What Is Patreon And How Does It Work? - Pushbio (2024)

Patreon has emerged as a sanctuary for creators seeking autonomy in their craft. From artists sketching new dimensions to podcasters crafting captivating narratives, Patreon allows creativity to thrive beyond traditional boundaries, revolutionizing how creators connect with their audiences.

But what is Patreon, and how does it transform passion into sustainable livelihoods? In this comprehensive guide, I’ll show you the essence of Patreon, explain how it works, and explore the dynamic synergy between creators and patrons.

What is Patreon, and how does it work?

At its core,Patreonfunctions as a membership-based platform where creators share exclusive content, experiences, or services directly with their supporters, or “patrons,” in exchange for recurring financial support.

Creators provide various tiers of support on Patreon. Patrons choose how much they want to pay every month or per post and receive different rewards based on what the creator offers. For instance, an artist might give exclusive video tutorials to patrons supporting lower levels and draw custom artwork for those at higher levels of support.

As a result, Patreon offers fans a chance to get special content and enjoy unique rewards from the creators they love. These one-of-a-kind perks, like getting the first look at a new album, are bonuses that encourage fans to stay involved and back the creators’ ongoing work.

How do creators make money on Patreon?

Creators can make money on Patreon via two means: either by offering exclusive content or by selling merchandise.

As mentioned earlier, creators on Patreon make money by offering exclusive content, experiences, or perks to their patrons in exchange for financial support. Patrons, who are fans or supporters, pledge a chosen amount of money regularly, typically every month, to the creators they want to support.

Additionally, creators on Patreon can sell single videos, podcast episodes, and other items in an online store. Fans can buy and enjoy these digital exclusives from your shop using any device. The checkout process is smooth, and the store has its system for hosting videos and other media.

How to create a Patreon account: start to finish

Patreon is a platform where creators can connect with supporters and get paid for their work. Setting up an account is the first step toward sharing your creative content and building a community. Follow these steps to create your Patreon account:

• Visit the Patreon website and click on “Sign Up” to begin.
• Enter your email, password, and username to create your account.
• Choose whether you’re an individual creator, a team, or a community.
• After signing in, you’ll land on your dashboard. This is where you’ll set up your Patreon page.
• Select what content you’ll create, like blogs, podcasts, art, or videos.
• Use Canva or a similar tool to create a custom cover photo for your page. Make it representative of your brand or the content you’ll offer.
• Craft your About Page to introduce yourself and explain what patrons will get by supporting you.
• Consider creating an intro video to connect with your potential patrons. It helps build a relationship and trust.
• Membership tiers are where you offer different benefits at various price points.
• Consider your value at each tier (e.g., exclusive content, early access).
• Keep the price range realistic. Start with lower tiers ($5 to $25) and consider higher ones for more personalized attention.
• Patreon allows you to set monthly goals. These can be financial or community-based milestones.
• Share these goals with patrons to create excitement and engagement.
• Decide whether patrons will pay per creation or every month.
• Select the currency you’ll accept and set your payout settings.
• Explore advanced settings like displaying earnings publicly for credibility and transparency.
• Integrate social links, set up Google Analytics, and configure welcome notes for new patrons.
• Decide on a membership model—Patreon offers different plans with varying fees.
• Review your page thoroughly to ensure all information is accurate and engaging.
• Connect your bank account for payouts.
• To invite supporters, launch your Patreon page and share it across your social platforms.

Is Patreon free?

While signing up and creating an account on Patreon is free, the platform operates on a model that takes a percentage of the funds creators earn from their patrons.Patreon charges around 8-12%of a user’s monthly income based on the creator’s plan. Additionally, there are fees for processing payments, converting currencies, handling payouts, and covering relevant taxes. This allows Patreon to sustain its operations and provide a platform for creators to connect with their audience and offer exclusive content in return for patronage.

When does Patreon pay its Creators?

Patreon allows creators to request payouts after the 5th day of every month to receive their earnings. Creators have two options: they can set up a regular payout on the 6th of every month or manually withdraw their earnings anytime by choosing “Withdraw balance” in the Payouts menu.

To add a payment method, go to Settings in the creator menu, pick “Payouts and taxes,” and click “Add a payout method” to link your preferred account or card for receiving payments. Acceptable payment options include credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, or Venmo.

Afterinitiating a payout, the funds usually take 1-5 days to show up in the creator’s personal account. According to Patreon, if, for some reason, there’s a problem sending the funds to such an account, the fund is returned to the creator’s balance.

Why do creators use Patreon? 7 benefits of Patreon

Patreon’s multifaceted benefits empower creators to build sustainable careers while nurturing a loyal and engaged community of supporters who value their work. Below are seven benefits:

1. Diversified income streams

Creators use Patreon to diversify their income beyond traditional methods of blogging, YouTube, and podcast hosting platforms. By offering exclusive content and experiences to patrons, they can secure a more reliable and consistent revenue stream. This financial stability empowers creators to focus more on their craft without solely relying on ads or sponsorships.

2. Direct connection with the audience

Patreon facilitates a direct connection between creators and their audiences. It’s a platform where fans can support their favorite creators directly, fostering a deeper sense of community and loyalty. This direct engagement allows creators to better understand their audience’s preferences, leading to more tailored content.

3. Creative independence

Using Patreon grants creators creative freedom. They’reThe constraints of algorithms or advertisers do not bind them. Instead, they can create content that truly resonates with their audience without compromising their artistic vision. This independence cultivates a more authentic and meaningful relationship between creators and their supporters.

4. Sustainable support

Creators benefit from Patreon’s subscription-based model, ensuring ongoing support from patrons. This steady flow of income enables creators to plan, invest in better equipment or resources, and consistently produce high-quality content without the fear of sudden revenue fluctuations.

5. Monetizing passion projects

Patreon allows creators to monetize niche or passion projects that might not attract mass audiences. Whether it’s niche art, educational content, or podcasts on specialized topics, creators can find a dedicated audience willing to support and sustain their unique creations.

6. Exclusive access and engagement

Patrons on Patreon gain access to exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and perks not available elsewhere. This sense of exclusivity encourages patrons to invest more in the creator’s work, fostering a stronger sense of belonging and appreciation for their support.

7. Flexibility in content creation

The platform gives creators flexibility in content creation. They can experiment with different formats, styles, or series, knowing they have a supportive audience. This freedom encourages creativity and innovation, leading to more diverse and engaging content for patrons.

7 Tips for starting on Patreon

While Patreon might seem like a perfect fit for everyone, the opposite is true. To thrive on Patreon, creators can leverage these tips:

1. Define your offering clearly

Clearly articulate what patrons will receive at different membership levels. Explain the exclusive content, perks, or experiences they’ll access by supporting you. Clarity is key in attracting patrons who understand and value what you provide.

2. Engage your audience

Prioritize engagement by interacting with your audience regularly. Respond to comments, share updates, and involve patrons in your creative process. Building a connection fosters loyalty and encourages patrons to remain supportive.

3. Offer value at every tier

Ensure each tier offers distinct and compelling benefits. Patrons should feel they’re getting value for their support. Consider early access to content, exclusive Q&A sessions, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or personalized messages.

4. Consistency is key

Maintain consistency in your content delivery. Set realistic posting schedules and stick to them. Patrons appreciate reliability and regularity in the content they support.

5. Promote your Patreon page

Actively promote your Patreon page across social media, your website, or other platforms. Share teasers of exclusive content to entice potential patrons. The more visibility your Patreon page has, the more likely you’ll attract supporters.

6. Listen and adapt

Listen to feedback from patrons and adapt accordingly. Understand their preferences and adjust your offerings or tiers to align with their interests better. Flexibility demonstrates your commitment to meeting their needs.

7. Express gratitude

Show appreciation for your patrons. Acknowledge their support through personalized messages, exclusive shout-outs, or special acknowledgments in your content. Gratitude strengthens the bond between creators and supporters.

In Summary

The impact of Patreon extends beyond financial support; it empowers creators to retain creative independence and nurture loyal communities. For creators, Patreon serves as a gateway to realizing their creative visions. It provides a supportive environment where their artistic pursuits are valued, allowing them to diversify their income streams. Patreon offers patrons a chance to actively support and engage with the creators they admire, gaining access to exclusive content and behind-the-scenes experiences.