Want to know how to make money on social media? First, let’s take a look at social platorms.

It’s estimated that all the social media networks have a combined total of 3 billion active users. Social media is an indispensable part of many people’s lives.

Social media networks are instant communication tools. People use these networks to share photos, receive news and weather alerts and as avenues for online marketing.

If you read this article, you probably have one or several social media accounts. Accounts you use to stay in touch with friends. To keep posted on current affairs and trends.

However, these social media accounts make money online, too. All via a social marketing and sales strategy . You probably assume that you need thousands of followers on social media to earn good money, but this isn’t necessarily the case.

It is definitely easier to earn through social media if you have a huge following. But you shouldn’t despair if you have only a few. This article will provide you with some creative ways of making money on social media even if you have less than 1,000 followers.

But first, you will have to create your social media profile appealing to both your followers and potential clients. Here’s how to do that.

How to Make Money on Social Media

1 Define your niche and be consistent

Most social media accounts post random thoughts and information that doesn’t target any specific demographic. If you intend to earn money through social media, however, it is important to focus on a single subject of expertise or pick a specific area to concentrate on. You should then tailor all your posts to fit into the niche you have settled on.

For example, if you love electronic gadgets, create a social media account which provides reviews and information on the latest gadgets showing where to buy them. Your account will, therefore, is then known as a reliable source of information on electronics. Typically, this brings in lots of followers interested in this particular subject.

2 Keep your account active

A dormant social media account is only good for snooping on other people’s lives and keeping tabs on your ex. When it comes to making money, being inactive will not do you any favors, regardless of how many followers you have.

Continually posting updates on your timeline makes your account seem more trustworthy and also prove to your followers that you’re real (not a bot). This doesn’t mean you should be posting lots of nonsense to keep your account active. You should always strive to provide relevant content that is useful to your followers.

3 Keep up to date with current trends

Social media trends continually shift. Something hip today ends up sounding old-fashioned tomorrow. To ensure that you stay relevant on social media, you will have to stay informed on the latest trends.

Once you’ve done all of these, you can start making moves.

Here are some creative ways to earn money through social media.

Photo by lucas Favre on Unsplash

4 Affiliate marketing

Most businesses nowadays expand their operations into the online world. You can now buy or sell almost anything online with the click of a button. The growth of Internet-based commerce has led to the emergence of a new marketing technique called affiliate marketing.

Affiliate marketing is merely a marketing strategy that involves directing potential clients to an online vendor (affiliate) and getting paid a commission each time someone led by you proceeds to purchase on the affiliate website.

Previously, affiliate programs only allowed marketers who had their own sites, but nowadays it can be done easily using a social media account.

To earn money as an affiliate marketer, sign up for an affiliate program. Several affiliate programs exist.

Complete newbie? The Amazon affiliate program is an excellent place to start.

You can then create beautiful posts about different goods and services being offered by the affiliate website, and provide your followers with clickable links which will direct them to the affiliate website where they can purchase the mentioned items.

The affiliate website will pay you a commission if any of your followers buy anything from them after being redirected from your social media account.

5 Sell your own products

Social media can be used to showcase and sell your own products and services. These can include items such as fashion accessories, electronics, e-books or even photos taken by you.

No matter how many followers you have, it is likely that some of them would be interested in buying some of the stuff you offer. You can post pictures and details of the products you wish to sell on your timeline and provide contacts through which interested buyers quickly get in touch with you and make a purchase.

6 Market your skills

Almost everyone possesses a skill that someone else pays for. Such skills may include writing, painting, coding and graphic design skills. All these skills are widely sought-after, and there is a likelihood that one or more of your followers need someone with the exact set of skills you possess.

Nevertheless, no one is going to hire you just because your social media profile states that you are a gifted painter. Provide solid proof of your abilities and convince potential clients.

This will require you to provide some samples of the work you have done in the past. Always remember to include details on how much you charge for your services and how clients can reach you.

7 Become a social media manager

Social media has become a useful channel for large organizations to communicate with their clients. And for prominent personalities to stay in touch with their fans.

Most large organizations and prominent figures nowadays have one or several social media accounts. Multiple ways to connect with their clients and fans. Such accounts usually have a substantial number of followers. And can sometimes receive hundreds of messages and requests each day.

The owners of such accounts often lack the time or the capacity to handle the sheer volume of requests that come in on a daily basis, so they hire social media managers to handle their accounts for them.

A quick search on Google will reveal several online opportunities for social media managers. The requirements for such a job include excellent language skills and a good understanding of current social media trends.