Thank goodness we live in modern times where you can now make a living off your passion. Yes, you can actually make a living off social media. You just need to do it right.
It can be as simple as being an IG model getting paid to advertise something, to managing a corporate company’s social media platform. Other career options include Social Media/Digital Strategist, Internet Marketing Director, Content Manager and the list goes on.
We caught up with Kaleidoscope PR’s Digital & Social Media Manager, Lulu Zeko to find out what being a digital curator actually entails, what you should be prepared for and what you can do to help you get by.
Here’s what we learned.
First thought that came to mind was the DO ALL THE THINGS meme!
It being #SocialMediaWeek the main essence is just bringing all the different elements into the digi-house of creativity…
I’m going to attempt to be as well-versed and well-curated as I’ve been tasked to be, mind you (massive disclaimer alert *DJ Khaled voice*) there is a good chance this is still a massive work in progress and I love it because I’m learning something new everyday.
In fact, one of my latest projects involves the process of developing the best way to make your own YouTube videos from your smartphone, and sound proofing your studio to create the best podcasts and docu-series ever. And that’s all I can share because these projects will only see the light of day come October so stay tuned (shameless plug!).
Back to the task, I don’t have all the answers to being the ultimate digital curator, but I am willing to find the best way of becoming an epic one while doing it. I will pull a (black) Bill Gates and say my method of curation involves finding the smartest (read: easiest) way to make something great, even greater.
This process taught me a lot, in describing them I thought I’d dabble in a few alliterations so here goes:
“9 things I have learnt while being a Digital Curator.”
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Messy Moleskins
You will doodle your life away! As much as you are about the digital sphere, you will start in the most old school method yet, pen to paper. Sometimes seeing yourself physically express your thoughts can be done on a blank piece of paper. I have books on books on books full of doodles from ideas of content plans to social media handle ideas to weird Peanuts movie characters to strategies to enhance audiences online to Star Wars quotes. Each one surprisingly linked to the bigger mind map of creating a bigger, bolder, more vivid voice for any of the brands/platforms I come across.
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Savage levels of Screenshots
Ever stumble on an image you absolutely love and thank the tech gods that made screenshot-ing (screen munching?), a thing because that saved you so many searches online for the OG image? Well, be ready for the messiest looking desktop ever from all that visual gold you found, a curator’s desktop is rarely clean and you can @ me! I’m all for crediting the artist so make sure that’s in the back of your mind when you post images up. I joined Pixabay a while ago for all my HD level (1920×1080 type) visuals for any content I create. It’s a free platform so join up boos! Keyword: FREE!
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Intense time/food Continuum
Food is fuel and the best damn thing since sliced..wait that analogy fell flat! *cringe*. You will find yourself either eating too much or not at all. There is no in-between. Eat first and work smart. Sidenote: If you want to go for a digi-breakfast/lunch or something in the future, let me know I’m great company!
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Clearly confused Clientele
This is an obvious one, every person you come across has an idea of what they want but the execution may need some heavy guidance. This is where you come in with all the sparks and lights and action that they anticipate you will bring to the meet-up. Be ready for every type of client, from the fussy to the finicky to the financial strapped to the fun. Everything under the sun and then some, just be weary of the shade throwers. Let your passion guide you.
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Humble pie Hurdles
This one somewhat relates to the previous one. We are all in the digital sphere and we all think we know better. Do that humble with a little bit of Kanye zone, I am certain you know your stuff but be open to stuffing up and learning from it; it’s the only way frankly.
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Epic eureka Enthusiasm
If you can look back and pinpoint some of the best moments of being a creative (and this relates to everyone), and it made you feel all giddy and weirdly accomplished and content inside? Then you my boo just experienced your eureka moment. It might be fleeting but right here and right now it was perfect and you will hold onto that baby for dear life. Those fuel me so much.
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Quick thinking Quirkiness
If you meet me, I’m your fave goofball with a massive dose of darling commentary. And if you want to be in this digital arena, you’ll be such a smorgasbord of beautiful chaos and tangible good vibes. Your uniqueness is why you are a curator, and not just any curator, a digital one. You can connect to everyone and anyone, just make the first link.
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Trends, trends and more Trends
Check them out, add your flavour to it, be relevant, be in context, but mainly…be real. (*cues Kid Ink ft Dej Loaf*)
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Classic case of Consistency
It’s like a game of Chess with the rules of Scrabble and the timing of 30 seconds…you need to navigate your way out in the most creative way possible and still get that post out. All this while maintaining the posting schedules, tone and language of the brand and adhering to the content plan’s agenda. Consistency is queen!
Trust me when I say there are plenty more lessons in being a digital curator, but this article is already a little long so for now hope this helps…
Wait I forgot one, Untimely Unpredictability….
Xx
@luluzeko
Lulu has worked on projects for clients in the Telecommunications industry. For consumer campaigns and projects in alternative health, retail, events, art and modelling. She has a background in Tourism management & marketing, with experience in Radio & TV on 3 different continents.
Follow her on Twitter and Instagram to see what cool things she gets up to.
Check out her blog here: https://luluzeko.wordpress.com
