How to be a Content Creator in 2025
When you want to make content online and get paid for it, there are 5 steps I tell most people to start with.
Identify what type of content you want to make.
Ask “What sets you apart from your competitors’ content?”
Clarify what results your audience experience following your steps.
Research what brands align with the content you want to create.
Define how long it could take to receive the results.
Identifying content to create.
This is what people define as “niche” content. A content style that focuses in on one genre of storytelling. For example, fashion blogging is a type of content you can create online. Other niches include, gaming, DIY, tutorials, how-to’s, etc. Content identification is important for two reasons. One, finding a consistent story to tell your audience and two, figuring out what content you would create for a while even if it took longer than intended for that content to be recognized by a larger audience.
Ask “What sets you apart from your competitors’ content?”
Content creation may be a saturated market, but so are many other careers. The difference is that this field tends to be more dynamic and engaging compared to careers that can often feel repetitive day-to-day. First, don’t let the fact that others may be doing it better—or worse—deter you from pursuing your passion. Your unique perspective matters.
Now, consider this: Why should I watch, read, listen to, or engage with your content over someone who's been doing it longer or is creating similar material? This isn’t meant to discourage you; rather, it’s to help shape your approach to producing truly valuable content. Anyone can buy a camera and upload a video, but it takes skill to create a compelling hook, keep the audience engaged for the entire duration, and ultimately leave them with the sense that they’ve learned something actionable they can apply. That’s the kind of content that stands out and makes an impact.
Clarify what results your audience experience following your steps.
People tend to skim more than they read, so it’s essential to capture attention quickly. Whether through a compelling visual or a brief, impactful message, you need to engage your audience within the first few seconds. Within the first three seconds of landing on a page, I need to instantly answer the question, Why should I keep reading or listening?
This blog post is a perfect example. Right from the start, I gave you actionable steps on how to become a content creator from my perspective. It’s then up to you to decide whether you want to continue learning insights that could help you take the next step in your own journey. My goal here is to guarantee that when you finish reading, you walk away with something you didn’t know before—whether it’s a strategy that worked for me, the number of steps I took to get where I am, or even a new way of thinking based on your own experience.
The key takeaway is that I’m offering value right away, and your content should do the same within the first few seconds. By the time you finish reading this post, you'll have a clearer sense of how to move forward in your content creation journey—whether that means taking the next step or adjusting your approach.
Research what brands align with the content you want to create.
Did you know that 78% of users purchased a product after seeing it featured in TikTok creator content, according to Dash and 69% of consumers trust influencer recommendations, according to Digital Marketing Institute. These numbers are more than just statistics—they’re a game changer for anyone looking to build a brand or create content.
If you’re passionate about cooking, baking, or any other hobby, you might already find yourself scrolling through TikTok, where the platform’s algorithm has shifted to prioritize influencer-driven content. The reality is, your authentic experience with a product could be the key to building trust with an audience. If you can persuade someone through your genuine recommendation, they’ll trust you and go out and buy that product for themselves.
Brands today are looking for authenticity. While many influencers are eager to sell something, few focus on providing a real, memorable experience. So, when you think about creating content for a brand you love, ask yourself: What expertise or unique angle can I bring that will make my content stand out?
Take shoes, for example. Instead of aiming for a deal with a giant like Nike, think about reaching out to a smaller, local shoe brand you already love or own. Show them the kind of content you create, backed by engagement data, and demonstrate how you can introduce their brand to a new audience. For instance, rather than just telling people you like a pair of shoes, show them how these shoes support your busy, active lifestyle. Maybe they’re perfect for someone who works all day, is currently training for a marathon, and runs errands back and forth across town in between. It’s not just about the shoes—it’s about the experience they provide.
By sharing your real-life experiences with products you genuinely love, you build an authentic connection with your audience and set the stage for brand partnerships down the road. So, think about the products you already use, start creating content around them, and build the credibility you need to land your first brand deal. Authenticity is the key to turning passion into opportunity. I've had the privilege of partnering with top brands like BetterHelp, Sprite, Epidemic Sound, and others, thanks to the unique way I trial and error-ed how to deliver value in my videos. By creating content that resonates with their audience and aligning our goals, we've been able to craft collaborations that work seamlessly for both of our platforms.
Define how long it could take to receive the results.
Nobody wants to join a brand or start a journey only to feel like their growth will take forever. People engage with things that resonate with who they are at their core. That’s why so many leave "dead-end jobs"—because they realize there's nothing inspiring about them. If you're building something, it’s important to set expectations around the timeline for results. While it’s essential to establish a deadline, without one, it’s just a vague goal. Having a timeline isn’t about stressing yourself; it’s about creating structure. If you don’t hit that goal by the deadline, you can always adjust and set a new one. But having that framework helps you stay accountable and creates the necessary steps to track your progress along the way.
This is a mindset you need in any field, and content creation is no different. I've been creating content for over 10 years, consistently posting online, and it's only in the last three years that I've started seeing the fruits of my labor. The key is truly loving what you do. This is why it’s so important to first identify where you can add value—because the worst thing you can do is create content just because it’s trending. You might get viral traction, but then you're stuck creating more content just to cater to that audience.
Instead, create content you’re passionate about—content you'd make even if you weren’t being paid. Success comes from consistency, not chasing fleeting trends. If baking isn’t your thing, don’t buy a bunch of supplies just because you see others creating cinematic baking content. Stick to what you love. If you’re passionate about teaching public speaking, create content around that! Study what others have done, emulate their style to build confidence, and eventually, carve out your own unique voice.
Remember, content creation takes time. You likely won’t see consistent results for at least six months to a year if you’re putting in the effort, and even then, it’s a journey. Give yourself the grace of two years to really figure out what you love, how you want to create, and how often you can realistically produce content given where you are in life. Don’t force it into a job; let it remain a passion. It's always a hobby until it pays the bills.
