Traits Of A Successful Content Creator

Want to know how to become a successful content creator?

Just like any specialty field, content creators have to fine-tune their skills on a daily basis. With the online landscape continuing to evolve, content creators must continuously evolve with it.That means knowing your craft, knowing your audience, and knowing that perseverance is the name of the game.

Sure, anyone can create content. The real skill, however, is nailing it. In today’s world where the majority of business-to-business (B2B) professionals use content marketing as a strategy, the ones who manage to become successful with their campaigns are the ones who do the following:

1. They keep their writing skills fresh

If you’re in the content marketing field, chances are high that you are a fairly competent writer. The thing is, sometimes the best writers don’t make the best content marketers! Why is this? Because they get lazy with their craft.

Content marketing is more than just putting words on paper. In order to be among the top content creators, you need to write and write regularly. This means expanding your craft and learning new ways to market your content.

Because of the ever-changing online landscape, content creators need to continuously practice content creation. From persuasive writing to marketing, to Blog writing and everything in between, the best way to keep on top of the game is to produce quality content every time. Practice (by means of writing regularly) is the only way to do this!

2. They keep on top of industry news

What’s that got to do with content creation?! Plenty. Here’s why: if you’re creating content with the sole purpose of driving sales, you need to know your industry intimately.Keeping adrift of changing industry trends will help you make better-informed decisions when it comes to creating your content. Staying updated with industry news helps you understand how the industry has progressed historically and how it shapes its target audience’s mindset today.

The top content creators are seemingly one step ahead of competitors since their research into present-day industry trends enables them to predict future trends. As a result, they can create more targeted content and better audience engagement.

3. They know their audience

Writing for an audience can be challenging to some writers. However, it’s one of the most important skills that quality content creators have. The ability to read the mind of their audience and to speak to them in their language helps them to deliver content that resonates.

One of the ways to know your audience as a content creator is to study your brand’s buyer persona. Look at things like their gender, age group, income level, and what their main challenge is. What are they looking for? What information do they need?

Successful content creators get into the minds of their readers and modify their content to suit them.

4. They know their brand/industry

Even if they don’t. One of the traits of a great content creator is their ability to research their brand inside-out. As a content creator, you’re speaking for the brand - not yourself. This can be a tipping point for a lot of writers. However, it’s easy to overcome. Simply take the time to understand the marketing voice of your brand or industry. Is it light-hearted? Professional? Funny?

Secondly, top content creators spend the time getting to know their brand’s unique selling point (USP) and use this knowledge to leverage their content.

5. They have their own voice

Many writers make the mistake of imitating a competitor’s voice. Or, they have no voice at all so their content ends up falling flat.

Ever read content that takes you on a journey? You almost get lost in the story and before you know it, you’re clicking ‘buy now!’. Other times, a website might have some nifty information but it lacks personality, making it feel like you’re reading the pages of a dictionary.

One of the best ways you can develop your voice as a writer is to study the written word in all forms and formats. Whether you’re looking toward a career in journalism or want to be one of the top content creators around, learning the art of persuasive and emotive copy can really lift your game and success as a writer.

6. They network

Ah, networking. Yes, for many content creators who prefer to hide behind their screens, the mere thought of mingling with other content creators can be harder than writer’s block. However, not doing so restricts themselves to their own ideas.

Whether it’s on social media, on a forum, writer’s group, or through interacting with posts on LinkedIn, networking with industry peers opens you up to new inspiration and ideas. The most successful content creators know that networking can act as a support network, where they are continuously learning from others at every opportunity.

To be the best at anything requires hard work and patience. For content creators, success comes from continuously honing their skills. This means writing regularly, keeping abreast of industry trends, researching their brand, audience, and competitors, and connecting with other like-minded individuals in the industry.

Whether you’re just starting out, working in-house at an agency, or you are a freelancer, you can take these tips to help you develop your skills. Working as a content creator can be challenging but its challenges are rewarding. If you have passion for it, then you’re already on your way to becoming a successful content creator.