I’m sure you’ve heard the saying It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Well, in the fast-paced world of social media it’s not only your connections that get you places — it’s also how many people are watching and paying attention to you. The more you can grab and hold onto your audience, the more value that audience can be for your business (and pocketbook). Here are some ways to turn your social media following into a paycheck.
Hone your Message
Turning your social media following into a paycheck can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. All you need is the right strategy and an understanding of what value you can bring to brands.
Businesses are always on the lookout for fresh, engaging content that will appeal to their target audience, and this is where you come in. As an influencer with an active following, you’re in the perfect position to create sponsored posts or paid collaborations that help promote brands’ products and services.
Create Engaging Content
Social media is the perfect platform for monetizing your following. You can create sponsored content, collect and sell data, offer advertising space, or even ask followers to buy your product! If you’re not using social media for business, it’s time you start.
Monetize with Shopify or Other eCommerce Platforms
This is easier said than done, but if you have a social media following that you can monetize with an ecommerce platform like Shopify, then it can be quite lucrative. If you have some experience with marketing and social media or know someone who does, this may be the perfect side hustle for you.
Use Influencer Marketing
An influencer marketing program is when companies hire social media influencers and personalities with large followings on various platforms (i.e., Instagram, YouTube, Facebook) to promote their products or services. When done well, this can be an extremely effective way for companies to reach new customers in the digital space.
Partner With Brands
One way to monetize your social media following is by partnering with brands. This can be as simple as posting a photo of an outfit you’re wearing and tagging the brand in the caption or by working with brands on larger projects. If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at some of your favorite influencers and see what they do!
Become an Affiliate Marketer
One way you can turn your social media following into money is through affiliate marketing. This is where you become an affiliate for one or more online retailers and then share links to their products on your social media pages. When someone clicks through from your page and makes a purchase, you’ll earn commissions from the sale.