If you’re searching for how to start a blog and turn it into a profitable venture, you’re not alone. Millions of bloggers worldwide are already making a full-time income from their content—and you can too. The key lies in having a solid blog monetization strategy, creating high-quality content, and knowing how to drive consistent traffic. In this post, we’ll break down 10 proven ways to make money blogging—even if you’re just getting started.
Whether you’re just learning how to start a blog or already publishing posts, the next big step is turning your blog into a money-making machine. Many bloggers struggle with monetization—not because they don’t have value to offer—but because they lack a clear strategy. In this expanded guide, we’ll cover proven methods to make money blogging, and we’ll show you how to implement them properly.
By the end, you’ll have clarity on which income streams to prioritize and how to use tools and tips for making money blogging effectively.
Affiliate marketing is one of the most popular and effective ways to monetize a blog. It is also one of the best passive income ideas you can do online. By recommending products or services and including special tracking links in your content, you earn a commission when your readers make a purchase.
For example, if you blog about digital marketing, you can promote tools like SEMrush or ConvertKit. Just make sure the products align with your audience’s needs.
Affiliate marketing allows you to earn passive income by recommending products or services and earning a commission when someone purchases through your special link.
If your blog is about travel, write a post like “Top 10 Travel Backpacks for Digital Nomads” and include affiliate links to gear on Amazon or REI.
Learn the 7 Best Affiliate Marketing Strategies You Should Use Today
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Caption: “A travel blogger monetizing with affiliate links to gear and gadgets”
Once you’re getting traffic to your blog, especially 10,000+ page views per month, you can apply for premium ad networks like Mediavine or AdThrive. These platforms pay you based on impressions and clicks.
If you’re a beginner, you can start with Google AdSense, which is easier to qualify for.
Display ads let you make money blogging by simply placing ads on your blog. You earn income through impressions (views) or clicks.
Place ads within content, sidebar, and footer to maximize impressions while keeping UX intact.
Read our full guide on how to get traffic to your website to qualify for better ad networks.
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Caption: “Sample ad placements on a lifestyle blog’s homepage”
Creating and selling digital products gives you 100% profit margins and positions you as an expert.
Creating your own digital products is a powerful way to make money blogging while maintaining full control over your income. Popular options include:
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Caption: “Selling a blogging success workbook as a digital download”
Before your blog brings in passive income, offering services is a fast-track to monetization. Your blog acts as a portfolio and traffic source.
If you have a skill like writing, graphic design, or web development you can use your blog as a portfolio to attract clients. Many successful freelancers have started their journey by showcasing their knowledge through blog content.
My post on how to promote your blog shares useful tactics to get noticed by potential clients.
Related Post: The 4 Pillars of Financial Success: Master the Skills to Make, Protect, Budget, and Invest Your Money Wisely
Add a members-only section to your blog where subscribers pay a monthly fee for exclusive content, templates, or mentorship. Tools like Patreon, MemberPress, or even Substack make this easy.
Create exclusive content behind a paywall that your most loyal readers can access. This model helps you generate recurring income and builds community.
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Caption: “Membership dashboard offering exclusive blogging tools”
As your blog grows, brands in your niche may approach you for sponsored posts. These are paid opportunities to review or promote products. Make sure your sponsored content remains authentic and valuable to your readers.
These offers typically range from $100 to $5,000+ depending on your niche and traffic.
You don’t have to be an eCommerce giant to sell physical goods. Bloggers often launch their own branded merchandise (t-shirts, mugs, journals) using print-on-demand platforms like Printful or Shopify.
This works especially well if your blog has a strong brand identity and engaged community.
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Caption: “A blogger selling niche t-shirts through Shopify”
Email marketing is a key driver of blog revenue. Build a list by offering a freebie (like a checklist or mini-course), and then use an email sequence to pitch your products or services.
Use tools like ConvertKit or MailerLite to manage your list and automate your emails.
Don’t miss our full guide on how to build an email list from the beginning.
If you have expertise in a specific area, consider offering one-on-one coaching sessions. Whether it’s blogging, health, personal finance, or productivity, coaching can become a high-ticket service.
You can embed booking systems on your site using tools like Calendly or TidyCal.
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Caption: “Blog coach hosting a session over Zoom with a client”
To succeed in making money blogging, you’ll often need to combine several of these methods based on your audience, niche, and skill level. Focus on value-driven content, build relationships with your readers, and always optimize your blog for growth.
Discover more in The Quality Content Marketing Strategy That Beats Your Competitors
Each of these 10 blog monetization strategies works—but the magic happens when you combine multiple income streams. Start small, test what resonates with your audience, and scale gradually. Whether you’re selling your own products, promoting others’, or offering services, your blog can become a reliable income source.
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