Whether you’re an established content creator or just starting, there are many ways to make money from your content. But it’s important to avoid getting caught up in the social media platform algorithms or relying on ad revenue alone.
Learn more about the most effective online monetization methods and work with a marketing content writer to implement them in your content.
Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is one of the best ways to make money as a creator. This involves using content to promote products or services and earning commissions when viewers click on or purchase them. This type of monetization is less restrictive than sponsored content, making it more accessible for most creators.
For example, YouTubers create product review videos that earn them high payouts. Similarly, online magazines and podcasts often feature affiliate links.
For the most success, only promote products relevant to your audience’s needs and goals. This ensures that your audience trusts your opinion and is more likely to convert. You can use conversion campaigns like targeted popups, floating bars, and fullscreen welcome mats to entice your audience to your affiliate links.
Sponsorships
Sponsorships can be a great way for content creators to make money. This is because they involve companies paying you to promote their products or services. This can be done through blog posts, social media, or videos. For example, a beauty blogger might review a brand’s lipstick or eyeshadow.
The key to success with sponsorships is to know your metrics and understand how much you are worth. The more you can prove your content is valuable to your audience, the more likely you will land a deal with a company.
Another great way to monetize your content is by selling merchandise. This can be done through a dedicated online store or a platform to bypass production inventory storage and shipping costs.
Sponsored Posts
In addition to traditional display ads, creators can use sponsored posts as an effective way to monetize their content. Whether in the form of videos or blogs, these posts are paid for by brands to promote their products or services. Sponsored posts are often disclosed as such.
When creating sponsored content, best practices include writing compelling copy that speaks to the audience’s needs and pain points. A strong call to action, like a link to a product or service, is also important.
Another great option for monetizing your content is to create an online course. This allows you to monetize your expertise and knowledge in a highly targeted way that is useful for your audience. Plus, it provides a steady recurring income.
Book Deals
Getting a book deal with a large publisher remains an aspirational goal for many authors. It can offer name recognition, professional editing, cover design, wider distribution, and better access to bookstores and bestseller lists.
However, the advances can be small and may take years to earn out, and the publisher will still retain a significant chunk of the royalties. Many publishers also need more marketing support and expect the author to promote their books independently.
One alternative to traditional publishing is Patreon, which offers subscribers a chance to donate to content creators every month. Close to 180,000 content creators use Patreon to earn money from their audiences. The platform allows creators to set up tiers of content that subscribers can purchase and access.
Sponsorships for Events
Aside from the direct visibility that comes with event sponsorships, potential sponsors also want to know that the audience they’ll be reaching will be able actually to buy the products or services they’re offering. This is why it’s important to include social proof in case studies or testimonials from past sponsors to help them decide about their sponsorship investment with your event.
Virtual and hybrid events can also be attractive to sponsorship partners because of their ability to reach a wider audience through advertising and marketing channels. However, the success of your event sponsorship packages will ultimately depend on your ability to effectively communicate your goals and the ROI metrics that you want to achieve with each package.
