5 Ways to Make Extra Money as a Designer

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As a website designer, there are a lot of different ways you can earn an income. Of course, you can offer services and work on projects with specific clients. However, there are several ways to boost your income outside of simply offering website design services. 

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Here’s a round-up of five ways you can make a little extra cash on the side as a web designer. 

1. Youtube/Google AdSense  

One of the top ways to make extra income is through Youtube. By making videos that are entertaining or educational, you can earn 

There are three main ways to turn your Youtube videos into cash: 

• Google Ads: You get paid for running ads on the videos that you are creating and people are watching. 

• Affiliate marketing: Getting commissions on products or services that you recommend.  

• Problem-solving content: If you put out Youtube videos with content that help solve people’s problems. They might call or message you to help them with other problems that they’d be willing to pay for.  

When done right, Youtube and Google Ads are one of the most lucrative side-hustles as a website designer. 

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2. Affiliate Marketing  

You’ve likely heard of affiliate marketing. With affiliate marketing, you earn commissions for promoting sales of products or services. 

A reputable designer can make affiliate commissions by recommending tools that you love and use regularly. If you have a software or tool that you love and recommend, just look them up to see if they have an affiliate program.  

You could start with something as simple as a tools and resources page on your website that your current clients or other audiences can find. Then you can just start adding links to products you like over time.  

3. Commissions & White Labeling  

While commissions and white labeling are two separate things, they have similarities. They both involve partnering with others to connect you with work or earn you additional income. 

Commissions 

Commissions include partnering with other agencies, designers, or people who can help you with projects that you aren’t able to complete or simply don’t want to. 

You’ll pass along that work to someone who is able to take it on. And you’ll earn a percentage of the final project fee or a fixed rate for passing them the work. 

White labeling 

On the other hand, if there is an area of work that you specialize in, you can offer your services to other agencies or designers.  

You offer your services to them at a discounted rate and the partner is the one who works directly with the client and finds the work. For example, offering your web design services to an SEO agency. 

While many web designers are hesitant to partner with others, it’s one of the easiest ways to consistently get work and earn extra cash. 

4. Content, SEO, & Guest Blogging  

Number four on the list of income generators all revolve around content. But there are many ways that you can publish that content. You could publish your articles on Medium, LinkedIn, or even your own blog.  

You can publish thought leadership or even SEO-optimized content about the services you offer. 

And while your owned content can generate some cash, the biggest benefit is that other brands and individuals will see your work and invite you to guest post. Which will ultimately increase your reach and your credibility. 

Pro Tip: If you have a Youtube channel, it’s easy to turn all your Youtube content into blog or even social media content. By turning one piece of content into multiple pieces, you’ll reach more audiences. It will also make it easier for them to find you through different channels. 

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5. Digital Products 

Passive income is becoming one of the top ‘choices’ for people looking to earn extra cash. And one of the top ways to do this is through digital products or downloads. 

For example, you can offer a design kit download or a digital course for $10-$200. You create it once and it continues to generate income for you without any extra work. 

Digital products also serve as a stepping stone to more comprehensive services that you offer. Maybe this is a full website redesign or additional consulting services. Digital products also create an entry-level product for those who maybe aren’t in a position to commit to higher price point projects with you. 

Start earning extra income as a website designer 

While these are some of the top income generators, the opportunities to earn extra cash as a web designer are endless.  

Many designers opt to use a combination of all five of these methods, but the first step is to simply get started with one. Once you’re up and running, you’ll be cash-flowing in no time. 

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If you’re looking to start building your Squarespace website design business, download our Designer Starter Kit. This download has everything that you’ll need so you can get up and running in no time.