When you think of making money on TikTok, it’s easy to assume that you need thousands of followers to start earning. But here’s some good news: you don’t need a massive audience to turn your TikTok presence into a money-making opportunity. With the right strategies and a bit of creativity, you can make money on TikTok even if you’re just getting started.
This guide will walk you through several ways to start earning on TikTok without needing a big follower count. From affiliate marketing to selling your skills, these methods will show you how to get creative, reach new viewers, and start earning while you grow your presence on the platform. Let’s dive in and explore these opportunities!
01. Affiliate Marketing: Share What You Love and Earn
How Affiliate Marketing Works:
Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest ways to make money on TikTok without followers. It involves sharing products you believe in, and if someone buys through your unique link, you earn a commission. The great thing is, you can promote almost anything, from beauty products to tech gadgets.
How to Get Started:
- Pick Products That Fit Your Interests: Think about what you genuinely love. If you’re into fitness, maybe you’ll share workout gear. If you like cooking, try kitchen tools.
- Sign Up for Affiliate Programs: Platforms like Amazon Associates, ClickBank, and ShareASale let you sign up quickly and give you access to tons of products.
- Show Off the Product in a Video: For example, if you’re promoting a skincare item, make a video of your skincare routine and show how you use the product. Keep it natural, and let viewers see why you like it.
Quick Tip:
At the end of your video, tell viewers to check out your bio link for the product link. This simple call-to-action can boost clicks and conversions.
02. Partner with Brands through the TikTok Creator Marketplace
What’s the TikTok Creator Marketplace?
The TikTok Creator Marketplace is where brands and creators meet. Brands look for TikTokers who can make content that fits their products—even if they don’t have huge followings yet. This opens up chances for beginners, especially if your content style matches what a brand wants.
How to Get Started:
- Apply to the Marketplace: If eligible, apply for the TikTok Creator Marketplace through the app.
- Reach Out to Smaller Brands: Don’t wait for brands to find you. Reach out to smaller, niche brands that might be open to working with new creators. You can send a short message, explaining why you’re a great fit to promote their product.
Example:
If you’re into fashion, reach out to local or startup clothing brands. You could make a “how to style” video using their pieces, showing off your creativity while promoting their brand.
03. Sell Your Skills or Services
How It Works
Another way to make money on TikTok without followers is by selling a skill or service. TikTok is an amazing platform to showcase talents like graphic design, video editing, fitness coaching, or any skill that people might hire you for.
How to Get Started:
- Create Videos to Show Your Skills: If you’re a designer, post quick design tips or share the process of a project you’re working on. If you’re a fitness coach, show a mini workout or give fitness tips.
- Add a Call-to-Action: Mention in your bio or at the end of your videos that viewers can contact you for services, and include a link to your website or profile on a platform like Fiverr or Upwork.
Quick Tip:
Post short, informative videos that showcase your expertise. This way, viewers get a sense of what you offer, which can lead to inquiries and potential clients.
04. Sell Your Own Products (Merch or Digital Goods)
What to Sell?
If you have your own products—whether physical items like custom t-shirts or digital ones like eBooks or printable guides—TikTok can be a fantastic platform to promote them. Selling digital products is especially convenient since there’s no shipping involved.
How to Get Started:
- Set Up a Store: Use a platform like Etsy, Gumroad, or Shopify to list your products for sale.
- Create Videos to Show Off the Product: If you’re selling a digital product, give viewers a sneak peek or share how it can help them. For physical products, create quick demos or show them in action.
Example:
An artist could create a time-lapse of a drawing and offer prints for sale in their bio link. Or, if you’re selling an eBook, make a short video showing the topics covered inside.
Quick Tip:
Storytelling is powerful. Share why you created the product or what makes it unique, which helps viewers connect with you and your product.
05. Participate in TikTok Challenges and Competitions
What Are Challenges and Competitions?
TikTok often features brand-sponsored challenges where you can win prizes or even cash rewards. These competitions are open to everyone and don’t require a big following. The key is creating unique, eye-catching content that stands out.
How to Start:
- Find Trending Challenges: Look for hashtags and trending challenges in the app’s Discover page.
- Be Creative: Find a way to make your video memorable. This might mean adding humor, storytelling, or a twist on what others are doing.
Example:
If there’s a cooking challenge, make it your own by adding a twist. Maybe you recreate a recipe with a special ingredient or add a funny commentary. The goal is to make your content unique and engaging.
Quick Tip:
These challenges can get your content seen by a larger audience, even if you don’t win, helping you grow your reach on the platform.
06. Crowdfunding and Donations
If your content provides value, some viewers may be willing to support you through small donations. Platforms like Ko-fi, Patreon, or even PayPal offer simple ways for fans to give back to creators whose content they enjoy.
How to Set It Up:
- Set Up a Ko-fi or Patreon Account: These platforms are easy to use and can offer your followers a way to support you directly.
- Add a Link to Your Bio: Place the donation link in your bio or occasionally mention it in your videos.
Example:
If you’re an artist posting time-lapse videos of your work, invite viewers to support you on Ko-fi, saying it’ll help you buy more art supplies for future creations.
Quick Tip:
You could offer small perks like exclusive content or shoutouts for supporters, making it more rewarding for fans to contribute.
07. Drive Traffic to Other Platforms (Indirect Monetization)
How It Works
Another way to make money on TikTok without followers is by using it as a traffic source for other monetized platforms, like YouTube or your blog. This indirect approach helps you make money by leading viewers to places where you’re already earning.
How to Start:
- Use a Link in Your Bio: Tools like Linktree let you add multiple links to your TikTok bio, making it easy for viewers to explore your other platforms.
- Create Teasers: Make short videos that introduce longer content on YouTube or link to full blog posts. This way, viewers get a taste and are likely to click through to see more.
Example:
If you review tech on YouTube, post short, eye-catching clips of your reviews on TikTok, then invite viewers to watch the full video on your channel.
Read More: How to build a WordPress Blog quickly in 4 steps?
Quick Tip:
Make sure your TikTok content is engaging enough to spark interest, leaving viewers curious to check out your other platforms.
Tips for Growing and Staying Consistent
Success on TikTok doesn’t happen overnight, especially without a large following. Here’s how to stay consistent and improve your reach:
- Post Regularly: Try to post content often, as regular posting keeps you in the loop and helps you gain traction.
- Use Trending Hashtags and Sounds: This boosts your chances of reaching the For You Page (FYP), helping more people discover your content.
- Engage with Your Viewers: Reply to comments, like viewer suggestions, and interact with other creators. Building relationships can help you grow organically.
Conclusion
Making money on TikTok without followers is entirely possible with the right approach. From affiliate marketing and brand collaborations to selling products or driving traffic to other platforms, you have plenty of ways to start earning. Try out these methods, stay consistent, and remember—everyone starts somewhere. With creativity and patience, you’ll see your TikTok efforts pay off.