Do you feel like you’re ready to leave your current position and become a full-time Instagram content creator? Maybe you’ve been making some decent money lately and wondering if it’s time, or maybe you’re just getting started and want to know what the next steps are. Today we are talking about how to leave your 9-5 and make Instagram your full-time job. Btw, you can read my earlier blog post on how to become a social media influencer that I shared at the start of this year.
How To Know If You’re Actually Ready?
You’re Consistently Landing Gigs
If you’re pitching and getting emailed by brands and securing jobs every month, that’s a good first sign that you’re ready to call IG your full time gig. It means your pitch is working, that your content is attracting brand reps to reach out to you, the income is pretty consistent; basically that you’re hirable.
You Have A Loyal Instagram Audience
Are you finding that you’re engaging with the same people in your comments and DMs? Do people ask questions, and simply want more of what you’re putting out? Do your reels draw in new followers? Before becoming a full-time Instagram content creator, you’ll want to ensure you see growth on your horizon.
You’re Willing To Invest Time (and Money)
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, content creation is a full-time job. In order for it to be successful, you have to work it. Like a job. Sure, you get a bonus just for posting reels, but consistent content creation, paying for website hosting, buying props, camera equipment / the latest phone, childcare, etc. takes time and money.
You’ve Found Your Virtual Village On Instagram
It helps to have people in your corner, and niche, who will not only cheer you on but help connect you. When a brand asks a creator if they have any other influencers they would recommend for a partnership, does someone have your back?
What you should know before you actually leave your 9-5 job
You Need Budget As A Content Creator
Remember that influencing / content creation doesn’t pay every two weeks like a 9-5, you have Net 30, 60, 75, 90, even 180 days to account for. Even if you’re making enough every month to cover your bills, housing, food, etc, make sure that you budget for when the money will actually hit your bank account so you don’t get into trouble. (And try to save 20-30% of what you make for tax season so you don’t owe anything when it’s time.)
Pro tip: Before even thinking about leaving your job, I strongly advise that you save at least 3 months worth of income to cover your monthly expenses. It’s always good to have a rainy day fund to offset any long Net Pays. This should be enough to cover your rent/mortgage, utilities, groceries, bills, etcetera.
Don’t Be Afraid To Charge Your Worth + Tax
Right along with budgeting and pitching, you should be charging the right amount to sustain the lifestyle you want. You’ll run yourself ragged trying to find 20 collabs with tiny rates. If you aren’t properly negotiating, and fill up your Instagram feed and audience with collabs, that will s l o w your growth and turn off potential partners. Charge what you need to enjoy life. If you’re looking for help on how much to charge exactly to brands, don’t forget to check out my Product to Paid, signature negotiations course!
You Are Casting A Wide Net
Meaning you aren’t putting all of your eggs in one basket. You are nurturing your Instagram presence and posting to Pinterest, maintaining a blog, posting on TikTok, creating courses, recording a podcast, or even launching a Youtube channel. (See what I mean about it being real work?) You don’t have to do all of this, although there are some creators who do have all of these platforms. But bottom line– you aren’t just sticking to one platform. You should at least be maintaining 3 social media platforms.
You Know There’s No Guarantee As A Content Creator
This means you know there will be more no’s than there are yes’s. BUT, You don’t get discouraged by the rejection; only determined to find the right brand and the right fit. You also know that some months and Quarters are slower than others and have budgeted accordingly. There may be no guarantees but there are plenty of opportunities, and it’s never to late to create value and start sharing.
So, are you ready to become a full-time Instagram content creator? Let me know in the comments below! For more influencer tips, make sure to subscribe to my email list for weekly social media tips (and exclusive discounts on my digital products) straight to your inbox 🙂
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For more value-packed posts like this, check out these previous blog posts:
- 10 Influencer platforms you should join
- MYTH: You need a lot of followers to be successful
- How to make money on Instagram
