Growth Tactics Newsletter #107

Influencers, creators, and businesses are constantly seeking effective ways to monetize their audiences. Whether you’re an influencer looking to leverage your following or a business aiming to collaborate with creators, understanding the different strategies to monetize an audience is crucial. Here are a few ways to do so:

1. Affiliates: Earn commission for sales

Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest ways to start making money. Basically, you promote someone else’s product and earn a commission on each sale that comes through your link. It’s low-risk and quick to set up since many brands already have affiliate programs you can join with a few clicks. The downside? While it’s easy cash, it usually doesn’t lead to any big payouts or exit value unless you can scale it massively.

2. Sponsorships: Get paid upfront

Sponsorships are all about getting paid upfront to promote a brand, either through a post, a shoutout, or even letting the brand use your content as part of their ads (this is called whitelisting). You get your money before any sales are made, which is a nice way to reduce your risk. However, these deals are usually a bit tougher to snag and depend a lot on your audience size and engagement. Plus, like affiliates, they don’t offer much in terms of long-term value unless you turn it into a full-blown media gig.

3. Partnerships: Get a piece of the pie

If you’re looking to get more involved, partnerships might be the way to go. This could mean earning equity in a business in exchange for your promotion efforts. The deals can vary widely—you could end up with a small percentage or a big chunk depending on the size of your audience and the business. Partnerships can be super rewarding if the company does well, but they come with more risk and require careful negotiation on your end. Always make sure you’re clear on what you’re getting upfront and how much work you’ll need to put in.

4. Start our own brand: Go all in

Launching your own brand or product is the most hands-on approach, but it can also be the most lucrative. You’ll have full control and can market directly to your audience. You can either go with white labeling (putting your brand on an existing product) for a quick start or create something custom if you want to stand out more. It’s more work and costs more upfront, but the potential for big rewards is huge if you’re willing to put in the effort.

5. The value, risk, and effort spectrum

These four options aren’t all created equal. Affiliates are the easiest and carry the least risk but also offer the least potential for big payouts. Starting your own brand is on the opposite end—more challenging, but with higher potential value. Your choice will depend on how much time, effort, and risk you’re willing to take on.

6. Smart deal structuring

One thing to keep in mind is how you structure your deals. Balancing cash, equity, and the amount of work involved is key to making sure everyone’s happy. Make sure you’re clear on what’s expected from both sides before you sign on the dotted line.

7. Custom vs. white label: What’s right for you?

If you’re starting a brand, you’ll need to decide between white labeling or creating something custom. White labeling is faster and cheaper, but custom products give you a unique edge. Think about what fits best with your brand and your audience.

8. Know your audience (and your goals)

At the end of the day, your success will come down to knowing your audience and aligning your monetization strategy with their needs and interests. Authenticity is key—your followers will know if you’re just in it for the money. Find the right balance, and you’ll be on your way to monetizing like a pro!

🔥 New brand shoutout

Persistence NYC is a contemporary streetwear brand that blends bold designs with urban sophistication. Known for its unique graphic prints and quality materials, the brand offers a range of apparel that caters to those who embrace individuality and make a statement through their style. With a focus on innovation and a nod to New York City’s dynamic culture, Persistence NYC creates pieces that resonate with the modern, fashion-forward individual who values both comfort and cutting-edge fashion.

🔥 Influencer shoutout

Karie Binge is a lifestyle and fashion influencer who shares a vibrant mix of personal style, beauty tips, and travel adventures on her Instagram. Known for her chic outfits and bold makeup looks, Karie effortlessly combines high fashion with everyday wear, making her style accessible and inspiring to her followers. Her feed is a colorful blend of fashion-forward content, lifestyle moments, and glimpses into her personal life, all curated with a keen eye for aesthetics and detail. Karie's engaging personality and relatable approach make her a favorite among her audience, as she continuously inspires confidence and self-expression.