What Influencers Can Do To Help the Creator Economy (and what this means to you) --
The world witnessed major shifts the world over the last year due to the worldwide epidemic. One of the biggest changes that did not have anything to do with be related to areas of medicine or politics included the Creator Economy. The most significant beneficiaries of that shift were influencers, YouTubers and content creators, all independent business-minded individuals who do what they enjoy while realizing a profit.
These individuals did not come from nowhere, and they're not moving anywhere, but the methods by which they continue to affect the Creator Economy and aid in its growth are becoming more accessible as never before. As such, knowing what the Creator Economy is and how you can begin to benefit from it as a self-sustaining business is crucial for monetizing your own content.
What is the Creator Economy?
Let's take a look at what the Creator Economy really is.
First, it's important to note that the Creator Economy isn't a new concept. Platforms driving the Creator Economy, for example, YouTube, Instagram, and Spotify exist since the late 2000s.
Since content creators who were on those platforms began to garner more attention and get a huge following The brands began to recognize that they could lean on them to influence their followers via covert advertising. This resulted in the growth in the popularity of content sponsored by brands (both authentic and fake) and influencer agency - really, the foundation of the influencer marketing phenomenon which we are witnessing in the present.
However, as SignalFire analyzes with great depth its historical and present situation of the Creator Economy it is possible to identify a few reasons the Creator Economy had to evolve from what was called "influencer marketing" to what it has become. The reasons include:
- Content creators have realized that the platforms may not always have the best interest with them, but shifts in how users behave can dramatically impact the likelihood that certain platforms continue to be financially viable.
- The manner in which platforms determine how and why creators monetize content are often unclear, leading to creators being required to negotiate agreements directly with sponsors in order to earn money from their work.
- There are up to 50 million individuals who are monetizing their work on a daily every day.
- According to Influencer Marketing Hub in May 20, 2021 "it's certain it's safe to say that the Creator Economy boom has hit full stride in 2021 with an approximate $104.2B Market size"
Because of the overwhelming number of creators, and the record-setting amount of money being invested in the ability to monetize by being a creator, the Creator Economy environment has grown more complicated than it ever was.
Are You a YouTuber? Influencer? Creator?
These terms could appear like they are mutually exclusive they were not mutually exclusive during a period of time, they are not. The current situation of the Creator Economy allows creators of content to be the three, and to monetize their work the way that no one could have had ever imagined back in the 2000s.
However, while brand-related deals and sponsored posts are still being viewed as the most important source of income for content creators, there are myriad other ways to monetize the content you're already creating. Different social media platforms have creator funds and programs to compensate creators as well as allow them to collaborate directly with brands that work to their audiences and content.
As mentioned earlier, though creatives have mostly abandoned being limited to a specific platform to avoid having to fret about platforms fatigue, demonetization or being subject to the whims of the brands that provide them with content.
The Demand for Content
Did you know that YouTube isthe second-most visited site around the globe and the sole social media platform that has consistent use across almost every demographic? In addition, according to MediaKix the how-to or tutorial videos make up three of the most popular types of videos on YouTube.
The demand for content that entertains as well as educates is growing and it is expected to expand because Gen Z looks to platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram for creators to assist them in becoming more informed about a range of subjects. The result is that advertising revenue is expected to continue growing on each of these platforms, and possibly some others as well - providing content creators with the chance to earn more through these platforms, and also make money off the content they're already creating.
Content Creators are launching Business of Their Own
In the past, as we mentioned, content creators should really be considered legitimate business in the Creator Economy. This gives them the "opportunity to develop something entirely from scratch at your own pace ( Inc.com)."
If you're thinking of becoming a full-time content creator and taking the leap into unknown territory can be scary. There are a number of facts available to make you reconsider taking the risk. As we've witnessed in the growth of the Creator Economy it is possible for you to cleverly and quickly begin to profit from your content so you can make a livable wage sooner.
Ways to Monetize Your Reach as Content Creator
Creators are discovering many ways to control their business and make the highest possible amount of money from their content.
As a content creator, you still need to build your following on social media sites like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, while utilizing multiple channels to increase your influence and reach. However, there are now a number of ways that creators can maximize their incomes.
It is the result of creators who are independent making money from their work through a variety of channels and platforms, such as personal websites, books, premium content from sites such as OnlyFans, merchandise, and even courses that fans are able to access through memberships and subscriptions.
Some of the most effective options for this are:
- Subscription-based platforms such as Patreon allow creators to cost for exclusive content with a sliding-scale. These platforms do, however, take a cut of the monthly earnings to be able to access the platform.
- If you're thinking of monetizing comments and requests for content applications like NewNew permit users to make a payment to cast their votes on whatever they want to be able to vote on. The app also takes a commission.
- Marketplaces for selling products like Moteefe permit creators to create and sell their own merchandise through social media platforms according to a "need-to-have" basis which means you do not have to purchase stock in advance.
If you're consistently giving your viewers informative content they could benefit from on an ongoing basis, then you're in a great position to create a course and ask your viewers to pay to gain access. There are major platforms available that feature a lot of authors, there are several disadvantages when using these platforms.
In the first place, these websites are flooded with creators, and so there's nothing to encourage users to view your content. This means that if you're the highly competitive field of video content there's a chance that you'll get just a tiny portion of viewers from college students.
Second, some course creation platforms can charge up to $400 per month when you've got a large library of courses and content.
Be the Entrepreneur You Dream to be
Now that you have the information and skills that you require to begin earning cash from your blog Here are some items you'll need to ensure your success.
Download our Business Canvas Creator template to create your own plan for economic sustainability by incorporating the right content.
