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Hi Roe, my name is Lauren James and I'm a London-based artist, content creator and videographer. Today we're going to be talking about the business side of content creation as well as doing some skincare and makeup with you.
What was your first approach to monetising your platform?
My first approach to monetising my platform actually came about so naturally. I've been making videos and vlogs for as long as I can remember and my Instagram actually started solely as an art page. From there I slowly started posting lifestyle videos and I just thought why not post and share everything I love as kind of this big creative outlet.
How do you determine which brands align with your personal brand and values?
As someone with psoriasis and sensitive skin, this is something I definitely consider when determining which brands align with my personal brand and values. It's important to always be authentic and really work with brands that matter to you. I think it's really important to work with brands that you truly believe in because that really shines through your work. If you're passionate about something or if you truly use something, people can always tell. But at the same time, I think it's cool for creators to explore working with different brands to see what works for them. In this industry, you always have to be experimenting and trying new things because it's ever-changing. I think staying authentic while working with brands is just about being open with your own experiences, with whatever you're promoting, how it impacts your life personally and also recognising whether you can create content that aligns with the brand's values too.
How do you stay authentic to yourself and your audience?
I love interacting with my audience through stories and comments. I think that's my favorite way to connect with them. I just love chatting to people and hearing what they think. And creating a community is just the coolest thing about it.
What have been some unexpected challenges or costs associated with being an influencer?
An unexpected challenge with being a content creator, definitely time management. A lot of people think that it's very easy. You have to film, edit, post, write scripts. You have to be a billion things at once. But also trying to post three times a day on multiple platforms can get a bit crazy sometimes, but in the best way. Especially since I do content creation and art and videography. So that can definitely be a challenge sometimes.
How do you approach building a personal brand that stands out in a crowded digital space?
Building a personal brand that stands out in a crowded digital space is just all about authenticity and being yourself. I don't think you can go wrong.
What advice would you give aspiring influencers and brands?
Some advice I'd give to aspiring content creators would just be to post the content. Because we've all been there when we have so many ideas in our head and we just overthink and then we end up not posting it. Try not to overthink as much as you are and just post the content. To brands would be to not worry about follow accounts so much because that doesn't equal engagement or creativity.
Thank you so much Roe Magazine,
Lauren James
Where to find Lauren James: Instagam