The Future Belongs to Creators

In today’s economy, it seems like everyone’s a creator. And in a bustling creator economy, making your voice heard can feel impossible. But is it actually impossible? And does success mean viewing fellow creators as competition? In today’s episode, Charli, Haley, and Miguel discuss a recent article titled, The Creator Economy Is In Crisis, Now Let’s Fix It. Some say over-supply and unfriendly algorithms make the modern creator economy a challenging industry. With so many creators working for less (or nothing), many wonder if creators are undervalued. Nonetheless, if you’re itching to go full-time with a side-hustle, there are always ways to break through the noise and create for a living.  “I think what we have to do as creators is not let the platforms and the brands put us in competition with each other. We can’t let that happen. I don’t think creators realize the power that they hold. If every creator decided to stop uploading to YouTube, YouTube wouldn’t make any money. Right? We do hold that power.” ~ @charliprangleyMain takeaways[08:54] Oversupply makes it possible for niche content to exist instead of content that appeals only to the masses. Tools like filters and search buttons make it possible for smaller niche creators to be found.[09:11] Because the market is filled with tons of creators doing similar content, creators must differentiate themselves or find their niche. [11:02] Platforms add to the problem of oversaturation because algorithms reward creators who post frequently.[15:14] Oversupply isn’t a death sentence for small creators. If people are interested in your niche, chances are they’ll find you. You can beat the algorithm by being hyper-specific or hyper-broad. [25:18] Making money is a skill set. To solve the problem of underpaid creators, creators must make monetization their goal before anything else. Connect with our hostsCharli PrangleyMiguel PouHaley JanicekLinksWatch The Future Belongs to Creators on YouTubeThe Creator Economy Is In Crisis, Now Let’s Fix ItEveryday CarryCreator SessionsTeddy WilliamsLULA PotteryCharli on YouTubeGot a story to tell on The Future Belongs to Creators podcast?We'd love to have you on the show to talk about successes or failures you've experienced on your creator journey. Submit your story here!Start building your audience for freeWith ConvertKit landing pages, you can build a beautiful page for your project in just a few minutes. Choose colors, add photos, build a custom opt-in form, and add your copy. All without writing any code! Check out landingpages.new to get started.Stay in touchApple PodcastsSpotifyTwitterFacebookInstagram

As a constantly evolving creator, nothing is ever written in stone. Just ask Hollie Arnett, brand strategy coach for creators and founder of Maker & Moxie. A master of branding, Hollie passed the ultimate test by successfully rebranding a difficult client: herself. Beginning her business as a designer and typographer, Hollie picked her original name quickly. But as she evolved from designer to brand strategist, it was clear the name no longer served her purpose.The name was beginning to impact her SEO, her ability to stand out in a crowded marketplace, and her ability to share her story. So she took the plunge and started fresh. If you’re a creator who's scared to start over, Charli, Haley, and Miguel talk with Hollie about navigating those fears, rebranding the right way, and picking the perfect name for your business.“When you’re deciding between your personal name or a business name, it’s about what your goals are and how your name is going to fit in with those goals.” ~ @holliesgotmoxieMain takeaways[07:12] Your business name should speak to your audience. Your audience should be able to identify themselves in your name. [21:36] Rather than shifting your brand one incremental change at a time, rebrand in one swoop. It’s exciting, quickly gets everyone on board, and makes everything easier for you and your audience.[27:00] You have to find a way to future-proof your business while also making sure your business reflects who you are in the present moment. [30:08] If you’re sharing your new name with a small community before making the rebrand official, share it with people who know you and your vision and who live in the audience of people you hope to work with. Connect with our hostsCharli PrangleyMiguel PouHaley JanicekLinksWatch The Future Belongs to Creators on YouTubeMaker & MoxieHollie on InstagramHollie’s PodcastCreator SessionsCreator Sessions with Sad AlexArrows & BowSharon Says SoInside Marketing DesignCharli on YouTubeInside Marketing Design on YouTubeGot a story to tell on The Future Belongs to Creators podcast?We'd love to have you on the show to talk about successes or failures you've experienced on your creator journey. Submit your story here!Start building your audience for freeWith ConvertKit landing pages, you can build a beautiful page for your project in just a few minutes. Choose colors, add photos, build a custom opt-in form, and add your copy. All without writing any code! Check out landingpages.new to get started.Stay in touchApple PodcastsSpotifyTwitterFacebookInstagram

In today's Q&A episode, Charli and Miguel talk with ConvertKit product specialist, Ben Schoeffler, about thoughts and experiences turning hobbies into side hustles. They also answer questions about when to push through burn-out and when to quit, creating with a goal in mind, and why it’s OK to produce work without knowing where it’s going.“I noticed over the past few months when I’ve been doing things for my own mental health, I’ve thought, ‘oh, I should share this on my podcast’ or ‘I had this interesting experience I want to share this with people’ and then going, ‘wait, no this is just for me, no one else has to know this, I can just do this for me.’ It’s been interesting to realize how I’ve programmed my brain for content production.” ~ @BenSchoefflerToday’s Questions [04:26] How do you decide when and how to monetize a side hustle? [07:54] How do you push through creative burnout? [14:34] How do you know when to push through that creative burnout or leave your side hustle by the wayside? [20:04] How important are long-term goals and how often do you think about them? Connect with our hostsCharli PrangleyMiguel PouBen SchoefflerLinksWatch The Future Belongs to Creators on YouTubeCharli on YouTubeCharli on TwitchShut Up, Brain PodcastThinking In Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don’t Have All The Facts by Annie DukeUgmonk CardsMetaphysical Milkshake with Rainn & RezaMetaphysical Milkshake with Rainn & Reza: Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble: Are the Kids Alright?StrengthsFinderInside Marketing DesignMarketing Design DispatchCharli’s FontMailChimpSlackSalesForceEtsyGot a story to tell on The Future Belongs to Creators podcast?We'd love to have you on the show to talk about successes or failures you've experienced on your creator journey. Submit your story here!Start building your audience for freeWith ConvertKit landing pages, you can build a beautiful page for your project in just a few minutes. Choose colors, add photos, build a custom opt-in form, and add your copy. All without writing any code! Check out landingpages.new to get started.Stay in touchApple PodcastsSpotifyTwitterFacebookInstagram

With ADHD, it’s incredibly difficult to focus on one task at a time. For creators with a lot to do, an ADHD diagnosis can make an already uphill climb feel like Mt. Everest. But, as Noah from ProvocaTeach tells us,  there are ways creators can overcome their diagnosis and turn ADHD into a creative advantage.Growing up, Noah always felt like he was better at explaining lessons than his teachers. When he eventually started college for education, he noticed that his curriculum glossed over concepts that he felt were the most important issues for teachers to understand and solve. And when March 2020 hit, Noah decided it was finally time to share his education opinions with an online audience and he began his creator journey.In this episode, Charli, Haley, and Miguel talk with Noah about managing ADHD as a creator, why systems and support are the secret sauce, and how ADHD can be your greatest creative asset. “There was so much that I could potentially do for this project at any given time. I could be writing, I could be learning about marketing, I could be fixing some bug on my website. There was so much that could potentially be happening at any one time, and in some sense I think part of the journey was learning how to compartmentalize.” ~ @ProvocaTeachMain takeaways[11:49] When there are too many tasks on your list, compartmentalize your to-dos and build systems that hold you accountable. [13:27] Lean on external resources to help you figure out what your regulated creator process should look like. Learn from podcasts, research, and creators who came before you.[14:15] Surround yourself with supporters with whom you can talk things through when problems arise. [22:34] With ADHD, it’s tempting to give up when you don’t see an immediate payoff. But you have to give something a couple of tries before you can abandon the idea. It takes consistency to gain traction and results.[32:22] Presenting an audience with immediate value is essential. Everyone needs a reason to stop their scroll. Otherwise, your content gets lost in the mix. Connect with our hostsCharli PrangleyMiguel PouHaley JanicekNoah from ProvocaTeachLinksWatch The Future Belongs to Creators on YouTubeProvocaTeach Noah on Twitter Noah on FacebookNoah’s YouTube ChannelFiverrAngel at ConvertKitThe Future Belongs To Creators 122: Building Your Network by Sharing Your Process with Teddy WilliamsDr. Thomas E. BrownCanvaNathan BarrySharon Says SoThe Sharon Says So PodcastCraft & Commerce ConferenceGot a story to tell on The Future Belongs to Creators podcast?We'd love to have you on the show to talk about successes or failures you've experienced on your creator journey. Submit your story here!Start building your audience for freeWith ConvertKit landing pages, you can build a beautiful page for your project in just a few minutes. Choose colors, add photos, build a custom opt-in form, and add your copy. All without writing any code! Check out landingpages.new to get started.Stay in touchApple PodcastsSpotifyTwitterFacebookInstagram

The hardest part of accomplishing anything is taking the first step. Whether you’re nervous about sharing work for the first time or fear you’ll never find success, most big-time creators have felt the same.How do you push through those tough early stages when there’s no guarantee of success or profit? ConvertKit Product Manager, Romane Dagain, knows what it’s like to navigate the early days of being a creator while balancing a 9-5 and resisting burnout and self-criticism.In this episode, Charli and Miguel talk with Romane about the hardest obstacles to overcome when you’re starting, reframing your mindset on monetization, and avoiding the pressure of outside perspectives. “Even if I can show something that’s imperfect, maybe I can show something that is approachable as well, and then more people will want to try it. Maybe more people will see it. And then if I can just get more people just picking up a pen and just writing a few words and just enjoying this activity once in their lives, then I’m happy. That’s what I was meant to achieve.” ~ @romanedgnMain takeaways[04:38] Sometimes, the hardest part of starting a side hustle is accepting that you’ll have to share your work and that it’s good enough to share. [09:50] Creating in public is a great way to hold yourself accountable, stay motivated, and connect with other passionate creators. [12:28] You are always your toughest critic. Don’t be too hard on yourself or let perfectionism stop you from sharing.[20:37] Before jumping into a monetization strategy, you have to build up the habit of creating as well as an audience. Take advantage of that time before monetization and the freedom in creating just to create.[24:31] Part of the fun of becoming a creator is building something you love. Don’t let other people’s pressure and advice distort your passion project into something you dislike.Connect with our hostsCharli PrangleyMiguel PouRomane DagainLinksWatch The Future Belongs to Creators on YouTubeThe New ProvincialThe New Provincial on Instagram Marketing Design Dispatch EtsyGot a story to tell on The Future Belongs to Creators podcast?We'd love to have you on the show to talk about successes or failures you've experienced on your creator journey. Submit your story here!Start building your audience for freeWith ConvertKit landing pages, you can build a beautiful page for your project in just a few minutes. Choose colors, add photos, build a custom opt-in form, and add your copy. All without writing any code! Check out landingpages.new to get started.Stay in touchApple PodcastsSpotifyTwitterFacebookInstagram

Many companies have regular performance reviews for their employees. If done well, reflecting on your work is a great way to improve and refresh your professional momentum. Even though it’s not mandated by a higher-up, we should still take similar time as creators to reflect on our work and performance.When there’s no boss behind your shoulder or fear of firing, we as creators and solopreneurs need systems in place to hold us accountable and keep our aspirations on track. In this episode, Haley and Miguel break down the beats of purposeful and intentional reflection. It’s a system embraced at ConvertKit, and a system we encourage everyone to implement as their creator journeys evolve. “Honesty is a really big part of measuring your growth as a creator, or professional, or anything else. Because you’re not going to grow from something that you’re not even acknowledging is a problem.” ~ Miguel PouMain takeaways[07:28] Purposeful and regimented reflection holds you accountable. Because as creators, no one else is there to do it for you. Start by breaking up lofty goals into small pieces.  [11:17] If you approach tasks with the mindset that you’re a learner rather than the expert, then nothing you do is wrong and everything you do is teaching you something valuable. [17:27] Learning from your mistakes is great, but don’t forget to celebrate the wins too. [18:00] To improve your areas of weakness, you have to be honest about them and aware of what they are. [28:21] You can’t succeed as a creator if you’re not growing personally. Don’t just track professional milestones and metrics like subscribers, clicks, and revenue. If you’re learning a lot, that’s just as much of an accomplishment as gaining 1,000 subscribers or earning $1,000.Connect with our hostsMiguel PouHaley JanicekLinksWatch The Future Belongs to Creators on YouTube15FiveCreator SessionsMy Brothers And IJames ClearCraft & Commerce Conference1% Better Every Day - James Clear at ConvertKit Craft + Commerce 20174 Personal Growth Skills Content Creators Should MasterThe Future Belongs To Creators 114: 1,000 True FansMatt RaglandThe Future Belongs To Creators 104: Making the Leap to Full-Time CreatorAlexis TeichmillerThe Future Belongs To Creators 123: Launching Your First Newsletter with Daniel BeasleyJudah & The LionJudah AkersSam WilliamsAlt BloomGot a story to tell on The Future Belongs to Creators podcast?We'd love to have you on the show to talk about successes or failures you've experienced on your creator journey. Submit your story here!Start building your audience for freeWith ConvertKit landing pages, you can build a beautiful page for your project in just a few minutes. Choose colors, add photos, build a custom opt-in form, and add your copy. All without writing any code! Check out landingpages.new to get started.Stay in touchApple PodcastsSpotifyTwitterFacebookInstagram

Daniel Beasley, Director of Customer Experience at ConvertKit, shares steps for starting a newsletter, curating content as a great place to start, making newsletters exciting and engaging, the growth of subscribers for his newsletter, investing in domains and choosing a platform, and discussing the benefits and clear boundaries of side hustles.

How do you go from casual listener of a show to colleague of a creator all in the comment section of a live stream? Ask Teddy. A staple of The Future Belongs To Creators podcast, Teddy’s here (almost) every week to ask questions and keep the conversation fun. In today’s episode, Teddy chats with Charli, Haley, and Miguel about his success working from the comment section and finding his audience as an emerging creator. They discuss everything from overcoming the fear of asking that first question to a creator and if building in public is really worth potential scrutiny. They also discuss the acceptability of shameless networking.Stepping into the spotlight can be nerve-wracking. But for people like Teddy, the professional benefits have outweighed the potential downside.“If your favorite YouTuber for fashion is like, ‘Hey I’m doing a live stream,” don’t just show up and watch it. Show up and ask a question. Participate in the chat and get that started.” ~ @TeddyWilliamsWMain takeaways[09:28] When it comes to perfectionism, sometimes you have to get out of your own way. Finishing something and creating it in public will lead to more opportunities. Don’t wait around for the work to be perfect. [19:33] Even a small interaction can mean a lot to a fan or follower. Networking doesn’t have to be a huge gesture to be successful. A series of small connections is a fantastic way to build relationships.[23:45] There’s no shame in intentional networking. Plan for who you’re going to connect with at a networking event or elsewhere to make the most of your time.[28:46] When you engage with creators, you’re actually serving them. Interacting with and applying their content helps show that they are accomplishing the mission they set out to.[37:11] As a creator with an audience, remember to recognize the fans or followers that show up repeatedly.Connect with our hostsCharli PrangleyMiguel PouHaley JanicekTeddy WilliamsLinksWatch The Future Belongs to Creators on YouTubeTeddy on YouTubeWhy I Watch My Favorite Podcast Live Stream on YouTubeTeddy on TwitterSign up for Teddy’s newsletterTeddy’s Webinar Flow Recap tweetCharli’s video about her promotionNathan BarryBarrett BrooksSean McCabeFigmaThe Future Belongs To Creators 121: The Impact of Twitch on the Creator EconomyThe Future Belongs To Creators 114: 1,000 True FansTwitchGrayscaleRafal TomalFarm To ClosetKygoSteph CurryNoah from ProvocaTeachMelanie GriesemerRyan de MetzGot a story to tell on The Future Belongs to Creators podcast?We'd love to have you on the show to talk about successes or failures you've experienced on your creator journey. Submit your story here!Start building your audience for freeWith ConvertKit landing pages, you can build a beautiful page for your project in just a few minutes. Choose colors, add photos, build a custom opt-in form, and add your copy. All without writing any code! Check out landingpages.new to get started.Stay in touchApple PodcastsSpotifyTwitterFacebookInstagram

While an app filled with live streaming gamers may be the last thing you associate with 2021’s highest-paid influencers, much of what makes up our modern creator economy originated on Twitch.At least according to a recent article, Twitch Turns 10, and the Creator Economy Is in Its Debt. In this episode, Charli, Haley, and Miguel dig into live streams, the game craze, opportunities from the app, challenges Twitch perpetuates, and why creators today should take a page from the gaming space for a healthy career doing what they love. “Streamers have huge, very very passionate audiences because of the live component of the content that they create, more so than perhaps an influencer on Instagram who is posting very curated photos of their space or their outfit or whatever. I think people really like the reality of seeing someone live and their live reactions.” ~ @charliprangleyMain takeaways[10:54] Are gamers considered creators? They create content for an audience, which is exactly what artists and YouTubers do.[23:11] Don’t rely on third-party tools to build a relationship with your audience, whether that be YouTube, Instagram, or Twitch. You should always be steering your audience to a platform that you own. [25:59] Given its emphasis on unedited live streams, some may argue that Twitch has contributed to the rise in “relatability” and authenticity. [28:33] At the very least, Twitch is another opportunity for your audience to find and interact with your content. In that sense, platforms like Twitch add to the accessibility of becoming a full-time creator.[34:01] If you’re a creator, try out live. Live streaming can strengthen the bond you have with your audience and add authenticity and humanity to your online persona.Connect with our hostsCharli PrangleyMiguel PouHaley JanicekLinksWatch The Future Belongs to Creators on YouTubeTwitchTwitch Turns 10, and the Creator Economy Is in Its DebtPatreonOnlyFansThe New Rules of the “Creator Economy”The Future Belongs To Creators 116: How Platforms Are Changing in Response to the Creator EconomyNinjaLudwigCharli D’AmelioWhy I Watch My Favorite Podcast Live Stream on YouTubeGot a story to tell on The Future Belongs to Creators podcast?We'd love to have you on the show to talk about successes or failures you've experienced on your creator journey. Submit your story here!Start building your audience for freeWith ConvertKit landing pages, you can build a beautiful page for your project in just a few minutes. Choose colors, add photos, build a custom opt-in form, and add your copy. All without writing any code! Check out landingpages.new to get started.Stay in touchApple PodcastsSpotifyTwitterFacebookInstagram

In today's Q&A episode, Charli, Haley, and Miguel share secrets and insights from their experience balancing work, life, side passions, and, of course, hosting a creator podcast.  Stay tuned for answers on charging for sponsorships, knowing your limits as a freelancer, recovering from creative ruts, and more. “You have to know your audience so well to understand your value. Because if you have an unengaged audience, then your value is not going to be there.” ~ @HaleyJanicekToday’s Questions [03:45] Why is Charli so transparent about her income? [12:05] What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned from doing this podcast?[20:06] What do you do when you’re feeling creatively uninspired or unmotivated?[26:37] How do you handle growth and momentum on your side gig when you can’t give it the attention it needs?Connect with our hostsCharli PrangleyMiguel PouHaley JanicekLinksWatch The Future Belongs to Creators on YouTubeCreator SessionsCharli on YouTubeSean McKay2021 income streams report - I DOUBLED my side hustle income!How much do web designers earn? [Real salary numbers]How to create a gallery wallAlexis TeichmillerChoosing The Right Medium For Creating with Ben SchoefflerThe Realities of Trying to Make It in Music with Josh LoganHappy Happy HouseplantWorking With a Virtual Assistant as a Creator with Chloe AnnaTinLun StudiosGot a story to tell on The Future Belongs to Creators podcast?We'd love to have you on the show to talk about successes or failures you've experienced on your creator journey. Submit your story here!Start building your audience for freeWith ConvertKit landing pages, you can build a beautiful page for your project in just a few minutes. Choose colors, add photos, build a custom opt-in form, and add your copy. All without writing any code! Check out landingpages.new to get started.Stay in touchApple PodcastsSpotifyTwitterFacebookInstagram