Picture courtesy of Lindsey Gintz
Hello, shifters! Today we have a guest blogger with us: Lindsey Gintz. Lindsey is a fourth-grade teacher SHIFTing to Content Creator. We are very happy to have her as a guest writer, sharing her knowledge of the content creation world.
I started teaching because I loved to create. Creating lesson plans, activities, and crafts was my dream. I was/am a teacher author for Teachers Pay Teachers and I began wondering how I could use my skills as an educator and transfer them into another field.
I stumbled upon something called a content creator on Pinterest. I was curious so I clicked on all the bait to find out more about this mysterious position. What was a content creator? I found that really it was a blanketed title that could refer to so many skills, from blog writing to email promotions. A content creator was someone who created content, like blog posts, pictures, graphic designs etc. to help grow a clients business.
I had already created content that could be considered graphic design. I was an avid writer in college and wrote many of my own close reads for my students. I loved taking pictures. This allusive job seemed more and more like something that could be a great fit for me. However, I knew I needed to grow my brand. There was no way someone would hire me with no experience and not much of a portfolio.
So I started with Upwork. Upwork is a website that connects talent to agencies looking for specific work. This allowed me to submit proposals to companies looking for content creation, blog writing, and even resume writing. I knew I needed to build my portfolio before I began marketing myself as an independent content creator and freelance writer.
Upwork gave me the opportunity to work with many individuals and a wide range of skills. I’ve submitted proposals to everything from blog writing to reviewing material for companies. Not only did this expand my portfolio, but it also gave me the opportunity to note where I was my best self. Writing that business blog? Not my best self. Guest writing for a mommy blog? Totally up my ally!
Once I had established myself with some clients I was able to build a stronger portfolio and I began marketing myself to friends and family. Most of them were aware of the promotions I had done on Instagram or other social media sites, but not everyone knew of my skills in resume writing or email marketing. I also began doing guest posts on blogs, to diversify my audience and experience.
Slowly, I was building a name for myself all while still teaching. My hope for 2020- not a resolution but a shift– is to transition from the classroom to content creation full time. This career allows me to set my own hours and to accept jobs when they are convenient for my family. I make my own deadlines and set my own hours, which works great with a busy husband and our toddler.
SHIFT: Transition from Teaching 