When you first start a blog, you usually fall into one of two categories: those who want to turn their blog into a business and make money, and those who see it as a creative outlet or online diary, unaware that it can be monetized. Over time, your perspective might change. You might realize making money or even getting views is tougher than expected. Or, you might see others making money and want to learn how. Maybe you’ve even received offers for paid work from brands.
Regardless of your initial intentions, it’s entirely possible to turn your blog into a money-making machine. If you already have a blog, you’ve done some of the hard work. Let’s explore what you need to do to start making money and some ways to earn.
**Build an Audience**
You might have heard that you don’t need a massive audience to make money, and while that’s true, you do need some loyal followers. Brands won’t pay you to advertise if only your mom reads your blog. But if you consistently get 4,000 page views a month and have over 10,000 engaged social media followers, brands might take notice. Loyalty and interaction are key, so don’t buy followers. Take your time to build a genuine following.
**Give Your Blog a Tune-Up**
If you want to increase views and start earning money, your blog needs to be top-notch. It should look professional and be well-organized. Focus on your content, design, and presentation. Make sure your pages load quickly and your SEO is optimized. Go over older posts, update content, and refresh photos. It’s important to check the basics, especially if your early posts weren’t SEO-friendly.
**Sell Yourself**
Many bloggers struggle with pitching themselves, especially in the beginning. They feel their blog isn’t good enough to apply for work or ask for payment. But everyone starts somewhere, and you have something to offer. Think about what makes your blog unique. Is it a specific niche? Do you have a popular post or category? Do you get a lot of engagement on social media or through email sign-ups? These are things that could attract brands. Pitch ideas that benefit both you and the brand, and don’t be discouraged by rejections.
**Add Advertising**
Advertising is a straightforward way to make money. You won’t get rich unless you have a huge readership or advertise something highly desirable, but you can start earning a bit even with a few thousand views. If you have a broad readership, Mediavine is an option, but they require 25,000 sessions per month. Google AdSense can be used from the start, though earnings will be modest. Another option is selling ad space privately on your blog.
**Become an Affiliate**
Affiliate marketing is another great option. Like advertising, you’ll earn more as your readership grows, but you can start right away. This involves linking to products or stores on your blog. If someone buys through your link, you earn a commission. Amazon and Awin are good starting points, but many brands have their own affiliate programs. Stick to products you love and use, as your audience trusts your opinion.
**Work Directly with Brands**
Brands are increasingly recognizing the value of influencer marketing. There are many ways to collaborate with brands, such as writing about them, showcasing their products on social media, or reviewing their products. However, you often need to make the first move. Don’t wait for brands to contact you; pitch your ideas to them.
**Sell a Product**
Selling your own product is a great way to earn money and grow your business. Consider what your talents, audience, and niche can offer. This could be services like blog help or coaching, digital products like eBooks, or physical merchandise. Digital products, in particular, are effective because you can sell the same item repeatedly without worrying about production costs or shipping. Once your product is ready, you can sell it on your blog or a marketplace like Etsy. Marketing your product through ads, social media, or affiliates can help boost sales.
By setting up multiple passive income streams, you can focus on pitching ideas to brands and adding affiliate links to your posts. Use your time wisely, explore all options, and maximize your earning potential by diversifying your income sources.