As we’ve seen, the landscape of content creation is always evolving in line with shifting consumer behaviours, new technologies and online platforms.
Anyone with a content marketing certification will have plenty of factors to consider when navigating the digital world – and it’s those with an ability to adapt, combined with an extensive array of skills who will be best placed to stay ahead of the competition.
Studying a degree like SAE’s Content Creation and Online Marketing course will help ensure that those looking to enhance their careers with a content marketing certification are well-placed to make the most of any opportunities.
In our blog, we’ll explore the essential do’s and don’ts for aspiring content professionals. If you want to find out more about our course, then contact our team now.
The Age of Content creation
The advent of digital media has meant there are a wide variety of career paths available to anyone with a content marketing certification.
More and more are seeing content as a potential career avenue. Estimates suggest there are over 200 million content creators worldwide, with a significant portion, potentially 50 million, actively working in the creator economy.
If you join a course like our degree, then you could open the door to a role as an online journalist, corporate blogger, PR consultant, social-media editor or video journalist. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to work out their own route through the different opportunities, platforms and channels available.
Your content creation toolkit
The content creators toolkit is a busy and extensive one. Some of the essential skills for anyone wanting to develop content that can connect with audiences include:
Hardware
- Cameras: For recording engaging video content.
- Microphones: To capture clear audio.
- Tripods: For stable and professional-looking camera and video footage.
- Lighting: To avoid shadows and ensure proper illumination.
- Smartphones: For creating content while on the move.
Software
- Writing Tools: Use Google Docs or Microsoft Word for crafting compelling and error-free content.
- Design Tools: Photoshop and Canvas are useful for creating visuals and graphics.
- Audio & Video Editing Software: To polish and refine audio and visual content.
- Content Management Systems (CMS): A knowledge of WordPress, Drupal or other CMS can help when publishing online content.
- Newsletter Management Tools: Mailchimp and Substack are useful when building and managing email lists.
- Project Management Tools: Use Trello or Monday.com to organise and prioritise work.
Here are some examples of how the SAE community engages with content creation.
Content creation lecturer Cass gowing
From in-house roles with fashion businesses to working as a freelance consultant, SAE’s Content Creation and Online Marketing Lecturer Cass Gowing has a wealth of experience to share with our students.
She has worked in-house for marketing teams, predominantly in social media, for the past 13 years, before opting to go freelance.
Cass nows offer freelance marketing consultancy and creates user generated content alongside lecturing with SAE.
Blaze Media visits SAE students
SAE’s first-year Content Creation students at our Liverpool campus spent an afternoon at award-winning marketing agency Blaze Media.
Students had the opportunity to meet staff and learn some of the key processes of a fast-paced full service agency.
Blaze Media’s Social Media and Content Manager Louise Riding delivered a presentation to our students on the most effective ways to optimise content for social media.
Sumo Digital collaboration with SAE students
A group of SAE Content Creation students recently had the chance to record and produce an episode of Sumo Digital’s Stampede: Racing Royale Podcast at our Leamington Spa campus.
The collaboration came after the games developer contacted SAE’s Leamington Spa team to forge a closer link between their work in the games industry and our students.
Top considerations for content creators
Here are some key considerations for aspiring content creators.
Understand your audience
As a content creator, you need to know who you are trying to reach for your content to resonate and engage. Undertake some research into your potential audience, get to grips with what they are interested in, their behaviours and the kind of content they enjoy.
For example, among children under 13, almost three-quarters reported having at least one social media account, with TikTok the most popular platform in this age group.
Those born between 1997 and 2012 are more likely to engage with short-form video content, particularly on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
Define your area of expertise
Choosing a specific area of expertise can help aspiring content creators stand out from the crowd and attract a focused audience.
Create a list of topics and activities you enjoy or know, or alternatively, consider hobbies, pastimes, and subjects that you are intrigued by.
For example, SAE student Oliver Crowe has focused on his love for event photography as part of his studies.
Stay up to date
As we’ve seen, the world of content creation moves rapidly and is driven by innovation and technological change.
Staying informed of all the latest trends and viral topics is therefore very important for aspiring content creators.
As Content Creation Lecturer Cass says: “Staying up to date on the latest trends is also super important, particularly as you get to the point where you interview for entry level jobs or internships.”
“You will always be asked what your favourite campaign is in that sector – so having a good understanding of what’s happening is really useful.”
Engage with Your Audience
Publishing content is not just a one-way conversation. Instead, content creators need to establish a rapport with their audience and develop a community through what they publish. As a content manager, you should respond to comments and messages to show your audience that you care about their input.
You should ask questions and encourage interactions – this personal touch can help you develop an engaged and vibrant world around your content, business or service.
Study Content Creation and Online Marketing at SAE
Developing content that connects with audiences can be essential in today’s digital age for businesses and leading professionals.
With our expert team, leading facilities and creative community, studying our course in content creation and digital marketing can offer you a fantastic opportunity to take your career in digital marketing to the next level.
