Back in the early days of the internet, blogs were mainly used as personal journals. Nowadays, they provide information, entertainment, and so much more. The diversity in blogs today draws in about 77% of all internet users globally. In the UK, blogs have become so popular that recent surveys by Statista show nearly 40% of British bloggers have audiences ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 visitors. With this kind of traffic, it’s no surprise that blogs are now a source of income for many. In fact, some bloggers earn a full-time living from their blogs, and the ways to make money from blogging keep evolving. If you’re looking to monetize your blog, here are some tips:
Display Banner Ads
In the early days of blog monetization, banner ads were the go-to method for earning a steady income. Even in 2022 and beyond, banner ads remain an effective and easy way to make money. They’re simple to set up and require little maintenance. You can create a few banner ad spots and earn money for each click they receive. Top UK advertisers like Virgin Media, L’Oreal, and Tesco use banner ads. While some bloggers sell banner ad spots individually, it’s often easier to sign up with an ad network that automatically places ads for you. Setting up banner ads is relatively inexpensive, making them appealing for new bloggers who are still figuring out their traffic.
Open an Online Store
Another great way to make money from your blog is by opening an online store to sell products related to your content. You can offer physical items like clothes or accessories, or digital products like e-books or software. Payment processing solutions designed for small businesses, including blog owners, make it convenient to run an online store. These solutions support contactless payments like credit cards and phone transactions, making it easy for visitors to shop and check out. They also come with anti-fraud systems and automated reports, adding ease and protection for both bloggers and customers. With the rise of e-commerce, now is the perfect time to tap into the demand for online shopping through your blog.
Become an Affiliate Marketer
Affiliate marketing is a straightforward way to earn money from your content while providing valuable information to your readers. This performance-based monetization involves promoting other people’s products or services on your website and earning a commission. You don’t need to be a professional marketer to start; all you need is a website where you can post articles about products or services that fit your niche. Many affiliate programs in the UK, like Skimlinks and FlexOffers, are designed specifically for bloggers, making the process easier for you.
Offer Membership Plans
Membership plans are a common way to monetize a blog. They give your readers a way to pay for exclusive content and help you build a community around your work. These plans can range from a simple email newsletter offering exclusive content and discounts to a full-blown subscription service for premium content and services. You can offer different membership plans based on price points, from as low as £2 to as high as £100 a month, depending on the content. The key is to make sure that what you’re offering is valuable enough for people to pay for it.
Whether you’re looking to monetize your blog as a side hustle or a major income stream, there are plenty of options available in 2022 and beyond. With the right mix of traffic, a well-designed website, and engaging content, you can start seeing the money roll in.