You’re here to earn money from something of value you provide to your audience. This will remain true wherever you are
If you’ve tried it, you’ve realized that 1. Everyone is doing the same stuff, and 2. The people making the most money seem to be the ones telling people how to make money. In our research, we’ve realized that a lot of creators are STRUGGLING with traditional monetization methods.
How to monetize with community
You’ll need a great community platform – and no, a Facebook group doesn’t cut it. A REAL community platform lets you charge for memberships (or other things like courses), and gives you the power to create amazing experiences.
Did you know only 4.3% of creators make over $100,000 per year? This is despite the creator economy being worth an estimated $100 billion. The reality is that income disparity is alive and well in the creator economy. And if you ask us, it’s an accessibility issue.
We need more creators at the top to be willing to share the secrets to their success, and more platforms like Clara that encourage discourse around pay transparency for creators. We also need better tools at better price points to suit the unique nature of building and growing a creator business.
and get serious about owning your audience.
How Much Money Do Influencers and Content Creators Make?
The short answer: it depends.
Since the creator industry is still fairly new, there’s no universal one-size-fits-all pricing rule — and it depends on the creators’ niche, strategy, and experience.
However, Creator Rates Report found that 44% of creators earn over $200 USD from a single Instagram Reel in 2023.
The takeaway? There’s money to be had for the content you make and promote, and there are plenty of ways to earn it.
Whether you’re just starting out, or venturing into full-time creator status, money talks — and so do our 11 tips, below. ????
#1: Grow Your Social Media Following Across Multiple Channels
When you’re just starting out, focusing on one social channel is a great way to build an engaged community.
But neglecting other platforms can limit your ability to reach even more people and make money.
The solution? Cross-promotion.
If your main platform is Instagram, try repurposing your Reels for other socials like TikTok and YouTube.
This way, you can build your following across multiple channels and open yourself up to more potential ad revenue, partnerships, and brand opportunities.
See how creator Retro Roller repurposes her roller skate videos on both Instagram and TikTok:
#2: Collaborate With Other Influencers and Creators
Teaming up with other influencers and creators in your niche is not only a great way to leverage and engage prospective followers — it provides the perfect opportunity to make $$$.
From product launches and online courses to hosting an Instagram giveaway — the amount of exposure is a no-brainer.
Our advice? Take advantage of Instagram Collabs.
Launched in June 2021, this feature lets you co-author content with a fellow Instagram user, which means that the post will show up on both of your profiles.
#3: Sell Your Products and Influencer Merch
If you’re an artist, you’re probably already familiar with the power social media has to put you in front of potential customers.
But the ability to sell doesn’t stop there.
T-shirts, hoodies, phone cases, eBooks, downloadable templates, you name it — there’s no shortage of opportunities.
TIP: Create a newsletter or mailing list — it’s a great way to communicate product launches, restocks, and sales with your community.
#4: Make Exclusive Content on Patreon
Have an established online community? With a paid membership to your Patreon, your most enthusiastic followers can access to exclusive content they won’t find anywhere else.
Varying from bonus podcast episodes and BTS videos to additional articles and vlogs, you can earn a steady income from this method of creation.
How Much Money Do Most Creators and Influencers Make on Patreon?
With reward tiers valued at $2, $5, and $10, creators and influencers can make up to $1K per month with Patreon depending on their following.
Need we say more?
#5: Cultivate Brand Sponsorships
With a social media following comes influence — and brands are willing to pay a pretty penny to have you promote them to your audience.
Brand sponsorships can include anything from in-feed posts on Instagram to TikTok videos.
For example, see how TikTok creator Tashi seamlessly integrates Supergoop into her morning GRWM:
Bonus tip: remember we’re all human!
Mistakes will be made. Social media is a gift that allows us to connect with many different people, but remember that you can’t please everyone. Being transparent, authentic, and providing a solution when we make mistakes is the best way forward.
When you’re working with social media and how does Facebook make money?, you’re putting yourself and your brand out there for people to react to. People will have opinions. It’s important to remember that, whether we’re the customer of a company or the person behind the channels at a small business or startup, behind the screen, there’s a living, breathing human being with emotions and their own challenges in life. Try and humanize your interactions.
Remember that you’re only human, so take the time you need to protect your peace. Taking care of your wellbeing will allow you to bring the authentic love that your brand needs to find success in the space. The things that we post on social media are evergreen. It’s important to speak with kindness as often as we can. Take the time to understand what brings you peace—whether it’s a quick stretch, a walk outside, or a sip of tea—because eventually (inevitably), difficult conversations will come up on social media and how does Facebook make money?. And you’ll be mentally prepared for it.