Content creation has become a thriving industry globally, with over 200 million content creators worldwide, and Ghana is no exception. People and businesses are seeking authentic, relatable content and many Ghanaians are seizing the opportunity to share their stories and skills online. If you’re looking to pursue content creation as a hobby or a full-time career, this article offers 10 surefire tips on how to get into content creation and succeed.

But first, what is content creation? 

Content creation is the process of producing information or entertainment in formats like text, images, videos, or audio for an audience. It entails crafting meaningful material that resonates with viewers, readers, or listeners on different platforms.  

Today, content creation goes beyond traditional writing or filmmaking. It includes:  

• Social media content: Posts, reels, and stories for platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are types of content.  
• Videos: Tutorials, vlogs, and short clips on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
• Blogs: Articles or stories shared online to educate, entertain, or inspire.  
• Audio content: Sounds that share ideas, like podcasts, interviews, music, or discussions.  

As a Ghanaian creator, content creation could involve showcasing our rich culture, lifestyle, and entrepreneurial spirit. Many creators focus on topics like food, fashion, music, travel, and even social issues to create content that provides unique perspectives that resonate both locally and internationally.  

Content creation is a great way to make money. But beyond money, it also allows individuals to build a personal brand, and connect with others to build a community. With the right approach and tools, anyone can start their content journey. 

Now that you understand what content creation is, let’s see the ten steps that will teach you how to get into content creation and succeed in Ghana. 

1. Identify your niche

What type of content do you want to create? The first step to becoming a successful content creator is to identify your niche. Your niche defines the type of content you create and the audience you’re creating for. 

Popular niches in Ghana include:  

• Lifestyle and vlogging: Sharing day-to-day experiences and life in Ghana and beyond is a great content niche to get into.  Creators like Mahalia Ataktugba are in this niche.
• Fashion and beauty: Highlighting trends and tips that people can use to beautify themselves. Creators like Faruza Yakubu create within this niche.
• Food and culture: Exploring Ghanaian recipes and traditions. Creators like Vera Appiah (@kiddiefoodies) and Wode Maya, are in this niche.  
• Tech and gaming: Reviewing gadgets or exploring gaming culture is rapidly becoming a popular niche in the country.  Creators like Rick Aqua, are in this niche.

Having a niche helps you focus your content and stand out in a crowded space. By specializing, you become a go-to source for specific topics, making it easier to build an audience.  

2. Understand who your target audience is 

Once you have chosen your niche,  you need to understand who your audience is. A great way to do this is by asking yourself: 

• Who will benefit from my content? 
•  What problems can I solve with my content?
• What do they like? 
• Where do they hang out online?

For example, if your niche is fashion, your target audience might be young professionals living in Accra, looking for affordable style tips.  

Pro Tip: Use tools like Instagram Insights or Google Analytics to study your audience demographics and preferences. This way, you have a better idea of who is interested in your content and how you can better serve them. 

3. Invest in good equipment

Contrary to popular opinion, you don’t need expensive gear to start creating content. However, having the right tools can drastically elevate your content. Daniel Ochuko, a Nigerian food content creator, told us this much during an interview we had with him last year. 

As a beginner, try to get the following things

• A smartphone or camera: No, it doesn’t have to be the latest iPhone model. A decent smartphone can shoot high-quality videos and photos with great light.  
• Lighting: Natural light is fantastic, but if you are unable to get quality sunlight, you can invest in a ring light or softbox light to light up your filming scene and improve video quality.  
• A microphone: Good audio can go a long way in creating engaging content.  
• Editing software: Apps like Canva (for visuals) or CapCut (for video editing) are user-friendly and effective.  

Pro tip: Start with what you have, then upgrade as your content creation journey grows.  

Read this article to discover more tools: 10 Social Media Marketing Tools Every Ghanaian Content Creator Needs

4. Create a content plan  

Content creation can be a very demanding master. It expects you to create, post, engage, and connect with your audience consistently. Doing all this requires proper planning, which is why you need to develop a content plan and calendar to stay organized.  

There’s no hard or fast rule for developing a content plan. On Youtube, social media experts, share how they develop their content plans. You can watch these videos, find what resonates with you, and adopt it into your lifestyle.

Generally, try to do the following: 

• Plan content themes for the month.  
• Schedule specific days for filming, editing, and posting.  
• Include trending topics relevant to your niche to boost visibility and engagement.  

Consistency keeps your audience engaged and helps platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok recommend your content to new viewers, so adequate planning is key.  

5. Optimize your content for different social media platforms

The truth is: different platforms require different approaches. What works for a platform like Instagram may not work on X (Twitter). Here’s how to tailor your content to make the most of it on each platform. 

• Instagram: Use eye-catching visuals and leverage reels (preferably 60 seconds or less) for higher engagement.  
• YouTube: Create long-form videos like tutorials or vlogs. Use SEO strategies like catchy-covers and great titles, to rank higher in search results.  
• TikTok: Focus on short, engaging, and relatable videos.  
• X (Twitter): Share quick tips, ask questions, and engage with other accounts to attract attention.  

6. Collaborate with other creators  

Collaboration is a powerful way to grow your audience. While trying to become successful, partner with other creators in Ghana or beyond who share your values and interests. For instance:  

• As a fashion content creator, you could collaborate with a lifestyle vlogger to showcase a day in the life of a fashionista.  
• Do you make tech reviews? You could team up with a gamer for a live-streamed review session.  
• If you’re an educational blogger, you can film a reel with a food content creator, sharing tips on how to eat healthier. 

Collaboration does the work of exposing you to a broader audience and fostering a sense of community that your audience will appreciate. Just be sure that the collaborations you engage in are not contrived. Collaborate with people whose work you respect.   

7. Monetize your content

Monetization is a very important aspect of being a successful content creator. Here are ways to earn as a creator in Ghana:  

• Sell your digital products on Selar: E-books, courses, and other forms of digital products are a great way to earn money as a content creator. Selar is an ecommerce platform that hosts your digital products and facilitates payments on your behalf, in over 13 currencies from all over the world. 
• Join the YouTube Partner Program: As a Ghanaian creator on YouTube, you can earn revenue through ads once you meet the criteria of having 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours. YouTube as a platform is very dedicated to the success of its creators.  
• Brand partnerships: Collaborate with brands to promote their products or services. You can reach out to them to pitch yourself and your audience, just ensure that the content you make is meaningful and fun. 
• Become an affiliate marketer: Earn commissions by promoting products by other creators and sharing their affiliate links with your audience. Selar also has a robust affiliate network platform that you can lock in on. Find out more about affiliate marketing by reading this article.  
• Merchandising: People love to be part of a community, and selling branded products like T-shirts or mugs is also a great way to connect with your audience while monetizing your content.   

Pro tip: Build an engaged audience first, through creating quality content. This way, brands and other opportunities to make money will come to you based on your influence.  

8. Stay updated on trends  

Content creation is an ever-evolving industry, and staying relevant is important. You need to constantly engage in social listening to mark trends and take advantage of them before they fade into irrelevance. 

You can do this by: 

• Following industry blogs or influencers to stay informed about trends.  
• Joining local creator communities in Ghana for networking and shared insights.  
• Using tools like Google Trends or TikTok Discover to see what people are loving.  

For example, no-makeup makeup looks have gotten really popular in the past two years. Knowing this can dictate the kind of content you create as a beauty content creator. 

9. Build a solid personal brand. 

Yes, you might not like the term, but you cannot escape it: your personal brand is what sets you apart from others in your niche. It’s what people know you as, and what you present yourself to be. Therefore, building a strong personal brand is very important because it affects the perception your audience has of you, and potentially the deals you will be able to make. 

 To build a strong personal brand:  

• Develop a unique voice and style.  
• Be authentic and relatable.  
• Use consistent colours, fonts, and logos in your visuals.  

10. Stay consistent and resilient.

Success as a content creator doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a lot of time, effort, and resilience, so you need to stay consistent, recognizing that you are playing the long game. Celebrate small wins, like gaining your first 100 followers, learn from failures and adapt, and keep improving your craft and experimenting with new ideas. 

 Wode Maya has been making YouTube videos for over ten years. That is a long time to be a creator. Consistency is the key to success as a content creator. 

Watch this video to hear Wode Maya and some creators from Nigeria talk about succeeding as content creators: The Role of African Creators in Shaping Global Culture

So, what’s next?

Getting into content creation and excelling at it is achievable with the right mindset and strategies. As you create and post, focus on delivering value, engaging with your audience, and staying authentic to your unique perspective.  

With these 10 tips, you’re well on your way to becoming a successful content creator in Ghana. Remember, the journey may have challenges, but the rewards are worth it. Happy creating!