Terms
Over 50 million people consider themselves to be influencers , or digital creators
You may find yourself feeling like everywhere you go, you're surrounded by digital creators professional in social media, as well as influencers. That's true! More than 50 million individuals worldwide believe they are influencers or digital creators , according to the Influencer Marketing Hub which also estimates that the market for influencer marketing is set to grow to around $21 billion by 2023.
The terms "digital creators as well as influencers' could appear to be interchangeable, they're actually distinct. In this guide we'll look at the definition of a digital creator, how it is different when compared to being an influencer, and the steps to make one.
The definition: What is an online creator?
A digital creator is someone who makes online content for different platforms. This can include blogs, social media and podcasts as well as videos. They create and share material that is true to them and their image, and typically are able to identify a particular market or segment they are targeting.
A digital creator is one who is determined to build the community of their followers, engaging with their audience, and sharing their often unique perspective on a subject.
How is a digital creator distinct than an influencer?
While there is overlap between an influencer and creators, there are some key differentiators. An influencer has an enormous following on social media -- often with a number of hundreds or thousands or millions - and regularly utilizes that audience to advertise products or services.
These companies typically collaborate in partnership with companies to develop promotional content. The income is often linked to the amount of followers they've accumulated.
Creators, in contrast tends to create content that is unique to them and their own personal brand. While they may also work with companies, their main goal is to create content that resonates with their target audience. A creator's income can come from a variety of sources like subscriptions, memberships, sales or advertising income.
How can I become a digital creator
Being a digital artist is not something that happens quickly. It takes effort, time, and commitment to build an effective brand. Below are some actions you can take in order to start:
Find your niche
The initial step towards becoming a digital artist is to discover your passion. What is it that you are passionate about? What unique perspective can you contribute to the discussion? What are the topics you can add real value to?
If you're a digital artist you should have a niche that is something you're knowledgeable about like food, for instance.
Choose one that interests you in and knowledgeable about and has a large audience. Do not be scared to be a bit specific: in many aspects, the more specific your niche is, the more likely you will stand out in a crowded market.
Build your image
When you've discovered your field of interest, it's time to start creating your own personal branding. It involves creating a brand name, logo, and design aesthetic that aligns with your industry and appeals to the people you want to reach.
It's true that this name could be your personal name or nickname. However, it's most useful if this name is something unique or memorable. You'll also want to create social media accounts and a website to showcase your content and interact with your fans.
Engage and be engaging
The core of being a digital creator is, well, creating! The majority of this content is digital and could comprise blog posts, videos and social media updates and podcasts, and more. Your content should be true to your company and your business and be valuable to the people who read it.
Engaging with your audience or members is key in building a strong brand. It means responding to feedback, DMs, and emails, and creating the feeling of community surrounding your company. You may also want to think about hosting meetings or live Q&A sessions to engage with your customers in the real world.
The skills you require to become an online creator
Being a creator on the internet requires many skills. you not only need to be arty and creative as well as have an intriguing perspective into your field The most effective creators are highly focussed entrepreneurs and business people with well-defined content and communications strategies.
Qe7BmtM66wVeGytug54L It takes a variety of abilities to become a digital designer such as a memorable presence on camera
Here are some of the most essential capabilities you will require as an online creator:
Creativity
As a digital creator, you need to think creatively in everything that you do. The hint is in the title! Creativity includes coming up with new concepts for content, talking clearly on camera when you're creating video, creating eye-catching visuals - and this includes thumbnails for videos, as well as appealing photos on Instagram.
You'll also need to be continually finding ways to connect with your viewers like Ask Me Anythings (AMAs) or sharing behind-the-scenes footage.
Communication
Communication is essential for building a brand and therefore when progressing through your profession as a creator. You'll need to be able effectively communicate your thoughts as well as your message to your audience so you'll need interpersonal abilities and a sharpness of thought and speaking.
More business-minded communication is also important for professionals who are digital creators; you'll potentially be having discussions with representatives from brands and businesses looking to collaborate with you or sponsor your work, along working with other creators that you would like to partner with. Communicating your ideas clearly and fairly is essential.
Business sense
Similar to the previous point, having discussions with fellow creators requires you to know how collaborative projects will work to benefit you and everyone involved.
Are you aiming to reach new audiences? Revitalize the enthusiasm of those who have been less active? Spark a debate? Maybe encourage sales of products? All of these require clever positioning of your brand, understanding your USP inside-out, and an ability to promote the idea and product.
Digital creators who have succeeded
Rhett Link and HTML0: Link: Rhett McLaughlin and Charles Lincoln 'Link' Neal III (also known as Rhett and Link are friends since 2006. They have created "Good Mythical Morning", a humorous YouTube channel which discusses pop and food topics in addition to posting frequently on social media as well as hosting the Ear Biscuits podcast.
Kevin Smith: Actor, filmmaker, comedian as well as a creator Kevin Smith got his big break in the film industry when he directed and played in the movie "Clerks". Smith later created the iconic 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. Some of them include Fatman Beyond and Hollywood Babble-On.
Molly Baz Writer, recipe designer, and food stylist, Molly Baz launched her online creator career at Bon Appetit magazine, where she tested and developed recipes, created articles and appeared in videos on the channel's YouTube channel. Since then, she has started her own food brand mollybaz.com that includes social media as well as a YouTube channel.
Scott Aukerman: the actor, comedian and writer is well-known as the host and creator for the Comedy Bang! Bang! podcast. He was the creator and star of the TV show 'Between 2 Ferns with Zach Galifianakis' and has appeared in shows such as Parks and Recreation. He founded the Earwolf podcast and received the award twice. Primetime Emmy Awards.
Jacques Pepin It's not necessary to be young to become an online creator! Jacques Pepin has been cooking professionally for many decades. His latest venture, his Jacques Pepin Foundation video recipe book, is a combination of cookbook and the video-based membership program, which allows viewers to see famous chefs cook meals in their own homes and take a copy of the recipes in case you'd like to follow the recipe.
Conclusion
The role of a digital creator is not only about making content, it's about building a brand and engaging with your community or members. It takes the time and energy to create an established brand, it's a rewarding job that lets you communicate your unique viewpoint to the world.
Finding your passion and establishing your brand creating engaging content, as well as engaging with your followers, you can become a successful digital creator!