THIS is what it takes to become a full time creator

So, you want to become a full-time content creator? It's more possible than ever before. Learn all about the Creator Economy in this report from ConvertKit ➡️ convertk.it/creator-report16 | In this video, I'm sharing the biggest takeaways from this industry report, and sharing exactly what you can do in 2022 if you want to grow a creator business from scratch. If I had 0 followers online, this is what I would do to grow and audience and develop a sustainable creator business.
📕 TABLE OF CONTENTS 📕
00:00 What I would do to become a full-time creator from scratch
01:13 Step 1: Choose an enjoyable & profitable niche
03:54 Step 2: Pick the right platform(s)
06:45 don't forget to integrate email marketing in your strategy!
07:38 Step 3: Build out income streams
09:22 Step 4: Be patient & persistent
🗺 Sign up for The Instagram Road Map 👉🏻 my new, flagship course that will give you the guide you need to grow on Instagram! ✨ www.theinstagramroadmap.com ✨
Wanna work with me? Check out my creative agency www.creatorlymedia.com
Follow us on Instagram for social media strategy tips daily! ➡️ / creatorlymedia
// WATCH THESE NEXT
⭐️ The Secret to More Likes on Instagram? [MY EXPERIMENT] geni.us/ESbAr
⭐️ Everything you need to know about TikTok: geni.us/nJWXLTq
⭐️ Don't start a podcast without watching this series: geni.us/Wplo
// FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM
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// SOME OF MY FAVES:
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🎧 where I get music for my videos: www.katiesteckly.com/artlist
💻 how I edit my videos: www.katiesteckly.com/adobe
📱how I grow my channel with Pinterest www.katiesteckly.com/tailwind
// GEAR
Vlog Camera: geni.us/dFXAVn
Big Camera: geni.us/ktsonyzve10
Lens: geni.us/Gw6rjif
Microphone: geni.us/00oT8aQ
Tripod: geni.us/kvmFbH
// 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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[@dna8269]

Great video! Just a suggestion: try using a limiter on your audio before exporting your video to prevent the sudden loud audio spikes. Hurts the ears with headphones. Not trying to be annoying, just a genuine suggestion from a fellow editor / audio background

[@angelapotentialocity771]

So glad you mentioned the need for self-care and paying attention to mental health. Most people need to do more self-care.

[@doun138]

Lol... 1min into it and she already touched my pain point.... Having a clear vision and a clear why

[@patrizia.cavaliere]

The one that stresses me out the most is TikTok, to be honest. I don’t like how the pace and “noise” of the content I need to watch in order to familiarize myself with “trends” makes me feel, and I hate the pressure to spit out 4-5 TikTok’s per day minimum to build my brand. On top of everything else that needs to be done, including that old fashioned thing called life. I can’t spend my whole day in front of a screen, it doesn’t feel healthy and it doesn’t make me happy. Yet, I enjoy what I want to share with the world and I love my audience. It’s not easy. And then seeing people with millions of views on TikTok doing nothing but looking good can be demoralizing. I’m glad you talk about this, as we all should more.

[@dreamlikediana]

I didn't know personal development could be a niche. I think when a lot of us think of the word niche we think topic. When we have so many interests. With personal development though, there's so many things that could fit into it or "content pillars" as you call it. Like lifestyle, adventure, planning, changing the products you use, showing up for yourself, learning new things, dream life, ideal life, goal setting, etc. I have my clear vision & why, but this whole "niche" always tripped me up. I think people need to start saying a niche is not a topic, it's a broad spectrum or an umbrella of sorts.

[@MarketingHarry]

All these steps are super important! Number 2 is probably the most crucial step and shouldn't be underestimated. Being a full time creator ain't easy but it's totally worth it👌

[@YouAreProjectI]

Thank you for this video! It really helped me clarify my niche and figure out next steps as I have been feeling burnt out. I did not want to admit this and have been totally avoiding. I just want to knock out all these self-limiting beliefs and produce beautiful music that inspires other creators to face their fears. I want to show them the honest process of this. Your video has really encouraged me to continue. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@LydiaReneeDarling]

Thanks so much for this, Katie! I would love to see more content about creator careers in the future (loved this one) + hear more about your KZbin and TikTok strategies. I’m on the entertainment marketing side of things and love hearing from other pros like you. ✨ Appreciate you and your content so much! ☀️

[@Fitness_With_Catalina]

I appreciate your content so much! This video really hit hard for me as gaining traction can feel so daunting. I have the number on IG but not much engagement...and growing on KZbin feels so slow and hit or miss. Your content gives me such a clear understanding of the strategy and what to expect. Thank you!!

[@pitch-rudy-peter]

This was immensely helpful! I just discovered you last week and you are my most favorite content creator right now. Thank you for all the work you put into it!

[@dragostanase7579]

1:34 I come home after school and check your channel every day. I love you bro

[@outoforderliving]

Your feedback, encouragement, and tips are so good!! Thank you for continuing to create such genuine content, you have been one of the most helpful channels I have found to get more introspective about what we are creating.

[@angelinaelido]

Thanks so much for sharing! Practicing patience and not seeing results is the biggest obstacle for me at the moment! But I'll keep trekking on :) I appreciate your insight, Katie!

[@SisterFinch]

This was a really simple but super helpful video. It really breaks everything down in a straightforward way. Thank you so much!

[@notexactlyscience]

I think the way your structure your video is great, this video was so helpful, I struggle with burnout and have a toxic relationship with work. thank you for this!

[@ThePsychicStylist]

This is an incredible video - very rare. I'm not willing to burn out anymore. You're my new favorite channel, btw!

[@charlimarieTV]

Thanks for sharing the State of the Creator Economy report Katie! Loved hearing your takes on the data 🙌

[@BushmanSurvivals]

Thank you for the info, I definitely have a very small niche - unfortunately it feels this makes my journey slightly longer. I have only gone from 2 - 39 subs in 2 weeks! Seems like loads of work so I wish everyone loads of luck!

[@thebloomproject]

Those last four minutes were golden advice! Thank you!

[@tomgabel99]

This was so interesting and informative. Thanks. Also, nicely filmed and audio was clear and perfect. Not all channels get that right.

[@dunnwaiting8368]

Thank you so much! Your videos are super helpful to this newbie!

[@fallbackweller]

I just set up my website and considered blogging, I'm just taking my time to digest everything. Thanks for this.

[@achonuyoung856]

Thanks for your teaching and demonstrations,good luck,sis.

[@Marta_is_here]

Not every new content creator wanna be is a young person, some of us are over 40, or 50, new to all of this. What equipment do you have to purchase. What basic computer knowledge do you have to learn? What exactly IS seo? How much money can you expect to initially invest. A person has a skill, a talent, knowledge, how do they turn that into a social media skill, if social media is not something that has been part of their normal lives as of yet.

[@saylorgirl799]

SEO = Search Engine Optimization. You’re welcome from a 63yo who’s still in the research phase… and still deciding on my niche…and still working up the courage to start a channel. I think I DEFINITELY will need to take an online course on video editing cuz I don’t have a clue on where to start with editing. I know how to turn a camera on and start filming, but clearly there’s SO MUCH MORE to this than just filming yourself talking to the camera. Good luck with your research! 😊

[@IfunanyaOgemdi]

Your videos are so educating and helpful I really appreciate 🙏

[@ginamarieofficial]

Ok I LOVED this video thanks so much!! Especially the niche discussion.. so real 🙏✨ I’m excited to continue to grow my little community here :)

[@GrowWithWill]

Glad to hear you're promoting email marketing. I think a lot of content creators underestimate the power of good emails because of how popular social media platforms are now.

[@Marta_is_here]

IDK I never look at my emails and I find them annoying

[@theretiredmillennial]

I’m new to your channel! Loving your content. I’d love to be a full time creator ❤

[@lifewithmargot]

You just popped up on my feed and I’m really loving your videos! Plus you have a soothing voice that I love listening too 💗💕💗

[@mostlystephanie]

Your last sentence, having adventures and following your dreams, I love that! ❤️ thanks for an awesome video!

[@katie]

awe thank you! that's my life motto so I love to share it in each video haha :)

[@BzugoDiaries]

What you love doing should always be the starting point ❤️

[@gothwitchdesigns]

This is one of my favorite video from you! Best tips ever, thank you 🥰

[@adrienneknauerharpist]

Love your content and tips. Thanks Katie!

[@LifewithBethandCourt]

so so so much value here! Thank you for this would love to hear more about your KZbin strategies! ❤️

[@heytherekman]

1:53 You really are the best youtuber. You make all of our days better

[@elisacrisolago-leo4733]

Honestly you are a blessing

[@Noosa21]

Thanks kindly for your video Katie, you give easy to follow factual tips and an easy way to digest it. Thanks again xoxo from David.

[@KlaraVyletal]

Your videos are amazing! As I am starting my first ever YT channel after a long time thinking about it, I find your videos very helpful. Thank you for sharing 🫶🏼

[@umokay5516]

I feel that successful entrepreneurs are successful because they already had a skill they loved, then found a way to monetize it. I tend to find most “educators” and “coaches” disingenuous because it feels more like “hey I want to be an entrepreneur but don’t know what to do.” The whole “those who can’t do, teach” adage. Most are just over-saturating the market and don’t actually bring value. I guess I’m trying to say, start with something you’re already doing (photography, painting, clay making, web design, home decor..) becoming an entrepreneur should be the result, not the initial idea.

[@tinafrancesse2162]

Thank you for your video 🎉😘♥️ ... You seem tired. Take care♥️

[@EmmaBennetAuthor]

Thanks for this Katie. I'm a newbie Authortuber binging videos.x

[@XrSadgirlz]

Thank you so much! Very informative

[@starrymoonlitwinternight]

Quality content! Thanks so much!

[@feliciadr]

Binge watching! Great videos

[@themelissalaurie]

Thanks! I think consistency and showing up are really important. It's a long game and some days you feel like sh*t. Don't be hard on yourself and enjoy the journey 😊

[@badadviceforfree]

You're cool 😎 thanks for the help chickadee X

[@MakaanWaly]

I am first time on your KZbin Suggested Video from KZbin Home Page. Thank You for the useful content

[@fridamonlund]

Thank you! I would love to hear more about strategies and tips for how to use KZbin specifically :)

[@HollyHargreaves]

Love your channel. This is feedback on sound: it needed to be levelled out on this video. Levels go up and down. ( trying to be helpful) 💫🙌

[@rising_maverick]

Love your Channel girl😁😁

[@whykitty5195]

This was Awsome. I’m a new KZbinr so thank you for this video 😉

[@stinaacherie]

Can you go more into step 3 about the different incomes and how they work. I’ve been having trouble choosing which income.

[@royaltyrolls6833]

This was awesome! 👏🏾🎉

[@MommySeed]

Another good one. Keep rocking mama

[@michellek649]

Brilliant! Subscribed! :)

[@meilynwoods8262]

Can you talk about different social media to use for a blog? I was using a blog and Instagram but Instagram doesn't drive traffic to blogs. Also, Pinterest is so time-consuming

[@residentartist]

I know you're asking Katie, but in my experience Twitter is better suited for blogs and articles, as a lot of writers are on there. I'd suggest following other bloggers in your niche and build a following from there. Also nice when you (literally) want to get involved in the conversation.

[@meilynwoods8262]

@@residentartist thank you.

[@katie]

i'll brainstorm that and see if I can come up with a video all about promoting a blog on social media :) thanks for the suggestion!

[@meilynwoods8262]

@@katie thank you

[@galigiri]

Who uses blogs anymore?

[@gevaertse]

This gives me hope! :D

[@hrtddrth3493]

1:30 this is hilarious this is why you're my favorite youtuber

[@amvic207]

thank's sister, i'm a new subscriber.

[@MomLuvs2Collect]

Great video👏! I learned a lot thanks for sharing👍

[@kylieBologna]

Thank you for making such a good video

[@Studio-I]

I love your videos and you give such great tips! But i don't know what happened to the audio on this video? It was just so all over the place it made this a little bit hard to enjoy 😔

[@hannahmerchant7268]

Home girl, I love your videos but the audio in this vid is really wonky. Some parts I had no idea what you said because it was too low and other times it was blowing my speakers all at the same volume. No shame, just some feedback. Thought I’d let you know. Anyway! Great vid, good advice!

[@MidnightJetStream]

Inconsistent sound Makes my speakers peak at the start of each section. Thanks for the info though.

[@zozobeans5333]

I wish I knew how to integrate music into my videos without getting a copyright claim. 2 of my videos have got these claims.

[@ChanuChaptersVlogs]

I do KZbin, Tiktok and Instagram. Mostly i reuse TikTok for reels and vids on Instagram and make separate content for KZbin. Haven’t been consistent all this time, but my goal for June is to be consistent on socials! 🥹

[@kellybrianna8037]

Being consistent is a challenge for me personally as well!

[@HealthyFoodBae_]

Thanks so much! Where would you say Tik Tok lands in the platform popularity report? Was thinking TikTok was close to #1

[@femininelywhole]

thanks

[@IFITME]

I don’t know if you will ever see this but I wonder if I could run an idea by you. You seem to have great knowledge. Reassurance world be great. If you respond, I’d love to DM you. Thanks!

[@LoveJasmine348]

Shot every time Katie says creator 😂❤

[@rockabillyrevolution]

I wish I'd seen this video a year ago! Great content though - many thanks!

[@muffsmerino]

I’m an illustrator turned fibre artist and want to somehow combine the two… I enjoy hand painting my knitwear, so it does tie in.. but I also want to make zines, fibre art and illustration videos. Should I choose one or is it possible to combine..

[@xenika4147]

I have so many interests. I started the instagram journey about 9 times on different topics, I was motivated about 3-5 weeks, then I let it go, because the targeted niche bored me af. Any suggestions?

[@pizzagirllex]

I’m going through the same thing. It’s hard to nail myself into one single niche when I’m into so many things!

[@janetk9790]

Same

[@byamberkri]

Check out Jessica Stansberry’s video on niching! She explains how you can figure it out as you go if you aren’t sure yet. Good luck! ☺️

[@Jellybellyirish]

I heard someone say of you can't write a list of 200 video/post ideas down then don't go into that niche. then if u can just do all those before u give up

[@AmyVerhaege]

Same girl! I have an account based on lifestyle and fashion now, but first it was more a modellingaccount, then food and fitness and now just everything that I love to share

[@Ericabaca]

Hi! Do you have any advice for changing my followers algorithm? I’m overwhelmed with a constant flow of men followers on my Instagram and that’s not my ideal audience. Do you have any tips for changing my algorithm?

[@vazyvas4712]

What do you think about using the promote feature? Do you think it will hinder your organic grow?

[@PennySizedDreadfuls]

I’ve had a channel for a while that I barely started and fell off of. Can I still grow that or would you say the powers that be have already ignored it and I should make a new account entirely? Thanks for any opinion/advice.

[@aangeenbrug27]

Let's take a moment to appreciate how much time and effort he puts into his content for us. Love the videos!

[@tamiavelar3805]

Katie, Im late for the party, as usual. I need to start a KZbin channel. Do you have an recommendations for a video editing set-up?

[@britt_moses]

Have you talked about creating while working full time ?

[@theglittercorner]

You still need to work out your sound. It alternates too much in volume. Good video, thank you!

[@rapunzelgretel]

Hi Katie- what do you think about tik tok ?

[@2mann1maus]

1:42 This is why you're my favorite youtuber lol

[@rhondacalvert5865]

How do you deal with haters? I got my first hatful comments on a video I posted to TikTok and I have to tell you, it hurt and I was shook!

[@mariateresaortiz-kamkar2868]

Can you Please make a tutorial on Munch. Show how it works and how it can help a creator.

[@DoeRaeMe]

My last Insta post got like 2 likes😢 apparently ppl only like to see when I give birth and newborns but not my other older kids and having fun with them as a mama?! 🤷‍♀️ I have 4 kids I can’t just post new mama content! I haven’t been as on top the game as I could be… but that’s cause I’ve been bonding with my babies😅

[@kathyheberle3862]

I have an Instagram account already. But it is related to my vacationing at Disney. I have over 6K followers, but I would like to start a different site for my business. How should I do that?

[@demahabdullah6930]

Hi Katie, im wondering about why you don’t have even 50k, how can you provide strategy on growth ? Thanks

[@katie]

I never claimed to teach anyone how to grow to 50K or above on IG… most people watching my channel are learning how to get their first 1K or 10K followers, which I’ve done, and can share my experience on. It’s not all about having high numbers. Something tells me you probably don’t have 50K Instagram followers either 👀

[@demahabdullah6930]

@@katie i see! yes i don’t have 50k and I’m still learning how to grow Good luck

[@veraeguabor722]

Hello katie please help out..I am a creator motivational relationship coach! pls which category should i choose that is good for me to go?thanks for your response

[@aashnaram]

I created an Instagram with the intention of starting a business as a Social Media Manager but I literally didn't know what to post and I went blank every time I tried coming up with ideas. On top of that, I kept comparing myself to other creators in the same space who were producing content upon content like everyday. Needless to say, I got overwhelmed and deleted my account in 2 days. Now I am completely lost and don't know what I wanna do because I don't think being a Social Media Manager or a Content Creator is for me. *sigh*

[@tiffanyg.studios8950]

When I started a decade ago, I started in Social Media Management and I was exactly the same at the beginning. Not knowing what to post etc It took me time to build the skills of creating content and even posting daily - I had to start doing 2-3 posts a week until I built the skills. Now I post 6 days a week on Insta. If it helps, I break up my content creation into ideas, planning, creating, editing, scheduling. Maybe you can just start with a 'content dreaming' session. Ask yourself, what could I post (do not use the word should) and look around for ideas. Then write down the ideas and then take a break, come back the next day and you can start planning which ideas to do. Also, don't be so hard on yourself! Creating content to encourage paying customers is whole different thing to posting on your personal social channels (your brain can offer all kinds of extra stress and pressure), but these are skills built over time. 2 Days isn't enough to know you're not cut out for something. Good luck with it!!

[@aashnaram]

​@@tiffanyg.studios8950 Thank you so much! I really needed to hear this. Also thank you so much for the tips! I did have a question. When you started out your social media accounts, were they all related to social media marketing or did you start out with something else you were passionate about? I've heard it both ways. Some say to start a professional account about something you're passionate about and use that as an example to show the customers while others say to give out tips regarding social media marketing. I don't know what route to go down.

[@tiffanyg.studios8950]

@@aashnaram I was in a unique position in that I was starting a decade ago and I was in Marketing Roles where we had to figure out social media etc. I did start out building my own blog and posting about my travels etc years earlier, but at that time I had no idea I was going to do it for work. When I was in Marketing Roles, I was the one telling people, we need social media and I'm going to handle it. When I went out on my own, I started a professional account about the services I do for businesses, because that attracts clients for me (I already had a portfolio and results to show). Also, my professional account does both because I help businesses who help other businesses so it's a direct demo of B2B marketing. If I'm looking for social media marketers (and I do look for them), I'm going to instagram and typing in 'social media marketer' - so your passion profile wouldn't allow me to find you. But, I've only done it one way. You probably need both. Examples of your work and a professional profile, depending on the time you have. Good luck with it!

[@aashnaram]

@@tiffanyg.studios8950 Yeah, that's true. It will be hard to find a social media manager through a passion project. I think I'm gonna do both. Start socials for my life as an author and a professional profile for my life as as social media manager. Thank you so much for your replies. You've really helped me!

[@tiffanyg.studios8950]

@@aashnaram Always happy to help! So glad you didn't give up!! Once you get your profiles up, feel free to add me over on Insta so I can follow and cheer you on! 😀

[@thechronicillnesstherapist143]

Hi Katie! I'm trying to find one of your recent videos where you talked about looking at your IG metrics. I think you use a 3rd party site. Can you direct me to that video or that website?

[@katie]

hey Destiny! i think this video was the one you're looking for and the platform is called Metricool :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2abpXivn6utqNk

[@Arlene_witha_y]

Been posting on ig for years and nothing A couple months on TikTok and it’s monetizing Now trying to break i to KZbin.

[@kristapedia2662]

Mr Beast grew his channel quite quickly using no social media. He just made extremely watchable and dynamic content.

[@manuelazac]

Thats true but im more in youtube ❤️🙌🏽

[@hardworksmart]

Tiktok and Instagram are absolutely not the platforms to choose when starting precisely because it's so easy to do it. Moreover, it's impossible to grow an email list if you try to do it on Instagram or Tiktok - it does not convert at all. Those platforms will be dead in 5 years - meaning there will be a 0,002% of top creators that will be able to sustain themselves there, but the rest will be as successful as someone with a Facebook Fanpage today, because precisely (1) the barrier to entry is so low, (2) the searchability for content is so low (no room for evergreen content) and (3) no built-in sustainable monetization possibilities on those platforms. There's only 3 ways to go today - a proper website, a podcast or KZbin. And choose one, not all at once. Speaking from 8yr experience of trying to "grow" on Facebook, Instagram and all those ephemeral platforms. KZbin works. A podcast works. A proper website works.

[@omo708]

Why is it zoomed in🤣

[@OhHappyDayz0011]

I like you

[@Fas_PR]

Alot of work

[@mhmmxlovee]

1:12 Ripped Robby s ells the best call of duty h ac ks

[@polokontamehlo]

I keep losing subscribers and I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong 🥺🥺🥺 please help😩. Thank you for this video

[@christianlyle1641]

Step 1: be born into money