How to make money blogging: A fun and simple guide for beginners 

Have you ever thought about starting a blog and making money from it? Maybe you’ve seen people online sharing their success stories, turning their blogs into full-time incomes, and wondered, “Can I do that too?” The short answer is yes!  

Today, blogging is a powerful way to earn money. A seasoned and professional blogger can even turn a passion project into a six-figure online business. 

In this guide, we’ll show you how to make money from blogging, by sharing the best ways to earn, from ads and affiliate marketing to selling digital products and offering services. You’ll also learn how to choose the right niche, grow your audience, and set up your blog for long-term success—all in simple, easy-to-follow steps. 

Why blogging is a great way to make money 

Blogging offers a simple way to make money online, even for those new to it. Many beginner bloggers start with earnings just under $500 a month. With time, as they improve their content and strategies, their income grows.  A well-run, profitable blog strategy can bring in $5,000- $50,000 monthly with time and effort.   

So, what makes blogging such a great way to make money? 

• Low startup costs. Starting your own blog doesn’t cost much. For just $100 a year, you can cover things like a domain and hosting—everything you need to get going.
• Flexibility. Blogging works on your schedule. Whether you have an hour after work or a free weekend, you can build your blog whenever it suits you. 

It’s not a quick way to get rich, but you can turn your ideas into a steady income stream with consistency and focus.  

How to make money out of a blog post 

Turning your blog into a source of income is an exciting venture.  You have many ways to earn from your content, such as ads, affiliate links, and creative projects.  

In this section, we’ll explore practical methods to help maximize your blog’s potential. 

Use advertising programs like Google AdSense and AdThrive 

Advertising programs are one of the simplest ways to earn money from your blog. You don’t need to fill your entire website with ads. Instead, you can sell ad space in subtle spots like your sidebar, header, or within a blog post where it complements the content. 

To start earning, you’ll need to find a platform that pays for your ad space. Here are a few places to consider: 

• Google AdSense. Great for beginners, AdSense automatically matches ads to your blog content and audience. It’s easy to set up and works well even as your blog grows. However, its earning potential isn’t very high, with most bloggers making around $1 to $10 per 1,000 views (RPMs).
• Mediavine & AdThrive. If you want to earn more, premium ad networks like Mediavine and AdThrive are good options. They require more traffic, but their payouts are higher. Mediavine accepts blogs with 50,000 monthly sessions, while AdThrive requires 100,000 pageviews and a U.S.-majority audience. Earnings typically range from $20 to $50 per 1,000 views (RPMs), depending on your niche and engagement.

You can also sell ad space directly to brands. This gives you control over which ads appear on your blog pages and how much you charge. 

How do advertising programs pay you? 

Most advertising networks use two main payment models: pay-per-click (PPC) and cost-per-mille (CPM). 

With PPC, you earn money whenever a reader clicks on an ad displayed on your blog. The amount can vary depending on the ad and your audience, but it’s a straightforward way to start earning. 

CPM, on the other hand, pays you based on impressions—usually for every 1,000 views. However, it’s not just about the numbers. Ads often need to meet specific criteria, like being visible for a certain amount of time, for you to earn from them. 

Factors like blog traffic, audience engagement, and the types of ads you run significantly influence your earnings. While these models can contribute to your income, they don’t always guarantee consistent revenue. High traffic and a well-targeted audience can increase your potential. But combining display advertising with other income streams is often the best strategy for long-term success. 

Boost your income with affiliate marketing 

Affiliate marketing lets you earn by promoting physical products or services on your blog.  You’ll need to sign up for an affiliate program to get started. They’ll provide you with an affiliate link to add into your blog post.  

When readers click the link and purchase, they earn a commission. It’s important to promote products that match your blog niche and audience. For example, fashion bloggers might recommend clothing brands, while travel bloggers could feature luggage or travel insurance. Adding links naturally into your blog posts keeps your content authentic and trustworthy. 

With the right approach, affiliate marketing can be a reliable way to monetize your blog and build lasting trust with your readers. 

Work with brands for sponsored content 

Sponsored posts let you earn money by partnering with brands to promote their products or services. Unlike affiliate marketing, where earnings depend on sales, this approach pays you upfront for featuring a brand in your blog content. It’s a reliable income stream that rewards your blogging efforts directly. 

What might have started as a hobby can become a serious blogging business with sponsored posts. Brands often reach out to bloggers who connect strongly with their target audience, but you can also pitch to companies whose values align with your blog topics. 

Work with brands that reflect your blog’s focus and audience values to maintain credibility. Authentic content builds trust and ensures your blog posts continue to resonate with readers. 

Sell digital products on your blog 

Selling digital products is one of the easiest ways to make money from your blog. While some bloggers try to sell physical products, it often means setting up payment systems and dealing with shipping—things most blogs aren’t built for. Most bloggers opt for hosting plans designed for more straightforward sites, which can’t support an entire online store. 

Digital products are a much better fit. They’re easy to create, simple to manage, and work perfectly within a blog’s setup. Many successful bloggers use digital products to share their expertise, grow their income, and keep their blogs focused and manageable. 

Here are some examples of digital products you can sell 

• E-books. E-books are perfect for diving deeper into a topic or providing extra value beyond what your blog posts can cover. While blogs often serve as teasers, e-books give readers a complete, in-depth guide they can keep and refer to. 
• Online courses. An online course can take your expertise to the next level by offering structured lessons and actionable steps. These are ideal for readers who want more guidance than a single blog can provide.
• Templates. Templates save readers time by offering ready-to-use tools tailored to your niche. Whether it’s a budgeting sheet for a food blog or a design planner for a fashion blog, templates provide instant, practical solutions. 
• Gift certificates and vouchers. These can be tied to services or digital resources you offer. For example, if your blog promotes consulting or coaching, gift certificates allow readers to quickly purchase or share your services. 
• Membership content. A subscription offers exclusive access to premium resources, tutorials, or tools. Membership models provide ongoing value and create a recurring income stream. 

How other blogs succeed with digital products 

Many successful bloggers use digital products as part of a larger business strategy. Personalization is a key trend. Templates or tools designed specifically for a blog niche, like meal prep guides for a food blog or branding kits for a fashion blog, resonate deeply with readers. 

Bundling products is another effective tactic. Pairing items, like an online course with downloadable templates, adds value and makes offers more appealing. Subscription models are equally powerful. Offering new tools, content, or resources on a monthly or yearly basis creates recurring income and keeps readers engaged. 

By aligning your products with your audience’s needs and staying consistent with quality, you can make digital products a reliable income source while building your blog’s long-term success. 

Offer freelance services through your blog 

Your blog can also work as a portfolio that showcases your expertise and attracts potential clients. Whether writing engaging blog posts or creating eye-catching visuals, your content demonstrates your skills in action and builds trust with your audience. 

Freelancing connects naturally with blogging because your blog already reflects your talents. For example, strong writing on your blog highlights your ability to create compelling content, while custom visuals or professional layouts show off your design or technical skills. With the proper focus, your blog can position you as the go-to expert in your niche. 

Here are some freelance services that fit seamlessly with blogging: 

• Content writing. If you’re a freelance writer you can offer to create blog posts, blog articles, or website copy for clients. You can also craft newsletters and product descriptions that resonate with audiences. 
• Graphic design. Provide services like logos, branding kits, or social media graphics. Custom infographics and unique visuals can help clients stand out.
• Web design. Help businesses by designing layouts, improving site speed, or ensuring their websites look great on any device. Knowledge of platforms like WordPress can add even more value.
• Social media management. Manage social media accounts, plan posts, and engage with followers. Offer insights through analytics to help clients grow their online presence.
• SEO consulting. Assist clients in boosting their search visibility. Optimize content, refine site structures, and conduct keyword research for your audience. 

The key to success is aligning your blog content with the services you want to offer.  Writing posts that highlight your expertise and presenting your blog as a professional showcase, you can attract the clients you want. Thus, helping you grow your freelancing business. 

Build memberships or subscription communities 

Memberships and subscription models are a powerful monetization strategy for bloggers who want to create recurring income while building a loyal community. Offering exclusive content like tutorials, private forums, or behind-the-scenes access, can turn your blog into a thriving online business. This approach works best if you have dedicated readers who value the extra perks and resources you provide. 

Platforms like Patreon, Substack, or MemberPress make managing memberships simple. These tools allow you to set up tiers, handle payments, and deliver value directly to your audience. Whether it’s a personal blog or part of your consulting services, memberships let you grow your income without sharing profits with advertisers or third parties. 

Unlike ad networks, which provide limited incentives, this strategy allows you to keep all the earnings while strengthening your personal brand. It’s an excellent way to establish a close-knit community and connect directly with your audience. Keep in mind, though, that it takes time and effort to create engaging content and maintain strong relationships with your members. 

5 key tips for earning income from your blog 

To make money from your blog, you need to connect with the right readers, keep them coming back, and find ways to monetize your blog effectively. These five steps will help you turn your blog into a real income source. 

Pick a niche and create content that matters 

Blogging is a long-term journey, so it’s important to choose a topic you’re genuinely excited about. A profitable niche is great, but if blogging starts to feel like a chore, your readers will notice. 

The best niches strike a balance. They’re topics you love writing about and ones that attract an audience willing to invest in what you offer. 

Use SEO to reach the right audience 

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) helps your blog rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs). Think about it. When you search for something online, you probably click on one of the first few links, right? If your blog is buried on page two or three, it’s unlikely anyone will find it. 

A good SEO strategy gets your blog in front of the right audience—people actively searching for content like yours. These visitors are more likely to become loyal readers because you’re giving them exactly what they need. 

Promote your blog 

SEO is great for bringing in traffic over time, but promotion helps you grow your audience faster. Actively sharing your blog on social media or through email updates makes it easier to connect with people and keep them coming back for more. 

The more you put your blog out there, the more readers you’ll attract. Combine promotion with SEO, and you’ll have a steady stream of visitors in no time! 

Build engagement with your readers 

When you take the time to respond to comments or answer questions, it shows people that you value their time and opinions. This small effort helps build trust and meaningful connections. 

Start simply by replying to comments on your blog or chatting with people on social media. As your blog grows, tools like email newsletters or polls can help you stay connected without feeling overwhelmed. 

The stronger these connections, the more your readers will trust your blog and see it as a go-to resource. Over time, these relationships laid the groundwork for lasting success. 

Stay consistent and always deliver value 

Readers stick around when they know your blog offers something meaningful. Even if your blog topics aren’t the most profitable blog niche, consistency and providing value can go a long way in building your readership.  Establish a consistent publishing schedule to build trust with your readers. 

When your blog consistently delivers helpful and engaging content, you build trust and loyalty over time. That loyalty is what turns readers into long-term supporters. 

To learn more about what to consider before launching your blog, check out our article on the key things to know when starting a blog. 

Transform your blog into a money-making machine 

Now that you know how to turn your blog into a profitable venture, it’s time to get started. With Domain.com’s Website Builder, you get everything you need to get started—all in one place. It includes an AI-powered website builder, customizable templates, an AI writer to help with content, access to thousands of stock images, and an integrated blog platform. Plus, you can easily connect your blog to social media and even create your own logo. 

Frequently asked questions