How to Make 6 Figures As A Digital Marketer? (11 Best Ways in 2024)

Updated: September 9th, 2024

So you want to make six figures as a digital marketer? Good for you! Being a digital marketer is a highly respectable and well-paid profession, and there's no reason why you can't earn a high income if you put your mind to it.

In this blog post, we'll look at some of the best ways to make more money as a digital marketer - business ideas you can start to achieve such income. Keep reading to learn more!

1. Start a freelance writing business ($65.5K/month)

Starting a freelance writing business could provide a lucrative addition to your income as a digital marketer, enabling you to leverage your strong writing skills while maintaining the flexibility to define your own work schedule. As a freelancer, you'll have the freedom to work from home and select projects across various niches, offering diverse opportunities to expand your expertise and earning potential.

Freelance writing requires key personal qualities such as strong writing skills, the ability to meet deadlines, and being a self-starter, all of which align well with the characteristics of an entrepreneurial-minded individual. Staying up-to-date with the latest writing tools and trends, along with possessing proper communication skills, could further position you to attract high-paying clients and ultimately achieve a six-figure income while diversifying your career avenues.

How much you can make: $700 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 56 days (?)

How I Started A $80K/Month Content Writing Business

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2. Start a youtube channel ($146K/month)

Starting a YouTube channel could be a lucrative way to supplement your income as a digital marketer, and potentially even pave the way to a six-figure salary. By leveraging your expertise in digital marketing on YouTube, you could attract a dedicated audience interested in your insights and strategies, thereby creating opportunities for ad revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

With YouTube's well-established monetization system, you're able to earn revenue through ads once you meet the threshold of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in a year. Beyond just ads, the platform’s immense popularity allows you to capitalize on various income streams, including branded content deals, online courses, and consulting services, which could significantly boost your earnings.

By consistently providing valuable content and engaging with your community, you could grow your channel and transform it into a substantial income-generating venture.

How much you can make: $800 — $1,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

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3. Start an ecommerce store ($287K/month)

Starting an ecommerce store could be a lucrative way for digital marketers to achieve six-figure incomes due to the flexibility and wide reach it offers. As a digital marketer, you already possess essential skills in online advertising, SEO, and analytics, which are crucial for driving traffic and sales to your online store. This advantage can significantly lower your customer acquisition costs and increase your profit margins.

The eCommerce sector is booming, driven by consumer preference for convenient online shopping experiences. By leveraging your marketing expertise, you could easily tap into this growing market and scale your business much faster than a traditional brick-and-mortar store. With lower overhead costs and the ability to reach a global audience, the potential for substantial income is considerable.

Establishing an eCommerce store involves setting up a website, integrating payment processing, and managing inventory—tasks that are well within your competency as a digital marketer. With dedication and strategic planning, running an ecommerce business as a side hustle or primary venture could effectively supplement your income, eventually helping you hit that six-figure mark.

How much you can make: $350 — $13,500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

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4. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)

Starting a podcast could be a game-changer in your journey to making six figures as a digital marketer. By leveraging your expertise and passion through audio content, you could attract a dedicated audience and establish yourself as a thought leader in your niche. This can lead to multiple income streams, such as sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and premium content subscriptions.

With basic recording equipment and an affordable hosting platform, you could launch your podcast on a budget. Promoting it through social media and online communities could help you grow your listener base, ultimately attracting sponsors or advertisers willing to pay for ad spots. By continuously providing valuable content, you could significantly supplement your income and potentially turn your podcast into a lucrative full-time endeavor.

How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week

How I Started A Successful Podcast Production Company

A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.

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5. Digital products ($261K/month)

Creating digital products could significantly bolster your income as a digital marketer by leveraging your existing expertise and audience. Whether it's an ebook, an online course, or a membership site, digital products are highly scalable and can generate passive income with minimal ongoing effort.

Given their low production costs and the absence of physical inventory, you have the freedom to focus more on marketing and expand your reach. This scalability means that once your product is created, your revenue isn't necessarily tied to a linear increase in effort or hours worked, enabling you to make six figures more feasibly.

By diversifying your income streams with digital products, you also reduce the risks associated with relying solely on client work or a traditional job. This entrepreneurial approach allows you to capitalize on your skills and create a sustainable and lucrative side business that could even evolve into your main source of income.

How much you can make: $10,417 — $1,766,666/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How We Created A $30K/Month Marketplace Of Photo Filters And Digital Assets For Creatives

FilterGrade is an eCommerce platform offering digital assets such as photo filters and video templates; attracting over 450,000 monthly users and generating approximately 30k a month, the founders worked hard to build a valuable marketplace for creators while focusing on digital marketing, partnerships, and content creation.

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6. Start a blog ($44.9K/month)

Starting a blog could be a compelling way to supplement your income as a digital marketer and even set the stage for making six figures. With the vast potential to reach a broader audience—considering that 77% of internet users read blogs and over 20 billion pages are viewed each month—you could leverage this platform to establish authority in your niche. By creating valuable content, you could not only attract consistent traffic but also build trust with your audience, as blogs are rated as the 5th most trustworthy source of online information.

As you grow your readership, you could monetize your blog through multiple channels, such as affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and selling digital products. With a well-crafted content strategy and regular posting schedule, you could develop a loyal audience and even convert blog traffic into leads for your own digital marketing services. This location-independent venture offers creative freedom and scalability, making it an excellent side hustle or a full-time business opportunity.

How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

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7. Create an online course ($91.9K/month)

Starting an online course could help you make six figures as a digital marketer by allowing you to monetize your expertise on a global scale. By identifying educational gaps and developing engaging video lessons and supplementary materials, you could attract a vast audience of eager lifelong learners.

With the flexibility to offer either self-paced or cohort-based structures, you build a scalable income stream that provides passive revenue. For those who enjoy sharing information, launching an online course platform is a lucrative opportunity with small startup costs that could dramatically boost your income while serving a community seeking convenient access to emerging marketing strategies.

How much you can make: $350 — $1,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 88 days (?)

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8. Become an affiliate marketer ($55.3K/month)

Starting an affiliate marketing business could help you make six figures as a digital marketer by leveraging your existing skills to promote other companies' products or services. Because you don't need to create or own the products yourself, it's a low-cost venture that allows you to focus on what you do best: driving traffic and generating sales.

You could begin by signing up for affiliate programs in your chosen niche and using unique tracking links to earn commissions for every successful sale generated through your referrals. Minimal upfront investment and the flexibility to scale your efforts make affiliate marketing an accessible and profitable side business or even a full-time career.

How much you can make: $18,000 — $83,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

My Affiliate Marketing Business Earns $500K/Year Profit [No Employees]

This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

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9. Start a career coaching business ($48.5K/month)

Starting a career coaching business could be a lucrative option that complements your digital marketing expertise and helps you hit six-figure earnings. Utilizing your skills, you could design personalized sessions focused on resume building, interview prep, and workplace advancement tailored to each client’s unique professional goals.

Offering flexible in-person or virtual meetings allows you to cater to a wide range of clients, providing specialized guidance and accountability that fosters professional breakthroughs. With your motivational abilities and HR expertise, you could monetize your talent for supporting others in their career journeys, while also enjoying the freedom to set your own schedule and grow your coaching practice.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $235,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

From Getting Fired At 24 To Growing A $140K/Month Online Community

Wall Street Oasis, the largest online community focused on careers in finance, has over 100 million visitors during its 14-year history and is currently receiving over 2 million visits per month, offering interview courses and mentorship services, in addition to building and investing in a thriving online community.

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10. Become a social media influencer ($57.4K/month)

Becoming a social media influencer could present you with lucrative opportunities to supplement your income and potentially start a profitable side business. As a digital marketer, your skills in creating engaging content and understanding target audiences are directly applicable to building your influence on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok. By selecting a popular niche that aligns with your interests and consistently producing relevant content, you could rapidly grow a dedicated following.

Brands are eager to collaborate with influencers who have established credibility in their specific industries and can effectively communicate with a vast audience. This could translate to sponsored posts, brand collaborations, and affiliate marketing opportunities that could help you make six figures as a digital marketer. With a strategic approach, becoming a social media influencer could not only enhance your career but also unlock a new revenue stream.

How much you can make: $2,500 — $166,666/month

How much does it cost to start: $800 (?)

How long does it take to build: 155 days (?)

How I Started A $2.5K/Month Blog About Motherhood, Life And Travel

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11. Start a social media marketing agency ($116K/month)

Starting a social media marketing agency could be a lucrative way to supplement your income and pave the path towards making six figures as a digital marketer. By leveraging your existing digital marketing skills, you could develop effective social media strategies and automate processes using various social media marketing tools. This side business is flexible and could fit around your current commitments, ensuring you efficiently serve your customers without needing to dedicate all your time.

Additionally, creating a professional agency portfolio could help you attract and retain clients, boosting your revenue streams. Whether your goal is to clear bills, finance education, or save for a vacation, a social media marketing agency offers a scalable way to transform your extra income into a substantial earning potential. With dedication and strategy, you could transition from a side hustle to a thriving full-time business in no time.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $7,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 30 hours/week

How I Started A $80K/Month Content Writing Business

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meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.