The rise of the open-source movement has had a positive effect on the growth of the internet, opening avenues for a broad spectrum of people to gain access to information, and thereby a larger understanding of the world around them. It’s a simple concept — to access this immense amount of information, we need to be connected. But therein lies a major problem — connecting is hard.
The internet is all about sharing. If your goal is to make a buck by turning shareable content into money, you’ll need to pick your steps carefully. That’s because most sites, though popular, don’t offer a comprehensive package of features that will make it easy for you to churn out your own blogging empire. Here are six ways to make money with social media.
1. Contest Your Cause or Inspiration. Contest sites exist to help people build their online brands and influence people in meaningful ways. And they’re all over social media these days. If you’re looking to make money, there are millions of brands hungry for the excitement you’ll create. Just be sure your cause is worthy — most contest sites will only post in the hope that your post will make people vote for the cause you’re touting. Or send the contest site a link to your page and you could earn some green. Make sure your mission is worthy, and your posts will make people want to vote.
2. Crowdfund for Your Cause. When done right, a crowdfunded campaign can create a sense of community and engagement for both the contributor and the recipient. When you choose to do a campaign, make sure it’s worthwhile. If you have an idea that will make a difference in people’s lives, you’ll probably attract donors, so let us help you get your campaign started.
3. Set Up Bookmarking Sites. We found a way to make a lot of money and take advantage of something that’s generally free. The only hurdle is that you’ll need to reach people online with ads targeted towards them. Then it’s as easy as clicking a single button to have your post show up on a website or blog, and it can be endlessly lucrative if you get your game right. Of course, you can also sell your blog to someone, whether it’s a more experienced social media company looking to build their own website, or a user looking to make more money off their own page or brand.
4. Sell Your Personal Data. Few social media platforms are beyond a lawsuit. Instagram, for example, offers users the ability to sell their facial recognition data. So if you’re a fan of the system, open your eyes, let go of your privacy, and find out how much money Instagram might be willing to pay you. The site doesn’t seem all that interested in your personal information, which is often quite the contrary for younger sites. Once again, you’ll need to agree to a terms of service before you can proceed, but this is a way to establish yourself as a thought leader or trendsetter in your area. Even if you have one customer, you’ll be making some money.
5. Create Your Own Merch. Hey, self-made millionaire! Get to work. Since you will likely need cash from somewhere, you’ll want to turn your friends and family into believers, and that means buying them the latest and greatest accessories, clothes, coffee mugs, clothing, and even gift bags to take with you to events. It’s a great way to build a loyal following, and you can earn cash while you enjoy the glory.
6. Create A Podcast. One of the quickest ways to get money for your writing is to create your own podcast. You can license your material, and you can charge listeners to listen. You’ll need to work around editing issues and handle production, but it’s a win-win-win, as you’ll be keeping your writing and paying yourself, and listeners will share in your success.
So, there you have it — it’s never too late to start building your own social media empire. Whether you’re starting from scratch or pre-launching, these are some great tips that can help you get started on the road to riches. Get started today.