9 Simple Steps For How to Become a Freelance Content Creator

As a content creator, there’s a market out there just waiting for your unique voice and creativity. You can share stunning photos on Instagram and create hilarious TikTok or YouTube videos.

As a digital content creator myself, I can tell you there are ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade this job for my old 9 to 5 whatsoever!

I’ve used this blog to share my interests and the ways I’ve made money over time, and I started doing that on YouTube a little, too.

It’s made enough money that my wife and I could do it full-time, and with good content and effort, you could do it, too!

So, let’s talk about how to become a freelance content creator in this huge digital age:

Key Takeaways

Content creators include bloggers, bloggers, Twitch streamers, YouTubers, TikTok influencers, and more- so you can create media from multiple streams!
Starting your content creation journey requires minimal investment outside of time, making it an inexpensive small business idea.
Pick your content streams and what niche you could talk about a lot and resonates with a lot of people.
Making money from your creations is doable through affiliate marketing, sponsored content, advertising revenue, and product sales.
Standing out in freelance content creation involves developing a unique brand, producing engaging content in your niche, and utilizing tools and platforms to grow your following.

How To Become A Freelance Content Creator

Content creators come in all shapes and sizes, from bloggers and vloggers to podcasters and Instagram influencers.

What sets them apart online is their ability to connect with their audience through their work. Any one of them is a successful content creator because of how they relate to others.

They might share their expertise, entertain with humor, inspire with creativity, or educate with valuable information that keeps followers coming back.

Let’s talk about how you can get started in content creation and grow your following:

1. Flex Your Skills & Pick A Niche

Flexing your skills and finding a niche to become a content creator is all about finding your talents and interests.

Start by taking stock of your strengths and interests. What are you naturally good at? Are you a fantastic writer, a whiz with graphic design, or a captivating storyteller?

Next, consider your passions and what topics you’re most enthusiastic about. Is there a particular hobby, industry, or area of expertise that you find yourself constantly drawn to?

Maybe it’s sustainable living, DIY projects, or mindfulness practices.

By staying true to yourself and providing value to your audience, you’ll be able to find inspiration for new and entertaining content in your niche.

2. Decide On Your Content/Interests

Once you’ve narrowed down your niche, it’s time to decide on your specific content creation and interests within that niche.

Start by brainstorming topics that align with your chosen niche. Think about the aspects of your niche that excite you the most and that you feel confident discussing.

When I started as a content creator, I decided the more niche I went, the easier it was to stand out and connect with readers who needed help with money.

Instead of just “making money” as a huge topic, I focused on key things people struggle with: “side hustles for stay-at-home parents” or “investment strategies for beginners.”

Ultimately, the goal is to choose content that not only aligns with your interests and expertise but also provides value to your audience.

3. Learn About Affiliate Marketing

Learning about affiliate marketing can be a game-changer for freelance content creators looking to monetize their skills and expertise.

It’s a powerful strategy that allows you to earn commissions by promoting products or services through your digital content.

Start by learning the fundamentals of affiliate marketing and how it fits into your overall digital marketing strategy and freelance content creation.

Understanding concepts like commission structures, tracking links, and conversion rates will give you a solid foundation for your affiliate marketing strategy.

Investing in online courses like the Legendary Marketer course will help you deepen your knowledge and skills in affiliate marketing.

I took the free workshop and was mindblown about some of the ways I could work with brands and be honest about side hustle apps.

4. Get Good Equipment

As a freelance content creator, I know how important investing in good equipment is for creating high-quality work for multiple projects in the digital world.

Whether I’m making YouTube videos, writing articles, or editing content, having the right tools has made a significant difference in the quality of my work.

Here are some essential tools to use in content creation:

A reliable computer for editing
A high-quality camera for video content
Software and services like Grammarly for proofreading and editing
Social media management platforms to streamline your workflow
A ring light or a softbox lighting kit can transform the visual appeal of your content
A flexible tripod or a portable charger for videos on the go

5. Join Social Media Platforms

As a digital marketer, you need to get on platforms to reach your target audience and promote your new personal brand.

Some popular social media apps to consider are:

Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
TikTok

Using multiple digital platforms can increase your reach and engagement to drive more traffic to your content across the board.

6. Create Content

Whether it’s content writing, video content, or graphic design, our ability to produce high-quality content sets us apart from other freelance content creators.

Once you’ve figured out your content topics, it’s time to dive in and start creating content. Don’t let perfectionism hold you back—just start putting your ideas into action.

You’ll need some writing skills to script some content; you want to eliminate dead space and plan a little structure for sharing your ideas and interests.

When you create content, think of your potential clients and audience first. Tailor your content to address their needs, pain points, and interests.

By providing valuable solutions and insights, you can establish yourself as a trusted resource and attract new clients and followers.

7. Attract Followers

It takes time to build a following- no social media content creators had thousands in a week or a month after starting! You need to focus on growing your content offerings and seeing how people react.

Attracting followers is about building a strong own brand to deliver value to your audience, giving them information, details, and laughs.

There are several strategies you can use to grow your audience and gain more exposure:

Create valuable content that resonates with your audience consistently.
Engage with your followers personally to foster connections and strengthen your brand.
Collaborate with other creators or brands in your niche by co-hosting a webinar, guest posting on a popular blog, or participating in a joint social media campaign.
Ask for feedback or followers to comment on what they like/think/do related to a topic.
If you’re doing videos, do a mix of short and long content

If what you’re creating isn’t landing, that’s the main sign to go back to the drawing board. Dive into what similar creators are doing, and do your own spin-off that relates to your niche.

8. Engage With Comments

Whether you’re a content writer or involved in digital marketing, responding to comments can provide valuable feedback and help you improve your communication skills.

End your videos or articles with a Call To Action (CTA)- a question or comment that gets people thinking and encourages them to respond.

Then, answer comments promptly and thoughtfully. Acknowledge and appreciate the feedback, whether it’s praise, questions, or constructive criticism.

Showing that you value your audience’s input fosters a sense of community and encourages further engagement.

Use the feedback to help make future decisions about content creation and identify topics or formats that resonate with your audience.

9. Optimize Your Content

Successful content creators have learned how to create entertaining and helpful content and have mastered SEO for some content.

SEO stands for search engine optimization, and it isn’t just for blogs – though it’s very important in my case!

My blog relies on SEO to make sure my content appears on Google when you want to know stuff like this.

But video creators and YouTubers can use SEO in ways to get there content where it should be.

To optimize your content effectively, start by doing thorough keyword research to find relevant keywords and information that your target audience is likely looking for.

Once you’ve identified your target keywords and topics, strategically use them in your content. This includes your headlines, titles, descriptions, and body content.

FAQs

What is a content creator?

A content creator creates and shares content on various online platforms, including social media apps, blogs, and other websites.

We produce high-quality content that resonates with readers, listeners, and viewers, whether it’s through articles, videos, photos, or other forms of media.

The role of a content creator job is to engage with people on a wife variety of topics, creating content that informs, entertains, and connects with users.

How much money do content creators make?

Industry leaders like ZipRecruiter estimate that content creators are earning an average of $116,615 a year.

The income varies widely depending on factors such as audience size, content niche, monetization strategies, and level of engagement.

Does it take money to start working as a content creator?

Starting as a content creator typically doesn’t require a significant financial investment, especially if you’re leveraging platforms like social media, YouTube, or a blog.

Many content creators begin with just a smartphone or a computer and access to the Internet. 

While it’s possible to start with minimal expenses, investing in equipment such as cameras, microphones, and editing software can improve the quality of your content and help you stand out.

Additionally, some creators may choose to invest in courses, workshops, or tools to improve their skills or streamline their workflow.

What sort of content can I create?

You can create content depending on your interests, skills, and the preferences of your audience. The possibilities are virtually endless!

If your niche is gardening, you can take videos of your process and the fruits of your labor and write about how people can create their own gardens.

If you like fashion and sewing, you can start a podcast about red-carpet outfits or record yourself making show-stopping outfits.

I love gaming, and Twitch streamers often have fun speed runs to watch or can show me a game I’ve been thinking about buying and want to get a feel for before dropping the money.

You need to target your main interests and decide what you want to share with the world and how you can tell people about it.

What types of content are most in demand?

The demand for content varies depending on factors such as audience preferences, current trends, and industry needs.

However, some types of content tend to be consistently popular and in demand across different platforms. Here are a few examples:

Blog Posts: Share your thoughts, experiences, and expertise on a specific niche through content creation on a blog hosted on a platform like Bluehost (free domain name!).
Videos: Create engaging videos on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram, covering topics such as tutorials, vlogs, product reviews, or entertainment.
Podcasts: Host and produce audio content on subjects you’re passionate about, interviewing guests, sharing stories, or discussing current events.
Social Media Posts: To engage with your audience, share photos, captions, stories, and live streams on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
Ebooks or Guides: Compile your knowledge into comprehensive guides or ebooks that provide value to your audience and can be distributed or sold. 

How can I grow my audience as a new content creator?

As a new content creator, focus on consistently producing high-quality articles or videos that resonate with your target audience.

Respond to comments and messages from your audience, and use social media to boost your content and encourage sharing.

Collaborate with other creators, optimize your content for search engines, cross-promote across different channels, and always prioritize offering value to your audience.

Would I earn more money blogging or from social media videos?

The potential earnings from blogging versus social media videos can vary depending on factors such as your audience size, engagement rate, content niche, and monetization strategies.

Blogging has made me six figures, and both Brittany and I could quit our jobs. Our YouTube channel is slow going, but we enjoy making videos!

But so far, the blog brings in more money for us.

How do I monetize my content?

Monetizing your content involves generating revenue from the content you create. Here are some common ways to monetize your content:

Advertising: Display ads on your website, blog, or YouTube videos through ad networks like Google AdSense to earn money based on the number of ad impressions or clicks.
Sponsorships: Partner with brands or companies to promote their products or services in your content.
Affiliate Marketing: Promote products or services through affiliate links in your content. You earn a commission for each sale or action generated through your referral.
Paid Subscriptions or Memberships: Offer premium content or exclusive access to your audience for a subscription fee.
Merchandise Sales: Create and sell branded merchandise such as clothing, accessories, or digital products like ebooks or online courses.

How can I become a content creator with no experience?

The path to becoming a content creator with no experience may seem impossible, but it is doable.

Find Your Passion: Choose a niche you’re passionate about or knowledgeable in.
Know Your Audience: Understand who your target audience is and what they’re interested in.
Start Creating: Begin making content in your chosen format using free tools and resources.
Learn and Improve: Continuously educate yourself and experiment with new techniques.
Engage with Your Audience: Interact with your audience to build relationships and grow your following.
Be Consistent: Stick to a regular posting schedule to keep your audience engaged.
Network and Collaborate: Connect with other creators in your niche for support and opportunities.

Final Thoughts

When becoming a content creator, remember that success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, dedication, and a willingness to learn and adapt.

Whether you’re passionate about writing, creating videos, or engaging on social media, I have found the key is to stay true to yourself and your interests while giving value to your audience.

By following the tips and strategies I’ve given in my post, you’ll be well-equipped to start creating content for your audience and build your brand as a content creator.