ELY HONKPO

BUILDING YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE AS A CREATIVE

In this lecture, students can learn the ins and outs of building their online presence as a creator with Ely Honkpo – a creative director, photographer, stylist, and set designer. Ely is based in Atlanta and is specializing his skills in fashion editorial and beauty photography. He

currently works with influencers, social personalities, and artists.

Ely walks students through various lessons on building an audience, types of contents, how to hook the audience, working with brands, and more. He shares specific examples and tips when it comes to negotiating with brands, coming up with content ideas, and navigating influencer marketing. He also discusses the importance of mental health when working in the creative field, growing as a content creator, and having self-awareness in a sometimes difficult industry.

Building Your Online Presence as a Creative (Course Trailer)

Introduction: Meet Your Substitute Teacher, Ely Honkpo

Dive into Ely Honkpo's journey from a curious beginner using a Samsung Galaxy S6 to a sought-after fashion editorial photographer and content creator in this exclusive video. From Atlanta, Georgia, Ely shares his secret to landing top brand deals with giants like Adobe, Sirui Imaging, OnePlus, and more.

Module 1 – The Three E’s

In this module, you'll learn about the importance of understanding your audience’s motivations for consuming content. We’ll start with categorizing content into three main reasons: education, entertainment, and emotion. Additionally, you'll discover strategies for building and targeting your audience, including starting with a specific clientele, experimenting with different approaches, and staying open to new creative influences to refine your practice.

Module 2 – Working with Brands

In this module, you'll hear practical advice for content creators aiming to collaborate with brands. Tips include seamlessly integrating products into your workflow to attract brand attention and prioritizing audio engagement over solely focusing on video content to captivate increasingly shorter attention spans. Also, the importance of retention rates on different platforms like Instagram and YouTube is highlighted, with tailored strategies provided for maximizing viewer engagement and monetization potential.

Module 3 – Three Types of Hooks

This module highlights the importance of the first ten seconds in capturing audience attention in videos. Three types of hooks are discussed: the negative hook, which plays on psychological triggers by addressing potential mistakes and offering corrective advice; the targeting hook, which identifies and appeals to a specific audience segment; and the broad hook, which offers engaging content before delving into specific topics, particularly effective on platforms like TikTok. Understanding and effectively deploying these hooks can significantly enhance viewer engagement and broaden the appeal of your content across various platforms.

Module 4 – “It’s Okay to Start Early”

This module highlights the importance of consistency in building an online platform. Ely emphasizes that regular content posting ultimately cultivates a dedicated community. Leveraging everyday equipment and tagging favorite brands in content can establish a foundation for growth and potential brand collaborations. Put discouragement to the side; perseverance in content creation is vital, even if results take time to materialize. Ely touches on how finding personal motivation, whether financial gain or creative fulfillment, ultimately drives audience engagement.

Module 5 – Types of Influencers

In this module, Ely highlights the importance of understanding your worth when collaborating with brands and navigating negotiation processes. Content creators are categorized into five tiers based on their follower count, ranging from nano to mega influencers. Here, Ely recommends utilizing resources for researching rates and ensuring fair payment.

Module 6 – Idea Mapping & Moodboards

In this module, Ely breaks down how to generate more than a dozen pieces of content off of one idea. Here, the Three E’s concept is revisited to help creators ensure a balanced and engaging content mix. Ely’s approach not only maximizes efficiency when making new content, but also aids in creating a content schedule so creators can plan ahead and maintain a consistent flow of content across platforms. He also shares a moodboard he received from Adobe when they engaged him for a brand deal to show what large companies are looking for in their partnerships.

Module 7 – Protecting Your Mental Health

The final module delves into the complexities of opening yourself up to public scrutiny. Ely emphasizes the idea of criticism and the necessity of maintaining a strong mental position as a creator. Drawing from the wisdom of those who have navigated similar paths before, he underscores the value of continuous learning and adaptation. Despite the likelihood of encountering negativity, staying true to your unique perspective and brand identity is key. Ultimately, embracing your self-awareness and authenticity serves as a guiding principle in navigating both your personal and professional ventures, ensuring a meaningful digital presence.