Create your very own Auto Publish News/Blog Site and Earn Passive Income in Just 4 Easy Steps
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Since 2016, I have built my career by developing strategies and producing content for YouTubers, brands and influencers alike. Back then, entering this industry came at a high price, both financially and creatively. In those early days, the desire to become an influencer felt like the pursuit of a rarefied form of celebrity.
The learning curve was steep and success required careful content curation. It was an era characterized by exclusivity.
Then came TikTok. Suddenly the barriers fell and the entry point became accessible to everyone. With just a smartphone and an idea, anyone could step into the spotlight and share their creativity with the world. From overnight “it girls” to everyday people transitioning from 9-5 jobs to full-time creatives, TikTok has revolutionized the way people achieve financial independence.
Personally, I was swept up in this wave of democratization and took the opportunity to share my knowledge and insights about marketing and entrepreneurship through my own content as a “Latinapreneur” and use the platform to promote my services as a marketing strategist.
Not only was I able to quickly scale my service-based business, but I also started working with some of my favorite brands. In 2023, I earned over $250,000 from branded content, solidifying my position as a successful content creator with the ability to work full-time if I wanted.
However, this spontaneous rise to fame and fortune is not a universal experience for every content creator. In fact, even for experienced YouTubers, there is usually a drought season where brand deals fall through and algorithm changes limit content reach. I know the fight all too well.
Related: I made $389,822 on YouTube in one year. I did it that way
One moment you're riding the wave of virality and the next you're refreshing your emails and hoping a brand representative isn't actually bothering you. The truth is that there are no guarantees in this area. Deals can fail, campaigns can be canceled and budgets can suddenly dry up.
For creatorpreneurs tired of being at the mercy of quarterly marketing budgets and 90+ day payment deadlines, here's a roadmap for moving from brand collaboration to brand.
1. Redefine your identity
The way you talk about yourself determines the opportunities you get. Think beyond your current role and imagine where you want to be. Start branding yourself accordingly and make your platform an added asset rather than the sole focus.
Related: How to Create Consistent Branding That Sticks
2. Mobilize your audience
Although you may be tired of hearing about it, building an email list is crucial to engaging your audience. If email isn't your thing, consider communities like WhatsApp or Discord. Don’t wait for another possible platform ban to take action.
3. Identify successful concepts
Which of your pieces of content caused a stir on social media? What do your followers constantly ask for? These are your concepts for success. Discover how to develop and monetize them.
Related: 4 Ways to Use TikTok for Startup Growth
4. Start small and scale up
You don't have to jump straight into high-priced offers. Start with something simple, like lead magnets or affordable mini-courses. The goal is to create a product with minimal investment. I recently started a vision board mini-course that raised over $8,000 in the first month. From ideation to publication, including compiling the content for advertising, it took just four hours.
5. Broaden your horizons
While creators often focus on diversifying content types and transitioning to long form, I believe the discussion about diversification should be broader. For example, I recently took on a position as an executive and creative lead at an entertainment company. This move has opened up opportunities for professional development in a completely new field.
While the creator economy is booming, questions remain about its long-term sustainability and fair compensation for influencers and content creators.
Most content seems to position brand partnerships as that abundant and crucial indicator of success in the creator economy. Although brand partnerships can be lucrative and valuable, they are only one piece of the larger puzzle.
It's time to expand the conversation and recognize the multiple paths to success for content creators and highlight the importance of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship beyond traditional brand collaborations.
Create your very own Auto Publish News/Blog Site and Earn Passive Income in Just 4 Easy Steps
