The world of content creation is vast and constantly evolving, making it both exciting and overwhelming for newcomers when it comes to choosing the right gadgets and tech.
Whether you dream of making viral videos, insightful blog posts, hosting a podcast, or high-quality social media content, the journey to becoming a successful creator starts with a clear understanding of the tools and strategies that will set you up for success.
With this in mind, the ES Best Shopping team will walk through everything you need to get started on your content creation path – from the basics to the more advanced essentials to add your shopping list.
A clear understanding of your niche
Before looking into equipment and platforms, it’s important to identify your niche. A niche will help guide the content you produce and ensure you're targeting the right audience. Are you passionate about fitness, technology, or cooking?
Understanding your target audience will not only keep your content focused but will also help attract a community with similar interests.
The right equipment for your content
Depending on the type of content you're creating, the equipment will vary. However, there are some basics that most creators need.
A platform to showcase your content
Choosing the right platform is key to reaching your audience. Some of the most popular platforms include:
Your choice of platform will depend on the content type you prefer to create, as well as where your target audience is most active.
Consistent branding and visual identity
A recognisable brand helps you stand out in a busy digital space. Consistency in your colour schemes, fonts, logos, and tone of voice across your content will make your brand more memorable.
If you’re managing multiple platforms, try to keep your branding the same across all of them for a unified look.
Content creation can be time-consuming, especially when you’re trying to juggle production, editing, and publishing.
A content calendar can be extremely helpful for staying organised. Planning ahead lets you maintain a steady stream of content and means that you're not scrambling to produce at the last minute.
Engaging with your audience
The best content creators know how to engage with their audience. Whether it’s responding to comments, hosting Q&A sessions, or creating polls and discussions, interacting with your community helps build loyalty and encourages further engagement.
It's also an opportunity to receive valuable feedback and improve your content over time.
Content creation is a constant learning process. Stay open to feedback, adapt to trends, and learn from others in your field.
Whether it's experimenting with new tools, exploring new formats, or understanding analytics to refine your strategy, growth comes from being flexible and staying curious.
Monetisation strategies
Once you’ve built a steady following, you can start exploring ways to monetise your content. Some common methods include:
Read on for the best content creator starter pack essentials
Apple iPhone 16
An essential for every content creator on the move is a decent camera. However, many top photographers agree that nowadays, an iPhone does the job just as well.
Looking at the latest model, first and foremost (and to the delight of high screen-time users), iPhone 16 handsets have bigger batteries and longer battery lives. The progressed A18 chip promises faster processing and there are also an array of new buttons; the customisable Action Button shortcut from the 15 is available on the full 16 family and is joined by the viral, touchpad-like Camera Control. The latter operates via differing pressure or by swiping, which opens the camera, takes pictures, adjusts shooting modes or zooms.
Experts agree the Cupertino-based tech giant has closed the gap between its standard iPhone 16 model and the Pro. The latter is known for its souped-up cameras – namely the additional telephoto lens, performance boost and higher refresh rate.
Both handsets have a 48MP Fusion camera and have experienced an improvement in picture-taking through added vibrancy, contrast and clearer images in low-light photography. Unlike the pared-back Pros, the 16 comes in an array of bright and bold colourways; pink, teal, blue, white or black. For scrolling, note-taking and snapping, the base iPhone 16 does the job and does it well.
Buy now £749.00, John Lewis
Sony Alpha 9 III
If you are looking for a hi-res, super-fast shot, the Alpha 9 III has been my faithful model since its release last year. It doesn’t have a traditional shutter, relying instead on an electronic system. This means the specially designed sensor can blast away without anything to slow it down, producing 24.6MP images at 120FPS with full AF and flash sync at up to 1/80,000s without the rolling shutter effects that can ruin electronic images. It’s also capable of filling memory cards extremely quickly.
The camera is aimed at pro sports and wildlife shooters, and comes at a price only those who make money from their gear will consider reasonable. This kind of technology will eventually trickle down the Sony range or be adopted by competitors, but for now, the A9 III is one of the only places to make the most of it in my opinion.
Buy now £5199.00, Wex Photo Video
GoPro El Grande Selfie Stick
Document your active lifestyle with GoPro’s selfie stick, which is only compatible with a GoPro camera, not a smartphone. Attach to your device and take it on the move with you – the 38cm pole extends to almost 100cm. Waterproof with a durable oversized grip to hold onto comfortably, never miss a moment of your adventures with this super slick selfie stick.
Buy now £32.99, GoPro
Rio Makeup Perfector LED Ring Light
If you’re looking for a portable light without a phone holder bulking up the design, Rio Makeup’s option is perfect.
Switch between warm and natural light settings that mimic indoor and outdoor light and rotate through 360 degrees to find the best angle for you, wherever you are.
It ticks the boxes for being green too: the USB power does away with the need for batteries, and the LEDs should last for around two years too. The tripod stand extends up to 50cm.
Buy now £29.99, Lookfantastic
Trust Gaming GXT 232 Mantis USB Streaming Microphone
If you’re not fully sure that podcasting is for you, but you want to dip your toe in the water just to check, then Trust Gaming has exactly the mic you need in the staggeringly affordable shape of its GXT 232 Mantis.
The affordable price tag means that if you do end up losing confidence or interest on your very first podcasting attempt, you’ve lost next to no money in the process.
Connecting to a PC or laptop via USB, this is plug-and-play territory, so you’ll be up and running instantly, able to create content for podcasts, vlogs, your YouTube channel, and all the other online arenas where your audio can be aired.
Taking up very little desk space, the Mantis captures crisp, clear audio, free from the destructive effects of distortion thanks to its shock mount and pop filter, so while you’re not recording studio-quality soundbites, for the keen amateur interested in creating content for universal online use - in GTX 232 you can Trust.
Buy now £18.99, Amazon
LYWYGG 8X6FT Flower Wall Backdrop
A beautiful backdrop can make all the difference when creating content, and this lightweight vinyl piece is perfect for a clean, non-distracting setup. Whether you’re filming videos, taking photos, or simply enhancing your space, its elegant design keeps the focus on you and your work while adding a polished touch.
This one is available in various sizes, making it a brilliant addition to any home workspace or office.
Buy now £22.99, Amazon
Ranpo Portable Selfie Stick
Power up this selfie stick using the USB charging cable included and you’ll be able to make the most of the light for perfectly illuminated shots.
Choose from one of the three modes then use the removable Bluetooth remote controller to capture the scene you want, whether it be horizontal or vertical. This pretty pastel pink stick also doubles up as a tripod holder and its stainless-steel rod and ABS handle make it light and easy to carry around, while providing a stabilised shot.
Buy now £10.39, OnBuy
