Senior Vice Chairman, LEADERSHIP Newspaper, Mr Azu Ishiekwene has reiterated what many might know or are aware of, and that is “you don’t really need a degree to create content about anything.”
What content creators do need, he said, is to master the value of the art of content creation, be consistent and professional, and to love what they do.
Referencing chapters 9, 13 and 15 of his new book Writing For The Media and Monetizing It, which coalesces 35 years’ experience in Journalism and digital media, the editor urged content creators to find their true fans, curate a database of them, be consistent and learn to adapt.
“Have a direct relationship with your fans. Specialize in what you are best at and do it like no other. It won’t be long before you start generating value. Be consistent. It is through consistency and trust in your brand that you’ll grow.”
Maintaining professionalism amidst the distraction that comes with popularity, he said, is a matter of time, serendipity or luck, and re-evaluating one’s efforts.
“Social media can be put to good use or bad use. I often ask myself how I can optimize social media to reach a larger audience to make impact and earn income. As my audience grows, I find ways to repurpose content to reach more audience via other channels like podcasting.”
However, a key trait for content creators, he said, is to love what they do.
“If you find that thing that you absolutely love to do, it calls more to you. The more you give of yourself, the more it calls for you. That way you are constantly evolving.”
