What is the creator economy? And why is it exploding?

The creator economy changed everything about making money online.

I discovered this firsthand in 2013 when I finally took action and launched my first website and blog (this one you’re on right now).

Back then, most people thought you needed fancy connections or venture capital to succeed.

They were wrong.

Today, regular people with valuable knowledge are building seven-figure businesses from their laptops. I know because I’ve done it myself.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What the creator economy actually is (in plain English)
• How to position yourself for success
• The exact business models that work right now
• Common mistakes to avoid (that I learned the hard way)

“Your expertise is your unfair advantage in the creator economy. Package it right, and you’ll create opportunities most people only dream about.”

Let’s dive in.

What is the creator economy?

It’s that simple.

Instead of working for someone else, creators build their own platforms, create their own products, and cultivate their own audiences.

The key components include:

• Digital content (blogs, videos, podcasts)
• Online courses and programs
• Virtual events and summits
• Coaching and consulting

When I hosted my first virtual summit in November 2014, I realized something powerful: I could connect directly with my audience without any middlemen.

That summit generated over $20,000 in a single month and completely changed my business trajectory.

“The beauty of the creator economy is that it rewards authenticity over perfection. I built my business by focusing on delivering exceptional value first, monetization second.”

Evolution of the creator economy

In this section, you’ll see how the creator economy has evolved over time:

Phase 1: The foundation era (2005-2013)

This was when platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and blogs first gained popularity.

Creators focused mainly on building audiences and producing content, with limited monetization options.

I spent much of this time watching from the sidelines. I was interested but procrastinating, not yet putting myself out there.

Phase 2: The creation era (2013-2016)

This was when I finally took action. In June 2013, I launched my website and started publishing interviews and content.

I began experimenting with different formats – blog posts, YouTube videos, and interviews with established entrepreneurs. This period was all about finding my voice and building my initial audience.

By the end of 2014, I’d hosted my first virtual summit, which became the turning point in my business.

“When I launched my first virtual summit, I realized the power wasn’t in the platform—it was in the relationship with my audience. Build this foundation first, and everything else follows.”

Phase 3: The monetization era (2016-2020)

This phase introduced more direct ways to make money.

Creators started selling digital products, coaching programs, and building email lists to reduce platform dependency.

This is when I launched my Virtual Summit Mastery program, which has helped thousands of entrepreneurs host successful online events.

Phase 4: The ownership era (2020-present)

We’re now in the era where creators are building real businesses.

Smart creators focus on owning their audience relationships through email lists and creating multiple income streams.

The pandemic accelerated this trend, pushing more people to pursue independent online careers.

5 Core business models in the creator economy

Here are five core business models that I see work very well in the creator economy:

1. Content monetization

This includes:

• Ad revenue
• Brand partnerships
• Sponsored content
• Affiliate marketing

I’ve made over $1 million from affiliate marketing since 2013, promoting products I genuinely use and believe in.

2. Digital products

These are typically scalable, one-to-many offerings:

• Online courses
• Ebooks
• Templates
• Software tools

My Virtual Summit Mastery course became my primary revenue source, allowing me to help more people while working fewer hours.

3. Virtual events

These include:

• Summits
• Webinars
• Workshops
• Masterclasses

My most successful summit brought in over 26,000 new email subscribers in just 2-3 weeks, showing the power of virtual events for rapid audience growth.

“My first course launch taught me that people don’t buy information—they buy transformation. Focus on the outcome, not just the content.”

4. High-ticket offers

These are typically more personalized services:

• One-on-one coaching
• Consulting
• Group programs
• Done-for-you services

High-ticket offers can help you generate significant revenue with fewer clients, creating more time freedom.

5. Community building

This newer model focuses on:

• Paid membership sites
• Subscription access
• Exclusive content networks
• Group learning experiences

Community models create recurring revenue and deeper connections with your audience.

5 steps to getting started in the creator economy

Here are my 5 steps to getting started in the creator economy in 2025:

Step 1: Find your niche

Don’t try to appeal to everyone. Narrow down to a specific audience with a specific problem.

When I focused specifically on teaching virtual summits (instead of general online business), my business took off rapidly.

Step 2: Build your platform

Start with one primary platform and one secondary platform:

• Primary: Your own website and email list
• Secondary: One social channel where your audience hangs out

I focused heavily on building my email list from day one. While others chased social media followers, I prioritized subscribers—a decision that’s paid off consistently.

Step 3: Create your first offer

Start simple. Your first offer doesn’t need to be perfect.

My first paid product was a simple guide. It wasn’t fancy, but it solved a real problem and made sales while I slept.

“Starting is the hardest part. My first content pieces were far from perfect, but they connected me with the exact people who would later become my best customers.”

Step 4: Focus on distribution

Creating content isn’t enough—you need people to see it.

Strategies that worked for me:

• Guest appearances on established podcasts
• Partnerships with complementary businesses
• Strategic use of paid ads to amplify organic content

Step 5: Measure and optimize

Too many creators guess instead of tracking what works.

Set up simple systems to measure your results, then double down on what’s working and cut what isn’t.

7 common pitfalls to avoid

Below I’ve listed seven common mistakes to avoid:

Mistake #1: Building on rented land

Too many creators build their entire business on platforms they don’t control.

Always prioritize channels you own, especially your email list. This gives you direct access to your audience without relying on algorithms.

Mistake #2: creating without strategy

Content without purpose is just noise.

Every piece of content should serve a specific business goal—whether it’s growing your email list, promoting a program, or establishing expertise.

Mistake #3: Undercharging

Many creators price based on their costs rather than the value they provide.

Don’t be afraid to charge what your knowledge is worth. Higher prices often attract more committed customers.

Mistake #4: Neglecting systems

Working 24/7 isn’t sustainable.

Create systems for repeatable tasks. This allows you to scale without sacrificing your health or relationships.

Mistake #5: Ignoring your health

Your business can’t outperform your health and energy.

Discipline in fitness and nutrition isn’t separate from business success — it’s the foundation that makes everything else possible.

Mistake #6: Procrastinating on launch

I spent too long in preparation mode before launching my website in 2013.

Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Start now, improve as you go, and learn from direct feedback.

Mistake #7: Lack of consistency

The biggest killer of creator businesses is inconsistency.

Show up regularly, even when you don’t feel like it. Discipline beats motivation every time.

“The biggest mistake I see creators make is trying to serve everyone. I grew fastest when I narrowed my focus and became the go-to expert for one specific solution.”

FAQ about the creator economy

Here are some common questions I see about the creator economy from my audience and around the web.

Conclusion

The creator economy represents the greatest opportunity of our lifetime for individuals to build wealth and freedom through their knowledge and skills.

My journey from procrastination to action to becoming a successful online entrepreneur wasn’t without challenges. But the principles in this guide consistently work for those committed to applying them.

Remember these key points:

• Focus on providing genuine value before worrying about monetization
• Build on platforms you control, especially your email list
• Create products that deliver clear, specific outcomes
• Stay nimble and adapt as the landscape evolves

“Your knowledge becomes your legacy when you share it with intention. The creator economy isn’t just about making a living—it’s about designing the freedom to impact lives on your terms.”

Now it’s your turn. The tools and strategies have never been more accessible. The only question is: what will you create?