Many believe that you need a massive Instagram following to make money, but this is not the case. Even with fewer than 10,000 followers, you can turn your Instagram account into a profitable venture. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Choose a Profitable Niche
Having a specific niche makes it easier to attract a dedicated audience. Whether it’s fitness, beauty, fashion, food, travel, or something else, focusing on a particular niche helps you appeal to brands and followers who are genuinely interested in your content. A loyal following is more valuable than a large but unengaged audience.
For example, if you run a fitness account, brands selling workout gear or supplements will find your page relevant. By consistently sharing high-quality content, you’ll gain the attention of both your audience and potential business partners.
2. Collaborate with Brands through Sponsored Posts
Even with less than 10,000 followers, brands are interested in working with micro-influencers because they often have higher engagement rates. Brands pay you to create and share posts about their products or services.
To get started with sponsored posts:
- Reach out to brands in your niche. You can send direct messages or emails to propose collaborations.
- Join influencer platforms such as AspireIQ or Famebit, where brands look for micro-influencers.
- Tag brands in your posts or stories when you use their products. If a brand notices you already appreciate their product, they may reach out to collaborate.
When negotiating, base your rate on your engagement and the value you can bring to the brand rather than your follower count alone.
3. Affiliate Marketing
With affiliate marketing, you promote products and earn a commission on each sale made through your unique referral link. Many companies have affiliate programs, and you don’t need a large following to get started.
Here’s how to start affiliate marketing on Instagram:
- Sign up for affiliate programs. Platforms like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, and CJ Affiliate have affiliate programs for various products.
- Share links in your bio or through Instagram Stories. If you have less than 10,000 followers, you won’t have the “swipe up” feature in Instagram Stories, but you can still share affiliate links through the link in your bio or via third-party tools like Linktree.
- Create content that promotes the products naturally. Authenticity is key. Show how the product fits into your lifestyle, and avoid sounding overly salesy.
4. Sell Your Own Products or Services
If you have a skill or product to offer, Instagram can be a great platform to sell directly to your audience. You don’t need a large following to start earning from this. Whether it’s digital products like ebooks, physical products like handmade crafts, or services like coaching, Instagram allows you to reach potential customers.
Here’s how you can start selling:
- Set up an Instagram Shop You can link it to your website or e-commerce platform and tag products directly in your posts.
- Use Instagram Stories and Highlights to showcase your products or services. Even with fewer than 10,000 followers, you can still share your offerings through engaging posts and stories. Make sure to add testimonials or user-generated content if available.
- Offer limited-time promotions or discounts to encourage purchases from your existing audience.
5. Offer Paid Promotions or Shoutouts
If you’ve cultivated a highly engaged audience, you can offer paid promotions or shoutouts to other users, particularly those looking to grow their Instagram following. Businesses or fellow content creators may pay you to promote their account, product, or service to your audience.
When offering shoutouts:
- Be transparent with your followers about the nature of the post to maintain trust and engagement.
- Only promote accounts or products that align with your niche to avoid alienating your followers.
6. Monetize Instagram Stories with “Close Friends” Feature
With the “Close Friends” feature on Instagram, you can create exclusive content for a select group of followers. This can be monetized by offering paid access to premium content like behind-the-scenes videos, exclusive tips, or early product releases. This is a great way to monetize Instagram even if you have a small but engaged following.
Here’s how it works:
- Create a membership model where your followers pay for access to your Close Friends list.
- Offer exclusive content This could be tutorials, Q&A sessions, or sneak peeks of new products.
You can collect payments through platforms like Patreon or other subscription-based services.
7. Leverage Instagram Reels and IGTV for More Exposure
While Instagram Reels and IGTV don’t offer direct monetization unless you’re part of Instagram’s partner programs, these features can help boost your reach and engagement. As Instagram prioritizes these formats, using them can help you grow your audience, which will make it easier to monetize through other means.
Here’s how you can use Reels and IGTV to increase engagement:
- Create short, engaging Reels that align with your niche. If a Reel goes viral, it can attract new followers, increasing your potential for brand partnerships and sales.
- Use IGTV for longer content. You can share tutorials, reviews, or detailed insights about your niche. Higher engagement on these platforms signals to potential collaborators that you have an active and loyal audience.
8. Join Instagram’s Partner Programs
While these are often seen as opportunities for larger accounts, Instagram’s partner programs, such as Badges in Live or In-Stream Video Ads, are options to explore as you grow. With these, creators earn money directly through the platform, though the eligibility requirements may limit access until you reach a larger audience.