You can make money on WhatsApp in a number of different ways, either by offering a service through the platform, or by selling a product directly related to it, like stickers. And as WhatsApp is free, and available around the world, these methods are open to almost everyone.
All you really need to get started is a smartphone and WhatsApp. Once you have it installed, find a method that works for you from the list below. If you can’t find anything that interests you, consider using your phone to make money online in other ways, like completing surveys and testing apps.
The best ways to make money on WhatsApp
We tested a number of methods to make money on WhatsApp and found seven that clearly stood out as the best. Here is how we rank them:
Rank |
Idea |
Time to Get Started |
Required Investment |
Expected Income |
Difficulty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Selling goods and services |
Hours |
Moderate |
High |
Easy |
2 |
Tutoring |
Hours |
Low |
Medium |
Moderate |
3 |
Affiliate marketing & sponsored content |
Hours |
Low |
Medium |
Easy |
4 |
Hosting online events |
Days |
Low |
Medium |
Moderate |
5 |
Creating a community |
Weeks |
Low |
Medium |
Easy |
6 |
Paid newsletters |
Weeks |
Low |
Medium |
Moderate |
7 |
Selling WhatsApp stickers |
Months |
Low |
Low |
Moderate |
You can find further details about how to get started with these puppies below.
1. Selling goods and services
Of course, this method relies on you already having goods or services to offer, but if you do (and a ton of you do), then WhatsApp is a fantastic way to grow your business.
Thanks to the app's straightforward chat functions, selling becomes a breeze. And if you're bursting at the seams with products to push, whipping up a catalog to share with your contacts could be just the ticket to get your goods gliding off the virtual shelves.
First steps…
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1
Create a product catalog: Use WhatsApp Business to create and share a product catalog, so that potential customers can check out what your offerings.
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2
Promote your products: Share your catalog with contacts and groups.
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3
Engage with customers: Use personalized chats to answer questions, provide recommendations, and respond to any complaints from your customers.
2. Tutoring
Turning your expertise into tutoring services via WhatsApp can be quite fulfilling. Imagine offering one-on-one guidance or imparting wisdom in a group chat, with students pitching in.
WhatsApp’s global reach and video calling features mean you can connect with students across the globe. As long as your tutoring is top-notch, you'll likely see your student base grow, boosting your earnings in the process.
First steps…
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1
Pick your topic: Choose a subject or skill to teach that you have expertise in.
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2
Promote your services: Share your expertise in relevant WhatsApp groups, online forums, and on social media.
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3
Set up group or private sessions: Use group chats for larger classes or private chats for personalized one-on-one tutoring.
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4
Get paid: Use WhatsApp-integrated payment methods to collect fees.
3. Affiliate marketing and sponsored content
Don’t have a personal business or product line? No worries! WhatsApp can still be your ally in earning some extra dough. It’s all about the art of affiliate marketing – you get a special link or discount code, share it with pals, and when they make a purchase? You guessed it – you earn a commission.
Dive into referral programs, too. Sharing your unique link on WhatsApp could mean more money making its way to your pocket.
First steps…
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1
Join affiliate programs: Sign up for programs like Amazon Affiliates, which pay you for what your referrals buy.
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2
Create content: Craft engaging messages, videos, or images to share your affiliate links. For instance, “my favorite wacky Christmas presents”.