Terms
More than 50 million individuals consider themselves to be influencers or digital creators
It could be that everywhere you look there are digital media creators, social media professionals and influencers. You're not wrong! Today, more than 50 million people around the world consider themselves to be digital creators or influencers according to the Influencer Marketing Hub which also estimates that the market for influencer marketing is expected to reach about $21 billion by 2023.
The terms "digital creators or influencers' might seem interchangeable, they're distinct. In this post, we'll explore the definition of an online creator, and how it differs from being an influencer and how to make one.
The definition: What is a digital creator?
Digital creators are those who creates online content on different platforms. This could include social media, blogs, podcasts, or videos. They create and share content that is authentic to them and their image, and typically are able to identify a particular niche or audience they target.
Digital creators are those who is focused on building an audience of fans, engaging with their audience, and sharing their often individual perspective on the topic.
What makes a digital creator different from an influencer?
While there is overlap between an influencer and creator but there are some major distinctions. An influencer is someone who enjoys a huge number of followers on social mediatypically with a number of hundreds or thousands or even millions -- and frequently utilizes that audience to advertise products or services.
They typically work with brands to create commercial content. Their earnings are often linked to the amount of followers they've got.
Creators, on the other hand tends to create content that is unique to the individual and their branding. While they may also work in conjunction with other brands, their primary priority is creating content that resonates with their target audience. Creators' income may originate from several sources like the sponsorship of a brand, membership fees, sales or advertising revenue.
How to become a digital creator
Being a digital artist cannot be achieved in a flash. It takes effort, time and dedication to develop an effective brand. Here are some steps you can take to begin:
Find your niche
The first step to becoming a digital artist is to find your niche. What is it that you are passionate about? What is your unique viewpoint that you can add to the discussion? What are the topics you can add significant value to?
As a digital creator Your niche must be something that you are knowledgeable about like food, for instance.
You'll want to choose an area that you are interested in and knowledgeable about and that has an audience. Be sure to make your niche more specific. In different ways, the more specific your field, the more likely you will be able to distinguish yourself in a crowded market.
Build your brand
When you've discovered your field of interest, it's time to start building your personal identity. This includes creating a brand name, logo, and design style that is in line with your industry and appeals to your audience.
It's true that this name could be your personal name or nickname. However, it will most be helpful when the name you choose is that is memorable or unique. You'll also want to create your own social media profiles and a website that showcases your content and interact with your fans.
Engage and be engaging
The core of being an online creator is well, creating! The majority of this content is digital , and can comprise blog posts, videos and social media updates and podcasts, and more. Your content should be authentic to you and your brand, and provide value to your audience.
Engaging with your followers or customers is essential in building a strong brand. This means responding to comments, DMs, and emails as well as creating a sense of community around your brand. Also, you might want to consider hosting events such as live Q&A or meetups to engage with your customers in person.
The skills you require to become the digital creator
Being a creator on the internet requires a variety of skills; you not only need to be artistic and imaginative as well as have an intriguing perspective on your niche However, the most successful creators are highly focussed entrepreneurs as well as business professionals with clearly defined strategies for communication and content.
There are a lot of skills for being a digital artist such as a memorable presence on the camera
Here are a few of the most crucial skills you need to be a digital creator
Creativity
As a digital creator is a must to be innovative in all that you do. The hint is in the title! Creative thinking involves coming up with innovative ideas for contentand speaking effectively on camera if you're creating video and creating visually appealing images - and this includes thumbnails for videos as well as attractive pictures on Instagram.
You'll also need to be always looking for new methods to interact with your audiences, such as with Ask Me Anythings (AMAs) or sharing behind the scenes footage.
Communication
Clear communication is key in the creation of a brand, and, consequently, when you progress through your career as a digital creator. It is essential effectively communicate your thoughts as well as your message to your target audience, therefore you'll require strong interpersonal skills and clarity of thinking as well as speaking.
More business-minded communication is also essential for digital professionals; you'll potentially be having meetings with brand reps and organizations looking to partner with you or sponsor your work, as well as with other creators you want to collaborate with. Getting your point across concisely and fairly is essential.
Business sense
As above, having discussions with fellow creators means you need to understand how collaborative initiatives will bring benefits to you and all those involved.
Do you want to connect with new audiences? Bring back the excitement with people who aren't as engaged? Spark a debate? Perhaps encourage the sale of some product? These all require smart branding, knowing your USP from top to bottom, and an ability to market - both ideas and products.
Some examples of digital creators that have been successful
Rhett and Link: Rhett McLaughlin and Charles Lincoln 'Link' Neal III also named Rhett and Link are friends since the year 2006. They co-founded 'Good Mythical morning", a YouTube comedy channel where they discuss pop and food topics and also posts frequently on social networks, as well as host the Ear Biscuits podcast.
Kevin Smith: Actor, filmmaker, comedian and writer Kevin Smith got his big breakthrough when he wrote, directed and played in the movie 'Clerks'. He went on to create the cult characters Jay as well as Silent Bob with Jason Mewes. He is now a well-known YouTuber, author and the host of numerous programs that are on the SModcast Podcast Network. These include Fatman Beyond and Hollywood Babble-On.
Molly Baz: Author, recipe creator as well as food stylist. Molly Baz began her digital-creative career in Bon Appetit magazine, where she created and tried recipes, wrote essays, as well as appeared in video clips on the company's YouTube channel. Molly Baz has launched her own cooking brand, mollybaz.com that includes the social media platform and YouTube channel.
Scott Aukerman: The actor, comedian and writer is well-known as the creator and host for the Comedy Bang! Bang! podcast. He created and starred in the show 'Between Two Fingers 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 There's no need to be old to become a digital creator! Jacques Pepin has been cooking professionally for many decades. The latest project, which he has launched, is The Jacques Pepin Foundation video recipe book, is a combination of cookbook and videos as a membership option, allowing you to watch celebrity chefs prepare meals at their homes, and take a copy of the recipes in case you're looking to learn.
Conclusion
Being a digital creator is not only about making content. It's also about creating a brand and engaging with the people in your network or. It takes the time and energy to create an established business, it's also a satisfying job that lets you impart your unique insight to all of the world.
By finding your niche and establishing your brand making engaging content, and engaging with your audience, you can become an effective digital creator!