Matador Creators Spotlight: Alexa Moore on Breaking Into Today's Travel Creator Industry

Matador: How did you initially hear about Matador Creators and land a press trip?

Photo: Alexa Moore

Alexa Moore: I learned about Matador Creators through word of mouth from another creator who encouraged me to sign up and browse some of the available press trips, and I’m so glad I did. I secured my first Matador Creators press trip in April 2023 by pitching a unique angle about a resort in Aruba.

How long have you been working with travel brands and media, and how did you get started?

I’ve been a full-time travel creator and freelance writer since 2022, though I’ve worked with brands and media since 2020.

Travel has always been my passion, so sharing my experiences organically was second nature. I did it because I loved it. As I grew an audience and shared experiences and products I loved, I attracted more opportunities and woke up one day as a content creator.

What three tools do you rely on most when creating your travel content?

I would be nothing without CapCut, the video editing app I use to create short-form video content. It is user-friendly, has many helpful editing features, and even has a commercial library for sounds, making it easier to create and edit sponsored content. I’m patiently waiting for them to sponsor me because I’m their number one fan.

Dropbox is my favorite tool for content storage and file sharing. I also rely on Lightroom mobile app for quick and easy photo editing, which I can do right from my phone.

How has working with Matador helped your work in travel?

Photo: Matador Network

My first in with Matador was an on-camera campaign with Visit Great Britain, and I’m pretty sure I was found through my Matador Creators profile. This seven-day shoot had me galavanting across Great Britain with the most incredible crew and set me up with many other future opportunities in the travel space. Brands have specifically referenced that campaign as their reason for hiring me for a campaign.

In the writing space, Matador Network was the first significant travel site I was published in. The press trips and articles I wrote afterward helped me make a name for myself in freelance writing. They also helped me better understand the nature of press trips, working with PR, and how to fine-tune my writing style. It turns out that I love covering properties.

What advice would you give to someone interested in becoming a travel writer or travel content creator?

Photo: Matador Network

I have a few little bits of advice:

• Don’t overthink it; just begin.
• Network across rather than up. You’d be surprised how much you will learn about the writing and content creation space from your peers.
• Always have your contact information in an easily accessible place (have your email information in your social media profile bios).
• Remember, there’s always something to learn.

The biggest misconception about being a travel creator is that audience matters more than content or skill. While having a large audience can allow you to charge more, your skills and what you can bring to the table as a creator in this creator economy are beginning to matter far more. The questions are now: Can you showcase this product or experience within a unique story? Can you capture professional-quality videos? Do you shoot with a DSLR?

Brands and tourism boards are starting to value creators who can produce high-quality and highly engaging content. I know several micro creators who have surpassed over six figures because their expertise and skill in content creation are just that good. Build the audience, but focus on your craft.

The biggest challenge for travel creators is navigating an industry that is still relatively new and historically needs to be more transparent. I’m so grateful to the network of creator friends I’ve established with whom I can chat and grow professionally.