Creating Content during Covid-19
You might have asked yourself should I be taking advantage of this down time and creating/writing? Should I start my blog? Should I finally start making videos? I’m a millennial, can I join TikTok? The answer to all of those questions is a resounding YES!
Brands are actively searching for content creators to create social media posts that reflect the current status of our Nation. We’re all at home so it’s unlikely that you’ll see brands promoting travel by air, large family gatherings, hosting friends at your home, etc. Instead, brands are switching gears and updating content deliverables that are relevant today, see my latest post with Absolut Vodka below as a recent example.
Are you expected to work for free? No. No. No. These are definitely tough times, but brands and companies still have marketing spends for the year, regardless of what they might say. Remember you are creating an ad, and delivering a high-quality service. Do not undersell your work! (More on that later in a separate post.) Think of yourself as a small business, and girl you need to get paid!
Are you expected to be realistic with your fee? Absolutely. If you’re working with a small business, consider trading product in exchange for your work. Are you working with a nonprofit? Offer a discount to support their cause, and focus on building that long-term relationship. Everything is negotiable, and I would personally be flexible right now. It’s not forever, and some work is better than no work. But again, you know your worth so adjust your rates as you see fit.
Lastly, be careful not to burn yourself out! Write down all your ideas and projects and tackle your top 2 or 3. If you start too many things at once you won’t get anything done. And if you start but the idea no longer inspires you, it’s ok to walk away from it altogether. At least you tried! You don’t owe anyone anything so don’t feel like you have to be productive all the time, if your body and mind need to rest, do that and take care of yourself! This is a global pandemic, give yourself grace. *Sending you a big, warm, virtual hug, gosh I miss hugs.*
Hi, I’m very interested in doing something like this , but I wouldn’t know how or where to start. Like how do you get companies to work with you. I’m really looking to do something different any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Hi Alejandra! Thank you for reading, I get this question a lot! I will follow up on a second post and share some advice and lessons that I’ve learned from working with brands! Good news is that companies are looking for you they just don’t know how to find you! Start by reaching out directly to them! Worst thing they can ya is no. Good luck!!
Hello! Thank you for sharing this information and definitely looking forward to the follow up post for more information. How do you recommend we can go about bouncing off information for blog/post ideas with similar bloggers?
Hi Norma! Thanks for being here! I would stay on top of current trends and initiate topics to get the conversation going! Always think 1-2 months ahead when generating content and National Holidays are good key dates to start with! Think 4th of July, back to school season, summer/pool activities, summer looks or casual/comfy/loungey looks since we are all at home, holidays, etc. I encourage you to join Facebook groups for bloggers, there are hundreds out there so find a few that are in your niche. Also, look up marketing firms and consultants and see what they are talking about to stay up to date with the latest and greatest. Fohr, or local magazines/newspapers that cover current events for example! Good luck!
Hi Yadira,
Thanks for posting this! I have been really interested in starting a blog, especially during all my free time during quarantine, but I just felt stuck. I love looking at your IG page and blog because it inspires me. I really want to know how to get started and I need some advice! Can’t wait for your next post.
Hi Becka! That’s the most genuine compliment, thank you so much! I put a lot of work and effort into everything I do and that goes for my blog as well! It’s a small business so you have to treat it with care! I’m slowly getting back into posting more on my actual blog versus micro blogging (through social media), so I get it!! My advice is to start thinking of your passions and what you want to share with the world. Write it all down when you feel inspired, I still have my first journal and love looking back at how much I’ve grown and learned since. There’s always room for you in the blogging world! 💕