When I started this blog and my Instagram back in 2018, becoming a full-time Content Creator wasn’t on my radar. I didn’t know people were making a living from content creation! Once I did research and found out I could make a full-time income from doing something that I love, I knew it had to become a goal of mine.
Of course, with that goal came many days and nights of exhaustion and questioning myself. How would I make enough money to replace a 9-5 job? What if I don’t make enough in one month to pay my bills?
However, once I invested in my business and knowledge and started to become intentional about hitting my financial goals, I knew this was a journey I could take on with confidence.
It has been exciting and fulfilling to gain the freedom to run my own business. If you’re interested in doing the same in the future, I want to share lessons I’ve learned since becoming a full-time Content Creator that you should keep in mind!
Full-Time Creator Lessons:
Taking Time Off is Necessary
It’s easy to work all day and night once you start your business. You no longer keep track of time because you’re at home 24/7.
The excitement of growing your brand can take over and you want to do everything at once. However, this can cause more harm as time goes on.
Just like you schedule PTO at a 9-5 job and stop working at a certain time, you should do the same as a Content Creator.
Filming content, editing, promoting your brand, and keeping up with administrative tasks isn’t easy. On the outside looking in, people may think we’re living our best lives, but in reality, we’re exhausted!
Have a cut-off time each day for when you’ll stop working on content and schedule vacation time. The beauty of having your own business is you can take time off whenever.
Don’t get caught up in growing your business as fast as possible that you neglect your personal needs.
Related Post: 7 Ways to Practice Self-Care as a Content Creator
Multiple Streams of Income is Key
There are many ways to make money as a Content Creator, and if you plan on doing this full-time, establishing multiple income streams is important.
One way to make money is by working with brands, however, you can’t fully rely on this one stream forever. Some months are slower than others and you may not receive a lot of partnerships. That’s why you should always have another stream to fall back on.
Whether you choose to create your own products, use affiliate links, contribute to other blogs, or display advertisements on your website, passive income will build-up over time and you won’t have to worry about not having any money.
Related Post: How to Increase Your Income as a Content Creator
Investing in Yourself is Important
Have you ever heard people say that you have to spend money to make money? Well, it’s true!
When you start out as a Content Creator, you’ll have to invest in your business and may end up spending more than you make.
Over time, I’ve had to upgrade my equipment to create better quality content, revamp my website, and invest in coaches and their digital products to improve my knowledge on certain topics.
These purchases were worth it because they taught me how to become a better creator and make more money doing what I love. Trust that whatever you spend on your business will come back to you!
Always Have a Contract in Place
No matter what type of work you’re doing with someone, there should always be a contract that you both sign.
Contracts will protect you and include all of the necessary information needed for a successful business relationship. You can’t trust that everything communicated through email or over the phone will happen.
No matter how much money you’re getting paid or how well you know someone, you shouldn’t move forward without it. Make sure you always read your contracts thoroughly and understand what you’re signing.
Related Post: A Breakdown of Terms to Know in Influencer Contracts
You Can’t Please Everyone
One of the last lessons I’ve learned as a full-time Content Creator is you can’t please everyone, and that’s okay!
When you start creating content, it’s easy to worry about what everyone will think, however, I’m here to encourage you to post what you want.
No matter what you decide to create, someone will always have an opinion, but it shouldn’t stop you from showing up as your authentic self.
Your content can’t be for everyone. You’ll find your true target audience as you continue to create what makes you happy. Don’t worry about the people who unfollow, they make room for the ones who should be there!
This journey has been exciting and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for my brand. I’m always learning something new and it’s encouraging to see how much I’ve accomplished so far.
Becoming a full-time Content Creator won’t happen overnight. You have to put in the time and dedication to grow your brand, however, the end result will be worth it.
Be patient and have fun on this journey!
6 Comments
Great post and forever learning but all of these are huge facts
Thank you so much sis 💕 I’m sure these lessons will change every year because there’s always something new to learn and grow from.
This was so insightful. 💛 I’m sure as you continue learning/growing as a content creator you’ll have even more gems to share. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much sis! We’re always learning something new daily on this journey and I love sharing my knowledge.
Hello, I was wanting to know where would I get the contract from to get started? I’m a newbie fashion influencer so I have no clue
Hey! I purchased my contract from a lawyer, her name is @advisedbysteph on Instagram. She has a “Brand Deal Negotiation” playbook where she breaks down each part of a contract and you receive your own personal one to use for brand partnerships. If this is outside of your budget, they have free versions on Google but they usually don’t include all of the info which is a downside.