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Creators aren’t just Influencers; they’re entrepreneurs.

March 13, 2025 10:11 am Published by

It’s time we take them seriously.

“That’s not a real job.” A father tells his daughter as she shares her dream of becoming a full-time content creator. Across the city, a teacher shakes her head when a student mentions wanting to build a career on YouTube. To them, “real jobs” come with desks, salaries, and predictable career paths, not cameras, audiences, and social media. But what if they’re wrong? What if content creation is a viable career—and one of the most important emerging professions of our time?

The growing creator economy

For too long, digital creators have been dismissed as hobbyists or lucky influencers who stumbled into success. But the reality is very different. Today, creators are business owners, marketers, and entrepreneurs, building sustainable brands and generating real income. In Africa alone, the creator economy is growing at a rate of 28.5% per year, set to reach $17.8 billion by 2030.

According to Murray Legg, Co-founder of digital creator and influencer marketing platform, Webfluential, it’s time to change the conversation. “In today’s economy, a creator is someone who builds an audience around their passions and expertise, whether that’s through content, media, entertainment, or anything else. They’re often entrepreneurs, building brands, managing communities, developing marketing strategies, and monetising content across multiple platforms.”

On one side of the screen, there’s a creator—someone with a face, a voice, and a narrative. On the other side, there’s an audience engaging in real time. Social media ensures that content can be shared instantly, not just with people you know but with global audiences who have never heard of you before. Algorithms amplify this process, helping relevant content reach the right viewers.

“But visibility is just the start,” says Legg. “Today, creators are earning revenue through ad partnerships, brand collaborations, affiliate marketing, subscriptions, and even their own digital products. Brands are buying into the network effect, leveraging the credibility and trust that creators have built within their communities.

Niche expertise has become a currency of its own. Creators who are recognised as authorities in their fields (whether it’s beauty, tech, fitness, or finance) have become educators and thought leaders. Their audiences tune in for knowledge, entertainment, and insights, making these creators indispensable partners for brands looking to connect with engaged, targeted demographics. And with niche authority comes serious revenue potential.

Technology has created an environment where anyone with a smartphone and an idea can build a business. “But, content creation requires more than creativity; it demands marketing savvy, brand-building expertise, and a deep understanding of audience psychology,” says Legg.

Not pure luck: the skills every creator needs to succeed

The top creators double-down on their authenticity and uniqueness, develop strategies, analyse performance data, and optimise their content for maximum engagement and monetisation.

“Successful creators are the ones who are patient, consistent, and passionate about what they do. They’re also skilled at marketing and building relationships with their audiences. Those who struggle often lack these qualities or aren’t willing to put in the hard work. With so many creators these days, you need to work hard to stand out,” says Legg.

The infrastructure is here: cameras on phones are powerful, mobile internet is faster than ever, and editing tools, AI, and automation make content production accessible to anyone willing to put in the work.

Successful South African creators

Take, for example, Silindokuhle Khubone, a content creator who turned her personal experiences into over 236,000 followers on TikTok. Growing up in Mandeni, she watched her mother find affordable clothing for their family, and was inspired to start a TikTok account to help others discover budget-friendly shopping spots.

Today, Silindokuhle shares lifestyle content with a focus on connecting people to small businesses, skincare products, and hidden gems that can make a difference in their lives. Her authenticity and passion have fuelled her success, proving that staying true to yourself and understanding your audience are key. As she advises aspiring creators: “Start now, because not only are you being able to showcase your creativity, but you also get paid to do it. Companies like Webfluential are there to help you grow as an individual while getting paid to do it. Whatever you decide to show the public, be honest and be comfortable about it.”

Then there’s Ethan Kieffer, who began sharing fashion content on TikTok straight out of high school before expanding his Instagram and lifestyle content on YouTube. His cosmopolitan style attracted an international audience, allowing him to monetise his content globally. His success led to signing with an agent in Paris, further cementing his place in the global fashion scene.

The future of work and creator-driven careers

As Silindokuhle’s and Ethan’s cases prove, flexibility, independence, and self-monetisation are both desirable and achievable. The idea that stability only comes from a corporate job is outdated. Creators today are building their own businesses, setting their own rates, and working on their own terms.

“Beyond the side hustle lies a real job with real impact, and Africa is waking up to the fact,” says Legg,

“If universities and career advisors want to prepare students for the future, they must acknowledge the creator economy as a legitimate and strategic career path.”

Whether through courses, mentorship, or inclusion on applications, recognising ‘Creator’ as a profession is no longer a question of ‘if’, but ‘when’. And for those still waiting to hit send on their first video, it’s natural to be hesitant about the risks involved. But the rewards can be incredible. “My advice would be to start small, build your skills, and don’t be afraid to experiment. The market is vast, and there’s always room for unique voices,” says Legg.

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The rise of influencer careers: Why Gen Z to Boomers are quitting traditional jobs for digital success

March 12, 2025 3:32 pm Published by

The allure of influencer culture is reshaping career aspirations across generations. A recent study reveals that a significant number of individuals, from Gen Z to Baby Boomers, are willing to leave their current jobs to pursue careers as influencers. This trend is not only redefining traditional career paths but also influencing the future of work dynamics.

The shift towards influencer careers

The desire to become an influencer is no longer confined to younger generations. The study indicates that a considerable percentage of individuals across various age groups are contemplating a transition from conventional employment to influencer roles. This shift is driven by the promise of creative freedom, potential financial rewards, and the opportunity to impact a broad audience.

Implications for the workforce

The growing interest in influencer careers suggests a transformation in how people perceive work and success. Traditional 9-to-5 jobs are being reevaluated as more individuals seek flexible, passion-driven professions. This trend could lead to a more dynamic and diverse workforce, where personal branding and digital presence become critical components of professional life.

Webfluential: Empowering Aspiring Influencers

For those considering this career shift, platforms like Webfluential offer essential tools and support. Webfluential connects influencers with brands, providing a seamless process to manage collaborations, track performance, and monetise content. By offering professional media kits, pitch opportunities, and comprehensive analytics, Webfluential enables creators to transform their online presence into a sustainable career.

Curious about how much you could earn as an influencer? Try Webfluential’s Earnings Estimator to get an idea of your potential income!

The inclination to pursue influencer careers across generations signifies a pivotal change in the professional landscape. As more individuals embrace this path, platforms like Webfluential play a crucial role in facilitating successful transitions, ensuring that aspiring influencers have the resources and connections needed to thrive in the digital age.

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 Pioneering the Next Chapter of Africa’s Creator Economy

November 22, 2024 9:08 am Published by

Africa’s creator economy is thriving, with digital content transforming into a $3 billion industry in 2023 and projected to grow at an impressive 28.5% annually, reaching $17.8 billion by 2030. But while the numbers are exciting, the journey to financial sustainability remains challenging for many African creators.

At Webfluential, we’ve spent the last decade bridging the gap between creators and brands. As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we’re thrilled to announce a bold expansion of our platform designed to empower creators like never before.

A Decade of Innovation, a Future of Opportunity

“For ten years, we’ve been connecting brands with influential voices,” says Murray Legg, Co-founder of Webfluential. “Now, we’re taking a giant leap forward. This isn’t just influencer marketing anymore—it’s about unlocking the full potential of Africa’s creator economy.”

Webfluential’s latest platform expansion is a game changer. Our new suite of services is tailored to help creators diversify their revenue streams, embrace e-commerce, and establish sustainable businesses. We’re not just helping creators work with brands; we’re giving them the tools to grow independently.

What’s New on the Webfluential Platform?

Our expanded platform introduces innovative features designed to meet the evolving needs of African creators:

  • Enhanced Content Creation & Collaboration
    Simplifying the process of ideation, production, and distribution, we empower creators with tools that streamline brand partnerships and boost content impact.
  • Direct-to-Audience Sales
    Tap into Africa’s growing digital economy with integrated e-commerce features, enabling creators to sell digital and physical products directly to their audiences.
  • Stock Content Marketplace
    Creators can monetise their high-quality content by selling it on the platform, unlocking another revenue stream.
  • Lead Generation Tools
    As Africa’s digital market expands, creators can serve as lead-generation engines for brands, solidifying their value in marketing campaigns.
  • AI-Powered Insights
    From analysing audience engagement to optimising Return on Ad Spend (ROAS), our AI tools give creators actionable insights to maximise their success.

Bridging Gaps in Africa’s Creator Economy

Africa’s creators are on the cusp of owning 25% of the continent’s media budget by 2025. Yet, many struggle to turn their passion into consistent income. Our expanded services aim to close this gap, enabling creators to build financial independence and long-term wealth.

With a proven record of creating 100 influencer millionaires, we’ve set our sights on reaching 1,000 by 2028. By supporting creators in scaling their side hustles into full-fledged businesses, we’re reshaping the narrative of what’s possible in Africa’s creator economy.

The Future of Storytelling

At Webfluential, we believe creators are the digital age’s storytellers, connecting brands and audiences in meaningful ways. As Murray Legg puts it:
“Every creator has an unrealised net present value of their social capital. We’re creating the means to unlock that as fast as possible.”

Our mission remains clear: to not only serve today’s creator economy but to shape its future. As we expand our focus to meet the needs of Africa’s content creators, we invite you to join us on this transformative journey.

The next chapter of Africa’s creator economy is here—and Webfluential is leading the charge.

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