In today's digital world, creators have more opportunities than ever to monetize their content and it can be difficult to balance this with staying authentic to yourself and your fans. Balancing authenticity and monetization in the digital space can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. It's important to maintain your authenticity while also finding ways to monetize your digital presence. Let's explore some creative ways to find the right balance!
It's important to stay true to your values. Regardless of the capacity of the type of creator you are, authenticity is key in the digital space. Before considering monetization, it's essential to establish your brand's values and purpose. By staying true to these principles, you can build a loyal community that appreciates your authenticity. In our Creators Workshop on Saturday, October 21, Brett Rossi explained that when she became a content creator in 2019 that she was better able to be more authentic to herself and she had more loyal fans because they were really getting to know the all the sides to her that they weren’t able to see before. She said that she likes to show off her funny and goofy side that in the adult film industry and under contract she was not able to show before. That resonates with me because as a creator, all I've ever been is myself. I joined being a content creator while the season of 90 Day Fiancé I was on was airing during quarantine. I decided I was going to cash in on the curiosity and had no idea what kind of content I wanted to do, I just knew I had to embrace a bit of my feisty side because that's what people saw on TV. It's what brought a lot of them over to find me. It wasn't until they got to know me through Unfiltrd that people really saw me for who I actually am. I like to be funny, and I don't take myself very seriously. Don't get me wrong, I can be feisty, but only when it's warranted. I found out quickly that fans actually like me for me. I have wonderful fans who follow me simply because we have the same interests whether it be maybe a sports team or one of the new Star Wars shows. There's always something to talk about and I'm engaged in the conversation because it's something that is true to me. It becomes exhausting trying to be somebody I'm not, so I don't.
Providing valuable content for your fans is vital to making revenue. The digital space is overflowing with content, so it's important to offer something unique and valuable. It's what they've come to Unfiltrd for and hat's where you come in!
Your authentic self is unique and valuable.
More than you will ever give yourself.
When your content provides genuine value, monetization becomes a natural extension of your brand rather than something forced. Authenticity alone may not be enough to make you money. Your content needs to provide value to your fans. Whether it's sexy, entertaining, or explicit, make sure your content is high-quality and engaging. This will help you build a loyal following that's more likely to support your monetization efforts. In other words, the time and energy you put into making good quality content is just as important as the content itself. People can tell when you rush through filming and editing and it's important to give the whole process the time it deserves. Your fans will be happier with your content and you'll be prouder of what you have to put out there. I make more revenue on the content that I take the time to do then I do the things I tend to rush just to get posted.
We've discussed trust and transparency with your fans in previous blog posts but it is so important we need to reiterate it again! It's crucial to clearly communicate with your fans as far as letting them know what they will receive and when they will receive it and sticking to your word. Being open about what you are providing them with helps maintain trust and authenticity with your fans. If somebody doesn't feel like they can trust you or you're not consistent with what you're telling them then they're less likely to spend money on your content. If there's a piece of content you can't get to them in a timely manner and you know that, let them know ahead of time and apologize. Maybe throw in a bonus piece of content as an apology. They will appreciate your transparency and give you more patience because of that. Your honesty helps you in the long run!
It's essential to find a balance between monetization and authenticity. Don't let the pursuit of revenue compromise your values or the quality of your content. I don't do very explicit content and that's just with what I'm comfortable putting online. I know I could make a lot more money if I offered other types of content but for me more money doesn't make me more comfortable with it and that's not true to who I am. Be mindful of the opportunities you accept and make sure they align with your image and values.
Remember, authenticity and monetization can go hand in hand if approached with a thoughtful and creative mindset. The most important aspect is always just to stay true to what you feel comfortable with offering. By staying true to your values, engaging with your audience, providing value in your content, and being transparent, you can make the right balance in YOUR digital space. Now go get after it! xo Heather
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