Have you ever wondered how social media stars make money? Beyond the usual posts and ads, there’s a lesser-known secret: premium content. But what exactly is premium content? And how do influencers use it to earn money? In this guide, we’ll explore the fascinating world of exclusive content creation.
We’ll uncover how influencers craft special videos, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes access that fans are willing to pay for. Join us as we unravel the mystery of how influencers turn their passion into profit through premium content.
What is Premium Content?
Premium content is stuff you have to pay for to see. From your favorite YouTuber’s special club to a LinkedIn star’s online class about marketing, there are many ways to make money. The basic idea? If it’s good, special, and better than usual, it’s probably premium content.
Advantages of Premium Content in 2024
Whether you’re a popular person wanting to earn money in different ways or a company thinking about offering paid stuff, here are the main four advantages of premium content:
#1: More Consistent Income
What is the top advantage of premium content? Stability.
Through paid content like subscriptions, influencers (and brands) can predict their monthly income more accurately.
This is particularly useful if an influencer depends too much on partnerships and sponsored posts, which can vary throughout the year.
#2: Try New Creative Ideas
When things are stable, you can try new stuff.
Especially for experienced creators, premium content lets you try different ways of making content.
The outcome? More creativity and space to test things and learn from mistakes.
#3: Make Money in Different Ways
What’s better than getting money from one place? Getting it from two or three!
In 2024, more and more popular people will be making money in different ways, not just from brands and social media.
For example, a big fashion person might make money like this:
- 40% from working with brands
- 30% of people who buy stuff they recommend
- 30% from a special fan group they run
But someone who’s into social media marketing (and isn’t as famous) might do it differently:
- 50% from teaching courses and workshops
- 30% from giving advice
- 20% from working with brands
The point? The more ways you can get money, the more money you can make!
#4: Have More of Your Things
The influencer world can be confusing.
But with your own special or paid content, you don’t have to depend on just one thing to talk to your fans.
For example, if you have a list of people’s emails from a class or something you sold before, you can easily talk to them whenever you want.
Different Types of Premium Content
Depending on what you do and what you’re interested in, here are four special kinds of content to think about:
#1: Fan Groups
What is the most popular way for famous people and creators to make special content? Special fan groups.
Websites like Patreon let creators make money from things like writing or taking pictures.
People who pay more money can see even more special stuff.
Look at Tee Noir, a YouTuber who talks about culture. She shares longer videos, extra stuff, and other special things on her Patreon.
And if we’re right about what’s going to happen in 2024, we might see more brands working with famous people on Patreon. They might offer special deals and show off new products first!
#2: Classes, Videos, and Models
Another popular type of special content is classes, videos, and models.
We suggest this for famous people and brands who are big thinkers in their area, and have something real to give their fans.
For example, Girlboss has a course called Spark Your Career Renaissance.
This could be anything from a short class about growing on social media, to a bunch of models you’ve made to talk to brands.
If you know a lot and have good info (more than you can find with a quick search), you can decide how much to charge.
#3: Paid Letters
Like reading?
Even though many famous people and smart thinkers don’t charge for their letters, you can do it on websites like Substack.
You can offer three different prices for your letters: every month, every year, or a special deal for your most loyal readers.
Say hello to another way to make money.
#4: Books and Reports
Especially for big companies, books and reports are a good way to make special stuff.
Why? People and businesses in your area are ready to pay for new research and information.
And if you update it every year with new facts, you’ll keep getting money.
Making a Special Content Plan in 2024
Before you make and share special content, it’s important to have a good plan.
How will you make something people want to pay for? What tools or websites will you need?
Here are five tips to help you make your plan for special content:
Tip 1: Figure Out Your Goals
Before you start making content, decide what you want to achieve and how you’ll measure it.
How many people do you want to sign up with your first month, every three months, and in a year? How often will you make special content?
This will help you decide what to make, how much to charge, and where to put it.
Tip 2: Look at What Other People Are Doing
It’s okay to look at what others are doing for ideas.
See how much they charge and what kind of content they make. What are they good at? What can you do better?
Tip 3: Make Sure It’s Good Quality
Make something worth paying for.
Special content can make you a lot of money, but it takes time. Use the right tools, make a good plan, and be ready to work hard.
Tip 4: Know Your Fans
Know who your fans are and what they want.
Ask yourself: What do your fans want to pay for? Make sure you give them value.
Tip 5: Make It Last
Make content that lasts a long time.
While some things are okay to have an end date, making special content that lasts forever means you’ll keep making money. Just remember to update it sometimes!
So, now you know everything about special content.
Whether you’re making your first class or thinking about making videos that make money, we can’t wait to see what you do. Good luck!