Social media not your thing? Or maybe you just want to avoid turning your social media into an account full of brand deals? Either way, if you're an athlete who isn't social media-savvy but you want to snag a NIL deal, we have you covered! Here are four ways you can still profit off of NIL outside of social media platforms.

Partner with local businesses

Get out there and talk to local business owners. Helping out local businesses is more important than ever thanks to the lingering effects of the coronavirus pandemic and the uncertainty it has brought us. Wearing merchandise to represent your favorite local business on campus could bring more customers to them, as well as get you paid!

Related: Want an NIL Deal? It's Easier Than You Might Think. Here are 5 Tips to Help You Out

Auction off autographed items (even in a local or small raffle!)

A surprising amount of NIL money is made off of selling products with an athlete's signature on it. Why not try to raffle off a signed t-shirt, ball, or jersey? 

Offer to wear a company's merch around campus

Don't be afraid to reach out to larger companies, especially those you aren't typically seeing affiliated with collegiate athletes, and ask them to compensate you for wearing their merchandise around campus. Wearing their merchandise expands their customer base and brings attention to the company by transforming you into a walking advertisement of sorts. Many companies will send you merchandise and gear for free in order for you to wear it around. This way, you not only get paid, but you also get some cool new gear!

Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits

Look to join campaigns

There are plenty of different ways to get involved with companies beyond just wearing their merchandise and sponsoring their products. You can also look to join in campaigns spearheaded by the companies that support your beliefs and opinions, and are also geared toward athletes. For example, Chayla Edwards, a hockey player at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, joined forces with Degree deodorant to become a part of their Breaking Limits campaign which highlights players who share their stories of struggle in order to achieve success. Through this campaign, Edwards was able to make NIL money and keep her social media an authentic platform to her beliefs and free from sponsored content.

Related: Rate the University of Wisconsin-Madison

Lots of athletes are now earning NIL money through social media, but there's always more than one way to go after what you want. With a little creativity, you can land yourself a NIL deal–no social media required. 

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* Originally published on July 27, 2022, by Annie Welch