Finding it tough to handle those hefty utility bills with your main income? Don’t worry. We have a great solution for boosting your earnings by doing what you already do best: creating content!
Content creation has really shaken up the money-making scene—you don’t have to stick to just one platform to earn cash, especially if you’re savvy with using others. Just read our guide on ‘What is Patreon?”, and you’ll be all set to start bringing in some solid passive income with your content.
Don’t know where to start? Well, we don’t blame you. A lot of people haven’t even heard of this platform, much less learned how to use it!
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Patreon and content creation that will fill up your bank account. However, before you get all invested in Patreon, there’s another way to ensure a boost in your income. Get a social media management tool to keep your content’s quality and consistency intact— this AI integration might be everything you have ever dreamt of!
What Is Patreon?
Patreon is a membership platform that lets content creators share exclusive content with their followers. Creators can offer this content for free or set up a subscription model where fans pay a monthly fee to access exclusive materials.
As of 2022, over 250,000 creators were actively posting on Patreon, and the platform boasted 8 million monthly active supporters, commonly referred to as Patrons. In 2021, Patreon reached a valuation of $4 billion. Additionally, the platform has expanded its accessibility by offering apps for both Android and iOS devices.
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How Does Patreon Work?
Patreon is a way to create a reciprocal relationship between creators and their followers. On this platform, creators can set a subscription fee that grants followers access to exclusive content, with charges applied monthly. This arrangement is highly beneficial for creators, as it provides a dependable source of income. Meanwhile, patrons gain a clear understanding of the benefits they receive—namely, the exclusive content—and how their support contributes to enhancing the creator’s production quality. Additionally, patrons have the flexibility to cancel their membership whenever they feel they have provided sufficient support to the creator.
Many content creators on Patreon, like Jeff Wittek and Yagami Yato, have a following on the platform while maintaining successful careers as YouTubers. Most creators using Patreon already have an established audience on other social media platforms. Typically, they share content on other channels and then encourage their followers to subscribe to their Patreon for exclusive content. This strategy helps them leverage their existing fan base to build a sustainable and direct revenue stream through Patreon subscriptions.
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How Do I Set Up a Patreon Page?
Getting registered as a creator on Patreon is easy. Once you learn what is Patreon, here’s what you need to do:
- Sign up on Patreon
- Write your name and URL
- Click on “Create.”
- Connect your social media channels with Patreon
- Write about your content to let people know what it’s about
- Publish your Patreon so people can start subscribing to you
How Much Can I Earn on Patreon?
Unlike YouTube, where creators can earn money through ads and views, Patreon operates differently. On Patreon, your income is solely dependent on how many patrons you have supporting you. To explain it better, let’s go through an example:
Let’s imagine you have 100,000 subscribers on YouTube and decide to encourage them to join your Patreon. Unfortunately, not everyone is willing to pay for exclusive benefits. Suppose 10% of your subscribers are intrigued enough to click on your Patreon link, and of those, only 2% decide to actually subscribe. If they each choose a subscription tier priced at $5, you’d earn $10,000 a month from Patreon. This scenario is just a hypothetical example to illustrate how earnings on Patreon might work; actual earnings can vary widely.
Remember, there’s no set formula to predict precisely how much you will earn from Patreon. If this amount doesn’t meet your expectations, stay tuned to explore other ways to earn money and understand what Patreon is used for.
How Much Does Patreon Cost?
Setting up a Patreon page is completely free at the start. You can sign up as a creator and begin posting your high-quality content without any initial charges. Patreon only starts taking a cut when you begin earning money from your patrons. Once you start gaining patrons, a percentage of your earnings will go to Patreon.
This platform offers creators two different tiers, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your needs. The percentage deducted by Patreon from your earnings will depend on the tier you select and is applied monthly. The great thing about Patreon is that there’s no fixed fee involved. You only pay a percentage based on what you earn from the platform, which means you never have to worry about paying out more than you bring in. This makes it a flexible and financially viable option for creators at any level of earning.
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6 Ways to Make Money on Patreon
Creating content feels more rewarding and less like work when you’re earning from it. Whether it’s YouTube, Instagram, or Patreon, it’s always more enjoyable to produce content when you know it’s positively impacting your bank balance. You can learn how to make money on Patreon by doing the following:
Pick a Category
Before you start posting on Patreon, choosing your niche is crucial. While having a specific focus is important on all social media platforms, it’s absolutely essential on Patreon. Since people are paying a subscription fee, they need a compelling reason to follow you. For instance, if your content is centered around debunking historical myths or setting the record straight on past events, you should commit fully to that theme.
A great example of this approach is the podcast “You’re Wrong About,” where they discuss controversies and the life histories of famous individuals, like their episode on Victoria Lynn Morgan. They use audio podcasts to delve deep into these topics, engaging their audience with each episode.
A snapshot of Patreon Build Your Tiers Strategically
The way you structure your membership tiers is key to how much you can expect to earn on Patreon. You have the freedom to set your own fees for each tier, which lets you decide exactly how much to charge your audience. Some creators might set their minimum at $10 per tier, while others might start as low as $1.
It’s important to strategize your tiers thoughtfully, ensuring each one offers enough value to justify the cost. If you’re charging $20 for a tier, make sure the benefits are worth it, or you might find no one willing to subscribe. Always balance your audience’s needs with your own financial requirements and design tiers that work well for everyone.
Take “DarkCookie” as an example—they’ve done a great job of setting up well-defined membership tiers that are accessible to their audience. Their most expensive tier is only $10, which shows a thoughtful approach to pricing. It’s important to consider your own financial needs when setting up your tiers, but also keep in mind that even for exclusive content, there’s a limit to how much most audiences are willing to pay. Aim to strike a balance that offers real value to your subscribers without overcharging.
A snapshot of Patreon Create Content
Once you have learned what is Patreon and set up your tiers, it’s time to start creating content!
Remember, consistency is especially important on Patreon because your subscribers are investing their money in your work. If you fail to deliver the promised content, you risk losing their trust and, potentially, their subscriptions. Keep your commitment to your audience front and center.
Interact With Your Patrons
Interacting with your audience is crucial for building a strong connection with them. On social media, people often leave questions and supportive comments, and creators need to acknowledge as many of these as they can. This is even more manageable on Patreon due to the typically smaller number of subscribers than a YouTube following of millions.
Creators on Patreon are often seen interacting with their Patrons in comments. Although this might seem like a small effort, it can significantly impact how your audience perceives you, enhancing their loyalty and increasing their engagement with your content.
Post Content Regularly
Regular posting is crucial on Patreon because your subscribers expect consistent and exclusive content, given that they’re paying for it. Unlike platforms where occasional posting might suffice, Patreon is a membership-based platform with higher expectations for frequent updates. To keep up with these expectations, a smart strategy is to reserve some of your content specifically for Patreon.
Aaron Freeman is a great example of a creator on Patreon who really delivers on his promises. He’s transparent with his audience by sharing his content schedule so they always know what to expect and when. Since he aims to post content every day, he’s providing tremendous value to his subscribers.
A snapshot of Patreon Keep Offering Something New
As humans, our interests can change rapidly, and what captures our attention one day, might not do the same the next day. This is especially true when it comes to following content creators. If you have a large fanbase now, it’s vital to keep experimenting with your content to maintain their interest.
Over the years, many social media influencers have successfully shifted their focus to offer something new to their audience. This doesn’t mean you need to target a completely different audience, as that could require starting over and building from scratch. Instead, consider varying the type of content you create. On platforms like Patreon, many creators successfully rotate through different content types—whether it’s videos, podcasts, articles, or interactive content—and manage it effortlessly.
What to Post on Patreon?
When discussing the types of content that are particularly popular on Patreon, a few categories consistently rise to the top. These include:
Podcasts
Podcasts have indeed become a major trend across all social media platforms. Just a few years ago, long-form video content might have been considered tedious, but now, influencers are hosting their own podcasts or looking to guest on existing ones. Listeners can engage with audio or video podcasts while multitasking, making them a versatile form of entertainment and learning. Podcasts cover a wide range of topics—from personal stories to technical discussions—providing valuable knowledge and insights.
“The Tim Dillon Show” is a hit podcast on Patreon that really draws in the crowd for some genuine laughs and a good time. People love listening to Tim’s unique take on things and his hilarious commentary. It’s definitely a favorite for anyone looking to lighten up their day.
A snapshot of Patreon Reaction Videos
Reaction videos have really taken off lately, and what used to be seen as pretty low-effort content has won over a ton of fans. It’s a cool way to ride the wave of popular movies, TV shows, and celebrity buzz. You can consider reacting to a blockbuster movie or a viral interview—it’s fun, and viewers really get into it.
Plus, there’s a twist now with experts getting in on the action. You’ve got body language analysts, vocal coaches, and even psychologists making reaction videos. They break down what’s going on behind the scenes with the people in the video, adding a whole new layer of insight. It’s not just about watching and reacting anymore; it’s about learning something new while you’re at it. Whether it’s catching hidden cues or understanding why someone reacted a certain way, these videos can be super engaging and informative.
“Colombian Cousins React” is a great example of a channel that nailed the reaction video format. They’ve built a strong following by reacting to BTS videos, and fans really enjoy watching them experience and enjoy the content.
A snapshot of Patreon Images
Images can make for a fantastic exclusive benefit on Patreon. You might wonder why someone would pay just to see images, but if you’re producing high-quality photographs or are an artist showcasing your paintings, there’s definitely a market for that. People appreciate art and craftsmanship, and many are willing to support creators financially to get a closer look at their work. So, if you’re not into making videos, don’t worry—Patreon can still be a great platform for you.
Behind-The-Scene Videos
Even if you’re already putting out great content on other social media platforms and aren’t sure what to share exclusively on Patreon, behind-the-scenes videos can be a real hit. It’s actually pretty surprising how many people love to see what goes on behind the curtain. This kind of content really pulls back the veil on your creative process, and fans dig that—it makes everything feel more personal and genuine. So, sharing these behind-the-scenes glimpses could be a cool way to connect with your audience on a deeper level and really make the most of what Patreon has to offer.
Polls
Another cool thing you can do on Patreon is run polls. A lot of creators set up polls so even their lowest-tier subscribers can have a say. It’s a simple way to let everyone chip in and vote on what kind of content they want to see more of on your Patreon. Plus, it’s a great tool to check in with your audience and see if they’re happy with the perks they’re getting. So, running polls can really help you tune into your audience’s preferences and make sure they feel valued and heard.
In Conclusion
Patreon is definitely a fantastic platform for making money. When creators get the gist of what is Patreon and how it works, they can really start bringing in a decent amount each month, all while keeping up with their other social media platforms. We all like having a little side hustle, right? There’s no harm in giving it a shot on social media. Give Patreon a try, and you might be surprised at how quickly you start seeing the benefits!
