AFFILIATE MARKETING
102 Ways to Make Money

Are you looking for ways to make money?
Whether you’re a student trying to cover your expenses or an aspiring writer seeking additional income, numerous opportunities await you.
From starting a blog to becoming a brand ambassador, you’re bound to find something that fits your interests and skills!
- Start a blog: Share your passion or expertise on a blog and connect with a global audience. Monetize your content through strategically placed ads, sponsored content collaborations, or by integrating affiliate marketing links to products and services that align with your niche.
- Freelance writing: Harness your writing skills to craft compelling articles, engaging blogs, or persuasive copy for businesses and reputable publications. Explore various platforms to offer your services, establishing a diverse portfolio and expanding your client base.
- Sell handmade crafts: Transform your creative hobbies into a thriving business by showcasing and selling your handmade crafts on popular online platforms like Etsy. Cultivate a unique brand identity and leverage social media to reach a wider audience and boost sales.
- Become a virtual assistant: Provide indispensable administrative support to entrepreneurs and businesses from the comfort of your own space. Offer a range of services, from managing emails and calendars to handling customer inquiries, and build lasting relationships with your clients.
- Rent out your spare room on Airbnb: Unlock a new stream of income by listing your spare room or property on Airbnb. Curate a welcoming space, offer personalized touches, and ensure a memorable experience for guests to garner positive reviews. The positive reviews you earn will not only enhance your hosting reputation but also attract more bookings, amplifying your ways to make money through this innovative platform.
- Participate in affiliate marketing: Harness the power of online marketing by promoting products through your blog, social media, or dedicated website. Cultivate strategic partnerships with brands and earn commissions on every sale generated through your referral links.
- Create an online course: Share your expertise with a global audience by developing and selling online courses on platforms like Udemy or Coursera. Craft comprehensive and engaging content and establish yourself as a thought leader in your field.
- Offer consulting services: Utilize your knowledge and experience to provide valuable insights in specialized fields such as marketing or finance. Position yourself as an industry expert and offer personalized consultations to businesses seeking guidance and improvement.
- Drive for a ride-sharing service: Turn your car into a source of income by joining popular ride-sharing platforms like Uber or Lyft. Set your own schedule, meet new people, and earn money while providing a convenient transportation service.
- Invest in stocks: Dive into the world of finance and grow your wealth by investing in the stock market. Conduct thorough research, stay informed about market trends, and make strategic investment decisions to build a diversified and profitable portfolio.
- Sell digital products: Monetize your creative skills by selling digital products such as e-books, stock photos, or design templates online. Leverage platforms like Gumroad or Etsy to reach a global audience and generate passive income.
- Offer social media management: Help businesses enhance their online presence by managing their social media accounts. Create engaging content, strategize posting schedules, and implement effective social media marketing strategies to boost brand visibility and engagement.
- Rent out your car: Maximize the potential of your idle vehicle by renting it out through services like Turo. Generate extra income when you’re not using your car and provide a convenient transportation option for individuals in need.
- Sell stock photos: Monetize your photography skills by licensing your photos on stock photo websites. Cater to a broad range of clients, from bloggers to businesses, and build a portfolio that showcases your unique and high-quality images.
- Start a YouTube channel: Harness the power of video content by creating a YouTube channel. Share your passions, expertise, or entertaining content, and monetize through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.
- Pet sitting and dog walking: Combine your love for animals with earning income by offering pet sitting and dog walking services. Build a loyal clientele and establish a reputation for reliable and compassionate pet care.
- Become a mystery shopper: Get paid to evaluate and provide feedback on businesses’ customer service. Immerse yourself in various industries, from retail to dining, and contribute to improving the overall customer experience.
- Do online surveys: Participate in online surveys to share your opinions on products and services. Join reputable survey platforms and earn rewards or cash for providing valuable feedback.
- Sell e-books: Channel your writing skills into creating and selling e-books on platforms like Amazon Kindle. Explore various genres and niches to cater to a diverse audience.
- Offer graphic design services: Utilize your creative flair to offer graphic design services. Design logos, marketing materials, and visuals that resonate with clients and contribute to the success of their branding efforts.
- House cleaning services: Start a house cleaning business and offer your services to local homeowners. Create a reliable and thorough cleaning routine, build trust with clients, and establish a steady stream of recurring customers.
- Flip real estate: Embark on a real estate investment journey by identifying undervalued properties, renovating them, and selling for a profit. Cultivate a deep understanding of the real estate market and hone your ability to spot opportunities that can significantly contribute to your ways to make money in this dynamic and rewarding industry.
- Start a podcast: Share your thoughts, expertise, or interviews through a podcast. Monetize your content through sponsorships, ads, and listener support to turn your passion into a lucrative venture.
- Rent out equipment: Monetize your tools or equipment by renting them out to individuals or businesses in need. Ensure proper maintenance and offer a convenient rental experience to attract repeat customers.
- Dropshipping: Launch a virtual store without the hassle of inventory management by adopting the dropshipping model. Curate a selection of products, partner with reliable suppliers, and focus on marketing and customer service to drive sales.
- Offer tutoring services: Share your knowledge and expertise by offering tutoring services in subjects you excel in. Cater to students of various age groups and academic levels to expand your client base.
- Become a translator: If you’re bilingual, leverage your language skills to offer translation services. Work with individuals, businesses, or translation agencies to bridge language gaps and facilitate effective communication.
- Participate in gig economy jobs: Diversify your income streams by taking on various short-term gigs, such as food delivery or ridesharing. Explore platforms like TaskRabbit or Gigwalk to find opportunities that match your skills and schedule.
- Do affiliate advertising: Enhance your online presence by incorporating affiliate advertising into your website or social media platforms. Promote products authentically and earn commissions on sales generated through your referral links.
- Start a drop-in day care: Offer childcare services for parents who need flexible and on-demand care. Create a safe and nurturing environment for children and provide peace of mind for busy parents.
- Rent out your tools: Monetize your collection of tools by renting them out to DIY enthusiasts. Ensure proper maintenance and offer guidance on usage to provide a valuable and reliable tool rental service.
- Become a DJ: Showcase your musical talents by providing DJ services for events like weddings, parties, and corporate gatherings. Curate playlists, create a vibrant atmosphere, and contribute to unforgettable celebrations.
- Babysitting services: Offer your babysitting services to parents in your community. Build trust with families by providing reliable and caring childcare and establish long-term relationships with satisfied clients.
- Rent out your parking space: Generate income from your extra parking space by renting it out to commuters or event attendees. Utilize platforms like JustPark or ParkWhiz to connect with individuals in need of convenient parking solutions.
- Offer event planning: Tap into your organizational skills by offering event planning services. Coordinate and execute events, from weddings to corporate gatherings, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience for clients.
- Personal training: Become a certified fitness trainer and help clients achieve their health and fitness goals. Offer personalized training sessions, create customized workout plans, and contribute to positive transformations.
- Create a subscription box service: Curate and deliver subscription boxes filled with niche products to subscribers. Source unique and high-quality items and create a delightful unboxing experience to retain loyal customers.
- Offer voice-over services: Utilize your unique voice to provide voice-over services for videos, commercials, audiobooks, and more. Showcase your versatility and professionalism to attract clients in need of captivating voice narration.
- Rent out your backyard for events: Monetize your outdoor space by hosting small gatherings, parties, or even weddings. Provide a picturesque backdrop and create a memorable atmosphere for events while earning extra income.
- Participate in market research: Share your opinions and insights by participating in market research studies. Join reputable research platforms and contribute valuable feedback to companies looking to improve their products and services.
- Create an app: Develop a mobile app and explore various monetization strategies, such as app sales, in-app purchases, or subscription models. Solve a specific problem or cater to a niche market to stand out in the competitive app landscape.
- Provide IT support: Offer your expertise in IT by providing support to individuals and businesses. Troubleshoot technical issues, install software, and ensure smooth operations for your clients.
- Rent out your clothes: Monetize your fashion sense by renting out your clothing items. Create a curated collection, offer styling tips, and provide a sustainable and budget-friendly fashion solution for renters.
- Start a print-on-demand business: Design and sell custom merchandise without the need for inventory through a print-on-demand business. Create unique designs, market them effectively, and partner with print-on-demand services to fulfill orders.
- Offer copywriting services: Harness your persuasive writing skills to offer copywriting services. Craft compelling copy for businesses, marketing campaigns, and advertisements to drive engagement and conversions.
- Become a notary public: Leverage your legal knowledge by becoming a notary public. Notarize documents for individuals and businesses and earn fees for providing this essential service.
- Rent out your boat: Monetize your boat by renting it out for sailing and fishing trips. Provide a unique and memorable experience for renters while earning income from your watercraft.
- Offer meal planning services: Help individuals plan healthy and delicious meals by offering personalized meal planning services. Cater to dietary preferences, create easy-to-follow recipes, and contribute to clients’ overall well-being.
- Start a dropshipping business: Set up an online store and leverage the dropshipping model to sell products without the burden of holding inventory. Focus on marketing and customer service to build a successful e-commerce business.
- Social media influencer: Build a strong social media presence and become an influencer in your niche. Collaborate with brands for sponsorships, promote products authentically, and engage with your audience to cultivate a loyal following.
- House painting services: Offer interior and exterior house painting services to homeowners. Provide quality workmanship, use premium paints, and enhance the curb appeal of residential properties.
- Offer bookkeeping services: Assist businesses in managing their finances by offering bookkeeping services. Keep accurate records, reconcile accounts, and provide valuable financial insights to help businesses thrive.
- Rent out your RV: Monetize your recreational vehicle by renting it out to travelers seeking an adventurous road trip experience. Provide a well-maintained RV and contribute to memorable travel experiences for renters.
- Become a life coach: Diversify your ways to make money by pursuing a career as a certified life coach. Guide individuals on their journey to achieving both personal and professional goals, offering invaluable support, motivation, and proven strategies for personal growth and fulfillment.
- Offer video editing services: Utilize your video editing skills to provide services for content creators, businesses, or events. Enhance the visual appeal of videos, ensure smooth transitions, and contribute to the overall storytelling.
- Start a YouTube tutorial channel: Share your expertise through tutorial videos on a dedicated YouTube channel. Educate and entertain your audience while monetizing through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.
- Rent out your garage: Monetize your extra storage space by renting out your garage to individuals in need of storage solutions. Ensure a secure and well-maintained space for renters’ belongings.
- Become a personal shopper: Offer your expertise in fashion and trends by becoming a personal shopper. Shop for clients based on their preferences, provide styling advice, and earn a commission on their purchases.
- Offer transcription services: Utilize your strong listening and typing skills to offer transcription services. Transcribe audio or video content for businesses, content creators, and individuals looking for accurate and timely transcriptions.
- Participate in paid clinical trials: Contribute to medical research by participating in paid clinical trials. Follow study protocols, undergo medical examinations, and contribute to advancements in healthcare while earning compensation.
- Create an online marketplace: Build a platform where buyers and sellers can connect and transact. Focus on a niche market, implement user-friendly features, and create a thriving online community.
- Rent out your land for farming: Leverage your available land by leasing it to farmers for cultivation. Foster sustainable agricultural practices and contribute to local food production while earning income from your land.
- Start a catering business: Channel your culinary skills into a catering business. Prepare and deliver delicious meals for parties, events, weddings, and other gatherings, creating memorable dining experiences for clients.
- Offer online marketing services: Help businesses enhance their online presence by offering comprehensive online marketing services. Develop strategic campaigns, optimize digital assets, and drive traffic and conversions for your clients.
- Become a tour guide: Share your knowledge and passion for your city or area by becoming a tour guide. Lead engaging and informative tours for tourists, showcasing the unique attractions and history of your locale.
- Rent out your swimming pool: Monetize your swimming pool by offering swimming lessons or renting it out for private use. Provide a refreshing and enjoyable space for individuals and families to relax and have fun.
- Create a mobile app: Develop mobile apps for businesses and individuals looking to enhance their digital presence. Explore various app monetization models, such as in-app purchases and subscription plans.
- Offer SEO services: Optimize websites for search engines and improve their rankings by offering SEO services. Implement effective strategies, conduct keyword research, and help businesses achieve better visibility online.
- Sell printables: Create and sell printable templates, worksheets, and designs online. Cater to various niches, such as education, organization, or creativity, and offer downloadable content for customers.
- Start a cleaning service: Provide professional cleaning services to homes and businesses. Develop a thorough and efficient cleaning routine, use eco-friendly products, and create a clean and healthy environment for clients.
- Offer podcast editing services: Edit and produce podcasts for content creators. Enhance audio quality, ensure smooth transitions, and add creative elements to create engaging and polished podcast episodes.
- Rent out your garden: Monetize your beautiful garden by renting it out for events and photoshoots. Provide a picturesque backdrop for special occasions, creating a charming and serene atmosphere for guests.
- Become a private investigator: Work on cases involving legal, financial, or personal matters by becoming a licensed private investigator. Use your analytical skills to uncover information and provide valuable insights for your clients.
- Virtual event planning: Adapt to the digital age by offering virtual event planning services. Plan and coordinate webinars, virtual conferences, and online parties, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for participants.
- Offer voice acting services: Bring characters to life and lend your voice to animated videos, commercials, audiobooks, and more. Showcase your versatility in tone and style to cater to a diverse range of projects and clients.
- Rent out your camera equipment: Monetize your photography and videography gear by renting it out to fellow photographers and filmmakers. Ensure proper maintenance and provide equipment that meets the needs of professionals and enthusiasts alike.
- Start an e-commerce store: Enter the world of online retail by creating an e-commerce store. Source and sell a diverse range of products, implement effective marketing strategies, and provide exceptional customer service to build a loyal customer base.
- Offer website design services: Utilize your creativity and technical skills to design and build websites for businesses and individuals. Create visually appealing and functional websites that align with clients’ brand identities and goals.
- Start a landscaping business: Transform outdoor spaces by offering landscaping and gardening services. Enhance curb appeal, create beautiful garden designs, and provide maintenance services to homeowners looking to beautify their surroundings.
- Rent out your power tools: Monetize your collection of power tools by renting them out to DIY enthusiasts and contractors. Ensure proper safety guidelines and offer guidance on usage to provide a valuable service for those in need of specialized tools.
- Offer resume writing services: Help job seekers stand out in the competitive job market by offering resume writing services. Craft compelling resumes, optimize LinkedIn profiles, and provide valuable tips for successful job applications.
- Become a process server: Contribute to legal proceedings by becoming a process server. Deliver legal documents to individuals involved in court cases, ensuring timely and accurate delivery to facilitate the legal process.
- Rent out your party supplies: Monetize your collection of party decorations, tables, and chairs by renting them out for events. Provide a one-stop solution for party hosts looking to create memorable and well-decorated gatherings.
- Start a digital marketing agency: Broaden your ways to make money by establishing a digital marketing agency. Provide businesses with comprehensive digital marketing services to elevate their online presence. Craft personalized strategies, expertly manage campaigns, and deliver insightful analytics, empowering clients to successfully attain their marketing objectives.
- Offer social media advertising services: Specialize in managing and optimizing social media ad campaigns for businesses. Utilize targeted advertising, analyze performance metrics, and help clients maximize their return on investment through effective social media advertising.
- Rent out your sports equipment: Monetize your collection of sports gear by renting it out to enthusiasts and athletes. Provide quality equipment for various sports and activities, catering to individuals looking for a cost-effective and convenient solution.
- Become a mediator: Facilitate conflict resolution by becoming a mediator. Help individuals or businesses navigate disputes, find common ground, and reach mutually beneficial agreements through effective communication and negotiation.
- Offer PR services: Provide public relations and marketing services to businesses looking to enhance their reputation and visibility. Craft compelling press releases, coordinate media outreach, and manage crisis communications to build a positive public image.
- Start a property management company: Manage rental properties on behalf of property owners, handling tasks such as tenant relations, maintenance, and financial management. Provide a hassle-free experience for property owners while ensuring the well-being of tenants.
- Rent out your musical instruments: Monetize your musical talents by renting out your musical instruments. Provide high-quality instruments for musicians and students, contributing to the accessibility of musical resources.
- Offer data entry services: Perform data entry tasks for businesses and organizations looking to streamline their operations. Ensure accuracy and efficiency in data processing, helping clients maintain organized and up-to-date records.
- Start a dropshipping website: Build an e-commerce website and leverage the dropshipping model to sell products without holding inventory. Focus on customer satisfaction and efficient order fulfillment to establish a successful online business.
- Rent out your storage space: Monetize your extra storage space by renting it out to individuals seeking storage solutions. Provide a secure and accessible space for storing belongings, catering to the needs of those in need of additional storage.
- Become a mediator: Help individuals or businesses resolve conflicts by becoming a mediator. Facilitate open communication, guide negotiations, and assist parties in reaching mutually agreeable resolutions.
- Offer affiliate marketing services: Manage affiliate marketing campaigns for businesses looking to expand their reach. Identify strategic partnerships, optimize affiliate programs, and drive traffic and conversions through effective affiliate marketing strategies.
- Start an online coaching business: Share your expertise and offer coaching and mentoring services in your area of expertise. Help clients achieve personal and professional growth, providing guidance and support to navigate challenges and achieve their goals.
- Rent out your parking lot: Generate income from your extra parking space by renting it out to commuters or event attendees. Utilize online platforms to connect with individuals in need of convenient and secure parking options.
- Offer SEO consulting: Provide SEO guidance and strategies to businesses looking to improve their online presence. Conduct website audits, identify optimization opportunities, and help clients achieve higher search engine rankings.
- Start a party planning business: Plan and coordinate parties and events for clients, creating memorable and stress-free celebrations. Offer a range of services, from venue selection to decor and entertainment, to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for hosts and guests.
- Offer resume editing services: Edit and improve existing resumes to help job seekers stand out in the competitive job market. Provide personalized feedback, optimize content, and enhance the overall presentation of resumes.
- Rent out your holiday decorations: Monetize your festive holiday decorations by renting them out for others to enjoy. Provide a convenient and affordable solution for individuals looking to decorate their homes during the holiday season.
- Become a brand ambassador: Promote products and services on social media and at events as a brand ambassador. Build a strong online presence, authentically endorse brands, and collaborate with companies for sponsored content opportunities.
There are countless ways to make money, and this list of 102 ideas should provide you with a diverse range of options!
Whether it’s starting your own business, offering freelance services, or simply renting out what you have, the possibilities are virtually endless. So, don’t hesitate to explore these opportunities and take the first step toward financial success today!
AFFILIATE MARKETING
Revolutionising affiliate marketing in the era of influencers, ET BrandEquity

Affiliate marketing spends in India are estimated to be Rs 2500 crore in FY 2023, constituting eight percent of the overall digital marketing spend, according to the State of Digital Marketing in India report. Despite the popularity of affiliate marketing, the model presents its own challenges, such as onboarding and managing affiliates, high commission fees, and vulnerability to fraudulent and malicious practices.
During a discussion at DigiPlus Fest 2023, marketers explored the evolving landscape of affiliate marketing and strategies to optimise return on investment (RoI). The session featured Nishant Jaiswal, VP – marketing, Zupee; Sachin Vashishtha, chief marketing officer, Paisabazaar, and was chaired by Saumya Jain, ETBrandEquity.com.
Essentially, affiliate marketing involves incentivizing affiliates with a commission or payout to drive a business action, such as a click or purchase. The practice began with blogs, websites, and email but has since expanded to include social media and e-commerce platforms.
Vashishtha observed that while affiliate marketing was one of the most profitable and RoI-positive ways for online businesses to grow, it didn’t take long for bad actors to leverage it for fraud. Affiliates with malicious intent began generating traffic for brands using any means necessary to earn a commission.
The practice started losing its appeal until the explosion of the creator economy and the rise of influencers. Additionally, improvements in technology and the emergence of attribution models like multi-touch attribution or view-through attribution started bringing transparency into the affiliate marketing model.
Jaiswal remarked that affiliate marketing in India is still nascent compared to global platforms, where many end publishers are not directly accessible to advertisers. He said, “With technology, many fraud-related concerns like click hijacking, app install hijacking, and click spam can be controlled by your mobile measurement partner (MMP) or attribution partner.”
However, despite technological advancements, brands still run the risk of being visible in an unsafe environment due to the way affiliate marketing models are structured. While advertisers primarily engage with larger affiliate networks, campaigns might be outsourced to smaller publishers, networks, and individuals, making it challenging to map where conversions are coming from. Additionally, smaller publishers or creators may create clickbait content or reach out to irrelevant audiences simply to drive traffic or act with malicious intent, harming the brand’s reputation.
Vashishtha stated, “You can go back to the affiliate network and ban the publisher, but it is still very difficult to work with the ecosystem the way it is now. We prefer to work with large publishers or content creators directly.”
By working directly with publishers or creators, brands can see how content gets created and deployed to generate conversions. Jaiswal suggested that brands could share a high volume of assets with affiliates directly to test their effectiveness and ensure that the brand positioning and messaging remain consistent.
While it is not entirely avoidable to discourage malicious activity, Jaiswal opined that assigning realistic key performance indicators (KPIs) while designing the campaign can automatically rule out any fraud from the equation. He said, “Marketers could leverage a combination of hard KPIs and soft KPIs, where soft KPIs can be click-to-conversion rate, sign-up-to-purchase rate, and hard KPIs could be cost-to-purchase or cost-to-sign-up.”
Affiliate marketing has its fair share of challenges; however, the ecosystem is continuously evolving. With new technologies like AI, affiliate marketing initiatives will become sharper and more targeted.
AFFILIATE MARKETING
First, AI came for Sports Illustrated. Soon, it will want to give you sports betting advice
Real Sports Bar and Grill in Toronto on Nov. 24, 2016.Glenn Lowson/The Globe and Mail
When Sports Illustrated was outed last week for its alleged use of generative AI to create online articles – and, even worse, for topping them with fake bylines and AI author headshots – readers of the legendary glossy were appalled and disappointed at how the mighty had fallen.
But there was one element of the story that largely got lost amid the outrage, and it hints at an even darker prospect of what lies ahead for sports media and fans.
The SI pieces in question were product reviews: Inoffensive rankings of say, seven brands of volleyballs, which included links to Amazon that a reader could click on if they suddenly felt the urge to take up the sport. So, not only was the editorial copy generated by fake people, it was actually fake editorial copy. It was real advertising.
The practice of peppering editorial content with commercial links – known in the business as affiliate marketing – is a mainstay of Internet advertising, from movie reviews that direct readers to online ticketing sites, to podcasters and TikTok influencers giving out discount codes for listeners or viewers to buy merch from specific retailers.
But affiliate marketing has exploded in recent years in one notorious segment of the industry – sports betting, and its gush of ad dollars that are falling on a desperate media sector like rain on a parched prairie.
Affiliate sites that funnel new customers to online gambling operators are raking in the cash because of a quirk in that segment of the business – and they’re doing it on the backs of those new bettors.
In the spring of 2021, the Canadian sports media startup Playmaker Capital went public on the TSX Venture Exchange and quickly began scooping up digital properties with large followings that the company believed could be converted to bettors. When I interviewed Playmaker’s CEO, Jordan Gnat, shortly after shares began trading, he said he wanted to be in “the fan monetization business.”
There were tens of millions to monetize. The company began by buying soccer-focused sites in Latin America such as Bolavip, which targeted fans in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Central America and the United States, then expanded into the English-language North American market with the newsletter publisher and aggregator Yardbarker. Here in Canada it bought The Nation Network, which operates the hockey fantasy site, Daily Faceoff, and the Quebec-based La Poche Bleue.
But last month, Playmaker went from the hunter to the hunted when Better Collective, an affiliate-marketing giant based in Denmark that Gnat had cited to me as an inspiration for his company, gobbled it up for about $260-million.
The flurry of activity is partly because affiliate marketers who funnel customers to sportsbooks are an entirely different beast. They’re not just making one-time commissions, as they would if they were helping to sell concert tickets or tennis racquets or fly traps. Instead, they get a percentage of the sportsbook’s net revenue made from any new bettor.
“Net revenue” is another term for “total lifetime losses by a new bettor.”
Forget the pennies that digital ads are infamous for bringing in. If a site converts a reader or listener or viewer into a regular gambler – that is, a regular loser – the payday can be hundreds of dollars or more.
Here’s where it might occur to you that the incentives for a site to give you good betting advice might clash with that same site’s incentive to get you to sign up with a sports book and then lose a lot of money.
You would not be wrong.
In the social-media industry, there’s a saying that if you’re not paying for the product, you are the product. In the world of affiliate marketing, you are the product – the one that’s being sold to the sportsbooks. But boy, are you paying for it.
An academic paper published in January, 2020, in International Gambling Studies titled Affiliate Marketing of Sports Betting – A Cause for Concern? points out that many sites aren’t transparent about their duelling allegiances. It also notes that “people assign greater levels of trust to expert advice during decision-making tasks involving financial risk. This may be a particular concern for those who are just beginning to gamble upon sport, as they may be more inclined to rely on expert advice on bet choice due to their lack of experience.” Newbies may be especially susceptible, given that affiliates position themselves as being on the side of the bettor, when in fact they’re being paid by the sportsbook.
Which brings us full circle back to where we started. Generative AI is notoriously bad at a lot of things, including getting facts straight. But it’s very good at sounding confident, even as it bluffs its way through life.
And it’s about to use its charms to lull you into thinking you can beat the house.
Last May, Lloyd Danzig, the managing partner at the New York-based venture-capital company Sharp Alpha Advisors, noted in a piece for Sports Business Journal that publishers doing affiliate marketing for sportsbooks, “will soon leverage generative AI to instantly create thousands of SEO-optimized articles that discuss the current day’s calendar of games, betting trends, stories to follow, and sportsbook promotions. Pregame previews, postgame summaries, and highlight reels can be created on command without the use of specialized software or manual oversight. Articles, sportsbook reviews, and odds comparison pieces can be generated for any audience, with a fraction of the effort required from human writers.”
Think we’re already swamped with sports betting content? You haven’t seen anything yet.
Après ChatGPT, le déluge.
AFFILIATE MARKETING
What Are the Duties of a Content Strategist?

You’ve decided you want a career as a content strategist, and we’re here to help you reach your goal. A content strategist is a key player in determining the success of a brand’s content strategy, and it can be an exciting career path.
We discuss below the duties of a content strategist along with tips for becoming the most successful one you can be.
What Does a Content Strategist Do?
A content strategist brainstorms, plans, and executes the content strategy for a brand. This can be done either in a solo environment or with a content strategy team.
The material that’s crafted by content strategists for various social media platforms and other digital marketing efforts is designed with the objectives of the business in mind.
Understanding what content strategists do means we first need to understand content marketing.
Content marketing is a useful type of marketing that involves creating content designed to build interest in a brand’s products or services without explicitly promoting them.
Content strategists are content marketing experts.
For example, a content marketing strategy for a social media coach could involve a series of blog posts about why it’s so important to post on social media.

Now you can understand how a content marketing strategist engages in content marketing in the day-to-day execution of their job.
Content Strategist Job Description
Here is a sample content strategist job description:
The content strategist will develop a content strategy that meets key business objectives. They will reach the brand’s target audience through various marketing channels using their supreme content delivery skills.
The content strategist will use the organization’s content management system to oversee marketing campaigns across a variety of specific social media channels. In addition to content planning and content creation, content strategists will report on how their work met content strategy deliverables.
A typical content strategist salary ranges from $40,000-$80,000 based on location, experience, and the type of company you’re working for.
Here are a few examples of roles for the job title “content strategist” that illustrate a varying salary range based on location throughout the United States:


As you gain more experience and rise in seniority, you could become a senior content strategist or even advance into marketing leadership. It’s up to you where you want to take your career.
The Roles and Responsibilities of a Content Strategist
To add to the content strategist job description, we list the roles and responsibilities of a content strategist below.
The content strategist role varies on a day-to-day basis, but the overall tasks that need to be completed remain consistent. Content strategists will:
- Facilitate content planning sessions across a variety of editorial calendars and marketing channels.
- Perform a content audit of all existing content, evaluate its effectiveness, and update as necessary.
- Conduct extensive keyword research to guide the direction of the brand’s content creation.
- Pitch existing and prospective clients on their content creation ideas.
- Build target audience profiles to create content for.
- Understand the many ways future content can generate leads and be monetized.
- Stay informed on social media trends and changes in consumer behavior.
- Create content across various digital platforms and social media accounts.
- Oversee a marketing team and delegate tasks for ongoing and upcoming projects.
- Collaborate with other team members, like copywriters, UX/UI designers, editors, and more when creating online content.
- Analyze its successful content strategy and report back on its performance. A working knowledge of SEO reporting tools is crucial.
Who Does a Content Strategist Report To?
The content strategist will typically report to a manager in the marketing department. This could include a marketing manager, the vice president of marketing, or the marketing director.
However, keep in mind that every company is structured differently.
For example, a large corporation will be structured differently than a small start-up.
The content strategist role at a start-up might report directly to the CEO. Furthermore, a content strategist at a large corporation might report to the marketing manager.
Depending on how large the marketing team is, the content strategist might report to a more specialized person, like the digital content manager.
Understanding the marketing team structure of the company you want to apply for will help you understand where you fit in the organization.


Types of Companies Content Strategists Work For
Because every type of company can benefit from having a content strategy team, there are a variety of companies a content strategist could work for.
A few types of companies a content strategist could work for include:
Large Corporations:
Major recognizable brands need content strategists to maintain their position in the market as thought leaders.
Marketing Agencies:
Marketing agencies provide a wide range of services, and content marketing is just one of those services. A content marketer will help marketing agencies create engaging content as part of overall content strategies for clients.
Small Start-ups:
Content strategists are an important part of the business for small start-ups because they help attract new and existing customers.
Having content monetization skills can be especially important for start-ups as they run lean in the early days.
Content Agencies:
Content agencies are similar to marketing agencies. However, they provide a more niche service that’s specific to content marketing.
These types of agencies will need to hire teams of content strategists to serve their clients’ content marketing needs.
Freelance:
There is another option that’s entirely different from the employers we’ve discussed on this list. That alternative is freelancing.
A career as a freelancer means that you will be self-employed and responsible for obtaining your own clients, delivering the project, and billing the client.
While there is potentially more money to be made as a freelancer, it does also come with more risk.


What Skills Do You Need to Become a Content Strategist?
Becoming a successful content strategist requires a variety of soft skills and technical expertise. We break down the necessary skills in each category below.
Soft Skills
Here are a list of the soft skills you’ll need in your career as a content strategist:
Storytelling:
You will need to tell compelling stories to a variety of audiences as a content strategist. Whether it’s pitching ideas to clients or educating your audience, you will need to learn to relay information in an engaging way.
Creativity:
Ultimately, you’re creating content for your target audience to consume. This means that it needs to be engaging, exciting, and creative. Having creativity will help you put together the best content.
Communication:
As a content strategist, you are communicating every day. Whether it’s to your boss, other teams within the company, or your target audience, having top-notch communication skills will be very important.
Organization:
An aspiring content strategist needs to be very organized. They will be managing multiple campaigns simultaneously, so they need expert organizational skills to keep everything running smoothly.
Technical Skills
Beyond the very important soft skills you’ll need, there are a variety of technical skills that you’ll also need in your career as a content strategist.
Here are a few of them:
Writing:
Strong technical writing skills are one of the most important hard skills you’ll need. Being able to write high-quality long-form content will be a key component of your job.
Search Engine Optimization:
SEO is another one of the most important technical skills you will need to have in your career. You’ll need to understand how to perform keyword research with SEO research software, along with how to seamlessly incorporate these keywords into the text as part of the content creation process.
Social Media Platforms:
Having an understanding of the posting style of each of the different social media platforms will be helpful to your success as a content strategist.
Your long-form content will be shared with your audience in the form of social media campaigns. If you’re able to lend your knowledge when creating these campaigns, you will be able to provide more value for your team.
Monetization:
Part of the content strategist’s job is understanding how the content you’re creating can be monetized and earn your employer money.
Whether it’s incorporating banner ads or partnering with affiliates, you will need to be an expert in monetization methods for the content strategies you implement.


Tips for Becoming a Content Strategist
You know the skills you need to develop and what the job description entails. Now it’s time to discuss tips for optimizing your career in content marketing. Read our top 5 tips for becoming a content strategist below.
Prioritize Your Education
You will need to have the knowledge if you want to earn a job as a content strategist. This means that prioritizing your education should be at the top of your list.
While this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to have a bachelor’s degree, some employers might require you to have one. For example, if you want to work at a large corporation or a major brand where you work your way up to a leadership position, they might require a bachelor’s degree for those types of roles.
Examples of bachelor’s degrees that you could obtain include marketing, journalism, public relations, or communications.
Gain Professional Experience
After you’ve obtained the education, you want to add professional experience to your resume.
Professional experience can occur in many forms, including internships and paid positions. Learn from the other content strategists you’re working with as you contribute to content marketing campaigns.
Whether you’re working directly as a content strategist or something adjacent to this position, give it your best effort to learn as much as you can while also impressing your employer.
References from internships and entry-level jobs will be helpful to you in the future!
Start Networking
In addition to developing your skills, you’ll also want to start networking.
Networking with other professionals in the industry will be helpful for you when searching for jobs. Sometimes, jobs aren’t even posted on online job boards, and instead, companies ask for referrals from their existing employees.
Similarly, when employers are looking at a large stack of resumes, seeing a name they recognize makes the hiring process easier for them.
Also, remember that you’re networking with people of all experience levels, not just people who are more advanced than you in your career. The person that you’re taking a course with could one day be promoted to the marketing manager you’re applying to work for.
All this to say, conduct yourself professionally and courteously when networking.


Show Your Expertise Through Personal Projects
Even if you haven’t obtained that internship or first job yet, you can showcase your expertise through your personal projects.
Starting your own blog site, YouTube channel or newsletter will help you develop skills and gain hands-on experience.
Working on your own projects requires you to develop a content strategy, create content, and grow your audience.
How long does it take to make money from a blog? You will be able to answer this question for future employers based on firsthand knowledge.
You can then tell future employers about your expertise and the success of your marketing campaigns.


Always Continue Learning
Even though education was already a priority for you on your path toward being a content strategist, learning will always be important for furthering your career.
Whether it’s taking online courses, reading books, or listening to podcasts, find the learning method that feels right for you.
Courses are a great way to further your education as a content marketer. Here are two great courses to get you started:
The Affiliate Lab


The Affiliate Lab is an expert source on creating content optimized for SEO. This course contains more than 100 hours of training on how to conduct keyword research, select your niche, rank in search results, and more.
If you’re looking to improve the SEO rankings of your content, this course is for you. Niche Pursuits readers receive an exclusive discount of $200 off The Affiliate Lab course here.
Project 24
If you want to learn how to drive real results, Project 24 is the course for you. This will help teach you how to create the best possible content for a blog site or YouTube channel.
Its 27 online courses will teach you how to create and monetize content that’s been optimized for SEO.
The end goal of this course is to teach you how to generate passive income from your content marketing efforts. Check out our Income School Review to learn more about Project 24 and its founders.
No matter which course you choose based on your goals, what’s important is that you’re expanding your knowledge base to create results-driven content.
Your Career as a Content Strategist
Whether you work for a fast-paced marketing agency or an exciting brand, your career in digital content creation is sure to be an exciting one. We wish you the best of luck in your career as a content strategist!
-
WORDPRESS4 days ago
8 Best Zapier Alternatives to Automate Your Website
-
MARKETING7 days ago
How Does Success of Your Business Depend on Choosing Type of Native Advertising?
-
MARKETING6 days ago
Intro to Amazon Non-endemic Advertising: Benefits & Examples
-
SOCIAL3 days ago
YouTube Highlights its Top Trends, Topics and Creators of 2023
-
SOCIAL6 days ago
Paris mayor to stop using ‘global sewer’ X
-
MARKETING5 days ago
Mastering The Laws of Marketing in Madness
-
WORDPRESS5 days ago
Watch Live on December 11 – WordPress.com News
-
SOCIAL6 days ago
With the end of the Hollywood writers and actors strikes, the creator economy is the next frontier for organized labor