The Creator’s Blueprint

Share this article:

Introduction

The past few years, I’ve been studying one-person creator businesses.

People who have built a business and audience around their experience, skills, and interests.

People who have found a way to leverage technology and the creator economy to create lifestyles of freedom.

People who make a living by… well, living.

They live their best life and make money pursuing meaningful work.

People who don’t work regular jobs because they wake up to inboxes like this:

Genuinely can't believe waking up to an inbox like this.

Blown away.

Thanks so much for the support - very grateful! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/ShrRg4wssF
— Kieran Drew (@ItsKieranDrew) September 4, 2023

Writers, gamers, photographers, reactors, podcasters, lifestyle vloggers—these are just a few examples of the people I’ve studied.

For many, the idea of loving their work, having a flexible schedule, and generating income from their passions seems far-fetched.

But more and more people are figuring it out.

Regular people, artistic people, professional people.

There’s even a market for ASMR artists who turn whispering into a profitable business.

With the ability to share information with a global audience, business is no longer limited by geography.

Sure, a chef can’t cook you a meal over the Internet, but he can share the recipe.

And if you have the recipe, you can cook the meal yourself.

Knowledge is power, and we now have access to more of it than all of our ancestors combined.

In this blog post, I’ll share what I’ve learned about tapping into the creator economy, building an audience, and creating a personal brand that can enhance your life in many ways—potentially even freeing you from the rat race.

This guide is designed to help you start thinking about how to enter the creator economy, whether alongside your current job or as a long-term transition.

What is the Creator Economy?

The creator economy is a large ecosystem where people use digital platforms to make, share, and earn money from content 1.

This includes things like videos, podcasts, blogs, and online courses.

Worth over $100 billion, creators have become one of the quickest-growing types of small businesses 3 4 5.

Content is information.

Information can be packaged into videos, podcasts, blogs, courses, etc.

The different packages information comes in are content types.

The production and packaging process is the act of content creation.

Platforms are where content is shared. Places like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Patreon, and Substack.

Sharing to these platforms is the distribution process.

Monetization is the act of generating income through content.

Earning income through content can take many forms—the possibilities are endless.

For instance, YouTubers often monetize through ad revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise sales. Bloggers might use affiliate marketing and eBooks, while podcasters could offer premium content behind paywalls.

These varied examples reflect the ways creators can turn their passions into a sustainable income.

Unique Features of the Creator Economy

The creator economy offers several unique advantages that set it apart from traditional business models.

Direct Engagement

People can share content where and how they want.

This freedom allows them to connect with their audiences directly.

Direct connections lead to stronger relationships without middlemen or gatekeepers 2 3.

Personal Branding

Because of the ability to forge direct connections, personal branding is on the rise.

Creators have the ability to use their personal stories and skills to make real connections with their audiences.

These days, people like talking to real, relatable individuals more than faceless corporations.

The dynamics of consumer behavior and media consumption are changing because of creators.

Democratization of Information & Media

In the pre-Internet era, the public had limited ways to take part in consuming and producing media.

Information came from the top down.

Technology has made it easier for everyone to get and share information.

Anyone can spread their message to the world, creating more connections and opportunities than ever before.

Growth of the Creator Economy

Projected Growth

The creator economy is expected to grow from $156.37 billion in 2024 to $528.39 billion by 2030 20.

This growth is fueled by the rise of social media, new ways to earn money, and an increasing demand for real, relatable content 6 7.

Increase in Creators

There are around 207 million content creators worldwide, with 200 million being active.

This includes over 2 million content creators who have more than 1 million followers 23.

Approximately 30% of independent creators work full-time in the creator economy, while 70% work part-time.

This reflects a growing trend of individuals pursuing content creation as a primary career path 22.

Even though only 4% of creators around the world make more than $100,000 a year, most creators still find ways to make money. About 70% of their income comes from brand deals 24.

The creator economy is getting more diverse, with 63% of creators being 40 years old or younger.

Notably, the number of older creators (Baby Boomers and Gen X) went up from 27% in 2022 to 35% in 2023 22.

The number of creators is expected to grow by 10-20% each year for the next five years 6 8.

Unique Opportunities for Creators

Flexibility and Independence

The creator economy allows people to make money by doing what they enjoy.

Unlike regular jobs, this path gives more freedom and control.

Creators can work on their own schedule and focus on projects they care about 8 9.

Lower Barriers to Entry

New technology has made it easier for people to join the creator economy.

Cheap tools like smartphones and easy-to-use software let almost anyone start making content and earning money from it 8 9.

Diverse Income Streams

Creators have the potential to tap into multiple income streams.

Ways to generate revenue include selling digital products, getting paid by subscribers, ad revenue, receiving donations, and providing consulting, to name a few.

Having different ways to make money provides financial security and lowers the chance of depending on just one income source 6 9.

Scalability

The creator economy allows for scalable growth.

As creators build their audience and develop multiple income streams, their earning potential increases without a proportional increase in workload.

This means you can eventually do less work for more income, giving you the freedom to focus on creative pursuits or new ventures 6.

This is one of the most attractive aspects of building your own personal brand and building an audience online.

From Consumer to Creator

Justin Welsh calls social media “Creator Marketplaces,” where creators and consumers meet.

Creators create content and consumers consume content.

To tap into the creator economy, shift your focus to becoming a creator instead of a consumer of content.

Becoming a creator means taking an active role in these marketplaces, turning your skills, experiences, and passions into valuable content that others consume.

Types of Creators

A creator in the creator economy is someone who produces and distributes information.

Because content creation has been democratized, anyone can be a creator.

Since anyone can be a creator (i.e., anyone can package and distribute information online), it’s helpful to classify creators based on the content they share and how they leverage it:

Artists/Performers

Individuals who focus on expression, entertainment, and creativity in their content.

Influencers

Those who build large followings and influence public opinion or consumer behavior using their content.

Subject Matter Experts (SME’s)

Professionals who share their knowledge and expertise to educate or inform through their content.

Evangelists

Passionate advocates for particular ideas, products, or lifestyles who inspire others to adopt them through their content.

Skill Stack of Successful Creators

Successful creators are multi-talented individuals.

Let’s look at the essential skills a creator needs to stand out in today’s digital landscape.

Core Communication Skills

Writing

In today’s world, writing is one of the most important skills you can have as a creator.

Whether you’re writing blog posts, social media captions, email newsletters, or product descriptions, clear and interesting writing is essential 12 13.

Key Concepts:

- Clarity: Make your point in the simplest way possible. Avoid confusing jargon and complex language.

- Conciseness: Less is often more. Try to communicate your message in as few words as possible without losing its meaning.

- Consistency: The more you write, the better you get. Set a regular writing routine to improve over time.

Tips for Rapid Skill Development:

- Daily Writing Practice: Spend a few minutes each day writing—whether it’s journaling, blogging, or social media posts. Consistent practice helps you find your voice and improve faster.

- Read and Analyze: Read content from creators you admire and see how they structure their writing. Pay attention to tone, style, and how they engage their audience.

- Edit Ruthlessly: After writing, go back and cut unnecessary words or sentences. This practice makes your communication more precise and impactful.

Start small and build gradually. As you keep writing and refining your skills, your ability to communicate effectively with your audience will grow a lot.

Speaking

Like writing, speaking is an important skill for creators who want to connect deeply with their audience.

Whether it’s through podcasts, webinars, videos, or public speaking, being able to clearly and confidently share your ideas helps build trust and authority 12 13.

Key Concepts:

- Confidence: Being confident in what you say makes you more believable. Start by practicing in simple situations, like with friends, and gradually try more challenging ones.

- Engagement: Speaking isn’t just about giving information—it’s about keeping your audience interested. Use stories, ask questions, and change your tone to keep people listening.

- Preparation: Even good speakers benefit from planning. Outline your main points and rehearse to make sure you deliver smoothly.

Tips for Rapid Skill Development:

- Practice in Low-Stakes Settings: Start by speaking in front of a mirror, recording yourself, or talking to small groups of friends. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become.

- Embrace Opportunities: Find chances to speak in different formats, like live streams, podcasts, or interviews. Each format has its own challenges and learning experiences.

- Analyze and Improve: Record your speaking engagements and watch them back. Note what worked well and what could be improved. Keep refining to become a better speaker.

Like writing, speaking improves with practice. Start small, stay consistent, and experiment with different formats to find your unique voice.

Technical Skills

Design

Good design skills enable creators to produce visually appealing content that captures attention and communicates messages effectively.

Key Concepts:

- Basic Principles: Learn the fundamentals of color theory, typography, and layout.

- Tools: Get comfortable with one or two design tools, such as Canva for beginners or Adobe Creative Suite for more advanced work.

- User Experience (UX): Understand the basics of UX design to ensure your content is not just visually appealing but also easy to interact with.

Photography/Videography

The ability to produce high-quality visual content for various platforms is a necessary skill for creators.

Well-produced visuals show professionalism and attention to detail, enhancing reputation and credibility online.

Key Concepts:

- Composition: Master the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing.

- Lighting: Learn how to work with natural light and basic studio lighting setups.

- Editing: Start with simple tools like Lightroom for photos or Premiere Pro for videos, focusing on color correction and basic cuts.

Digital Tools

Digital tools simplify your content creation process, allowing you to focus more on creativity and less on technical tasks.

Below are essential tools categorized by their functions:

Category	Tool	Description
📌 Content Creation Tools	Canva	Great for designing graphics, social media posts, and presentations.
	Adobe Creative Suite	Photoshop: Ideal for image editing and graphic design. Illustrator: Best for vector graphics and illustrations. Premiere Pro: Used for video editing.
	Final Cut Pro	Professional video editing software, especially popular among Mac users.
	DaVinci Resolve	A powerful tool for video editing and color correction.
🌐 Website Builder Tools	WordPress	Highly customizable and suitable for all kinds of websites.
	Squarespace	User-friendly with beautiful templates.
	Wix	Drag-and-drop builder, great for beginners.
	Webflow	Combines design flexibility with advanced features.
📱 Social Media Management Tools	Buffer	Schedule and publish posts across multiple social media platforms.
	Hootsuite	Manage social media, track performance, and engage with your audience.
	Later	Focuses on visual content, especially for Instagram.
	Sprout Social	Offers robust analytics and social media management features.
📧 Email Marketing Tools	ConvertKit	Tailored for creators, with easy-to-use email marketing features.
	Mailchimp	Popular for its wide range of templates and marketing automation.
	BeeHive	Simplifies email marketing with customizable templates.
	Sendinblue	Offers both email and SMS marketing capabilities.
💼 CRM Tools	HubSpot	Comprehensive CRM with marketing, sales, and customer service tools.
	Salesforce	A powerful CRM platform with extensive customization options.
	Zoho CRM	Affordable CRM with a variety of features for small to medium-sized businesses.
	Pipedrive	A sales-focused CRM that’s easy to use.
📚 Knowledge Management Tools	Notion	Versatile tool for note-taking, project management, and collaboration.
	Evernote	Excellent for organizing notes, ideas, and research.
	Trello	Visual project management tool using boards and cards.
	Google Workspace	Cloud-based tools for collaboration, including Docs, Sheets, and Drive.

Business and Marketing

Entrepreneurship

Without entrepreneurs, there would be no economy.

In other words, if no one started a business, there would be no business activity.

Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of the market.

These are the risk-takers and risk-bearers.

They can see when resources (time, money, and labor) could be used better to meet customer needs.

This is no different in the creator economy.

In the creator economy, entrepreneurs innovate by identifying and fulfilling niche demands.

Whether through unique content, products, or services, creator-entrepreneurs leverage their skills and passions to build sustainable businesses.

The same entrepreneurial traits that drive traditional businesses—opportunity recognition, resource management, and risk tolerance—are essential for success in the creator economy.

Key Concepts:

- Opportunity Recognition: Learn to spot trends and unmet needs in your niche.

- Resource Management: Efficiently manage time, money, and creative energy.

- Risk Management: Develop a tolerance for risk by starting small and scaling up.

Marketing and Sales

Marketing and sales are crucial for turning your creative work into a sustainable income stream.

These skills help you attract an audience, promote your work, and convert followers into customers over time 12 13.

Marketing and Sales Essentials:

- Understanding Your Audience: Before selling anything, you need to know who you’re selling to. Research your audience’s needs, preferences, and pain points to tailor your content and offerings accordingly.

- Building Awareness: Use marketing strategies to increase your visibility. This includes content marketing, social media promotion, and email marketing. Consistency and value are key—over time, your audience will start to recognize and trust your brand.

- Crafting a Sales Message: Sales isn’t about hard selling; it’s about presenting solutions. Develop the skill of communicating how your products or services solve a specific problem for your audience.

- Nurturing Leads: Don’t expect immediate sales. Focus on building relationships and providing value. As your audience’s trust grows, they’ll be more inclined to purchase what you offer.

Meta-Skills

Rapid Learning & Execution

In the fast-paced creator economy, the ability to acquire new skills and apply them is crucial 12.

This involves focusing on high-impact areas first—those skills that will give you the biggest return on your investment of time and effort.

Embrace the Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) by identifying the 20% of skills that will yield 80% of the results.

Key Concepts:

- Prioritization: Identify and focus on the most impactful skills.

- Application: Immediately apply what you’ve learned to real projects.

- Iteration: Continuously refine your skills through practice and feedback.

Adaptability

The creator economy is constantly evolving, with new platforms, tools, and trends emerging all the time.

The ability to pivot, learn new skills, and adjust your strategies accordingly will keep you relevant and competitive.

Key Concepts:

- Continuous Learning: Stay updated on industry trends and new tools.

- Flexibility: Be willing to experiment with new formats and platforms.

- Resilience: Embrace change as an opportunity to grow and innovate.

These are all skills that successful creators have.

By combining these skills, creators can develop a unique value proposition, distribute their work effectively, and build sustainable businesses that set them apart in the digital age 12 13.

The Creator Funnel

The Creator Funnel represents the simple journey that an online audience goes through in the creator economy.

It is a modern approach to building and monetizing an audience, focusing on content and relationship-building rather than direct sales and lead generation.

Here’s an expanded overview of each stage of the Creator Funnel:

Discovery

The first step is getting discovered by creating valuable content on platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok.

The focus is on adding value through content that teaches, entertains, provokes thought, or resonates with the audience (the 4 types of valuable content – more on that below).

The discovery stage is about standing out and attracting attention where people are already consuming content 11.

Trust Building

After being discovered, the next step is to build trust with your audience.

This is about deepening trust in your expertise—not trust in the sense of watching someone’s kid.

They see your content and decide to trust your understanding of the topics you cover.

The best way to deepen trust in the topics you cover is by creating longer content such as newsletters, how-to guides, and step-by-step videos.

The goal is to move the audience from “rented” platforms like social media to “owned” platforms such as email lists and websites.

This shift gives creators more control and helps build a loyal following 11.

This process of transitioning from “rented” to “owned” platforms is known as de-platforming.

Relationship Building

Once trust is established, creators deepen relationships with their audience by sharing behind-the-scenes content and engaging in private groups or communities.

Think Patreon, Discord servers, mastermind groups, etc.

This stage is about building a strong sense of community and loyalty through more exclusive content 11.

Monetization

The final step is monetizing these relationships.

With a captive audience that trusts the creator, monetization becomes straightforward.

Creators can sell things like courses, coaching sessions, or consulting services straight to their community without having to worry about algorithms or competition 11.

Since this article is aimed at beginner creators, the focus will be on the first two stages of the creator funnel: Discovery and Trust Building.

By mastering these initial stages, you’ll lay the foundation for deeper relationships and future monetization opportunities.

Applying the Creator Funnel – Playing the Long Game

Now that we’ve covered the Creator Funnel stages, let’s talk about how to use these strategies to build and keep your audience.

Focus on Discovery and Trust Building

First, focus on getting noticed and building trust in what you know.

Create helpful content that grabs attention and connects with your audience.

This first step is important because if people don’t find you, you can’t guide them through your creator funnel.

Your audience needs to trust your knowledge and consistent delivery of valuable insights.

This trust will lay the groundwork for deeper relationships and future monetization opportunities.

By focusing on these phases and playing the long game, you can build a loyal, engaged audience that supports your journey in the creator economy.

Transition to Relationship Building

As your audience grows, it’s crucial to strategically introduce content, services, and products that align with the later stages of your funnel.

This means moving from just getting noticed and trusted to building stronger connections and making money from these relationships.

Transitioning from discovery and trust-building to deeper relationships and monetization is a gradual process.

Over time, it can transform a casual follower into a devoted supporter, potentially allowing you to scale back or even leave your job when the time is right.

Stand Out in The Creator Economy by Creating Your Own Personal Monopoly (Niching Expanded)

The Problem of Saturation in the Creator Economy

Creator economy growth is both good and bad news.

The good news? More people are building lives on their own terms, sharing helpful information, and contributing to the economy.

The bad news? The creator economy is saturated with content, making it harder to stand out.

The solution? Embrace your unique mix of skills, experience, and interests to create your own personal niche.

You can create your own market in the creator economy.

Traditional Niche Advice

Traditional advice suggests narrowing down your focus to find a tiny, underserved market segment.

The idea is that with less competition, you’ll have a better chance of success.

While this is solid advice that works, it can be shortsighted in the digital world.

The Internet offers more variables for niching than ever before, allowing unique combinations of interests and skills to create entirely new markets.

Remember the different types of creators (Artists, Influencers, SME’s, Evangelists) and how creators are a unique mix of these types?

Let’s take it a step further now.

Two people who speak about the same exact topics can have wildly different audiences.

Take the example of two photographers:

Both are going to be an artist creator type by virtue of them being a photographer.

But one can be more art focused and be a subject matter expert in storytelling while having a small following.

They may even be evangelical in their storytelling and lifestyle.

The other could be art focused but have a large following subject to influence and be a subject matter expert in post-production (Lightroom, Photoshop).

How you act as a creator already implies differentiation, but the variables for niching do not end there.

Expanded Niching in the Creator Economy

- Topic: What you talk or write about.

- Voice: How you communicate—your style, tone, and demeanor. Will you swear or keep it clean? Are you rebellious or conforming?

- Format: The type of content you create (image, video, text, audio).

- Location/Platform: Where your audience resides (physically and digitally).

- Audience: Who you serve and what they call themselves (e.g., veterans, soccer moms, van lifers, freedom seekers).

When you combine your topic, voice, format, platform, and audience, you create a unique position that others can’t copy.

By focusing on these elements, you don’t just find a niche—you create one that’s truly your own.

The Personal Monopoly

You can combine your unique skills, experiences, and passions to create something no one else offers.

This is your personal monopoly—a niche that only you can fill.

By combining multiple interests and understanding who you can help the most, you create your own segment of the market.

For example, if you’re a photographer who’s also passionate about freedom, wellness, and spirituality, you can create content that merges these worlds.

How to Build Your Personal Monopoly in the Creator Economy

In the creator economy, you don’t find a niche—you build and become the niche itself through your content over time.

Here’s how to think about it:

When you consume content on different topics, don’t just watch or read it—consider how it helps you reach your goals, like improving your photography or learning more about marketing.

We consume content for a reason—what is the reason?

For instance, you’re reading this post right now. Why? What goal is it helping you achieve?

Are you looking to find more information about the creator economy, looking to start a creator business, or getting into content creation yourself?

Instead of looking for a niche you can fill, think about the goals you can help your audience solve with your content.

I wrote this post based on the goals I could help others solve.

I didn’t list out these topics willy-nilly. I’m not just talking to talk.

I’m attempting to help others build a fulfilling life by tapping into the creator economy, just as I have.

Brand Vision & Anti-Vision

A helpful exercise for becoming your niche is creating a brand vision and an anti-vision.

Credit to Dan Koe for this idea (highly recommend you start looking at his content if you like these ideas).

The idea is simple—your brand vision is the future you help your audience create.

The brand anti-vision is the life you help them avoid.

Everything in between, the unique things you find helpful, is how you attract a niche audience that you can help the most.

For example, my brand vision is living a fulfilling, creative life on my own terms.

On the flip side, my anti-vision is avoiding a boring, unfulfilling wage-slave job.

These visions guide content I create nowadays.

I came up with the ideas in this blog post as a result of thinking how to help people actualize my brand vision while avoiding the anti-vision.

Again, you don’t find the niche. You build it.

Your unique niche will emerge over time through the consistent value you provide and how you provide it.

Building Your Niche through Content

Now that you’ve identified how to build your niche, the next step is to build it through consistent and valuable content.

This begs the question—what is valuable content?

Four Types of Valuable Content

There are four main types of content that people find valuable:

Educational: Content that teaches.
Entertaining: Content that entertains.
Empathetic: Content that conveys understanding and empathy.
Challenging: Content that challenges the status quo and common thinking on topics.

Everything else is noise.

As a creator, avoid the noise. If your content is not doing any of the four things above, it’s best to keep it on the shelf.

Content Strategy

A content strategy is your plan for regularly sharing valuable content with your audience.

It includes figuring out your main message, picking the right platforms, and planning different types of content that teach, entertain, relate to, or challenge your audience.

By focusing on these areas, your content will not only attract people but also build trust and keep them engaged over time.

Example Content Strategy: Hub & Spoke Model

The Hub and Spoke model, popularized by Justin Welsh, involves creating a central piece of long-form content (the Hub) and repurposing it into smaller pieces (the Spokes) for distribution across multiple platforms.

Benefits of the Hub and Spoke Model

- Consistency and Relevance: Maintains a consistent message across platforms while tailoring content to each platform’s audience 1.

- Efficiency: Maximizes reach and engagement by repurposing content, allowing for a high volume of content with fewer ideas 2.

- Engagement: Drives traffic back to the Hub piece, increasing engagement 3.

My Content Strategy

Here’s a real-life example of a content strategy I’m working with:

It follows the Hub and Spoke model.

I start with long-form written content, like this blog post, which serves as the “hub.”

From there, I will repurpose it into a YouTube video script.

The YouTube video will almost be a visual version of this blog post.

From the YouTube video, I will cut reels, takeaways, and best parts for short-form video content on other platforms.

I will also repurpose parts of the blog post’s text so that it can go onto carousels or tweets.

This approach not only maximizes reach but also keeps my message consistent across all platforms.

Networking: Expanding Your Reach

Being real is important when you’re networking.

Whether you’re talking to influencers, peers, or your audience, focus on building genuine relationships.

Provide value first—this could be sharing useful content, offering feedback, or helping someone with a problem.

Consistent engagement helps you stay top of mind and deepens relationships over time.

Responding to someone on social media isn’t like responding to a discussion post in school.

You want to be real and genuine in your interactions.

Aim to provide true value in your responses and outreach.

Who to Connect With

1. Influencers in Your Niche: Engage with leaders who align with your goals and values. Big accounts.
2. Peers on a Similar Journey: Build a support system with others who are at a similar stage in their creator journey. You can find these types of people commenting, liking, and engaging on the big accounts, as well as people you come across on your own.
3. Your Audience: Don’t just broadcast—interact with your followers to deepen trust and engagement.

How to Network

- Networking with Influencers: Engage thoughtfully by commenting on their content, sharing their work, and adding your insights. Reach out with personalized messages that show genuine interest. Remember, it’s about building relationships, not just seeking attention.

- Networking with Peers: Collaboration is key. Share each other’s content, co-create projects, and provide mutual support. Peers can offer valuable feedback and help you grow while you do the same for them. This reciprocity strengthens your network.

- Networking with Your Audience: Interact with your followers by responding to comments, asking for feedback, and involving them in your creative process. Consider using direct messages to start more personal conversations. The more connected your audience feels, the more loyal they become.

Basic Networking Strategies

- Engage Consistently: Show up regularly to engage with your network. Consistency helps you stay top of mind and deepens relationships over time.

- Give Before You Ask: Offer value first—whether it’s sharing others’ content, providing feedback, or offering a helpful resource. Building trust takes time and starts with generosity.

- Use Platform Features: Leverage features like Twitter Lists, Instagram Collections, or LinkedIn Groups to keep track of key individuals and stay engaged with their content.

Conclusion

By applying the principles in this guide, you can navigate the creator economy with confidence, building a personal brand that stands out, fosters genuine connections, and ultimately leads to a more sustainable, fulfilling career.