If you have any of the queries mentioned above, then you have landed in the correct spot. In this extensive tutorial for earning through blogging, you will be equipped with all the necessary information to initiate your journey.
Having 14 years of professional blogging experience, I have utilized these methods, as well as included payment screenshots of select income streams to provide a broader understanding.
For those visiting ShoutMeLoud for the first time, I suggest that you peruse our about page to learn about my work (Opens in a new tab).
Blogging used to be considered a hobby that some individuals pursued alongside their full-time employment a few years ago. However, there have been significant modifications to how blogging operates currently.
By 2023, blogging has emerged as a lucrative online career path, causing many individuals to venture into this admirable profession by creating their own blogs.
How much money can you make from blogging?
Similar to any occupation such as a Lawyer, Doctor, or financial advisor, bloggers have varying levels of income ranging from $1000 to $2 million annually. Through blogging, I am earning almost one million dollars per year.
The amount of money you can earn is determined exclusively by a small number of elements, including:
- Which niche you are picking?
- How much time you are dedicating to learning and implementing?
- How much traffic do you drive to your blog?
- What digital marketing techniques do you implement?
Other factors such as your network, personal motivation, goals, and consistency also play a significant role.
Your digital marketing expertise coupled with finding your niche can accelerate your progress in the blogging industry.
While other articles on ShoutMeLoud cover mindset and motivation, this guide will exclusively concentrate on ways to generate income through blogging.
What are the ways bloggers make money (Various Income streams)
There exist several strategies to convert your blog into a source of income. Your preferred method should align with your blogging skills and blog style. End this article by reading responses to significant inquiries commonly posed by bloggers.
1. Ad networks: (Beginners)
The easiest and most popular way to make money from a blog is by using ad networks.
The most popular Ad networks are the two.
- Google AdSense (Offered by Google)
- Ezoic
- PropellerAds
To be approved for these advertising networks, it is necessary to have a blog. These networks automatically display ads that are relevant to the content of your article and the interests of the user. Many new blogs employ this technique to generate recurring income. Because the ads are of superior quality, they do not hinder the user experience.
In case your blog is receiving fewer than 300 views per day, alternative ad networks are available for use, as listed here. Nevertheless, it is advisable to aim for the approval of AdSense or Setupad at the earliest opportunity.
2. Affiliate Marketing: (Most profitable method): Intermediate + Advanced
Affiliate marketing is a more lucrative strategy than contextual advertising as it single-handedly generates more revenue through a single sale.
It has become common practice among bloggers nowadays and is considered one of the most lucrative ways to earn income from a blog.
3. Sell your own eBooks: (Intermediate)
The successful bloggers’ business strategy revolves around marketing their own products, such as an eBook, as you may have observed.
By selecting a subject, creating an eBook based on that topic, and marketing it on your website or Amazon, you have the ability to generate a substantial income through online eBook sales once you become familiar with the process.
The optimal strategy to create earnings with minimal effort is to have ownership of a product and sell it independently.
By organizing your articles into a structured book, you can sell it on your blog or other platforms like kdp.Amazon.com and make money. Additionally, it offers the opportunity to establish your credibility as an author.
4. Native Advertising
Making money through blogging has been greatly influenced by Native advertising. Blogs that focus on news and jobs have shown potential for generating significant revenue through Native advertising strategies.
It’s worth investing your time and effort to incorporate some of the effective native advertising solutions.
5. Launch online course (Membership site): Advanced
- Can you convert your textbook into a video format?
- Can you add the checklist, downloadable templates?
- Can you create a 1-2 hour video course?
If you answered positively, this approach is certainly suitable for you. With the help of technology, launching an online course has become effortless for everyone, and if you provide a distinct course, your likelihood of achieving a $1 million target is significantly enhanced.
6. Direct Advertisements (Intermediate)
Undoubtedly, AdSense is the top advertisement program for bloggers, but it comes with certain restrictions, the foremost being the payment received per click.
In the event that you secure direct advertisements, swap out the AdSense units with the direct ads.
To begin with direct advertising, the recommended approach is to experiment with various networks and establish a page on your blog dedicated to “Media-kit or Advertise with us” to secure fresh opportunities. An advertisement page for ShoutMeLoud serves as an excellent illustration.
Managing the ads is also possible through the utilization of a plugin such as WPAdvancedAds.
To complete the task most effectively, it is recommended that you generate a professional email account, such as hello@domain.com, using Google apps.
7. Sponsored Reviews (All level)
Generating extra income on a monthly basis can be achieved by writing paid reviews. Even short review posts can earn you $10 or more. From my experience with ShoutMeLoud, I earn no less than $1200 for every review I write.
When conducting paid reviews, there are certain aspects that require attention:
Some sites that offer opportunities for sponsored content and paid reviews include:
- Famebit (For YouTube channels)
- Izea Pay per post
- Tomoson
- Revcontent
8. Consulting with Companies
In recent years, several companies of varying sizes have compensated me for my consulting services, which have included activities such as offering my thoughts on a mobile app or a new financial website, traveling to collaborate with their design and marketing departments, and conversing with their financial advisers about the Millennial generation.
Although I have received numerous offers for consulting work, I am selective and only accept projects that genuinely pique my interest and have the potential for a lasting partnership with the company. When you become an authority in your specific area or possess a distinctive perspective, businesses may be willing to compensate you for your specialized knowledge.
If you want to get consulting gigs the best way to do it is actually through LinkedIn – probably 80% of my consulting opportunities have come through LinkedIn messages, not my actual blog platform. But in 100% of the cases, the companies are only asking me to consult with them because of my background and the Millennial Money blog. A simple way to set yourself up for consulting opportunities is to connect with other bloggers and people who work at companies in your niche on LinkedIn.
Begin leveraging LinkedIn to disseminate a portion of your materials. Additionally, should a business approach you for a product evaluation, inquire if they would like you to conduct an in-person assessment and discourse (which may include compensation and a complimentary trip to an exciting destination!). I have the ability to bill corporations for amounts ranging from $500 for a brief conversation to $15,000 for a full-day visit and training session with their staff.
9. Brand Partnerships
If you gain recognition in your area of expertise, there’s a chance that companies will approach you for potential collaborative opportunities. It’s essential to be prepared when this occurs by having marketing concepts and strategies in place that promote the growth of both your and the brand’s audience. Teaming up with the proper brand can have a positive impact on your image as well, as they are likely to share your work and notify their followers of your abilities.
By collaborating with prominent companies, I have amassed a significant number of blog followers. Moreover, these companies typically have substantial funds at their disposal, enabling them to invest more generously in their partnership with you.
The biggest brand partnership I had was worth $50,000 and lasted for 2 months. It was an advantageous deal for both my audience and brand partner, and required minimal effort from me. Here’s a tip – while starting small may be what most brands prefer, it’s important not to undervalue yourself. Recognize that if a brand is approaching you, they’re interested in collaborating, and be willing to negotiate.
In the beginning, I undervalued myself and the brand collaborations turned out to be very labor-intensive. As time passes, it is advisable to establish enduring brand alliances that are advantageous to both parties and can serve as a dependable source of income for your platform.
10. Podcast Sponsorships
Currently, podcasting remains unregulated and although generating significant revenue may prove challenging without a substantial listener base, leveraging a podcasting host such as Podbean (which I personally use) can simplify the process of monetizing your podcast. This convenience arises from Podbean’s feature offering which allows for free registration and permits the insertion of brief ads at the start and end of your podcast.
By simply continuing to produce podcasts, you can earn income without taking any further actions. Another approach to securing sponsorship is by being contacted directly by a brand or corporation.
As I previously mentioned, the podcast industry can be likened to the untamed western frontier, resulting in difficulties determining appropriate pricing and gauging corporate receptivity. The standard rate for each episode ranges from roughly $100 to $500. Although the Millennial Money Minutes podcast has yielded minimal profit, I’ve incorporated advertising for podcasts into my brand deals. For those who are novice bloggers, my suggestion is to wait at least half a year before embarking on a podcast venture. Overburdening oneself and relinquishing blog efforts is a brash misstep, as podcasting is an extensive commitment.
11. Conference Speaking
I am eagerly anticipating the release of my book as it will make me more relevant to speak at conferences. This is because the attendees would be able to purchase my book. However, speaking at conferences can be challenging as it often involves a lot of traveling. Although I make a decent amount of money ranging from $1,000-$15,000 per speaking gig, I am quite selective about the events I attend. I am excited to leverage the Millennial Money platform to promote my book and enhance this opportunity. I am aware of some bloggers who earn a minimum of $200,000 annually by speaking at conferences.
12. Book Deal
Becoming proficient in your niche, having strong writing skills, and cultivating a following can position you as a suitable contender for a book deal. Publishers and literary agents are continuously seeking out accomplished authors with specialized knowledge. Therefore, even though the notion of writing a book may seem far-fetched at present, it could potentially become a viable option as your blog expands.
Had someone told me three years back when I had started writing for the Millennial Money blog that I would be inking a contract with a biggie publication house, I would have found them crazy. Truth be told, you never know where your blog may lead you to – it’s an exciting journey. Just to inform you, I plan to distribute a minimum of 500 copies of my book to my mailing list. In case you wish to enroll yourself for the same, please click here.
13. Freelance Writing Opportunities
Writing blog posts regularly can enhance your writing skills and increase the likelihood of acquiring freelance writing positions, which allow you to monetize your expertise. Numerous businesses and publications seek specialized writers to contribute content and compensate for writing services. Freelance writing opportunities are commonly utilized by novice bloggers to supplement their blogging earnings during the initial phases of establishing a following.
By earning money through freelance writing, you can establish yourself as a specialist in your area of expertise and bolster your portfolio. Generally, freelance writers can earn anywhere from $300 to $1,000 for a single blog post, and higher fees for more extensive pieces like reports or white papers.
There are various other methods to earn money from your blog such as vending merchandise, monetizing your YouTube or on-blog videos, selling entry to a member area, and more. It’s essential to bear in mind that your blog is a foundation and the more innovative you are, the more money you can generate.
