Are you ready to unlock the secrets of making money through digital marketing? The online realm brims with untapped opportunities, whether you’re dreaming of launching a thriving online venture, offering your freelance expertise, or securing a lucrative salaried position.
Brace yourself as I unveil the 12 most powerful and battle-tested methods for generating income with digital marketing. But hold on tight, because I won’t stop there—I’ll also guide you through practical steps to kickstart your journey in each of these profit-generating avenues. So, without further ado, let’s plunge into the boundless world of digital wealth creation.
Table of Contents
12 Ways to Make Money With Digital Marketing
1. Become an SEO expert
In the realm of digital marketing, search engine optimization (SEO) reigns supreme. Unlock your earning potential by becoming an SEO expert and offering your services to clients seeking guidance in this ever-evolving field.
To embark on this exciting journey, first, dive into the intricacies of search engine algorithms, acquainting yourself with their inner workings. Once you’ve established a strong foundation, it’s time to cultivate your SEO skills. The internet is a treasure trove of SEO resources, but to streamline your learning experience, consider enrolling in a high-quality SEO course that cuts through the noise of endless articles.
As your knowledge and expertise grow, familiarize yourself with popular SEO tools that streamline your workflow and amplify your impact. Stay up to date with the latest SEO trends and algorithm changes, as adaptability is the key to success in this dynamic realm.
To market your SEO services effectively, build a network of potential clients by establishing your online presence. Create a website that showcases your SEO background and lists your services. Launching a blog allows you to demonstrate your SEO prowess by driving targeted traffic to your site.
As you start acquiring clients, meticulously document your results to create compelling case studies that highlight your achievements. These case studies will become invaluable assets when it comes to winning over new business opportunities.
The earning potential for SEO experts is substantial. SEO consultants typically charge an hourly rate ranging between $50 and $125, influenced by factors such as country and experience. Meanwhile, SEO managers employed by agencies or companies enjoy an average annual salary of $77,000.
2. Become A Content Writing Specialist
Content writing involves curating engaging and persuasive content for online platforms, serving as an integral part of any digital marketing strategy. Whether you’re crafting articles, blog posts, social media updates, or video scripts, your words will shape the digital landscape.
To embark on this creative journey, hone the following skills and qualifications:
- Masterful writing skills that captivate and connect with audiences.
- Expertise in conducting keyword research to optimize content for search engines.
- A strong understanding of SEO principles to boost visibility and reach.
- Analytical prowess to measure content performance and make data-driven decisions.
While securing a college degree in journalism, marketing, or communications is advantageous for in-house positions, freelancers can thrive without formal credentials. However, both routes benefit from acquiring content marketing certifications to enhance their skills and credibility.
To bolster your prospects, consider starting your own blog—a canvas to refine your writing prowess and showcase your talent to potential employers or clients. Additionally, explore a plethora of content marketing courses, both free and paid, to earn certifications that elevate your profile.
When it comes to financial rewards, compensation varies based on factors such as job position and experience. In a company setting, content writers earn an average base salary of $3,509 per month. Freelancers, on the other hand, charge between $0.10 and $0.50 per word, depending on content type and subject matter expertise. As a content marketing specialist, the average annual salary reaches $81,000, although figures fluctuate depending on location and experience.
3. Make money with affiliate marketing
Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey where you can earn money by promoting other people’s products? Look no further than affiliate marketing, a fantastic business model that offers endless possibilities. Here’s how it works: you find products you’re passionate about and want to promote, create a captivating website dedicated to showcasing those products, and attract eager visitors to your affiliate offerings.
In the world of affiliate marketing, there are two primary types of partnerships to explore. The first is standalone programs, where you establish a direct account with a company. The second is affiliate networks, which provide a platform for managing multiple partnerships simultaneously. Choosing the right partnership option for you will depend on your goals and preferences.
Now, let’s talk about the importance of your blog in promoting affiliate products. Before diving headfirst into a niche, it’s crucial to perform comprehensive keyword research. By doing so, you’ll gain insights into the monthly search volume for related terms and estimate the potential traffic you can generate.
To maximize your chances of success, focus on keywords with transactional search intent. These are the terms that indicate a potential buyer is ready to make a purchase, often including words like “buy” or “get a discount.” Additionally, keep an eye out for search terms with commercial intent, indicating someone is in the buying process but hasn’t settled on a specific product yet. Words like “best,” “review,” and “product x vs product y” fall into this category.
Once you’ve identified the products you want to promote, it’s time to create your blog and start crafting compelling content. Choosing the right keywords will facilitate the creation of product comparisons and reviews for your initial posts. While you can join affiliate programs before launching your blog, it’s often beneficial to wait until you’ve established some traffic. After all, generating traffic is key to driving sales. Moreover, some affiliate programs have approval requirements that may necessitate an established audience.
But how much can you really make through affiliate marketing? The earning potential is immense, but it’s important to establish your web presence and generate a substantial amount of traffic before seeing meaningful results. To expedite your journey to success, consider enrolling in an affiliate marketing course tailored to your needs. With dedication and perseverance, it’s entirely possible to reach six-figure annual earnings from affiliate marketing alone.
Learn more: How To Make Money With Affiliate Marketing: 4 Simple Steps
4. Monetize Your Website Traffic through Ads
Selling ads on your website is a popular method to monetize your online presence. However, keep in mind that a substantial amount of traffic is crucial to maximizing your earnings. As you build your audience, consider supplementing your income through affiliate marketing or by offering your own digital products.
When it comes to advertising programs, Google Adsense takes the crown as the most popular option. By signing up for Adsense and integrating the provided code into your website, Google will start displaying ads on your web pages. It’s important to note that while views can generate revenue, the majority of income comes from clicks.
The amount you earn from ads varies based on factors such as your website category, audience demographics, and more. To see substantial income, plan to generate significant traffic. Aside from Google Adsense, other reputable ad networks to consider include Ezoic, Media.net, and Propeller Ads. If you desire more control over the ads on your site, selling direct ads through an “Advertise with Us” page is another option. You can list different ad formats, pricing, and traffic statistics to showcase the value to potential buyers. Online marketplaces like BuySellAds and BlogAds can simplify the process of selling ads if you prefer not to handle it directly.
Considering the revenue potential, keep in mind that it generally takes hundreds of thousands of page impressions per month to achieve substantial income. Google AdSense RPM can range from $0.25 to $3, so focus on building a strong and engaged audience to increase your earnings.
5. Sell consulting services
So, you’ve gained invaluable experience in digital marketing and are now ready to monetize your skills. Welcome to the world of digital marketing consulting, where you can provide expert guidance to companies in need. Here’s how to get started:
1. Define Your Area of Expertise
Identify the specific services you excel in and that are in high demand. Perhaps you’re a social media maestro, a branding guru, or an influencer marketing maven. Find your niche and showcase your expertise.
2. Start Blogging
Build your online presence by establishing a website that serves as the central hub for your business. This is where you can share testimonials and case studies from satisfied clients, allowing potential clients to gain insights into your offering. Additionally, create a blog where you can share informative and engaging content related to your consulting services. This will not only drive relevant traffic but also solidify your position as an industry thought leader.
3. Build a Network
Expand your network to enhance your client acquisition potential. Tap into your existing professional connections and seek out companies that may benefit from your digital marketing services. Additionally, reconnect with previous clients to explore potential referrals and connections within their networks.
Now, you may be wondering, “How much can I earn as a digital marketing consultant?” Well, the fees you can command will depend on various factors, including your area of expertise, the scope of the projects you undertake, and your level of experience. Typically, hourly rates for digital marketing consultants range from $50 to $150 per hour. With diligence and a reputation for delivering outstanding results, you can steadily increase your earning potential.
6. Become a social media manager
Working as a social media manager is an excellent way to leverage your digital marketing skills for financial gain. In this role, you’ll be responsible for expanding a brand’s online presence through various marketing tactics. Your tasks may involve crafting and scheduling posts, designing eye-catching graphics, running targeted ads, and engaging with followers by responding to their comments.
To find work as a social media manager, you have two main options. You can secure a salaried position with a company, which we will discuss in more detail later, or you can offer your services as a freelance digital marketer. To attract clients and establish your reputation, it’s crucial to build a strong network and showcase your skills. Create a professional website featuring a portfolio of previous clients and compelling case studies highlighting the results you’ve achieved.
The earning potential as a social media manager varies depending on your employment status. Salaried managers earn an average annual salary of $62,000, with experienced professionals earning up to $75,000. As a freelancer, your earnings depend on factors such as the number of clients you have and your level of experience. Newcomers can expect to earn between $15 and $50 per hour, while seasoned managers can command rates of $50 to $100 per hour or more.
7. Become a YouTube advertising partner
If you have a flair for creating captivating videos, why not monetize your skills and become a YouTube advertising partner? The process is straightforward: create and publish engaging videos on your channel, promote your content to build an audience, and watch as revenue streams in from ads displayed during your videos.
To become an approved advertising partner, you’ll need to meet the following minimum requirements:
- Adhere to all YouTube monetization policies.
- Reside in a country where the YouTube Partner Program is available.
- Accumulate more than 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months.
- Garner more than 1,000 subscribers for your channel.
- Have a linked AdSense account.
As an advertising partner, you’ll earn revenue from ad views and clicks generated by your videos. Although the revenue per view may be modest, it can quickly accumulate given a substantial viewership.
On average, YouTube partners earn between $0.01 to $0.03 per ad view, translating to roughly $3 to $5 per 1,000 video views. While these figures might seem small on an individual basis, with a large viewership, your earnings can become significant.
Remember, building a substantial audience is key to maximizing your income potential as a YouTube advertising partner. Promote your videos through various digital marketing channels, collaborate with other creators, and consistently produce high-quality content that
8. Sell digital products
If you possess a wealth of digital marketing experience, why not channel it into creating and selling your own digital products? One significant advantage of digital products is their limitless potential for scalability. Once you create them, you can sell them repeatedly without having to continually source new products, resulting in extraordinary profit margins and the ability to automate your business effortlessly.
When it comes to digital products, the options are vast. Let’s explore some of the more popular choices:
- eBooks: These are a fantastic starting point, as they are relatively simple to create. You can repurpose existing content from your blog to quickly compile an engaging eBook that offers valuable insights to your target audience.
- Courses: With e-learning gaining momentum, the demand for online courses is skyrocketing. Capitalize on this trend by creating and selling courses that allow you to share your expertise with others. You can host these courses on your website and also expand your reach by listing them on platforms like Udemy, attracting an even larger audience. (learn more: How to Create an Online Course That Sells: A Step-by-Step Guide)
- Web Templates: If you possess web design skills, consider creating templates for popular platforms such as WordPress or Shopify. Not only can you sell these templates on your own website, but you can also explore marketplaces like ThemeForest to tap into a broader customer base.
To effectively market your digital products, employ the same primary channels as a physical goods store. Establish a compelling blog to drive traffic to your website, harness the power of email marketing to collect leads, and actively engage with your audience on social media platforms.
However, keep in mind that you’ll be competing with a plethora of free content available on the internet. Thorough research is crucial to ensure your product provides enough value to entice customers to make a purchase. Additionally, pricing your offerings appropriately will play a pivotal role in your success.
9. Help Companies Manage PPC campaigns
As businesses increasingly turn to digital marketing channels to reach their target customers, the demand for adept advertising campaign managers is surging. Pay-per-click (PPC) ads have emerged as one of the most popular forms of online advertising, offering businesses immediate results. Platforms like Google Ads and Bing Ads enable advertisers to bid for ad placements on search engine results pages, targeting users who search for related keywords.
Assuming the role of a PPC campaign manager encompasses a range of responsibilities, including:
- Identifying and selecting relevant PPC keywords.
- Employing negative keywords to refine ad targeting and increase relevancy.
- Conducting ad group tests to optimize campaign performance.
- Crafting compelling ad copies that attract attention and drive clicks.
- Setting strategic bids and campaign budgets to maximize ROI.
- Reviewing costly keywords and refining campaigns accordingly.
- Optimizing landing pages for better conversion rates and user experiences.
To enhance your skills and gain credibility with potential clients, earning certifications from Google and Bing is highly beneficial. Demonstrating the ability to deliver tangible results from past successful campaigns is vital for securing a consistent flow of clients. Building a website to showcase your expertise and generating traffic through engaging content will further bolster your professional presence.
In terms of earning potential, the average salary for a PPC specialist is $60,000 per year, offering a rewarding career path for those with a passion for digital advertising.
10. Become an eCommerce specialist
In today’s digital landscape, eCommerce is experiencing an unprecedented surge, presenting lucrative opportunities for those who delve into the realm of eCommerce specialization. As businesses strive to capitalize on the online marketplace, the demand for eCommerce specialists is skyrocketing. These professionals play a pivotal role in creating and executing effective marketing strategies to drive product sales. Embarking on a journey as an eCommerce specialist means immersing yourself in a diverse range of tasks, including website management, campaign oversight, SEO optimization, conversion rate enhancement, email marketing, and more. To succeed in this role, you’ll need exceptional communication, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
So, how can you become an eCommerce specialist? Here are practical steps to nurture the necessary expertise:
- Grasp the ins and outs of eCommerce, understanding its dynamics and trends.
- Become an authority in eCommerce SEO to boost website visibility and organic traffic.
- Familiarize yourself with popular eCommerce platforms, enabling seamless navigation and efficient management.
- Learn the art of running PPC ads, mastering techniques to drive targeted traffic and maximize conversions.
- Harness the power of conversion rate optimization, ensuring optimal user experiences and higher conversion rates.
- Hone your content and email marketing skills to captivate and engage your audience effectively.
Now, you may be wondering about the earning potential. On average, an eCommerce specialist can expect to earn around $58,000 annually, with salaries varying based on location and experience. For those who climb the career ladder and attain the role of eCommerce Manager, the compensation can reach up to $103,000 per year.
11. Find a digital marketing job
Landing a digital marketing job can be an excellent starting point for gaining valuable experience before venturing into independent work or establishing your very own business. The realm of digital marketing offers a diverse range of job opportunities, and we’re here to guide you through the process. Let’s explore some of the most popular platforms where you can begin your search:
- Indeed
- AngelList
- Glassdoor
- Google for Jobs
- American Marketing Association
- com
- WeWorkRemotely
- ZipRecruiter
Now, let’s address the inevitable question: how much can you earn in a digital marketing job? The answer lies in several factors, including your position, location, and experience. To give you a glimpse of the potential, here are the average annual salaries for some common digital marketing positions:
- Digital Marketing Specialist: Seize a salary of $55,000 and forge your path.
- Digital Marketing Manager: Propel your career forward with a rewarding salary averaging $97,000.
- SEO Specialist: Optimize your earnings with an average salary of $77,000.
- Content Marketing Manager: Craft captivating content and earn around $81,000 annually.
- Social Media Manager: Dive into the social sphere and make waves with an average salary of $75,000.
- PPC Specialist: Let your pay-per-click prowess shine, earning approximately $60,000.
- Affiliate Marketing Manager: Create fruitful partnerships and pocket an average salary of $71,000.
Learn more: Most Popular Freelance Marketplaces
12. Start a digital marketing agency
To lay the foundation for your agency’s success, it’s crucial to develop a well-rounded set of digital marketing skills, allowing you to offer high-quality services tailored to your clients’ diverse needs.
The key to success lies in acquiring clients who will fuel your agency’s growth. You can apply the previously mentioned strategies for finding clients on a larger scale, and leverage the skills of your team members or freelancers to handle tasks efficiently. When it comes to billing your clients, consider these flexible options:
- Hourly: Charge clients based on the number of hours dedicated to their project. While this method suits projects with extensive one-on-one collaboration, tracking complex service offerings may prove challenging.
- Retainer: Simplify your payment model by agreeing on a flat monthly fee that covers a predetermined amount of work. Clients appreciate the transparency of this approach, knowing their costs upfront.
- Percentage of Marketing Spend: In this pricing model, your agency charges clients a percentage of their marketing expenditure. This model thrives when your clients experience rapid growth, as your income mirrors their success.
Now, you must be wondering about the financial prospects of starting your own digital marketing agency. The answer lies in the number of clients your business secures. In 2020, small businesses spent between $2,500 and $12,000 per month on digital marketing services. By attracting ten steady clients, your agency can generate a substantial and reliable income stream.
Learn more: How to Start a Digital Marketing Agency: 13 Proven Steps
Conclusion
The possibilities within digital marketing are boundless. By acquiring a diverse set of skills such as SEO, PPC management, eCommerce, content marketing, or social media management, you can offer your expertise as valuable services to eager clients. Craft your own destiny by creating an engaging website, complete with an insightful blog that not only showcases your talents but also acts as a magnet for attracting new clients.
If selling products is more your style, fear not! You can venture into the world of digital entrepreneurship by developing your own digital products or joining lucrative affiliate programs to promote other companies’ offerings. Transform your website into a central hub for your business and maximize your revenue potential by incorporating targeted ads.
For those seeking stability, countless companies are actively hiring for digital marketing positions. Take advantage of specialized job boards to swiftly locate exciting opportunities that align with your skills and ambitions.
But why settle for working under someone else’s umbrella when you can create your own digital marketing agency? The freedom to shape your business model and offer an array of services to a diverse client base is at your fingertips.
Remember, the growth of digital marketing shows no signs of slowing down. Investing your time and effort into honing your skills is a worthwhile endeavor that will undoubtedly unlock a plethora of exciting prospects.
So, embark on your digital marketing journey today, and let your creative spirit soar as you pave your own path to success and financial abundance!