Everyone’s an independent content creator these days.
But of course, not everyone succeeds, and definitely not everyone is earning money from their content…not even if they’re really talented.
If you’re nodding your head in agreement, well then, maybe you’re doing things wrong.
Let us help you identify them and give you a tip on a remedy or better way to make money as an independent creator.
WHY YOU’RE NOT MAKING MONEY AS AN INDEPENDENT CONTENT CREATOR
Table of Contents
REASON #1: YOUR CONTENT IS ALL OVER THE PLACE
Just like how a person who gives another person mixed signals is a red flag, a content creator that also gives a mixture of content is also one.
And most people don’t like red flags so you gotta make up your mind about this.
OUR TIP:
—Establish a Consistent Brand—
Whether you stick with your content or want to diversify, the best thing to do is establish a brand.
This will help you know the core of your content creating and help your audience identify you for your content.
Let’s say, you are into personal finance, then you can post videos about your own experience with your personal finance, how much you spend or save and so much more. Expert on personal finance, somehow becomes your brand.
This helps your audience identify you and know where to look for content.
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REASON #2: INCOMPATIBLE AUDIENCE
One of the main reasons why you’re not making so much might be due to the fact that you are reaching out to a group of audience that is not interested or attracted to your content.
If you’re promoting your content to those who are uninterested in it, you will surely have a hard time building your fan/audience base.
So evaluate yourself and figure out if you’re focusing and putting your efforts on the wrong audience.
OUR TIP:
—Identify and Understand Your Target Audience—
To identify your target audience, you’ve got to have your own brand (tip #1).
If you already do, then it’ll be easier for you to identify.
After identifying, you have to understand them too. You gotta know what they love about your content, what they relate to, and more.
This will help you create more content that would attract the same people.
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REASON #3: UNDERPROMOTION OF CONTENT
I know making content’s already hard enough even if you love doing it.
But you have to remember that if you want to make more money, you’ve got to build your audience. So not actively promoting your content is a very bad decision if you want to make money out of it.
But if it’s just a hobby or for fun, then I guess you can do that too.
OUR TIP:
—Market and Promote Your Content by any Means—
If you want to earn money through your content, then you will really have to promote them.
Promote it through social media, and advertisements. Post a short excerpt on your social media accounts that would catch the attention of viewers.
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REASON #4: STAGNANT SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS
Social media is the go to promotional tool because all you gotta do is create an account and start posting.
However, it can be a little hard to manage them and at times they become stagnant. When it does, people lose interest and move on to the next or find an alternative making you lose your audience.
Additionally, the less you post on a platform the less likely your posts are seen in other people’s feeds.
OUR TIP:
—Schedule Your Posts, Not Too Often and Not Too Rare—
Social media platforms are the best news source for your audience about your content, so you have to keep your accounts active.
If you want your audience to stay, you have to give them updates maybe twice a week don’t do it every day, though, or they will feel overwhelmed.
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REASON #5: PROMOTING ON ONLY A FEW SELECTED SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM
As mentioned, you can promote through social media platforms.
But if you only do it through only a few ones, it would have underwhelming results.
Don’t promote in just one or two popular platforms.
OUR TIP:
—Best to Have Accounts on Widely Popular Platforms—
You have to promote your content in every popular social media platform to reach a wider audience.
You may have a target audience, but you’ll never know, some people outside your target may find your content interesting.
Related Article:
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REASON #6: RARE AND INCONSISTENT CONTENT UPLOAD
This is just like your stagnant social media accounts.
If you post your content rarely, your audience will start to lose their interest, especially if you’ve got only a few uploads.
If you have more content, then you’ll be safe for sometime before your audience catch up on you not uploading regularly.
OUR TIP:
—Upload Content at Least Once a Week—
This is a must, especially if you’re just starting.
With uploading once a week you get your audience engaged. You can also upload twice a week if you want to.
It would also be best to have a scheduled upload, like posting every Monday at 12 noon.
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REASON #6: YOUR DON’T SELL MERCH
Let’s say you’re a content creator that uploads videos on doing artwork and such.
Then, you just stop there. That’s the worst thing to do. If you stop there and just wait for the money to come, then it will come maybe after 5-10 years.
You gotta do something more.
OUR TIP:
—Make Merchandise Out of Your Art—
If you’ve got art pieces that go with your other content, then it’s essential to have them on merchandise, this will help you gain more profit.
Money will be the fastest here especially if they love it.
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REASON #8: LACK OF SOCIAL MEDIA ADVERTISEMENTS
There are a lot of ads on social media and not having one of them for yourself is such a waste.
These are just like those billboards you see while driving down roads, or those tv advertisements when you watch television.
If you don’t have ads, then it’ll be harder to attract more audience.
OUR TIP:
—Spare Some Money on These Ads—
I’ve already said this.
Social media is where most people are right now. This is where they consume news, find entertainment, communicate, and more.
So you better spare some money for them.
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REASON #9: ABSENCE OF BRANDED SPONSORS
Branded sponsors are another attraction for audiences.
Branded sponsors are not a necessity but they will surely boost your audience. The lack of them is a wasted opportunity to grow your audience.
OUR TIP:
—Reach Out to Brands—
Branded sponsors might be looking for creators to promote their brand, but if you’re just starting, it would be best if you reach out to them first.
Send them an email and give a pitch about how you’ll be able to boost their brand.
Related Article:
Get Sponsorship For Your Next Music Video (Step By Step Guide)
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REASON #10: ALL YOUR CONTENT ARE FREE FOR PEOPLE TO CONSUME
Free content is very much wanted by a lot of audiences.
But since it’s free you have to wait it out to gain views and then earn money. It’s great for your audience but for you, not quite.
OUR TIP:
—Offer Your Audience Exclusive Content—
I suggest you offer some exclusive content to your audience.
This way you get to earn more money. You will still need to upload based on your schedule. This exclusive content is another content to create.
So you better gear up and make sure it’s worth your audience money.
I hope the tips we’ve given will help you correct those ways you have and let you earn some money soon.
Good luck on your journey to getting big bucks from what you do!
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James Hill is a veteran of the music industry. He first worked at Warner Reprise Records then later joined Interscope/ Geffen Records where he managed producers and songwriters and got his first platinum record for Keyshia Cole’s The Way It Is. He is now helping indie artists with branding and manufacturing through his company Unified Manufacturing, a CD/DVD, custom vinyl records and merch company in LA.
