How To Make Money On Instagram As Beginner- Complete Guide

Don’t just use Instagram to scroll new videos of your favouirite creators rather use it as a way to generate passive income for your future. From selling merchandize on IG shop to becoming a part time influencer - the platform offers many ways for you to make money!

With this guide, we will teach you how to make money on Instagram and build a successful online business or career without any hassle. Let’s start! 

How Much Money Can You Make On Instagram?

Instagram earnings depend directly on the number of followers, engagement rate and sponsorship contracts with brands. Influencers might receive anywhere between several hundred to thousands of dollars for each post they make. However, you should consider a few aspects to raise a good amount of income. 

• Is your niche related to some products? Popular niches like fashion, beauty and astrology often have higher monetization potential.

• Do you have followers that usually engage with your content, posts, or reels?

• Do you follow the sentiments of your audience and plan your content strategy based on it?

You can earn enough from Instagram posts even with fewer followers. All you need to do is promote your niche effectively.

How Many Followers Do You Need To Make Money On Instagram?

You don’t actually need any specific number of followers in order to begin earning from this platform. The key is engaging content, effective promotions, and engaged audience. 

It is possible to generate income even with a modest following if you have a highly involved audience and collaborate strategically with brands. 

How To Make Money On Instagram- Step By Step Guide

There are many ways to make money on Instagram, just experiment with different strategies.  As you try different ways, pay attention to what your audience likes. Look at the outcomes, get feedback, and change your methods as needed. 

Be persistent and you will get the best ways to make money that fit your goals and bring you success on Instagram. Here are 8 ways to earn money on Instagram.

1.  Define Your Target Audience

Before diving into money-making strategies, understanding who you want to reach is key. Identify your niche and the people who would benefit from your content. What are their interests, age range, and location? 

Knowing their demographics helps you tailor your content effectively. You should also know your current followers. Are there any trends in their profiles? It may let you know who is naturally attracted by your content. By determining your target audience, you can create content that resonates with them.

2. Create A Niche Specific Feature Account

Imagine an Instagram account that collects amazing cookery photos from different people. They tag the photographers to give them credit. These are called "feature accounts." There are many of these for all sorts of niche- accessories, travel, fashion and more.

Once your feature account gets popular, you can offer to showcase people's photos in exchange for a fee. It's like a mini-magazine on Instagram. There are many people who are eager to get this spotlight. They can shed a good amount for getting featured. All you need is to make engaging and engrossing content.

How To Create An Instagram Feature Account?

Here's how to get started with your own Instagram feature account.

• Step 1- Find Your Niche

Choose a theme you love and research existing accounts.

• Step 2- Create Your Profile

Create a catchy username, bio, and highlight your niche.

• Step 3- Curate Content

Share high-quality photos, crediting the original photographer.

• Step 4- Build Your Community

Use hashtags, engage with followers, and follow relevant accounts.

• Step 5- Source User-Generated Content

Encourage submissions and set clear guidelines.

• Step 6- Feature & Grow Together

Choose high-quality photos, ask permission to feature, and maintain a consistent aesthetic.

3. Optimize Your Instagram Profile

Optimizing your profile based on your brand portrays you as a niche expert. It attracts brands and collaborators for potential partnerships. The highlights in your profile showcase your expertise and impress the potential clients. 

An engaging profile fosters connections with your audience, building a community for future promotions or launches.

How To Optimize Instagram Profile

Here is a breakdown on how to optimize each element of your Instagram profile.

• Step 1- Profile Picture

Choose a high-resolution photo matched with your brand image across all platforms. You should use brand logos for business accounts.

• Step 2- Username

Keep it short, memorable, and relevant to your niche. Check the availability before creating an account.

• Step 3- Relevant Keywords

Include relevant keywords for better search like “Cookery Delights” or “Travel Loops”. You must use a professional name reflecting your brand for business accounts.

• Step 4- Bio

Keep your bio clear and concise; within character limit.  State your niche, target audience, and add a CTA. 

• Step 5- Links to Website

Use links in bio to drive traffic to your website, portfolio, or landing page.

4. Start Creating Valuable Content

Choose a niche that actually interests you and become an expert in your niche. Deep knowledge allows you to offer valuable insights to your audience. You can share tutorials, tips, inspirational stories, or even humor related to your niche. Also, prompt viewers to save or share your content. 

How To Create Savable And Shareable Content?

Create savable and shareable content with your audience that best resonates with them using these tips and strategies.

• Make it Valuable- People share content that educates, entertains, or solves a problem. Offer tips, tutorials, or insights relevant to your niche.

• Engage the Senses- Use high-quality photos, captivating videos, or stunning graphics to grab attention.

• Encourage Sharing- Make it easy for people to share your content. Include clear calls to action, like "Tag a friend who needs this" or "Share your thoughts in the comments"

• Tell Compelling Stories- Craft narratives that resonate with your audience. Use visuals and captions to weave a story that keeps viewers hooked and wanting more.

• User-Generated Content (UGC)- Run contests, ask questions, or feature user-created content to build a sense of community and increase engagement.

• Spark Emotions for Sharing- Evoke emotions like laughter, inspiration, or relatable situations. This makes people want to share your content with their network.

5. Gain More Instagram Followers

More followers means more opportunities to monetize Instagram.  As you gain more followers, your content reaches a wider audience; more likes and shares. 

This will make you attractive  to the brands and they will offer to collaborate or sponsor posts. More followers will also raise potential sales of your own products or services.

Best Instagram Growth Service

6. Enter Into Affiliate Partnerships

Affiliate marketing turns you into an online salesperson, you get paid when you convince your followers through IG content to visit the brand’s site and buy a product through your unique link or code.

But the reward is potentially bigger to earn commission on sales and not just per post. The payments on affiliate marketing are between 5 to 30 percent. 

Brands care more about who you are and how you connect with their audience, not based on your follower count. Many companies even have "Brand Ambassador" programs that you can join.

So, the key is to build trust with your followers and connect them with brands they might like. This can lead to success in both sponsored posts and affiliate marketing, ultimately growing your Instagram income potential. 

7. Become An Instagram Influencer

This is one of the most popular ways to make money on Instagram. If you have love for Instagram then you can turn it into a career. 

Become an Influencer and promote your brand. However, it's not just about having a large following. Building trust and a loyal community is key.  

Make beautiful visuals and informative posts that educate, entertain, or inspire. Respond to comments, host Q&A sessions, and run contests. Foster a sense of connection and make your audience feel valued. Building a successful influencer presence takes time and dedication.

Be realistic about your initial earning potential. Once you have a significant online presence, reach out directly to negotiate potential collaborations with brands. Promote products you genuinely believe in to maintain your audience's trust.

8. Start Selling Digital Products

Artists, photographers and designers can convert their art into money through Instagram. While creating such work, be original and distinctive. For displaying your talent in artistic fields Instagram is the right platform.

You can sell all your digital products from paintings and photos up to animations and videos. Use a bio link which can lead whoever wants it to an online shop or website where they might buy those artworks from you. 

9.  Offer Instagram Caption Writing Services

You can make money on Instagram without being an influencer. If you know how to craft compelling captions, become a caption crafter. 

Businesses and individuals often need help crafting captivating captions for their Instagram posts. Help them write engaging captions that tell stories, spark conversations, and drive engagement.

10.  Sell Instagram Filters And Post Designs

Attractive visuals, appealing posts get the most likes and shares on Instagram. If you have a knack for design, offer Instagram filters and post design services. 

Create custom presets and templates for users who want to elevate their Instagram aesthetic. Now, you can earn income directly from Instagram.

11.  Manage Instagram Accounts Of Busy Owners

It is difficult for busy business owners to effectively handle their Instagram presence. You can become their social media manager to offer services like  content creation, scheduling posts, interacting with followers, and analyzing engagement metrics.

Final Thoughts

Instagram is full of potential opportunities for those who plan to turn their passion into the source of income. Dedication, consistency, and persistence are most important to grab the exciting opportunities to earn money. 

Establish yourself as an expert in your niche and share the valuable content with your audience. Even with a smaller following, you can go a long way to monetize on Instagram. 

Diligently follow the strategies and ways mentioned above and transform your Instagram passion into revenue. So beginners make money on Instagram with skills you already have.