The top ways to make money with digital marketing include:
- Lead generation
- SEO
- Content creation
- Paid ads
- Social media marketing
Digital marketing uses online channels like websites and blogs, social media pages, SEO strategies, and YouTube videos. A marketing agency aims to promote products and services to consumers. Statista reports "5.3 billion global Internet users as of October 2023". Further details shared by Forbes suggest that in 2023, "there are an estimated 4.9 billion social media users".
The goal of a digital marketer is to drive traffic to an offer. A marketing agency that can get results for their clients and increase the overall revenue for a business will make money online. Research advises that "75% of Internet users don't go past the first page on Google". Additional data suggests that the "number one page on the Google search engine results sees an average 32% click rate".
For a business to stay relevant and increase brand awareness, it needs to develop a digital marketing approach to get potential customers' attention. Demand Sage says that "20% of business owners gauge the success of their digital marketing approach by the number of leads it generates".
Of course, each digital marketing type has its own value and diverse profit margins. The local lead generation business model makes profit margins between 85%-90%. While WebFX says the price tag for SEO services is " $350 to $2000 per month". In this article, we share the top 14 ways to make money with digital marketing and 3 tips on how to find high-paying clients in 2024.
Top 14 Ways To Make Money With Digital Marketing
1. Lead Generation
Make money with digital marketing by leveraging lead generation. The local lead generation business model is simple. Build and rank generic websites that target one location and offer one service. The focus is on the local market so you can get your lead gen sites to the top of the Google search engines in 6 weeks - 6 months. At the top of the SERPs, you're in front of people actively searching for your service. You also capture organic (free) traffic.
Data from Demand Sage states that "organic traffic is answerable for 53% of all website traffic". Once your websites produce leads, you can sell them to a small business owner for profit margins as high as 85%-90%. The website, the tracking number, and the leads belong to you. But each site can earn a passive monthly income of $500-$2,000. In 2024, companies are more than happy to pay for your leads because they're highly qualified and have some of the best traffic on the Internet. Research reveals that "leads generated via SEO capture a 15% close rate".
2. Content Marketing
Earn money with content marketing by selling content creation services like writing a weekly blog post, emails, social media posts, or content writing for a PPC ad campaign. SuperPath suggests that "the average content marketer makes an annual income of $95,000+". In 2024, if you have the skills to write persuasive copy. Or you can get people to stop their mindless scrolling on a social media platform and take action on an offer with your copy; you can capture organic traffic. Data confirms that "49% of marketers state organic search gets the best ROIs". Leveraging this marketing approach can build brand loyalty and boost a company's sales. CMI says, "67% of marketers note that content marketing yields an increase in leads".
3. Offer SEO Services
Make money with your digital marketing skills by offering SEO services. An SEO specialist who understands how to navigate tools like Google Analytics, SEMrush, and Ahrefs can help a business owner build a more robust presence on the Internet. InterGrowth says that "68% of online ventures start with a search engine".
Further research shared by Demand Sage suggests that "almost 50% of companies contend that SEO is their best ROI generator". SEO is an online marketing technique that leverages on and off-site methods like keywords, mobile responsiveness, backlinks, and citations. In 2024, a business will pay between $300-$30,000 per month for SEO. Other ways to make money with SEO include:
4. Manage PPC Ad Campaigns
A digital marketing service can make an income managing a business's PPC ad campaigns or Facebook Ads. In 2024, the average income is $1,500-$10,000 per month. (Or a set % of the ad cost, which, according to data, is "typically 10%-20%)".
The key is to have the right skills. Know how to compose copy that can get a ton of eyeballs. Then, leverage platforms like TikTok and Google search engines to drive online traffic to an offer. WebFX suggests that "45% of page clicks are acquired by ads that appear in search results".
5. Provide Social Media Marketing Services
A way to make money with digital marketing positions is to provide social media marketing services. Sprout Social suggests that an SMMA freelancer can charge $500-$10,000 a month per client". Research shared by ZipRecruiter reports that the hourly pay for SMMA is between $8.99-$61.78 an hour". To make money with SMMA, you need to be skilled at creating a marketing strategy that makes your services unique but still gets results for your clients. SMMA offers services like:
ZipDo suggests that "social media has a 100% higher lead-to-close rate versus traditional marketing methods."
6. YouTube Advertising Partner Platform
Digital marketers with content creation skills can earn $1-$5 per view or around $1,000+ per month on YouTube. Statistics confirm that in 2024, "YouTube has more than 2.70 billion active users". The YouTube Partner Program is a chance to monetize the platform and generate income from videos and ads. Other ways to make money with the YouTube advertising partner program include:
- YouTube Premium Revenue
- Channel Memberships
- Sponsored Posts
- Super Chat Payments
YPP is open to creators who have 500 subscribers. But try to get a minimum of 5,000 to leverage brand partnerships and sponsorships that can make you $500-$800 a month more. Also, when calculating how much you can actually earn with YPP, note that the platform takes 45% of ad revenue.
7. Freelance
Make money as a freelancer with your digital marketing talents and earn around $4,000 a month. An entry-level salary for a freelance digital marketer is around $41,000 annually. While mid-level earners make about $72,000 a year, senior veterans can earn upwards of $80,000 per year. Data suggests that in 2024, digital marketing freelancers get paid on their skills, experience, where they live, and the type of service they provide:
Decide on your ideal client. Who do you want to work with? What niche do you want to target? What services do you excel at? DemandSage suggests that "the most in-demand skill for freelance marketers in 2024 is social media marketing". But they also claim that "freelance content writers earn about $42,000 a year". Pick one client avatar and one service. Become the authority in that field. Then, consider scaling your services to offer additional types of digital marketing and make more money.
8. Be A Digital Marketing Consultant
Make money as a digital marketing consultant. As a consultant, you develop, execute, and track organic and paid marketing tactics like A/B testing, email marketing, and content creation to help business owners achieve their goals. The average earnings for a consultant in 2024 are between $50,000-$100,000+ per year.
ZipRecruiter suggests that the "weekly pay is $1,142-$2,375 while an annual salary is between $75,000-$123,500". You can make even more money ($100+ an hour by offering value-based pricing. The idea is to increase the perceived value of your skill set and be known as the authority in your niche market). Become a specialist in one digital marketing service like SEO, social media, or content marketing. Then, be very, very good at it and get real results for your clients.
9. Blog On Paid Platforms
Earn money blogging on paid platforms like Medium, ListVerse, or Cracked. Of course, your earnings will depend on the site you write for and the niche you choose. Data suggests that "94% of writers earn at least $100+/month". Another option is to start your own blog.
Demand Sage states, "Brands with a reliable blog get 55% more traffic rate than those that don't". The secret is to post valuable content that speaks to your target audience. Build a following and foster loyalty. Then, you can leverage other revenue-generating strategies like affiliate marketing, paid sponsorships, or donations.
10. Sell Ad Space
Make money with digital marketing by selling ad space. You can sell ad space on a blog or website or with native ads on YouTube. Zipdo states, "the average click-through rate for a pre-roll video ad is 1.52% in 2024". To earn a steady income selling ad space:
11. Become An Amazon Seller
Become an Amazon seller and make money online without owning inventory. Seller App reveals that "the average Amazon seller makes $1,000 and $2,500 monthly". People trust Amazon, and the platform offers a ready-made audience of people. Data indicates that "over 40% of Internet users shop on Amazon because of its low prices and fast shipping". Selling on Amazon is affordable and offers several options for sellers like:
- Amazon FBA: Similar to the dropshipping business model, but instead of handling customer service, order fulfillment, and delivery, Amazon takes care of all leg work for you.
- Amazon Kindle Publishing: Self-publish paperbacks, eBooks, and hardcovers.
- Become an Amazon affiliate: Amazon affiliates earn 4%-8% per sale, depending on the products you sell.
- Sell merch using Mech By Amazon: Upload pictures on hoodies, mugs, or T-shirts, and Amazon handles the order fulfillment.
But in 2024, selling on Amazon is competitive. You need a stellar product and know how to stay one step ahead of buyer trends. Find a niche with low competition and high search volume. Then, dial in on your ad copy and creatives and run ads on Amazon to get in front of a ton of eyeballs and make sales.
12. Affiliate Marketing
Authority Hacker says," the average affiliate marketer makes around $8,038 a month". The key is to connect with a reputable affiliate program like ClickBank, Awin, or ShareASale. Then, find products that offer a high commission rate. Research suggests that "20% of marketers think affiliate marketing is their most lucrative channel". But it's a competitive industry, and you're vying at a national level.
The secret is to tap into consumer psychology and highlight the benefits of your product. Use copy that invokes an emotional response from your readers and gets them to take action on your offer. Affiliates are paid on commission and only make money when they land sales, a click, or a user action. Again, the idea is to build trust with your audience. Share value and be genuine. To elevate your earnings, share your affiliate link on multiple channels like a website, social media page, or YouTube channel.
13. Launch & Sell Digital Products
Earn an income selling digital products online like eBooks, printables, or an online course. Consider your digital marketing skills and what kind of item you want to launch and sell. Next, research to identify a gap in the market. Then, learn as much as you can about your ideal buyer.
What are their likes and wants? What are their needs? Can you sell a product that will help them solve a problem, save time, or make their life easier? For example, a PDF on how to write ad copy or tips on how to generate organic traffic. Once you have a digital product, you can sell it over and over again. As a result, you make money and can create a passive income stream.
14. Manage Email Marketing Campaigns
Make money with digital marketing by managing email campaigns for business owners. In 2024, email marketing is still one of the most profitable and relevant marketing strategies because it's evergreen. Data from Insight For Professionals states that "ROIs from email marketing are 4,400%". Emails are a way for a company to inform and engage people who have shown an interest in their product or service. The key is to use personalization tactics like:
- Group segmentation (HubSpot suggests "subscriber segmentation is the most effective campaign method."
- Geo-targeted content
- The use of native language
Email marketing is cost-effective. But, it allows a business to reach a broader audience for fewer dollars. As a result, you can build brand awareness and create trust with your ideal buyer.
3 Tips To Landing High-Paying Digital Marketing Clients In 2024
1. Network On The Right Digital Marketing Channels
Network on the right digital marketing channels and get attention from the right people. Buffer .com suggests that the active monthly users for some of the top social media sites in 2024 are as follows:
Where are your people spending their time online? How do they consume content? To convert prospects, you need a system, not just a media. Develop the art of persuasion and influence and create a compelling message. The idea is to share content or videos that solve a problem or add value to your ideal client.
CareerBlog shares that "70% of the time, networking delivers new prospects for business owners". Build a strong Internet presence. Then, focus on audience development. Engage with people and give the best answer to their questions. Highlight the benefits of your services. Tell them why your digital marketing services are needed to boost brand awareness and increase ROIs.
2. Leverage Digital Marketing Referrals
Use your network to leverage referrals. Bain & Company suggests that "referral buyers have a 37% higher lifetime value than people who aren't referred to a business". Further data from McKinsey & Company states that "50% of referred customers are more likely to buy than a non-referral consumer". The secret is to collect data and leverage retargeting strategies. Then, present an offer that adds value to your marketing campaign. Use strategies like:
Again, highlight the benefits of your services and how you can help a company or potential customer meet their revenue goals, get more eyeballs on their offers, or get more qualified sales leads for their business.
3. Focus On Niche Digital Marketing
Niche marketing is a hyper-targeted marketing approach. In 2024, niche marketing offers several benefits like:
- Less competition
- Better client relationships
- Concentrated marketing strategy
- Attracts a higher-paying clientele
- An increased brand loyalty
Instead of advertising your digital marketing services to everyone, focus on one niche and one client avatar. Then, provide one core service (SEO, a Google Ad campaign, social media marketing, etc.). Learn as much as you can about your target audience. Next, share valuable user-generated content and provide a better answer than the competition.
Then, create a multi-channel marketing campaign and showcase reviews and testimonials. Data & Marketing Association advises that "marketers who use three or more social media channels in their marketing campaigns get purchase rates 250% higher than marketers who only use one channel".
Is Digital Marketing Profitable?
Digital marketing is profitable if you can attract high-paying clients who pay you for a monthly service. Digital marketers can earn an annual income of $60,331-$99,134. According to ZipRecruiter, a digital marketer can earn "an average monthly income of $5,027". Additional data suggests that the average digital marketer in the USA earns "29.01 per hour, $1,160 a week". However, Glassdoor reports that the average monthly income for a digital marketer in the United States is "between $4,899-$9,145".
Digital marketing is a way to make money online and earn a recurring income. The secret is to learn as much as you can about your target audience. What are their pain points? What problem can you solve with your services? How can you boost their overall revenue? Research says that "75% of Internet users don't go past the first page on Google". So, if you have the skills to drive traffic to an offer and get more leads, more sales, and more revenue for a client, you can make a profit margin of 20%-60%.
Demand Sage reports that "88% of consumers who search for a local company on the Internet are likely to go to their business location within 24 hours". Aspects that impact the amount of money you can make include:
CareerFoundry states that in 2024, "people in high-level digital marketing roles can earn six-figure incomes".
Can You Earn Passive Income With Digital Marketing?
Yes, you can make a passive income from digital marketing. An approach like building and ranking rank and rent websites can generate a passive income and profit margins as high as 85%-90%. Get your websites to the top of the SERPs, and they are in front of a potential client actively looking for the service you provide.
Focus on one location and offer one service. You own the websites, the tracking number, and the leads. So, this digital marketing strategy is a way to secure a recurring income and offer an exclusive service to your clientele. Podcasts, social media accounts, or influencer marketing can also generate passive income.
Other digital marketing techniques to earn passive income include:
The New York Times reports that "only 20% of Americans make passive income". In 2024, you can earn passive income with digital marketing if you know how to get in front of the right people and get them to take action.
What Is The Most Successful Form Of Digital Marketing?
The most successful form of digital marketing is word of mouth. In 2024, word of mouth is influencer marketing. HubSpot suggests a digital marketing agency that "employs influencer marketing will boost or maintain their investment." Further data from Social Shepherd reports that $1 spent on influencer marketing generates a $5.20 return". Other successful forms of digital marketing to consider include:
Digital marketing agencies can make money with audits and strategy calls by charging a commission or an hourly fee for their services. They can also offer a free website audit to build trust and grow their brand. Overdeliver and propose a recurring service like email marketing or running paid ads on social media.
Can Freelance Digital Marketer Be A Good Side Hustle?
Yes, can becoming a freelance digital marketer be a good side hustle? Digital marketing is a flexible, low-cost skill that is in high demand. If you master the skill and know how to get attention from the right people for a business, you can make money with digital marketing while still working a 9-5.
Website Builder Expert shares that "50% of Millennials living in the United States have a side hustle". While Lending Tree reports that "the average side hustle makes about $473/month or $5,700/year". The key is to focus on one service. Next, learn everything you can about that type of digital marketing. A few popular choices in 2024 include:
- Local lead generation business model
- Affiliate marketing
- Google AdSense
- Leverage one of the top ways to make passive income on YouTube
- Sell digital products
Get certified or invest in one of the best digital marketing courses or a Google Ads certification from a platform like HubSpot or Udemy. Then, get the right tools like automation software such as Ahrefs, SEMrush, and MailChimp. Become an expert and lead with value. As a result, you can generate a secondary income stream with your side hustle.
Related Digital Marketing Articles
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- Best Digital Marketing Course: This article provides a detailed overview of the different profit margins for a digital marketing agency and the best ways to increase your revenue in 2024.
Why Local Lead Generation Is A Better Way To Make Passive Income Online In 2024
Digital marketing is a way to make money online, but only some types generate a passive income. For services like SEO, paid ads, or social media marketing, digital marketers will only get paid for the work they do. But the issue is that you're getting attention for another company, so you don't own any assets. If you don't know how to get results, or the Company isn't happy with your outcome, they can fire you or just stop paying for your services.
Of course, you can make a passive income by selling ad space on a blog, monetizing a YouTube channel, or leveraging affiliate marketing. But it takes time to build a loyal audience and get attention on the Internet. And with these types of digital marketing, you compete against a global market.
With local lead generation, you earn passive income and own valuable digital real estate. Build and rank websites that produce leads. But because the focus is on the local market, you can get your sites to the top of the SERPs in 6 weeks-6 months. You own the website, the tracking number, and the leads. Sell those leads to a local business owner to earn recurring income. Each site takes about 10-15 hours to create and another $500 to reach the top of the Google search engines.
At the top, it doesn't need much work (maybe 10-15 hours/year). There's no limit to how many lead gen websites you build and rank. Take this site above, which is only one of over 80 digital assets I own. But his one website has been making me $2,000 per month since 2014: $2,000 X 12 months X 9 years =$216,000. Are you curious about local lead gen and how it generates passive income? Then, check out this lead generation coaching program with over 7,000 students.
