Becoming a successful social media content creator

Here at Memberful, we are acutely aware that the role of a social media content creator has become an increasingly attractive career, for independent publishers and in-house staff alike. But what exactly does it entail?

A social media content creator produces engaging content for various social media platforms such as Instagram, aiming to capture the interest of audiences and perhaps promote brands or personal profiles. They are a fundamental part of today's digital landscape, as they play a crucial role in shaping online trends and consumer behavior.

What does a social media content creator do?

The responsibilities of a social media content creator are vast and varied. They include brainstorming content ideas, creating posts, videos, and stories, managing social media accounts, and interacting with followers.

The creative process involves ideation, planning, execution, and analysis, ensuring that the content resonates with the target audience and meets the goals of the brand or individual.

To excel as a social media content creator, you’ll need several key skills:

• Creativity and innovation: You’ll need to come up with fresh, engaging ideas that stand out. Think about questions you can answer better than anyone else, or a topic that you are more passionate about than most other people.
• An understanding of social media platforms: Know the ins and outs of platforms like TikTok, X, and Facebook. To reach a broader audience, don't limit yourself to just one platform. Make sure to tailor your content to suit each platform’s features.
• Communication and quality: Craft messages that are clear, compelling and geared to your audience. Invest in good equipment – such as cameras, microphones, and lighting – to ensure your content is visually and audibly appealing.

You'll need the right equipment to make great content

Content creators rely on various tools and platforms to enhance their work. These can include:

• Content creation tools: Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Figma and other graphic design software for creating and designing content.
• Social media management tools: Hootsuite, Buffer, and Sprout Social for scheduling and managing posts.
• Analytics tools: Google Analytics, Instagram Insights, and others platforms to track performance and engagement.

Managing social media: Strategy and tips

As with any job (or hobby) in content creation, to have any real long-term success you’ll need to develop a robust content strategy. Content is part science (strategy) and part art (aesthetics). For social media, as with all other platforms, your strategy should involve:

• Identifying the target audience: Understand who you are creating content for. Choose a specific area of interest or topic you have expertise in.
• Setting goals and objectives: Determine what you want to achieve with your content. Are you looking to grow your following? Do you want to sign a brand deal with a certain company? Are you looking to earn an amount of money or yearly revenue?
• Creating a content calendar: Plan out what content will be posted and when. Something as simple as Google Calendar will work perfectly.

A content calendar is a crucial part of any content strategy

Here are some tips to bear in mind when creating your content – especially because social media is such a visual channel of communication:

• Engaging with media assets: Use high-quality images and videos to capture attention.
• Crafting compelling captions: Write captions that tell a story or ask questions to encourage interaction.
• Utilize hashtags effectively: Use relevant hashtags to increase reach and visibility.
• Leverage user-generated content: Share content created by your followers to build community and trust.

Building your audience and monetizing your content

Of course, becoming a successful social media content creator takes more than simply creating social media. Growing a loyal audience. in order to earn a living, requires effort and strategy Here are a few tips for growing your following:

• Engagement: Know what your audience likes and interacts with.
• Strategies for growth: Host giveaways, collaborate with other creators, and use paid promotions.
• Collaborations and partnerships: Work with other influencers to expand your reach and credibility. This can help you reach new audiences and gain more followers. Cross-promotions and shout-outs can be mutually beneficial.

Collaborations and partnerships can improve your reach on social media

There are various ways to monetize content. Here are the most common:

• Ad revenue and sponsorships: Partner with brands for sponsored posts and ads.
• Affiliate marketing: Promote products and earn commissions on sales.
• Membership: Many famous creators earn revenue by charging their audience, on a monthly or yearly basis, for access to some or all of their content. You could use our platform Memberful to achieve this.
• Selling your own products/services: Use your platform to sell your own products or services, perhaps using an ecommerce website such as WooCommerce by WordPress.

Challenges faced by content creators

The life of a content creator is not without its challenges. Here are the most common:

Burnout

Consistency is key so keeping up with constant content creation can be exhausting: burnout is a common way. Read more on Overcoming burnout: The importance of North Stars with Amanda Northcutt.

Keeping up

Staying relevant requires being on top of the latest trends. Social media trends and algorithms are constantly changing. Stay updated with the latest trends, features, and best practices. Be willing to adapt and experiment with new content ideas.

Dealing with negative feedback

Handling criticism and negativity professionally is crucial. Be genuine and authentic in your content. Audiences appreciate authenticity and are more likely to connect with creators who are true to themselves – even then, you’ll need a thick skin.

Case studies of successful social media content creators

Learn from those who have succeeded. Many influencers have built massive followings and lucrative careers by leveraging their unique skills and strategies. They may even offer e-courses or lessons on how they found fame.

These case studies demonstrate that success as a content creator often involves a mix of unique content, consistent engagement, persistence, authenticity, and the ability to adapt and grow within the ever-changing landscape of social media.

Emma Chamberlain

Emma’s raw and unfiltered fashion content resonated with younger audiences, differentiating her from more polished influencers. Her candid discussions about everyday life, mental health, and personal struggles makes her highly relatable. She has collaborated with major brands like Louis Vuitton and even created her own coffee brand, Chamberlain Coffee.

Rhett and Link

Rhett McLaughlin and Charles Lincoln ‘Link’ Neal III – just known as Rhett and Link – have been together since 2006. They created ‘Good Mythical Morning’, a comedy YouTube channel that discusses food and pop culture, as well as posting regularly on social media, and hosting the Ear Biscuits podcast.

Rhett and Link created ‘Good Mythical Morning'

The Blonde Salad

Chiara Ferragni started her lifestyle blog The Blonde Salad in 2009, capitalizing on the early rise of fashion blogging. High-quality photography and professional styling set her apart from other fashion bloggers. She has since expanded her brand into a fashion line, Chiara Ferragni Collection. As of June 2024, she has over 28 million Instagram followers.

Molly Baz

Author, recipe developer, and food stylist, Molly Baz launched her digital creator career at Bon Appétit magazine, where she developed and tested recipes, wrote articles, and starred in videos on the brand’s YouTube channel. She has since launched her own cooking brand, mollybaz.com which includes social media and a YouTube channel.

FAQs about social media content creators

Still unsure about the definition of a social media content creator or how to become one? Check out these Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a social media content creator?

A social media content creator is someone who produces content for social media platforms to engage audiences in order to sell services, push their personal profiles, or promote brands.

How can I start a career as a content creator?

Start by identifying your niche, creating high-quality content, and consistently engaging with your audience. Utilize social media management tools and analytics to refine your strategy. Most importantly, never give up!

What software do content creators use?

Content creators use software like Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Hootsuite, Buffer, Google Analytics, and Instagram Insights to create, manage, and analyze their content.

What hardware do content creators use?

Social media content creators use mobile phones, cameras, microphones, and lighting to make their content look as good as possible.

Creators may use mobile phones and microphones to make content

How do content creators make money?

Content creators can monetize their work through ad revenue, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, membership and selling products or services.

What is the likely future of social media content creation?

The future looks bright for social media content creation, with emerging trends such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and AI playing increasingly significant roles. Staying ahead of these trends will be key for future success.

Conclusion: Becoming a successful social media content creator

The role of a social media content creator is multifaceted and ever-evolving. It requires a blend of creativity, strategy, and technical skills. By understanding the intricacies of this profession, aspiring creators can better navigate the digital landscape and carve out successful careers.

Becoming a successful social media content creator takes time and dedication. Focus on providing value to your audience, stay true to your voice, and continuously improve your skills. With persistence and passion, you can build a thriving presence on social media. Good luck!