The influencer space is no longer limited to celebrities and internet-famous personalities with millions of followers. Thanks to niche communities, relatable content, and creative platforms, anyone with a smartphone and a voice can begin building influence — and income — online.
If you’re an aspiring influencer, chances are you’re already creating content, growing your followers, and exploring your unique brand. But while chasing that first 10k milestone or brand deal, you might be wondering: “How do I actually make money now?” The good news is, you don’t need to wait until you’re “famous” to start earning.
There are dozens of side hustles you can run alongside your content creation, many of which help you build your brand faster while bringing in real income. From affiliate marketing and coaching to digital product sales and community building, these ideas work whether you’re on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, or all of the above.
In this guide, we’ll walk through 11 proven, monetizable side hustles tailored for creators like you — people who are building an audience with personality, purpose, and a plan.
1. Affiliate Marketing (Even with a Small Following)
One of the easiest ways to start making money as an influencer is through affiliate marketing. You promote products you love and earn a small commission every time someone buys through your unique link.
Start with products you genuinely use and trust — like skincare, apps, or creator tools. You can sign up for platforms like Amazon Associates, LTK, ShareASale, or RewardStyle depending on your niche.
Even if you only have a few hundred followers, your influence matters. Micro and nano influencers often have higher engagement, which leads to real conversions.
2. Sell Presets, Filters, or Canva Templates
If your content has a signature style or aesthetic, turn it into a product. You can sell Lightroom presets, video LUTs, Instagram Story templates, or editable Canva designs.
Digital products like these take time to make once — then sell passively to other creators who want to replicate your look. Use Gumroad, Payhip, or your own site to host downloads.
It’s a great way to monetize your creative process while helping other influencers elevate their brand.
3. Social Media Coaching or Audits
If you’re good at creating content that gets noticed, offer coaching to others trying to grow online. This can include Instagram bio audits, TikTok strategy sessions, content calendar planning, or even basic brand coaching.
You don’t need to be a massive influencer to help others — even someone with 1k–5k followers can offer insights to beginners. Package your services and promote them via your Linktree, bio, or DMs.
Clients love actionable advice and real examples — especially if you’ve grown quickly yourself.
4. UGC (User-Generated Content) Creation for Brands
You don’t need a huge following to get brand deals. With UGC, brands pay you to create photos or videos they post on their own channels — not yours. It’s about content quality, not clout.
Pitch yourself as a content creator rather than an influencer. Use platforms like Billo, Trend.io, or reach out directly to small businesses that match your niche.
It’s one of the best-paid side hustles for micro-influencers and a great entry point into long-term partnerships.
5. Manage Social Media for Local Brands
Your content skills are valuable — not just for your brand, but for others too. Offer to manage social media accounts for small businesses, freelancers, or local organizations.
You already know how to create engaging posts, write captions, and spot trends. Apply those skills to earn a monthly retainer (often $300–$1,000+ per client) for helping someone else grow their audience.
This also gives you behind-the-scenes experience in brand management — a bonus if you’re positioning yourself for bigger influencer deals.
6. Launch a Niche Newsletter
Have a strong perspective or specific niche (e.g., vegan food, indie fashion, slow living)? Create a short weekly newsletter that curates your favorite finds, tips, or stories. Tools like Beehiiv or ConvertKit make it easy.
You can monetize with affiliate links, paid sponsorships, or even sell digital products through the newsletter. The key is consistency and niche clarity — even 100 engaged subscribers can start generating revenue.
Plus, newsletters are algorithm-proof — you own your audience.
7. Offer Shoutouts or Paid Collaborations
As your following grows, brands may be willing to pay for shoutouts or collabs — even at 1k–5k followers. Micro-influencers are valued for their authenticity and niche trust.
Set your rates early (start at $25–$100 per post depending on your niche and engagement) and create a media kit that outlines your audience, metrics, and brand values.
Use influencer marketplaces like AspireIQ, Heepsy, or reach out directly with a pitch.
8. Start a Podcast or YouTube Channel
Expand your influence by creating long-form content. Podcasts and YouTube channels let you go deeper into your niche, reach new audiences, and earn through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate links.
You can start small — recording with your phone or Zoom — and grow over time. Many influencers use podcasts or YouTube to establish authority, attract brand deals, or launch courses.
Consistency and clarity of message are key — not fancy equipment.
9. Host Paid Workshops or Classes
Are you great at photography, content editing, pitching brands, or storytelling? Package that expertise into a paid online workshop. Use Zoom, Loom, or a course platform to host.
Even a 60-minute live session priced at $10–$50 can bring in income and grow your credibility. You can later turn it into an evergreen course or mini-series.
This hustle works especially well in the creator economy, where people pay for niche-specific insight and inspiration.
10. Flip Thrifted Items or Curated Finds
Use your eye for style to source vintage clothes, home decor, or accessories and resell them online. You can showcase the finds on your content, link to your Depop or Poshmark, and make sales while building a lifestyle brand.
Followers love seeing transformation videos (e.g., “from thrift store to trendy outfit”), and it can boost both your income and engagement.
A great hustle for influencers in fashion, sustainability, or lifestyle niches.
11. Create Merch for Your Personal Brand
Even small audiences can support merch — especially if you create inside jokes, quotes, or designs your community relates to. Platforms like Printful and Teespring let you create without holding inventory.
Start with low-cost items like stickers, mugs, or tees, and promote them subtly through your content. The goal isn’t just to make money — it’s to build brand loyalty and give your followers something to connect with.
This hustle becomes more powerful as your following grows.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to wait until you’re verified, famous, or fully “established” to start earning as an influencer. In fact, the sooner you explore side hustles that align with your content, the faster you’ll build a sustainable, income-generating brand.
Pick one or two hustles that excite you most. Stay consistent, stay authentic, and remember: being small doesn’t mean you’re not powerful — it means you’re still growing.
Frank
