may take up to a year before you can start earning something from it.
Because there are requirements you'll need to meet before ads is enabled for your channel, and it'll also take time before you begin to have followers.
The baseline is, it depends on the line of work you choose as a content creator. If you want to be your own boss, it will take time. But if you want to work for others, you'll start earning right away.
Conclusion
It's good to know the depth of a river before one step right into it. This article answer some of the questions that most new content creators often ask, most especially those that want to take it as a full-time job.
There is no shortcut to success. To reach the top, you have to walk your way up step by step. Content creation is a booming business nowadays, but nothing comes easy.
Do you have any other question in mind? Drop it below.
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