In 2022, Marie, a data analyst, started a Telegram channel to share helpful tips and her own experiences. She didn't expect much, but quite soon it became extremely popular and started to earn her some extra money. Fast forward to today, and Marie manages several Telegram channels in both Russian and English, generating a monthly income of around $5,000.
This financial freedom has allowed her to explore and develop various projects without the burden of financial constraints. Furthermore, these channels have become excellent platforms for promoting her own ventures, proving to be valuable assets in Marie’s professional toolkit.
The power of Telegram
Before diving deeper into the story, it's essential to understand the unique dynamics of Telegram compared to other social media platforms. Many people mistakenly believe that having thousands of subscribers on Telegram is equivalent to having the same number of followers on platforms like Instagram or Twitter. However, that belief is mistaken.
Telegram operates as a messaging platform rather than a conventional social network. Users typically subscribe to only a handful of channels, prioritizing quality over quantity. The level of engagement among subscribers is far more critical than mere numbers; even a channel with just 1,000 engaged followers can be incredibly lucrative. Moreover, the subject matter of a channel plays a significant role in attracting and retaining subscribers. Whether focusing on entertainment, education, or niche topics, the content must resonate with the audience for the channel to thrive.
Interestingly, when the data analyst encounters channels boasting high subscriber counts, it often raises a red flag. In most cases, these subscriptions are fake, generated by bots rather than real people, indicating that there's no real interest or interaction happening.
The birth of the first channel
Marie launched their first Telegram channel in June 2022. Within just a few months, the channel attracted over 1,000 subscribers, leading to unexpected financial opportunities. Advertisers began reaching out to promote their products, and the channel — dedicated to helping aspiring data analysts — became a hub for useful content. Subscribers gained access to free resources, skill-building exercises, and job opportunities worldwide.
Now boasting over 15,000 subscribers, this channel generated approximately $3,000 in revenue last month alone.
Monetization strategies include sponsored advertisements, with each ad priced at $250. Marie posts around 10-12 ads monthly, gradually increasing the rates as the channel's popularity and engagement grow. What's remarkable is that most of the clients who advertise with the channel are actually return customers. They're attracted to the channel because of the specific audience she's built and the high-quality content she produces.
To attract clients, the data analyst relied on newsletters and ad exchanges like Telega Exchange.
The average cost per 1,000 impressions (CPM) varies across niches, with business-related categories commanding higher prices. For instance, the CPM for the Business and Startups category is approximately $57.31. Channel owners can set their own prices, especially for unique content that stands out in the marketplace.
Organic promotion strategies
Promoting the channel turned out to be completely free, with Marie experimenting with different promotional methods to find the most effective strategies.
The key takeaway: even channels with 15,000 subscribers can be profitable if the content is of high quality and resonates with a targeted audience. Subscribers frequently express their gratitude for the valuable information shared, reinforcing the connection between quality content and subscriber engagement.
Marie also emphasized the importance of growing an audience authentically, avoiding black or gray hat methods that could lead to follower inflation without genuine engagement.
By sticking to these principles, Marie was able to build a loyal and highly involved following, which made it much simpler to attract advertisers who were willing to pay top dollar to reach her audience.
Expanding the network
In 2024, Marie took a bold step by launching additional Telegram channels, aiming to diversify her income streams. This strategic move has led to the creation of a network of channels that collectively contribute to her financial success. Last month alone, the new channels generated around $2,000, primarily through the sale of her own products.
For experts in various fields — such as lawyers, fitness trainers, and psychologists — running a Telegram channel offers an excellent opportunity to attract targeted subscribers and promote their services or consultations. This model allows professionals to monetize their expertise effectively while building a loyal community.
Marie also noted that her experience in promoting the first channel significantly accelerated the growth of subsequent channels. One channel skyrocketed from zero to over 6,600 subscribers within just two months, showcasing the power of learned strategies and effective content delivery.
Diverse monetization strategies
Beyond traditional methods, Marie explored various monetization avenues:
- Donations and subscriptions: Channel owners can create paid private groups offering exclusive content, services, or bonuses for loyal fans. The most common strategy involves maintaining a free main channel, which attracts subscribers and allows for monetization through sponsored ads while also offering a paid channel with exclusive content. Many subscribers from the free channel transition to paid subscribers, creating a steady revenue stream.
- Paid channels: Some creators opt to launch paid channels without a free counterpart. For example, the channel "Varlamov" has approximately 1,918 subscribers, charging a monthly fee of €10. This results in a monthly recurring revenue (MRR) of €19,180, with content ranging from travel photos to insights about different countries.
- Telegram creator program: In March 2024, Telegram introduced an ad revenue-sharing program, allowing channel owners to earn 50% of the revenue generated from ads displayed in their channels. This program is available to channels with at least 1,000 followers. However, certain channels may not qualify for monetization if more than 50% of their subscribers are from regions where the program isn't accessible.
For channels in English, the monetization process has just begun, and there is potential yet to be fully explored.
Conclusion
Marie’s transformation from managing a single Telegram channel that brings in $5,000 a month to overseeing a successful network of such channels highlights the importance of creating valuable content, implementing smart promotional strategies, and truly connecting with your audience. Her story is not just inspiring; it’s a practical guide for anyone looking to venture into the world of Telegram channels.
The key takeaways are clear:
- Quality over quantity: A smaller, highly engaged audience is more valuable than a large, inactive following;
- Niche down: Focus on a specific topic or audience to attract a dedicated community;
- Provide value: Offer valuable content that solves problems, entertains, or educates your subscribers;
- Experiment and adapt: Don't be afraid to try different monetization strategies and promotional techniques to find what works best for you.
For those eager to learn more about promotion, monetization strategies, and the latest trends on Telegram, subscribing to Marie’s free Telegram channel is a fantastic way to gain insights and tips from her real-time experiences.
The birth of the first channel sounds weird
