Authenticity And Sustainability As An Influencer With Kaya Marriott

In our latest episode, the Kaya Marriott podcast episode on JKL where we dive deep into the world of content creation. Kaya is an influencer, blogger at Comfy Girl Curls and filmmaker who passionately creates content that resonates with her audience. 

In today's episode, we explore the realities of the creator economy, the importance of authenticity, and practical tips for sustainable social media engagement. Kaya's journey from a small influencer to a full-time content creator is packed with valuable insights and lessons for anyone looking to thrive in this space.

The Creator Economy is a Long-Term Path

Kaya emphasizes that the creator economy is not a get-rich-quick scheme but a viable long-term career path. She shares her experience of transitioning from a hobbyist blogger to a professional content creator by adopting a business mindset. This shift involved creating income and expense spreadsheets, identifying multiple revenue streams, and showing up intentionally online. The takeaway is clear: treat content creation as a business, and it will start to yield business-like results.

The Power of Authenticity

Authenticity is a recurring theme in Kaya's success. She highlights the importance of showing up authentically, whether in her Instagram stories or blog posts. This genuine approach not only strengthens the connection with her audience but also attracts brands that align with her values. Kaya's advice is to share personal stories, be vulnerable, and let your true self shine through your content.

Leveraging Multiple Platforms

Kaya's multi-platform strategy is another key aspect of her success. While Instagram remains her primary platform, she also leverages YouTube, Pinterest, and her blog to reach different segments of her audience. Each platform serves a unique purpose: Instagram for community building, YouTube for long-form content, Pinterest for driving traffic, and her blog for in-depth articles. This diversified approach not only broadens her reach but also mitigates the risks associated with platform-specific changes.

Sustainable Social Media Practices

Sustainability in content creation is crucial to avoid burnout. Kaya shares her approach to maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life. This includes taking breaks, outsourcing certain tasks, and leaning on her community for support. She also underscores the importance of listening to your audience and adapting your content strategy based on their feedback.

Things To Think About As A New Content Creator

• Treat Content Creation as a Business: Adopt a professional mindset, create a strategic plan, and execute it with intention.
• Be Authentic: Share your personal stories, be vulnerable, and connect with your audience on a deeper level.
• Diversify Your Platforms: Leverage multiple platforms to reach different audience segments and reduce dependency on any single platform.
• Practice Sustainability: Avoid burnout by taking breaks, outsourcing tasks, and listening to your audience.
• Understand SEO Basics: Learn and implement basic SEO techniques to make your content discoverable and drive traffic.
• Focus on Community Building: Engage with your audience, respond to comments, and create a sense of community around your content.
• Leverage Hashtags: Use hashtags strategically to get on brands' radars and expand your reach.
• Balance Personal and Professional Life: Ensure you maintain a healthy work-life balance to sustain your creativity and productivity.
• Stay Flexible and Adaptable: Be open to changes and willing to adapt your strategy based on feedback and evolving trends.
• Invest in Quality: Ensure your content is high quality, both in terms of production and the value it provides to your audience.
• Be Patient and Persistent: Building a successful content creation career takes time and consistent effort.
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