Many people believed that Instagram is not the best place to make money or the best place to promote your product. People believed this because Instagram algorithm is not always favorable unlike tiktok. They believe Instagram algorithm doesn't push your post or brand unlike the way TikTok does. To some extent, they are right. When starting content creation, many individuals choose Instagram as their primary platform. Over time, they may expand to other platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube for video content.
The following are some of the ways you can make money as a beginner;
3. Use a multi-channel approach: Don't limit yourself to a particular social media channel. Be active on other channels as well and ensure you promote yourself on those channels as well. In fact, you can even send your audiences a link to another social media of yours. It is advisable to do this on the social media channel you are doing well. This will help you to attract relevant people from all walks of life and also let them know other platforms they can keep up with you.
The important of doing this is that not all your audiences are on all social media platforms. So when you use a multi channel approach, they will be able to follow you on the platform they use. This will help them to keep up with your content or brand on those platform.
4. Be proactive and resilient: Ensure you post consistent and be resilient in your posting. Ensure you post two to three times daily. This will help Instagram algorithm to know that you exist.
Once their Algorithm knows you exist and you are consistent, it will help to push your content out there. You don't just post once a week or anytime you like and believe you will succeed on Instagram.
No, it doesn't work that way. You have to be proactive and resilient. Also, you need to collaborate with brands and people in the same industry with you. This will help you to gain more visibility.
5. Leverage Instagram Analytics: Many people does not even know that we have what is called Analytics on Instagram. I was guilty of this at first but when I discovered this analytics exist. Everything changed positively for my page.
This analytics will help you to know the best time to post. It will help you to Check metrics like engagement rates, profile visits and content reach to see what’s working and where you can improve.
It will help you to see the post that did well And the post that did not do well. All these will help you to know how to do tailor your next content so it can perform better.
6. Post at the right time: When you make use of Instagram Analytics, it will help you to know the best time to post. It is advisable to post when your followers are most active. It is during these time that you can be able to have high rate of engagement because they are active.
2. Stories that sparks emotions or resonates with your Audience also stands out on Instagram.
3. Behind-the-scenes posts, tutorials, or user-generated content can build stronger bonds with your followers.
4. Interesting Carousels (multiple image posts) also perform better on Instagram.
5. Instagram Stories and Reels that are also interesting and captivating also perform well on Instagram.
6. interactive posts like polls, Q&As or quizzes
You could also focus on content that goes viral and gets shared by lots of people, to expand your reach and grow your community. Try funny memes, viral videos, or other big ideas that fit your style.
2. Post consistently: When you post consistently, it sends a signal to Instagram algorithm and it begins to notice you as an active user. Before you know it, it will begin to boost your post and new people will begin to see your content. Aim to post at least once or twice everyday and if you can't, ensure you post three to five times in a week.
3. Engage with your audience: Interact with your audience. Set polls, questions and answers that will make them inquisitive and always reply your comments. Engage with their posts too as well.
4. Choose the right hashtags: Never joke with hashtags. Most people feel hashtags is not relevant. The truth is that it is relevant. It helps your post to more visible to people in that area or field. If it is not important, Instagram won't put the feature on their app.
5. Host contest and giveaways: People love free things. You can use this to build followers. All you have to do is to tell them to follow your page and they will receive a certain amount of money or tell them to participate in your contest. Your followers will surely increase. It works like magic, try it out.
6. Collaborate with others: It is best you collaborate with those who are doing better than you. It could be your friend or brand. If you can pay for the collaboration, please do because when you collaborate, it helps your brand to be more visible to those people's audience and from their audience, you can get your own audience as well. It is a win-win for everyone.
7. Leverage stories and reels: Stories and Reels get more likes and comments than regular posts. Use Stories for behind-the-scenes glimpses, fan content, or quick updates. Reels are great for fun, short videos to help people find you or go viral.
8. Make shareable content: Make posts people want to save, share, or tag friends in, like infographics, memes, relatable quotes, or useful tips. The more shareable it is, the more people will see it.
9. Use analytics to improve: Watch Instagram Insights to see what's working. Check when your audience is online and change your posting times. Track your growth, likes, and best posts to improve your plan over time.
Making money on Instagram vs. YouTube (The Major Difference)
The major difference is that YouTube pays creators through ad revenue. Here, Creators can add ads to their videos and earn a share of the money from those ads. They can also make money from sponsorships, brand deals, or selling their own merchandise.
Instagram doesn't have this ad revenue-sharing system. Instead, creators earn from sponsored posts, shoutouts, affiliate links, selling products, Reels, and Live sessions.
1. Mike Holston
2. Palm & Wild
3. Arnie
4. Sweet mana
5. Underwater photography Nature
6. Joy McElveen
7. SouKenya
It is often observed that TikTok tends to push content out widely, resulting in many unknown users engaging with posts, even without promotion. In contrast, on Instagram, engagement such as likes may remain low, and follower counts can stagnate or decrease despite sharing links across social media. This situation leads many to believe that making money or gaining visibility on Instagram is not possible due to the algorithm. However, numerous brands and content creators are successfully earning money on Instagram. They utilize the same algorithm that others complain about, yet they maximize its potential to gain visibility. In fact, some of the highest visibility and earnings are achieved on Instagram compared to other platforms.
This article aims to do two things: first, to dispel the myth that making money or gaining visibility on Instagram is impossible because of the algorithm; second, to provide strategies for making money on Instagram. The goal is to help those interested in monetizing their presence on the platform, as earning income and living a good life is a common aspiration.
How to Make Money On IG For Beginners
As a beginner, there are various ways by which you can make money on Instagram. You can make money through sponsored posts as an influencer, Instagram creator's program, affiliate marketing and many other ways.The following are some of the ways you can make money as a beginner;
1. Sponsored Post
You can make money on Instagram by becoming an influencer. Don't be deceived, anybody can become an influencer. Though being an influencer comes in grade, we have micro influencer or nano influencer. As long as you are an influencer, it doesn't matter the type of influencer you are. You will be paid or compensated with gifts each time you create engaging contents around a brand or business. You will be paid because you are helping the brand or business to gain visibility through your post. This is what most businesses or brands suffers from. As an influencer, you can do this either through sponsored posts or shout-out post where you make a shoutout about a brand or post on your Instagram handle.The amount you can earn from sponsored posts depends on both your follower counts and how people engage with your post. Below is a breakdown;
• Above 500 followers: Most influencers in this category are known as Nano influencers. They are influencers who have within 500 to 10,000 followers and they earn within $10 to $100 per post.
• 10,000 followers: Micro influencers are the type of influencers in this category. They are the influencers that have within 10,000 to $50,000 followers and they earn within $100 to $500 per post.
• 100,000 followers: Influencers who are in this category earns within $1000 to $5000 per post.
• 500,000 Followers: Depending on factors like engagement rates and brand partnerships, if you are a follower that has about 500,000 followers, you can earn approximately between $3000 to $10,000 per sponsored Post.
• 1 million followers: Influencers in this category often work with premium brands and they can be paid as high as $5000 to $25,000 for a sponsored Post.
• Above 1 million followers: Influencers who has over 1 million followers can earn as high as $50,000 per sponsored Post depending on the agreement and depending on the type of brand or people you want to do sponsored Post for. Example, if you are dealing with celebrities or high profile brands, definitely they can pay you that amount or even more.
If you want to add this feature to your account, it is simple. Just go to your profile, click on professional dashboard and then click on grow your businesses and select badges. Once you have done this, next time you go on live, click on the “badges” icon on the left side of your screen and turn them on. Also, you can earn money through Instagram gifts. This is somehow similar to Instagram badges. Here, your followers buys stars gift and send them to you. The more stars you have, the more money you have as a creator.
To get started, turn on the feature in your professional dashboard on the Instagram app. Once it's active, fans can send gifts on your eligible Reels by tapping the gift icon. This lets creators keep making fun, high-quality content that connects with people, while turning fan support into real money. Also, you can receive money as a creator through bonuses; it gives you money as a reward when you reach certain goals on Instagram as a creator. For example, if you host a set number of Lives, join IGTV Ads, or make the required amount of Reels, you hit milestones in the Bonus Programs and can collect your earnings. Just note that these programs are invite-only right now, so keep an eye out for updates on how to qualify.
Before you can open an Instagram shop, you need to first convert your Instagram page to a business account. Thereafter, connect your Facebook page, upload a product catalog and then complete account review and lastly, turn on shopping.
You just have to upload a product and ensure a unique promo code tracked to the product is integrated. Once people buy through that unique code, you will be given a certain percent for each products sold. This is another sure ways to make money. It is important to note that on Instagram, you can only add product links on your instagram bio or your Story.
They will be interested in you helping them out. You can charge within $20 to $50 per hour for this service. Also, you can charge them as high as $100 for caption writing. If you are serious about earning more, you can also pitch your service to other brands or organization or advertise yourself on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork or other freelancing platforms. You can as well add online scheduling to your website so that those who needs your service can book directly from your site.
A single course might start at around $100, while longer or more advanced ones can cost thousands of dollars. But you don't have to stick only to courses, simple things like downloadable guides, eBooks, whitepapers, or templates can also be smart ways to earn money on Instagram.
This kind of business is a bit risk free business because you don't have much to lose. You only sell when order is placed. You don't have to worry about inventory being on stock and they are not being sold based on the fact that buyers are not requesting for them.
Many people are happy to pay well for that kind of prime exposure and visibility. You can make as much as $15 to $30 per post.
It is important you interact with your followers. Ensure you reply to comments, shout out badge buyers during the stream, and thank them for their support. The more you interact with them, the more they buy from you.
For example, you could share your experience on the product of a brand you used. Show the before and after process of using the product. When the brand sees this, they might reward you for your effort.
If you want to succeed in this area, ensure you create high quality contents that resonates very well with the audience as well as reflecting the brands identity. Build honest reviews and real experiences.
• Follow the Partner Monetization rules.
• Obey the Community Standards and Content Monetization rules.
• Use a professional Instagram account with 10,000+ followers.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Accept the Instagram Subscriptions terms.
• Above 500 followers: Most influencers in this category are known as Nano influencers. They are influencers who have within 500 to 10,000 followers and they earn within $10 to $100 per post.
• 10,000 followers: Micro influencers are the type of influencers in this category. They are the influencers that have within 10,000 to $50,000 followers and they earn within $100 to $500 per post.
• 100,000 followers: Influencers who are in this category earns within $1000 to $5000 per post.
• 500,000 Followers: Depending on factors like engagement rates and brand partnerships, if you are a follower that has about 500,000 followers, you can earn approximately between $3000 to $10,000 per sponsored Post.
• 1 million followers: Influencers in this category often work with premium brands and they can be paid as high as $5000 to $25,000 for a sponsored Post.
• Above 1 million followers: Influencers who has over 1 million followers can earn as high as $50,000 per sponsored Post depending on the agreement and depending on the type of brand or people you want to do sponsored Post for. Example, if you are dealing with celebrities or high profile brands, definitely they can pay you that amount or even more.
2. Creator Program
Just like Facebook, Instagram also has its own creator's program. One of this creator Program is Creator fund which allows you to monetize your content through IGTV ads, Instagram Live Badges and bonuses. As a creator, if you want to earn money through Instagram badges, all you have to do is to create an Instagram business account so your followers can trust you because they will believe you are an authority in what you do. Imagine a brand using personal profile, nobody will trust them. It is after creating this Instagram business account that you can use Instagram live Badges which enables your followers to show their support to you or to any of their favorite creators. Most times, they show their support to their favorite creators by tipping them digitally during a live streams. This is where they send digital gift that can be converted to money to their favorite creator.If you want to add this feature to your account, it is simple. Just go to your profile, click on professional dashboard and then click on grow your businesses and select badges. Once you have done this, next time you go on live, click on the “badges” icon on the left side of your screen and turn them on. Also, you can earn money through Instagram gifts. This is somehow similar to Instagram badges. Here, your followers buys stars gift and send them to you. The more stars you have, the more money you have as a creator.
To get started, turn on the feature in your professional dashboard on the Instagram app. Once it's active, fans can send gifts on your eligible Reels by tapping the gift icon. This lets creators keep making fun, high-quality content that connects with people, while turning fan support into real money. Also, you can receive money as a creator through bonuses; it gives you money as a reward when you reach certain goals on Instagram as a creator. For example, if you host a set number of Lives, join IGTV Ads, or make the required amount of Reels, you hit milestones in the Bonus Programs and can collect your earnings. Just note that these programs are invite-only right now, so keep an eye out for updates on how to qualify.
3. Instagram Shop
I believe you should be familiar with Facebook marketplace, Instagram shop is similar to that. Many creators out there does not even know that Instagram has an online shop where you can post, tag and sell your products. The first thing you need to do is to create your shop, after doing that, you can then upload your product images, descriptions and prices of your merchandise. Interested users who is interested in what you sell can reach out to you or buy directly on the app.Before you can open an Instagram shop, you need to first convert your Instagram page to a business account. Thereafter, connect your Facebook page, upload a product catalog and then complete account review and lastly, turn on shopping.
4. Affiliate marketing
For affiliate marketing, you don't need to have some numbers of followers before you can be qualified for this. Even with less than 100 followers, you can venture into affiliate marketing. It is a process whereby you stand as a middleman between the manufacturer and the seller. You can also stand as a middleman between another seller and buyer.You just have to upload a product and ensure a unique promo code tracked to the product is integrated. Once people buy through that unique code, you will be given a certain percent for each products sold. This is another sure ways to make money. It is important to note that on Instagram, you can only add product links on your instagram bio or your Story.
5. Drive traffic to your website
The more people see your brand on Instagram, the more likely they are to buy from your website. To earn more money online, you can use Instagram to send traffic to your site. This way, with help from your Instagram visitors, you can increase sales, build your email list, and grow a loyal group of customers.6. Offer Instagram marketing services
Providing marketing services is another sure way of making money on Instagram. All you need to do is to look at other organization or brand and find out the marketing loopholes in their marketing strategy. Once you find this, pitch it to them that you have discovered they have some loopholes and tell them that you can help them to improve their Instagram marketing.They will be interested in you helping them out. You can charge within $20 to $50 per hour for this service. Also, you can charge them as high as $100 for caption writing. If you are serious about earning more, you can also pitch your service to other brands or organization or advertise yourself on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork or other freelancing platforms. You can as well add online scheduling to your website so that those who needs your service can book directly from your site.
7. Sell photos, illustrations or digital files
Instagram is often known as a visual site. If you are a photographer or take good pictures or if you are a designer, you can sell those creative works of yours on Instagram. We have a lot of brands who are willing to buy those creative works of yours on Instagram.8. Offer your audience exclusive content
If you're planning to create an online course, Instagram is a great place to promote it and make money from it.A single course might start at around $100, while longer or more advanced ones can cost thousands of dollars. But you don't have to stick only to courses, simple things like downloadable guides, eBooks, whitepapers, or templates can also be smart ways to earn money on Instagram.
9. Dropship products
You can sell products that you don't even own. This is where dropshipping comes in. All you have to do is to advertise some certain products from a particular manufacturer on your page. Once buyers demand for that product, tell them to pay and send you their address and other important details. Once they do this, forward their details to the manufacturer. They are the ones that will deliver the product to the buyer address and the buyer won't even know you are not the real manufacturer.This kind of business is a bit risk free business because you don't have much to lose. You only sell when order is placed. You don't have to worry about inventory being on stock and they are not being sold based on the fact that buyers are not requesting for them.
10. Create an Instagram feature account
When we talk about a feature account on Instagram, it act as central spots to display photos from various creators in a specific niche. But can you earn money on Instagram with this kind of account? Yes, once you've built up a good-sized following, you can charge users for paid spots on your feed or Instagram Stories.Many people are happy to pay well for that kind of prime exposure and visibility. You can make as much as $15 to $30 per post.
11. Leverage livestreaming and badges
We have talked about this earlier. You can leverage on Instagram live and badges and make yourself some cool cash. Instagram allows viewers to buy badges during your live sessions to support you. Badges come in three levels, from $0.99 to $4.99, and they appear next to the viewer's username to show their contribution. To get the most from live streaming, schedule your sessions regularly so your audience knows when to join.It is important you interact with your followers. Ensure you reply to comments, shout out badge buyers during the stream, and thank them for their support. The more you interact with them, the more they buy from you.
12. Create user-generated content
User-generated content (UGC) helps creators earn money by making real, relatable stuff for brands to use in marketing. This includes photos, videos, or stories about actual experiences with a product or service. Brands love it because it seems honest and connects with people more than standard ads.For example, you could share your experience on the product of a brand you used. Show the before and after process of using the product. When the brand sees this, they might reward you for your effort.
If you want to succeed in this area, ensure you create high quality contents that resonates very well with the audience as well as reflecting the brands identity. Build honest reviews and real experiences.
How do you become eligible to make money on Instagram
To become eligible for Instagram Monetization is simple. They are as follows;• Follow the Partner Monetization rules.
• Obey the Community Standards and Content Monetization rules.
• Use a professional Instagram account with 10,000+ followers.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Accept the Instagram Subscriptions terms.
How to Succeed on Instagram
1. Pick a niche: Don't be a jack of all trades. Pick a niche and stand for something. Let it be that when people come to your page, they already know what your brand stand for. This will help you on the long run because you won't be confusing your audience. It will help you to build followers and audiences who are really interested in what you offer.When people are interested in what you do, they tend to support and interact more with you because they are interested.
2. Regularly engage with others on Instagram: This reflects a common experience. When starting content creation, many people tend to like comments and move on without replying. Over time, it becomes apparent that this approach may lead to fewer comments from others, as they may feel their engagement is not acknowledged.
2. Regularly engage with others on Instagram: This reflects a common experience. When starting content creation, many people tend to like comments and move on without replying. Over time, it becomes apparent that this approach may lead to fewer comments from others, as they may feel their engagement is not acknowledged.
Engaging with the audience and even with people who are not followers can lead to positive changes. To succeed on Instagram, it is important to actively engage with others as well.
The important of doing this is that not all your audiences are on all social media platforms. So when you use a multi channel approach, they will be able to follow you on the platform they use. This will help them to keep up with your content or brand on those platform.
4. Be proactive and resilient: Ensure you post consistent and be resilient in your posting. Ensure you post two to three times daily. This will help Instagram algorithm to know that you exist.
Once their Algorithm knows you exist and you are consistent, it will help to push your content out there. You don't just post once a week or anytime you like and believe you will succeed on Instagram.
No, it doesn't work that way. You have to be proactive and resilient. Also, you need to collaborate with brands and people in the same industry with you. This will help you to gain more visibility.
5. Leverage Instagram Analytics: Many people does not even know that we have what is called Analytics on Instagram. I was guilty of this at first but when I discovered this analytics exist. Everything changed positively for my page.
This analytics will help you to know the best time to post. It will help you to Check metrics like engagement rates, profile visits and content reach to see what’s working and where you can improve.
It will help you to see the post that did well And the post that did not do well. All these will help you to know how to do tailor your next content so it can perform better.
6. Post at the right time: When you make use of Instagram Analytics, it will help you to know the best time to post. It is advisable to post when your followers are most active. It is during these time that you can be able to have high rate of engagement because they are active.
What Type of Content is Best for Instagram?
1. High quality contents that are well edited stand out on Instagram. This is because the attention span of viewers is very short. If your content is not of good quality, they would just scroll.2. Stories that sparks emotions or resonates with your Audience also stands out on Instagram.
3. Behind-the-scenes posts, tutorials, or user-generated content can build stronger bonds with your followers.
4. Interesting Carousels (multiple image posts) also perform better on Instagram.
5. Instagram Stories and Reels that are also interesting and captivating also perform well on Instagram.
6. interactive posts like polls, Q&As or quizzes
How to Promote Your Business on Instagram in order to Make Money
Like any business, you need strong Instagram marketing to drive traffic to your account and boost your chances of earning money. Try paid ads, which are a common way to reach new customers on social media and a big part of digital marketing plans. Instagram is perfect for building a community of your ideal audience, one you can connect with often and directly. It takes time and effort, but a loyal following is key to making money from your account.You could also focus on content that goes viral and gets shared by lots of people, to expand your reach and grow your community. Try funny memes, viral videos, or other big ideas that fit your style.
How to Get More Followers On Instagram
1. Make your profile standout: You can do this by optimizing your profile. Make your bio simple and short. Let your bio include what your brand is all about. Use a high quality photo or brand logo and include a call to-action.2. Post consistently: When you post consistently, it sends a signal to Instagram algorithm and it begins to notice you as an active user. Before you know it, it will begin to boost your post and new people will begin to see your content. Aim to post at least once or twice everyday and if you can't, ensure you post three to five times in a week.
3. Engage with your audience: Interact with your audience. Set polls, questions and answers that will make them inquisitive and always reply your comments. Engage with their posts too as well.
4. Choose the right hashtags: Never joke with hashtags. Most people feel hashtags is not relevant. The truth is that it is relevant. It helps your post to more visible to people in that area or field. If it is not important, Instagram won't put the feature on their app.
5. Host contest and giveaways: People love free things. You can use this to build followers. All you have to do is to tell them to follow your page and they will receive a certain amount of money or tell them to participate in your contest. Your followers will surely increase. It works like magic, try it out.
6. Collaborate with others: It is best you collaborate with those who are doing better than you. It could be your friend or brand. If you can pay for the collaboration, please do because when you collaborate, it helps your brand to be more visible to those people's audience and from their audience, you can get your own audience as well. It is a win-win for everyone.
7. Leverage stories and reels: Stories and Reels get more likes and comments than regular posts. Use Stories for behind-the-scenes glimpses, fan content, or quick updates. Reels are great for fun, short videos to help people find you or go viral.
8. Make shareable content: Make posts people want to save, share, or tag friends in, like infographics, memes, relatable quotes, or useful tips. The more shareable it is, the more people will see it.
9. Use analytics to improve: Watch Instagram Insights to see what's working. Check when your audience is online and change your posting times. Track your growth, likes, and best posts to improve your plan over time.
Making money on Instagram vs. YouTube (The Major Difference)
The major difference is that YouTube pays creators through ad revenue. Here, Creators can add ads to their videos and earn a share of the money from those ads. They can also make money from sponsorships, brand deals, or selling their own merchandise.
Instagram doesn't have this ad revenue-sharing system. Instead, creators earn from sponsored posts, shoutouts, affiliate links, selling products, Reels, and Live sessions.
List of Brands that are making money on Instagram
We have a lot of brands on Instagram that are making money on Instagram. Some of them are;1. Mike Holston
2. Palm & Wild
3. Arnie
4. Sweet mana
5. Underwater photography Nature
6. Joy McElveen
7. SouKenya
Tax Tips:
Thanks for reading! We hope you gained value.
- Track your income using Stripe, Patreon, and Gumroad dashboards.
- Subtract real expenses, like equipment, software, or internet costs.
- Talk to a tax expert; rules differ by country.
Conclusion
Making Money On Instagram or on any platform shouldn't be hard as long as you have the necessary information. We believe this article has been able to provide all the necessary information you will need to thrive. If there is any part of the articles that seems unclear or if you have any question, kindly ensure you drop it in the comment box below. We will respond to it accordingly.Thanks for reading! We hope you gained value.