12 Ways to Make Money From Your Blog
Blogging can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but did you know you can also make money from your blog? Many full-time bloggers have been able to quit their day jobs and support themselves solely through blogging. Whether you’re just starting out or have an established blog, there are several ways to monetize your site and start earning an income.
In this post, we’ll explore 12 different methods for making money blogging. I’ll explain how each one works, the requirements, and the potential earnings. By the end, you’ll have a good idea of which revenue streams may work best for your blog. Let’s get started!
How much can you earn from blogging?
Your blog’s earning potential depends on many factors like niche, traffic, monetization methods and how much time you invest in it. Here are some general guidelines on potential blogging income levels:
Under 1,000 monthly visitors: $100–500 per month
1,000–5,000 monthly visitors: $500–2,000 per month
5,000–10,000 monthly visitors: $2,000–5,000 per month
Over 10,000 monthly visitors: $5,000+ per month
These numbers are average estimates and top bloggers in popular niches can earn significantly more than this. The key is to be consistent, provide high-quality content and always test new ways to increase your revenue streams over time. Make sure your content is seo friendly.
Time needed to earn from blogging
It usually takes most bloggers at least 6–12 months of regular blogging (2–3 posts per week) before they see any significant income. During this initial startup period, you’ll need to concentrate on:
Building an audience and readership
Learning SEO strategies for ranking well in Google
Establishing an authoritative presence in your niche
Testing different types of monetization
Within the first year, you can realistically expect to earn a few hundred dollars depending on monetization efforts. It’s around the 18–24 month mark when things really start picking up for dedicated bloggers. Once your site traffic surpasses 500 visitors per day, multiple streams of income become sustainable. So in summary:
6–12 months: $100–500 per month
1–2 years: $500–2,000 per month
2+ years: $2,000+ per month
Stick with it consistently and your blog’s earnings have the potential to grow significantly over time.
12 specific ways to start monetizing.
1. Google AdSense
Google AdSense is one of the most common and easiest ways for bloggers to earn passive income. To qualify, you need at least 300 monthly unique visitors and original, copyright-compliant content. Once approved, AdSense displays relevant Google ads on your site. You earn money based on the number of clicks.
AdSense CPM rates vary depending on location and niche, but the average CPM (cost per thousand impressions) is around $3. With 5,000 monthly pageviews, AdSense could earn you $15–30 per month. As traffic grows, so do earnings — some top blogs make $5,000+ monthly from AdSense alone.
2. Affiliate marketing
With affiliate marketing, you promote relevant products and services from other companies in exchange for commissions when a sale is made through your unique affiliate link. Popular programs include Amazon, ShareASale, and ClickBank.
Rates vary by program and product category. For example, physical products on Amazon typically pay 4–10% commission while digital products on ClickBank could pay 25–75% per sale. You can earn passively by placing related affiliate links throughout your site or through dedicated reviews/posts promoting affiliate offerings. Affiliate income often surpasses AdSense for high-traffic blogs.
3. Sponsorships
Brands are always looking to partner with influential bloggers as a cost-effective way to reach niche audiences. You can offer sponsored posts, where you produce written, visual or video content promoting the sponsoring brand/product in exchange for a flat fee $100-$1,000+.
Larger blogs may also be able to command recurring endorsement deals or ambassador partnerships paying hundreds or thousands per month. Successful sponsors will provide branded content aligned with your blog’s messaging to maintain reader trust.
4. Freelance writing
Your blog helps establish yourself as an expert writer and content authority. Leverage that by pitching article ideas to other websites, magazines and companies. Well-written, informative 500–1000 word articles typically pay $50-$250 upon acceptance.
Once you develop a portfolio, you can land regular freelance writing gigs or even get hired full-time at a publication. Creative writing services are also increasingly sought after, such as ghostwriting, copywriting and proofreading. Use your established network to find new clients.
5. Online courses/trainings
If your blog covers educational topics, you could develop/sell online courses teaching readers a skill or knowledge area in greater depth. Popular course platforms include Thinkific, Teachable and Kajabi. Well-designed video/audio courses typically sell for $50-$200 initially, with additional lower priced upgrades.
Well-marketed courses featuring highly engaging content can earn you thousands per month passively. Memberships providing ongoing access to lesson updates are also lucrative long-term. Your blog is a prime platform for promoting courses to a built-in audience.
6. Ebooks/guides
Crafting a comprehensive eBook or digital guide on a topic covered in your blog is another popular monetization strategy. Format it as an easy-to-read PDF or e-reader file and sell it for $10-$50 through your website using Payhip or Gumroad as the transaction processor.
Include engaging images, graphics and useful bonus materials. Promote the eBook heavily on your blog using a chapter excerpt as free sample content. Done right, a single guide can sell hundreds or thousands of copies over time while reinforcing your expertise.
7. Virtual workshops/webinars
Hosting recurring webinars, live virtual workshops or Q&A sessions around your area of expertise allows readers to engage directly with you while learning something new. Charge $10-$50 per ticket through Eventbrite, and promote the value using your blog newsletter.
Re-airing recordings as paid content and including exclusive bonuses for attendees are great ways to extend the value. With promotion, a single event can attract dozens of paying students. Plus, it provides new opportunities for sponsorship and endorsement deals.
8. Product/service launch promotions
Use your blog to help promote the launch of new products and services you are affiliated with. Provide honest, in-depth reviews and recommendations to readers. Negotiate a share of initial sales revenue or ongoing affiliate commissions in exchange.
When done properly and timed to engage your audience, product launches can drive thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars in the first month alone. Having a large, engaged following is key to making product promotions worthwhile.
9. Consultations/coaching
Monetize your expertise through private consultations (in-person, phone or video chat) and ongoing coaching programs. Specializing in solving common pain points for clients can be lucrative. Many bloggers successfully charge $50-$300 per hour or a flat monthly fee.
Provide customized action plans, answer follow-ups and hold clients accountable for achieving specific goals. Build client testimonials to attract more coaching opportunities over time while working flexible hours around your schedule.
10. Selling ad space
Traditional display ad placements on your high-traffic blog, such as sidebar banners and footer advertisements, can generate significant income when negotiated with advertisers or ad networks directly. Top blogs have been known to command $1,000+ per month in direct ad sales.
However, ads must be implemented tastefully to avoid harming your brand or user experience. It requires extra effort finding interested businesses to pay on a CPM (cost-per-thousand impressions) or CPC (cost-per-click) basis from your target audience.
11. Paid memberships
Exclusive perks help retain a loyal readership. Offer a membership program providing behind-the-scenes extras like private Facebook groups, Q&A access, downloadables and other bonus content not found elsewhere in exchange for an annual $20–100 subscription fee through Patreon, Mighty or your own access page.
High-quality companies have memberships sustaining $500–10,000 per month
12. Selling printed products
Merchandising your brand opens new streams of income. You can create and sell branded products like t-shirts, mugs, books and other lifestyle accessories featuring inspirational quotes, photos or designs.
Sites like Printful and Teespring allow you to design products that are shipped directly to customers when ordered, with you receiving ongoing royalties that stack up over time. Selling special collections during holidays maximizes sales.
Another option is self-publishing printed books, planners or calendars showcasing your best blog content and photography as a tangible premium product your super fans will want. Successful bloggers have landed book deals earning six figure advances.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are abundant options for monetizing your blog through both direct earnings like sponsorships, products and services, as well as passive streams such as affiliate marketing, ads and memberships. With consistent effort, you have the ability to earn a sizeable side or even full-time income from your website within 1–2 years.
The key is testing different methods to see what provides the best returns given your unique blog’s niche and audience while maintaining high quality, engaging content as the top priority. Combining multiple monetization strategies together has proven most lucrative for bloggers. With creativity and perseverance, monetization opportunities will come. I hope these money-making ideas help inspire your path to blogging success!
