Creators Economy & Marketers

Exclusive: Folasade Daini Reveals How Marketers Can Profit from the Creator Economy

Mar 13, 2025

Welcome to a special edition of Dear Digital Marketing Newbie! It’s been a minute since we had a guest feature, but today (drum roll, please… 🥁🥁), we’re excited to have Folasade Daini, someone I’ve learned a lot from and who is deeply passionate about ensuring marketers aren’t left behind in this creator economy.

Now, let’s be real… how many of you have felt the sting of budgeting for influencer marketing? Like, seriously, you’re not even earning that much yourself, yet here you are planning big budget for infleuncer campaigns. If this sounds familiar, this newsletter is for you.

Let’s get right in:

Can you share a bit about your journey into the creator economy and what inspired you to start supporting creators?

Folasade: My journey into the creator economy started at a young age when I discovered my passion for storytelling. As a child, I loved writing stories, and my parents always encouraged me to pursue creative expression. Over time, this passion evolved, and I found myself drawn to content creation and marketing.

The transition into marketing and content creation became more structured when I took a creative writing course. Later, during the pandemic, I enrolled in a content creation class, which played a significant role in shaping my career path. A pivotal moment came when my boyfriend encouraged me to attend a class by Salem King. That experience opened my eyes to the vast opportunities within the creator economy.

Beyond personal aspirations, I was driven by a desire for flexibility. I wanted a career that would allow me to balance my professional ambitions with my personal life and family commitments. This realization inspired me to help others, particularly creators looking to transition into tech and marketing roles. Seeing others succeed in building sustainable careers in the creator economy fuels my passion for supporting and mentoring aspiring creators.

You’re both a creator and a marketer. How do these two roles complement each other in today’s landscape?

Folasade: Being both a creator and a marketer gives me a unique advantage. Content creation isn’t just about creativity, it’s also about strategy, positioning, and audience engagement. Marketing, on the other hand, is about leveraging that content to drive visibility, build trust, and generate revenue.

One of the biggest advantages of being both a creator and a marketer is the ability to use content creation skills to unlock opportunities in the tech industry. Sharing expertise online, creating valuable content, and engaging with an audience can open doors to job offers, collaborations, and brand deals.

Additionally, this dual approach provides financial stability. While content creation can generate revenue through multiple streams, marketing skills ensure that those efforts are strategic and impactful. In essence, having both skill sets allows for a balanced approach—monetizing creativity while maintaining a stable career.

What’s one key lesson marketers should learn from successful creators when looking to monetize their expertise?

Folasade: The most important lesson is the power of personal branding. Successful creators understand the value of consistently sharing their journey, expertise, and insights with their audience. By positioning themselves as thought leaders in their niche, they naturally attract opportunities.

I’ve personally seen how this works—by sharing my experiences on platforms like LinkedIn and engaging in Twitter spaces, I’ve received job offers and collaboration requests. Marketers need to apply the same principle: actively sharing valuable content can lead to speaking engagements, consulting opportunities, brand partnerships, and even full-time job offers.

Building an online presence isn’t just about visibility; it’s about trust. When people recognize your expertise and see the value you bring, they are more likely to invest in your services or offer you opportunities.

How would you define the creator economy in 2025, and why should marketers pay attention?

Folasade: The creator economy in 2025 will be more dynamic and diverse than ever before. Creators will have even more opportunities to monetize their skills—whether through traditional employment, independent ventures, or hybrid roles that combine both.

Marketers should pay attention because the creator economy isn’t just about influencers promoting products; it’s about individuals using content creation to establish authority, build brands, and generate income in innovative ways. The traditional career model is shifting, and marketers who leverage content creation will have access to flexible careers and multiple income streams.

Companies are also recognizing the value of content creators beyond influencer marketing. Brands now hire creators for roles in content marketing, brand strategy, and even community management. Understanding this shift can help marketers tap into new opportunities.

What are some common misconceptions that stop marketers from exploring the creator economy for themselves?

Folasade: One common misconception is that the creator economy is only for influencers or entertainers. Many marketers assume that if they’re not interested in lifestyle blogging or video content, there’s no place for them in the creator economy. But that’s far from the truth.

Another misconception is that content creation doesn’t lead to serious career growth. Some marketers believe that focusing on content creation is just a hobby rather than a viable career path. However, my own journey proves otherwise—content creation has led to job opportunities, collaborations,etc

The reality is that content creation isn’t just about personal branding; it’s also about establishing thought leadership.

What are some sustainable ways marketers can monetize their skills beyond their 9-to-5 jobs?

Folasade: There are several sustainable ways marketers can generate additional income:

Freelance Writing: Writing articles for international companies, which often pay higher than local opportunities.
Content Consulting: Helping brands refine their content strategy.
Personal Branding: Monetizing content through speaking engagements, workshops, or courses.
Running a Content Agency: Managing content creation for multiple brands.
Affiliate Marketing & Digital Products: Creating and selling eBooks, courses, or guides.

Personally, I’ve found success in freelance writing and content consulting.

What are some effective ways brands can collaborate with creators beyond influencer marketing?

Folasade: Brands can engage creators in more strategic roles beyond just product promotions. Some effective ways include:

Hiring creators as content marketing associates or strategists.
Involving them in community-building efforts, such as hosting Twitter spaces and online events.
Collaborating on educational initiatives, such as workshops, webinars, and online courses.

These collaborations provide long-term value for both brands and creators, leading to meaningful partnerships rather than one-off promotions.

8. What shifts have you seen in the creator economy, and where do you see the biggest opportunities for marketers?

Folasade: The biggest shift has been the growing recognition of content creation as a legitimate career path. Companies are actively hiring creators for content marketing, social media strategy, and brand storytelling roles.

One major shift that has opened more income streams for marketers is the rise of remote work and global job opportunities. With more companies hiring talent worldwide, marketers can now pitch their services to international firms that offer higher pay than local businesses.

Additionally, the increasing demand for niche content presents a significant opportunity. Marketers who position themselves as experts in specific areas can monetize their knowledge through consulting, paid newsletters, and exclusive content platforms. By leveraging personal brands and content creation skills, marketers can access roles that provide both flexibility and financial growth, including high-paying positions with global companies, freelance opportunities, and consulting gigs.

9. How important is building a community for long-term financial success in the creator economy?

Folashade: It’s essential. A strong community provides support, engagement, and visibility. Many of the opportunities I’ve received came through networking in online communities, Twitter spaces, and LinkedIn discussions. Building relationships with your audience fosters trust and opens doors to collaborations and career growth.

10. Where can our readers follow your work and learn more from you?

Folashade: I’m very active on LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube, where I share insights on content marketing, the creator economy, and career growth. Feel free to connect with me there!

Summary

Marketers can leverage their skills in the creator economy to earn more by:

Building a Strong Personal Brand – Sharing expertise and insights consistently on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube can attract job opportunities, consulting gigs, and brand partnerships.
Offering Freelance Services – Skills like content strategy, copywriting, and social media marketing can be monetized through freelance writing, content consulting, and managing brand strategies.
Monetizing Digital Products – Creating and selling eBooks, online courses, and templates can generate passive income.
Affiliate Marketing – Recommending relevant tools and platforms through content creation can provide commission-based earnings.
Running a Content Agency – Scaling services by managing content for multiple brands can provide sustainable income. (P:S - Don’t start a business without a business skills).
Exploring Speaking Engagements & Workshops – Hosting webinars, training sessions, or speaking at events can position marketers as experts while generating revenue.
Tapping into Global Job Opportunities – Remote work has opened doors to high-paying marketing roles with international brands.