How to Make Money on Instagram Without Followers

Instagram is known for its influencer culture, where people with thousands of followers land lucrative brand deals and sponsorships. However, making money on Instagram is not limited to those with a huge following. Even without followers, you can tap into the platform's features and leverage various strategies to start earning.

If you’re a freelancer, creative, or small business owner, you’ll be happy to know that Instagram offers multiple revenue streams that don’t require a large audience. Let’s explore proven methods to help you monetize Instagram without followers.

Use Instagram as a Portfolio for Freelance Work

Instagram is an ideal platform for showcasing freelance work, whether you’re a photographer, graphic designer, writer, or even a chef. 

As a visually driven platform, it lets you display your skills and attract potential clients by using simple techniques. Here's how:

• Optimize Your Profile: Start by crafting a compelling bio that includes relevant keywords related to your field, such as #FreelanceWriter or #GraphicDesign. Make sure to add a link to your website or portfolio so that visitors can see more of your work.
  
  
• Showcase Your Skills: Use posts and Stories to create a portfolio. For example, if you’re a photographer, post high-quality images that highlight your style. Take advantage of Story Highlights to categorize your work (e.g., “Wedding Photography,” “Portraits,” or “Events”) so potential clients can easily view your specialties.
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• Engage with Industry Hashtags: When posting, use hashtags related to your niche, like #WebDesign or #FoodPhotography, to reach a broader audience. Engaging with these hashtags can help attract clients searching for freelancers.

Using Instagram as a portfolio helps you gain credibility without needing a large following. Plus, it provides an excellent first impression for potential clients interested in hiring skilled freelancers.

If you’re into freelance content creation for e-commerce brands, consider signing up for Spocket’s affiliate program to connect with e-commerce stores looking for professional content services.

Sell Products on Instagram Marketplace

With Instagram Marketplace, you can sell products directly on the platform. This feature allows you to reach local buyers without needing a significant follower count. Here’s how to maximize Instagram Marketplace:

• Leverage Local Tags and Hashtags: When listing items, use location tags and specific hashtags (e.g., #VintageFurniture or #HandmadeSoap) to attract local buyers. This way, people nearby can find your products more easily.
  
  
• Post High-Quality Photos: Visual appeal is crucial on Instagram, especially when selling products. Ensure your photos are well-lit, with clear backgrounds, so potential buyers can see every detail. Add a brief description, and mention any unique qualities of the product, like “one-of-a-kind” or “handcrafted.”
  
  
• Optimize Your Product Listings: Include keywords in your product descriptions to increase your visibility in search results. The more specific you are with your tags and descriptions, the easier it will be for interested buyers to find you.

Instagram Marketplace is a fantastic place for entrepreneurs looking to sell handmade products or vintage finds without needing an established following. By using hashtags and location tags, you can attract potential buyers in your area and make sales.

Offer Digital Products or Services

Digital products, such as eBooks, online courses, or custom design templates, are increasingly popular on Instagram. Selling digital products means you don’t need to handle physical inventory, and it’s scalable since customers can buy repeatedly.

• Create Engaging Stories and Reels: Utilize Stories and Reels to showcase your digital products. For example, if you’re selling an online course, post a teaser clip that highlights the course's key benefits. Use hashtags like #DigitalProducts and #PassiveIncome to reach interested users.
  
  
• Offer Freebies to Build Interest: Provide a free sample or mini-guide to get people interested in your products. This could be a downloadable template or a short version of your eBook. Mention in your Story or post that they can DM you for the freebie, and then follow up with a gentle nudge to explore the full product.
  
  
• Promote Limited-Time Offers: Encourage urgency with limited-time discounts. People are more likely to purchase if they know the offer is temporary. Using terms like “24-Hour Sale” or “Limited Edition” can spark curiosity and drive sales.

Become an Affiliate Marketer

Affiliate marketing is another effective way to make money on Instagram, even with no followers. By promoting products from other companies, you earn a commission for each sale generated through your referral links. Here’s how to get started with affiliate marketing on Instagram:

• Join Affiliate Programs: Look for affiliate programs in niches you’re passionate about, like fashion, tech, or wellness. You can start by applying to popular programs, such as Amazon Associates, or specialized programs that align with your interests.
  
  
• Share Product Links in Stories: If you have access to the “Link” sticker in Stories, you can share your affiliate links here. Create a Story with a short description of the product, and add the link so viewers can easily shop through your referral.
  
  
• Provide Value to Viewers: Post honest product reviews or share tips on how you use certain products. This helps establish trust and can lead to more clicks and purchases. Transparency is key here—always disclose when you’re using affiliate links to maintain credibility.

Pro Tip: Affiliate marketing is popular on Instagram. In fact, over 80% of brands run affiliate programs as a part of their marketing strategy.

If you’re looking to explore the world of e-commerce, Spocket’s affiliate program connects you with dropshipping products you can promote.

Use Instagram to Drive Traffic to a Blog or YouTube Channel

For those who have monetized blogs or YouTube channels, Instagram can be a valuable traffic source. You don’t need a large following to benefit from this strategy. Here’s how to effectively use Instagram to drive traffic:

• Share Content Previews: Post snippets of your latest blog posts or YouTube videos to spark interest. For example, if you’re sharing travel tips on YouTube, create a Story with a few highlights from your video and encourage viewers to watch the full version.
  
  
• Link to Your Content in Bio: Update the link in your bio to direct followers to your latest content. You can use a tool like Linktree to keep multiple links in one place.
  
  
• Engage with Hashtags Related to Your Content: Use niche-specific hashtags, like #TravelBlogger or #DIYProjects, to help people find your posts. Engaging with similar content can also attract users to your profile and drive more traffic to your blog or channel.

Monetize Through Instagram Shoutouts and Promotions

Shoutouts are a popular way to collaborate with other users, especially small businesses. With shoutouts, you promote another user’s profile or content on your own account in exchange for a fee or a reciprocal shoutout. Here’s how you can make money with this strategy:

• Approach Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs: Many small businesses are eager to grow their audience. You can reach out and offer to create promotional content for them, such as a Story or post that features their products.
  
  
• Set Reasonable Rates for Shoutouts: Since you’re not an influencer with a large following, you’ll want to start with lower rates. As you gain experience, you can raise your prices based on the results you deliver.
  
  
• Use Local Hashtags for Visibility: By targeting local businesses, you increase your chances of landing shoutout deals. Use local hashtags, such as #YourCity + #SmallBusiness, to connect with nearby entrepreneurs.

Shoutouts offer an easy way to earn on Instagram, and you don’t need to have thousands of followers. By partnering with small businesses, you provide them with visibility while gaining valuable experience.

Run Sponsored Content for Local Businesses

Working with local businesses can be a fantastic revenue stream on Instagram, even if you’re starting from scratch. 

With sponsored content, you create posts that feature a business’s products or services. Here’s how to get started:

• Reach Out to Local Shops and Brands: Look for local businesses in need of social media content. You could approach cafes, boutiques, and online shops to offer your services.
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• Create High-Quality Sponsored Content: Show potential clients that you can create appealing photos or videos that highlight their products in unique ways. Add relevant hashtags and location tags to reach the business’s target audience.
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• Be Transparent with Your Viewers: Honesty is essential in sponsored posts. Make sure to disclose when a post is sponsored to build trust with your audience.

If you’re passionate about helping local businesses grow, Spocket’s guide on e-commerce growth provides more tips on building a successful brand and creating impactful content.

Promote and Sell Photos or Artwork

If you’re an artist or photographer, Instagram is the perfect place to sell your creations. You can reach potential customers by showcasing your work, regardless of follower count. Here’s how to start selling your photos or artwork:

• Set Up an Online Store: Use platforms like Etsy or Printful to create an online shop. Share your shop link in your Instagram bio, and drive traffic there by posting regular updates.
  
  
• Post High-Quality Images of Your Work: Your art needs to shine on Instagram. Ensure that every post shows your work in its best light, with clear, well-lit photos or close-ups. Use hashtags like #ArtForSale or #PhotographyPrints to attract art enthusiasts.
  
  
• Engage with Art Communities: Connect with other artists and engage with users who are interested in art. Comment on similar posts and participate in Instagram art challenges to boost your profile.

Selling your art or photos on Instagram lets you monetize your creativity, and you can start building a following of people who appreciate your style.

Conclusion

Making money on Instagram without followers might sound like a tall order, but as you can see, there are countless ways to turn your skills and creativity into income. From selling on Instagram Marketplace to offering digital products and running affiliate marketing campaigns, Instagram is a platform brimming with potential. All it takes is a bit of strategy and a willingness to explore different monetization methods.

So, why not take the first step and start leveraging your Instagram account today? And if you’re ready to take things up a notch, Spocket can help you jumpstart your journey in e-commerce. With Spocket, you can access a world of top-notch products and resources designed to help you launch a successful online store and grow your brand.

Ready to start making money online? Join Spocket now and discover how easy it is to build a thriving e-commerce business!