In recent years, the photo-sharing website Instagram has emerged as the go-to place for people to share and enjoy their images. With over 500 million users, the appeal is evident. People can easily share their photos and engage with others through likes, comments, and captions. Instagram is all about visual pleasure, being active, and connecting with others. It is the perfect platform to promote a lifestyle brand or business.
But while Instagram is incredibly popular and lucrative, it’s not for everyone. For those who want to make money online selling photographs, there are other options, like stock photography websites like Dreamstime, Freelancer, and Upwork. Just remember: You’ll need to do some research and learn the ropes before you get started.
The Pros And Cons Of Selling Photographs On Instagram
Instagram is a popular option for those who want to make money online. As we’ve established, the site is about connecting with others and celebrating life. It provides a casual, approachable atmosphere—a great fit for a large audience—and connects people to businesses and brands they might not have heard of before. In return, Instagram gets credit for curating and promoting relevant content.
The downside to Instagram is that its primary audience is already incredibly engaged. So it can be difficult to gain the attention of potential buyers when there are hundreds of millions of people you are competing with for limited ad space. It is also a challenge to make money directly from advertisers; the cost per thousand viewers is expensive, and most businesses aren’t prepared to pay that much to gain eyeballs on their ads.
The Advantage Of Selling On Other Websites
Selling on Instagram is undoubtedly a popular choice among those who want to make money from photography. But for those who want to make extra cash, there are other options. One of the most successful and established photography websites is Shutterstock. Founded in 1999, Shutterstock provides a variety of content to its users. In addition to stock photography, the site also offers multimedia content like editorial images, promotional videos, and animation.
Multimedia content like editorial images and promotional videos require a high degree of skill to produce. And while stock photography can be a decent quick buck, animator and video journalists can earn significantly more. This is one area where you can make a lot of money online—just be prepared to invest in the required equipment and learn the ins and outs of video and animation production.
Where Do I Get Started With Photography?
If you are new to the whole world of online selling, starting with small, private social media accounts is the simplest and most straight-forward way to get your feet wet. Begin by creating a small Instagram account for yourself. Next, you can start buying and selling photos on sites like Canva, Zoiist, or Fotor. Bigger platforms like Photogrid and Revo are also good options for those who want to get their photos off of their phone and into a professional studio. Ultimately, don’t let money be the primary motivator for you when it comes to online selling. Create a community of photographers you can admire and learn from. Building a brand and establishing yourself as an expert is an excellent way to make money online.