How to Make Money on YouTube as a Creative Entrepreneur
If you’ve ever thought about starting a YouTube channel but felt overwhelmed by the tech or unsure about being on camera—I get it. When I first started, I wasn’t comfortable on camera either. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to be a tech expert or a natural in front of the lens to make money on YouTube.
The truth is, YouTube is one of the best platforms for creative entrepreneurs to grow an audience, showcase their skills, and build multiple income streams—all while staying true to their unique style. Whether you’re an artist, maker, or small business owner, you can use YouTube to generate revenue in ways that fit your personality and strengths.
In my latest YouTube video, I share how I went from feeling awkward on camera to making money on YouTube—without millions of views. Let’s break down the best ways you can do it too!
YouTube isn’t just a place for entertainment—it’s a powerful platform for building a brand and making real money, especially for creative entrepreneurs. Whether you’re an artist, maker, designer, or niche business owner, YouTube can help you monetize your passion, grow an engaged audience, and create multiple income streams.
In my latest YouTube video, I break down how creative entrepreneurs can make money on YouTube—even without a massive following. Let’s dive into the key strategies!
Click here for more personal examples and explnations
1. YouTube Ad Revenue – Monetize Your Views
Once you hit 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours (or 10M short views in 90 days), you can join the YouTube Partner Program and earn from ads on your videos. But here’s the truth: ad revenue alone won’t make you richunless you have millions of views. It’s a great bonus, but not the only way to make money.
✅ Pro Tip: Focus on making longer, high-retention videos (10+ minutes) to increase ad placements and earnings.
2. Affiliate Marketing – Earn Passive Income
Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest ways to make money, especially for creatives. Simply recommend tools, supplies, or services you love, and earn a commission when someone buys through your link.
✨ Examples for Creative Entrepreneurs:
Artists can link to their favorite paints, brushes, or digital tools.
Fiber artists can share spinning wheels, looms, or yarn suppliers.
Handmade business owners can promote packaging supplies or e-commerce platforms.
✅ Pro Tip: Use programs like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or affiliate links from brands you already love. Drop these links in your video descriptions and tell viewers to check them out.
3. Sell Digital Products – Make Money While You Sleep
If you create digital products, YouTube is the perfect place to market them. Once a video gains traction, it works like a 24/7 salesperson, bringing in new buyers without extra effort.
✨ Digital Product Ideas for Creatives:
Knitting or crochet patterns
Printable art or planners
E-books on creative business strategies
Video or PDF tutorials for your craft
✅ Pro Tip: Mention your digital products in every video, link them in the description, and use a strong call-to-action to drive sales.
4. Offer Online Courses or Coaching
People are willing to pay to learn specialized skills. If you’ve mastered a creative craft or built a successful business, you can turn your expertise into an online course or coaching program.
✨ Examples:
Tips and Tricks for Making Money on Youtube as a Small Business Owner
A fiber artist could create a spinning or dyeing course.
A handmade business owner could teach Etsy SEO strategies.
A digital illustrator could sell a Procreate tutorial series.
✅ Pro Tip: Host your courses on platforms like Teachable, Kajabi, or Podia and promote them in your videos.
5. Get Sponsored by Brands
Once you build a loyal audience, brands will pay you to feature their products. You don’t need millions of subscribers—if you have a niche audience that trusts you, companies will want to work with you.
✨ How to Get Sponsorships:
Reach out to brands in your industry and pitch how you can showcase their products.
Use platforms like FameBit or Upfluence to connect with sponsors.
Offer different options—like a dedicated video or a quick shoutout.
✅ Pro Tip: Only promote brands that align with your audience and values to maintain trust with your viewers.
6. Sell Physical Products or Handmade Goods
If you’re a maker, YouTube is an incredible tool for driving traffic to your Etsy shop, Shopify store, or website. Create videos showing behind-the-scenes of your process, tutorials featuring your products, or styling ideas to encourage sales.
✅ Pro Tip: Add a Shop Link to your YouTube banner and description box so viewers can buy directly from you.
7. Memberships & Exclusive Content
YouTube offers channel memberships and Super Chats, allowing your audience to financially support your content in exchange for exclusive perks. You can also use Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee to offer special content, live Q&As, or early access to videos.
✅ Pro Tip: Give members bonus content, private livestreams, or behind-the-scenes access to keep them engaged.
YouTube isn’t just a video platform—it’s a business tool. By combining multiple revenue streams, you can turn your creativity into a profitable brand and make money doing what you love
Check out my book at the link below. Free on Kindle unlimited or for sale as a paperback.
