A GLIMPSE AT THE NOMADING JOURNEY

Why you don't need to be special to earn a living as a content creator

ALEXXA PEARS Contributor

September 15, 2023

Being a woman with not-so-extraordinary talent or passion, the young me would have been surprised to know where I am now.

We have all been there, being tempted by the digital nomad life. Exotic locations, flexible schedules, and the promise of freedom. But with the spotlight often shining on content creators with massive followings and viral fame, it’s easy to feel overshadowed. You might wonder, “Do I need to be special to succeed in this field?” The answer is a resounding no. Understanding how you can carve your niche, connect authentically with an audience, and earn a sustainable living without the ‘special’ tag is pivotal. It’s not about being the next big sensation; it’s about being genuine, consistent, and understanding your value. Hop in as we debunk myths and empower you to embrace your unique journey in content creation.

The Power of Micro-Niches

The digital space is crowded. By choosing a broad niche, you’re competing with thousands, if not millions. Micro-niches, on the other hand, have fewer content creators, allowing you to establish yourself as an authority faster. Micro-niches attract a specific audience segment genuinely interested in the topic. This means higher engagement rates, more meaningful interactions, and a loyal community.

Also, brands and businesses are increasingly looking for influencers and content creators in micro-niches. They offer a direct route to a targeted audience, ensuring better ROI for advertisers.

Embracing a micro-niche can be your game-changer. It is not about limiting yourself; it was about diving deep, establishing authority, and connecting authentically with my audience. If you’re on the fence about choosing a micro-niche, take the plunge.

Exploring the wonder of collaboration

While sipping on a cappuccino in a bustling co-working space in Barcelona with this manager whom I have gotten the chance of being acquainted with as it became my go-to workspace for a couple of weeks, I found myself engrossed in a conversation with another content creator. We were from different niches – I was deep into travel, and she was a culinary genius. But by the end of our chat, we had planned a collaborative piece on “Culinary Adventures Across Europe.” This collaboration was just the beginning of my journey into the world of collaborative content creation. Here’s why it’s a strategy every content creator should consider:

When you collaborate with another content creator, you’re not just sharing content; you’re sharing audiences. It’s an opportunity to introduce your work to a whole new set of eyes.
Two minds bring varied experiences, insights, and styles to the table. This diversity can lead to richer, more comprehensive content that caters to a broader audience.
Working with another creator offers a unique opportunity to learn. You get insights into their content creation process, tools they use, and strategies they swear by.
Collaborative content creation isn’t just about the content. It’s about building relationships within the industry. These relationships can lead to more collaborations, partnerships, and growth opportunities.

Tip: Use platforms like LinkedIn to find creators in your niche. Propose a content swap or a joint project then you can go from there.

Leveraging User-Generated Content (UGC)

During a recent live session on Instagram, I posed a simple challenge to my followers: “Share a photo of your favorite travel memory and tell its story.” The response was overwhelming. From sunsets in Santorini to treks in the Himalayas, my feed was flooded with incredible stories and moments. This was my first foray into leveraging user-generated content, and it was a revelation.

UGC is raw, real, and unfiltered. It’s a genuine reflection of people’s experiences and emotions, making it incredibly relatable. While original content is irreplaceable, UGC can supplement your content calendar, giving you breathing space without compromising on engagement. UGC introduces you to viewpoints and experiences you might not have considered. It diversifies your content, making it richer and more varied.

Building authenticity and community

User-Generated Content isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a testament to the power of community and authenticity in the digital age. It’s about giving a voice to your audience, celebrating their stories, and building a platform that’s collaborative and genuine. So, the next time you’re looking for content inspiration, turn to your audience. You’ll be surprised by the treasures they have to share.

I was also in Barcelona when I started that challenge and here is the start of that day when I was overwhelemed with my followers’ responses and stories.

Here’s why you should also start on offering value beyond content

Consider hosting monthly Q&A sessions, webinars, or even virtual meet-ups. It adds a personal touch and positions you as an expert in your niche. Content can attract an audience, but genuine engagement and support foster deeper connections. It’s about showing your readers that you care about their journey, not just their clicks.

In addition, when you offer value beyond content, readers are more likely to return, engage, and advocate for your brand. They see you as a trusted resource, not just another content creator. Consider creating resources like templates, checklists, or e-books that readers can use. It’s about offering tools that can help them apply the knowledge they gain from your content.

A significant experience for me – After the success of my mentorship program, I introduced a premium version with more in-depth training and one-on-one sessions. It became a significant revenue source, all while offering genuine value to my audience.

Content is the foundation, but the value offered beyond it is the architecture that turns a platform into a thriving community space. It’s about understanding your audience’s needs, challenges, and aspirations and offering solutions that go beyond just articles or videos. In the evolving digital landscape, the content creators who thrive will be those who understand the art of offering value beyond content.

Your Journey Awaits

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my years of wandering both the world and the digital realm, it’s this: You don’t need to be special to make a mark. You just need the right strategies and the passion to implement them. And if you’re looking to delve deeper into the world of content creation, why not learn from someone who’s been on this journey? Dive into the specifics, the challenges, the triumphs, and the ever-evolving landscape of content creation. Let’s embark on this journey, hand in hand.