How to make money using social media

Stop Scrolling for Free

Let’s be honest. Most of us spend hours every day on Instagram, TikTok, and X. But at the end of the month, does your bank account reflect that time? For most of us, the answer is a big fat no. We’re just consuming. We’re watching other people win while we sit on the sidelines.

I just finished watching the latest Konnected Minds episode where Derrick Abaitey dives into how to actually make money using social media. And man, it’s not about having a million followers or being some polished celebrity. It’s about strategy.

The Content-to-Cash Pipeline

One thing that really stuck with me is the idea that attention is the new currency. If people are looking at you, you have power. But how do you turn those eyeballs into Cedis?

The episode breaks down the difference between being an influencer (someone who brands pay) and a creator (someone who builds their own business). You don't need a fancy camera. You don't need a studio in East Legon. You just need to solve a problem for a specific group of people.

Think about it. What do you know how to do? Can you cook? Can you explain crypto? Can you find the best thrift deals in Kantamanto? Whatever it is, that’s your goldmine.

Three Ways to Get Paid

Derrick and his guest didn't just give us “motivation.” They gave us steps. Here are three big ones I grabbed from the conversation:

1. Service Arbitrage: Use your social media to find clients for skills you already have—like graphic design or social media management. You aren't just posting selfies; you're posting your portfolio.

2. Digital Products: Stop trading your time for money. If you’ve mastered something, wrap it up in a PDF or a short video course. Sell it while you sleep.

3. Affiliate Marketing: You’re already recommending hair products and tech gadgets to your friends. Why not get a commission for it? It’s literally free money sitting on the table.

The "Cringe" Factor

What’s stopping you? Usually, it’s the fear of what your former high school classmates will think when they see you posting helpful tips or promoting a product. Ignore them. They aren’t paying your bills.

The biggest takeaway for me? Social media is a tool, not just a toy. If you use it to build a brand, you’re setting yourself up for a level of freedom most people only dream of.

Go watch the full episode above. Don't just watch it, though—pick one strategy and start today. Let’s get this money!