Patreon and Contributions

Patrons can choose how much they want to contribute on a recurring basis, which can be monthly or per creation, depending on how the creator has configured their page.

Patreon has become a popular way for independent creators to monetise their work, gain financial stability, and maintain creative control over their projects without relying solely on traditional funding sources like advertising, record labels, or publishers.

It has helped foster a closer connection between creators and their most dedicated fans, as well as providing a sustainable income stream for many in the creative industry.

15 Ways to Make Patreon Work for Artists

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make Patreon work for artists:

1. Set Clear Goals:

Define your goals for using Patreon. Are you looking to generate a steady income, fund specific projects, or build a community of dedicated supporters? Having clear goals will help you tailor your approach.

Clarity makes the world of difference for any project and knowing what you want in life will help you know where to start and the next steps.

2. Create Engaging Content:

Your content is the core of your Patreon page. Offer exclusive, high-quality content that your supporters can’t find elsewhere.

This could include digital art, behind-the-scenes videos, tutorials, early access to your work, or even personalised content for top-tier supporters.

Have a look at what others are doing, figure out what you like and what your ideal supporter would want.

You can always ask your supporters via your newsletter or on Facebook and Instagram etc what they want.

3. Tiered Membership Levels:

Create different membership tiers with varying benefits and pricing. This allows supporters to choose a level that fits their budget and interests.

Common tiers include access to basic content, exclusive content, and premium perks like one-on-one consultations or custom art.

This is very important and it needs to fit with what works for you.

I think just about every artist on Patreon has had a learning curve about this balance and the desires of their supporters. So be ready to explore, experiment and adjust.

4. Consistent Posting Schedule on Patreon:

Stick to a regular posting schedule to keep your supporters engaged and eager for your content. Consistency builds trust and helps supporters know what to expect.

This process needs to fit in with your creative practice as well as your daily commitments. 

5. Engage with Your Community:

Interact with your patrons. Respond to comments, hold Q&A sessions, and make them feel like a part of your creative journey. Building a sense of community can lead to long-term, loyal patrons.

Community and creativity is at the heart of Patreon so engagement will be your game changer. Again, this needs to be done consistently and in a way that fits with your creative practice and daily life. 

6. Promotion and Marketing:

Promote your Patreon on your social media channels, website, and email newsletter. Highlight the value of your Patreon content and the benefits of becoming a patron. You can also collaborate with other artists or influencers for cross-promotion.

It takes time, effort and consistency to build up your followers. Given how Meta and co can delete a page and its followers on a whim, it is vital to grow your own email newsletter community.

11. Diversify Your Content:

Offer a mix of content types, including live streams, tutorials, work-in-progress updates, and finished pieces. Diversifying your content keeps patrons engaged and interested.

Have a look at what other successful pages are doing and where they started. Check out their socials and website to see their journey. This will give you an idea of how to layer up the content types. Tutorials can be recorded and be repeatedly shared while live-streams don’t have to be limited to a once-off sharing. They can be recorded and repackaged so you can get more value from the effort of putting them together.

12. Legal Considerations:

Ensure that you understand the legal aspects of using Patreon for your art. This may include tax implications, copyright issues, and terms of service compliance.

This means actually reading the terms of service properly. You don’t want to have the experience of authentically and honestly building up your supporters and page to have it taken down because of a detail you innocently missed, simply because you didn’t read the details.

13. Fulfil Rewards Promptly:

If you promise physical rewards like prints or merchandise, ensure you fulfil them promptly and communicate well with your patrons regarding the fulfilment process.

This is so important, just as it is in any business. So schedule the time and resources ahead of time so you can honour your word and build strong relationships.

14. Pay Attention to Trends and Feedback:

Stay informed about industry trends and what your supporters are interested in. Adjust your content strategy based on these insights.

This can actually be one of the most enjoyable parts of being involved with Patreon as it will keep you growing creatively and professionally.

15. Be Patient:

Building a successful Patreon takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Keep working on your craft and building your community.

Realistically, it will take three to five years of consistent work to grow a flourishing profile. The growth will be along the way. By having clarity, consistency and great content, you’ll be able to build an online community and business that gives you choices, freedom and prosperity.

By following these steps and continually engaging with your audience, you can make Patreon work effectively for your art and generate a reliable source of income while nurturing a supportive community of patrons.

5 Similar Platforms to Patreon

If you’re looking for platforms similar to Patreon for creators to monetise their content and engage with their audiences, here are five alternatives:

1. Ko-fi:

 Ko-fi is a platform that allows creators to receive one-time payments, or “coffees,” from their fans. Creators can also offer digital downloads and sell merchandise through their Ko-fi page.

2. SubscribeStar: 

SubscribeStar is a subscription-based platform that enables creators to receive recurring payments from their supporters. It offers flexibility in setting different subscription tiers and additional perks for subscribers.

3. Buy Me a Coffee: 

This platform enables creators to receive one-time payments or “coffees” from their audience, similar to Ko-fi. Creators can also offer digital products and services.

4. Gumroad:

While Gumroad is primarily designed for selling digital products like ebooks, courses, and artwork, it can also serve as a platform for creators to build a community and monetise their content.

5. Steady:

Steady is a subscription and membership platform that allows creators to provide exclusive content to their subscribers. It’s popular in Europe and provides tools for content creators to manage their memberships effectively.

These platforms offer various features and cater to different types of creators and their content. Be sure to research each platform to find the one that aligns best with your goals and the type of content you create.

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