Content Designers Can Monetize Their Skills

"I post and create content but I don't make money, or I don't get leads."

... This was from my conversation with other content creators.

It was a coffee chat, a meet and greet to get to know other content creators and how they're trying to balance their finances and creativity.

Well, they're not. Most of them are struggling and hungry.

I've faced the same issue. Brands reach out for collaborations and request content from me, but they either don't have money to pay me or, after I provide free teaser content (I set a 24-hour clock so they have to get back to me), they ghost me. Maybe this method is showing my desperation?

I'm determined and on a mission to create a process and maximize my effort to dive deep on the subject of content monetization.

→ Turning posts into profit.

→ Turning content into cash flow.

→ Turning what I love into income and sharing with other people how we can make money doing what we are good at and love.

Diversify your content.

Beyond Algorithms: Creating Content That Resonates with Your Audience

Social platforms change constantly, and you need to adapt with them. However, the way audiences consume content doesn't change as rapidly as the algorithms do.

1. Diversify Your Channels and Formats

You need to be where your audience is—you've heard this advice before. But how do you figure this out? By posting your content across multiple channels and using tools like Buffer to distribute and track your content. The data will show you where to focus your efforts. What format do your audiences prefer?

• Is it podcasts they can listen to while multitasking?

YouTube and Spotify are great platforms for video and audio content.

• Is it written content they can read at their own pace?

There are top 5 blogging websites where you can start earning within 30 days.

• Is it a live cohort course?

I enjoy learning from industry experts through courses that cost just a fraction of traditional education. I frequently take courses on Maven and Awwwards.

Action Steps:

1. Choose two to three platforms aligned with your audience's habits.
2. Use tools like Buffer to automate posting and track performance.
3. Analyze engagement to identify which formats resonate most.

2. Building Value-Based Content

You've already created tons of content to experiment with and found the topic you really want to specialize in—and your audience is craving more.

What value can you bring that will make your audience stick around?

You need to consume plenty of valuable content to start. Quality inputs lead to quality outputs. You can't keep repeating the same content—it's boring and your audience will leave. Find the top 5-10 people who are where you want to be in a year, study them, and reach out to see if they offer mentorship programs or communities you can join.

I'm considering joining Pat Flynn's SPI (Smart Passive Income) community. I discovered him through the Circle event last year and have been following his YouTube channel and subscribing to his newsletter. He also has a podcast that I listen to religiously.

I'm passionate about growing my audience on LinkedIn. I purchased Justin Welsh's course Grow + Monetize LinkedIn and joined Chris Donnelly's masterclass. I also subscribed to his weekly newsletter and am considering joining his Creator Accelerator—a 10-week program that costs $5K. (These experts are at the top of their field—perhaps beyond where I'll be in a year, but they represent the aspirational lifestyle I'm working toward.)

Action Steps:

1. Identify 5–10 creators in your niche and study their strategies.
2. Join relevant communities like Pat Flynn's SPI or subscribe to newsletters for industry insights.
3. Invest in your growth with courses or masterclasses, like Justin Welsh's Grow + Monetize LinkedIn.

3. Monetize Strategically

Once your content gains traction, it's time to turn attention into income. This requires a clear strategy:

• Freemium Models: Offer free resources to attract leads, then upsell premium content. As a designer, I'm planning to create Notion, Canva, and Figma templates. I have digital products on Gumroad, and I was recently accepted to the Notion marketplace with my Designer Freelancing Resource. (Thank you for the first 5-star review—whoever you are, I appreciate your support!)

• Direct Monetization: Platforms like Patreon or Substack let you charge for exclusive access. Start by demonstrating your value to brands through measurable impact—show that your methods, services, and content benefit a growing number of people.

• Brand Partnerships: Collaborate with brands that align with your values—but set clear boundaries on compensation. Evaluate the brands you love and the tools you use, and document how you use them. Practice promoting them before seeking paid partnerships—you need to get noticed first.

I'm working on the brand collaboration guide. I'll create a template or guide that I can use repeatedly to save mental energy and streamline the process.

Action Steps:

1. Create a paid offering (e.g., a template, course, ebook, or membership).
2. Use free content as a teaser to build trust.
3. Reach out to brands with a media kit that outlines your value.

I'm Summer Chang , a Content Product Designer helping creators monetize their content and build brand partnerships.

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Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links to products and tools I use.

Next, let's explore how to secure partnerships without having a large following.