How To Make Money On Instagram With 500 Followers (2023)

Are you frustrated by the misconception that you need a massive following on Instagram to make money? Do you feel discouraged by the thought of making money on Instagram with 500 followers is impossible? 

In today’s digital world, many people mistakenly believe that a large follower count is the only pathway to success on Instagram. This misconception can be disheartening for you and many content creators with 500 followers. 

If that’s the case, I’ll guide you through proven strategies and actionable steps to help you make money on Instagram with just 500 followers. I’ll show you how to leverage Instagram’s features, grow your followers, buy followers, and even give a deep explanation about how much you could earn.

So, let’s dive into the strategies that will empower you to monetize your 500 followers on Instagram 

Can 500 followers make you money on Instagram

You probably don’t know how many ways to monetize an Instagram account which I will show you later.

As I told you before, having 500 followers is not as bad as you think

Many influences that they have an adequate number of followers all have one quality and that’s value, they know their audience and deliver services exactly what they need and get money by the exchange

Now, listen to me 

Because Money Is The Byproduct Of Value Creation

If you would be able to understand your followers well you can and you will make money with just 500 followers

In followers, I am talking about your niche-oriented followers, not spam or not interested followers, who definitely won’t buy anything from you

So get away from having 500 uninterested audiences that some people get from tricks

If you have good and niche-oriented followers then well done! 

If not then stick to me, I will further discuss how to gain 500 followers in free or paid ways.

The answer?

Yes you can actually make money with 500 followers but make sure to consider the things I told above and will tell later 

How To Make Money With Just 500 Followers On Instagram

So from now you know it is possible to make money with just 500 followers

Let’s talk about how to make money with 500 followers:

There are a lot of ways to do it but for you, I have explored and found some ways in my sight that could be profitable for you

Building a Solid Foundation 

Building a solid foundation is an effective way to deliver more value to the people.

It is a crucial factor when it comes to making money on Instagram with 500 followers. This is the work behind establishing a strong and appealing presence on the Instagram

Here are the key aspects to focus on

  • Identify your niche and target audience: Know who your target audience is, what they like and interests, what their age, and what their genders are. Additionally, Analyze your interest, skills, and passion, and when you align your interests skills, and passion to make content for your audience, you will give them what they exactly need 

  • Optimize your Instagram profile: your audience will peek first at your Instagram profile. That’s why I recommend you optimize your Instagram profile such as your bio by including a concise and compelling description of what you offer, who you are targeting and also choose a visually appealing profile picture. Such as: 
Instagram profile example

  • #Strategy: (Hashtag Strategy) Majority of people underestimate the power of a hashtag. It can allow you to get a wider audience beyond your followers hence, research and use relevant and popular hashtags within your niche to increase your reach and attract new followers.

Hashtag example for Instagram

  • Consistency and regular posting:  Consistency is the key to gaining a loyal following over time. Hence, lay down your schedule to post content that works for you and your audience, and on top of that create high-quality and engaging content. (You may know that content is the king but I say “Best Content Is The King”) So, create visually appealing and high-quality content with photos, videos, or graphics that can charm your audience.

Leveraging Affiliate Marketing

If you would skip this part, it can cost you some money

Before we jump on it let’s know

What’s leveraging?

It means maximum work within a minimum time

So leveraging affiliate marketing is an effective way to convert having customers into earning

Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services and earning a commission from each sale or sale generated through your unique affiliate link

Here is a look at how to do that:

  • Get the right affiliate program: Research or select affiliate programs accordingly to your niche, which have been for decades, reputed brands. Consider factors such as commission rates, cookie duration, and the brand’s track record in affiliate marketing

Search affiliate programs to promote on Instagram

  • Promote product authenticity: Focus on promoting products or services that you genuinely believe in and have personally used or experienced. Authenticity is key to maintaining the trust of your audience. Create content that highlights the benefits and features of the product creatively and engagingly. 
  • Craft compelling captions: This is the way to introduce your product in front of an audience. To craft captions, It’s important to write engaging captions that highlight the product’s benefits, and features, and how it can grow the quality of your audience’s life.
  • Track and optimize your affiliate links: Affiliate programs often have tracking perks by which you can track your sales and know which product performs better. It includes tracking clicks, conversions, and earnings.

Want to watch a video on affiliate marketing?

Collaborating with Brands 

Collaborating with brands is going to be a fascinating opportunity for you to monetize your 500 followers. 

Brand collaborations mean making partnerships with companies to promote their products to your audience in exchange for money.

Here are the steps of how to collaborate with Brands:

  • Research and approach related brands of your niche: It basically means finding brands that suit your niche and audience. Do some research to ensure their values and products. Look for brands that have done some work with other influences before. Approach brands directly by sending a well-crafted pitch highlighting the value you can bring to their marketing efforts.
  • Communicate clearly: Communicate them in order to show your unique perspective or creative approach. Don’t communicate with “Getting Mindset”, they don’t interest in what you get, instead you should think about “How Can I Help Them Benefit Their Brands”. Showcase your creativity, storytelling abilities, and how you can authentically add their products to your content.
  • Create engaging sponsored content: Now you have secured your collaboration with brands. Once it is done, focus on creating sponsored content that could add the brand’s product to your posts, stories, or videos. Also make sure to sustain providing genuine experiences, benefits, and unique aspects of the brand. Ask questions to the audience and share their thoughts about the promoted products. Here’s a pic

Example of sponsored content on Instagram

  • Monitor and measure campaign performance: Stay active and aware in tracking the performance of your brand collaborations. Use metrics such as engagement rates, click through rates, and conversions to evaluate the effectiveness of your sponsored content. Provide brands with detailed reports and insights to showcase the success and impact of the collaboration. 

Product Sales 

It seems the same as above but it’s not.

Monetizing through your product sales on Instagram is another excellent way that I want to introduce you. By offering products that you know deeply about, you can directly convert your 500 followers into paying customers.

Let’s take a deep look at how:

Develop a product strategy: Now I want you to identify a product that aligns with your niche that your audience feels amazed about. 

There are two types of products such as physical and digital. In physical products, you have to spend immensely for manufacturing, and delivering. If people would be willing to buy more products than you manufactured it can also affect your reputation and trust negativity, therefore consider having a digital product. 

It would not cost you more money as compared to physical products and there are no worries because you can sell infinite digital products such as ebooks, online courses, paid postcards, etc.

Additionally, conduct market research to understand the demand competition and pricing in your chosen product category.

Create a compiling product: Developed a high-quality product that can stand out in the market. Consider incorporating your unique brand and personal style into the product to make it more appealing to your audience.

It could be done by:

  • Determining the unique value your digital product offers that sets it apart from competitors
  • Outlining the content and structure of your digital product into logical sections. Break down the information by ensuring it flows smoothly and is easy to consume.
  • Invested time in designing a visually appealing and user-friendly layout for your digital product.
  • Set your pricing strategy, and consider factors such as the value it provides, and the amount of content included. Also, research similar products in your niche and determine a fair price.

Instagram shout outs: There are many people who want to gain some followers and are willing to pay for it. Hence this could be an opportunity to expose them on your Instagram account in exchange for fees.

Instagram’s shoutouts involve featuring another user’s content or profile on your own Instagram account, exploring them to your audience, and driving traffic to their account.

Leverage Instagram shopping features: This is for individuals who have a business Instagram account. If you don’t have then don’t worry because the above is enough 

If you do have it then take advantage of Instagram’s shopping feature

Tag your products in your posts and stories, allowing your audience to view product details and make purchases directly on Instagram. Utilize shoppable posts and stickers to streamline the purchasing process and provide a seamless shopping experience for your customers.

here’s a video for you

Related: 3 Steps to Make Money As An Artist On Instagram Now!

How to Grow Your 500 Instagram Followers

So finally, you have got the road map of how to make money with your 500 followers.

I can almost hear what you’re thinking

You may want to grow your audience right?

It may feel stuck with 500 followers when you look at others

So let’s explore about to grow Instagram followers

Growing Instagram following requires a level of strategic approach, planning, engaging content, community interaction, and also consistent efforts. If you get started without any direction you will lose, but if you are here just follow this step-by-step strategy to help you grow an Instagram audience:

Optimize your captions and bio: 

As I mentioned above, Optimizing your captions and bio on  Instagram is crucial for attracting and engaging your target audience. Here’s a deep explanation of how you can optimize your captions and bio:

Use compelling and concise language: Captions should be attention-grabbing and concise. Start with a hook that captures the reader’s interest and compels them to read further. Use clear and concise language to convey your message effectively.

Add relevant keywords: Research and add relevant keywords in your captions and bio. Keywords are terms or phrases that your target audience is likely to search for on Instagram. This helps improve your discoverability and increases the chances of your content appearing in relevant searches.

Tell a story: Captions provide an opportunity to tell a story or share experiences. Craft captions that evoke emotions, spark curiosity or elicit engagement. Use storytelling techniques to connect with your audience and make your content more relatable.

Include calls-to-action (CTAs): Encourage your audience to take action by including clear and actionable CTAs in your captions. This could be asking them to like, comment, share, tag a friend, visit a link in your bio, or participate in a discussion. 

Include relevant links: Use the link section in your bio strategically. Direct users to your website, blog, YouTube channel, or any other relevant platform. You can update this link to drive traffic to specific landing pages or promotions you want to highlight.

Here’s an example:

Profile and bio on Instagram for example

Engage with the broader Instagram community: 

Engaging with the broader Instagram community is an effective way to increase your visibility, build relationships, and attract new followers. Here’s a deep explanation of how you can engage with the broader Instagram community:

Leave thoughtful comments: Engage with posts by leaving meaningful comments that add value to the conversation. Instead of generic comments like “nice pic,” take the time to express your thoughts, ask questions, or share relevant insights. This shows genuine interest and encourages others to engage with you.

Respond to comments on your posts: Promptly respond to comments on your posts to foster a sense of community and encourage ongoing conversations. Acknowledge and appreciate the comments, answer questions, and engage with your followers. This shows that you value their input and are actively involved in the discussion.

Participate in relevant Instagram challenges: Look out for Instagram challenges within your niche and participate in them. Challenges often involve sharing content based on a specific theme or prompt. This allows you to showcase your creativity, connect with others participating in the challenge, and attract new followers who are interested in that topic.

Join Instagram communities and engagement groups: Seek out Instagram communities or engagement groups that focus on your niche or interests. These groups often have dedicated hashtags or direct message threads where members can support each other through likes, comments, and shares. 

Collaborate with other accounts: Reach out to accounts that share a similar target audience or niche and propose collaboration opportunities. This can include joint giveaways, guest posts, or shoutouts. Collaborations introduce you to each other’s audiences, helping you gain exposure and attract new followers.

Engage with Instagram Stories: Utilize Instagram Stories to share behind-the-scenes moments, polls, quizzes, and interactive content. Engage with your audience by asking questions, encouraging them to swipe up for more information, or featuring user-generated content in your stories. Here’s a clip 

Instagram stories example

Attend Instagram meet-ups or events: Stay updated on local or virtual Instagram meet-ups, workshops, or events related to your niche. These gatherings provide opportunities to connect with fellow Instagrammers, network, and learn from each other. For instance 

Instagram event

Utilize Instagram features: 

Instagram offers a variety of features that can enhance your content, engage your audience, and attract new followers. Here’s a deep explanation of how you can utilize some of the key Instagram features:

Instagram Stories: Instagram Stories are temporary posts that disappear after 24 hours. They provide an opportunity to share behind-the-scenes moments, showcase real-time updates, and engage with your audience more informally and interactively. You can use features like stickers, polls, questions, and quizzes to encourage engagement and gather feedback from your followers.

Instagram Live: Instagram Live allows you to broadcast real-time video content to your followers. It’s an excellent way to connect with your audience on a more personal level, host Q&A sessions, share educational content, or provide live updates. 

IGTV (Instagram TV): IGTV is a platform within Instagram where you can upload and share longer-form videos. It allows you to create and curate video content that goes beyond the time limitations of regular Instagram posts. Utilize IGTV feature to share tutorials, in-depth discussions, behind-the-scenes footage, or other content that requires more time to convey your message effectively. 

Here’s a video to watch 

Reels: Reels are short, entertaining videos that can be up to 60 seconds long. They offer an opportunity to create fun, engaging, and shareable content using a variety of editing tools, effects, and audio tracks. Use Reels to showcase your creativity, jump on trending challenges, share quick tips, or create visually appealing content that grabs attention.

Shopping Tags: If you have a product-based business, utilize the Shopping Tags feature to tag products in your posts and Stories. This allows your followers to directly shop for the featured products without leaving the Instagram app. You can also create a dedicated Shop section on your profile, making it easier for users to browse and purchase your products.

Shopping tags on Instagram

Guides: Instagram Guides enable you to curate and share content in a more structured and informative format. You can create guides that feature product recommendations, travel tips, tutorials, or any other curated content relevant to your niche. Guides provide a valuable resource for your audience and position you as an expert in your field.

So that’s all for getting following organically

If you have enough money to gain followers then the next part is for you to know:

How To Buy 500 followers On Instagram

The above strategy may take some time to achieve the number of followers you want, but if you are a little bit impatient about gaining a following then this is for you

Now I am about to share some websites to buy followers

Here’ are the lists

Buzzid: On this website you cannot only buy followers but, also views and likes.

It has a price range from $2.99 to $44.99 in small packages. Whereas big package has a range from $249 to $799 

For convenient understanding here’s a table given below:

Followers Price 
100$2.99
250$4.99
500$6.99
1000$12.99
5000$44.99
50k$249.00
100k$449.00
150k$629.00
200k$799.00

Social Empire:  If you don’t have a big budget then this website is for you, It’s pricing varies between $2.49 to $84.49 as given below:

Followers Price 
100$2.49
250$4.49
500$8.49
1000$14.49
2500$26.49
3500$34.49
5000$46.49
7500$68.49
10k$84.49

Twicsy: It’s pricing varies between $2.97 to $99.99 upto 20000 followers as given below:

below:

Followers Price 
100$2.97
250$5.49
500$7.99
1000$12.99
2500$28.99
5000$49.99
10k$69.99
20k$99.99

Growthoid: Open the website and click as shown in clip below 

Example to buy Instagram followers

then, afterwards you’ll get price recommendations to choose one within your budget, these prices are:

Followers Price 
100$2.97
250$4.99
500$6.99
1000$12.99
2500$29.99
5000$39.99
10k$64.5
15k$99.5
25k$145.5
50k$279.97

Should You Buy 500 Instagram Followers

While it may seem tempting to increase your follower count quickly, it’s important to understand the drawbacks and risks associated with buying followers. Here’s why you should avoid buying Instagram followers:

Lack of engagement: Purchased followers are often inactive or fake accounts created solely to boost follower numbers. These accounts are unlikely to engage with your content, resulting in a low engagement rate. 

Damaged reputation: When your followers consist of fake or inactive accounts, it can damage your credibility and reputation. Real users can easily identify accounts with suspicious follower counts, and they may question the authenticity and value of your content.

Violation of platform guidelines: Buying followers is against Instagram’s terms of service. If caught, Instagram may take action against your account, including suspension or permanent removal. It’s not worth risking the hard work you’ve put into building your Instagram presence by engaging in prohibited activities.

Ineffective audience targeting: When you purchase followers, you have no control over their demographics or interests. These accounts may not align with your target audience, resulting in low engagement and a lack of genuine interest in your content or products.

How Much Can You Earn With 500 Followers On Instagram

Let’s do some simple calculations about how much you can earn with 500 Instagram followers.

I’m gonna provide you with a rough estimation to give you an idea of the earning potential with 500 followers.

Sponsored posts: With a small following of 500 followers, it may be difficult to secure high-paying sponsored posts. However, if you manage to collaborate with brands, you can expect to earn around $50 to $100 per sponsored post, depending on factors such as engagement, niche relevance, and the content’s quality.

Affiliate marketing: Affiliate marketing can be a viable option to earn money with a smaller following. By promoting products or services and earning a commission on each sale made through your unique affiliate link, you can generate income. 

The earnings can vary significantly based on the commission rate, product price, and conversion rate. As a rough estimate, with 500 followers, you might earn anywhere from $20 to $100 per month through affiliate marketing.

Product sales: If you have your products, such as merchandise, digital products, or services, you can promote and sell them to your followers. 

The earning potential depends on the price point of your products and the conversion rate. If you have a high-quality product and a loyal audience, you could potentially earn several hundred dollars per month with 500 followers.

Brand collaborations: Besides sponsored posts, brands might approach you for other collaboration opportunities, such as giveaways or brand ambassadorships. The earning potential for these collaborations can vary widely based on the specific terms and conditions. 

It’s difficult to provide an exact estimation, but with 500 followers, you might earn a few hundred dollars per collaboration.

You should keep in mind that these numbers are rough estimations and can vary significantly based on your specific circumstances. 

It’s crucial to focus on growing your following, improving engagement, and providing value to your audience 

Conclusion

These are the strategies given to make money by having 500 followers.

As I told you earlier content is not the king but Best Content Is The King

Forget about how many followers you have, focus on delivering values with high-quality content, and keep a positive intention behind all these processes.

What intention?

Have the intention to think about helping others, solving their problems, and creating some positive impact on their life.

This is the top of every process. If you have this quality you will gain followers and also money.

Ultimately, I hope you got your solution of How To Make Money With 500 Followers On Instagram

Now I want you to comment below, on which strategy helped you, or which you are about to apply to your Instagram account.

Specifically, never shy away to tell what should I add or where should I improve also share it with your friends, families and communities.

because this is your blog 

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