5 Important Lessons Creators Can Learn From Our New Guide
Many businesses have been forced to cut their marketing spend because of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, it’s difficult for content creators to earn from brand deals and sponsored posts on social media right now.
This has led thousands to seek a more reliable way to earn from their content: subscriptions.
You’ll find hundreds of creator platforms like OnlyFans, Patreon, and SoSpoilt that let you charge fans a monthly subscription/membership fee to access your photos, videos, and messages. But how do you know which one is right for you?
And is there anything you need to look out for – or avoid – when deciding where to earn?
To answer these questions and more, we’ve just released ‘A Guide to Earning on Creator Platforms’. Keep reading to find out 5 important lessons you can learn from it today. Or if you want to download the full guide for free, click here.
- Not all platforms work for all creators.
From artists and comedians to models and personal trainers, all kinds of talented people can use creator platforms to make money by selling content subscriptions to fans.
But while some creator platforms give you total creative freedom, others only allow you to upload specific genres and forms of content.
That’s why it’s important to find a platform which allows you to safely create and share what your fans want to see. Make sure you can upload a mix of photos, videos, messages, and live content. This will help you keep your subscribers engaged, so you can retain and grow your fanbase.
- Some platforms take more of your earnings than others.
Most creator platforms are free to join. They just take a small percentage of whatever you earn (this is known as the platform fee). The exact percentage they take depends on the platform, so it pays to shop around.
However, be wary of platforms claiming to let you keep 100% of your earnings or offering deals that seem to be too good to be true.
If the platform can’t sustain itself, will it even be around long enough to pay you your money as promised? And if they’re not taking a platform fee, are they making their money in other sneaky ways?
Some creator platforms deduct as much as 15% – 20% from your earnings as unspecified ‘billing charges’ before giving you your quoted share.
- The platform is responsible for collecting and remitting VAT.
As a creator, it’s your responsibility to declare and manage your earnings. However, like any business operating in the world, the creator platform is responsible for collecting and remitting VAT/sales tax on sales to fans.
Recently, it’s been reported that some platforms are failing to collect VAT like they should by law. And others are adding sneaky terms into their T&Cs to try and pass any potential liability onto creators.
Check the platform is compliant with VAT laws before you sign up. Remember, if the platform you choose is hit with a hefty backdated VAT bill in future, you could lose your money, your content, and the fanbase you’ve worked so hard to build.
4. No platform can guarantee the safety of your content.
Stolen content is a big problem for creators today.
There are things you and the platform you choose can – and should – do to help protect you and your content. For instance, the platform should ask fans to agree not to repost your content without your permission when they first subscribe. And they may offer things like digital watermarks to make it easy to trace any stolen content.
But even the most advanced of digital security features are not foolproof. So don’t be taken in by platforms claiming to keep your content 100% safe. Instead, find a platform that’s honest but does everything it can to prevent content theft.
5. Fans often value live interactions over content.
A lot of creators think their fans are only interested in the content they subscribe to see. However, most fans say they value one-on-one interactions with their favourite creators more. So, make sure the platform you choose allows you to message and chat with your fans too.
While some platforms offer only basic direct messaging systems, others (like SoSpoilt.com) allow you to charge what you like for live video and voice chats with any fan – not just your current subscribers.
It’s a great way to make extra cash and make your fans feel important.
Want to learn more?
If you want to learn more from ‘A Guide to Earning on Creator Platforms’, click below to download the full guide for free today.
