Terms
Over 50 million individuals consider themselves to be influencers or digital creators
You may find yourself feeling like everywhere you look there are digital artists, social media professionals and influential people. You're not wrong! Today, more than 50 million people around the world consider themselves to be digital creators or influencers according to Influencer Marketing Hub which also estimates that the influencer marketing industry will grow to about $21 billion by 2023.
Although the terms "digital creators or influencers' might seem interchangeable, they're not the same thing. In this guide, we'll explore what it means to be a digital creator, how it is different when compared to being an influencer and the steps to be one.
The definition: What is an online creator?
A digital creator is someone who produces online content across different platforms. This can include social media, blogs, podcasts, or videos. They produce and distribute the content that's authentic to them and their brand, and they usually have a specific niche or audience they target.
Digital creators are those who is focused on building an audience of people who follow them, by connecting with their followers and sharing their unique perspective on a subject.
How can a digital artist be distinct in comparison to an influencer?
Although there's a certain amount of the possibility of a connection between an influencer as well as a creator, there are some key differentiators. A person who is an influencer has an enormous audience on social media- often in the hundreds of thousands or million - and makes use of that following to market items or services.
These companies typically collaborate in partnership with companies to develop sponsored content, and their revenue is usually tied to the number of followers they have.
The role of a creator in contrast tends to create original content exclusively for them and their personal branding. While they may also work with companies, their main goal is to create content that resonates with their audience. Creators' income may come from a variety of sources such as the sponsorship of a brand, membership fees, sales, or ad revenues.
What can you do to become a creator of digital content?
The process of becoming a digital creator does not happen in a flash. It takes time, effort, and commitment to build a brand that is successful. Here are some steps that you could take in order to start:
Find your niche
The first step in becoming a creator on the internet is to identify your area of expertise. What is it that you are passionate about? What unique perspective can you contribute to the discussion? What topics can you add significant value to?
If you're a digital artist you should have a niche that is something that you are knowledgeable about, such as food
Choose an area that you are interested in, and are knowledgeable about, as well as one that is popular with the public. Don't be afraid to be hyper-specific: in different manners, the more precise your area of expertise will be, the more likely are to stand out in a crowded market.
Develop your name
After you've identified your area of expertise, it's time to start creating your own personal brand. It involves creating a brand name as well as a logo and aesthetic that aligns with your industry and appeals to the people you want to reach.
It's true that this name might be your own given name, or even a nickname, however it's best when the name you choose is unique or memorable. Also, you'll need to set up websites and social media accounts. website that showcases your content and interact with your fans.
Be active and engage
Being an online creator is making! The majority of this material is digital. It could include videos, blog posts and social media updates and podcasts. Your content should reflect your brand and your business, and provide value for your customers.
Engaging with your audience or your members is crucial in building a strong brand. This means responding to comments, DMs, and emails as well as creating a sense of community around the brand. It is also possible to consider hosting live Q&A sessions or meetups to engage with your customers in person.
Skills you need to be the digital creator
To become a digital artist, you must have several skills. you don't just need to be creative and artistic as well as have an intriguing perspective on your niche, but the most successful creators are extremely focused entrepreneurs, as well as people who have clear strategies for content and communication.
It takes a variety of abilities for being a digital artist like a memorable appearance on camera
Here are some of the most crucial capabilities you will require as a digital creator
Creativity
As a digital creator is a must to be innovative in all you do . The clue is in the title! Creative thinking involves coming up with new concepts for content, talking well on camera if you are making video and creating visually appealing images - and this includes thumbnails for videos, as well as appealing pictures on Instagram.
Also, you'll need to be continually finding ways to engage with your viewers like Ask Me Anythings (AMAs) or sharing behind the scenes footage.
Communication
Clear communication is key for building a brand and thus when progressing in your profession as a creator. You'll need to be able effectively communicate your thoughts and your brand's message to the people you want to reach, so you'll need interpersonal abilities and a sharpness of thought as well as speaking.
Communication that is more business-oriented is crucial for professional digital creators as you'll likely be attending discussions with representatives from brands and businesses looking to collaborate with you or sponsor your work, along in meetings with other creators who you wish to collaborate with. Communicating your ideas clearly and with a sense of fairness is vital.
Business sense
Similar to the previous point, having discussions with fellow creators means you need be aware of how collaboration projects can benefit you and everyone involved.
Do you want to connect with an entirely new market? Re-ignite the passion with those who have been less active? Spark a debate? Perhaps encourage the sale of products? All of these require clever positioning of your brand, understanding your USP inside-out, and an ability to market the idea and product.
Some examples of digital creators that have been successful
Rhett as well as Link: Rhett McLaughlin and Charles Lincoln 'Link' Neal III (also called Rhett and Link are friends since 2006. They co-founded 'Good Mythical morning", a YouTube comedy channel which discusses pop and food topics in addition to posting regularly on social media, as well as host the Ear Biscuits podcast.
Kevin Smith: Filmmaker, actor, comedian and author Kevin Smith got his big break when he directed, and starred in "Clerks," a film. He went on to create the cult character Jay and Silent Bob with Jason Mewes. Nowadays he is a famous YouTuber, author and host of a variety of shows that are on the SModcast Podcast Network. These include Fatman Beyond and Hollywood Babble-On.
Molly Baz Author, recipe developer as well as food stylist. Molly Bazlaunched her digital creator career at Bon Appetit magazine, where she tested and developed recipes, wrote articles, and starred in videos on the brand's YouTube channel. She has since launched her own brand of cooking, mollybaz.com that includes social media as well as a YouTube channel.
Scott Aukerman The comedian, actor and writer is well-known as the host and creator on Comedy Bang! Bang! Comedy Bang! Bang! podcast. He was the creator and star of the show 'Between Two Fingers along with Zach Galifianakis' and has been featured in TV shows like Parks and Recreation. He was the co-founder of the Earwolf podcast network and has received the award twice. Primetime Emmy Awards.
Jean-Jacques Pepin: You don't have to be young to become an artist in the digital realm! Jacques Pepin has been cooking professionally for a long time. His latest venture, the Jacques Pepin Foundation video recipe book, combines cookbooks with a the video-based membership program, which allows users to view famous chefs cook meals in their homes, and download the recipes should you'd like to follow the recipe.
Conclusion
Digital creators are not just about creating content. It's also about creating your brand, and engaging your community or members. Although it requires some time and dedication to develop an established business, it's also a satisfying career that allows you to impart your unique insight to everyone around the globe.
Finding your passion by identifying your niche, creating your own brand, creating engaging content, and engaging with your audience You can be an effective digital creator!