If you want to be freelance content creator and enjoy working in written and audiovisual media, you should learn how to become a freelance content creator. It is currently a highly sought-after independent role.
As a relatively new generic term, it can classify alongside “influencer” to annoy some people. But it is an opportunity to create and share a variety of work and gain insight into what resonates with the public. In addition, the same set of skills you develop for clients will also help you market your business or personal brand.
It is also possible to not start with more than one phone and an internet connection. It means that becoming a freelance content creator will make a lot of sense for anyone who wants to travel and live a nomadic lifestyle as a freelancer or doesn’t have the money to invest in a lot of equipment before they start winning.
Table of Contents
- 1 What is a Freelance Content Creator?
- 2 What skills do you need to become a freelance content creator ?
- 3 General skills a good freelance content creator needs include:
- 4 How much can a freelance content creator earn?
- 5 Top tips for success as a freelance content creator
- 6 How do you increase the likelihood that all of this investment will pay off?
- 7 Why would they use a certain tone of voice or design style to reach their customers?
What is a Freelance Content Creator?
Creative workers have always been classified according to their medium and primary production. For example, it is easy to guess what a writer, photographer or videographer will produce.
But in modern content marketing, there is a demand for a more general approach in different formats related to how that work is shared and whether it is successful in generating interest.
It gave rise to a freelance content creator working in digital media. As a generalist, you’ll start by generating ideas that fit goals or outcomes. You may be asked to provide traffic, leads, leads or overall engagement on a specific business or topic and determine which networks and social platforms will generate the best results for each type of content.
As a result, you can create blog posts and articles, social media updates, photos, infographics, memes, vlogs, webinars or educational videos. Then post it on your company website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube or TikTok.
The type of content and posting system can vary greatly from day to day. But a freelance content creator must;
- Evaluate a company or brand to match the appropriate style, tone, and voice and identify competitors’ strengths and weaknesses.
- Create content ideas and concepts that will hopefully get the right results. And I advise you where you should post to get the best response.
- Manage projects and workflow, ensuring everything is delivered correctly and on time.
- Find and enter everything from captions, emojis and hashtags to email newsletters, blog posts and more.
- Use visuals correctly for each platform, including design and editing.
- Create video content in front of the camera or behind the scenes.
- Promote published content, track results and iterate on future improvement methods.
Some freelance content creator choose to specialize in one field, just as traditional writers, designers, or filmmakers might take the opportunity to branch out into other disciplines.
Most bloggers will have experience in basic photo editing, live broadcasting, shooting their videos, or promoting their articles on social media, for example.
What skills do you need to become a freelance content creator ?
You do not need academic or professional qualifications to become a freelance content creator. You can start by creating and sharing work to secure client projects. It is applicable if you know a specific niche you want to target for business.
If you are already obsessed with fashion, cars, football, video games, or any other interest or hobby, you should be able to come up with many ideas for interesting content.
But if you want to secure more work at better prices in a crowded market, formal qualifications can help. Many content creators have a bachelor’s degree in a related field. You may also have taken several courses in copywriting, marketing, and photo and video editing.
It’s about showing your adaptability and passion for developing skills as much as mastering a specific programme. It’s also easy to find a variety of companies and agencies that offer content creation courses.
These opportunities can be paid or unpaid and can be a good way to build experience and connections relatively quickly. But it’s important to check that the company isn’t just trying to get you some free labor, so be wary of unpaid internships that don’t clearly articulate what you’ll learn from the experience.
Considering how quickly and easily you can build your own social media brand or your own website through advertising and affiliate marketing opportunities, it doesn’t make sense to train for free unless it will improve your knowledge and resume.
A good alternative to unpaid internships with companies is to look for charities and nonprofits that may show a greater appreciation for volunteer help. Not only will you get more training and responsibilities as a result, but your pro bono work will help a cause you believe in.
General skills a good freelance content creator needs include:
- Research and analysis of brands, competitors and specific topics.
- Knowledge of the latest tools, technologies and opportunities offered by all major content platforms and how they can benefit clients.
- The ability to come up with multiple topic ideas, evaluate the ones most likely to succeed, and understand where they should be implemented and promoted.
- A constant desire to create the best possible content within time, budget and any other constraints.
- Advertising and marketing techniques, including social media marketing, search engine optimization, copywriting, and photography and cinematography basics.
- Editing and self-editing work with attention to detail, whether it’s copywriting, design or video shooting.
- Reporting and analytics, including Google Analytics, for websites, blogs and systems provided by major social networks and third-party tools.
- Almost all of the above skills and knowledge can be easily developed by immersing yourself in all the resources available online cheaply or for free, a few commonly recommended books, and advice from more experienced peers or online contacts.
How much can a freelance content creator earn?
If you use your content and marketing skills to promote your products or business, there is no limit to your potential earnings. Subscribing to podcasts or videos can lead to a job as a presenter. Or you could grow from your initial success and become a creative agency that can turn millions in the future.
But what about pricing clients when you’re just starting? Or after gaining more experience and building a solid portfolio from previous businesses?
As a general guide, the average UK national salary for a content creator is £24,876 (Glassdoor) or £27,500 (Talent.com). This will increase with experience or if you specialize in an in-demand field, with social media content creators currently averaging £31,400 in the UK, for example (Glassdoor).
Pricing will require some research and a bit of guesswork in the beginning. You can look at the advertised roles and the rates offered by other freelancers to give you a wide range and see how they match your skills, qualifications and experience.
Top tips for success as a freelance content creator
The most common myth about creative work is that some people are born with a talent that allows them to produce great content effortlessly. While it is true that you may have a natural talent, it is impossible to build a business around it. To deliver consistent, high-quality work, you must invest time and effort in developing your skills.
How do you increase the likelihood that all of this investment will pay off?
Choose a Specialization and Become an Expert:
Thousands of people are trying to find work as freelance expert writers and content creators. But how many of them have a deep knowledge of Mexican food? Or a tabletop RPG? Or action movies from the 80s?
They are combining two or three areas you know and are passionate about can give you a unique combination of selling points to potential customers. Even if it’s not an exact match, it might be adjacent to what they’re looking for, which is an easier sell than something completely unrelated.
Actively consume information daily:
It is important to stay up to date with news and trends related to content creation and any areas you have.
Why would they use a certain tone of voice or design style to reach their customers?
Who are the most prominent influencers and industry leaders in your field? What makes it interesting and encourages others to take an interest in it?
Practice generating ideas and producing content daily:
A professional athlete exercises daily to build good habits and muscle memory. So that they can fight without thinking of competition, good content creators will practice ways to develop ideas and work on their creative skills. So they are always ready if the client suddenly requires short-term solutions.
Imagine your favorite brand asks you for content ideas and spends 10-15 minutes brainstorming. And get in the habit of writing something every day, whether it’s a private freelance blog, sharing something on Twitter, or posting something on a personal blog.
Develop your voice:
The paradox of creative freelancing is that clients often have brand rules that you have to work by. But they will come to you more than other freelancers if you already have a distinctive and recognizable voice. The solution is to find ways to combine them to create something new.
Build Your Network:
Connecting with people worldwide has always been challenging, so take advantage. You can join groups like Creative Freelancers UK to network, collaborate, ask questions or seek opportunities without leaving the office.
Share content and successes from others while adding your insight, especially if you want to build relationships with established freelancers.
Establish a routine with scheduled breaks:
Only some can be creative 24/7, and clients sometimes appreciate waiting for you to be creative or have writer’s block. The greatest artists and creative talents have found a routine of sitting down and getting to work, no matter how they feel at any moment. Whether you start working at nine or twenty-one, the important thing is to start without waiting for inspiration.
The best ideas often come when you take a break from work. It is why many famous authors schedule regular tours into their days. Learning a new skill away from work, doing relatively mindless tasks, or just relaxing with a completely unrelated book can all help keep your creativity flowing when you need it.
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