So you’ve built up your Instagram following, and now you’re wondering, now what? Well, if you’re planning your route to becoming an influencer on the popular platform, there are lots of ways you can make money on Instagram.
Monetizing your Instagram isn’t just for uber-influencers of this world. Even if you have a relatively modest 1000 followes, there are ways you can monetize your Instagram account.
In this blog we’re going to look at some ideas you can take to make money from Instagram, and even boost your following in the process.
First though…
What is the Definition of an Instagram Influencer?
An Instagram influencer is an active account on Instagram who posts regularly and has an engaged audience. They are also often defined by their follower count, with different volumes of followers indicating how influential an influencer is.
The actual follower counts are:
- Nano influencers: Between 1,000 – 10,000
- Micro influencers Between 10,000 – 50,000
- Mid-tier: Between 50,000 to 500,000
- Mega influencer: 500,000 plus
Now, if you shop around and research ‘how many followers to be an influencer,’ you’re going to find a very broad range. Some will suggest that a nano influencer needs over 2000 followers, some might say that mega influencers are 1 million followers or more.
So these are not the definitive numbers, and everyone will say something different. But you get the gist. It’s crucial to understand these follower categories. However, once you’re on your path to becoming an influencer, consider ways to enhance your reach naturally, such as buying auto Instagram impressions. This approach can significantly impact your visibility and engagement, ultimately facilitating your journey towards monetization.
Want to build your following on Linkedin? Read this post…
Alright. Lets go make some money on Instagram, right?
Section 1: Sponsored Posts – Turning Your Influence into Revenue
Ah, sponsored posts – the Instagram influencer’s bread and butter. Think of them as the glamorous red carpet events of the social media world. Brands will pay you to showcase their products or services to your adoring followers. It’s like being a walking, talking billboard, but way cooler.
To land those coveted sponsored posts, start by collaborating with brands and businesses that align with your niche and aesthetic. Slide into their DMs, charm them with your sparkling personality, and negotiate rates and contracts like a boss. Remember, authenticity is key, so make sure the products you promote genuinely resonate with you and your audience.
How to get sponsored posts for Instagram?
If you have a high enough follower count and an engaged audience, you will most likely get regular approaches. So, you can wait for the sponsored posts to come to you.
You can also register with an influencer agency, for example Gymfluencers.
Or, you could also approach companies that you like and ask them if they’d like to sponsor you. Depending on their popularity and their aggressive approach to marketing, they might just partner with you. Start with local or small businesses looking to get improve their visibility.
How much to charge for an Instagram sponsored post?
How much you charge for a sponsored post on Instagram will depend on a number of factors. This might include your follower count, the brand in question or even your current popularity.
Many sponsored posts can be free in exchange for product. Or you could charge as little as $50 for a single post, all the way up to the multiple thousands. When starting out monetizing your Instagram, start your pricing low and build up as you become more popular.
Section 2: Affiliate Marketing – Earning through Recommendations
Affiliate marketing is like being a digital matchmaker. You introduce your followers to products and services you genuinely love, and when they make a purchase using your unique referral link or discount code, you earn a sweet commission. It’s a win-win!
Join affiliate programs related to your niche and become the ultimate recommendation guru. Share your love for that dreamy face mask, that life-changing book, or even that game-changing blender. Your followers will thank you, and your bank account will do a happy dance.
How to get affiliate marketing links for Instagram?
There are loads of affiliate marketing platforms where you can sign up and monetize your Instagram, blog or other social media accounts. You simply head to the platform in question, sign up, enter a few details and shazam… Good to go.
The best ones to sign up for are:
- Impact.com
- Awin.com
- PaidonResults.com
- Commission Junction (CJ.com)
- TradeTrader.com
There is also a popular option called ClickBank which you will see mentioned A LOT. I don’t rate this platform at all. Reason being – you need to pay a subscription, and they don’t have very high quality affiliate products. All of these above are free, so roll with those.
Section 3: Brand Partnerships – Building Long-Term Relationships
Move over, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez – it’s time for you to be the star of long-term brand partnerships. Becoming a brand ambassador or influencer means building relationships with companies that adore your style and want to be associated with your fabulousness.
These partnerships are more than just one-off deals. You’ll create consistent content, attend exclusive events, and proudly promote their products or services. It’s like being a part of a glamorous VIP club, except you get paid for it.
How to get brand partnerships for your Instagram?
To get brand partnerships, it will help to have a strong personal brand yourself. This means, you’ll need to clearly have an angle – for example fitness, travel, mental health… Whatever your niche.
Once you have a strong following, you can then approach brands and ask them to sponsor you. This will help monetize your Instagram on a recurring basis, which is good. Brand partnerships usually mean you’ll get lots of free product, invitations to their events and other paid opportunities.
It’s also easier to get brand partnerships if you’ve already worked with the brand either using affiliate marketing or sponsored posts. Deliver good results and they’ll take notice!
Section 4: Product Sales – Turning Followers into Customers
Why stop at just promoting other people’s products when you can create and sell your own? That’s right, you can be an entrepreneur with your very own merchandise or products. Your followers already love your style, so why not offer them something tangible they can’t resist?
Whether it’s t-shirts with your witty catchphrases or a skincare line that gives everyone a glow-up, use your Instagram following to drive sales. With strategic promotions and exclusive offers, you’ll have your followers clamoring to get their hands on your fabulous creations.
How to sell products on Instagram?
Of course you can setup a shop right there on Instagram, making that the simplest way to monetize your Instagram following. But a better option is to setup your own shop on a website using WooCommerce, Shopify or any of the other online shop platforms you can use.
Buy your domain name and then setup your shop. Presto! Money….
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Section 5: Instagram Stories and IGTV Ads – Monetizing with Instagram’s Partner Program
Okay, this one requires a bit of clout, but it’s totally worth it. Once you hit that coveted 10,000+ follower mark, you can apply for Instagram’s Partner Program. It’s like joining an elite club where you get to monetize your Instagram Stories through ads. Cha-ching!
Immerse your followers in captivating Stories and entertaining IGTV content while raking in the dough. Just remember to keep the ads engaging and seamlessly integrated into your content. Nobody likes a blatant sales pitch, right?
Check out our list of fitness influencers to follow
How to sign up for Instagrams partner program?
To sign up for the Instagram partner program, you will need to hit that 10,000 follower mark. And then you’re in. Sort of.
Section 6: Digital Products and Services – Sharing Expertise for Profit
You’re an expert in your niche, and people want a slice of your wisdom. So why not create and sell digital products and services that cater to your audience’s cravings for knowledge?
Write an e-book, develop online courses, or create tutorials that spill the secrets of your success. Share your unique insights, tips, and tricks, and watch as your followers happily pay for that digital gold. You’re not just an influencer; you’re a bona fide expertpreneur!
How to start selling digital products on Instagram?
Selling digital products online, including on Instagram, does mean you’ll need another platform such as your own web shop. Setup an online course using Kajjabi or Sendpulse, sell digital downloads on Etsy, or better still, setup your own website.
We love Sendpulse for it’s ease of use and very cheap subscription plans. Get $35 off any monthly plan Sendpulse when you sign up here
Section 7: Crowdfunding – Engaging Your Followers for Support
Imagine having a loyal army of fans who adore you so much that they’re willing to throw money at you. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, crowdfunding platforms like Patreon and Ko-fi make it possible.
Offer exclusive content and perks to your followers in exchange for their support. They’ll feel like they’re part of your inner circle, and you’ll have the financial backing to take your content to the next level. It’s like having a personal ATM powered by love and admiration.
How to ask your Instagram followers for money?
You’ll need to be offering value to your followers to use this method. But if you already share regular useful content, you can definitely monetize your Instagram following simply by pointing them to your Patreon.
Another method is to plan a big project and offer your followers to be part of it in exchange for their contributions. Want to create a product or run an event? Ask your followers to donate to your cause….
Section 8: Sponsored Giveaways – Boosting Engagement and Earnings
Who doesn’t love a good giveaway? Collaborate with other creators or brands to host exciting contests where participants have to follow, like, or tag their friends. As the mastermind behind the giveaway, you’ll get paid to promote it and increase your followers and engagement.
It’s a win-win situation: your followers get a chance to win amazing prizes, and you get paid for being the Instagram fairy godmother. Just remember to sprinkle that giveaway magic everywhere and watch your engagement and earnings soar.
How to get products for giveaways on Instagram?
If you want to get products to giveaway on Instagram, it’s often a simple case of approaching brands and asking if they’d like some exposure. They might ask for a tag in your posts, or you could mention a shared hashtag that they could benefit from your followers from sharing.
While you might not get money from this approach specifically, it can boost your following and your brand relationship, and help you secure brand partnerships and sponsored posts.
Section 9: Influencer Networks and Agencies – Unlocking Collaborative Opportunities
Sometimes, being a lone wolf in the Instagram monetization game can get overwhelming. That’s where influencer networks and agencies come to the rescue.
Joining influencer networks opens doors to exciting collaborative opportunities with brands. These networks connect creators with businesses looking for the perfect influencer match. Alternatively, signing with an influencer agency takes the burden of negotiation and deal management off your shoulders. Let the professionals handle the business side while you focus on being the fabulous influencer you were born to be.
How can you get signed to an influencer agency?
You’ll need to have at least 1000 followers, have an active Instagram account that posts consistently high quality content, and have a clear niche (ideally). You can then approach influencer agencies asking them to represent you.
Many influencer agencies will reach out once you have a decent profile on Instagram. Although this is a great way to monetize your Instagram, it doesn’t automatically mean you’ve made it. Many agencies will have hundreds of influencers on their books who clients can browse and choose.
Continue to grow your audience and monetize your Instagram in other ways, even if you are picked up by an influencer agency.
How can you become a fitness influencer (hint: read the guide)
Section 10: Live Streams and Virtual Events – Connecting with Your Audience
Instagram Live and virtual events are the perfect platforms to showcase your sparkling personality and engage with your audience in real-time. But did you know you can also monetize these live shenanigans?
Host live sessions, workshops, or Q&A sessions on Instagram Live or other platforms. Charge a fee for access, offer exclusive content, or accept donations during the live stream. It’s like being the star of your own digital show, and your audience is the adoring audience with cash in hand.
Top tips for setting up live streams…
This can be an excellent way to build up some steam on your account with a view to making money from your audience. But as always, your live stream should offer high quality entertainment.
Build a buzz before the live show. Put out posts reminding people to join you, get them to signup to a newsletter or make sure they have notifications on.
Make the event well worth the (free) price of entry, and give them more than they expected.
Some ideas for live streams might include:
- Live DJ sets or musical performances
- An AMA (ask me anything)
- Free coaching, like a webinar
- An interview with someone who can offer value to your audience
- An insider or sneak peak at something exclusive such as a game, software tool or tech product
The bottom line
Congratulations, you savvy Instagram monetizer! You’ve reached the end of our complete guide, armed with the knowledge to turn your Instagram into a cash-generating machine. Remember, authenticity and engagement are the secret ingredients to success.
So go forth, monetize your Instagram, and let the money rain down upon you like confetti at one of your fabulous pool parties! (You do have pool parties right?)
