How to Make Money On Instagram

Did you know that Instagram prioritizes helping content creators make a living on its platform? If you think you can only make serious money on YouTube, think again. With your creativity and Instagram’s excellent features, you could be on your way to adding a couple of extra zeroes to your bank balance in no time.

Dive into this potential gold mine by discovering how to convert your content into cash:

Sponsored Content

You don’t have to be a big name like Kim K to get in on sponsored content on Instagram. Brands love leveraging the influence of content creators to push their latest products and services. With an already-engaged audience, you could technically pick and choose which products to promote.

Being an influencer on Instagram means showcasing products in your unique style. For example, if you have a distinctive way of sticking press-on nails over your own that makes them last longer, you can use this skill to your advantage. Use a set of nails from a brand you love and combine the product with your skill.

Doing this will draw lots of attention, including engagement from the brand itself. And before you know it, you may be asked to demonstrate other products, too.

Affiliate Marketing

Putting your face alongside a series of products isn’t the only way to coin it on Instagram. You can use affiliate marketing techniques to bring in some extra cash, too. While sponsored content pays for posts, affiliate marketing pays for performance. This means you can earn a commission for every converted click from a link you share on Instagram.

So, if you already promote products for a brand, you can earn extra money by pushing the sales for these products. Add a link to the company’s shopping page every time you post a review or demonstration video.

Instagram’s Affiliate and Shop Features

Instagram is the perfect platform for affiliate marketing. Switch to a creator account to run your affiliate program and choose the right affiliate partners before getting started on content.

You can use affiliate marketing programs or networks to find brands willing to pay commissions. When you’ve found the right partners, you can expand your current influence on Instagram. You can do this by posting when your audience is online, being consistent, and never going overboard with promotional content.

You can also make more money with affiliate marketing on Instagram by labeling promotional content as a paid partnership or creating an Instagram affiliate storefront. Use hashtags to extend your reach and track and refine your progress.

Create and Launch Your Own Merchandise

Another way to make lots of money via Instagram is to create and launch your own series of merchandise. You can turn your following into customers by selling your merchandise online and announcing special offers.

An example of a company that recognized the potential for seasonal merchandise is Snow Report SA, a group of snow-chasers in South Africa. Because significant ground-level snowfall is rare in SA, especially in the high-lying provinces, Snow Report's goal is to share snow predictions in winter. These predictions allow people to get to the site closest to them to enjoy the snowflakes.

This year, Snow Report announced a line of merchandise, including cute mugs, hoodies, and T-shirts with snow-related slogans. They also brought out their own range of delicious coffee.

If you want to kickstart your own range of merchandise, you could emulate the current Barbie craze. For instance, you could create your own version of a printable meme mug or design a bright T-shirt with a hilarious or dead-pan catchphrase.

With a little research and effort, you will never run out of ideas when it comes to attention-grabbing merchandise on Instagram.

IG Shopping

If you want to sell your products instead of someone else’s, Instagram has made it easier than ever. With the introduction of Instagram Shopping, you can sell your products directly from your posts. Tag each product, and your followers can buy without leaving the app.

Before loading product posts on Instagram, ensure you have a niche audience and a business profile. Set up an Instagram shop and create shoppable posts. Instagram even has a checkout feature to simplify the online shopping experience.

Offer Professional Services

You can use your Instagram profile as a portfolio for professional services, such as graphic design, business consulting, or yoga instruction. Create a bio that states what you do and how you can help. Add links in your bio that users can follow to find more information about your brand.

You will find that when your followers become intrigued by what you offer, they will start sending queries or DMs to seek your expertise. Professional services remain one of the best ways to make money on the Instagram platform in 2023.

Online Workshops and Classes

Selling online workshops and classes to teach new skills works like a charm on Instagram. People love learning something new, so if you can paint, cook, or build things from scratch, you can create a lucrative business on the platform.

Some of the most popular things people want to learn are DIY techniques, makeup skills, and cooking easy but delicious meals during the week.

Become a Brand Ambassador

Being a brand ambassador for a company you genuinely love can also give you extra dollars in your pocket. If you always use and trust a specific product from a big brand, you can get paid for promoting it over the long term. Find out whether the brand offers an ambassador program, and you'll be good to go.

Start a Blog

Tie your Instagram account to a regular blog on your website. Not only does this method provide more content for your followers, but it opens an additional revenue stream. Promoting your blog on Instagram can get you more page views, backlinks, and opportunities for guest blogging. All of this means more money for you.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, Instagram is far more than just sunset pictures and latte art videos. It is one of the most dynamic global social media platforms and can provide you with a solid income if you put in just a little effort.