10 Easy Ways to Make Money on Instagram (Even with a Small Following)

bypaulm18

5.5K followers

5 months ago

Instagram is one of the most powerful platforms to build a personal brand, create community, and earn income, even with a small but engaged following. Here's a 10 instagram monetization ideas, especially for affiliate marketers, creators, and online business builders.

💸 Top Instagram Monetization Strategies (2025)

1. Affiliate Marketing with Links in Bio & Stories

Promote affiliate programs like Wealthy Affiliate using:

✅️ Bio link (via Linktree, Stan Store, Beacons, etc.)

✅️ Instagram Stories (with link stickers)

✅️ CTA in Reels or carousel posts

✅️ 🎥 “How I started affiliate marketing with $0 - link in bio to get the same training free!”

2. Paid Collaborations & Brand Sponsorships

Partner with niche brands (blog tools, faith-based merch, business planners).

Even micro-influencers (1K–10K followers) can earn sponsorship deals by being clear, consistent, and nicheniche-focused.

3. Digital Product Sales

Sell your own:

✅️ Ebooks

✅️ Canva templates

✅️ Blogging planners

✅️ WA getting started guide

✅️ “Start Your First Blog” checchecklist

🛒 Promote in Stories, Highlights, and Reels using a digital product store link.

4. Coaching or Services

Offer:

✅️ Blog coaching

✅️ Affiliate marketing support

✅️ WA platform walkthroughs

✅️ Niche selection help

📩 Use DMs and a “Book a call” CTA in bio.

5. Instagram Subscriptions (Monthly Content)

Enable followers to subscribe for exclusive content like:

✅️ Behind-the-scenes

✅️ WA Tutorials

✅️ Private Q&As

✅️ Early access to resources

6. Create Reels That Funnel to Offers

Use Reels to:

✅️ Share tips

✅️ Tell stories

✅️ Preview your digital products

✅️ Explain WA benefits in 30–60 seconds

Reels have the best organic reach for discovery + engagement.

7. Offer UGC (User-Generated Content) Services

Create content for brands even if you’re not an influencer.

Turn your affiliate content creation skills into paid UGC work.

8. Host Paid Challenges or Workshops

Promote mini-challenges via Reels and Stories like:

✅️ “7-Day Affiliate Kickstart”

✅️ “Faith + Finance Bootcamp”

✅️ “Blogging for Beginners Workshop”

Collect payments via Stripe or Stan Store.

9. Drive Traffic to Monetized Platforms

Send followers to:

✅️ Your Wealthy Affiliate blog

✅️ Your YouTube channel

✅️ Your email list

✅️ Your Facebook group

10. Instagram Live for Gifting, Launches & Q&A

Go live to:

✅️ Promote your affiliate link

✅️ Teach a WA strategy

✅️ Answer audience questions

✅️ Share live testimonials and wins

Add a link sticker in the comments or pin your affiliate link in the live description.

🎯 Types of Instagram Content That Monetize Well

Format Monetization Angle Example

🎥 Reels: Viral tips, quick stories “3 affiliate mistakes I made (so you don’t)”

📸 Carousels: Tutorials, lead-ins to blogs “5 tools that helped me start my online business”

📲 Stories: Daily updates + links “Building my blog today – link in bio to start yours”

📩 DM Conversations: Build 1-on-1 connection “DM me ‘WA’ to get the free training link”

🔗 Link in Bio: Central monetization hub Affiliate offers, digital store, coaching

Cheers 🍻

Paul ❤️