Hey friends! I get asked all the time how I was able to build a six-figure online business as a content creator. So I wanted to break it down for you and share exactly what has worked for me across different social media platforms.
Whether you're a TikTok enthusiast, an Instagram influencer, a YouTube content creator, or a savvy Facebook ads strategist, there are multiple avenues to explore to reach six figures and beyond.
How to Focus and Thrive
Before you dive in head first, it's important to pick a niche and really focus your content. I know it's tempting to create content about a little of this and a little of that, but having a niche focus helps your blog content feel cohesive. Readers know what to expect from you and come back for more on that topic.
A niche is a focused topic area that you want to cover in your blog content. The key is to not go too broad, or else you’ll have trouble building an audience and becoming an authority on your subjects.
Instead, take it slow and inch your way down to a more specific niche. For example, you may start with an interest in travel. Then narrow down to travel tips and advice. Then focus on budget travel tips. See how we went from a very broad category down to a much more targeted niche?
The more you can niche down, the better. A tightly focused niche allows you to become an expert in that area. You can share specialized knowledge that few others have. You can build a loyal, targeted audience that comes back again and again for your advice and recommendations.
My advice is to start with a broad category you’re passionate about, then ask yourself questions to determine how you can niche down.
- What specific angle interests you most?
- What can you uniquely provide that isn’t already covered elsewhere?
- What types of questions do you frequently get asked about the topic?
Finding the answers can help lead you to your perfect niche.
Choosing Your Platforms
TikTok: Riding the Wave of Virality
TikTok has taken the social media world by storm, and is the fastest growing social platform. You can easily rack up millions of views creating short, entertaining videos.
To make six figures on TikTok, focus on creating engaging and shareable content that resonates with your audience. Collaborate with other creators, utilize trending hashtags, and consistently post high-quality videos to attract a loyal following and brand partnerships.
The key is consistency - post 1-3 videos per day minimum. Over time, you'll build an audience and can make money through TikTok's Creator Fund, sponsorships, affiliate links and selling merchandise.
Instagram: Cultivating a Strong Personal Brand
Instagram is a visual paradise for content creators looking to monetize their passion. To reach six figures on Instagram, focus on building a strong brand identity, engaging with your followers, and partnering with brands that align with your values. Utilize features like Instagram Shopping to diversify your income streams and maximize your earning potential.
The way I choose to monetize this platform is through affiliate linking when I mention my e-books and blog posts.
YouTube: Leveraging Long-Form Content and Ad Revenue
YouTube is the OG platform for content creators. It’s the second largest search engine and ideal for video creators. You want to consistently upload high-quality, searchable videos at least once a week. Longer videos tend to perform better. Focus on creating evergreen content that addresses the needs and interests of your target audience.
YouTube ads can generate a steady income once you have 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours. You can also monetize your channel through sponsored content and merchandise sales to generate a steady stream of income.
If this is a platform you want to dive into, check out my e-book on Mastering YouTube.
Facebook: Targeted Advertising for Maximum ROI
Facebook ads offer content creators a powerful tool to reach a targeted audience and drive conversions. To make six figures with Facebook ads, focus on mastering ad targeting, creative ad copy, and split testing to optimize your ad campaigns. Leverage retargeting strategies and lookalike audiences to maximize your ROI and scale your income potential.
Does this peak your interest? You can learn more about this topic here.
Oh, and let’s not forget about email lists!
Create a website and recommend helpful products in your niche to your audience. When they make a purchase through your special link, you earn a commission. This passive income source can quickly add up.
Email List: Building a Direct Line of Communication with Your Audience
An email list is a valuable asset for content creators looking to make six figures online. Focus on building a loyal subscriber base by offering valuable content, exclusive offers, and personalized interactions.
Utilize email marketing automation tools to segment your list, track performance metrics, and nurture relationships with your audience to drive sales and increase your revenue. Offer a lead magnet like a freebie in exchange for emails. Send 2-4 emails per week with valuable content and promotions.
I have funnels in place that allows me to email certain subscribers information depending on their interests: content creation, influencing, social media tips and etc.
Diversifying Your Revenue Streams
Don't rely on a single source of income! Relying solely on one platform or income source can be risky. Diversify your revenue streams by exploring additional opportunities.
Some options include:
•Sponsorships and brand deals: Work with brands to promote their products to your followers. Deals can range from $1,000 to $100,000 or more.
•Digital Products: Sell ebooks, online courses, merch, or coaching services to your followers. Price between $10 to $1000.
•Affiliate marketing: Promote other people's products and services to earn a commission for each sale. Commissions range from 5 to 75% of sales.
•Memberships: This is a great passive income stream that allows you to earn money month after month. You can offer different tiers like a basic plan and a premium plan, providing information such as exclusive content to members like behind-the-scenes access, early releases, or personalized content.
•Coaching: If you have a skill or expertise that others want to learn, you can create an online coaching program. You can do group coaching through webinars or workshops, or 1-on-1 coaching over video chat.
•Providing a service: This could be something like graphic design, web development, copywriting, consulting, bookkeeping, and more. You provide the service and set your own rates.
•Ads: Allow companies to run ads on your content to earn money from views and engagement. Payouts depend on the platform but can be $1 to $10 CPM (cost per 1,000 views).
•UGC refers to content created by everyday users. It's different from influencer marketing, because the brand is specifically asking for content creation, not just posts on your own channels. This could be anything from blog posts, to videos, to product reviews.
Setting Clear Financial Goals
Have a clear understanding of your financial goals and the steps required to achieve them. To make six figures, you’ll want to bring in at least $8,000 to $10,000 per month across these platforms and strategies. Focus on creating a snowball effect where one strategy feeds into another.
Calculate your desired annual income, taking into account expenses such as taxes, equipment, software subscriptions, and marketing costs. Break down your income goals into actionable steps and track your progress regularly to stay on target.
Allocate time and resources to continuous learning, skill development, and personal growth. Invest in high-quality equipment, software, and resources that enable you to create professional-grade content. Prioritize your physical and mental well-being, and surround yourself with a supportive community of fellow creators and mentors who can inspire and motivate you on your journey to six-figure success.
Making six figures online as a content creator is achievable with the right combination of platform expertise, monetization strategies, and personal development.
By mastering platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, diversifying your income streams, and investing in yourself, you can turn your passion into a profitable online business that provides financial freedom and fulfillment.
Disclaimer: I wanted to be transparent with you - some of the links I share may be affiliate links, meaning I could earn a commission if you choose to buy a product or service after clicking the link. There is no additional charge to you! Your support means the world to me and helps me keep creating valuable content, so thank you for being a part of this journey!