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

Starting a blog is a journey filled with learning. You figure out how to register a domain, set up WordPress, and publish your first posts. But once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to dive into monetization.

This is where the real fun begins!

Whether you’re just starting out or already a business influencer, there are plenty of ways to turn your blog into a money-making machine. Let’s break down some awesome methods to help you start earning from your content.

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, there are plenty of affiliate products you can recommend to your audience. Here’s a list to get you started:

1. Blogging Platforms: Consider recommending platforms like WordPress or Wix. They offer robust tools for bloggers.

2. Email Marketing Services: Options like Mailchimp or ConvertKit are great for building and maintaining an audience.

3. SEO Tools: SEMrush or Ahrefs can help bloggers optimize their content for search engines.

4. Web Hosting Services: Companies like Bluehost or SiteGround provide reliable hosting for business bloggers.

5. Online Courses: Platforms like Udemy or Teachable offer courses that can help improve blogging skills.

6. Graphic Design Software: Recommend tools like Canva for creating eye-catching graphics easily.

7. Stock Photo Websites: Sites like Shutterstock or Unsplash can provide high-quality images for blog posts.

8. Affiliate Marketing Programs: Tools like Amazon Associates let bloggers monetize their content through product recommendations.

When recommending these products, keep these points in mind:

• Quality: Ensure the products are reputable and widely trusted in the industry.
• Relevance: Select products that align well with your blog's theme and audience interests.
• Performance: Look for products with positive reviews and proven success rates.
• Ease of Use: Choose tools that are user-friendly and accessible for all skill levels.
• Support: Opt for companies that offer excellent customer support and resources.

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 game changer for bloggers. It offers a chance to earn passive income by promoting products or services you love. When done right, it creates a win-win situation: your audience gets valuable recommendations, and you earn commissions.

However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. You need to build trust with your audience first. If they feel you’re just pushing products for a quick buck, you could lose credibility. Plus, finding the right affiliates that fit your niche can take time and effort.

Another thing to watch out for is income unpredictability. Your commission depends on sales, which can fluctuate. Seasonal trends can also affect your earnings. This means you should diversify your income streams to stay financially stable.

Overall, affiliate marketing offers great opportunities but requires careful strategy and genuine engagement with your audience. If you navigate these challenges well, it can significantly enhance your blogging revenue.

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 great way for business bloggers to monetize their sites. On the positive side, they generate passive income. Once you set up ads, they work in the background while you focus on creating content. Plus, networks like Google AdSense make it easy to get started.

However, display ads can also be quite distracting. They can take away from the user experience, leading to potential visitors leaving your site sooner. Unlike sponsored posts, display ads don't contribute to your content. Readers might even find them annoying.

Additionally, the revenue from display ads can be inconsistent. It usually depends on traffic levels and ad clicks. If your blog hasn't reached a sizable audience yet, earnings could be minimal. This means you might not see much financial return for your ad placements in the early stages.

Lastly, ad blockers are becoming increasingly popular. Many users install them to avoid ads entirely. This means even the best-placed ads may not be viewed by a segment of your audience. Balancing ad revenue and user satisfaction is crucial for long-term success.

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’s a quick list of digital products you can sell on your business blog:

• E-books: Write and sell guides on niche topics that your audience cares about. Easy to create and scalable.
• Online Courses: Share your expertise through video lessons. Platforms like Teachable or Udemy make it simple.
• Printable Templates: Create checklists, planners, or calendars. Users love downloadable and customizable tools.
• Stock Photos: If you’re a photographer, sell stock images for others to use. A great passive income stream.
• Membership Sites: Offer exclusive content for a monthly fee. Build a loyal community around your expertise.

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 major pro of selling digital products is the low overhead cost. Unlike physical products, you don't need to worry about manufacturing or inventory. This makes it easier to get started and minimize risks, especially for new bloggers.

Another advantage is the potential for passive income. Once you create a digital product, like an eBook or an online course, it can sell on autopilot. This means you can earn money while you sleep, which is a huge win for busy bloggers.

However, there are also some downsides. The digital market can be crowded, making it hard to stand out. Without effective marketing, your product may not reach your target audience, limiting your sales.

Additionally, there's the challenge of creating high-quality content. It takes time and effort to ensure your product delivers value. If you rush this part, you might end up with poor reviews, which can hurt your brand's reputation.

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 looking to generate income. They involve sending curated content, promotions, or insights directly to subscribers' inboxes. This delivery method is not only personal but also has a high engagement rate. For business bloggers, monetizing an email newsletter can increase revenue through various streams such as sponsored content, affiliate marketing, or selling products and services directly to a warm audience.

To start monetizing your business blog with an email newsletter, first build a solid subscriber list. Use lead magnets like free e-books, exclusive content, or discounts. This encourages visitors to provide their email addresses. Once you have a list, create engaging and valuable content that resonates with your audience. For business bloggers, sharing industry news, tips, or insights can establish credibility and keep subscribers interested.

Next, consider incorporating sponsored content in your newsletter. Reach out to brands relevant to your niche and offer to feature their products or services in your emails. This method can be lucrative, as companies are often willing to pay to gain exposure to your engaged audience. Additionally, affiliate marketing is another effective way to monetize your newsletter. By promoting products or services through affiliate links, you can earn a commission for every sale generated through your recommendations.

Lastly, ensure you include direct links to your products or services. If you have a digital product, course, or consulting service, promote it through your emails. With a well-defined target audience, business bloggers can drive sales directly from their newsletter, making it a valuable asset for monetization.

Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Business Bloggers

• Pros:
  • Direct Communication: You reach your audience directly, minimizing the risk of being lost in social media algorithms.
  • High Engagement Rates: Emails can lead to higher engagement compared to other channels, especially if you offer valuable content.
  • Personalized Content: Tailor your messages for different segments of your audience, increasing relevance and conversions.
• Cons:
  • Time-Consuming: Creating quality content and managing your list requires significant effort and consistency.
  • Competition: Your audience likely receives multiple newsletters, so standing out can be challenging.
  • Potential for High Unsubscribe Rates: If the content is not seen as valuable, subscribers may opt-out quickly.

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, there are some clear benefits. First, you leverage your expertise. If you're a business blogger, you likely have a wealth of knowledge to share. This can attract clients who are eager to tap into your skills and insights.

Another pro is the potential for high profit margins. Unlike physical products, consulting services often have low overhead costs. You can set your own rates based on your experience and demand, which can lead to lucrative returns.

Additionally, finding clients can be tough. It may take time and effort to build a reputation and network. Plus, client relationships can be unpredictable, leading to fluctuations in income that can stress you out.

Earn More Money From Your Business Blog

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 More

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

Congratulations! You’ve learned some great ways to monetize your business blog.

As a bonus tip, here’s a simple strategy: Use multiple monetization methods!

Diversifying your income is key to securing your blog’s future.

If you mix affiliate offers, display ads, and your own products, you won’t be as affected by sudden changes, like a drop in affiliate commission rates.

With a multi-layered strategy and a bit of hard work, you'll be well on your way to maximizing your blog’s earning potential.

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.