TikTok is exploding with creative possibilities and, yes, even money-making opportunities.
But what if you’re just starting out and haven’t racked up thousands of followers yet?
Don’t worry – there are still ways to monetize your presence and start earning on the platform.
Shifting your mindset: It’s not all about the follower count
While having a large following can be beneficial, it’s not the sole key to making money on TikTok in South Africa. Instead, focus on:
- Value: What unique skills, knowledge, or entertainment can you offer, even with a smaller audience?
- Niche: Choose a specific area you’re passionate about. This helps you stand out and find potential money-making opportunities within that niche.
- Authenticity: Be yourself! Audiences and potential partners value genuine creators.
Strategies to make money on TikTok in South Africa without a huge following
1. Affiliate marketing
This strategy is beginner-friendly. Find brands within your niche that offer affiliate programs. Promote their products with unique affiliate links or codes, and earn a commission on each sale made through your link. Many South African companies have affiliate programs to explore.
2. Promote other people’s accounts
If you have a knack for finding hidden gems or undiscovered creators, offer your services to help smaller TikTok accounts grow. You could charge a fee for strategies, cross-promotions, and shout-outs that leverage your own understanding of the platform.
3. Manage TikTok accounts for businesses
Many South African businesses want to be on TikTok but lack the time or expertise. Offer your services to manage their accounts: create content, engage with communities in their niche, and help them reach a relevant audience.
4. TikTok consulting
If you become a TikTok whiz, offer consulting services to businesses and individuals looking to leverage the platform. Share your strategies, help them optimize their profiles, and develop content plans for them to succeed.
5. Sell shoutouts on more established accounts
This might seem counterintuitive, but if you’ve built relationships with popular South African TikTokers in your niche, approach them about offering paid shoutouts from their account to promote your services (account management, smaller creators, etc.)
The power of building a community
Even with few followers, focus on creating engaging content and building genuine connections with people who comment on your videos. A smaller, highly interactive community can be more valuable than a large, unengaged following.
Key points to keep in mind
- Patience and consistency: Making money on TikTok takes time and effort, regardless of follower count. Keep creating and exploring different strategies.
- TikTok trends: Stay updated on the latest trends and find creative ways to incorporate them into your content. This can increase visibility.
- Skill up: Invest time in learning video editing, understanding good lighting and sound. This will improve the quality of your content, even without a big budget and fancy equipment.
