It’s an interesting time to be an influencer. With a growing follower list and higher engagement levels, it would seem lockdown has worked in an influencers favour. However, dropped sponsorship deals, ad budget cuts, and event cancellations would suggest otherwise. With these traditional sources of income drying up, influencers are now turning to new ways of earning.
It’s no surprise that creator platforms have boomed in 2020, with the opportunity for influencers to earn directly from their content in the safety of their home. Creator platforms let influencers monetize their content for regular and consistent earnings with the help of monthly subscriptions and pay-per-minute interaction with fans. Creators can often set their own prices for fans to view their content and build connections in ways not offered on platforms like Instagram, Youtube, and Facebook.
With this uptick in creator platforms, it can be hard to know which one to choose. From VAT compliance and terms changing at a moment’s notice, navigating the new world of creator platforms requires a little homework.
Luckily, established creator platform, SoSpoilt.com has put together a useful guide on everything you need to know. From the realities of being your own boss and building a fanbase to the red flags to watch out for; these 7 tips will point you in the right direction.
1. Take control of your content
Creator platforms let you earn directly from your content. Bring exclusivity to your work by letting fans subscribe to your page. Once subscribed, fans will pay a monthly fee to access photos, videos, messages, live content and more.
No sponsored ads mean creators can take back control of their content. Beauty influencers and fitness instructors alike can bring their businesses online and quickly earn money from home with valuable online content.
2. Interact with your fans
One of the differences between sponsored content and creator platforms is the interaction with fans. Some content platforms only offer basic direct messaging, while others let you charge what you like for features such as live video and phone calls with any platform user, not just subscribers, allowing for an extra income stream. It’s also important to get to know your fans using the messaging features available. Make fans feel valued by responding and building connections with them. In fact, most fans say they value one-on-one interactions with creators over the content uploaded to their page.
3. Find the right platform for your content
Rules about what you can share with fans vary from platform to platform. For example, some ban NSFW content, while others give influencers total creative freedom. It’s also important to find a platform that allows you to upload different file types such as, high res photos and videos, quickly and easily.
4. Learn how to handle your earnings
Different creator platforms provide different ways to earn from your content. As well as fan subscriptions, some platforms let you earn from messages, live video/phone chats, and tips. All creator platforms will have fees, this means they will take a percentage of what you earn. However, some take more than others, have stricter rules about when you can cash out, and don’t handle VAT in line with UK and EU regulations. Platforms like SoSpoilt provide safe and direct payments, so you don’t lose a chunk of your earnings to third-party processors.
5. Research the platform
When you’ve found a creator platform that gives you what you want, do your homework before signing up. Research the company’s history to find out how long they’ve been in business, and who’s behind it. If you can’t easily find this information think twice about joining. It’s also worth seeing what’s said about the company online. Find comments on social media, in the press and on review sites. If current users and critics aren’t impressed, it’s probably best to avoid the platform.
6. Perfect your page
Build your personal brand and make your page attractive to potential subscribers. Upload a profile picture and bio that lets fans know what kind of content you create. Check out similar creators’ pages on the same platform to get some inspiration and see what works. Social media is a useful tool to promote content to potential subscribers. Include direct links to your page in your bio on all your social media channels.
7. Create content your fans want to see
Create a content plan that fits around your schedule so you can produce quality content. Plan ahead and jot down ideas for content when they strike. The key is to post regular and valuable content. Fans are paying to see what you post, so it should be a few steps above the content they see on your free social platforms. And most importantly listen to your fans, use their feedback to find what works and watch your fanbase grow.
