
Disclaimer: I am currently not making money with comics. This post is research and also serves as a reminder to my future self that there is a path to make comics profitable.
I am just going to get the list that I have compiled so far of ways to make money with comics.
- Platforms like Webtoons
- Have your own website and serve ads
- Prints of your most popular comics
- Greeting cards
- Stickers
- Pins
- Books
Webtoons is a website where you can upload your comic. There is a community there so the chance to be discovered is pretty good. They have an ad-revenue model where creators can earn 50% of the ads displayed on their comics. There is also a program for high-performing creators to potentially earn more. There are a few other comic hosting platforms. They have their pros and cons. For me, the biggest con is that I’m not sure the audience for my comic is there as it seems the manga-style comics are extremely well-received.
Choosing the route of your own website has costs like web hosting, domain registration, etc. But then you have complete freedom and no constraints. To make money through ad revenue, you need traffic – which could take time to build.
Physical products really will have more success when you have an audience. People will be interested in that unless you have some comics that go ‘viral’ and can stand on their own.
A collection of comics done in a book format help to expand the reach of your comic. Also, those who enjoy the comic might like to have a physical copy.
As I think of more ideas, I will add them to this list.