Starting a beauty blog is exciting! There’s a lot to figure out like choosing a domain and setting up WordPress. Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to talk money. This is the fun part!
If you’re just starting out or already a beauty pro, these tips will help you turn your blog into a business. Let’s dive into some awesome ways to monetize your beauty blog!
Why You Can Trust Our Beauty Blog Monetization Guide
Lasso is installed on over 8,000 websites, including many beauty blogs.
Our team has built multiple 7-figure blogs in a wide range of niches.
We have hands-on experience working with founders to grow and monetize their beauty blogs.
1. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is the best monetization method for beauty bloggers because it hits the sweet spot between time investment and earning potential.
Affiliate marketing is a form of advertising where a publisher (the site owner) links to a product in their content and earns a commission from the advertiser (the affiliate program) if readers click on that link and make a purchase.
TIP: With all monetization methods, the rule of thumb is the easier it is to accomplish, the less money you can make, and vice versa.
Also, since you can add links to your existing content, it’s the perfect method for beginners. You’ve already written content, so you’ve already done the hard part.
How to Start Affiliate Marketing for Beauty Bloggers
If you're diving into the beauty blogging scene, linking to affiliate products can be a great way to earn some income. There are tons of options out there! Here’s a cool list of different types of affiliate products to consider:
1. Skincare Products:
- Cleansers and Toners: Essential for a solid skincare routine.
- Moisturizers: Great for hydration and a healthy glow.
- Serums: Target specific skin concerns like wrinkles or dryness.
2. Makeup Items:
- Foundations: A staple for achieving an even skin tone.
- Lipsticks and Lip Glosses: Perfect for adding color and shine.
- Eyeshadow Palettes: Variety for creative looks.
3. Hair Care Products:
- Shampoos and Conditioners: Keep locks healthy and shiny.
- Styling Tools: Irons and dryers for styling options.
- Treatments: Masks and oils for extra care.
4. Beauty Tools:
- Brushes and Sponges: Necessary for flawless application.
- Skincare Devices: Tools like facial rollers to boost routines.
- Makeup Organizers: Help keep beauty spaces tidy.
5. Subscription Boxes:
- Monthly Deliveries: Members get new beauty products to try out.
- Value for Money: Often includes full-sized and deluxe samples.
- Discovery: Great way to explore new brands.
Once you’ve identified which products will solve problems for your readers, you need to sign up for their affiliate programs.
You should start by joining the Amazon Associates affiliate program.
Most physical products in the beauty niche will be available on Amazon, and the conversion rate on Amazon is insane.
Yes, Amazon’s commission rates are rough, and they only offer a 24-hour cookie duration, but the conversion rate makes up for it. Plus, you’re nearly guaranteed to get accepted into their program.
For products that aren’t available on Amazon, just Google “[Product] affiliate program,” and you’ll find their program’s signup page.
To save you some time, here are a few of the best affiliate networks for beauty bloggers:
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Commission Rate: $250+
Cookie Duration: 30 - 90 Days
Olavivo is a boutique affiliate network with a focus on Ecommerce, Health & Beauty, Sweepstakes, Gaming, Dating, Finance and Cryptocurrency.
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Commission Rate: 20% Per Sale
Cookie Duration: 14 Days
Bliss of Greece is an all-natural beauty brand offering high-end products for skin and hair that are free of chemicals & preservatives as well as vegan and cruelty-free.
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Commission Rate: 8% Per Sale
Cookie Duration: 30 Days
Elizabeth Ardens story begins when. Florence Nightingale Graham opened her first ‘Red Door’ salon in New York in 1910 with her new form of makeup.
TIP: We maintain a database of the best affiliate programs. Click here to see the best beauty affiliate programs.
Once you’ve been approved for the product’s affiliate program, the program will give you your affiliate link, and you can start inserting it into your content.
How To Monetize A Beauty Blog With Affiliate Marketing
To add your link to your content, go to your post editor, highlight the relevant text, and insert the link.
Here are a few best practices for adding affiliate links to your WordPress blog:
- Add links where it’s helpful. Adding too many links to your blog posts is just like adding too many ads; it’s annoying. Add links to product titles, images, CTA buttons, and the first time you mention a product. That’s plenty.
- Disclose your links. Every blog post with affiliate links should have a disclaimer at the beginning, and every CTA or product image should also.
- Use direct sales language. When you are writing your call to action, be direct. It’s not rude to say, “Check the price” or “Buy this product today.” Being too passive makes you look unconfident.
Or, take it a step further by creating product displays.
You Can Double Your Affiliate Sales With Lasso Displays
You can create displays manually using the post editor to add links to images and buttons.
However, it can be time-consuming to create these displays and keep them updated if you’re doing it all by hand.
Luckily, monetizing your blog with affiliate links is simplified when you’re using a tool like Lasso.
Lasso makes it super easy to add links and product displays to your posts. You can add product displays to posts right from the post editor; no coding is required. It’s as simple as clicking your mouse three times.
You can also automatically import product info from retailers like Amazon. Just paste the link into the Lasso dashboard, and Lasso will populate the display with the product title, image, and price.
With all of this, remember to follow the guidelines in the affiliate program’s terms and conditions. Amazon, in particular, is pretty stringent.
But everything Lasso does is compliant with Amazon Associates’ TOS, so you never have to worry about being booted from the program.
That’s just scratching the surface of what Lasso can do to help you monetize your beauty blog. If you’re ready to start making a serious affiliate income from your beauty site, sign up for Lasso today.
A WordPress plugin that lets you add, manage, and display your affiliate links from any program, including Amazon. Increase conversions. Find new affiliate link opportunities. Earn more revenue! Less than 5 minutes to set up.
Affiliate Marketing Pros and Cons for Beauty Bloggers
Affiliate marketing can be a goldmine for beauty bloggers. You promote products you love and earn a commission when your followers buy through your links. It’s a fun way to monetize your passion without needing to create your own products.
However, there are some downsides. Not every product converts well. If your audience isn't interested, you might see little to no earnings. Plus, maintaining transparency about affiliate links is crucial; your followers need to trust you.
Also, it's essential to find quality brands that align with your values. Just sticking with high-commission products can harm your credibility. Balancing authenticity with potential earnings can be tricky but worth it for building a loyal community.
In the end, affiliate marketing can either boost your income or leave you frustrated. Being strategic and genuine is key to making it work. A consistent approach will attract more followers and increase your potential earnings!
2. Display Ads
The second best way to monetize your beauty blog is with display ads. Ads are the internet's favorite monetization method, but they have severe drawbacks.
How to Monetize a Beauty Blog With Display Ads
Monetizing a beauty blog with display ads couldn’t be easier.
First, choose an ad network to join. Networks have traffic requirements, so here are the best ad networks to join based on your site’s page views:
- 100,000+ Visitors per month - Raptive
- 50,000+ Sessions per month - Mediavine
- < 50,000+ Visitors per month - Ezoic
NOTE: WordPress is an open-source software found on WordPress.org. WordPress.com is a premium blogging platform, but you never need to pay to install WordPress on your website, even if it’s self-hosted.
Once you’re accepted to an ad network, follow their instructions to integrate their ads into your site. They will have documentation for every type of content management service (WordPress, Joomla, Ghost, etc.).
If your chosen ad network has a dedicated accounts manager, they will guide you through getting their ads on your site.
And… that’s it. Let the ads run and wait for your deposits to hit your account.
TIP: Optimize your display ads for user experience by using your chosen network’s software settings or talking to your account manager. Keep the ads in the sidebar and footer whenever possible.
You’ll make a lot of money in the long run if you put your readers ahead of quick profit.
Display Ad Pros And Cons For Beauty Bloggers
Display ads can be a double-edged sword for beauty bloggers. On the one hand, they offer a great opportunity to monetize content. With visually appealing images and catchy slogans, ads can attract the attention of beauty enthusiasts. This can lead to increased traffic and potential sales from affiliate links.
However, there are some downsides. Too many ads can clutter your blog and annoy your readers. A busy page might drive visitors away instead of keeping them engaged. Balance is key; you want ads to complement your content, not overwhelm it.
Another important point is the nature of the products being advertised. As a beauty blogger, you'll want to align your ads with your brand and audience. Promoting products you believe in can build trust and authenticity. But if your ads don't resonate with your readers, you might lose credibility.
Lastly, measurement is crucial. Tracking ad performance helps you understand what works and what doesn’t. It allows you to optimize strategies for better engagement. Keeping an eye on metrics will improve your ad placements and can boost your earnings over time.
3. Digital Products
Selling your own digital products is a great way to increase your earnings per visitor in the beauty niche.
A digital product is anything you can sell on your beauty blog that the customer will receive via download.
Here are some digital products to consider selling on your beauty blog:
- E-books: Create guides on skincare routines, makeup techniques, or beauty tips for specific skin types. Readers love easy-to-follow formats.
- Online Courses: Offer video lessons on topics like makeup application, DIY facials, or hair styling. Use platforms like Teachable or Udemy.
- Printable Cheat Sheets: Design downloadable sheets for makeup application steps, skincare routines, or ingredient checks. They make beauty routines easier.
- Personalized Beauty Plans: Provide customized skincare or makeup regimens based on users’ needs. Use quizzes to build a tailored plan.
- Membership Access: Set up a subscription service for exclusive tutorials, product discounts, or members-only content. Build a community around beauty.
A lot of people search for simple checklists and guides related to different topics. They’d happily pay you for them.
Pros and Cons of Selling Digital Products for Beauty Bloggers
Selling digital products can be a great way for beauty bloggers to diversify their income. On the plus side, once you create a product, it can keep generating income with little maintenance. Think e-books, guides, or courses; they can reach a global audience without the limitations of physical goods.
However, there are cons to consider. The market is competitive, and you’ll need to invest time in marketing your products. Building trust with your audience is crucial, which might require ongoing engagement and promotion. Otherwise, your high-quality offerings can go unnoticed.
Another downside is the upfront work involved. You have to handle everything from content creation to website maintenance. If you’re not technically savvy, this can feel overwhelming. But if you’re willing to learn, it can be incredibly rewarding.
Ultimately, selling digital products allows beauty bloggers to leverage their expertise and connect on a deeper level with their audience. Just weigh the pros and cons before diving in!
How To Monetize a Beauty Blog By Selling Digital Products
The first thing to do is create your digital product.
Look at which content your audience interacts with the most, and brainstorm digital products to help serve their search intent.
That’s what I did when I created our Ultimate Blogging Guide:
Get Your FREE 20-Page Guide To Making $1000/Day From Your Niche Blog
Then, create the product using whatever tools are at your disposal. For example, use Microsoft Word to create an ebook PDF, or Google Sheets to create interactive spreadsheets and checklists.
Next, you have to figure out how to distribute your product. The easiest way to distribute PDFs is by uploading them to your WordPress media library. Then you can give customers the link, and they can download the PDF from there.
Lastly, you’ll have to set up payment processing and order fulfillment. A plugin like Woocommerce can automate most of this, but you’ll have to tie it to a processor like Stripe or PayPal.
Woocommerce can even connect to an email tool like ConvertKit, so as soon as your customer finishes their checkout, they’ll get an email with a link to their download.
TIP: You can still use Lasso to get more clicks to your digital products. Just create a Lasso display with the link pointing to your product’s sales page.
Barring any issues, you won’t have to do anything but watch your bank account grow.
4. Email Newsletter
One effective way to monetize a beauty blog is by creating an email newsletter. This method allows you to build a loyal audience and engage with your readers on a more personal level. Let's explore how to monetize a beauty blog with an email newsletter and the pros and cons of email marketing for beauty bloggers.
How to Monetize a Beauty Blog with an Email Newsletter
Email newsletters are an excellent way for beauty bloggers to engage their audience and monetize their content. By providing regular updates, tips, and exclusive offers, you can create a loyal subscriber base that looks forward to your emails. Sending well-crafted newsletters can lead to advertising opportunities, affiliate marketing sales, or even direct product sales from your own line.
Start by building your email list. Encourage site visitors to sign up for your newsletter by offering an incentive, such as a free e-book on beauty tips or exclusive access to makeup tutorials. Use opt-in forms on your blog, social media, and during any online events you host. This is essential because a larger email list means more potential monetization pathways.
Next, focus on creating valuable content in your newsletters. Share insider beauty tips, favorite product reviews, or exclusive discounts from brands. Incorporate affiliate links to products you recommend. When your subscribers purchase through these links, you earn a commission. It's a win-win—they get access to products you trust, and you earn money!
Consider collaborating with beauty brands for sponsored content. Brands are always looking for ways to reach your audience. You can offer them dedicated sections in your newsletter that highlight their products. By providing authentic reviews or beauty routines using their products, you're creating a persuasive pitch for your audience while generating an additional revenue stream.
Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Beauty Bloggers
- Pros:
- Direct Engagement: Email provides a personal touch that allows for direct communication with your audience, leading to higher engagement rates.
- Ownership of Audience: Unlike social media platforms, you own your email list, giving you more control over your audience and how you reach them.
- Multiple Monetization Streams: You can include affiliate links, sponsorships, and direct product sales in your newsletters, maximizing revenue opportunities.
- Cons:
- Time-Consuming: Crafting engaging content and designing newsletters takes time and effort, which can be overwhelming for some bloggers.
- List Management: Keeping your email list clean and updated requires regular maintenance, as unresponsive subscribers can hurt open rates.
- Compliance Issues: Email marketing comes with regulations (like GDPR), and you need to ensure you're compliant, or risk penalties.
5. Consulting and Coaching Services
Consulting or coaching is exchanging your expertise and time for a fee. Your customers need an expert, and you’ve proven yourself to be that expert.
As you become an authority in the industry, people will reach out to you with questions about topics they consider you an expert in.
Now, you don’t have to charge for being helpful, but you should place a dollar value on your time.
As a beauty blogger, you extensive knowledge of the industry. If a reader reaches out to you asking for help, you should get paid for that effort.
How To Monetize A Beauty Blog With Consulting Services
Monetizing a beauty blog with consulting services is similar to selling sponsored posts.
Put a “Coaching” option in your nav bar that goes to a landing page outlining your consulting services and your hourly rate. This will help head off some of the people looking for free advice.
TIP: Again, you can use Lasso to drive more clicks to your coaching pages. Just create a Display with a link to your sales page, and insert it into blog posts.
Then, wait for requests to come in, evaluate them, and propose your offer. If the customer accepts, send them an invoice using PayPal or another payment processor, and schedule the call.
Pros and Cons of Selling Consulting Services for Beauty Bloggers
When beauty bloggers consider selling consulting services, there are some clear pros. First, it allows them to monetize their expertise. Most beauty enthusiasts are eager for personalized advice or tips, and paid consulting can generate a good revenue stream. Plus, it builds credibility in the industry. Clients often view hiring a consultant as a mark of a professional in the field.
On the flip side, there are also cons to think about. Time commitment can be significant. After all, consulting requires preparation and follow-up, which may take away from content creation. There's also the pressure to deliver measurable results for clients. A blogger's reputation hangs in the balance if they aren't able to provide value.
Additionally, pricing can be tricky. Charging too much may deter potential clients, while pricing too low can diminish perceived value. Finding the right balance often takes experience and tweaking. Not to mention, navigating client relationships can sometimes be challenging, depending on expectations and communication styles.
Ultimately, it’s crucial for bloggers to weigh these pros and cons. They should consider whether consulting aligns with their goals and audience needs. With the right approach, consulting can be a rewarding endeavor, though it’s not without its challenges.
Supercharge your earnings with Lasso. Create no-code product Displays and Tables that convert, find and fix broken links, and gain valuable business insights with revenue analytics.
Learn MoreBeauty Blog Monetization FAQs
What Is The Best Way To Make Money From Beauty Blogging?
If you want to build a successful beauty blog, then affiliate marketing is the best way to monetize it. It’s the least intrusive way to make a lot of money from your site without much extra effort.
Can I Make A Full-Time Income From Beauty Blogging?
Absolutely! Some beauty blogs, like The Beauty of it Is and The Sunday Girl get hundreds of thousands of monthly visitors. That’s enough for a full-time income for a small team of people.
How Do I Start a Beauty Blog?
Learning how to start a beauty blog is the first best way to use your expertise to start an online business.
You need to register a domain, install WordPress, and publish great content. It's a lot of work, but totally worth it!
How Do Beauty Bloggers Get Paid?
Most beauty bloggers make money through affiliate commissions and advertising fees. Both of these monetization methods pay out one or two months after the fees have been generated.
Some beauty bloggers also sell sponsored posts, consulting services, or their own products. In these cases, a payment processor like PayPal or Stripe is necessary.
Is Beauty Blogging Easy?
Nothing worth doing is truly easy, but that doesn’t mean beauty blogging isn’t fun.
As a beauty blogger, you’ll get to go places, try new things, and meet new people. And it will be part of your business! What could be cooler than that?
Is It Worth Starting A Beauty Blog?
It’s absolutely worth it to start a beauty blog. Not only can you make a living from it, but you can also build a community and control the conversation.
Once you’re an established authority, people in beauty-related industries will take you seriously.
Final Thoughts on Monetizing a Beauty Blog
You've learned all the ways to monetize your beauty blog. Now, here’s my final tip:
Use multiple monetization methods!
Diversifying your income is the key to a secure future for your blog.
If you’re running affiliate offers, display ads, and selling your own products, you’ll be safe even if one income stream gets cut.
This mixed approach, along with some hard work and smart planning, will help you earn what your blog truly deserves.
Why You Should Trust Our Beauty Blogging Content
You may be thinking, "that's all great, but what does Lasso know about beauty blogging?"
Quite a lot, actually.
Here's why you can trust our process for building a successful beauty blog:
We've Built Wildly Successful Blogs
Lasso is built for affiliate marketers, by affiliate marketers. We're not gurus; we've walked the walk.
Our team members have built multiple blogs from the ground up, some of them earning over seven figures in revenue.
We put that experience into every guide we write, so you can trust we're giving you a process that works.
We Talk To Beauty Bloggers Every Day
Lasso's WordPress plugin is installed on over 8,000 websites, including a lot of beauty blogs.
Our team supports those bloggers every day as they create awesome content and earn lots of money.
These communications give us a bird's-eye view of what's new in the beauty industry. We take that information and use it to keep these guides as up-to-date and accurate as possible.
We're Super Nerds
We've put a lot of company focus into learning everything we can about blogging, affiliate marketing, SEO, and anything to do with online entrepreneurship.
We attend conferences, collect high-level contacts, read tons of books, and distill all of that information into our content. We pass information onto you that was previously only available to industry insiders.
