How to Monetize a Business Blog and Cash in on Corporate Tips

Starting a blog is exciting, right? You dive into domain registration, WordPress setup, and creating content. But once you’ve tackled the basics, it's time to unlock the secret of monetizing your business blog.

Trust me, this part will be the highlight of your blogging adventure.

No matter if you're just starting out or already a seasoned business influencer, these monetization tips will help turn your hobby into a thriving business. Let’s break down the best ways to make money from your blog!

1. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is the best monetization method for business 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 Business Bloggers

If you're diving into the business blogging niche, you’ll want to recommend a mix of products that genuinely help your audience grow their blogs and businesses. Here’s a quick list of affiliate products that can make a difference:

• Website Hosting Services: Reliable hosting is crucial for speed and uptime. Services like Bluehost or SiteGround are popular choices with great referral programs.
• Email Marketing Software: Tools like ConvertKit or Mailchimp help bloggers manage their subscribers and automate campaigns, essential for growing an audience.
• SEO Tools: Products like SEMrush or Ahrefs assist bloggers in optimizing their content for search engines, driving more organic traffic.
• Premium Themes and Page Builders: Platforms like Elementor or Divi enhance a blog’s appearance and functionality, helping users create stunning pages without code.
• Online Courses and Ebooks: Promote educational content related to blogging or digital marketing, like courses from Teachable or Skillshare, to help your audience level up their skills.
• Social Media Management Tools: Services like Buffer or Hootsuite streamline content sharing, making it easier for bloggers to maintain a consistent social media presence.

Here are some reasons why these products work well for affiliate marketing in the business blogging niche:

• High Demand: Bloggers constantly seek tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Recurring Revenue: Many services offer subscription models, providing ongoing commissions.
• Trust Builds Loyalty: Recommending quality products fosters trust and keeps your audience coming back for advice.
• Easy to Promote: Most tools have attractive referral programs and affiliate resources, simplifying the promotion process.
• Industry Growth: The blogging and digital marketing industry continues expanding, giving you a larger audience to tap into.

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 business 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 business bloggers:

1. Lasso

   

   Commission Rate: 20%

   Cookie Duration: 30 Days

   Lasso is a WordPress plugin that allows you to quickly create affiliate link displays that earn more money. Manage all your affiliate links in one place.

2. QuickBooks

   

   Commission Rate: 10% Per Sale

   Cookie Duration: 45 Days

   QuickBooks is an accounting software package developed and marketed by the company Intuit. Earn a referral fee by selling QuickBooks software!

3. FreshBooks

   

   Commission Rate: $88.00 Per Sale and $8.00 Per Lead

   Cookie Duration: 120 Days

   FreshBooks is an online accounting solution designed for small business owners. Get $100 per sale with a 45-day cookie window.

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

Affiliate Marketing Pros and Cons for Business Bloggers

Affiliate marketing can be a double-edged sword for bloggers. On one hand, it offers a fantastic opportunity to monetize your blog. With the right products and partnerships, you can earn a commission from every sale made through your referral link. This can be particularly lucrative if you have a solid following or niche audience.

On the flip side, things can get tricky. Promoting the wrong products can damage your credibility. Audiences are savvy; they can tell when you're pushing something just for the paycheck. Additionally, affiliate programs often come with stringent guidelines and payout thresholds, making it challenging to realize quick returns.

There's also the time investment. Creating quality content that effectively integrates affiliate links takes effort. It’s not just about slapping on a link; it’s about building trust with your readers. If they sense any level of insincerity, you could lose them for good.

2. Display Ads

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

How to Monetize a Business Blog With Display Ads

Monetizing a business 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 Business Bloggers

Display ads can be a double-edged sword for business bloggers. On the plus side, they can generate additional income when set up correctly. Placing ads strategically can help monetize blog traffic without compromising user experience. Plus, they increase brand visibility, potentially attracting new audiences.

However, there are downsides to consider. Overdoing it with ads can annoy visitors and make your blog look cluttered. This can lead to higher bounce rates, hurting SEO in the long run. Additionally, not all ad networks pay equally. The effectiveness fluctuates based on niche and audience engagement.

Another point to keep in mind is ad blocking technology. Many users have ad blockers installed, which means that your hard-earned ad revenue could take a hit. You might find yourself needing to balance revenue strategies with user experience to maintain a loyal readership.

Ultimately, the success of display ads depends on how you implement them. Weigh the potential benefits against the drawbacks carefully. A well-thought-out approach can turn display ads into a useful tool for growth.

3. Digital Products

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

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

Here are some great digital products you can sell on your business blog:

• E-books: Share your expertise through comprehensive guides on your niche topics. E-books are easy to create and can provide value to your audience.
• Online Courses: Create step-by-step courses to teach your audience skills related to your niche. Platforms like Teachable and Thinkific make selling courses simple.
• Printable Templates: Design useful templates, like planners or checklists. These can help your audience stay organized and are easy to personalize.
• Stock Photos: If you have a knack for photography, sell your images to entrepreneurs who need visuals for their websites and marketing.
• Webinars: Host live sessions on topics of interest. You can charge for access or offer them for free with an upsell to related products.
• Membership Sites: Create an exclusive community where subscribers gain premium content, access to resources, and networking opportunities.

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 Business Bloggers

One of the biggest pros of selling digital products is the low overhead. Unlike physical goods, you don't need to worry about inventory or shipping. Once you create the product, it's essentially free to distribute. This allows you to scale your blog and reach a larger audience without significant costs.

Another advantage is the potential for passive income. Once your digital product is set up, you can keep making sales without putting in continuous effort. This can free up time for you to focus on creating more content or improving your blog.

However, there are some downsides. Competition is fierce in the digital space. You need to stand out and offer real value to your audience. Marketing becomes crucial, and it might take time to see a return on your investment.

Additionally, keeping up with customer support can be challenging. Even though the products are digital, customers might need help. Managing inquiries and troubleshooting can require a lot of your attention, detracting from other essential tasks on your blog.

How To Monetize a Business 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 business 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 business blog with an email newsletter and the pros and cons of email marketing for business bloggers.

How to Monetize a Business Blog with an Email Newsletter

Email newsletters are a powerful tool for business bloggers. They allow you to directly reach your audience and nurture relationships over time. By consistently providing valuable content, you build trust and keep your readers engaged. This trust can easily transform into sales, making email newsletters a smart strategy for monetization.

To start monetizing your blog with an email newsletter, first, grow your subscriber list. Use sign-up forms on your blog, offer incentives like free ebooks, or run a contest. The more subscribers you have, the larger your potential audience for promotions. Business bloggers benefit here because a well-targeted list ensures you reach interested clients and customers directly.

Next, create exclusive content for your newsletter subscribers. This could include special insights, discounts, or early access to your products or services. Offering exclusive content makes your subscribers feel valued and helps drive sales, both of which are crucial for business bloggers. When subscribers see the direct value of being on your list, they’re more likely to engage with your offerings.

Finally, consider using your newsletter to highlight affiliate products or services related to your niche. By recommending tools or services you genuinely believe in, you can earn commissions on any sales generated from your newsletter. This method aligns well with your business blog because it allows you to monetize while still providing value to your reader base.

Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Business Bloggers

• Pros:
  • Direct engagement: You communicate directly with interested readers, leading to higher conversion rates.
  • Brand loyalty: Regular newsletters help foster trust and loyalty from your audience.
  • Audience segmentation: Tailor content and offers to different segments of your audience, enhancing relevance.
• Cons:
  • Time-consuming: Crafting quality newsletters can take time and effort.
  • Potential for unsubscribes: If content isn’t valuable, you risk losing subscribers.
  • Content management: Maintaining a consistent content schedule adds another layer to your blog management.

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 business 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 Business Blog With Consulting Services

Monetizing a business 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 Business Bloggers

When it comes to selling consulting services as a business blogger, there are some definite perks. First off, you can leverage your existing audience. If your blog is popular, you already have a group of engaged readers who trust your insights. This trust can easily translate into clients seeking your expertise.

On the flip side, the competition can be intense. Many bloggers offer similar services, making it hard to stand out. Plus, pricing your services can be tricky. You want to make sure you value your time and expertise without scaring potential clients away.

Another pro is the flexibility it offers. You can set your own hours and choose your projects. This autonomy is a huge draw for many. However, it also means you need to juggle multiple roles, from marketing to client management, which can be time-consuming.

Lastly, consider the emotional toll. Selling consulting services can feel personal, and any rejection or negative feedback stings. Yet, when you secure a satisfied client, the fulfillment can be rewarding. Balancing the highs and lows is part of the consulting gig.

Business Blog Monetization FAQs

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

If you want to build a successful business 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 Business Blogging?

Absolutely! Some business blogs, like Small Biz Survival and Small Business Bonfire 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 Business Blog?

Learning how to start a business 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 Business Bloggers Get Paid?

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

Is Business Blogging Easy?

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

As a business 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 Business Blog?

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

Final Thoughts on Monetizing a Business Blog

Now that you've explored the various ways to monetize your business blog, here’s an extra tip for you:

Diversify your income streams!

Using multiple methods is key to securing your blog's future. If you combine affiliate marketing, display ads, and your own products, you'll be less vulnerable to market changes, like lower Amazon commissions.

With this balanced approach and some dedication, you'll quickly be on your way to maximizing your blog's earnings!

Why You Should Trust Our Business Blogging Content

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

Quite a lot, actually.

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

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