By Amber Venz Box - President and Co-founder of LTK

86% of young Americans want to be social media influencers, and according to a recent report, nearly half of current Gen Z creators say they aspire to own a business and make money from the content they share online. The rise of social media has given consumers the platforms to easily create, share and capture the attention of people around the world - and that, along with the ability to meaningfully monetize their work, is why the creator economy is only just beginning. 

Today, social media is giving content creators a launchpad into entrepreneurship and helping them find new customers. However, creating content is not as easy as a simple social post – a strategic business plan must be in place to succeed. This is necessary, especially in the age of AI-driven feeds when anyone can go viral at any time. If being a creator is your goal, it comes down to how prepared you are to maximize these moments. 

For creators looking to turn their passion into a full-time business, here are 5 tips you need to know.

1. Create a Business Plan 
   Don’t start creating content just for the sake of creating. Create a business plan, work towards a defined vision and quantifiable goals. Think about what type of content you will be best positioned to create each day, what will your posting cadence be and identify your target audience. Be adaptable and use the quick feedback cycles that social media platforms provide to determine what is resonating with your audience. Be patient and adjust your plan accordingly to stay on track towards success. Creator businesses are like any other business - they have to be built - so expect to invest before you see success.
   
   
2. Invest in Learning and Finding a Community of Support
   Invest in yourself and learn skills and strategies that will improve your craft. Be a daily student - there are so many tools and techniques to learn that will help you stay competitive. Equally important, connect with other creators and learn from each other. Building a community of support is important in an industry that moves as quickly as ours. Learning from like-minded individuals and experts in our industry will help grow your career faster by missing some of the potholes. 
   
   
3. Think Strategically About Social Platforms
   Whether it’s changing algorithms or tools, social media platforms are constantly evolving. It is important to keep in mind that social platforms are an efficiency to your business, but they are not THE business. Your actual business should live elsewhere, on a platform that was created to facilitate what you are selling. Think about social media as the ramp to your business. 
   
   
4. Your Relationships and Reputation Matter 
   As a creator, authenticity is key. It is becoming increasingly important in light of the current “defluencing” trend. Now more than ever, audiences are selective about the content they consume and are more likely to support creators who are genuine, relatable and honest. Being authentic can help creators build a solid reputation and establish themselves as trusted experts in their fields. It is also important to build relationships and collaborate with brands to drive successful outcomes as a creator. Your reputation matters – the brand work, promotions and partnerships drive the success of your business. It is crucial to have repeat business and build relationships with brands that fit your niche. When you drive the outcomes brands need, they will want to continue to work with you which in turn, scales your business and reach. Remember, behind every platform or brand is a person and people like to work with people that they…like. 
   
   
5. Provide a One-of-Kind Experience for Consumers
   Treat being a creator like a hospitality business. Creators should provide a welcoming and comfortable environment ensuring their audience feels included and valued. Personalize their experience by creating content that is specific to their needs or share a personal story to connect with your audience on a deeper level. Be attentive and responsive on all of your social platforms and be open to feedback and suggestions. Lastly, provide a helpful experience by creating content that is unique and engaging. By treating being a creator like a hospitality business, you can create a loyal audience who feel valued and connected to your brand – resulting in long-term success. If you are the best place for X, people will stay and bring their friends with them.