So, you've got your book blog up and running. Nice work! Now, it's time to start making some money from it.
Trust me, monetizing your book blog can be super exciting and rewarding.
Whether you're just starting out or you've been at this for a while, there are ways to turn your blog into a profitable business. Let's dive into some methods to make that happen.
Why You Can Trust Our Book Blog Monetization Guide
Lasso is installed on over 8,000 websites, including many book 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 book blogs.
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.
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 Book Bloggers
When it comes to recommending affiliate products in the book blogging niche, there are various options to consider. Here are some different kinds of affiliate products to recommend:
- Book Subscription Boxes: These boxes offer a curated selection of books and bookish items delivered monthly, making them a great recommendation for book bloggers looking to provide unique content to their audience.
- Bookstore Gift Cards: Recommending gift cards from popular bookstores can appeal to readers who prefer to choose their own books, providing flexibility and convenience.
- Bookish Merchandise: This can include items like book-themed clothing, accessories, or home decor, allowing book bloggers to promote products that resonate with their audience's love for literature.
- Book Review Services: Some affiliate programs offer book review services for authors looking to promote their work, which can be a valuable recommendation for bloggers interested in supporting indie authors.
- Bookish Subscription Services: These services provide access to digital libraries, audiobooks, or e-books, offering readers a convenient way to discover new titles and genres.
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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
TIP: We maintain a database of the best affiliate programs. Click here to see the best book 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 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.
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 Book Bloggers
Affiliate marketing can be a great way for bloggers to monetize their content. By partnering with brands and promoting their products or services, bloggers can earn a commission on sales generated through their unique affiliate links.
On the pro side, affiliate marketing allows bloggers to diversify their income streams and potentially earn passive income. It also gives them the opportunity to recommend products they genuinely believe in and that are relevant to their audience, building trust and credibility.
However, there are some cons to consider. Some readers may be skeptical of affiliate links and feel that the blogger's recommendations are biased. Over-promotion of affiliate products can also turn off readers and harm the blogger's reputation. It's important for bloggers to strike a balance and ensure that their affiliate partnerships align with their values and the interests of their audience.
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
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 Book Bloggers
Display ads can be a great way for book bloggers to monetize their content. They offer a passive income stream that requires minimal effort once set up. Display ads can also help book bloggers reach a wider audience, as they are visible to anyone visiting the blog, not just those who follow on social media.
However, display ads can sometimes be intrusive and affect the user experience on the blog. Too many ads or ads that are not relevant to the audience can drive readers away. It's important for book bloggers to strike a balance between monetization and maintaining a positive user experience.
Another downside of display ads is that the income generated can vary greatly depending on factors like traffic volume and ad placement. Book bloggers may not see significant returns unless they have a large and engaged audience. It's essential to track performance metrics and optimize ad placement to maximize earnings.
In conclusion, while display ads can be a valuable source of income for book bloggers, it's crucial to carefully consider the pros and cons before implementing them on a blog. By finding the right balance and optimizing ad placement, bloggers can successfully monetize their content without sacrificing the user experience.
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.
- E-books: Offer digital versions of popular books for readers to purchase and download.
- Online courses: Provide specialized courses related to writing, publishing, or book marketing.
- Book-related merchandise: Sell items like bookmarks, bookends, or book-themed apparel.
- Author services: Offer services such as editing, cover design, or book formatting for aspiring writers.
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
One of the major advantages of selling digital products for book bloggers is the potential for passive income. Once the product is created and set up for sale, bloggers can continue to earn money without much ongoing effort.
Another benefit is the ability to reach a wider audience. Digital products can be easily shared and distributed online, allowing bloggers to connect with readers from around the world who may not have access to physical products.
On the downside, creating high-quality digital products can be time-consuming and require technical skills. Bloggers may need to invest time and resources in learning how to design, market, and sell their products effectively.
Additionally, selling digital products can come with its own set of challenges, such as dealing with piracy and copyright issues. Bloggers must take steps to protect their intellectual property and ensure that their products are not being illegally distributed.
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:
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 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
One effective way for book bloggers to monetize their blogs is by utilizing an email newsletter. By building a subscriber list of loyal readers, bloggers can offer exclusive content, promotions, and affiliate links to generate income.
To start monetizing with an email newsletter, book bloggers can create a sign-up form on their blog to capture email addresses. They can then send out regular newsletters with book recommendations, reviews, and special offers that drive traffic back to their blog.
By including affiliate links to bookstores or promoting sponsored content in their newsletters, book bloggers can earn a commission for each sale or click generated through their email campaigns. This can be a lucrative way to monetize a book blog while providing value to subscribers.
Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Book Bloggers
- Pros:
- Direct connection with readers
- Ability to promote affiliate links
- Generate passive income
- Cons:
- Requires time and effort to build and maintain a subscriber list
- Email marketing regulations and spam filters can impact deliverability
- Subscribers may unsubscribe if they feel overwhelmed with promotional content
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.
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 Book Bloggers
One of the main advantages of selling consulting services to book bloggers is the opportunity to work closely with passionate individuals who are dedicated to the literary world. Book bloggers are often highly engaged with their audience and are looking for ways to improve their platforms, making them ideal clients for consulting services.
Additionally, selling consulting services to book bloggers can provide a steady stream of income for consultants. With the rise of self-publishing and the increasing importance of online marketing, book bloggers are always looking for ways to improve their websites and reach a wider audience, creating a consistent demand for consulting services.
On the flip side, working with book bloggers can also present some challenges. Some bloggers may have limited budgets, making it difficult to set high consulting fees. It's important for consultants to find a balance between providing valuable services and pricing their services in a way that is fair for both parties.
Furthermore, book bloggers may have specific preferences or visions for their websites, which can sometimes clash with the recommendations of the consultant. It's crucial for consultants to communicate effectively with their clients and find common ground to ensure a successful working relationship.
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 MoreBook 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
So, now you've got the lowdown on how to make money from your book blog. But here's a little extra tip for you:
Try using a mix of different money-making methods!
Having more than one way to bring in cash is like having a safety net for your blog's future.
If you combine affiliate links, ads, and your own products, you won't be left high and dry if a big company changes its rules.
By being smart, working hard, and thinking ahead, you'll soon be raking in the rewards your blog 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.