Passion project to career: 11 strategies to transition from being a part-time to the full-time content creator

Did you know it typically takes content creators six and a half months to make their first dollar? Furthermore, just 10% of social media influencers and creators make $100K or more annually. Yet, just under 50% consider themselves to be full-time creators. This high percentage is a clear indicator of how addictive content creation can be and how intoxicating the world of the creator economy, which is now a more than 100 billion dollar industry.

From passion project to career

At the height of the pandemic, former Microsoft employee Kevin Stratvert resigned from his position in July 2020 to pursue a full-time career in making YouTube videos. According to Kevin, he finds content creation a better option financially. On the other hand, India-based RJ-turned-digital creator Sharddha aka aiyyoshraddha became an international sensation through her Instagram post on recent tech layoffs. Like these two, many others left their jobs and often flourishing careers to become content creators and never looked back. In fact, 85% of full-time creators find enjoyment in exploring their creative interests.

It may all sound hunky and dory, but being a content creator, especially if you want to pursue it as a career, is neither easy nor does it happen overnight. Getting to monetize your content will test your limits. According to a report by Tilt, If we have to create a timeline, it will take at least 17 months for a full-time creator before they start earning serious money and another 25 months to even get it to the point of being considered a business.

So how many influencers/creators genuinely generate enough income from their content to live comfortably?

If the latest Influencer Marketing Hub benchmark report is to be believed, 21% of full-time creators make a sizable yearly earning between $50k to $500k, of which only 3% earn $500k or more.

Every content creator dreams of making it to the cream of the lot, which can only happen when you consider content creation a full-time job.

Make sure you follow these 12 strategies when transitioning from a part-time to a full-time creator.

1. Build a solid personal brand: If you go on LinkedIn, you will find precisely 10,404,269 people following the personal branding hashtag, at least at the time of writing this blog. Personal branding is a key aspect of success for content creators, as it helps them establish a unique voice and effectively reach their target audience in a crowded digital landscape. It is how you present your brand’s image and core principles to the public and ensure that your target market knows who you are, what you stand for, and why they should choose you over your rivals. A strong personal brand is created by having a consistent online presence through social media, blogs, and websites.
2. Choose the right platform: Choosing the right platform can significantly impact the growth of full-time content creators because it allows them to reach their target audience and monetize their content effectively. It will also provide content creators with the right tools and resources to effectively grow their brands and achieve their goals. For instance, long-form content works well on YouTube and blog websites. While Instagram, as a visually-driven platform, is ideal for creative content such as photography, art, fashion, and food, TikTok is excellent for short-form, lip-sync, dance, and comedy videos. Its algorithm is designed to promote viral content, making it a perfect platform for creators looking to grow a large following quickly.
3. Network and collaborate: Networking and collaborating can be a powerful tool for content creators as they work to become full-time professionals. By building relationships with others in the industry, content creators can increase their visibility, develop their skills, and open up new opportunities for success.

• When you collaborate with others, you can tap into their existing followers and potentially gain new ones.
• Working with others can help you improve your skills and learn from experienced professionals. This can be particularly valuable for newer content creators still developing their craft.
• Collaborating with other content creators can lead to new opportunities for monetization such as sponsored content, product reviews, affiliate marketing, and influencer marketing campaigns.
• Building a network of supportive peers also offers valuable feedback and advice as you navigate the ups and downs of the industry.
• Networking and collaborating can help you build a community of content creators and industry professionals who share your interests and goals. This can provide a valuable support system as you work to grow your career.

4) Choose in-demand content services: As we get into 2023, the array of content services is also widening. Online learning, writing, photography, podcasting, social media management, video editing, and graphic design are some of the hot creative fields where you can earn a decent amount as a full-time creator.

For instance, online teaching websites have gained global popularity since the pandemic outbreak and have opened many opportunities to earn money. In fact, the size of the worldwide e-learning market is expected to increase by USD 147.7 billion, growing at a CAGR of 16% between 2021–2025. There is no shortage of subjects, and students are opting for hybrid learning, in which online teaching will play a major role in the coming years. Similarly, there is a growing demand for audio-based services such as podcasting which has grown into a billion-dollar industry with 460 million listeners and growing.

5) Invest in high-quality equipment: Investing in high-quality equipment is vital for full-time content creators because it helps them produce professional, engaging, and visually appealing content.

• High-quality equipment such as cameras, microphones, and lighting can help improve your content’s production quality.
• With better equipment, you have more options for creating high-quality content. For example, a high-end camera can help you produce cinematic-style shots and achieve a professional look, which can be challenging to accomplish with basic equipment.
• High-quality equipment will also increase your efficiency and allow you to produce content that stands out from the competition can help you attract a larger following and increase your earning potential.

6) Create an optimized portfolio: For full-time content creators, a well-crafted portfolio is essential as it is a key component of their personal brand and professional image. It provides evidence of their experience and abilities and can be a critical tool for attracting new clients and opportunities as they pursue their careers full-time. A portfolio can also be a way to track your progress as a content creator, how much your content has evolved over time, and how you can improve on it.

7) Establish a pricing strategy: Determining a clear pricing strategy is a critical step for content creators transitioning to full-time content creation, as it allows them to generate sustainable revenue, increase the perceived value of their work, and plan their finances effectively.

8) Offer samples and testimonials: Offering samples of work and testimonials can be a valuable tool for full-time content creators as they transition into their new careers. These tools can help them build credibility, establish a reputation, and attract new clients and customers.

9) Stay up to date with industry trends: Being caught up with the latest trends is an integral part of building a successful and sustainable career for a full-time content creator. It ensures that your content remains relevant to its audience, continues to generate interest, and receives more engagement. Remember that the content creation industry is highly competitive, and staying up to date with the latest trends can give content creators an edge over their competition.

10) Seek out opportunities: Continuously seek new opportunities, whether through freelance work, internships, or full-time positions, to build experience and establish a successful career as a full-time content creator.

11) Influencer marketing campaigns: Influencer marketing campaigns are important for full-time content creators because they help increase the content creator’s visibility and credibility. By partnering with reputable brands, the content creator can demonstrate their expertise and influence in a particular niche or industry. This can attract new followers and build a loyal audience, which can translate into more future monetization opportunities.

For influencer campaigns that match your caliber and niche, look no further than Spreadd. We are an automated and decentralized creator ecosystem for three major players of the creator economy — brands, social media influencers, and creators. We are an ideal space for them to meet and collaborate for personalized and cost-effective campaigns. From community building to providing tools and KPIs, we do it all and more. Connect with us, and we will tell you our story.

About’ Spreadd:

Spreadd is a platform primarily for creators and influencers looking to carve a niche through their content in the giant creator ecosystem. We aim to be a reliable support system helping you on your journey toward success. Connect with us, and we promise to make your creator journey a cakewalk. Let’s figure it out together.

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