Content creation is ubiquitous in nearly every corner of our world today. Large companies need to have a social presence just as much as individual creators do. At every level from newcomer to seasoned vet, there are always key strategies to keep in mind. To stay on top of your game, here are a few skills to keep in mind to be a top content creator in 2022.
Research Skills
This one may seem like a no-brainer but in an age of misinformation, it’s more important than ever. As excited as you may be to create content about your passions, you should never go in blindly. Doing a deep dive into your field is a surefire way to ensure that you’re operating from a well-informed standpoint. It simply adds more reliability to your foundation and can even clarify things you may not have known.
Constantly keeping up-to-date is also crucial for knowing what is trending or lacking in your field. Lending your voice to the discussion allows your content to stay current and you can become a reliable source for your followers to turn to. Keeping abreast also gives you an opportunity to touch upon topics that potentially few are covering. In turn, making you the leader of the pack when it comes to trending topics.
SEO
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a term that you’ve surely come across but might not know much about. In short, it’s the silent driver of your content that aims to place you at the top of every search. There are many technical aspects to consider, but having solid research skills is of utmost importance.
You’ll need to have key insights into your audience and the industry. Everything from choosing the right titles for your articles or videos, to the keywords you use within are factors that can make a drastic difference. Have you ever wondered why certain articles are first to show up when you do a Google search? Every word counts when trying to be the first thing people see.
Having a solid SEO expert on your team can go a long way, but having even a basic understanding for yourself can make you a better content creator in 2022.
Find the Right Tools
The popular saying that “you’re only as good as your best tools” is one to live by. Identifying the right tools that work best for you is important in streamlining all aspects of content creation. If you create videos, being aware of the best video editing tools can potentially elevate the quality of your Reels or TikToks. Adding royalty-free music to your videos is also a crucial component that should always be remembered before posting to your socials.
Once you’ve spent countless hours crafting or filming your content, you may have little brain-space for actually posting. Luckily, there are plenty of apps and services that aid in content scheduling and even give insights into the best time to post for optimal engagement. Anything that enhances your creativity or encourages you to post consistently will go a long way.
Engagement
Here’s a big one. No one likes a one-sided relationship, it’s a fact. The job isn’t over once you’ve put your work out into the world. The good thing luckily, is that it doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Think of it more as an opportunity to connect with your audience and grow a true sense of community. If you make Youtube videos, your viewers are more likely to have discussions in the comments if they know you drop in to chat or even give a quick thumbs up.
The more you interact with your audience, the more you’ll learn about what resonates with them, and more importantly, what’s relevant. Simple things like asking them what they would like to see next, or more of, shows that you’re listening and gives them a reason to return.
Originality
Originality in and of itself may not be a skill, but the cumulative elements will make you a better content creator in 2022. Cutting through the noise is possibly the hardest thing to accomplish. Highlighting your unique style is what will have people gravitating to your content over anything else.
Popular creators like Scary Pockets and Postmodern Jukebox have taken to covering popular songs in a funky style or reimagining them as if they were released in the 1920s. Don’t be afraid to try that idea that may seem “too quirky” at first. It may just be the thing that your future subscribers have been waiting for.