Before you sign up, find out what the minimum traffic levels are that they require. Including tried-and-true examples from the past ten years, this guide will teach you everything you need help launch and expand your blog to new heights.
In 1999, Jesse James Garrett reported that there were only twenty-three blogs on the internet. The term "blogging" gained popularity in the early 2000s.
In 2006, that figure skyrocketed to 50 million (according to Technorati's report on the condition of the blogosphere).
That is when blogging truly began to take off as a lucrative side gig.
As of right now in 2016, blogging is a multimillion dollar industry.
Numerous bloggers make a living solely from their blogs. However, the question of how much money these bloggers make is an exciting one, as many of them earn far more than $100,000 annually.
What are the main sources of revenue that these bloggers share with us, and how can we earn money from blogging?
Let us examine the seven distinct methods that your blog might generate income.
- Advertising in context
- Affiliate Marketing
- Selling eBooks Online
- Selling Ad Space on your blog
- Speaking Events
- Selling blogs
- Selling Services
1. Advertising in context
One of the simplest ways to monetize a blog is through contextual advertising.
The greatest choice for you if you do not worry too much about selling other things through your site is to use contextual ad networks.
Furthermore, Google Adsense is the largest and most reliable platform for contextual advertising. The idea is straightforward: Google places advertisements on your blog, and you get paid when readers click on the adverts.
The cost per click (CPC) that the advertisement offers determines how much money you make.
CPC varies depending on the specialty; some have strong CPC, while others don't. You can open an Adsense account at any time.
Do not assume that signing up to be an Adsense publisher is simple; Google values the websites that host their adverts.
If you apply for Adsense without first having a reliable website or blog, you run the risk of having your application denied.
Alternative platforms to Google AdSense
If you do not initially have a lot of visitors to your blog, Adsense is a terrific choice.
Adsense has a few excellent substitutes.
You can switch to different ad networks as you begin to observe an increase in organic and social traffic.
- Adversal
- AdThrive
- Mediavine
- Ezoic
- PropellerAds
- Monumetric
- Revcontent
- Media.net
Before you sign up, find out what the minimum traffic levels are that they require.
2. Affiliate Marketing
Launching your own product—whether it be an ebook, software, or any other digital or tangible good—takes a lot of labor.
How about endorsing goods from third parties and earning commissions on sales?
One of the newest and most popular ways to monetize your blog is through affiliate marketing.
A unique link to a third-party product will be sent to you based on your affiliate portal user ID. If customers purchase the product after clicking on your link, you will receive a commission as a percentage of the sale.
Right now, the most well-known affiliate in the business is an Amazon associate.
If customers purchase items after clicking on your affiliate links, you will receive a commission of 3–10% of the sale.
Look into these more affiliate networks that are worth signing up for.
Another benefit of becoming an Amazon affiliate is that buyers can use your affiliate link to purchase any other product on Amazon, not only the one you specifically recommended.
The idea is that you direct the visitor to Amazon, where you will receive commissions for any purchases made (within a specific period of time).
You can test a lot of different affiliates besides Amazon.
The answer differs based on the niche. There are many excellent affiliate programs in niches such as apparel, food, eBooks, web apps, health items, website themes, and plugins.
3. Selling eBooks Online
Offering eBooks for sale is a fantastic way to monetize your site.
You can sell your eBooks to readers if you have earned their confidence.
Offering an advanced eBook guide in your field is what you must accomplish.
If you are a fitness blogger, for example, you can produce several eBooks to appeal to different readership segments.
Here are a few possible sample eBook titles:
- Geared for fitness readers: How to obtain a six-pack in four months
- Dedicated to the overweight readers: How to Lose 10 Kg in three Months
Also, you can profit handsomely from your blog by selling eBooks if you are able to offer eBooks in a variety of categories for your followers.
Lindsay Ostrom, who runs the food blog PinchOfYum, is a perfect example of a real-world blogger who generates money from eBook sales.
Lindsay sold her eBook on the blog in February 2015 and made $4,357.00.
Knowing what your audience need is essential to selling eBooks through your blog.
You must keep an eye on your blog's traffic and landing sites, as well as the kind of visitors who predominate and what they require from you.
Examine these statistics to get the ideal eBook title.
4. Selling Ad Space on your blog
Selling advertisements and sponsored blog posts on your site is a smart way to monetize it without having to do any work on your part.
If you have a successful blog with a large following, you will receive requests to post adverts.
In order for those in need to get in touch with you and share their recommended plans, you must establish an advertising strategy and post it on your blog.
Sponsored blog posts are another way to advertise other products. Ideally, you will sell advertising to companies that are in line with your specialty (so that your readers will find it interesting too).
Your ability to charge more for your adverts increases with traffic volume.
5. Speaking Events
Are you a skilled public speaker?
If so, your blog is a good place to sell it.
Public speaking events are a popular way for many bloggers to share their blogging experiences.
If you write about travel, for example, you can get asked to give a speech at travel-related events.
One of the best instances of using blogging to take advantage of public speaking opportunities is Dale Patridge.
During September of 2015, Dale earned $26,413.00 from speaking engagements.
What are some ways to get invited to speak at events?
First things first, you need to personalize your blog. The whole point is that you want people who read your blog to know something about you.
Your blog can be made more personal by adding a personal touch.
Your blog might have a more intimate feel if you:
- Putting your pictures to the blog
- Being open and honest with the readers
- Narrating your experiences
- Gathering emails
- Answering to comments
The next step is to disclose to your readers that you are a paid speaker. You can do this by adding banners, pop-ups, or other advertising to the main areas of your blog that are visible to the public.
Place your speaking advertisements in a portion of your blog that has a high conversion rate (usually the areas between post contents).
Sending out emails is a smart way to advertise your speaking services.
Because the individuals on your email list are already acquainted, it is simple to persuade them, and email marketing boasts the highest conversion rates.
6. Selling Blogs
Your blog assets are created by writing each blog post, and the more you write, the more people will visit your site and the more money you will make.
A blog is a valuable asset, and many prospective purchasers are eager to purchase well-written blogs.
As you may recall, Techcrunch sold for $30 million, whereas Ugo went for $100 million.
Portals such as Flippa and Empireflippers can help you establish contact with these prospective customers.
Your blog's worth will be determined by:
- Visitors to your blog
- The total amount of blog entries on your website
- Revenue for the previous three months
- backlinks to your website
7. Selling Services
Can you provide a certain service in your niche well?
Then it would be wise to start charging for services via your blog.
You can always market your web development services on your blog, for instance, if you have one.
Because your readers are highly focused (as demonstrated in this web development example), they are more likely to convert.
One may make money selling photography classes as a food blogger.
They will be willing to hire you if you can establish confidence on their behalf with your readers.
In addition, you can provide consultations via your blog. If you have a blog focused on social media, a lot of people who are interested in social media will be interested in speaking with you for advice.
Marketing your service on behalf of your readers is the key to success when it comes to selling your services.
People will begin to use your services if you project an air of expertise in your industry.