Patreon is a platform that allows creators to receive ongoing financial support from their audience. Creators can use Patreon to offer exclusive content, merchandise, or other perks to their supporters (known as “patrons”). Creators can set up different tiers of support, each with its own set of rewards.
To effectively use Patreon, creators should:
- Clearly communicate the value they are offering to patrons and how their support will help the creator produce more content or improve their work
- Regularly update patrons on their progress and the ways in which their support is making a difference
- Provide a variety of rewards at different price points to appeal to a wide range of potential patrons
- Utilize the platform’s built-in messaging and community features to foster engagement and build a sense of community among patrons.
Patreon is primarily used by creators who produce content in various forms such as:
- Musicians, artists, and writers
- Podcasters, YouTubers, Twitch streamers
- Photographers and illustrators
- Comics and webcomic creators
- Game developers
- Educators and teachers
- Non-profit organizations
- Cooks, crafters, and other makers.
Anyone who creates content and wants to receive ongoing financial support from their audience can use Patreon. However, it is important to note that Patreon has some terms of service that creators must adhere to, such as not offering illegal or pornographic content.
Pros of using Patreon include:
- Ability to receive ongoing financial support from your audience, which can help creators produce more content and improve their work.
- Provides creators with a way to monetize their work, which can be particularly beneficial for those in creative fields who may have difficulty finding traditional forms of income.
- Allows creators to offer exclusive content and perks to their supporters, which can help foster a sense of community and increase engagement among fans.
- Patreon has a variety of tools that creators can use to manage their accounts and communicate with their patrons.
Cons of using Patreon include:
- Creators are dependent on their patrons for income, which can be risky if patrons decide to stop supporting them.
- Creators may need to create exclusive content that they would otherwise not create
- Creators may need to spend a lot of time creating the rewards and managing the account.
- The platform takes a percentage of the income earned, which can be a significant cut for creators with a lower number of patrons.
- Creators may need to invest in marketing and promotion to attract new patrons.
It’s also important to note that like most platforms, Patreon’s algorithm and search function can make it difficult for new creators to get discovered and gain traction, so it’s not a guarantee of success.
