😳 What they don't tell you about content creation...

Hello Creators! As you may have noticed, there was no Creator Chronicle newsletter last week.

And that was deliberate in nature.

I’ll be honest - I’m still figuring out the best way to grow Creator Exclusive.

Whether that’s finding creators, interviewing them, publishing interviews and blogs, creating social media content, getting more subscribers, updating the website, taking care of a bunch of random items that pop up - it’s a lot of work. All on top of a full time 9-5 job.

As a result, I need to figure out the best way to maximize my time. Whether that’s moving the newsletter to a monthly feature, or changing the way it’s structured entirely, is something I need to nail down.

That being said - I love putting this together. It really is a highlight of my week, as it’s something I get to create and distribute entirely myself. And even seeing 1 person open it makes my day.

So all that to say - it’s a work in progress. But for now, I’m committed to bringing these bad boys to your inbox for as long as it makes sense.

I also haven’t fully introduced myself to you. And that time will come - in the form of TikToks, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, and a relaunch of the entire Creator Exclusive social media ecosystem.

But for now, that will have to wait ;) Instead, let’s focus in on the theme of this week’s newsletter - “what they don’t tell you about content creation".

It’s exactly what I’ve already outlined - that this shit is hard. Whether it’s building a business (like I’ve already waxed poetically about) or creating content, there are plenty of obstacles you’ll have to overcome.

Introducing the less glamorous side of content creation that most people don’t want you to hear…

What they don’t tell you about content creation

While the perks of a career in content creation may seem amazing, it's important to also approach this path with a realistic understanding of the challenges you might face. You don't want to go headfirst into this line of work without understanding the less noticeable side of the business, which can be:

1) Inconsistent Income

Initially, income might vary considerably (some months you might make $0) as you build your audience and create a steady stream of content. It's part of the process to refine your approach to monetization and find what works best for you.

2) Self-Discipline and Motivation

With great freedom comes great responsibility. Without a structured office environment and peers to keep you going, you'll need a strong sense of discipline and self-motivation to maintain productivity and keep pushing forward, even on tough days. At the end of the day - it's all up to you.

3) Overcoming Rejection and Criticism

Not every piece of content will be a hit, and feedback isn't always positive. Learning to use constructive criticism to grow while not being discouraged by rejection is ESSENTIAL for long-term success. You're never as good as your best days, and never as bad as your worst.

4) Evolving with the Platforms

The digital landscape changes every single day. Staying informed and adapting to new trends, algorithms, and platform updates can be challenging but is necessary for continued growth. You always have to be on the ball.

5) Work-Life Balance

Balancing the need to consistently create content with personal time can be tricky. It's important to set boundaries to ensure that your passion for content creation remains a source of fulfillment rather than burnout. This is probably the biggest challenge of content creators today. You need to set boundaries, otherwise everything will come crashing down as soon as it starts.

Facing these challenges head-on, with perseverance, dedication, and a community-oriented mindset will turn your content creation passion into a successful career.

Remember to always stay true to yourself and your values, and surround yourself with other creators who uplift and support you on your journey. Yes, you might be working long days and nights, but never forget why you started.

One more thing: Don't forget to have fun! Content creation is an exciting field that allows for endless creativity and self-expression (good note for myself!).

TikTok Vid of the Week

@jeeinyoun

heree wee gooooo #budgeting #monthlybudget #financialliteracy #financialfreedomlife #budgeting101 #fyp

JeeIn Youn (featured interview of the week) has got her creator brand aesthetic down to a science

TikTok Vid of the Week #2

@jeeinyoun

it’s going well for something “little” i guess #influencer #influencersinthewild #sidehustle #passiveincome #brandpartnerships #contentcre... See more

Some creator monetization inspiration from JeeIn… not too shabby I would say??

Creator Exclusive Weekly Interview … with JeeIn Youn

An excerpt of our interview with management consultant and TikTok creator JeeIn Youn…

Hey JeeIn! How have you monetized your business model?

Initially, creating content was just a fun hobby for me. But soon enough, I started receiving partnership requests. It began with offers like, "We'll gift you this item in exchange for XYZ." Now, it's major brands asking, "How much do you charge for an ad on your JeeIn Youn TikTok or Instagram page?"

The growth has been significant. From receiving free gifts and PR packages, which used to excite me, I now decline most of them to avoid clutter in my apartment. The focus has shifted towards paid ads, especially after reaching around 10,000 followers.

I had no idea how lucrative ads could be. Initially, I thought $300 would be fantastic, and I'd happily create five videos for that rate. However, my rates have substantially increased over time, influenced by discussions with fellow creators and understanding market norms and pricing strategies.

The most significant change in my monetization approach is being selective. Initially, I said yes to everything, but as demand grew, I gained the flexibility to decline offers. I now choose ads that align with my beliefs, brand, and niche, making them more authentic.

Currently, I'm taking each day as it comes regarding my career approach. I enjoy having two jobs—one more analytical, the other allowing creativity and risk-taking, while also building my own brand and being my own boss.

I love the creator's life, but it's risky. The creator economy is always evolving, with trends, influencers, and audience preferences constantly changing. Platforms and regulations shift too, making it volatile. For now, having a safety net with both jobs feels right.

Read the full interview with JeeIn over at Creator Exclusive

Thanks for reading Week 11 of the Creator Chronicle everyone! Will be back next week with the latest and greatest.

If you could, please let us know what you enjoyed (or didn’t) with a very quick reply to this email.

We’ll catch you next week - until then, keep creating!

JP