When you think of a “tip jar”, what comes to mind?
A bartender, a barista, or perhaps a barber? You’re not the only one. The good news is that you can create any type of tip jar to help get some funds—even virtually.
Tip jars aren’t just for hard labor jobs anymore. It’s a virtual world and you deserve virtual tips.
We’re not only going to help you understand why you should implement a tip jar, we are going to show you how to use one effectively along with seeing it in action.
There are probably a bazillion questions running through your mind about tip jars…
- Should you use a PayPal button?
- Should you install a donation plugin?
- Should you put content behind a membership paywall?
- How does a tip jar work with sponsors?
It’s cool, relax – we are going to answer all of these questions for you. Let’s talk tips on WordPress.
Why use a Tip Jar?
Here’s the thing. People who are invested are more, well, invested.
Those who feel like they have helped you are more likely to be loyal to you as well. They’re more concerned about sharing your content and ensuring your success.
Whether you’re a writer, podcaster, photographer, artist, teacher…(the list goes on) you bring value. Why not install a tip jar?
Here are a few reasons you should think about a tip jar on your website:
Impact
Someone might read your latest blog post and think, wow—that just changed my life. They may want to help you out. You never know who you’re going to reach.
It’s time to monetize your blog.
“Not every WordPress site has products to sell. Although many can turn their blogs into a revenue stream by offering goods and services somewhere in the mix, there are various reasons you might not be in a position to do so. …Donations are one of the most common ways to do just that, and they can sometimes even be more effective than ads or sponsored posts.”
– Tom Ewer, Elegant Themes
Additional income
We wouldn’t say your tip jar is your ‘side hustle’ per se, but it is an additional revenue stream if you work it right.
When you install a tip jar on your website, you are putting another way for people to support you (no matter who you are) out onto the web. And like we mentioned before, you never know who you are going to impact.
Reach
Nowadays, when someone tips – they tell people. We aren’t sure if it’s a trendy social media thing or the innate way of being human, but they share what they share. So, when someone tips or when someone supports your tips, you’ve got extra exposure for your upcoming fundraiser or donation. That’s reach, baby!
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How to use the GiveWP donation plugin as a tip jar
First – why use GiveWP for your tip jar? Here are a few reasons…
- GIveWP’s donation plugin allows tips in any currency, which makes it easier to donate.
- They also allow options for recurring donations.
- They offer a wide variety of payment options like Stripe, Authorize.net, PayPal, 2Checkout, Braintree, Paytm, Square, AmeriCloud, and more.
- Get donation form performance through insightful reports. Track top donors and donor history.
- Customize your donation form to fit your brand.
With WordPress, you really do have a lot of wonderful plugin options. Let’s talk about how to use the GiveWP donation plugin as a tip jar.
If you need more convincing, catch us mentioned in WPBeginner, Qode Magazine, Lucid Rhino, and more.
Here are the basic steps to set up your GiveWP tip jar:
- Set up your PayPal or Stripe account.
- Download and install the GiveWP donation plugin on your WordPress site.
- Create your online donation form.
- Insert the Give shortcode or Gutenberg block (wherever you’d like) for your tip jar.
Note: We highly recommend that you have an SSL certificate installed on your site.
When you set up the form, be sure to suggest donation amounts and leave a blank amount for custom donations.
Remember…
The Give plugin and any campaign using the Give plugin is only as effective as its promotion. Considerable effort must be put into getting the word out, telling your story, and inviting your audience to contribute.
Platforms such as Indiegogo, Kickstarter, etc., have their own audiences that may come across your campaign. But then, you don’t have total control over your campaign, your supporters might be distracted by other campaigns, etc.
That said, it shouldn’t be difficult for people to find a way to help you. You’d be surprised how many people want to help you out, especially when you’re providing great resources.
Tip jar and tax stuff
Anyone with a WordPress site and a payment gateway (PayPal, Stripe, etc) can use Give as a tip jar. Most popular tip jars are seen on sites for artists, bloggers, and podcasters.
A few housekeeping notes when it comes to earning non-taxable or taxable income:
Consult your accountant. As of 2016, you are responsible for paying personal income tax on earnings over $14,000. That number may change annually.
Also of note is that if you are not a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit, donations made to you are not tax-deductible for the donor. Tip Jars fall under the “personal gift” category.
“Making a gift or leaving your estate to your heirs does not ordinarily affect your federal income tax. You cannot deduct the value of gifts you make (other than gifts that are deductible charitable contributions).“
– IRS
If you’re outside of the United States of America, consult your local authorities.
The GiveWP tip jar in action
As promised, here are a few examples of people (successfully) using GiveWP as a tip jar. Warning, this might warm your heart.
In the WordPress community, Michelle Frechette is sort of a big deal. She not only is a pillar in the WordPress community (speaking at WordCamps, volunteering at Big Orange Heart, and so so so much more) but she runs a WordPress podcast called WPCoffeetalk.
WP Coffeetalk joins WordPress supporters from all over the globe to come together and share their stories over a cup of coffee. Michelle has been chatting and connecting with people for years, swapping stories, and spreading the WordPress love.
Michelle, the smart thing that she is, installed a Tip Jar on her WordPress site WPCoffeetalk.com.
When you “Tip the Barista”, you are not only helping Michelle fund her podcast, you are helping the WordPress community grow and connect. It’s a beautiful thing.
Just look at this love!
Tip jars are not just for baristas anymore. They are for everyone!
Tips for everyone
You may be thinking, why haven’t I started a tip jar earlier in my life? It’s okay – you can start today.
Installing a tip jar on your website can ultimately help you earn (even a little) more monthly recurring revenue and it can help inspire new social campaigns for your next donation or fundraiser. It can also just help you relate to people that love and support you.
What are you waiting for? Go get your tips!
If you’re interested in a demo of the GiveWP plugin, reach out to us! Or go ahead and snag the plugin and try it for yourself. It’s easy to use and can help you earn the money you deserve.
We’d love to hear from you on how you marketed your tip jar!
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