Linktree is launching a set of new features aimed at helping creators earn more money directly from its platform. The new tools include the ability to sell courses, earn from brand-sponsored links, and build shoppable storefronts.
The launch of the new monetization features will help Linktree stand out among other similar platforms like Beacons and Shorby, as they expand on Linktree’s simple link-in-bio service.
The new features also enable Linktree to compete with creator monetization platforms like Patreon.
To allow users to build and sell courses directly on Linktree, the company is partnering with Kajabi. The new capability will enable creators to monetize their expertise. For example, a fitness trainer can share their workout programs, or a musician can teach their craft through courses. Creators can set the price for their courses and start earning through a Stripe integration.
Linktree is also making it easier for creators to sell digital products like e-books, templates, guides, and more. While Linktree has already allowed creators to do so, it was possible through a partnership with SendOwl. Now, creators can sell digital products directly through Linktree without a third-party involved. This means that Linktree can now charge a take rate on digital goods sold through the platform. These rates are based on the Linktree plan you’re on.
The launch of this feature comes a year after Patreon introduced the ability for creators to sell one-off digital goods. As with courses, you can set the price for your digital products on Linktree.
“Creators or many people around the world have something to share, have something to teach,” Linktree CEO Alex Zaccaria told TechCrunch. “We want to make that far more accessible.”
In addition, everyone in the U.S. on Linktree can now build a shop to earn commission on products. Shops let you earn commission from brands like Target, Amazon, Lululemon, and Revolve. Or, creators can choose to add affiliate links directly to their Linktree account.
As for the new sponsored links capability, brands can now pay creators directly for space on their Linktree. For instance, a creator can get paid when a follower subscribes to Hulu through their Linktree. These links will be clearly labeled as “sponsored.”
“Creators will see these sponsored links they can put on their Linktree,” Zaccaria said. “Right now they’re getting paid per attribution or per conversion, but we will roll that into cost per click and cost per impression as well so it’s not just affiliate type stuff, there’s a native ads on Linktree.”
Linktree is also launching “Rewards,” which is a new incentive program that offers creators perks like bonus commissions when they reach certain milestones. The program could lead to direct brand collabs, the company notes.
Every creator on Linktree will get access to a new “wallet” that will house all of the earning that they make from these features, Zaccaria said.
“Everything’s dropped into one single wallet,” he said. “No matter what you’re doing across all your courses, you’re selling your digital products, you’re selling and the things, you’re curating from sponsored links, to the Linktree Shop. The wallet is a new feature that’s been in beta for a little while. It’s mostly for Linktree shops, but now there’s four extra ways to monetize and it’s all also going into the wallet.”
Linktree says the features announced on Wednesday will help its user base of over 70 million users make sustainable incomes. Creators can access all of the new monetization features by going to the new “Earn” section of their Linktree, either in the app or on the web.
