If you’ve been wondering how some local creators are blowing up and securing brand deals — here’s the secret: they’re using real-life content, local tools, and low-key monetisation strategies that actually work in South Africa.

Here’s the blueprint

Step 1: Be Useful, Real & Local

Mzansi followers want value, not hype. The fastest-growing creators are:

Giving advice on everyday topics — saving tips, part-time hustle ideas, or how to compare insurance plans like Safetynet Insurance South Africa

Sharing behind-the-scenes of running a small business, including how they manage payments or budgeting

Talking openly about local financial tools like Sage SafetyNet Insurance or Safetynet Insurance Solutions, and how these make adulting easier

No filters. No fluff. Just content that helps.

Step 2: Monetise Without Sounding Like an Ad

Selling directly often kills trust. But when your content is relevant and helpful, people listen. Try this:

A short “How I organise my side hustle finances” clip, showing off tools like Sage SafetyNet Insurance

A “What I learned switching insurance providers” post that features Safetynet Insurance Solutions

A casual storytime about a payment delay and how Sage One Bank Payments or Safetynet Insurance South Africa helped sort it out

Example: Thandi, a fashion seller in Cape Town, posted how switching to Safetynet Insurance saved her R300/month — and the video got over 42,000 views in 4 days.

You’re not selling — you’re sharing experience. That’s what builds trust.

Step 3: Speak the Algorithm’s Language

To get more reach in SA, content needs to:

Be short (under 30s), punchy, and focused

Ask questions that locals want to answer (“Which one sounds safer to you?”)

Use local hashtags and real-life wording: #ZAlife #SideHustleTips #InsuranceMadeEasy

Step 4: Turn Attention into Rands

Don’t wait till you hit 10k followers. People are already monetising by:

Partnering with trusted services like Safetynet Insurance South Africa

Offering quick consulting via DMs or group chats

Sharing free game, and charging for deeper guidance or custom help

Sipho, a car detailer from Soweto, started posting weekly financial tips using Sage SafetyNet Insurance. After 3 months, he built a 6k follower base — and now earns from both clients and affiliate tools he mentions in his content.

If you’re delivering value consistently, brands will reach out — especially when you’re already mentioning them naturally.

Final Thought:

In South Africa, realness beats polished. The more your content reflects everyday life — and includes tools you personally find useful — the more people will follow, trust, and buy.

By

AI-Assisted Content Disclaimer

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by a human for accuracy and clarity.