The Influencer's Guide to Performance-Based Earnings

Last updated on Dec 25, 2023

Performance-based influencer marketing represents an exciting shift in the industry, offering payment based on actual results. Initially, this concept might seem unconventional and may spark curiosity and skepticism. However, embracing new business models is a natural step in evolving markets.

Traditionally, influencers and content creators are accustomed to a straightforward fee-for-service model: a set payment for a specific piece of content, whether it's a TikTok video, an Instagram story, or a Twitch stream. This model offers simplicity and predictability, but it also caps potential earnings.

The advent of performance-based influencer marketing changes the game by linking compensation directly to the impact of the content. This means earnings are based on tangible engagement metrics like likes, comments, and shares. The more your content resonates, the more you earn. While this introduces a level of uncertainty, it also opens doors to unlimited earning potential.

We understand that navigating this new landscape can be daunting, especially with a lack of comprehensive guides. That's why we're here to demystify performance-based influencer marketing and show you how to leverage this model for greater rewards. By understanding and embracing the potential of this approach, influencers can transform the very risks into opportunities for higher earnings and greater impact.

The Rate Card

Embarking on your journey with performance-based marketing, you'll be equipped with a key tool: the rate card. Think of the rate card as your navigational chart through the realm of compensation, meticulously crafted by gaming publishers or indie developers. It's a detailed guide outlining the specific earnings you can expect for various interactions such as views, comments, and clicks.

Consider the following example of a rate card:

This rate card illuminates the diverse value assigned to interactions across different social platforms. Notice how a comment's worth might vary between TikTok and Reddit. This variance is crucial when planning your strategy. As you contemplate collaborating with a game, it's essential to scrutinize the rates for each social media platform and gauge how they align with your unique abilities and reach.

Understanding your rate card is not just about numbers; it's about aligning your content strategy with the most lucrative opportunities and ensuring your efforts resonate where they are most valued. As you navigate this landscape, your rate card becomes your compass, guiding you toward maximized earnings and strategic alignment with your performance strengths.

The saying "past performance is a leading indicator of future success" holds profound wisdom, especially in the realm of performance-based influencer marketing. This approach isn't about guesswork; it's about informed predictions. By examining the performance of your past content, you gain valuable insights into what your future endeavors might yield.

Consider the scenario where the rate card offers $0.0001 per view. At a glance, this figure might seem modest. However, the true potential unfolds when you apply it to your historical data. Suppose your Reddit posts typically attract around 200,000 views, while your TikTok videos average around 2,000 views. Calculating the earnings based on these averages would look something like this:

For Reddit: 200,000 views * $0.0001/view = $20
For TikTok: 2,000 views * $0.0001/view = $0.20

By comparing your past performance with the rate card's offerings, you can anticipate your potential earnings from a campaign. This isn't just about numbers; it's about understanding the power of your influence and optimizing your strategy accordingly. As you delve deeper into this analysis, you'll uncover how different factors can impact your earnings, setting the stage for strategic decisions that enhance your success.

Incorporating Multiple Values

Performance-based marketing offers a dynamic approach where success isn't tied to just one factor or a single post. Instead, it evaluates a range of metrics to measure your impact:

Views: The total number of people who see your posts.
Engagements: This includes likes, upvotes, hearts, and other similar interactions.
Comments: The count of comments your post receives.
Shares: How often your post is shared.
Clicks: The number of times people click on any referral links in your post.
Flat Fee: A predetermined amount paid, typically part of a hybrid model.

Imagine the rate card specifies $0.0001 per view, $1 per comment, $0.20 per share, and $0.30 per click. Let's say you create a Reddit post that performs as follows:

Views: 200,000 views at $0.0001 each = $20.
Comments: 50 comments at $1 each = $50.
Shares: 80 shares at $0.20 each = $16.
Clicks: 50 clicks at $0.30 each = $15.

When you add up these amounts ($20 + $50 + $16 + $15), you've earned $101 from just one post. The beauty of this approach lies in its potential for rewarding skill or luck in creating viral content. Even with a modest follower count, you can achieve results that far exceed expectations, tapping into the power of diverse metrics to maximize your earnings.

Utilizing The Hybrid Model

As an influencer, relying solely on the engagement your content generates can feel risky, especially if the rates offered don't seem sufficiently rewarding. In such cases, a hybrid approach to influencer marketing can provide a more comfortable and potentially lucrative option.

The hybrid model combines a guaranteed flat fee for your content with additional earnings based on performance. While the upfront payment is typically lower than your standard rate, it offers the potential for a higher overall return.

For instance, imagine you have 500,000 followers and typically get 100,000 views, 200 comments, and 5,000 likes per post, usually charging $500. With the hybrid model, your approach might look something like this:

A reduced flat rate of $200.
$0.001 per view, which for 100,000 views totals $100.
$0.75 per comment, adding up to $150 for 200 comments.
$0.05 per like, equating to $250 for 5,000 likes.

When you combine all these earnings ($200 + $100 + $150 + $250), your total per post is $700, which is $200 more than your usual flat rate. The advantage here is the potential to earn even more, depending on the success of your post. However, there's also a risk: if your content doesn't perform as well as expected, you might earn less. This hybrid approach offers a balance, providing a safety net while also allowing you to benefit from your content's success.

Multiply By Multiple Posts

In the world of performance-based influencer marketing, your potential isn't confined to a single post. The ability to produce multiple pieces of content comes with significant benefits:

Correcting Course: Not every creation is a guaranteed hit. The opportunity to publish several posts means you can learn from and rectify any missteps, refining your strategy and content quality over time.
Fueling Your Passion: Imagine promoting a game you genuinely adore, one that resonates with your audience as well. This scenario transcends mere paycheck motivation. It's about championing something you believe in, which not only feels more fulfilling but can also bolster your following.

As you begin to craft and share multiple pieces of content, the revenue can accumulate impressively. For instance, if you're averaging about $100 per post and you produce ten compelling posts, you're looking at a potential of $1,000 in earnings. This approach doesn't just amplify your income; it allows your passion and dedication to shine through, engaging your audience more deeply and making each post count for more than just dollars.

Benefit For Micro Influencers

Performance-based influencer marketing levels the playing field in a way that traditional methods don't, offering a significant edge for micro-influencers. Here, it's not just the size of your following that counts, but the impact and engagement your content can generate.

Consider the scenario of a simple post about Rocket League on Reddit. The user, without a massive following, managed to create a post that exploded with thousands of views, upvotes, and shares. Or imagine you're the curator of a small but lively Facebook Group or Discord channel, where members deeply trust and value your input.

This is where you shine. With performance-based marketing, you have the golden opportunity to leverage your niche audience. You're not just sharing content; you're offering them something they'll love and find genuinely interesting, like a new game. And while doing so, you're also creating a return for your efforts. For micro-influencers, success isn't measured by follower count but by the genuine connection and influence you have over your community. It's about the quality of engagement and the resonance of your content, making every post an opportunity to punch above your weight.

Using The Calculator

In the diverse world of performance-based marketing, each game publisher or indie developer sets their rate card with unique prices. This variety means you, as an influencer, need to assess each opportunity carefully to ensure it aligns with your goals and potential.

To assist influencers in navigating this landscape and estimating their earnings, we've developed a straightforward and user-friendly calculator available on Glitch.

You can access this helpful tool here:https://www.glitch.fun/creators/calculator/

When using the calculator, it's crucial to have a good grasp of your historical performance. Input your past engagement metrics to gain a clear projection of your potential future earnings. This tool isn't just about numbers; it's about empowering you to make informed decisions and determine if a particular opportunity fits your path to success. Remember, understanding your value is the first step in maximizing your impact and income.