The Difference: Content Creators vs. Influencers
Do you want to be an influencer or a content creator? And, can you be an influencer and content creator simultaneously? Although sometimes used interchangeably, there are some differences between being a content creator and an influencer and there is some overlap. Let's discuss the real differences between the two!
What is a Content Creator?
A content creator is someone who, like the name suggests, creates content. But, just not any kind of content, it is content that is aesthetically pleasing, and most importantly, moving and aligned with the brand's audience. A major differentiating factor between content creators and influencers is that the content is to be posted on the brand's social media accounts.
Videographers, photographers, graphic designers, and even social media managers can be referred to as 'content creators' because they are creating content for a brand to use for digital and/or print purposes. As a content creator, you are not posting the content on your social media, you are simply creating and sending it off to the brand for them to use.
What is an Influencer?
An influencer is someone who will promote a brand or service on their own social media channels in order to increase brand awareness which will lead to sales (at least, that's the goal!). It's important to note that the content that the influencer publishes should resonate with his/her audience. So, for brands working with influencers, it is crucial that you work with influencers that compliment your brand.
Working with influencers works! 74% of people trust their social networks (which include influencers) for recommendations more than they trust branded content.
If becoming a full-time influencer is your goal, we have the perfect blog post for you! Read How to Become a FULL TIME Micro-Influencer to understand the importance of choosing a niche, working with brands, and even red flags to look out for.
How Do I Start?
Remember, being an influencer isn't about how many followers you have. Instead, it's about influencing potential buyers of a product or service by promoting or recommending the items on social media. While, content creators are in it for the art itself, influencers build communities for the purpose of connecting and helping their followers, which means occasionally influencing an audience’s purchasing decisions. The good news is that the two occupations can live simultaneously! As a hybrid influencer - content creator, you can work with brand, as an influencer, because you have a community that trusts your recommendations and shares the same lifestyle interests as you and still work with brands on the other side and create graphics, ads, and copy for them to use on their own social media channels.
