Whether you’re a small business owner or simply love creating great content, launching your own blog offers plenty of potential benefits. Some bloggers use content marketing in their digital marketing strategy for driving traffic and converting leads into loyal customers.

Others start blogging as a creative outlet or to build relationships with readers of similar interests. Regardless of what inspired you to become a blogger, the right monetization strategy can help you turn your blog content into passive income.

We’ll help you get started by filling you in on what it takes to make money blogging. Then we’ll also introduce you to several popular ways to turn your quality content into a revenue stream. From affiliate marketing and display ads to selling physical products, we’ll help you find the right strategy for your goals and readership size.

Image Credit: artisteer / iStock.

10 ways to monetize your blog

As you’ve likely realized by this point, there’s no need to rely on good luck to make money blogging. Whether you want to monetize an existing blog or are just getting started, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with various blog monetization strategies.

As you explore the collection of popular strategies below, keep in mind that there’s no need to stick to just one. Many bloggers use their own blend of monetization methods depending on their skills, goals, and average amount of traffic.

Image Credit: Pinkypills/istockphoto.

1. Launch an affiliate marketing program

Affiliate marketing involves promoting other companies’ products or services. Each time a follower or reader uses the link you provide to make a purchase, you receive a certain percentage of the profits.

If you already have a blog with a sizable following, then affiliate marketing is a great way to start earning passive income. While you can set up private affiliate partnerships with businesses, there are also plenty of affiliate programs for bloggers and creators.

If you do choose to use this method, keep in mind that trustworthiness is one of the key components of high-quality content. You should choose affiliate products wisely and understand you’re staking your personal reputation on each.

Additionally, if you do stand to earn a commission of any sort on a recommendation, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires you to clearly disclose this information to your readers. Here are several top affiliate programs that can help you get started.

• Amazon Associates. Amazon’s affiliate program

  https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/

   allows you to earn commissions by referring your choice of millions of affiliate products and services.‍

• Rakuten Advertising. One of the original affiliate advertising platforms, Rakuten offers publishers affiliate partnerships with brands in a variety of different industries.‍
• CJ Affiliate. Another established platform that’s been around for over two decades, CJ Affiliate connects publishers with major advertisers like Office Depot, Hello Fresh, and J.Crew.‍
• Awin. Awin offers partnerships from over 25,000 brands, all of which you can promote on your site, blog, or social media page.‍
• FlexOffers. If you’re looking for a nice blend of major name brands and smaller niche businesses, FlexOffers is a great platform to check out.

Image Credit: PonyWang/istockphoto.

2. Offer sponsored content

Sponsorships are when a company pays you to produce and publish sponsored posts about one or more of their products. For instance, a popular make-up blogger or vlogger might get paid to create a review about a brand’s new concealer or mascara.

This method is often used by influencers, some charging as much as $100 for every 10,000 followers for a single sponsored post. Others negotiate much higher (or lower) deals, however, depending on factors like their niche, metrics, and exclusivity terms.

Sponsored posts are generally pretty easy to spot, as they are legally bound by the FTC’s endorsement disclosure rules. If you’re interested in creating sponsored posts for your blog, the key is to seek out sponsorships relevant to your niche and target audience.

This could be a great monetization method if you love networking and have at least 1,000 subscribers or social media followers. Once you hit 10,000, you’ll officially hit “micro-influencer” status and will be able to charge higher rates as your audience grows.

Some skillful networkers seek out their own sponsorships and pitch themselves directly through the brand’s contacts or on networking sites like LinkedIn. Others join the creator networks of influencer marketing companies such as:

• Blog Meets Brand. Blog Meets Brand connects a network of over 40,000 bloggers and social media influencers with top brands from a wide range of niches.
• Aspire. Aspire boasts both an influencer search engine and a creator marketplace to connect influencers of all sizes with top brands and e-commerce businesses.
• Acorn Influence. Acorn Influence helps creators pitch their best ideas to top companies like Coca-Cola, L’Oréal, Hallmark, and more.
• Upfluence. Upfluence connects a huge network of over 7 million creators with top brands like Netflix, Amazon, and Kayak.

Image Credit: Edwin Tan /istockphoto.

3. Sell ad space

Selling ad space is another time-honored way to monetize a high-traffic blog. One of the easiest ways to get started is to sign up with an ad network like Google AdSense.

Used by over 2 million people worldwide, getting started with AdSense is as easy as adding a single piece of code to your site. Google will then automatically show high-quality ads tailored to your target audience and specifications.

You can sign up for Google AdSense for free and get paid based on the total number of clicks or views (depending on the ad) your traffic generates. Google also offers a free revenue calculator that can provide an estimate of how much money you could potentially earn.

It’s also worth exploring other options, such as InfoLinks. In addition to traditional ad space, InfoLinks automatically creates clickable affiliate text links from certain keywords you use in your posts.

If you generate at least 10,000 page views a month, you might also check out Monumetric. While there’s a $99 startup fee if you have fewer than 80,000 page views a month, Monumetric offers much more personalized service, including a free site audit and consultation.

Image Credit: filadendron/istockphoto.

4. Create a podcast

If you already have an established blog, you might consider connecting with your subscribers in a whole new way by creating a podcast. Podcasts are great tools for connecting with your subscribers, and also offer their own set of monetization strategies.

Some podcasters join the Apple Podcasters Program or use tools like Supporting Cast to offer listeners paid subscriptions. Others join networks like Podcorn which offers sponsorship opportunities for podcasts of all shapes and sizes.

You might also consider selling audio ad space through networks like the AdvertiseCast marketplace, which provides host-read ads from top brands. Libsyn is also a great choice, as it offers an easy auto ads solution that automatically inserts relevant ads into pre-defined podcast slots.

But before you rush out to buy recording equipment, do some brainstorming to develop a strategy for what your podcast will sound like. While your podcast should be relevant to your niche, you’ll need to decide how it can infuse your blog with additional value.

If you blog about personal finance, for instance, you might start a podcast where you interview financial experts. If you run an advice blog centered around your area of expertise, your podcast could be a great place to answer subscriber FAQs or call-in questions.

Image Credit: mixetto/istockphoto.

5. Offer webinars or tutorials

With proper planning, webinars and tutorials can be solid monetization methods. Webinars come in a range of styles, from live events with viewer interaction to on-demand webinars viewers can watch at any time.

Some bloggers monetize webinars by charging admission, while others use them as free demos for products or services. No matter which you choose, there are plenty of webinar platforms out there to choose from, such as Demio or LiveWebinar.

Alternatively, you might choose to pre-record your own webinar and use the same strategy often employed for tutorials. Many creators post webinars and tutorials on YouTube and then monetize them by joining the YouTube Partner Program once they qualify for eligibility.

YouTube partners with AdSense to display relevant ads that come with a surprising range of customization options. You can choose the types of ads you’d like displayed and even integrate paid sponsorships or endorsements.

Image Credit: shironosov/istockphoto.

6. Create and sell an online course

If your blog has helped build your reputation as an expert in your field, then offering readers the chance to sign up for your own online course can expand your platform. A great online course is also a great place to advertise your blog and vice versa.

When it comes to where to create your course, Udemy is an excellent option. It’s both a popular learning platform with an established audience, and also offers plenty of resources to help you get started.

You might also research learning platforms that cater to your niche and preferences. For instance, Skillshare is a popular learning marketplace for creative classes, while platforms like LearnWorlds allow you to develop a course you can offer through your own site.

Image Credit: Prostock-Studio/istockphoto.

7. Write your own e-book

As a blogger, odds are high that you already love writing. So you might consider using your skills to author and sell your own e-book.

Many bloggers combine and expand on previous blog posts to create their e-books, while others prefer to offer all new material. Once your manuscript is finished, you can use free tools from sites like Adobe Express or Canva to convert it into e-book form.

Many website platforms offer e-commerce options that will allow you to sell your book directly from your website. If not, however, you can always set up a Shopify store and direct readers to its link.

Additionally, you may also want to broaden your audience by offering your e-book through publishing platforms like Rakuten Kobo or Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. A well-written e-book is often a great blog monetization and marketing strategy.

Image Credit: eclipse_images/istockphoto.

8. Sell physical products

Blogs can make a powerful traffic-generation tool for any business or e-commerce website. But even if your blog is your site’s centerpiece, you can still monetize it by selling merch to your fans.

Whether you want to sell custom t-shirts or coffee mugs, selling merch doesn’t have to mean stocking and shipping your own products.

Print-on-demand (POD) platforms like Printify and Gelato provide a wide range of merchandise that can be customized using your own designs.

When you get an order, your POD provider will create and deliver it right to your customer. You’ll make a profit by simply pricing your items slightly higher than those you’ll pay your POD provider for their services.

POD offers a handy way to sell your own merch without actually having to print, stock, or ship it. Additionally, you’ll never have to pay for any items until they’ve already sold.

Image Credit: mahiruysal/istockphoto.

9. Sell services

If you offer services in your chosen niche, don’t be shy about letting your readers know! No matter what your expertise is, be sure to mention whether you offer anything from freelance writing services to paid guest posts.

After all, there’s a reason your long-term subscribers have stuck with you. They obviously love your work and will often be more than happy to pay you to work your magic for their own sites or blogs.

Depending on how large your subscriber base is, just be sure to price your services accordingly. While there’s no need to go overboard on your rates, you may have to hike them as demand grows to avoid overbooking yourself.

Image Credit: Tatiana Buzmakova/istockphoto.

10. Offer coaching or consultations

Offering paid consultations or coaching can be another real money maker for the right blogger. As your blog’s following grows, so will your reputation as an expert in your niche.

Some readers may even love your content so much that they’d pay you to share your advice on their particular situation. That’s why many bloggers sell their services via one-on-one sessions.

For instance, a blogger who writes about fitness might offer coaching sessions to help individuals design custom workout plans. Whether you’re an expert in marketing, cooking, or anything in between, offering personal consultations can be a fun way to turn your knowledge into extra income.

Image Credit: fizkes/istockphoto.

Blog monetization starts with strategy

While you don’t have to be the most popular influencer on social media to make money online, you do need a solid strategy. Whether you’re hoping to become a full-time blogger or want to blog as a side hustle, creating a roadmap can drastically increase your odds of success.

In many ways, becoming a successful blogger is similar to launching a startup or becoming an e-commerce business owner. Think of your blog posts as digital products capable of generating income if you’re willing to put in enough hard work and planning.

Just like any other online business owner, you’ll need to understand the value of your own products. Let’s take a closer look at what launching a new blog entails.

Image Credit: PeopleImages/istockphoto.

Pick the right blog niche

Most blogs focus on a specific theme, whether it be pop culture or marketing advice. These themes are known as blog niches, and selecting the right one for you is the first step to creating a successful blog.

Make sure to choose a topic you both enjoy and know well, as you’ll be putting a great deal of time and hard work into writing about it. You’ll also want to find the fine line between selecting an overly broad or specific niche.

For instance, selecting a niche like “pets” is so broad that you’ll have a hard time competing with the hundreds of thousands of other pet sites online. But zeroing in on a niche like “how to crochet sweaters for Minskin cats” is so specific you’ll have a hard time creating the amount of traffic you need to monetize.

Aim for a niche just specific enough to set you apart. You might choose to focus on your own unique puppy training strategies or create a blog that focuses on popular pet product reviews. The key is to select a topic you’re passionate about and find a way to put your own unique spin on it.

Image Credit: Elena Katkova/istockphoto.

Select a blogging platform

These days, there is no shortage of blogging platforms, each with its own set of features and integrations. While you should do a bit of research to find the right one for you, here’s an introduction to several top choices to help you get started:

• Wix and Weebly. Both popular choices for beginners, Wix and Weebly are website and blog-building platforms with easy drag-and-drop templates and features.‍
• WordPress. While setting up a WordPress blog requires a more hands-on approach, you’ll enjoy access to thousands of customizable plugins and features.‍
• Blogger. One of the oldest free blog platforms, Blogger is a solid choice for personal or lifestyle-related content.‍
• Medium. A popular choice for writers, Medium comes with the advantage of a large community and reader recommendation engine. This makes it a nice place to build an audience.‍
• HubSpot. HubSpot’s free Blog Maker combines easy-to-use templates with powerful optimization and tracking tools.

Image Credit: PeopleImages/istockphoto.

Get to know your target audience

If there’s one thing every successful blogger has in common, it’s a thorough understanding of their target audience. Your target audience is the people who are the most likely to be interested in your content based on a set of shared characteristics. Here are some questions to ask to help pinpoint your target audience.

• What are their interests and hobbies?
• What is their age range?
• Do they tend to identify with a certain gender?
• What is their education and income level?
• Do they tend to live in urban or rural environments?
• Do they share occupations in the same field or industry?
• What values and beliefs do they have in common?

Getting to know your target audience will provide you with plenty of clues on how to create valuable content. From topics to focus on to the type of language your audience finds the most relatable, audience insights can go a long way toward boosting page views.

Image Credit: Jelena Danilovic/istockphoto.

Explore ways to drive blog traffic

You’ll also need to know the forums your audience tends to frequent online. Regardless of which primary blogging platform you choose, sharing your posts on other platforms is a great way to drive traffic.

For instance, if you decide to create a professional or career-oriented blog, sharing your posts on LinkedIn Articles is a great way to reach your existing network. If you’re catering to a younger demographic, promoting new blog content on social media sites like Instagram or TikTok is a solid way to go. Many bloggers also republish their posts on Medium using the platform’s handy import feature.

Creating an email list is also a great way to alert existing subscribers about new posts. Platforms like Constant Contact and MailChimp offer great email marketing features that can help you stay in touch with your audience through professional quality emails.

Last but not least, never underestimate the power of search engine optimization (SEO), or the work of increasing your blog’s odds of showing up in relevant search results.

Some marketers sign up for free online courses to learn SEO tactics like keyword research and link building firsthand. Others turn to sites to hire top SEO professionals

https://bit.ly/3TTsfRY

 to optimize their content.

Image Credit: PeopleImages/istockphoto.

Create high-quality content

At the end of the day, high-quality content is what sets successful blogs apart from millions of competitors. Search engines like Google use content quality when determining which results to present in search engine results.

If you need help getting started, you’ll want to explore sites like Udemy and Coursera, which offer online courses in everything from freelance writing to website development. You’ll also want to understand what major search engines like Google consider great content.

In a quest to help users find helpful, people-first content, Google uses ranking acronyms like E-E-A-T, which stands for:

• Experience
• Expertise
• Authoritativeness
• Trustworthiness

These factors are particularly important when it comes to content that Google considers YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) topics. These are topics that could have a significant impact on a reader’s health, safety, well-being, or financial situation.

Image Credit: nortonrsx/istockphoto.

Know when to monetize your blog

The amount of traffic needed to successfully monetize a blog highly depends on which monetization methods you decide to use. Some strategies, such as Google Adsense or affiliate programs require impressively high traffic counts to generate a decent amount of money.

Others, such as selling online courses or exclusive content, are more about attracting and converting the right type of traffic. Next, we’ll introduce you to a collection of popular blog monetization strategies and how they work.

Image Credit: PeopleImages/istockphoto.

Next steps

As you can see, starting your own blog opens the door to plenty of opportunities. But what if you don’t have the time or interest in getting a blog up and running? Hire top freelance writers for any niche.

Interested in making money for your own writing services while you build your blog? Check out freelance writing job board to connect with clients from a wide range of industries.

This article originally appeared on Upwork.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.

‍

Image Credit: AsiaVision/istockphoto.

More from MediaFeed

11 ChatGPT Plugins to Let You Do More With AI Everyday

Image Credit: Mystockimages/istockphoto.