9 Pitfalls to Avoid When Embarking on Your Content Creator Journey
Have you ever dreamt of becoming a content creator? It’s not hard to see why: there’s this thrill of getting to create relatable media, and of course, getting to have a tight-knit audience isn’t bad either! With that said, however, there’s something else to keep in mind, and that becoming a content creator is far from a cakewalk. Just like any business truly, there are going to be ups and downs; in fact, just like any business, there might even be its fair share of trials.
However, there is one thing that’s so important to point out, and that’s the fact that content creators are independent; in the 20th century, they would work for a company, but nowadays, it’s independent. So, if you get into legal trouble or if someone is taking your content, you’re not going to be so powerful.
Again, sole content creation is fairly new, and a lot of stuff is just up in the air. But with that, however, it’s going to be so important to be cautious during this whole journey. Just knowing what to expect will massively help. So, with that all said, here are some pitfalls you’re really going to want to stay cautious about so you can fully out-avoid them during your content creation journey.
Ethical Considerations
In the quest for attention and engagement, it can be tempting to resort to unethical practices such as clickbait titles, misleading thumbnails, or sensationalized content. Major YouTubers are doing it, and they’re not getting any backlash, right? Well, they are, and everyone absolutely hates clickbait; no one likes it! However, such tactics can erode trust with your audience and damage your reputation in the long run. It’s going to be so important to just prioritize integrity and authenticity in all your content and strive to provide value to your audience without resorting to deceptive tactics.
You Need to Think About Copyright
Alright, so this comes in two ways: you want to make sure you’re not having your content stolen (something that is sadly so incredibly common nowadays that where a lot of creators, especially musicians, have to resort to music copyright administration to get help, but this isn’t the only copyright issue you’ll need to think about either. You’re also going to have to think about yourself; specifically, you have to think about the content you’re using to make your own content.
So, think of it this way: as a content creator, it’s crucial to respect intellectual property rights and avoid infringing on copyrighted material. Sometimes, it’s easier said than done, but you seriously need to be mindful of using copyrighted images, music, videos, or other content without proper permission or licensing. Sure, it’s so much work, but you seriously have to familiarize yourself with copyright laws and fair use guidelines to ensure that your content complies with legal requirements and respects the rights of content creators.
You Have to Think About Your Safety
While it’s far from ideal to think about, you still have to keep in mind that your safety can be on the line. Yes, even if you’re making wholesome content, your safety can still be on the line. In general, the online world can be fraught with risks, including cyberbullying, harassment, and privacy breaches. There are also just stalkers and folks out there who would love nothing more than to sabotage you for literally no reason whatsoever.
So this is why it’s so important to just take proactive measures to protect your online safety and privacy, such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being cautious about sharing personal information online. Better yet, don’t even give out your name; use a fake name, and just keep yourself as safe as you can. Additionally, be prepared to deal with negative comments or criticism in a constructive and professional manner without compromising your mental well-being. You truly do need to have thick skin when it comes to this.
Issues with Monetization
It’s not that easy to get monetized, and yes, a lot of people make content with the expectation of getting money, but it’s not exactly that simple. It’s essential to approach monetization with caution and integrity. As a new content creator, there is so much out there that will hit you in a giant wave, so you’ll have to beware of scams, pyramid schemes, or unethical practices that promise quick riches but may ultimately harm your reputation and credibility.
Instead, focus on building genuine relationships with your audience, delivering value through your content, and exploring sustainable monetization strategies that align with your values and goals. Money will come along at the end of the day, but it’s going to trust that gets it to you.
Platform Dependency
This one isn’t nearly as prevalent as it once was, but it’s still going to help to just recognize this. So, you should always try to diversify when you can. If you’re relying solely on a single platform for distributing your content, it can be risky, as platform algorithms, policies, and trends can change unexpectedly, affecting your reach and visibility.
Think of it this way: if you’re a Twitch Streamer, if you’re only relying on Twitch, and they decide to take your account down, what will you do then? That’s why you need to diversify your presence across multiple platforms and channels to mitigate the risk of platform dependency. Build your own website or mailing list to establish a direct connection with your audience and maintain control over your content distribution.
Focusing Solely on Numbers
While metrics such as views, likes, and followers are important indicators of your content’s performance, they shouldn’t be the sole focus of your attention. Obsessing over numbers can lead to a fixation on quantity over quality and result in content that lacks authenticity and resonance. Instead, prioritize creating meaningful, engaging content that resonates with your audience, even if it means sacrificing short-term metrics.
Sacrificing Freedom in the Name of Trends
Now, this is one that is getting worse on all platforms. While yes the algorithm on basically all platforms cares about trends, you do not have to follow them to get discovered. Yes, by all means, it’s essential to stay informed about industry trends and adapt your content strategy accordingly.
Don’t sacrifice your creative freedom or authenticity for the sake of following trends. Authenticity resonates with audiences far more than fleeting trends or gimmicks. Trust in your creativity, stay true to your vision and create content that speaks to your unique voice and passions.
Engaging in Controversy
Some people just feed on drama, and do you really want to be one of those people? Sure, it’s true that drama and controversy may garner attention in the short term, but they can have detrimental long-term consequences for your reputation and credibility as a content creator. It’s going to give people a bad taste, and they’re going to think that this is actually you.
So you’re really going to have to avoid getting embroiled in petty conflicts, spreading rumors, or engaging in divisive topics for the sake of attention. Instead, focus on creating positive, uplifting content that adds value to your audience’s lives.
Overlooking Legal Obligations
Ignorance of legal obligations can land you in hot water and tarnish your reputation as a content creator. That’s why you need to ensure that you have a clear understanding of copyright laws, privacy regulations, and disclosure requirements for sponsored content. Failure to comply with legal obligations could result in costly legal battles, fines, or damage to your credibility.