Two obstacles faced by content creators and how to overcome them

It’s no surprise that the ‘creator economy’ is booming! Just a quick browse through social media and one can’t help but notice the many vlogs especially in the entertainment and travel field, being shared by local content creators.

Once you have a passion and a smartphone you can start creating content. Be that as it may, content creation is not without its challenges. Below are three challenges faced by content creators and tips to deal with these challenges.

Monetization – To say content creation can be tiring is an understatement. A burning question for many creators: is it worth it? Do you feel as if you are making as much money as you deserve? A recent international study indicated that 35 per cent of content creators don’t feel they’re earning a reasonable income. Unfortunately, working tirelessly but not earning what you think you’re worth is a sure way to feel burn out.

How to overcome this?

• Safe guard your content – set your content so people will either need to pay for it or join your email list to access it. Bear in mind though, that an effective lead generator is needed to make this happen.

• Sell your own digital products – promote your own products in your content including any courses, videos or membership sites.

• Do sponsorships or collabs with other brands – Brands also like to work with a smaller more engaged base, for example someone with 500 or even up to 1000 or 1500 followers.

Even if your following in not beyond 5,000, that doesn’t mean you can’t provide value to a brand.

Finding the time – More than likely you manage each aspect of your business on your own which you doesn’t leave much extra time in the day. Added to that is trying to work your content creation schedule around family and other responsibilities.

How to overcome this?

• Outsourcing some of your tasks – You may be great at content creation but may need help with graphic design and book keeping for example. We are not all experts at everything.

• Schedule self-care – When it gets hectic, self-care is often neglected, therefore exercise and healthy eating should be included in your calendar. Remember you can’t pour from an empty cup.

• Set firm boundaries between your work and personal life – This is especially the case if you work from home. Decide when you will work and when you won’t.

• Connect with other content creators – It helps to connect with other creators in the same boat. Having support can make a difference in building a sustainable business.

•  Charge what you’re worth – If you’re new, you may think your best approach is to accept free products in exchange for promotion or visibility; while this may help in a one-off situation, it’s not sustainable. Highlight the value you bring to the table and charge your worth!

Candice Sealey is the Founder & Principal Consultant at Ignite! a Full-service Marketing & PR Consultancy that helps businesses/brands to stand out and communicate the right message to the right people at the right time through Strategy, Marketing, Media services and Design solutions.
She is also a freelance content writer, advertising copywriter, voiceover talent, media personality. Follow us on FB & IG @igniteresults Phone:784-432-2223. Email:igniteresults@gmail.coms