"Maldita pobreza" - Bad Bunny in 2020, and now that's all of us here in 2024.
Jobs aren't paying fairly, they're hard to get, and everything is becoming increasingly expensive. Even the thought of going and living alone has me thinking - "moving away? In this economy???"
The situation has me looking around to see what I can do to make some extra money, and my social media keeps showing me videos of girls who make a living simply by posting content.
I grew up being told that "ese telefono no le va ayudar nada", but I'm here to set the record straight on beginner-friendly, no-degree-needed ways you can legitimately make money on social media. You can make the most of any method by pairing it with some FREE social media knowledge, which you can find here! It's a Latina-led webinar open to all interested in learning more about going into social media.
Tik Tok Shop
TikTok made me do it, and made you do it… and made everyone else do it, too, honestly. I've gotten so many ads for the same shoes that I'm low-key considering buying them soon. I hear many people say that TikTok shop is essentially another Wish, but I don't want to say that just yet. So many great small businesses, especially Latina-owned shops, are doing fantastic there.
One of the most unique ones I've seen is Lavaderitoss by @gabymarentes5, who makes makeup brush cleaners inspired by her culture. The nice thing about this platform is that you can sell directly to the client, benefiting you and your business.
If you were thinking about going this route, there's a process to get started. First, you apply for TikTok Shop: Once you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for the TikTok Shop feature by going to the "Settings" menu and selecting "Sell on TikTok." Once your application is approved, you can start setting up your store by uploading product listings, adding prices, and creating product descriptions. Use your TikTok account to promote your products through videos, challenges, and other creative content that showcases your products and encourages followers to purchase. Here, you can promote your products through creative TikTok videos. This platform has great resources to learn from, specifically if you're starting out.
TikTok Shop Academy, TikTok Creative Center, and TikTok for Business are the tools worth checking out if you want a deeper look.
Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate Marketing is a popular side hustle that I always see, and it's not a scam. T
he idea behind it is simple: you promote a company's products and get a small commission on each sale you get.
Many large companies have affiliate programs you can apply to, but there are also groups you can sign up with called affiliate networks. If selected, you create content by promoting the product and include specific links the company provides you for your sales. For transparency - influencers make it seem effortless and take no time at all.
You can absolutely go into affiliate marketing without marketing experience, and it can be done with time, but what needs to be mentioned is that you don't get overnight results. You will need to build a solid marketing plan to build community and encourage them to purchase products, which can be done on platforms ranging from Pinterest to Instagram. A fellow Latina is currently thriving in this space, specifically Andrea De La Flor, aka @andreabuisnesshacks, on Instagram. She points her audience to the resources that got her where she needs to be today.
Content Creation
Creating content on social media is a versatile and rewarding way for Latinas (like you!) to express themselves creatively and get some cash flowing, too. Between sharing our lifestyles, our culture, and our day-to-day, so much of our authentic lives make others feel seen.
Creating blogs, YouTube videos, podcasts, emails, or social media content allows you to engage with your target audience, promote products and services authentically, and monetize their expertise. We know people make bank on social media, but sometimes it feels like a mystery on how they do it. They do it through brand partnerships, sponsored content, and selling merch. I said it before and again - growing online works best when you truly take the time to build your community authentically.
Whether you're a beauty blogger, fitness influencer, or lifestyle creator, there are many opportunities to monetize your creativity and share your unique perspectives with the world. Instagram for Creators is a great resource that educates you on the opportunities on Instagram, specifically with branded content, badges, and subscriptions. They also talk about another aspect of growing your presence online, like understanding the algorithm and looking at current insights. It's an excellent resource for beginners who want to learn more without being overwhelmed.
Marketing and Strategy
Sometimes, you don't want to be in front of the camera, and I totally get that. The good news is that successful content needs structure and strategy, and you can fit that role!
The opportunities are endless, from overseeing influencer marketing to content creation and digital marketing services. Us Latinas bring unique perspectives and cultural insights that connect with audiences in a meaningful way, which helps grow the creator economy. Day to day, figuring out marketing plans and strategies includes analyzing data, identifying trends, and creating data-driven strategies to maximize each bit of content. In the bigger picture, your role in this field helps businesses make informed choices about how they market and present themselves.
One of the early challenges can be finding clients, pero con paciencia, and with some planning, you can start finding people to work with. To start, I recommend you work on sample projects to help start a strong portfolio of work. You can also network and connect with people around your community to get your business out there and offer free consultations/workshops to develop trust with potential clients.
When creating content online, you can tap into a lot of potential. The best part is that there's a place for everyone—it's okay to just start out and figure out what works for you!
No one option will give you more or less money, but each one is more effective when you prepare for it. A great way to do this is through the free webinar I mentioned earlier! I know it can feel overwhelming to create change in your life, but this is an informational space, and you aren't forced to do anything. It's the perfect place to get started and learn more about social media marketing.
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