Education · 1 of 5

The path

No degree or licence. It is a small media business you build in public.

1. 1

   Pick a niche

   Weeks

   Skincare for acne, budget travel in Canada, one sport. Brands pay for a specific audience.

2. 2

   Post often and learn what works

   6 months to 2 years

   Most growing accounts post several times a week. Study saves, shares and watch time, not likes.

3. 3

   First small deals

   1 to 2 years in

   Free products and small fees, usually once you have a few thousand engaged followers.

4. 4

   Build a media kit and rate card

   Ongoing

   Your audience, your results, your prices. Pitch Canadian and US brands yourself.

5. 5

   Replace a wage, if it happens

   2 to 4 years in

   Usually needs several regular brand partners plus affiliate income. Many keep a job for years.