Embedded Files
I am a content creator with 20.000 followers, 130 videos, and well over a million views on TikTok alone. These numbers are modest compared to some, but they represent a hard-fought journey and a great deal of learning and personal growth. It took two years of awkward starts and stops, many embarrassing videos, and lots of self-education to achieve these results, most of which have come within the last four months.
It is impossible to condense the journey into a single page. It is, however, possible to bullet point the major lessons I've learned and point you to the resources needed to start your journey.
Disclaimers and caveats:
The advice and resources given on this page are not necessarily geared to TikTok alone. They have informed a cross-platform, content creation journey.
The resources provided at the bottom of this page link to individuals who generously give away a great deal of free advice. Most of them, however, sell online courses, books, or consulting services. I do not imply that a single purchase is necessary for you to successfully implement their advice nor am I profiting in any way from connecting you to their content.
Key advice as you begin:
To be a content creator IS to be constantly learning.
The most important thing at the beginning is to place your phone or camera in front of you, hit record, and start talking.
Tech matters less than you think. You don't need slick production to be successful.
That said, ONE piece of technology is important: The microphone. Ensure that your voice is clearly audible on anything you record.
You will need to learn to edit videos. Find the EASIEST editor possible. Favor ease over features.
Don't invest a lot in equipment at first. Work into your equipment over time.
Everybody hates their first videos. You have to make bad videos to get to good ones. It's part of the journey.
Authenticity matters. So does persona. Balance the two.
Set up a consistent schedule of posting, and stick to it.
The top players say that if you will post a piece of content daily to three media channels a day, after one year you will see growth you never thought possible.
You won't remember that brilliant content idea you just had. Write down content ideas as they come to you.
Learn to speak semi-spontaneously to the camera. Fully scripted messages sound too mechanical. Learn to follow an outline.
Social media algorithms are a beast to figure out. Educate yourself as much as you can on how they work.
Look at your competitor's offerings and copy their approach (not their content).
Learn to batch your work. Record and edit several videos at once.
Learn to appreciate your work, even when no one is watching. Eventually, it will be seen, and even if not, it is a valuable step on your journey.
Reply to as many comments as you can.
Of course, think about monetizing your efforts, but have the right strategy. Research!
As social media platforms grow, they start to limit their organic reach and put growth behind a paywall. Newer platforms give away free attention. TikTok is currently giving away free attention. Take advantage of it.
Educate yourself constantly. Use the resources below as a starting point.
Resources
Seth Godin: Seth is an internet pioneer, author, podcaster and blogger who, for many, has transformed the meaning of "marketing" in our time. He has inspired thousands to lead better, to spread their ideas more effectively, but most importantly, to generously serve others (his definition of marketing). His blog is one of the most widely read in the world.
Gary Vaynerchuck: A colorful personality and highly successful entrepreneur. Gary started advertising a small wine company on youtube and eventually built the wildly successful Vayner Media group. Gary Generously shares his knowledge and encouragement in the realm of business and social media growth.
Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCctXZhXmG-kf3tlIXgVZUlw
Important books: "Twelve and a Half." "Crush It."
Dusty Porter: Youtube Creator's Hub Podcast
Dusty interviews a different Youtube creator each week. Ordinary people who have built a following, give invaluable advice from their own journeys.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/youtube-creators-hub/id843566797?mt=2
Think Media: Sean Cannell (and company)
Sean focuses on helping content creators become successful on youtube, but his advice applies across platforms. Think media's videos range from advice on technical setup to content development, monetization, and marketing. There is a lot of material for the absolute beginner.
https://www.youtube.com/user/THiNKmediaTV
Gilian Perkins.
Gilian's journey from underpaid music teacher to wildly successful online business coach is astounding. Her down- to-earth content and authenticity only serve to make her content more effective. Gilian does sell coaching plans, but much can be gained from her free content.
Jacque Hopkins: The Online Course Show.
Jacque is a piano teacher turned online course creator. His podcast features many guests in the online education space. Creating online courses is a natural path to monetization for educators in the social media space.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-online-course-show/id1243692577
Robert Benjamin.
A former member of of Gary Vaynerchuck's social media team, Robert Benjamin struck out on his own to do social media consulting. His youtube videos, while advertisements for his consulting packages, contain some of the best information available right now with respect to triggering social media growth.
https://www.youtube.com/c/RobertBenjaminChannel
Page updated
Report abuse