Already more than 3 million users support more than 100,000 creators on Patreon.
Launched in 2013, this platform lets you monetize your creativity and make money from your content. Let’s explore this platform that lets you interact with your subscribers and reward your loyal customers with exclusive perks.
Patreon: crowdfunding in exchange for exclusive content
A membership platform for content creators, Patreon provides them with the business tools needed to manage a subscription service.
Instead of funding a specific project, fans or “patrons” subsidize their favorite creators by supporting their work with monthly subscriptions. In return, they receive exclusive content.
Users compensate these artists or content creators on a monthly basis, but also occasionally. Indeed, it is possible to request a one-off contribution to get early access to content or something “premium.”
The higher the tier of payment, the greater the value of the content offered in return. Patreon charges a commission of 5% to 12% on monthly revenue.
6 steps to use Patreon successfully
If you are an artist, a model, or have content to sell (courses, workshops, guides, games…), then Patreon is for you! However, to use it well to attract customers and get paid for the work you love, here are 6 steps to follow:
1. Create an attractive About page
More than on any other platform, the “About” page is essential on Patreon. It determines whether patrons can trust you and whether the subscription is “worth it.”
To make it appealing:
- Introduce yourself and explain why users should support you.
- Mention the value exchange, i.e., the benefits of supporting you: bonus products, exclusive access, etc.
- Present a long-term vision.
- Avoid words that suggest need like "help" or "support" and instead use phrases like "join an exclusive community" or "access to premium content".
- Avoid including links to external resources: visitors should remain on your Patreon profile.
Patreon allows you to add an introduction video to your “About” page. You can expand on certain details and don’t forget to refresh it after a few months.
2. Set achievable goals
On Patreon, goals serve two purposes: they help you define your strategy and allow patrons to understand your needs.
You can set two basic types of goals:
- Revenue-based goals: For example, you can announce that if your earnings reach 300 euros per month on Patreon, you will hire a video editor to produce two videos per week instead of one.
- Community goals For example, at 500 patrons you hold a Q&A session with your fans.
3. Offer a special offer
The Patreon Pro plan lets you use the “Special Offer” feature. This feature gives an advantage to your fans who sign up within a limited time.
For example, you can create momentum by offering personalized content to those who become patrons during the first two weeks after you launch your page.
4. Prepare a thank-you message
You must make your subscribers feel loved and valued.
In the “Thank you” tab of your back office, enter a personalized message that each new patron will receive when they commit to supporting you. Give it plenty of personality and authenticity to encourage their loyalty.
5. Promote your Patreon page
Promote your Patreon across all your channels. Your first patrons are found among your customers and your social media communities.
Add a box linking to your Patreon page in your newsletters, pin a post on your Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn pages. Mention it in your stories, as well as on your website and blog. Indeed, social networks are currently one of the biggest marketing tools for getting known, and the more members on your pages who are aware of your Patreon account, the more support you will receive.
Also, don’t forget that Patreon is a relatively new service. You will therefore need to explain the concept, the benefits and how to sign up.
6. Regularly create quality content
Do not charge for freely accessible content. Your supporters expect exclusive, high-value information. Moreover, since they subscribe monthly, they want to receive exclusive content regularly. If you start on Patreon, make sure you have time to engage your community by creating quality content.
If not, your patrons may unsubscribe.
Patreon gives you the chance to get closer to your community while benefiting from a new source of income. Start by following these 6 steps to get started on the platform successfully!
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How to sign up on Patreon?
Before signing up on Patreon, check whether you fit into one of these fields:
- Musician (tutorials, music tracks, etc.),
- Podcaster,
- Writer,
- Journalist (investigative reporting, coverage, paparazzi, etc.),
- Game creator, of videos or others,
- Education and Tutorial,
- Artist of all kinds,
- Community.
You can then sign up for free on the platform when you belong to one of the categories in the list. The steps include the following:
- Go to the platform's sign-up page,
- Fill in the required information,
- Set the name and details of the page to create,
- Complete the registration by following the on-screen steps for the Patreon creator account.
At the end of registration, you can add the account's content, using the tips mentioned above.
Why sign up for Patreon?
Many authors, artists, or other types of creators wonder, how Patreon works The answer to this question is simple! The main reason to sign up on the platform is to obtain financial support from your own fans or clients. Indeed, it is difficult for a creator to share their talents and reap the rewards when they don't have the resources needed to fund their project, and this often creates a blockage. However, with a platform such as Patreona direct link with clients can be established! You can be paid monthly, or after your new publications. It is even possible to set accessibility tiers and price them (special access to a video, a tutorial, etc.).
But beyond remuneration, simply being on the platform contributes to the publicity of your achievements as a creator! For example, many artists in the past never succeeded in selling their works due to a lack of launch, and people were unable to discover their talent. It was only after their death that their works fetched millions at auction.
Today, the web has given creators a platform to share their work and be paid for it. It should be noted that Patreon currently has more than 3 million users with over 100,000 creator accounts, and the number of people supporting your account will be displayed publicly. To run the account, you can create posts, run polls, or organize contests, etc.
Especially for podcasters, the Patreon platform offers support for a custom RSS feed. Thus, when a supporter joins the platform, they can obtain a personalized feed link. They can then add it to the podcast app of their choice.
As a final point on the advantages, you are not working for Patreon by signing up on the platform; you are working for yourself. You therefore remain solely responsible for your activity, and it will reflect your product.
How do you support a creator on Patreon?
To support a creator, you can visit their Patreon account and select a tier to access their work. This can be done via the web by visiting the site, or directly through the apps on Google Play for Android and the Apple Store for iOS. Each tier will include a specific amount that will determine the benefits you can receive.
If there is no tier option, you can simply become a patron by clicking that option on the page. As a new customer, you will add your payment method and confirm your details if you become an official sponsor of a creator. You can view the details and set your monthly payment limit on the confirmation page.
If you don't want to become a monthly subscriber, you can also choose an option called "pay what you want." For example, you can pay $1 to download a video, and if your creator publishes four videos via Patreon in the month, your bill will be $4.
It is important to emphasize that joining the Patreon account a creator is an excellent way to show your support if you like their work; and furthermore, you can receive various benefits as mentioned above.
Our tip to get you started on Patreon
The Patreon platform is currently the best way to earn income for any creator who wants to be supported in their journey. Not yet convinced of the platform's advantages and effectiveness? You can draw inspiration from the following examples. A blind YouTuber created educational and awareness videos. Sometimes she provides access to exclusive content when patrons support her via Patreon.
In 2020, the YouTuber began dating someone again, and she first introduced the person to her patrons on the platform. Her YouTube subscribers who don't pay on Patreon had to wait before meeting the person and learning the rest of their story.
Another example: a street fighting instructor publishes self-defense videos on social media.
Followers get access to shortened videos, but those who pay on Patreon can access full-length videos with more tips and effective techniques. That's how the platform works, and it's clear you can achieve excellent results by signing up when your work is appreciated. It's up to you to run the account to keep receiving support.
If you need help creating your Patreon account or signing up on the platform, hire a freelance consultant on Codeur.com.
