There seems to be a lot of misconception about content creators and influencers, and what they actually do. I’ve run into many negative comments and even had them directed at me, calling me lazy for not working a more conventional job that people understand. Believe me, you can’t be lazy in this line of work if you want to succeed.
I’m a Digitial Content Creator, although I usually just use the term “blogger” because people understand that easier. Writing is my main gig, but my job also involves creating photos, videos, tutorials, product reviews and social media posts. I’m not an “influencer,” although it is a part of my overall job.
Every Day I’m Hustlin’
I recently left a comment on a TikTok video of someone promoting the Amazon Influencer Program, which I’ve been doing for a few years. You’ll find plenty of Amazon links throughout this blog.
My comment was about how it can be a good way to make money, but you really have to hustle to make it work because the commissions tend to be literally a few pennies. Sometimes you can do good with a high-ticket item, but overall, you need a lot of sales for it to add up.
Some sad Internet troll decided to leave this lovely gem in response:
I added the poo to his face, which gives me a little bit of happiness when I see it.
And Mr. Poo Face must not have been the only negative response on that poor girl’s sponsored post, because the whole post was gone by the time I noticed the comment in my notifications.
Successful Content Creation Takes Work
I get up early and go to work every day. I usually try to take weekends off the computer because I’m on it so much and a lot of the companies I work with are closed on weekends anyway.
My days often start at 5AM, before my family gets up, so I can get things done early. But things are never totally “done,” so once the kid is off to school, I’m back on the computer working.
I’m checking e-mails, writing blog posts, preparing sponsored posts, editing photos, crafting social media posts, etc. All that content creation takes a lot of time and effort. I work with a lot of foreign companies, so their e-mails usually start coming in around 3AM and I have a full inbox to go through by the time I get up and start working.
And at any time, if I noticed I feel all caught up and work has slowed down, I immediately start going through my contacts, affiliate accounts, PR agencies, and influencer networks to see what work I can hustle up.
Just Keep Going
And all that is why so many people try to get into blogging or content creation and don’t go all the way with it. I know plenty of people who blog, but very few who have been able to make a job out of it.
But it is a great side-hustle, so even if you don’t do this full time, keep it going! It took me several years before I grew this into something with an actual income.
On the flip side of this, even I get annoyed by all the influencers (and those trying to be influencers) hawking products on social media without giving much thought to making the content entertaining or engaging. TikTok seems to be the worst. I can’t scroll through there without people shouting and waving some new product around. Even though occasionally I’m one of them.
So, I totally get the cringe reaction to the general idea of content creators and influencers when they’re all looped in with the overzealous salespeople. But I also respect that those people are at least out there trying hard to make it work.
I don’t usually give Internet trolls the spotlight, but I have run into this sort of comment too many times to not say something about it. So that’s it. And now I need to go check my e-mail and what work is waiting for me today.
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Nobody should be talking without knowing you.
Content creation is also just like any other job in that there are good and bad members in the profession.
Very true! I’ve just seen some very mean comments lately directed at everyone in the content creating sphere.
There was a whole thread where people were saying how they go out of their way to look things up so they can avoid using an influencer’s affiliate link. How low is that?
I’ve refrained from commenting on those posts because it won’t get me anywhere. Better to do it here in my safe space, lol.
OK, late getting back to this one, BUT… all I can say in terms of what you’re seeing is try to look at it from the other side (just as they need to do with you). There are a fair number of content creators who do just skate by. Women especially can get away with just wearing a low cut top or a bikini, feign actual content, and get tons of views because boobs. I’ve seen a few YouTubers who make a living doing this and rehashing others’ content. The toxic turn in the battle of the sexes the last few years hasn’t helped either.
It’s definitely not fair to somebody like you who makes a real effort to inform and entertain others. As said in my last comment, we all deserve to be judged as individuals. Tribal level group think is a huge problem anymore though
ah yes. I tend to forget that Only Fans models and that sort of thing are considered content creators as well.
On the other hand, they do actually work hard, as it’s exhausting trying to be sexy all the time, Lol.
Yes, but they’re so disingenuous and artless about it, LOL.
“Oh look at me, just rolled out of bed looking this way #blessed” 🤮 🤣
bwahahaha
Great post! I absolutely agree with everything you said in this article. Content creation is a difficult process but ultimately worth the effort. As a film critic, I’ve always been passionate about creating valuable content that I can share with people through WordPress. However, lately I have endured mean insults from certain bloggers that have made me aware how challenging content creation in the modern age truly is. Whenever you post something, you are bound to face some rejection from someone that doesn’t like you. Your success ultimately depends on how you deal with rejection. I recently saw a great movie called “American Fiction” which captures a process of content creation you discussed in this article.
Now THIS is the right way to ask for people to look at your blog. It’s relevant to the topic at hand and is much classier than just showing up and begging for a follow. 🙂
However, it’s a bit of stretch as the movie isn’t really about digital content creation. It’s about a novelist who writes a satirical book that’s taken as a real thing.
Fair point.
Thanks very much. I will take that as a compliment lol.