Identify what your audience wants! Take that extra time to really identify your audience. Use the analytical (KPI's) tools available on your platforms to do this. They'll be another free guide I will release on these tools, in the future.

You'll notice on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter that certain business and creator tools are available. Familiarize yourself with these tools, and their associated graphs.

Use the data in these graphs to figure out what demographics engage with your content the most. Then, dive deep into this audience to figure out what they're interested in buying.

Please, for the sake of your success and your audience, make sure that you're identifying products and services that bring actual value. Sometimes this won't be the most profitable option, but it's the best in terms of longevity.

If you've really established yourself in your community, and you've built a dedicated audience, you've already done more than 50% of the work. Now, you've got to position yourself in a place where you can monetize the respect and rapport you've earned.

Many influencers who've been able to establish a digital image move toward a very important part of business known as Branding. Branding is the logo, the moto, the vibe, energy, culture and goals you align yourself with. It's truly the audiences way of recognizing you, as you.

Many online influencers and projects move towards merchandise. They'll get crafty, and professional images imprinted on clothing, accessories, or other merchandise(VistaPrint, TeeSpring)

Sometimes you can sell this merchandise directly through the site or your social platform, like using Facebook Business Commerce. But often times it's more valuable to create a website, with a shop and blog integrated. (Shopify, Wix, WordPress, etc. if you don't code HTML5 and CSS.)

This way, over time, you'll develop an efficient source for all your unique and reoccurring traffic. You'll be able to collect emails, and numbers for new forms of marketing and connecting to your Audience.

And, with enough numbers moving through your site, you'll also be able to monetize your traffic. You'll be able to reserve spots for Google Ads, and produce another stream of income, just from your websites visitors.

Creating branded merchandise is always a good step to take, regardless of if it's the one you plan to put the most in to. It'll be a great way for your audience to own a piece of their favorite brand. In this way, it also acts as free advertising.

But that's not all!

Now this is where things really take off. We're going to talk about two other methods you can use to monetize your existing audience.

First, you may consider allowing for audience donations. This is something I recommend you take advantage of only if the other methods don't align with you. Using platforms like Patreon, you can set up monthly subscriptions for special content, or for support.

This is a great technique for those who want to fund massive projects. You can also use platforms like Kickstarter, and GoFundMe. These platforms are effective ways to present a strategy and set goals for large projects. I highly recommend them if you decide to go that route.

Another method of monetizing your content is to create an e-learning course surrounding your niche, or industry. Pack up your wisdom and create a course about it! This is proejcted to be a $4 billion+ industry! Share your experience and knowledge with your audience for a one time, or reoccurring fee. Some platforms to do this include Kajabi, or Zappier.

It's a way to create a super personal environment with your audience, while also becoming a leading expert/voice in your niche.