How to Make Extra Cash If You’re Experiencing a Lull as a Musician

Many professional musicians will probably agree that earning a consistent wage from performing live can be challenging to do, especially in tough times when people just don't have excess cash to spend on entertainment. So if that's you, and you're struggling to make ends meet because business is slow, The Musician Nerd shares some other ways you can generate an income to help cover those 'slower' months.

Live Stream Performances

If you are performing the odd gig at home, then why not consider recording your live session on YouTube, TikTok, or Facebook for example? It's a great way to keep connected with fans in real-time while earning money while you're at it, using the pay-per-view facility available on Vimeo OTT, or by using the Facebook Stars program on Facebook, for example.

Make Use Of Freelancing Opportunities

If writing melodies or jingles is something you find yourself doing often to pass the time in between making music, then you could offer these services online through platforms such as Fiverr for a minimum fee.

Generate Money With YouTube

Of course, there is another potentially lucrative way of making money online, and that is through Ad revenue on YouTube. This works via targeted ads that are matched to your YouTube channel by YouTube itself. Moreover, there are a variety of ways that you can earn an income through different types of ads such as YouTube pre-roll video, in-stream ads, or bumper ads.

Another way to earn money through YouTube is through user-generated content. What this means is that you'll earn every time your music is used in someone else’s YouTube video. Musician Nerd has covered some of the best microphones for YouTube in the past, whether you're on a budget or looking for something powerful.

Sell Branded Merchandise

Have branded band merchandise such as T-shirts, caps, hoodies, autographed posters, keychains, etc. that you think fans would love? Then why not think of selling this merchandise online through Shopify, for example? With Shopify, you can set up an online store quickly even if you don't have the technical know-how to do so. Furthermore, with their pre-built e-commerce online stores you can customize your online shop while you let Shopify handle the marketing and more upon selecting the appropriate pricing plan.

Take Advantage Of The Odd Gig Here & There

Say you've got plenty of spare time on your hands, and you wouldn't mind playing music at the odd event here and there. Then why not use events such as playing at weddings, birthdays, and performing on cruise ships to gain even more exposure while you earn some decent cash on the side?

Starting Your Own Business

Perhaps you've dreamt about starting a business in addition to making music. Maybe, you've pictured starting a music school to teach and train youngsters with exceptional musical talent to help them reach their musical aspirations. Whatever your motivation is behind building a business, make sure that you comply with all the legalities first that could end up benefiting you. For example, applying for an Employee Identification Number (or EIN) is going to be necessary for most things when registering your business. An EIN also makes it easier to file your quarterly and annual tax returns.

In summary, there are endless opportunities to make extra money to help balance out those times when business may be a little quieter than usual. Indeed, with the internet, so much is possible as far as generating additional income is concerned. You just have to explore your options, and you're sure to be raking in extra cash before you know it.

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