If you believe that your Instagram account is too modest to generate income as a content creator, it’s time to reconsider.
Even Instagram accounts with a few thousand followers are discovering methods to monetize their content and leverage their smaller, yet often more specialized, audiences. Interviews with influencers reveal that brand sponsorships can be obtained with as few as 2,000 to 3,000 followers.
Smaller creators, often referred to as “nano” influencers with fewer than 10,000 followers, are successfully earning money through brand deals, user-generated content, and affiliate marketing, much like their larger counterparts.
Let’s take the example of Stacy Kim, a third-year student at the University of California, Los Angeles. With approximately 3,000 Instagram followers, Kim has established herself as a travel and fashion influencer by capitalizing on her modest audience.
“I have remarkably high engagement on my posts, and I’ve heard that most brands prioritize that over the number of followers you have,” Kim shared with Insider.
As of February, Kim had collaborated with numerous brands, utilized a media kit to pitch partnership opportunities, and earned a total of $5,000 from paid collaborations on Instagram.
While influencers can proactively approach brands, some companies actively seek out smaller creators to collaborate with. For instance, jewelry brand Mejuri has applications for influencers to express their interest in becoming partners.
Additionally, creators have a wealth of resources at their disposal, including creator marketplaces on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, affiliate marketing platforms, and third-party influencer marketing companies that connect brands with creators.
