Looking for a sign to kick off your creator journey? This is it.

We’re in a Golden Age of content creation. And with the holiday season around the corner, there’s no better time to cash in – whether through affiliate marketing, brand partnerships, or digital products.

Not sure what to charge? Market rates are a bit of a mystery, which is why we launched “Show Me The Money” on IG. In the series, we’re breaking down real earnings from creators to create more pay transparency, and help you charge and get paid what you’re worth.

Want to contribute to the series? Tell us about your experience in this quick survey!

– The Leap 

TL;DR

🖼️​ The key to having an edge online starts with having a distinct brand that sets you apart. Define yours with our free Personal Brand Canvas template.

💡 The Unique Genius podcast by Thinkific goes deep into the ins and outs of the business of being a creator. 

​🎯​ The first three seconds of a Reel are crucial. Adam Mosseri offers tips for how creators can make the most of that first glimpse, including using text and setting expectations.

How To Build a Powerful Personal Brand

Clarifying your visions and goals is a key to creating a strong personal brand.

Have you ever thought of yourself as a brand? Let’s face it – there’s a lot of creators out there. And if you really want an edge, it’s time to think about how to set yourself apart from the rest. This isn’t just about what you’re selling – it’s about who you are, what you stand for, and how you show up. 

To build a following and get paid, you need clarity. That’s where the personal branding canvas comes in. Think of it as a visual snapshot of what makes you unique. A strong brand can do a lot for you: boost your credibility, attract opportunities, and make you memorable. 

Got your notebook ready? Jot these down:

1. Determine your purpose online: We’re talking values, beliefs, expertise, and even personality traits. What makes you you?
   
   
2. Hone in on your target audience: What demographics do you consider “your people”? What are their values and pain-points in life? All of this helps you focus on the content that really speaks to them.
   
   
3. Map out your messaging: What would your brand promise be? What’s your position on important topics? Are you whimsical or pragmatic? A clear, consistent tone of voice and identity both serve as guiding lights.
   
   
4. Strategize: Now, come up with a content strategy. Figure out what topics you want to cover, what themes you’re following, and then decide which platforms to focus on.
   
   
5. Spend time networking: Reach out to creators and brands to collaborate and work together. Remember to stay aligned with what you already decided on! 

Eager to start but need a little more help? We would never leave you hanging like that. Our free and easy-to-use Personal Branding Canvas Template is designed to walk you through the process in more detail.

⚡️ FREE RESOURCES

1. Need more help creating a strong personal brand? Creator Kate Terentieva has developed a free personal brand toolkit to support you → 

2. Trying to figure out how to “niche down” with your content? Jon Youshaei explains how to use incognito mode to determine what people really look for →  

3. Creator tricks of the trade. Real success stories and struggles. The Unique Genius podcast by Thinkific is back with Season 2, and it’s one you won’t want to miss →

📲  NEW IN THE CREATOR WORLD

• The first three seconds of a Reel are crucial for engagement. Adam Mosseri offers tips for how creators can make the most of that first glimpse, including using text and setting expectations. 

• Business cards? Nah, we have profile cards now. IG has officially released a new feature that makes it easier to share your profile, highlighting your picture, bio, and links. 

• Threads is growing fast, so if you want to get out there make the most of the platform, Meta has offered some seriously good tips on how to grow your presence. 

• As YouTube switches up what qualifies as a Short (now anything up to three minutes), the platform cleared up some confusion about older content and how it will be rolled out.

• Being authentic and creating content people really want to see is the ultimate balancing act. YouTube is helping you with the latter with its 32-page “Why We Watch” 2.0 report.