It seems social media has taken over in nearly every aspect of our lives. It’s become an outlet for individuals across the globe to express themselves, connect with peers, and access resources that may have never been discovered otherwise. The increase in social media usage has led businesses to ask the question: How can we use social media to our advantage? The answer is simple: content creation. Content creation is a great way for businesses to gain an audience and promote their brand. As a GMG Community School District student myself, I sat down with Lexi Vazquez, GMG High School student and president iJAG (Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates) for a conversation about content creation. Lexi is an avid content creator, eager to promote the businesses and associations that fuel her passion. She also shared some great insights on the importance of promoting businesses through content.
What does it mean to be a content creator?
To me, being a content creator means producing content for people to enjoy and to promote something.
In what ways does content creation support businesses?
Content creation supports businesses by attracting an audience that is interested in their product, then keeping them up to date with the latest developments. This gives customers a sense of involvement and community, which strengthens their dedication to the brand.
Why is it important to promote businesses through content creation?
I would say nowadays a lot of things are digital and it seems technology keeps advancing. Content creation grasps a huge audience and it’s just a great way to gain business.
Editor’s Note:
The following piece is by high school student Avery Duden, a member of a student team that competed in a live social media contest. At Class Intercom, we’re passionate about empowering content creators to learn new skills and evolve existing ones. That includes formal instruction in the classroom, learning by doing, and experimenting with tools and ideas. The next step is sharing that knowledge with others. The Insights from Student Content Creators series allows students to share their knowledge and experiences with a global audience.
What challenges do content creators face?
Competition is one of the biggest challenges for content creators. So many people are good at creating content. It’s important to make content that stands out. Not only is gaining attention a challenge, but so is keeping the audience engaged. Audience engagement requires strategically planned and timely posts.
Students compete in a live social media contest at the 2024 Iowa Technology & Educations Connection Conference. GMG Community Schools iJAG president, Lexi Vazquez is pictured on the right.
How can the distribution of content positively impact businesses?
Distribution of content is a wonderful way to gain new business, and it keeps existing customers engaged and up to date. I work at Starbucks, and when there’s a new drink we post on social media to promote business.
What negative effects could content creation have?
I’d say it’s really easy to start controversy and backlash when posting certain things. I think it’s important to monitor what you post to make sure it won’t cause issues. It’s important to verify that posts are appropriate and positive before putting them on social media, where anyone and everyone can access them.
Where could content creators go to make a larger impact?
Without the ability to effectively promote their brand, small businesses risk being driven out of the market by larger competitors. Starting up a small business can be really hard but if you post the right content it can really help.
Content creation has greatly benefited the modern world by supporting businesses in their growth and guiding consumers to the products and services they desire. The number of content creators is rapidly growing, bringing more and more businesses to the attention of the world. By providing endless opportunities at people’s fingertips, content creators make a significant impact on the ways of modern society.
About the Author
Avery Duden
Avery Duden is a recent graduate of GMG Secondary School, where she was a part of the school’s Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) program. She has a passion for writing, which she plans to pursue professionally.
This story is part of a series called Insights from Student Content Creators. If you know a student, educator, or community member with a skill or story to share about the power of content and storytelling, send them our way! Amplifying student voices and sharing authentic stories is at the core of who we are. Drop us a line and let’s get in touch.
