We're a little over a year into the NIL era, but there's still a lot of confusion around the topic–namely, how can college athletes cash in? Here are five tips to help college athletes fatten their wallets by building a brand. 

Related: Top 5 NIL Platforms to Help College Athletes Cash In

Build a large following on social media. 

This could either be on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter or anything else. Just make sure people know who you are and like the content you post. Of course, you strive to be the best player you can be but even if you don't play a lot, there are many people who are still making a lot of money through the NIL by just making good content. 

Sign sponsorship deals and do promoted posts. 

When you make these posts, make sure you realize what's working and what isn't. You should be doubling down on the posts that are gaining the most views. Make similar posts like those and make them frequently. 

Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits

Make these deals into your existing storyline. 

Making the posts about you and your story will get the viewers interested. You will do this once you have gathered a fanbase. If you do this with people already backing you up, you will have no problems gaining viewers because your fanbase will make it more popular for you. 

Have a link that can redirect you to all your social media platforms.

It's annoying when you are trying to find someone you like on TikTok on Instagram and can't because they have different usernames. Make it easier for everyone and put them all together in your bio.  

Hire a team.

Just like in sports, it's helpful to have a team behind you in the NIL game.  You need people to help you out once you get popular so consider looking into brand managers, social media planners, and financial experts to help you out. Otherwise, NIL can become overwhelming if you do it on your own.

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* Originally published on September 14, 2022, by Chris Russo