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

Starting a business blog? There’s a lot to figure out at first: how to register your domain, set up WordPress, and write engaging content. But once you nail the basics, it's time to shift gears and focus on monetization.

Trust me, this part is going to be the most exciting step in your blogging journey.

Whether you're just getting started or you’re a pro in the business blogging game, these monetization strategies will help you turn your blog into a thriving business. Let’s dive into each one!

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

When it comes to business blogging, there are a ton of affiliate products you can recommend. Here’s a handy list to get you started:

• Web Hosting Services: Reliable web hosting is essential for bloggers. Recommending top hosting companies like Bluehost or SiteGround can earn you good commissions.
• Email Marketing Tools: Tools like ConvertKit or Mailchimp help businesses build their email lists. They often have solid affiliate programs.
• SEO Tools: Tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs help bloggers optimize their content. They usually offer lucrative payouts for referrals.
• Online Course Platforms: Platforms like Teachable or Kajabi are ideal for bloggers who sell courses. Their affiliate programs can be quite rewarding.
• Social Media Management Tools: Tools like Buffer or Hootsuite help bloggers streamline their social media efforts. Plus, they often come with nice commission rates.

**Why recommend these products?**

• Wide Audience Appeal: Many bloggers need these tools, making your recommendations relevant.
• Recurring Commissions: Some services offer monthly subscription models, giving you ongoing earnings.
• High Conversion Rates: If you use the products yourself, you can provide genuine testimonials which boost trust and conversion.
• Supportive Resources: Many affiliate programs offer helpful resources, making it easier for you to promote.

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 way to earn money by promoting products or services you love. The best part? You don't need to create your own products. Just share your honest opinions and earn commissions on sales.

However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. It requires effort to build trust with your audience. If followers feel you're only in it for the money, they may lose interest. Plus, competition is fierce in some niches, making it challenging to stand out.

On the upside, affiliate marketing is flexible. You can promote products across different platforms, like your blog and social media. It also allows you to generate passive income, especially if you create evergreen content that drives traffic long-term.

Still, you need to be prepared to test what works for your audience. Some products might resonate better than others. Tracking performance is essential so you can tweak your strategy and maximize your earnings.

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 mixed bag for business bloggers. On one hand, they offer a straightforward way to monetize your site. When done right, they can generate passive income as readers click through on ads related to their interests. Plus, platforms like Google AdSense make it easy to start displaying ads with minimal effort.

However, there are downsides. Display ads can be intrusive and may frustrate your readers. If ads dominate the page, it could lead to a poor user experience. Plus, if your site is packed with ads, it might turn away potential subscribers or loyal visitors who find the clutter distracting.

Another consideration is the revenue potential. Some niches make more money than others through ads. If you're in a competitive niche, you could earn decent returns. But, in less lucrative areas, you may find your earnings are disappointingly slim.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your audience and goals. Balancing user experience with income generation is key. If you can strike that balance, display ads might just work in your favor.

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.

Digital Products to Sell on a Business Blog:

• E-books: Create in-depth guides or how-to manuals on specific topics relevant to your audience.
• Online Courses: Develop structured lessons on your expertise. Use video, text, and quizzes.
• Printable Templates: Offer planners, checklists, or worksheets that help with organization and productivity.
• Stock Photos: Capture and sell high-quality images that businesses can use for marketing purposes.
• Webinars: Conduct live or recorded sessions on trending topics and charge for access.
• Membership Subscriptions: Provide exclusive content, resources, or community access for a monthly fee.

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

Selling digital products can be a goldmine for business bloggers. On the plus side, once you create a product, it can generate income while you sleep. This kind of passive income is appealing. Also, digital products usually have low overhead costs. You save on inventory and shipping, making it easier to keep profits high.

However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The market can be quite saturated. It might be hard to stand out, especially if you’re in a popular niche. Plus, there's the initial effort of creating a high-quality product. It can take time and resources to develop something that genuinely adds value to your audience.

Another thing to consider is the marketing side. You need a solid strategy to sell your products effectively. This often means investing in ads or email marketing, which can eat into your profits. So, you need a clear plan to succeed.

In short, selling digital products can be extremely rewarding but comes with its challenges. Understanding both sides can help you make an informed decision about whether it's right for 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 connect directly with your audience, build a relationship, and provide tailored content. This is especially valuable for business bloggers, as it gives you an opportunity to promote your services, products, or affiliate offers directly to interested readers. Let’s dive into how you can effectively monetize your business blog using an email newsletter.

First, you need to grow your email list. This means offering something valuable in exchange for your readers’ email addresses. Common incentives include free e-books, exclusive content, or discounts on your products/services. Once you have their email addresses, you can segment your audience based on their preferences or behaviors. This tailored approach helps you send more relevant offers, increasing conversion rates and enhancing your monetization potential.

Next, you can create and promote your own products or services directly through your newsletter. Offer insights, tips, or recommendations that correlate with your business offerings. By positioning yourself as an authority in your niche, you make it easier for your audience to trust your recommendations. As their trust grows, so does their likelihood of purchasing your products or subscribing to your services. In essence, your newsletter becomes not just a communication tool, but a direct revenue-generating platform.

Finally, affiliate marketing can also be integrated into your email newsletters. Here, you recommend products or services from other companies and earn a commission for each sale made through your referral link. This strategy works best when you promote products that align with your blog’s content and audience's interests. By providing valuable content alongside your affiliate links, you can encourage your readers to take action and boost your income without additional effort.

Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Business Bloggers

• Pros:
  • Direct Communication: Emails land directly in users’ inboxes, ensuring your message reaches them without relying on algorithm changes.
  • Targeted Marketing: You can segment your list, allowing for personalized messaging that resonates with different demographics and boosts conversions.
  • Brand Loyalty: Regular updates through a newsletter can foster a loyal audience, creating repeat customers who trust your recommendations.
• Cons:
  • Increase in Unsubscribes: Frequent or irrelevant emails may annoy your subscribers, leading them to unsubscribe from your list.
  • Time-Consuming: Crafting valuable content for newsletters takes time and effort, which could be spent on other business activities.
  • Privacy Concerns: Collecting emails entails handling sensitive information, and you must ensure compliance with data protection regulations.

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 several pros. First off, you can leverage your existing audience and credibility. If your readers trust you, they’re more likely to consider your consulting services. Plus, it allows you to generate additional income streams. This can cushion the blow of seasonal downturns in ad revenue or affiliate sales.

On the flip side, managing consulting services does have its challenges. Time can become your enemy. While blogging allows for flexibility, consulting requires dedicated hours that may detract from creating content. There’s also the pressure to constantly prove your expertise. If clients don’t see results, it could hurt your reputation and, ultimately, your blog.

Another benefit is the ability to refine your skills. Regularly interacting with clients can provide real-world insights, which can, in turn, improve your blog content. However, the downside is that it might shift your focus away from your passion for blogging. Too much consultancy could make the creative process feel like a job, rather than an outlet for ideas.

Finally, there's the potential for networking growth. Consulting often introduces you to new business leaders and influencers. This can lead to collaborations and greater visibility for your blog. Alternatively, the more you get bogged down in consulting intricacies, the less time you’ll have to engage with this network and cultivate online relationships.

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 various ways to monetize your business blog, here’s one final tip: use multiple methods!

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

If you mix in affiliate promotions, display ads, and sell your own products, you’ll be more resilient. That way, if something changes, like Amazon slashing its commission rates, your business won't take a huge hit.

With this balanced approach, a little hard work, and some smart planning, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the earnings your online business deserves!

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.