Yearly Archives: 2023

It’s been an eventful week for Spotify. As reported by our sister newsletter The Hustle, the company announced a round of layoffs just days after the launch of its annual campaign Spotify Wrapped.

While The Hustle talked about the business and employee implications of Spotify’s recent layoffs immediately following Wrapped, I’d like to take a look at this series of events from a marketing perspective.

The Marketing Power of Spotify Wrapped

Wrapped is to Spotify what “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is to Mariah Carey — a sure bet for engagement at the end of each year.

Since it began in 2016, Spotify Wrapped has given users a detailed analysis of their listening habits each year. While Wrapped was initially distributed in email format, its popularity exploded when social media sharing was added to the mix.

The idea to turn Wrapped results into sharable social media stories was pitched by former Spotify intern Jewel Ham in 2019. Since then, Spotify users can see their year-end data within the platform’s app and easily share listening stats directly to their Instagram stories.

According to Time, 156 million users engaged with Wrapped in 2022, and it’s estimated that half of Spotify Wrapped users share their results to their Instagram stories. That’s a lot of positive engagement Spotify can count on each year.

Not only has the campaign provided content opportunities for Spotify users, but several brands have hopped on board creating their versions of Wrapped and meme posts parodying Spotify’s branding.

Spotify released the 2023 Wrapped results on Wednesday, November 29. Per usual, social media feeds were flooded with Wrapped graphics and parody memes. However, just a few days later, the company made major announcements that cast a shadow over the positive buzz generated by Wrapped.

Then Came the Layoffs

On December 4, Spotify announced it was laying off 17% of its workforce, around 1.5k people.

This was the platform’s third round of layoffs in 2023, following reductions in January and June. After the layoffs were announced, mentions of Spotify on social media had a generally negative sentiment.

While the tech industry has seen a wave of job cuts this year, the timing of this round of layoffs didn’t cast Spotify in a positive light for the following reasons:

In Q3, the company reported profit for the first time in a year, with €32M in operating income (about $34.6M)
Employees were let go immediately after they completed work on a major campaign that had a positive impact on the company
Workers were laid off during the holiday season when people tend to have more financial obligations

While we know that Spotify, like any business, is looking to cut costs and boost profitability, this series of events wasn’t a good look in the court of public opinion where most people empathize more with the needs of employees than companies.

If Spotify were to produce its own Wrapped chronicling company events in 2023, it would yield interesting results.

LinkedIn profiles are the new resumes. LinkedIn shows your skills, featured projects, recommendations, and certifications, to name a few. So, you certainly want to emphasize these skills and ensure they are recognized as your strongest assets.

LinkedIn endorsements help you do just that, alongside building credibility, authority, and trust in you as a professional. But how do you make someone endorse you? Messages like “Please endorse me” won’t do. You need something strong and irresistible — a solid foundation to base a strong pitch on.

So, I dug into the trenches to find out the best strategies you can follow to get inbound and outbound LinkedIn endorsements. I’ll cover:

What is a LinkedIn endorsement?
How do you add the “Skills” section to your profile?
How to Get Endorsements on LinkedIn
How to Endorse Someone on LinkedIn

What is a LinkedIn endorsement?

LinkedIn endorsements are a LinkedIn feature that allows your (LI) network to vouch for your “Listed skills.” They’re a public validation of your skills and are displayed on your profile.

LinkedIn endorsements cover a wide range of professional skills and expertise, including but not limited to:

Technical skills, such as web development, machine learning, or graphic design.
Soft skills like adaptability, critical thinking, teamwork, or leadership.
Industry-specific skills in a particular field, like marketing, education, or healthcare.
Tools and software proficiency in using tools like Microsoft Excel, Adobe Photoshop, or GA4.
Certifications that confirm you’ve achieved specific certifications or qualifications.
Languages such as Spanish, Swahili, or Mandarin Chinese, including language proficiency.

Endorsements highlight a person’s strengths and expertise. For example, if you worked with me on a content marketing campaign and were impressed with my content creation and on-page SEO skills, you can choose to endorse me for Content writing, Journalism, etc.

This would allow my profile visitors (potential clients and companies) to gain insight into my top skills. It serves as a more compelling validation of my abilities than merely listing them on my resume or self-reporting, as these endorsements come directly from people who have first-hand experience with my work.

To access the “Skills” section on a LinkedIn profile, simply scroll down the page until you reach the section below “Experience.” If you want to see all the skills someone’s added to their profile, click on “Show all.”

Pro tip: Recruiters and hiring managers increasingly focus on skills data when hiring on LinkedIn. Endorsements add keywords to your profile and improve your chances of showing up in their search results — giving you more exposure.

💥Learn more about getting maximum exposure on LinkedIn with our LinkedIn Profile playbook.

LinkedIn Endorsement vs. Recommendation

LinkedIn endorsements go hand-in-hand with recommendations. Recommendations are written endorsements (like letters of recommendation) or testimonials from your network that provide more detailed insights into your skills and work experiences. They are more meaningful and paint a clear picture of your professional abilities and work ethic.

“Recommendations” appear directly beneath the “Skills” section on your profile.

You can give someone just an endorsement (a simple one-click action), or you can add a written recommendation along with your endorsement to provide an in-depth account of your experience with them.

How do you add the “Skills” section to your profile?

The first step in getting endorsements is to optimize your LinkedIn profile. Then, add the skills section to your profile. Here’s how:

1. Go to your profile and select “Add profile section.”

2. Click on “Add skills.”

3. Select relevant skills.

📌Important: Make sure your “Endorsements settings” are “On.” Here’s how:

1. Go to the “Skills section.”

2. Click on the three dots and select “Endorsement settings.”

3. Toggle the settings to “Yes” and click “Save.”

What skills should you add?

You must add the correct and relevant skills to your profile that showcase your expertise and bolster your completed projects. For example, if you develop email marketing campaigns, list Email marketing, Drip campaigns, Copywriting, [Industry] email marketing, and so on.

Are you a job seeker? If so, tailor your skills to match those most commonly required in the job descriptions for your ideal role. Include a mix of technical and soft skills for a well-rounded profile.

Pro tip: Avoid listing too many skills; focus on the most significant ones to avoid diluting your profile’s impact.

How to Get Endorsements on LinkedIn

Now, let’s start getting those endorsements. There are different ways you can prompt people to endorse you.

1. Ask for endorsements — privately.

Identify the people in your network that you know and who will likely endorse you. This may include colleagues, friends, clients, or supervisors you’ve collaborated with, or employers who are familiar with your skills. Don’t spam strangers.

Reach out to them via LinkedIn Direct Messages (DMs) or email. But before you do, craft a tailored pitch highlighting your shared work experience.

Customize your request by referencing the project you collaborated on with them and gently jog their memory regarding your contributions. Show that you value their opinion and clearly mention the skill or skills you’d like them to endorse. Be specific and concise in your request.

Say something like (formal):

“Hi [Name],

It’s been some time since we chatted. I enjoyed our collaboration and work together. I’d like to request your endorsement for my [specific skill] on LinkedIn. Your support would help strengthen my professional profile.

If there’s anything you’d like me to do in return, please let me know. I’m more than happy to reciprocate.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Best regards,

[Your Name]”

Or opt for a more informal version:

“Hi [Name],

It’s been a while since our last chat. How are you doing? I’m here to ask for a small favor, which is to endorse some of my skills on LinkedIn. Your support will help strengthen my professional profile.

If there’s anything you need help with, please let me know. 🙂

Thank you.”

2. Ask for endorsements — publicly.

Another approach would be to directly ask for endorsement via posting on LinkedIn.

Zineb Layachi, Founder of Raise the Runway, used this approach. She wisely selected four core skills and reached out to her network — posting a question to gauge whether they considered her “endorsable” for these key abilities. Pretty smart, Zineb.

Image Source

3. Show your skills and expertise on LinkedIn.

Get active on LinkedIn. Regularly share articles, posts, and updates related to your industry and profession to demonstrate your knowledge and competence. Keep your network engaged and aware of your skills. Recount events or projects that clearly showcase your skills and knowledge.

Comment on active conversations with the same approach. Join LinkedIn groups relevant to your field and actively contribute to discussions. Contribute to Collaborative articles and get the Top Voice badge.

Express gratitude when your input is appreciated, and subsequently, connect with those individuals through DMs or email to request an endorsement.

Pitch Example:

“Hi [Name],

Thank you for acknowledging my input on [topic]. I value your appreciation. 🙂Would you kindly endorse my [specific skill] on LI? It would mean a lot to me.

If there’s anything you’d like me to do in return, please let me know.”

4. Incentivize potential endorsers.

Identify people in your network who could benefit from your skills and offer your expertise or assistance in return for endorsements.

During my initial days on LinkedIn, a career coach noticed through my posts and comments that I could benefit from some career guidance. He generously offered me a few free sessions and explicitly mentioned that all he wanted in return was an endorsement, if I found those sessions helpful. So, I endorsed him.

It’s a neat way to score authentic endorsements while building your experience and generating leads. But before you go this way, calculate the ROI. Is the game worth the candle?

Template:

“Hi [Name],

I noticed your comment/post on [topic]. I’m a [your role], and I’d love to know more about the specific issues you’re facing and offer a bit of advice if you’re interested. 🙂

It may be easier to understand your story and context more on a 30-min call. I can listen to what you are aiming at and what challenges you have. I can pose some questions back to you that might help push your thinking along.

All I ask is your endorsement of my [skill] if you find the session helpful.

How do you feel about it?”

5. Highlight your accomplishments.

In your professional summary and headline, highlight your key accomplishments and skills to bolster your professionalism. Add sections that showcase your accomplishments — like certifications, publications, projects, and any other relevant achievements. Be specific and provide context for each accomplishment.

You can also highlight your accomplishments by posting about them.

Provide a detailed account of the efforts and experiences that led to your achievement. Invite those who commented/engaged with the post to express their appreciation by endorsing you on LinkedIn.

6. Create and share a free resource.

You may have noticed people receive more endorsements (without asking for them) when they share knowledge with others. My LinkedIn Creator friends have 99+ endorsements for skills. It’s because people appreciate it when they share actionable tips or templates for free. (Or for an endorsement 😉)

Erin Balsa, the Founder of the Haus of Bold and a Content Marketing Consultant, provides a standout free newsletter available on her profile. In this newsletter, Erin delivers practical tips related to B2B content marketing and thought leadership, drawing from her years of experience interviewing top marketers and thought leadership experts.

Balsa’s genuine commitment to educating others is what truly resonates with her readers, resulting in over 99 endorsements for content marketing alone.

7. Endorse your network to make them reciprocate.

People appreciate it when you endorse them — it encourages them to reciprocate. Endorse your connections for their listed skills to highlight their professional abilities.

Start with people you’ve worked with, like your colleagues, co-workers, or acquaintances, and move on to online buddies and your clients’ profiles. Endorse the skills you’ve seen them demonstrate.

Next, select people you met professionally at work-related events or conferences.

LinkedIn notifies you when someone endorses you, so they will see that you took an action and are likely to reciprocate.

But how do you give credit to their skills? Read on below.

How to Endorse Someone on LinkedIn

To endorse someone, simply follow these steps:

1. Go to their profile and scroll down to the “Skills” section.

Most people have more than three skills listed. In that case, click “Show all” to view all their listed skills.

2. Click the “Endorse” button next to the skill you want to endorse them for.

And that’s it. You’ve endorsed someone and most likely made them feel appreciated.

Once you endorse someone, your name and profile picture will be displayed next to the skill you’ve endorsed. They’ll also be notified via email and in the Notifications tab if they’ve opted for it. The skills with the most endorsements are prioritized and appear at the top of their “Skills” section.

Pro tip: Send a personalized DM when endorsing someone, explaining why you appreciate their skills, and subtly hint they reciprocate the gesture.

Now Start Counting Those Endorsements 🚀

Are your endorsements low? Don’t worry. We all start the same. Take out one day a week and start putting in the effort. Learn best practices for optimizing your LinkedIn profile and get the most out of social selling.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in August 2014 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

Welcome to The Creative, a series that gives content creators actionable advice from professionals in the creator economy. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just starting out, read The Creative to learn how to grow your platform, improve your content, and stay ahead in the ever-shifting creator landscape. 

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably still racking your brain trying to find the perfect gift for your loved ones this holiday season. And if your favorite person is a content creator, you may be even more confused about what to get them.

Fortunately, I’m a seasoned content creator plus an expert gift-giver, and — with the help of a few other knowledgable creators — I crafted this list of gifts to consider for the creative in your life.

So, whether you want to spoil a friend or treat yourself, here are some items on almost every content creator’s wish list.

1. Planner or Calendar 

2. High-quality microphone or Mic Accessories

3. HULKEN Bag

4. Ring Light

5. Personalized Workplace Decor

6. Online Course or Workshop Subscription from Their Favorite Influencer

7. Subscription to their Favorite Software or Platforms

8. Gift Cards

8 Gifts for Content Creators

1. Planner or Calendar

Content creators have a lot on their plate. For example, I must plan and conduct interviews for my podcast and YouTube channel, schedule social media posts, handle research, and meet deadlines.

While there are plenty of digital content management tools and platforms out there to manage these tasks, I’ve found it doesn’t hurt creators to have a physical calendar or planner on hand to keep organized.

“It’s a bit old school but still a great way to stay on top of projects,” says Lisa De La Cruz of the website and podcast The Wonder of Anime. “You can write your monthly, weekly, or daily to-dos down and complete them.”

“The act of physically writing something down also aids in memory retention, so things aren’t slipping through the cracks,” she explains.

And I agree.

I struggle with remembering deadlines or checking digital calendars on my phone or laptop, so I’ve found writing on a large calendar like the one below and placing it in front of my bed helps since it’s the first thing I see in the morning.

Image Source

If a giant calendar is a little too extreme, opt for a planner like the PLANBERRY Large Weekly Planner, which Lisa highly recommends.

“It has monthly and weekly spreads as well as sections specifically aimed at goal setting,” she says. “Each month and quarter has a reflection section to review your goals and what worked versus what didn’t work.”

Image Source

2. High-quality microphone or Mic Accessories

I remember one of the first videos I filmed for a music blog I ran in college. I was interviewing a pop-punk band outside a sold-out venue without a microphone, so you can imagine the noise from the crowds and the bands playing on stage.

Actually, you don’t have to imagine. You can watch the video below and hear how the background noise practically drowned out the artists I interviewed.

I learned the hard way the importance of quality audio equipment, and if you want to avoid the same fate or help the content creator in your life create quality content, consider buying a high-quality microphone or mic accessory.

Podcaster Victoria Johnson of the Sailor Moon Fan Club podcast recommends the Blue Snowball microphone for upcoming creators.

“This is a good, affordable microphone for a content creator who’s just getting started in their journey,” she says. “I’ve been using one since 2015, and it’s sturdy, reliable, and provides good quality for its price.”

The Blue Snowball mic can be purchased via Amazon, Logitech, or Best Buy for prices ranging from $39.99 to $49.99.

Image Source

If you’re willing to invest a bit more money, professional wireless microphones and mobile adaptors are excellent gifts for creators who often film on their smartphones, according to cosplayer and content creator Kumar. 

“If you make a lot of videos where you’re talking or interviewing other people, a good microphone that is compatible with your phone is key,” he says. “Sure, a phone’s internal mic can pass on some occasions, but it usually doesn’t sound as crisp as it can be.”

Kumar warns relying on your phone’s microphone can pose a problem if you’re interviewing or recording content in a crowded place, such as a convention or large event.

“Your voice is going to get washed out by everything else in your environment,” he explains.

Kumar suggests the DJI Mic Mobile Phone Adapter and Wireless GO II by RODE as potential gifts.

“The audio sounds so crisp and crystal clear, and people who watch your content will notice that, too,” he says. “And if you ever get a DSLR or any kind of professional camera, these mics will be compatible with those, too!”

The DJI Mic Mobile Phone Adapter is available from DJI for $249, and RODE’s Wireless GO II is available for $299 on RODE’s website.

Image Source

3. HULKEN Bag

This next gift suggestion also comes from Victoria, and honestly, I might snag this one for myself this Christmas. Victoria recommends the Hulken Bag for creators who often carry equipment or accessories.

“If the content creator in your life starts selling products or has a booth at a convention, the HULKEN bag is one of the most convenient things to have,” she explains. “You can throw it over your shoulder to go upstairs or wheel it around.”

The HULKEN even has a zippable flap to protect items inside from rain or snow, which can be extremely helpful if you carry equipment during less-than-ideal weather.

“It’s also good if you just have a bunch of stuff you’re carrying around like a cosplay or cameras and other tech to record content outside your house,” Victoria says.

Prices for the HULKEN bag start at $89.99.

Image Source

4. Ring Light

I didn’t have a ring light when I first started filming YouTube videos and would often rely on natural lighting from a nearby window.

This sufficed for a while, but it meant filming before the evening or hoping for a sunny day to get the best lighting.

So, I invested in a ring light to have more flexibility with filming, and I suggest getting one this holiday season if you or your creator friend don’t already have one.

Ring lights are especially significant because they’re usually diffused via a frosted lens or cover over LEDs, resulting in softer shadows and flattering lighting.

On average, ring lights cost between a few dollars and $500, but you don’t have to break the bank to get excellent quality.

The one below by Blackmore Pro Audio is similar to mine and can double as a tripod holding your smartphone. It’s available for $66.15 at Home Depot, and you can get similar models for as little as $20 from Amazon.

Image Source

5. Personalized Workplace Decor

You can get creative with this kind of gift.

Many of my favorite content creators include items like posters, figurines, toys, plants, and home decor in the background of their videos to showcase a bit of their personality or tie the backdrop to the theme of their content.

For instance, I talk about anime on my YouTube channel and typically include plush toys of my favorite anime characters in the background.

So, for the creator in your life, think about their content’s theme or quirky interests and find items that could make their background pop.

Websites like Redbubble offer a variety of posters and tapestries based on comics, manga, and pop culture.

Image Source

You can even commission an artist from Etsy to craft a custom neon sign with the gift recipient’s username, logo, or tagline.

Image Source

6. Online Course or Workshop Subscription from Their Favorite Influencer

Many content creators, influencers, and thought leaders host online courses or workshops in which creators can learn how to leverage content marketing and generate income from content creation.

For instance, the CEO of Foundr teaches a course called “How to Go From 0 to 500K Followers in 12 Months” and shares tips on how creators can grow their businesses.

HubSpot Academy also offers a variety of free content creation and digital marketing certifications to boost a creator’s skillset and build their audience.

This holiday season, consider investing in courses for yourself or the creator in your life to unlock the keys to successful content marketing.

Follow content your creators you or a loved one admire and see if they have any courses, webinars, or workshops.

7. Subscription to their Favorite Software or Platforms

Though there are free and low-cost ways for creators to edit, schedule, and promote their content, many creatives find investing in platforms and software beneficial to crafting their best work or staying organized.

For example, content creator Chris Dillon recommends purchasing a subscription for Adobe Creative Cloud.

“It has every creative tool you could need for creating content,” he says. “If you’re a student or faculty member with a school email, you can access everything the cloud offers for $20 monthly on a year’s contract.”

Year-long subscriptions to Adobe Creative Cloud are available via Best Buy, B&H Photo Video, and more for as much as $659, depending on the plan.

Lisa says a 1-year subscription to Notion, a productivity and note-taking app, could also be an excellent gift for creators.

“It’s a connected workspace with hundreds of free templates perfect for managing content creation, deadlines, finances, and more,” she explains. “The content creation calendar is a game changer, making it easier to take an idea all the way to the finished product seamlessly.”

Notion has a free tier for solo creators, and packages for groups start at $8 per month, billed annually.

8. Gift Cards

When I’m unsure what to get someone but want to show them I care, I get them a gift card so they can purchase items they love or need. Gift cards can be a valuable gift for creators, too.

“There are so many tools or subscriptions that content creators have to use, like Headliner for podcast editing or WordPress or Squarespace for their website,” Victoria says. “A gift card could be the perfect way to offset the costs of these many monthly or annual plans.”

With the money I spend to host my podcast, access Adobe Premiere, or buy manga to review for my YouTube channel, I can attest that content creation can be costly.

I know I personally would love a gift card or two to lessen the costs (subtle hint to any of my friends reading this).

So, whether you’re a creator looking to treat yourself for the holidays or you want to show your favorite content creator that you support their goals — you now have several thoughtful gifts to choose from.

Post Content

Welcome to The Creative, a series that gives content creators actionable advice from professionals in the creator economy. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just starting out, read The Creative to learn how to grow your platform, improve your content, and stay ahead in the ever-shifting creator economy. 

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably still racking your brain trying to find the perfect gift for your loved ones this holiday season. And if your favorite person is a content creator, you may be even more confused about what to get them.

Fortunately, I’m a seasoned content creator plus an expert gift-giver, and — with the help of a few other knowledgable creators — I crafted this list of gifts to consider for the creative in your life.

So, whether you want to spoil a friend or treat yourself, here are some items on almost every content creator’s wish list.

1. Planner or Calendar 

2. High-quality microphone or Mic Accessories

3. HULKEN Bag

4. Ring Light

5. Personalized Workplace Decor

6. Online Course or Workshop Subscription from Their Favorite Influencer

7. Subscription to their Favorite Software or Platforms

8. Gift Cards

8 Gifts for Content Creators

1. Planner or Calendar

Content creators have a lot on their plate. For example, I must plan and conduct interviews for my podcast and YouTube channel, schedule social media posts, handle research, and meet deadlines.

While there are plenty of digital content management tools and platforms out there to manage these tasks, I’ve found it doesn’t hurt creators to have a physical calendar or planner on hand to keep organized.

“It’s a bit old school but still a great way to stay on top of projects,” says Lisa De La Cruz of The Wonder of Anime. “You can write your monthly, weekly, or daily to-dos down and complete them.”

“The act of physically writing something down also aids in memory retention, so things aren’t slipping through the cracks,” she explains.

And I agree.

I struggle with remembering deadlines or checking digital calendars on my phone or laptop, so I’ve found writing on a large calendar like the one below and placing it in front of my bed helps since it’s the first thing I see in the morning.

Image Source

If a giant calendar is a little too extreme, opt for a planner like the PLANBERRY Large Weekly Planner, which Lisa highly recommends.

“It has monthly and weekly spreads as well as sections specifically aimed at goal setting,” she says. “Each month and quarter has a reflection section to review your goals and what worked versus what didn’t work.”

Image Source

2. High-quality microphone or Mic Accessories

I remember one of the first videos I filmed for a music blog I ran in college. I was interviewing a pop-punk band outside a sold-out venue without a microphone, so you can imagine the noise from the crowds and the bands playing on stage.

Actually, you don’t have to imagine. You can watch the video below and hear how the background noise practically drowned out the artists I interviewed.

I learned the hard way the importance of quality audio equipment, and if you want to avoid the same fate or help the content creator in your life create quality content, consider buying them a high-quality microphone or mic accessory.

Podcaster Victoria Johson of the Sailor Moon Fan Club podcast recommends the Blue Snowball microphone for creators early in their journey.

“This is a good, affordable microphone for a content creator who’s just getting started in their journey,” she says. “I’ve been using one since 2015, and it’s sturdy, reliable, and provides good quality for its price.”

The Blue Snowball mic can be purchased via Amazon, Logitech, or Best Buy for prices ranging from $39.99 to $49.99.

Image Source

If you’re willing to invest a bit more money, cosplayer and content creator Kumar says professional wireless microphones and mobile adaptors are excellent gifts for creators who often film on their smartphones.

“If you make a lot of videos where you’re talking or interviewing other people, a good microphone that is compatible with your phone is key,” he says. “Sure, a phone’s internal mic can pass on some occasions, but it usually doesn’t sound as crisp as it can be.”

Kumar warns relying on your phone‘s microphone can pose a problem if you’re interviewing or recording content in a crowded place, such as a convention or large event.

“Your voice is going to get washed out by everything else in your environment,” he explains.

Kumar suggests the DJI Mic Mobile Phone Adapter and Wireless GO II by RODE as potential gifts.

“The audio sounds so crisp and crystal clear, and people who watch your content will notice that, too,” he says. “And if you ever get a DSLR camera or any kind of professional camera, these mics will be compatible with those, too!”

The DJI Mic Mobile Phone Adapter is available from DJI for $249, and RODE’s Wireless GO II is available for $299 on RODE’s website.

Image Source

3. HULKEN Bag

This next gift suggestion also comes from Victoria, and honestly, I might snag this one for myself this Christmas. Victoria recommends the Hulken Bag for creators who often carry equipment or accessories.

“If the content creator in your life starts selling products or has a booth at a convention, the HULKEN bag is one of the most convenient things to have,” she explains. “You can throw it over your shoulder to go upstairs or wheel it around.”

The HULKEN even has a zippable flap to protect items inside from rain or snow, which can be extremely helpful if you carry equipment during less-than-ideal weather.

“It’s also good if you just have a bunch of stuff you’re carrying around like a cosplay or cameras and other tech to record content outside your house,” Victoria says.

Prices for the HULKEN bag start at $89.99.

Image Source

4. Ring Light

I didn’t have a ring light when I first started filming YouTube videos and would often rely on natural lighting from a nearby window.

This sufficed for a while, but it meant filming before the evening or hoping for a sunny day to get the best lighting.

So, I invested in a ring light to have more flexibility with filming, and I suggest getting one this holiday season if you or your creator friend don’t already have one.

Ring lights are especially significant because they’re usually diffused via a frosted lens or cover over LEDs, resulting in softer shadows and flattering lighting.

On average, ring lights cost between a few dollars and $500, but you don’t have to break the bank to get excellent quality.

The one below by Blackmore Pro Audio is similar to mine and can double as a tripod holding your smartphone. It’s available for $66.15 at Home Depot, and you can get similar models for as little as $20 from Amazon.

Image Source

5. Personalized Workplace Decor

You can get creative with this kind of gift.

Many of my favorite content creators include items like posters, figurines, toys, plants, and home decor in the background of their videos to showcase a bit of their personality or tie the backdrop to the theme of their content.

For instance, I talk about anime on my YouTube channel and typically include plush toys of my favorite anime characters in the background.

So, for the creator in your life, think about their content’s theme or quirky interests and find items that could make their background pop.

Websites like Redbubble offer a variety of posters and tapestries based on comics, manga, and pop culture.

Image Source

You can even commission an artist from Etsy to craft a custom neon sign with the gift recipient’s username, logo, or tagline.

Image Source

6. Online Course or Workshop Subscription from Their Favorite Influencer

Many content creators, influencers, and thought leaders host online courses or workshops in which creators can learn how to leverage content and influencer marketing and generate income from content creation.

For instance, the CEO of Foundr teaches a course called “How to Go From 0 to 500K Followers in 12 Months” and shares tips on how creators can grow their businesses.

HubSpot Academy also offers a variety of free content creation and digital marketing certifications to a creator’s skillset and build their audience.

This holiday season, consider investing in courses for yourself or the creator in your life to unlock the keys to successful content marketing.

Follow content your creators you or a loved one admire and see if they have any courses, webinars, or workshops you can purchase for yourself or a friend.

7. Subscription to their Favorite Software or Platforms

Though there are free and low-cost ways for creators to edit, schedule, and promote their content, many find investing in platforms and software beneficial to craft their best work or stay organized.

For example, content creator Chris Dillon recommends purchasing a subscription for Adobe Creative Cloud.

“It has every creative tool you could need for creating content,” he says. “If you’re a student or faculty member with a school email, you can access everything the cloud offers for $20 monthly on a year’s contract.”

Year-long subscriptions to Adobe Creative Cloud are available via Best Buy, B&H Photo Video, and more for as much as $659, depending on the plan.

Lisa says a 1-year subscription to Notion, a productivity and note-taking app, could also be an excellent gift for creators.

“It’s a connected workspace with hundreds of free templates perfect for managing content creation, deadlines, finances, and more,” she explains. “The content creation calendar is a game changer, making it easier to take an idea all the way to the finished product seamlessly.”

Notion has a free tier, and packages for groups start at $8 per month, billed annually.

8. Gift Cards

When I’m unsure what to get someone but want to show them I care, I get them a gift card so they can purchase items they love or need. Gift cards can be a valuable gift for creators, too.

“There are so many tools or subscriptions that content creators have to use, like Headliner for podcast editing or WordPress or Squarespace for their website,” Victoria says. “A gift card could be the perfect way to offset the costs of these many monthly or annual plans.”

With the monthly fees I pay to host my podcast, access Adobe Premiere, or buy manga to review for my YouTube channel, I can attest that content creation can be costly.

I know I personally would love a gift card or two to lessen the costs (subtle hint to any of my friends reading this).

So, whether you’re a creator looking to treat yourself for the holidays or you want to show the content creator in your life that you support their goals — you now have several thoughtful gifts to choose from.