Here’s what makes this guide different from others about how to make money blogging:
Three of my blogs have reached over $1 million in annual revenue. This blog has in fact earned $6.7 million to date.
I will walk you through my step-by-step process, showing you exactly how I did it and what I should have done, starting from scratch, as well as a beginner’s guide.
Let’s get started.
In a moment, I will show you how you can start a successful blog from scratch using a general framework.
Here are some real-life examples of how you can earn money blogging in the first place:
Monetize with CPC or CPM Ads
Placement of ads on a blog is a popular way for bloggers to earn money. The two most popular ad types are:
- Pay-per-click ads are banners you place in your content or sidebar. The cost per click (also known as PPC) ad is normally a result of clicking on the ad. You will be paid each time an ad is clicked by a reader.
- CPM Ads: These ads pay you a fixed amount of money each time a person views your ad based on the number of people who view your advertisement.
In most cases, Google AdSense is the network used to place these ads. Through this service, you do not have to deal with advertisers directly: simply place the banner on your web page, and Google chooses ad campaigns relevant to your content. When viewers click the ads, you will earn revenue. If AdSense doesn’t work for you, there are many other similar programs you can use, including Chitika, Infolinks, and Media.net.
Sell Private Ads
Selling ads isn’t limited to working with advertising networks. Advertisers may approach you directly if they notice your site has enough traffic. Advertisers can be contacted directly as well. You have the option of setting your own ad rates, which means there is no middle man like there is with the other option.
Banners, buttons, and links can be used to sell private ads. Write sponsored posts about advertisers’ products or services to earn money. Underwritten posts and series allow you to write about any topic, but advertisers are compensated with a “Brought to you by” mention within the content.
You can earn money in a variety of ways. A link in a blog post could be charged a once-time fee. Your partner might be charged a monthly fee if you host banner ads.
Include Affiliate Links in Your Content
You can also monetize your blog through affiliate marketing. As an example of affiliate marketing, here is what it looks like:
- Advertisers want to sell their products. If the buyer comes from your site, she will give you a commission.
- Her affiliate code is tracked by a unique link she gives you. Then she will know if someone bought something via your link.
- On your site, you include a link to your affiliate program. The banner ads or direct content can be used to do this. Your readers earn a percentage if they buy the product you recommend if they click on your link.
Alternatively, you can set up private partnerships with advertisers and businesses that offer affiliate programs or rely on ad networks like Amazon Associates.
Sell Digital Products
Consider selling digital products instead of advertising other people’s products on your site, or if you need another means of income. The following items can be included:
- eBooks
- People can use images, videos, or music in their own content
- Apps, plugins, or themes
- Online courses/workshops
When approaching your readers in one of these ways, make sure you make it relevant and helpful to them. Often, bloggers assume they are developing a product that audiences want; listen to your audience before designing your product.
Use it as a Content Marketing Tool for Your Business
In addition to selling digital products, you can also earn money by selling physical products on your blog. You should think of your blog not so much as a money-making vehicle, but rather as a tool to drive traffic to your business’s website.
In terms of the types of business blogs that can be created, the possibilities are virtually endless. The possibilities are endless, whether your product is hand made, a book, a manufactured item, etc. Another option is to have an existing business and convert loyal customers through a blog.
Consider, for instance, refurbishing and reselling used smartphones out of your home. Your website can provide information about your current phone listings via a blog. Topics related to DIY refurbishing might be covered in your blog.
Services in all types of industries can also be categorized under this concept. The same blogging concept could still be used, for example, if you offered electronic repair services rather than physical goods.
Sell Memberships
Memberships to exclusive sections of your website are another way to make money. The price of access to a career blog’s job board, for example, might be $10 per month. People who want personalized advice from a startup business blog are likely to subscribe to their online forums.
Itâ€TMs important to develop something worth paying for and of greater value than something visitors can find elsewhere for free, so make sure your customers are thrilled with your offer.
Use it to Build Your Credibility
It is possible to make money by blogging to build credibility. Take the example of you starting a blog about finance. You begin to gain popularity as people read your content. Your reputation in the finance industry has grown.
If you are acknowledged as an expert in debt management, you might get approached to co-author a book, or for speaking engagements at conferences or employee financial training.
It is not a direct method of making money blogging, but many well-known bloggers have used this technique to generate income, and you can try it, too. If you are looking to make money straight from your blog, you can sell your branding and content for 4-7 figures (sometimes even more).
Making money with your blog is not as simple as putting it up and letting it lie there. You will not be able to build it and have them come if you do not put in the time. Oftentimes, bloggers don’t start seeing income growth for several months (sometimes even years) after starting their blog. The following little pieces of advice will help you get started in blogging:
Create Quality Content
If people don’t read your blog, you won’t make any money. You will make money from your readers, regardless of whether they click on your ads or buy your products. Readers should always come first.
Don’t Spend Your Time Exclusively on Your Blog
It is important to build relationships in order to have a successful blog. The most popular way to get traffic to your blog is to work with sponsors, affiliates, or other bloggers. To contribute to your blog and build relationships with other blog owners, spend some time on forums and other blogs (whatever works for you).
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
You may not succeed with all of these income options. If your readers and you cannot find success with the methods you have chosen, change them and see what works.
It takes some work and persistence to make money blogging, but it can pay off in the long run. Please note that you do not have to utilize every income-producing avenue simultaneously. Start by taking note of what others are doing in your industry.
The more you use something, the more comfortable you will become. Where will you start if you want to monetize your blog?
I’d love to hear what you think in the comments :).
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