If I started from scratch as a creator, I’d do this.

Sign up for Riverside using my code KATIE15 for 15% off here: creators.riverside.fm/Katie to film your content online & edit with awesome AI editing tools 🎙️ There is so much advice online about how to grow on social media - it can honestly be overwhelming if you’re trying to formulate a plan for becoming a full-time creator starting from zero. You don’t know what content you should be posting, where you should be posting it, or how you’re even going to make money off of doing this. That's exactly what we're going to cover in this video - I'll walk you through the main steps to take to start totally from scratch, start growing on social media, and turn it into a business.
📕 TABLE OF CONTENTS 📕
00:00 If I had to start over from zero, I’d do this
00:45 you need to think of yourself as a business owner 👩‍💼
02:47 step 1: what are you going to create content about? (Time to find a niche???)
03:49 questions to ask yourself to determine your “niche”
05:03 how to find your target audience as a total beginner
07:44 step 2: where will you post? (Pick a platform!)
09:48 post content where you love to consume content
10:36 the ideal posting schedule for every platform 📆
14:15 you need the right tools to create the best content ✨
15:41 step 3: make some money 💸
17:01 how to make money with a SMALL audience
19:14 if you want to make KZbin your job, you gotta treat it like your job
Wanna work with me? Check out my creative agency www.creatorlymedia.com
Follow us on Instagram for social media strategy tips daily! ➡️ / creatorlymedia
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// ABOUT ME
Hey, I'm Katie! I make videos about social media strategy and content creation. In addition to being a KZbinr, I also run a small digital creative agency that produces content for all kinds of creators! We edit podcasts, produce KZbin channels, develop online branding and Instagram strategies and more! If you want our help or just want to learn more, check out www.creatorlymedia.com
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[@happyhauntslibrary]

Something I would love to hear you talk more about is how to do all of this with a full time or part time job.

[@WitchyAngie]

i know you're not asking me, but personally, i bought myself a planner that i can make stand on my desk and i basically planned out some weeks. I work part time but these last weeks i have had to go to work 5 or 6 times a week since my workplace is kinda understaffed lol. But either way, planning out my weeks actually helped me not be too stressed out about anything. Also enjoying what you do helps a lot too. My channel is about roblox (which i honestly enjoy since i just build stuff) but i'm gonna start a real life channel too soon. Ill try to just plan stuff out using the planner i have and i hope it works out with school,my part time job and 2 yt channels lol

[@TheAlvatorreGarden]

It’s definitely hard to balance. I work about 50 plus hours a week and it’s hard to find time to record/edit anything. I’ve found that recording Shorts works best as it’s quicker to shoot and I can edit on my phone whenever I get a chance. And Shorts can be repurposed on other platforms. Long form videos are something I struggle finding time for and I know it doesn’t fully answer your question but something that could work for now? Just a thought

[@cashclarity]

Yes! This!

[@andreajayavelu4813]

Yes I would also love to hear from caregivers/parents who create content like how do you juggle work, parenting and content creation!!

[@TheBeautiveLife]

Me too 😩

[@ReeChad.]

The biggest problem is finding what you wanna post , choosing a niche is the hardest thing ever

[@fullscopefreelancer]

"Think about yourself as a business" - A must-have mindset!

[@knight.xander]

Great insights here! Starting as a creator is like starting any business, you've gotta have that owner mindset. I've been using boost app social to manage my own 'media company.' It's pretty slick for crafting bios and captions, plus it's like having a little creative assistant in your pocket!

[@nathaliecammeron]

Been using it to spice up my IG stories and the reaction's been wild 🔥

[@ChantelleArts]

It’s actually reassuring to hear you say that it’s unlikely to make any money or progress in the first year, I see so many channels blow up and feel behind but in reality it is just a long process unless you get lucky 🥺❤️

[@zonella]

So true 😢

[@Jessica49tv_]

As a big creator. I experience extreme imposter syndrome. Do you have videos on these? Watching your videos has helped ground me and remember to be grateful for what I do have. Thank you❤😢

[@Your_Lifestyle_Business]

Hi Katie, i agree with you starting your monetization strategies early. It's no longer necessary to wait until you have a large audience to start making money. Great video :)

[@TheNewRetiredMe]

Enjoying your channel since seeing you on the What They Don't Tell You podcast with Chris and Sara. I started a new channel on June 3, 2023. It was meant to be a post-retirement labor of love (which it still is). On July 4 I uploaded a totally random video that took off and now has nearly 700,000K views. I just passed 26,000 subscribers. Now I'm just trying to figure out how to hang on with both hands!

[@nikitascringer918]

Congrats and enjoy the ride! 🎉

[@fionaflaherty]

This is so awesome!!!!

[@atreides10]

Love your channel! I subscribed from that video 😁

[@thepragmatist]

Wow! That's amazing! Congrats!

[@dawnmole5517]

I can’t find the podcast you mentioned- can you leave a link or tell me how to find it?

[@hillareads]

I used to want my focus to be on blogging because I love writing, but I've realized I enjoy creating videos way more. Focusing more on KZbin has made me so much happier!

[@Honeybee_719]

As a very new content creator, this was helpful.

[@alicewarner9331]

I found a ZV 1F used and $100 less than full price. I love it. I'm going to spend a good week messing with it before I record anything for my channel. Thanks for all your advice

[@PlanetImo]

I've resisted niching to where my view spikes and retention spikes are - basically shopping and food! I don't want a channel just about those things, but they don't half go down well compared to anything else at all that I vlog about.

[@mrs.quills7061]

I really really like how you laid this out. I’m going to refer back to it to create an actual business plan moving forward and take notes as you talk. I think that’s why I feel so lost coaching and therapy has helped with the emotional blocks, but I need to build a realistic plan to help me grow. I think for me I’m okay with the identity of a business owner and also an artist as that’s what my content will be about. I currently run a small Etsy shop and sell my stuff on there, but there’s something about content creator as a title that feels shallow and vapid and I struggle to accept as myself 🤔 Regardless, this video was so helpful and makes me think about the future. I think too I struggle with my target audience because anyone can like my art and I make it digitally to make affordable and inexpensive things like mini prints and stickers.

[@andreajayavelu4813]

This video hit every question I was having! I would love to hear you deep dive into some of these points in future videos- I’m hopping over to you video about scheduling content next! Keep up the good work!

[@Butterflywingsteacup]

thank you for all the advice you give us!! It's really helpful!

[@EBB_AU]

Thank you Katie! I've been trying to find a channel to walk me through this and stumbled across yours. Thanks for sharing, such good words of advice and I can't wait to take it all onboard my creator journey.

[@EmmaJonYoureWelcome]

Your videos are always so helpful. We find it hard to act like fulltime youtubers while working full time but would really like to be able to do this full time eventually. Thank you for all your tips xx

[@sophiequirionxo]

Hello Katie, I’ve been watching some videos from your channel for a while now and I just wanted to take time to thank you for the quality of the content and for your dedication to educate people on how to become content creators. I am an artist in the francophone community and I have this desire to educate women on how to start their career online once I’ll learn the essentials. Also, I find your visual support videos and your overall look inspiring. The simple fact that you keep your glasses on despite the imperfections of the light motivates me to keep mine on for my own future content. Thank you for being real. xx

[@AprilAdventuring]

Love this as a quick, overall guide to getting started! The breakdown of when to post and how to use each platform was especially helpful! 😊

[@morefeminine6107]

Thank you for sharing this video ❤Became a stay at home recently and want to go full time as a content creator

[@weepeng]

this is so helpful. thank you for sharing and I have also just bought your domestika course. 😀

[@Parker-Green]

Great advice as usual, Katie!

[@beauty_byte]

Love watching your videos. So informative and so so motivational. Much love from Dallas ❤❤❤

[@davidthescottishvegan]

Thanks Katie for another fantastic and inspirational video and love 🥰 it. Love 💞 Katie.

[@BethanyRuby]

Looking forward to this I always think it’s so helpful to know what things to prioritise during the start … sometimes it can become overwhelming ❤ but just remembering the key things is helpful and a good reminder :)

[@abbypeelz]

thank you so much for your input! i've been looking for a more updated video about this, and yours popped up for me at the perfect time:)

[@StarshineASMR]

Thank you so much! I just started not too long ago and this was really helpful! ❤️

[@TanyaAlizaTV]

Loved your points about the importance of being clear and intentional about where you show up with your content! It's so easy to get caught up in trying to be everywhere at once, but it's really important to focus on the platforms and communities where your ideal audience is most active... and where you actually enjoying creating content!

[@CesarJoel]

Thanks for the information! I have been creating content for 5 months and your videos are helping me a lot 🙏 🇵🇷

[@JenyaElkin]

It's so wonderful that I have found your videos!!! Even though I am not new to you tube ( my hubby and I have a main Channel where we buy abandoned storage units and we just hit 350k subs on there) This is my own completely different Channel that I'm starting on my own from scratch ( different topics and ideas etc. Not just plants lol ) Your videos are mega helpful!!! Currently having discussions on the subject of niching down. He thinks I should....I think otherwise, because I get bored in one area. It's comforting to know that another creator thinks that niching down is not really necessary. Anyway, thank you for your videos. 💖

[@dv52528]

Thank you for sharing ❤

[@nikitascringer918]

Great vid Katie, thank you!

[@shehasastory]

This was helpful! Thank you, Katie!

[@chokolatekittee]

I’ve been watching you for a year and still have not started my channel lol but I love your videos

[@whatsupwkirsten]

This is such a valuable video. Thank you for putting this together. I love how your videos are always informative, concise and sincere -- such a great combination 😍

[@HOGG1Photography]

I just started a photography channel TODAY! I have a few talents but realized i needed to organize them and place them in the their proper soil for them to grow in thier space

[@PhoenixEncore]

I have no idea how I found you! With that being said you're an amazing discovery and always give actionable information! I hope to be with you in the content creation universe next year!

[@FilmwColleen]

Ou I made a very similar video on how to actually start working on your idea from 0! Nice process video!🧡

[@khayshastudio]

I just found your channel yesterday thru YT recommendation.. now I cant stop watching your videos. Thank you~

[@krystalprince2900]

I wanna do lifestyle videos and vlogs (talking about my life at uni, gaining confidence in the gym and book videos ideally) but I just feel so intimidated by it all. I’ve wanted to become a content creator for almost 10 years but just haven’t broken through that barrier yet. I don’t know if it would work but I personally would love a video summing up important info for the lifestyle ‘niche’ more specifically

[@sarasstyle8596]

Glad you’re sharing such valuable content that we creators can take with us and hopefully implement into our content ❤ love your honesty as well

[@monicaptran]

thank you for sharing this. you gave us a lot of advice. This is an encouragement for me. this video came out on a perfect timing. there have been times when I wanted to give up, but you said it. I guess good things take time. :)

[@JB215TV]

absolutely love your vids, you are so motivating and realistic for a woman like me, thank you and keep sharing great content

[@_.tiffanygavi._]

Always love your videos and personality you’re the absolute sweetest!

[@cashclarity]

Great Job! Loved It!!😊 INSTA advice was so helpful! Doing everything you suggested

[@JewelPressedRecord]

Such a big help!

[@Yoyoadventure]

Thank you ! It really helps for my Chanel!

[@tizzle4100]

I'm so happy I ran into your content... Great mindset to remember. "Own it like a Business."❤

[@mommyneedswine]

Super excited!

[@chunkygolfers]

your content freaking rocks. i dont know how i got here but glad i did

[@riemsteam4076]

I want to thank you so much for your info. I have searched everywhere for someone to help me, but as soon as i started watching you, I knew that you were the one to help me. You are very informative and clear on this subject. Thanks again for sharing your experience. God Bless You.

[@ButtercupMaude]

I want to start posting on Tik Tok very soon and this was so helpful. So much value in one video. Thank you!!

[@Lifelogsbysteph]

this was so so helpful! i loved that tiktok schedule :)

[@CodyandLeanneOnARoll]

Im new to this platform. I just started uploading videos last month and I'm still learning from watching your videos. Hope to grow more in the coming months and years to come! I will update you after a month or so! Thanks!😍

[@awarewithalex]

Hi katie! can you please share what you use to track clicks in your description?

[@Bri_dope_af]

Thank u and I appreciate this so much. Def needed this video 🥰❤️

[@Anythingaboutbeauty]

Thank you for the insipiration. I want this to be my full time job in the near future too coz I am loving it but yeah there would be ups and downs in between before achieveing it. I would remind myself always to be patient and just learn as I continue making videos. ❤😊 your contents are the “reality” in this industry ❤

[@mellyinspiredcrochet]

This really motivated me to keep going 🫶🏽 Thank you!😌

[@KElise-ky7xv]

I appreciate you. Thank you for you direction.

[@PlantCornerNYC]

All your videos are so helpful for someone who’s just getting started like me! Thank you so much!! 🙇🏻‍♀️🌸

[@Nannasrevival]

Very helpful video as I’m a beginner, thank you

[@EmiliaOHara]

Omg I love seeing your early videos. Brilliant inspiration.

[@veganlunchmom]

What do you think about KZbin shorts? Should they be treated as their own thing or apart of long form strategy?

[@MyOTJourney]

Thank you so much! So glad I stumbled upon this. Very practical info and I’m feeling less overwhelmed now. 💯

[@aubreybaker8228]

I'm really loving your videos and appreciating all the content you've made to support my new venture into YouTubing!

[@RayneBlue]

You have an amazing manner of discussion. Great variety of pace and inflection and you do an amazing job of a oidong crutch words. (The word "like" seems to occur way too frequently in today's KZbin creators. As an older human, an extensive use of crutch words causes me to turn off a video and even hesitate hiring someone during a interview/conversation.) Thank you for breaking away from that new trend. I absolutely love your videos! Thank you for your time and energy creating them.

[@kaicastle.]

Hello katie, what’s the mic you’re using on the podcast b-roll you showed? Thank you!

[@shellygray6197]

I have a Etsy shop for digital art but it’s been a year and only 26 sales. My friend suggested to watch you and see If I could possibly work for KZbin I have spent literally 1000’s of hours on KZbin learning my digital art business. I am at a point in my life where I need to secure some type of future for myself as I have no retirement and I am 54 yrs old. I really enjoyed this video and I will watch more of your channel to see if this is something I can really do. Thank you for making great content for newbies🙂

[@BobbieLynn717]

Is there a check list or a list of things to use etc? Do you offer a class or a printable book with info in order?

[@amandamorgan3675]

I love your content, thank you so much for your advice - wishing you continuing success 🎉🎉🎉

[@EverydaylifewithGael]

I needed this video

[@billregan1981]

Spot on with treating it like a job. It’s like starting a business or a sales career, you’ve got to put in the time to see the results.

[@SaadonAksah]

Thanks for sharing this 👍

[@jen.warren]

Great video! ❤ I just started my KZbin channel last month. Thanks so much for the tips 😊

[@MoneyMadeMagic]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.. I love your videos.. beautifuly made content and so very helpful x

[@dr.chehakbewtra]

Thank you really helpful advices for new ideas and thoughts ❤

[@Healthyhabitjourney]

FANTASTIC tips. I appreciate you sharing your insight. ❤

[@juniperbrandgoods_]

Thanks for this info! Just getting started in this space & find your videos helpful :)

[@Levelupandheal]

Becoming a content creator was something I never thought could be possible for me. I signed up for a content creating course and it completely changed my perspective! I am now in the process of believing in myself and gearing up to film my first video, and your content has been so incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for the amazing videos 💕

[@sierrarmcclain]

What course did you take?

[@moddedmomma]

I love love love this. Thank you so much!

[@Ariz0nagal602]

Can someone recommend the best camera to record your videos? Is iPhone ok? Also what’s a good edit app to use?

[@annaspeaks373]

Everyone told me just start and then you will figure out. I started but I still don’t know. So thank you I will keep attention and learn from this video.

[@ItsMeSadeNYC]

Same..we'll get there hopefully 😊

[@SprayTell]

You've got a lot of subs! That's a start!!!

[@jeremyscloset]

Anna. I started posting without really a direction other than to share my faults and my successes with bad habits/addictions. It's been sort of hard to fully be vulnerable about it because of a few viewers knowing me personally. Darn it! Over 100 vids and under 160 subs still. I started May 17th of 2021. It sounds like you think you may not be doing that well, but from where I stand, it looks like you're kicking butt with almost 2.5k and only 54 vids

[@PoetEDTV]

Love this video. Very informative!!! You are one of the best youtube channels I've come across in YEARS! Thank You for your amazing video/content. Looking forward to utilizing the tips in this video. #YupYup

[@annikakefli]

Thankyou! We appreciate you! ❤️

[@foreigntay_]

I never comment on these type of videos these were very informational tips. I’m thankful that this advice is freee

[@user-nlvmruu]

I don't understand the target audience.. I have done the research by watching my competitors but I don't understand who the audience is.. everyone is anonymous mainly in the comments.. its not like i can click through their profile. most of them are commenting "amazing! you're great! talented! cool!" or questions about the video specifically.. how am i supposed to know who these people are? cause i cant copy the style or delivery of my competitors - so how do I address the audience without actually knowing who they are? does this make sense?

[@DASHBARKS]

this is a very helpful video! thank you for sharing!!

[@bidredvidz]

this was a great vid!!! fresh take and a more relaxed way to do socials!

[@quotesyourway]

This is fantastic

[@stacieberries]

so informative

[@Transformfabrics]

What do you use for editing your videos?

[@Vega_Cristina]

Yes happen to me at first, but Iam trying to be patience 🥰🥰🥰

[@healthybodz1969]

Thank you, this is great advice and will help me x

[@narayanhill9832]

I wanna do a channel talking about credit cards and a travel channel and a sneaker channel.... I don't know if I should just make it ONE channel and just make it a lifestyle channel or separate channels I'm stuck at the moment SMH

[@jessicaalfaro4617]

This is such an amazing video Katie!

[@becauseimhappii]

I love watching your videos - always so so helpful!!! Thank you Katie!! 🙏🙏🤗

[@princesaa__]

I need these tips for a Beauty KZbinr/Beauty Instagrammer ❤ Because that’s what I want to do for the rest of my life! ❤

[@WanderlustButterfly]

What tools do you use to edit your YT videos? How did you learn to edit like this? I love the vibe!

[@wanderlustybanana]

Is that a scratch map in the back of all the states you’ve visited ? And you haven’t been to Oregon ?! Haha I already have a question, (although haven’t watched full video yet, I have adhd so have to write the comment now) of all the platforms , which would you choose if you had to pick one ? And why? Most profitable/easy learning curve etc

[@lisashikuku]

Thank you so much,this was super helpful and simple for me...thank you❤