It’s time to reveal the mystery of how do content creators make money online as well as influencers!
As traditional influencers evolve into multi-skilled and multi-platform content creators, we will share some of the best ways to diversify your business products, even in these challenging times.
First things first, let’s clarify the distinction between a content creator and an influencer.
What is a content creator?
A content creator is a person or corporation who develops information to educate, teach, or attract their audience.
This content is typically published through a variety of digital channels, including their own website, blog, newsletter, YouTube channel, or social media platforms.
Content creators may or may not have an existing audience, however, they are usually focused on creating content on a particular topic or niche with a particular audience in mind.
That’s also why content creators are in high demand in digital marketing because they can speak to audiences and influence their purchasing behaviour more effectively than a brand itself, including other paid marketing channels.
What is an influencer?
There are numerous definitions of an influencer, and the number of followers required to be considered an “Influencer” is subjective.
So, to keep it short, we’ll use this definition from Dictionaries.com, which nicely explains it: “An Influencer is a person who has the power to influence many people, whether through social media or traditional media: Companies look for Facebook influencers who could promote their products and services.”
In other words, an Influencer is someone who influences or changes the behaviour patterns of others based on their power over them.
A content creator can be an influencer, and an influencer can be a content creator; however, not all content creators are influencers.
Check out Top 10 Singapore Influencers on Instagram (Updates on June 2023).
| Influencers | Instagram Username | Followers |
| Naomi Neo | @naomineo_ | 844K |
| JianHao Tan | @thejianhaotan | 657K |
| Xiaxue | @xiaxue | 580.4K |
| Kim Lim | @limrebecca | 446.8K |
| Mongchin Yeoh | @mongabong | 299K |
| Fiona Xie | @xplacidacidx | 378K |
| Jamie Chua | @ec24m | 1.3M |
| Jaylee Woo | @jiaqiwoo | 427K |
| Yik Keat | @yk | 1M |
| Soh Pei Shi | @speishi | 339K |
How do Content Creators and Influencers make money online?
Content creators and influencers need to wear a variety of hats — from photography to videography, online courses, webinars, graphic design and merchandise — they have a variety of skills!
However, monetizing your skills on social media can be daunting, especially when you want to expand beyond traditional influencer products.
Reduce the pressure by developing some new sources of income. You have completed the hard work of creating a brand, so here are some new ideas to help you expand your efforts!
1. Online Tutoring
Online learning is where it is. Platforms such as Udemy and Skillshare have truly democratized the way people learn (and teach!).
Becoming a teacher on an online learning platform helps to enhance your image as a thought leader, which will help you build a lifelong, active follower in your channel.
Here are some great online tutors who are also influencers in UX/UI design:
- Daniel Walter
- Joe Natoli
Also, not to mention, the highest-paid tutors on platforms such as Skillshare can earn up to $100,000 a year.
From photography to fashion design and digital marketing; there will be a channel for you to teach online courses!
Most virtual courses are broken down into short “courses” that are easy to digest and understand.
Becoming an online tutor on an online learning platform can also help you improve your self-image as a thought leader, enabling you to gain lifelong, active followers on your channel.
2. Consulting Services
Becoming a content creator does not always mean that you need to create new content to make money.
If you want to provide your expertise, but don’t want to create a Skillshare/ Udemy course, you can provide consulting services.
Your followers will be happy to have the opportunity to learn from you in a one-on-one manner. You could also provide a simple portfolio review via email, or go a step further and have a one-on-one Zoom consultation video call.
Just imagine: one-on-one video calls can turn into lucrative long-term consulting work with new business owners or brands that want to develop a content strategy.
3. Social Media Ads
In order to make money online, you might have to first spend some money. Social media advertising is a good starting point.
You can use Facebook ads to promote on both Instagram and Facebook. Facebook ad management platform provides many different types of advertising (Traffic, Clicks, Lead Generation etc) depending on your goals.
With the help of Facebook ad management tools, you can target people who have never heard of you or your brand.
You can also target people who visit your website frequently but don’t buy. There are countless ways to create ads for Facebook and Instagram!
Another advertising option is Google AdWords for sidebar and banner ads and AdSense for YouTube videos.
Google AdSense allows YouTube Influencer (Youtuber) to earn a portion of their revenue from programmatic advertising (think 30 second-ahead post ads, sponsored banners, etc.).
4. Sell Your Art
If you are not interested in building Patreon or teaching skills to share courses or developing Facebook advertising campaigns, we get it! But why not consider selling your art?
As creative people, we often neglected to respect our own work. We forget that our supporters do and will truly support us!
Whether you are a photographer, painter, digital marketing expert, motion designer or anyone in between, build your own eCommerce website to give your fans a chance to express their support for your work!
Fortunately, there are some ways to increase traffic and sell on Instagram!
For example, the links in your profile (Link in Bio) are easy to find and clickable, making it one of the most valuable traffic drivers in your Instagram profile.
The good news is that with Linkin.bio by Later, you can turn your entire Instagram feed into a clickable login page that will be updated with every new post you share.
If you are using the “Later for Business” plan, you can even connect your Shopify account to Linkin.bio!
With just one click, you can tag Shopify products in Linkin.bio posts, allowing your followers to easily purchase your feed.
5. Stock Photos & Videos
Regardless of the industry, there is always a need for high-quality photos and video content.
Moreover, in the current environment, many companies have suspended internal content creation and have begun to obtain high-quality content from stock websites such as Unsplash Photos and Fiverr Video.
If you are a photographer, consider uploading your photos to Unsplash, Pexels, Pixabay and so on.
Uploading your photos to a website like Unsplash won’t necessarily give you immediate monetary gain, but it allows you to build relationships, which can be rewarded in the future.
Tip: If your photo has a lot of views or downloads on Unsplash, please reverse search for the photo on Google and see where it is used.
For companies that use your photos, you have the opportunity to introduce yourself to a company that already likes your style and is familiar with your work.
They may be eager to learn more about your services — a greater chance for you to turn this relationship into a more formal one.
6. Branded Sponsorships
Although some influencer marketing budgets may be cut due to COVID-19, Fohr’s research shows that influencers will still be able to obtain good partnerships in 2021.
In fact, as the use of Instagram has soared since the pandemic began, participation in sponsored content is rising!
Brand sponsorship can include anything from dynamic posts on Instagram to Reels or Instagram Stories.
Instagram users are more likely to trust the opinions of their favourite content creators than the corporate information of the brand, so these #ad moments will not disappear anytime soon!
So here you go, six ways of how do content creators make money online and how to achieve multiple sources of income in the second half of 2021!
So, are you ready to start planning and earn an income as a content creator? Let’s do it.
If you are a content creator in the field of web development and programming, you are encourage to join Exabytes Affiliate Program, you could earn up to S$100 per sale when you refer your audience to purchase Exabytes hosting and server plan.
Find out more Exabytes Affiliate Program here.
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