How to Monetize a Book Blog and Turn a Page into Profit

Starting a book blog is exciting! You've got a lot to figure out: setting up a domain, installing WordPress, and writing your first posts. But once you’re familiar with the basics, it’s time to dive into monetizing your book blog.

I promise, this will be the most enjoyable part of your blogging journey!

Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been sharing book reviews for a while, these monetization tips can help you turn your passion into profit.

Let’s explore each method together!

1. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is the best monetization method for book 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.

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 Book Bloggers

Alright, let’s dive into the different types of affiliate products you can recommend for book blogging. Here are some solid options:

• Books: You can promote the latest bestsellers, classics, or even niche genre finds.
• Bookish Merchandise: Think bookmarks, mugs, T-shirts, and more that celebrate the love of reading.
• Book Subscription Services: Recommend monthly book boxes where subscribers get curated reads delivered to their door.
• E-Readers and Tablets: Devices like Kindle or Kobo are perfect for those who prefer digital reading.
• Online Writing Courses: Help your readers hone their writing skills with platforms that offer excellent courses.
• Bookkeeping Software: For bloggers who want to keep track of their expenses and earnings in a seamless way.
• Book Reviews and Promotion Services: Services that assist writers in getting their work noticed by the right audience.

Here are a few reasons why these options can be great picks:

• Wide Audience Appeal: Books and related products cater to diverse readers, maximizing your reach.
• Recurring Revenue Potential: Subscription services often have a monthly payment structure, providing steady commissions.
• High Engagement Rate: Items like bookish merchandise resonate well with passionate readers, driving sales.
• Upselling Opportunities: Once a reader trusts your recommendations, they're more likely to consider higher-ticket items.
• Aligns with Niches: Many products can neatly fit into sub-niches, allowing for targeted promotions.

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 book 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 book bloggers:

1. ThriftBooks

   

   Commission Rate: 4% - 6.5% Per Sale

   Cookie Duration: 7 Days

   ThriftBooks sells millions of used books at low prices. They personally assess every book's quality and offer rare, out-of-print treasures.

2. Apple

   

   Commission Rate: 7% - 400% Per Sale

   Cookie Duration: 1 - 30 Days

   Earn commissions on qualifying Apple Music memberships as well as sales of movies, tv shows, books, audiobooks, and more.

3. Audible Affiliates

   

   Commission Rate: $5 Per Trial

   Cookie Duration: 24 Hours

   Audible is Amazon’s audiobook platform and is currently the biggest player in that market. How much you get paid as an affiliate varies.

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 Book 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 book blog. If you’re ready to start making a serious affiliate income from your book site, sign up for Lasso today.

Affiliate Marketing Pros and Cons for Book Bloggers

Affiliate marketing can be a goldmine for bloggers. It allows you to earn a commission by promoting products that align with your niche. The beauty of it is that you don’t need to create products yourself. Just write reviews or recommendations, and you can monetize your audience pretty easily.

However, it’s not all rainbows and sunshine. The biggest hurdle is finding quality products to promote. Some affiliate programs have strict guidelines, and not all are a good fit. Plus, if your audience feels you're pushing subpar products just for a quick buck, it could hurt your credibility.

Another pro is flexibility. You can pick and choose which programs to join and promote. This means you can focus on products that genuinely interest you and benefit your readers. On the flip side, it often requires a strategic approach and regular content updates to keep your links relevant, which can be time-consuming.

Lastly, success in affiliate marketing can take time. You won't see immediate results, and patience is key. Building trust with your audience is crucial. But once established, it can lead to a solid and passive income stream, making the effort worthwhile!

2. Display Ads

The second best way to monetize your book blog is with display ads. Ads are the internet's favorite monetization method, but they have severe drawbacks.

How to Monetize a Book Blog With Display Ads

Monetizing a book 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

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.

Display Ad Pros And Cons For Book Bloggers

Display ads can be a mixed bag for book bloggers. On the plus side, they’re visually appealing and can grab a reader's attention quickly. If you’re promoting a new book, a well-designed banner can make a big difference. Plus, if your blog has decent traffic, you can earn some passive income through ad placements.

However, there are downsides to consider. Display ads can sometimes be intrusive, leading to a poor user experience. Readers may find them annoying, which could result in higher bounce rates. Additionally, ad revenue typically depends on clicks, and many visitors may scroll past without engaging.

Another factor is the competition. With so many bloggers using ad networks, it can be tough to stand out. Ads might not always align with your content, which could confuse or frustrate your audience. It’s essential to balance ads with quality content to keep your readers engaged and coming back for more.

3. Digital Products

Selling your own digital products is a great way to increase your earnings per visitor in the book niche.

A digital product is anything you can sell on your book blog that the customer will receive via download.

Here’s a list of digital products perfect for a book blog:

• E-books: Create and sell e-books on niche topics like writing tips, book reviews, or genre-specific guidance.
• Reading Guides: Develop comprehensive reading guides or summaries for popular book series.
• Printable Book Planner: Offer a planner to help readers organize their reading goals and lists.
• Writing Templates: Create downloadable templates for aspiring authors, like plot outlines or character sheets.
• Online Courses: Design courses on writing, editing, or self-publishing for eager learners.

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 Book Bloggers

There are some solid pros to selling digital products as a book blogger. First off, you have low overhead costs. Unlike physical products, you don't need inventory, packaging, or shipping. This means more profit per sale. Plus, you can create once and sell multiple times, which can turn into a nice passive income stream.

On the flip side, marketing your digital products can be tricky. You need a game plan to stand out in a crowded market. Just having a great product isn’t enough; you need to promote it effectively through social media, email lists, or even collaborations. This takes time and effort, which can be daunting for some.

Another con is that not everyone may be willing to pay for digital content. While some people pay top dollar for eBooks or online courses, others might expect quality content for free. This can make pricing your offerings a bit challenging. You have to strike the right balance to ensure both value and accessibility.

Lastly, providing digital products means you also have to handle customer service. That could include answering questions, resolving issues, and managing refunds. It's vital to keep your audience happy, but it can feel like an added responsibility that takes time away from your blogging.

How To Monetize a Book 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:

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.

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 book 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 book blog with an email newsletter and the pros and cons of email marketing for book bloggers.

How to Monetize a Book Blog with an Email Newsletter

Email newsletters are a fantastic way for book bloggers to connect with their audience and build a loyal community. Unlike social media, newsletters land directly in your subscribers' inboxes, ensuring your content gets seen. They provide a platform to share updates, personal book reviews, and exclusive content that readers love. Plus, there's significant potential for monetization through promotions and affiliate marketing.

To monetize your book blog through an email newsletter, start by building an engaged subscriber list. Use enticing sign-up incentives like free e-books, reading guides, or exclusive content to encourage visitors to join. The more targeted your audience, the better your chances of engaging with them and making sales. Once you have a good subscriber base, you can start incorporating affiliate links to books you recommend, which earns you commissions on sales made through your links.

Another effective strategy is to utilize sponsored content in your newsletters. Reach out to publishers, authors, or brands that align with your blog's theme and offer space in your newsletter for their products or promotions. You can negotiate fees based on your audience size or engagement rate. Highlighting new book releases or relevant products can also lead to collaborations and further monetization opportunities.

Don’t underestimate the power of exclusive content. Offer your newsletter subscribers sneak peeks of your reviews, behind-the-scenes insights, or even early access to giveaways. This sense of exclusivity not only strengthens your relationship with your readers but can also justify the use of affiliate links or sponsored posts, making them more effective.

Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Book Bloggers

• Pros:
  • Direct communication: You can communicate directly with your audience, enhancing loyalty and engagement.
  • Higher conversion rates: Email marketing generally yields better conversion rates compared to other platforms.
  • Monetization opportunities: Easily incorporate affiliate links, advertisements, and sponsored posts.
• Cons:
  • Time-consuming: Building and maintaining a subscriber list requires consistent effort and strategic planning.
  • Potential for low open rates: Not all subscribers will engage, leading to variations in effectiveness.
  • Compliance issues: You need to comply with regulations like GDPR, which may add complexity.

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 book 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 Book Blog With Consulting Services

Monetizing a book 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.

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 Book Bloggers

Offering consulting services as a book blogger can be a great way to monetize your expertise. One major pro is the potential for high earnings. If you have a solid following and specialized knowledge, clients may pay a premium for your insights. You can set your rates based on your experience and the value you provide, making it quite lucrative.

However, there are some downsides to consider. Consulting requires a significant time commitment. You’ll need to balance client work with your blogging duties to maintain your audience. Additionally, there’s pressure to consistently deliver results. Clients expect return on their investment, and failing to meet those expectations can harm your reputation.

Another point to think about is your existing audience. Selling consulting may shift your blog’s focus. Some readers might appreciate the added value, while others might feel alienated if they perceive you as too commercialized. This balance can be tricky to maintain, and you’ll want to keep your community engaged.

Lastly, starting a consulting arm takes initiative. You'll need to develop a clear service offering and market it effectively. It can be challenging to transition from a content creator to a service provider. However, those who do strike that balance can find consulting to be a rewarding extension of their blogging journey.

Book Blog Monetization FAQs

What Is The Best Way To Make Money From Book Blogging?

If you want to build a successful book 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 Book Blogging?

Absolutely! Some book blogs, like A Life In Books and Book Riot 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 Book Blog?

Learning how to start a book 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 Book Bloggers Get Paid?

Most book 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 book bloggers also sell sponsored posts, consulting services, or their own products. In these cases, a payment processor like PayPal or Stripe is necessary.

Is Book Blogging Easy?

Nothing worth doing is truly easy, but that doesn’t mean book blogging isn’t fun.

As a book 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 Book Blog?

It’s absolutely worth it to start a book 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 book-related industries will take you seriously.

Final Thoughts on Monetizing a Book Blog

You've learned a lot about monetizing your book blog. But here's a bonus tip:

Use different ways to make money!

Diversifying your income is key to stability. If you rely on just one method, you're taking a big risk.

By mixing affiliate links, display ads, and your own product sales, you protect yourself. If one income source drops, you won’t be left in the lurch.

With this flexible approach, hard work, and a little planning, you’ll be well on your way to earning what your blog truly deserves!

Why You Should Trust Our Book Blogging Content

You may be thinking, "that's all great, but what does Lasso know about book blogging?"

Quite a lot, actually.

Here's why you can trust our process for building a successful book 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 Book Bloggers Every Day

Lasso's WordPress plugin is installed on over 8,000 websites, including a lot of book 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 book 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.