Since I’ve written quite a lot about how to start a blog and shared several blogging tips, today is all about how to make money blogging! Yeah, finally!
Making money blogging is pretty simple really, and you don’t have to wait years to start making a little side hustle money. Although this isn’t a way to get rich quick (and not even close), it will come to you, especially if you enjoy blogging like I do!
How To Make Money Blogging
Note: Affiliate links may be used in this post. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you use my affiliate link. Full disclosure policy here.
I’ll be brutally honest here: Most people, including you and me, start a blog with the hopes of one day making money from it. Not you? 😉
While I enjoy blogging for the sake of blogging per se, that extra bit of money comes in handy. As aforementioned, you won’t get rich quick, but you can make money blogging right away with a bit of work.
1. Affiliate Marketing
This is favourite way to make money blogging. By using affiliate marketing, you can get commission on products when your readers purchase through your unique tracking links.
Also, you must have a disclaimer in your blog, stating that you’re practicing affiliate marketing and will make money from their purchasing. Mine is just placed after the title in the body, and you can copy to use for your blog.
There are literally endless amounts of affiliate programs out there, and all you have to do is apply for them. It will take time for your application to be approved, and another while until you can earn your first pennies. However, since it’s a long-run project, keep calm and go on.
Here are some popular affiliate networks you can start with:
- Share A Sale
- Skimlinks
- Amazon Affiliates
- Ultimate Bundles
- Sovrn Commerce (formerly VigLink)
- Rakuten
PRO TIP: Chelsea Clarke @HerPaperRoute has these two courses about affiliate marketing, Affiliate Marketing Strategy Book and Affiliate Program Database: 3,000 High-Paying Affiliate Programs You Can Join! which will be useful for you to start with.
2. Ad Networks
Apropos ad networks, Google Adsense is probably the most popular. You just have to apply and accepted, you can run ads on your site. Personally, I don’t like Google Adsense since they paid me peanuts. However, I’ve seen bloggers made quite a good side income with them solely. So, it’s up to you.
Other than Google, there are numerous other ad companies out there as well, but you typically need a large number of monthly page views before they will accept you.
If you’re just starting out, stick with Google Adsense since that’s easy to get in their programme. Once you’ve hit 10,000 views per month, head to Ezoic (I’m using it for my other blogs, fyi). My ads income tripled once I switched to them last autumn.
Mediavine and Adthrive are one of the some popular and desirable from all bloggers, and of course, they come with stricter requirements.
3. Sponsored Posts
I started doing some sponsored posts about three years ago, aka one year into my blogging journey.
Sometimes a company will see your blog and approach you via email, and I have had this work for me. Then there are influencer agencies that connect bloggers with companies.
Most of the time, I like working directly with companies because I feel more connected with them as my clients than working through any third-party organisation. But keep in mind that it’s just my personal favour!
If you other wise prefer working with agencies, here are some names you should know:
- Linqia: This is a really cool company that when you are in a campaign, actually pays you per link click.
- Influence Central
- Find Your Influence
- Inzpire.me
- HelloSpon
I know it can be daunting entering the world of blogger and later, making money blogging. Wanna know my secret sause?