Creatively Marketing Your Content

How to Balance Marketing and Creativity

Being Seen: Beyond Originality for Creators

As creators, we seek to be unique and stand out amongst the crowd. In our globally connected world, where everyone's seeking content, getting noticed is tough, and being copied is easy. The very tools that boost our visibility can also make it harder to stand out. So, how do we cut through the noise?

Being original is crucial, but it's not enough. We also need brand recognition. Think about it: great creations often go unnoticed. Van Gogh, a genius, barely received recognition in his lifetime, while Warhol, equally talented, achieved massive success. Why?

Partly, it's about timing. Van Gogh lived in a world where artists didn't expect fame or even a living. He famously wrote, “I consciously choose the dog’s path through life. I shall be poor; I shall be a painter…” That mindset was common. Art, then, was for the wealthy, and artists hoped for a patron.

Warhol, however, emerged during the dawn of commercialized art. The Industrial Revolution enabled mass production, creating a middle class that could afford art, music, and film. The 20th century democratized culture, opening up opportunities for fame.

Warhol, in the 1960s, benefited from this shift. But he also foreshadowed the future. He lived during the "Mad Men" era which saw companies investing in creatives for ads, packaging, and jingles. Art became a business.

Today, technology offers even more opportunities. We can build careers on our passions, using platforms like YouTube, Patreon, and Twitter. We don't have to wait to be discovered. We can build our audience.

But we must learn from commercial practices. We need to market ourselves and build our brands while staying true to our identities.

Here are my tips:

1. Define Your Personal Brand

You do not need an expensive branding expert to define your brand. Understanding your voice is key. Like the question the Caterpillar asked Alice, "Who R U?" Know what you want to convey.

Think of it as your artistic DNA. Explore books like Simon Sinek's "Start with Why" and marketing blogs to find what resonates with you.

2. Amplify Your Content on Social Media:

Don't just stick to one platform. Use Instagram, TikTok, etc., to tease your long-form content. Repurpose your work for different formats.

Yes, it's commercial, not purely creative. But studies show that ads only start to register with viewers after the 4th view, and people begin to take an interest between the 6th and 8th view. Purchases often happen between the 10th and 12th view. This principle applies to gaining an audience. People need to see your content multiple times to engage.

Learn from successful creators and track your results with tools like HubSpot. Find a balance between branding and artistry.

3. Merchandising

Think Coca-Cola. Merch builds brand awareness and generates income. For manga and anime creators, it's a goldmine. Even if your content is the product, consider offering affordable merch to connect with fans.

Own Your Audience

Don't outsource your connections. Like brands offering samples, engage directly with your audience.

That's where Wallafan comes in. We give you, as a creator, control over your content and audience interactions.

It's a lot of work, but the rewards are worth it. Your art deserves to be seen.

-----Articles Referenced-----

https://www.redcrowmarketing.com/blog/how-many-times-must-you-see-an-ad-to-remember-it/

https://www.thecollector.com/andy-warhol/

https://vanschneider.com/blog/art-is-now-designed/

https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en/collection/s0022V1962

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About the Author

Nikki Lopez is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in the startup world, specializing in leveraging creative content and community building to empower content creators. Known for a strategic approach and a deep understanding of audience needs, Nikki has a proven track record of leading the development of engaging content strategies and guiding the growth of thriving communities. Her leadership focuses on fostering meaningful interactions and impactful journeys for both creators and their audiences.