Stephanie G. Mathis A tip jar can be a great way to earn some extra cash, whether you are playing requests for your pub audience, busking outside in the summer, or streaming live from your website.
Even though passing the hat is not a reality yet for some musicians, adding a tip jar on your website gives your fans an easy way to support you directly. In the past year, music lovers have become accustomed to providing digital tips to their favorite musicians.
A tip jar can be a great way to earn passive income and give your fans a simple way to show their support.
Here are some things to consider when adding a virtual tip jar to your site:
Your website can benefit from adding a tip jar.
Once you’ve decided to add a tip jar to your website, you’ll have to decide where to place it. You can use this tip jar on your website.
Consider how you use your website and what you can do to give your fans more value if they want to tip you. Do you post regular news updates to your homepage? Add new songs to your Music section and encourage your fans to listen. You could play live streams on your Shows Page or promote a live performance.
It’s not necessary to have a tip jar on every page. You can, however, make it an important part of your site. Place it on your main page if you have a lot of visitors. Please include a note saying how much you appreciate their support. Place a tip jar in your Music section if you’re actively selling your music online. Let your fans know they can purchase or stream your tracks, and those tips will help you create more music.
If your website’s goal is to collect donations from fans as you get back into playing, include a call to action on your home page and direct your fans to a page that contains your tip jar.
Use your tip jar during live events.
The most common use of a tip jar during a performance is to collect money. It’s a common practice. Putting your tip jar on the internet gives you more chances to make money at your show.
You can add your video to the tip jar or place it alongside the livestream.
You can place the tip jar on its own page so that people who don’t have money can still contribute. Mention your website, the page’s name, and how grateful you are for their contribution. Include a link on your tip jar website when you distribute download cards, advertisements, or business cards at shows.
Use your tip jar in other ways.
Since the Pandemic, a tip jar has been used as a way to collect money from a live show. Your virtual tip jar can be used in many different ways on your website.
Other ways to earn money from your online tip jar are:
If you are not currently crowdfunding, collect tips for a future project.
Use a tip jar on your Videos page with a video that asks for fans’ support as you wait for the show to resume. You can also play a few songs.
Place a tip jar on your Shows Page, where you can promote your livestreams and regular gigs and ask fans who can’t make it for tips.
Donating a portion of tips to charity is a great way to raise money for a good cause.
You can customize your tip jar’s descriptive text, button text, and image. Make sure that it reflects why you want to raise money.
Include a link to share and, if it’s okay with you, ask your fans to help spread the word. Even a small extra donation could tip the scales in your favor. If your fans share your tip jar with their friends, they will be more likely to take a look at what you offer.
Promoting your tip jar will help you gain more support
You’ll want your fans to know that you have the virtual tip jar on your website. You should use your website as your base online and drive visitors there. Share your tip jar across all the channels that you use to promote your music.
Your tip jar can be mentioned in your newsletter. Your mailing list consists of people who have a deep interest in your career. You can either mention your tip jar directly or include a link that directs people to the page where your tip jar is located.
Don’t keep plugging in your tip jar. Add authenticity and value to all your social media updates to encourage fans to donate.
Although asking for money again and again might not be the best idea, your fans will understand that it has been a difficult year. Fans will gladly tip their favorite artists during a Livestream, contribute towards an upcoming project, or help an artist who is struggling to pay the bills until touring resumes. Decide on where you want to place your virtual tip jar and where the money is going. Then, tell your fans about it. You won’t get anything if you don’t even ask.
