Starting a blog opens the door to countless opportunities — but turning that blog into a source of income? That requires a clear strategy and the right tools. Whether you’re just learning how to start a blog or you’re already blogging and wondering how to make money with your blog, this guide dives into the 13 most powerful monetization strategies and tools to help you succeed.
We’ll also touch on affiliate marketing strategies, traffic generation, and the tools that top bloggers use to scale their income.
1. Google AdSense – Simple Display Advertising
One of the most popular ways bloggers start making money is by displaying ads through Google AdSense. This tool places relevant ads on your blog and pays you per click or impression.
🔹 Best for: Beginner bloggers
🔹 How it works: You insert an ad code into your blog and Google handles the rest.
Pro Tip: Make sure your blog is optimized for traffic. Learn more in our post on how to get traffic to your website.
🖼️ Image placeholder: Screenshot of a Google AdSense dashboard with earnings
2. Affiliate Marketing – Promote Products You Trust
If you’ve ever wondered how to make money with affiliate marketing, this is where you start. You promote a product or service and earn a commission when someone buys through your unique link. You can literaly earn passive income through affilate marketing.
Popular platforms include:
Affiliate marketing strategies include:
- Writing honest product reviews
- Including affiliate links in tutorials
- Using banners on high-traffic pages
🔗 See our guide: 7 Best Affiliate Marketing Strategies You Should Use Today
🖼️ Image placeholder: Blogger writing a product review with affiliate links
3. Sponsored Posts – Partner with Brands
Brands are always looking for exposure, and if your blog gets decent traffic, you can offer paid sponsored posts.
💡 How to get started:
- Reach out to brands in your niche
- Join influencer platforms like Intellifluence or TapInfluence
There’s over 47 Blog Post Ideas You Can Write About
💵 Tip: Sponsored post rates typically range from $50 to $1,000+ depending on traffic and niche.
🖼️ Image placeholder: Email conversation between blogger and brand discussing sponsorship
4. Sell Your Own Digital Products
If you’re ready to take full control of your income, sell digital products like:
- Ebooks
- Printables
- Online courses
- Templates
🛠 Tools to use:
Pro Tip: Package your expertise in a helpful format. For example, if you blog about blogging, sell an ebook on how to start a blog.
🖼️ Image placeholder: Product landing page showcasing an ebook
5. Email Marketing – Monetize Your List
Email is a powerful tool for conversions. Once readers are on your list, you can promote affiliate products, exclusive offers, or your own courses.
💼 Use tools like:
Start with a lead magnet, like a free checklist or mini-course, and guide subscribers to your offers.
💌 Read: How to Build an Email List from the Beginning
🖼️ Image placeholder: Email funnel diagram
6. Create a Membership Site
Membership models offer recurring income. You can lock exclusive content behind a paywall and charge monthly or yearly fees.
🛠 Tools to use:
This is ideal for bloggers who provide continuous value (e.g., monthly templates, expert content, private Q&A).
🖼️ Image placeholder: Membership content dashboard
7. Offer Freelance Services via Your Blog
Blogging positions you as an expert. Use your platform to sell services like:
- Content writing
- Graphic design
- SEO consulting
- Web development
How to get started:
Create a dedicated “Work With Me” page showcasing your portfolio and packages.
There are 47 Blog Post Ideas You Can Write About in Your Blog
🖼️ Image placeholder: Freelancer’s website with services listed
8. Use Pay-Per-Click Networks Like Media.net or Ezoic
As your traffic grows, consider using alternatives or upgrades to AdSense like:
These platforms often pay better and provide more customization for ad placement.
💡 Tip: You’ll need steady traffic — at least 10,000 sessions/month for Ezoic and 100,000 for AdThrive.
🖼️ Image placeholder: Blog with responsive ads embedded
9. Flip Blogs for Profit
Did you know you can buy and sell blogs for profit? Platforms like Flippa let you list your blog once it generates consistent income.
👣 Steps:
- Build a blog with traffic and monetization
- Show earnings proof
- Sell it on a marketplace
🖼️ Image placeholder: Flippa listing with blog valuation
10. Create a Niche Job Board
Some successful blogs add niche job boards and charge businesses to post jobs.
💻 Tools like:
- WP Job Manager plugin (for WordPress)
- JobBoard.io
This works well if your blog caters to a specific industry (e.g., tech, remote work, writing jobs).
🖼️ Image placeholder: Niche job board interface
11. Launch a Podcast and Monetize It
Podcasting adds a new stream of engagement and revenue. Once you build listeners, you can monetize through:
- Sponsorships
- Affiliate mentions
- Patreon support
🎤 Tools to get started:
🖼️ Image placeholder: Podcast recording setup
12. Start a YouTube Channel for Extra Income
Expand your blog’s reach with video content. With enough views and subscribers, YouTube pays through ads, affiliate links, and brand deals.
📽️ Learn how to link your blog and YouTube to increase both blog traffic and video reach.
🖼️ Image placeholder: Blogger recording a video tutorial
13. Offer Coaching or Consulting Services
Turn your blog into a funnel for personalized coaching. If you’re an expert in blogging, SEO, personal finance, or wellness, coaching can be a premium offer.
💼 Set up a “Book a Session” page and use scheduling tools like:
🖼️ Image placeholder: Zoom coaching call with happy client
Read more: 10 Proven ways to monitize a blog(with real examples)
Final Thoughts
There are many ways to make money with your blog, but the key is to focus on a few monetization strategies that align with your niche and audience. Combine these tools with effective affiliate marketing strategies and a clear plan for how to get traffic, and you’ll be well on your way.
✅ Start with a solid foundation. Here’s how: How to Start a Blog: The Complete Beginner’s Guide
Related Reads:
- 🔗 Top Free WordPress Plugins for Beginner Bloggers
- 🔗 How to Do Keyword Research for Blog SEO
- 🔗 Content Marketing Strategy That Beats Your Competitors
Let me know if you’d like a downloadable checklist or infographic version of this article!