How To Make Money Blogging: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you looking to turn your hobby blog into a profitable venture? Or maybe you’re in the process of starting a blog and need all the tips you can get.

With the right strategy and dedication, making money through blogging is possible.

In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of monetizing your blog, by exploring various methods that can generate consistent income streams.

Blogging has become a popular way for individuals to share their ideas and experiences with the world.

In recent years, it has also emerged as a lucrative platform for those seeking to earn money online. With the potential for passive income and the freedom to work from anywhere, it’s no wonder that more and more people are turning to blogging as a source of income.

However, making money through blogging requires more than just publishing posts. It involves understanding your audience, writing compelling content, and utilizing multiple monetization strategies.

Whether you’re new to blogging or a seasoned writer, there are opportunities to turn your blog into a profitable side hustle.

Before we begin, here’s how I did it myself. 

 

How I Made $4500 Within a Year of Starting a New Blog

In May 2019, I started a food blog. I published between 7 to 10 new blog posts to this blog every single month.

At the time, I wasn’t very good with getting Search Engine traffic, so I poured all my spare time into marketing my new food blog on Pinterest.

Everyday, I would make sure to publish between 5 to 15 new pins to group boards I had joined, and my own personal boards on Pinterest. I made about 7 of those.

My boards were always optimized with relevant keywords, I also made sure to use keyword rich pin descriptions and titles for all my pins, and I tried to pin them to the most relevant boards.

By the 3rd month, I got my first viral pin and got 20,000 views in that month! It died down after a week. However, it gave me proof of concept. 

I tried to replicate that success by making more content, and pins that looked similar to that viral pin and by month 8 of my blog, I was reaping the rewards.

I made a little over $1400 in month nine.

By the one year mark, I had multiple pins going viral on Pinterest and I received over 250,000 page views/208,870 sessions and earned $4500 via ads and affiliate income for that month.

Here’s how I did it:

I started my blog, set it up, then started to publish content as quickly as I could.

I used Pinterest (to grow traffic)

During month 1 to month 12, I spent time testing out Pinterest marketing, reading as much information as I could about Pinterest.

I used free resources such as blog posts and videos on YouTube. I also used a paid resource, like Pinteresting Strategies a lot!

I made sure to publish 7 to 10 new blog posts every single month…without fail. I made an average of 5 to 10 pins for each of these posts and shared them on Pinterest throughout the month.

If a pin went viral, I would recreate that same pin style with a few adjustments and share it on Pinterest. Or I would write more content related to that topic and make pins for those new posts.

I went from 21 page views in the first month of my blog to over 250,000 page views exactly 12 months later.

 

Monetization (to earn money)

I started monetizing my blog very early on.

I was already a member of amazon associates at that time, so I started adding relevant amazon affiliate links to my blog posts almost immediately. I made my first few dollars from an amazon commission. 

I also Joined the Mediavine Ad Network the moment I got my first 50,000 monthly sessions. This happened in month 9 and it was all thanks to the dedicated Pinterest marketing strategy I shared above.

On this food blog Mediavine pays me between $14USD to $27USD  for every one thousand sessions I get to my blog.

 

How I was able to make money from my new blog 

I sacrificed a big portion of my free time and tried to dedicate about 2  to 4 hours to my blog daily.

I needed to free up time, so I gave up bingeing on Netflix and other shows I enjoyed during that time. This freed up a lot of time for me and it was totally worth it in the end!

You can follow these tips to start a new blog that can make you a sizable side income within a year too!

Now that you know some of my story, let’s see how exactly you can monetize your blog.

How To Monetize Your Blog 

Once you’ve created and set up your blog and you’ve started to build up an audience, it’s time to start thinking about monetization. Here are some ways to do this:

 

Advertising

Online advertising can take many forms, from display ads to sponsored content. The key is to find the right advertising partnerships that fit with your blog’s niche and audience.

Display ads, such as Google AdSense, can be a simple way to start generating some revenue. These ads will appear on your blog and you’ll earn a small commission each time a visitor clicks on an ad.

However, the revenue potential with Google AdSense can be relatively low if your traffic isn’t that high. Therefore, it’s important to explore other advertising options as well. But, you can apply and qualify for Adsense almost immediately so it makes sense to start there if you want to earn a few dollars in the beginning…if only for the boost of motivation.

As you grow, and your traffic starts to grow, to about 1000 to 45,000 page views or sessions per month, an advertising partner like Ezoic is a good option.

They pay a little better than Google AdSense. Also it is important to noet that some people report that Ezoic slows down their websites, while other people love it. So make this judgment call for yourself.

Also as your blog continues to grow, about year one+, there are amazing advertising networks like Mediavine and Raptive that you can use.

These advertising networks help you earn a lot more per 1000 views/sessions than Google AdSense or Ezoic. For example, one of m other, more established blogs, I am able to earn $25 – $35 per 1000 sessions with Mediavine vs a smaller blog that I have with azoic where I’m earning only $4.50 per 1000 views.

The caveat is that ad networks like Mediavine requires your blog to have 50,000 sessions in the last 30 days. While Raptive requires you blog has 100,000 page views in the last 30 days. This is possible, but it will take you some time to get there.

 

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing involves promoting other companies’ products or services on your blog and earning a commission for each sale or click generated through your unique affiliate link.

This can be a lucrative way to monetize your blog if you have a loyal and engaged audience.

When selecting affiliate partners, it’s important to choose products or services that align with your blog’s niche and audience.

You should also disclose any affiliate partnerships to your readers to maintain transparency and trust.

 

Creating and Selling Digital Products

One of the most lucrative ways to monetize your blog is by creating and selling digital products. These can include ebooks, online courses, printables, and other downloadable resources.

By creating your own digital products, you can establish yourself as an expert in your niche and generate a consistent stream of income.

To get started, consider what type of digital product would best suit your audience. For example, if you run a food blog, you could create an ebook of your favorite recipes or a course on how to meal prep. Take some time to research your audience’s interests and pain points to determine what type of digital product would resonate with them.

Once you have an idea for your digital product, it’s time to create it. There are many tools available to help you create professional-looking ebooks and courses, such as Canva and Teachable. Alternatively, you can hire a designer or developer to create your product for you.

When it comes to selling your digital product, there are a few options. You can set up a storefront on your blog using an ecommerce plugin, such as WooCommerce. You can even sell your digital products via Shopify. Alternatively, you can sell your product on a third-party platform, such as Etsy or Gumroad.

To maximize your sales, it’s important to market your digital product effectively. Consider offering a free sample or creating a landing page to promote your product. You can also use social media and email marketing to promote your product to your audience.

Remember, creating and selling digital products takes time and effort. However, with persistence and hard work, it can be a profitable way to monetize your blog and establish yourself as an authority in your niche.

 

Collaborating with Brands and Creating Sponsored Content

Collaborating with brands and creating sponsored content can be a profitable way to monetize your blog. There are different methods to approach brands, negotiate partnerships, and create engaging sponsored posts. Here’s how:

 

Approaching Brands for Collaborations

The first step to collaborating with brands is to identify those that align with your blog’s niche and audience. Reach out to brands that you already use and love, or those that seem like a natural fit for your content. You can also sign up for influencer marketing platforms that connect bloggers with brands looking for partnerships.

 

Negotiating Partnerships

Once you’ve identified brands of interest, it’s time to negotiate the terms of the partnership. This can include the scope of work, compensation, and any deliverables expected from both parties. Be clear about your expectations and ensure they align with the brand’s objectives.

 

Creating Engaging Sponsored Content

When creating sponsored content, it’s essential to maintain authenticity and transparency with your audience. Disclose that the content is sponsored, and ensure the messaging aligns with your brand voice and values. Aim to create content that is informative, entertaining, and provides value to your readers.

“When creating sponsored content, it’s essential to maintain authenticity and transparency with your audience.”

There are different types of sponsored content, such as sponsored blog posts, social media posts, and sponsored reviews. Experiment with different formats and find which works best for your blog and audience.

 

Harnessing the Power of Email Marketing 

Building an email list is an important component of blog monetization. By collecting email addresses of your audience, you create a direct line of communication with them.

You can use email marketing to share your latest content, promote products, and drive sales. Here are some tips to get started:

Growing Your Email List

There are several methods to grow your email list. You can create opt-in forms on your blog and offer a free incentive, such as an e-book or exclusive access to content, in exchange for email addresses. You can also run giveaways and contests on social media and require participants to enter their email address to participate. Lastly, you can attend events and collect email addresses in person.

Crafting Compelling Newsletters

Once you’ve built an email list, you need to create newsletters that engage and retain your subscribers. Your newsletter should include a mix of content, such as your latest blog posts, curated content from around the web, and promotional offers. Make sure your subject line is attention-grabbing, and your email is visually appealing and easy to read.

Leveraging Email Marketing for Conversions

One of the primary goals of email marketing is to drive conversions. You can do this by promoting your products, services, or affiliate offers through your email list.

Sponsored Content Via Email

You can also significantly increase your blogs income via sponsored emails. 

Sponsored content via email is the practice of partnering with brands or advertisers to promote their products or services to your email subscribers.

As a blogger with an active email list, you can leverage your audience and create custom email campaigns that feature sponsored content. In return, brands compensate you for the promotion of their offerings, allowing you to monetize your email list.

 

Tips and tricks before you start monetizing a blog

Before you start making money from a blog, you should first start a blog and pay attention to these important tips. If you want to start making money from a blog, you need to start with the right foundation. 

Here are some tips:

Finding a Profitable Blogging Niche

Choosing the right niche for your blog is crucial to its success. To create a profitable blog, you need to consider a variety of factors.

First, you need to identify your interests or areas of expertise. Blogging is much easier when you’re passionate about the topic. If you’re not sure what you’re passionate about, try brainstorming a list of potential topics. This can help you narrow down your options and find a niche that you’re excited to write about.

Next, consider your target audience. Who is your blog for? What are their interests and needs? Your blog should be designed to meet these needs and provide value to your readers.

Remember that the more targeted your niche is, the easier it will be to attract a strong and engaged audience.

It’s also important to consider the level of competition in your niche. Look for areas where there are gaps in the market, or where you can offer a unique perspective. This will help you stand out from the crowd and establish yourself as an authority in your niche.

Finally, consider the potential for profitability. Are there opportunities for monetization in your niche? Can you sell products or services related to your blog’s topic? Research your niche thoroughly to ensure that it has the potential to generate income.

One easy way to research the ability to monetize a particular niche is to study other blogs in this niche. Pay attention to whether these blogs are hosting Mediavine or Raptive ads. If they are, that’s a pretty good sign that your niche has traffic potential – Raptive and mediavine ad networks require at least 50,000 sessions per month and 100,0000 page views per month to be accepted.

 

Setting Up a Blog for Monetization

Before you can start making money from your blog, you need to set it up properly. Here are some steps to help you get started:

Choose a Domain Name and Hosting Provider

The first step to setting up your blog is to choose a domain name and hosting provider. Your domain name should reflect your blog’s niche and be easy to remember.

Your hosting provider should be reliable, affordable, and offer all the necessary features for blog monetization. I recommend getting a domain name and hosting plan from Siteground since it’s reliable and affordable. 

 

Select a Content Management System (CMS)

A CMS is a software application that allows you to create, manage, and publish content on your blog. The most popular CMS for bloggers is WordPress, which offers a user-friendly interface, customizable themes, and a vast selection of plugins and tools for monetizing your blog. 

Customize Your Blog’s Design

Once you’ve selected your CMS, you can customize your blog’s design by selecting a theme and creating a logo. Your blog’s design should be visually appealing and reflect your brand’s tone and voice.

Add Necessary Plugins and Tools

There are several plugins and tools that can help you optimize your blog for monetization. Some popular options include Google Analytics and Rank Math SEO.

Create a Content Strategy

Before you start creating content, you should develop a content strategy that aligns with your blog’s niche and target audience. Your content strategy should include topics, formats, and publishing schedules that will help you attract and retain readers and maximize your blog’s monetization potential.

 

Crafting Compelling Content for Maximum Engagement

Content is the heart and soul of any blog. But how do you create content that engages your readers and keeps them coming back for more?

First and foremost, it’s essential to understand your audience and what they’re looking for.

Conducting research and analyzing your blog’s analytics (if you’ve been hobby blogging for a while) can help you identify the topics and formats that resonate most with your readers.

Once you have a grasp on your audience’s interests, it’s time to focus on creating high-quality, compelling content. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Use attention-grabbing headlines: Your headline is the first thing readers will see, so make it count. Use power words and emotional language to pique their interest and encourage them to read on.
2. Tell a story: People love stories, so use them to your advantage in your blog posts. Whether it’s a personal anecdote or a fictional tale, weaving a narrative can make your content more relatable and engaging.
3. Make it visual: Incorporating images, videos, and infographics into your blog posts can help break up text-heavy content and make it more appealing to readers. Just make sure the visuals are relevant and high-quality.
4. Use subheadings: Subheadings not only break up your content into more manageable chunks, but they also make it easier for readers to scan and find the information they’re looking for.
5. Be authentic: Readers can tell when content feels forced or insincere. Write from the heart and in your own voice to build trust and establish a connection with your audience.

 

Promote your posts

Don’t just publish your blog posts and hope for the best. Promote them on social media, through email marketing, and via other channels to get more eyes on your content. The more people who see your posts, the more traffic you’ll drive to your blog.

These tips will help you start a money making blog that generates income for years to come!