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

Starting a blog is exciting! There’s a lot to figure out, like picking a domain, setting up WordPress, and creating great content. But once you have the basics down, it’s time to focus on monetizing your business blog.

Trust me, this will be the most rewarding part of your blogging journey.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been blogging for a while, these tips will help you turn your casual blog into a money-making machine. Let’s dive into each method!

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 diving into the business blogging niche, there are plenty of affiliate products you can recommend. Here’s a quick list to get you started!

1. **Hosting Services:** These are essential for any blog. They help get your website online. Examples include Bluehost, SiteGround, and HostGator.

2. **Email Marketing Tools:** Building an email list is crucial. Tools like Mailchimp, ConvertKit, and AWeber can amplify your reach.

3. **SEO Tools:** These help improve visibility. Popular choices include SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Moz.

4. **Content Management Platforms:** Platforms like WordPress and Shopify are great for managing blogs and websites.

5. **Graphic Design Software:** Tools like Canva help bloggers create eye-catching graphics without needing advanced skills.

Here are some solid reasons to promote these products:

• High Demand: Many bloggers need reliable hosting and tools, creating an opportunity for consistent sales.
• Recurring Commissions: Many email marketing and hosting services offer recurring payouts, boosting your income over time.
• Easy Integration: Many of these products seamlessly fit into a blogger's workflow, making it simple to recommend.
• Trusted Brands: Partnering with well-known companies builds credibility for you as a blogger and affiliate.

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%, Up to $700+ per sale

   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 fantastic way for bloggers to monetize their content. It allows you to earn commissions by promoting products or services that fit your niche. This means you can pick items that resonate with your audience, enhancing their experience while you earn a little extra on the side.

However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. The competition can be fierce, especially in popular niches. Many bloggers join the affiliate bandwagon, making it challenging to stand out. Plus, the success of your campaigns can depend on trends and algorithms, leaving you at the mercy of external factors.

Another factor to consider is trust. Your audience looks to you for genuine recommendations. If they feel like you're only pushing products for profit, it can damage your credibility. So, it’s critical to choose affiliate products wisely and maintain authenticity in your promotions.

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 positive side, they can bring in extra income. If done right, these ads can effectively target your audience and boost your site's visibility. The more your visitors click, the better your revenue potential. Plus, they often require minimal effort to set up.

However, there are some downsides to consider. Too many ads can clutter your blog, turning away visitors. A poor ad placement can break the user experience, leading to higher bounce rates. Additionally, if you don’t choose relevant ads, it may frustrate your readers and diminish your credibility.

Another point is the reliance on pay-per-click models. You might earn less than expected, especially if your traffic is low. It can take time to adjust your strategy and optimize for better performance. Ultimately, striking the right balance between content and advertisements is critical.

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: Share your expertise in a specific niche and package it into an informative e-book. Readers love quick guides and in-depth insights.
• Online Courses: Create a course to teach a skill or concept. Use platforms like Teachable or Udemy to host and sell your courses easily.
• Printable Templates: Design templates for planners, budgets, or checklists. People love printable resources that make life easier.
• Stock Photos: If you’re good with a camera, sell high-quality stock photos. Many businesses seek unique images for their websites and marketing materials.
• Membership Subscriptions: Offer exclusive content or community access for a monthly fee. This provides ongoing value and a steady income stream.

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 as a business blogger has its perks. First off, you face low overhead costs. There's no need for physical inventory or shipping expenses. This means a higher profit margin for each sale you make. Plus, products like ebooks or online courses can be created once and sold repeatedly, which boosts your income potential over time.

On the flip side, it can take time to build a following. You might not see instant sales, especially when you're just starting out. Marketing your digital products can also be challenging. You need to create a strategy that resonates with your audience and stands out in a crowded market.

Additionally, you have to stay updated with trends and technology. Digital products can quickly become outdated, requiring you to consistently invest time in development. Customer support can also be a hassle since users may run into issues or have questions that need immediate attention.

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 fantastic way to connect with your audience and drive revenue. For business bloggers, they offer a direct line to subscribers who are interested in your insights and products. You can share valuable content while also promoting services, products, or affiliate offers—all of which can lead to monetization opportunities.

To get started, ensure that your blog has visible sign-up forms for your newsletter. Offering incentives for subscribing, like exclusive content or discounts, can greatly increase your subscriber numbers. Once you have an audience, create regular newsletters that provide real value, such as industry insights, tips, or unique viewpoints. This keeps your audience engaged and more willing to act on your monetization strategies.

While building your email list, focus on segmentation. This allows you to tailor your marketing offers to specific subscriber groups, enhancing the likelihood of conversions. For example, if you provide business consulting services, you can segment your list between small business owners and corporate executives. This enables more personalized outreach, ultimately driving sales.

Moreover, consider incorporating sponsored content or ads within your newsletters. Partnering with complementary brands can provide mutual benefits while creating additional income streams. Exclusive promotions for your audience can encourage them to purchase services or products they might not have considered before.

Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Business Bloggers

• Pros:
  • Direct Communication: You maintain control over how and when you communicate with your audience, without relying on social media algorithms.
  • High Engagement Rates: Email generally sees higher engagement rates compared to social media posts, leading to better potential monetization.
  • Segmentation: You can segment your audience based on their interests, allowing for targeted marketing that can boost sales.
• Cons:
  • Time-Intensive: Crafting quality content that resonates with subscribers can be time-consuming.
  • Requires Maintenance: List maintenance is essential, as inactive subscribers need to be purged for better engagement rates.
  • Regulatory Requirements: Email marketing is subject to laws like GDPR, necessitating a good understanding of guidelines to avoid fines.

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 definitely some highs and lows to consider. One major pro is flexibility. You can choose your hours and tailor your services to meet client needs. This allows for a healthy work-life balance. Plus, if you've built a loyal readership, you already have a solid foundation for attracting clients.

On the downside, selling consulting services can feel overwhelming. You have to juggle marketing, client communication, and actual service delivery. It can be tough to wear so many hats. Additionally, depending on your niche, competition can be fierce, making it hard to stand out and attract business.

Another benefit is the potential for high earnings. Consulting often has a good profit margin compared to regular blogging revenue. If you position yourself as an expert, clients may be willing to pay top dollar for your insights. On the flip side, income can be inconsistent. Finding clients and establishing a steady stream of consulting work may take time and effort.

Overall, while selling consulting services can open many doors, it comes with its own unique set of challenges. Understanding both sides can help you navigate the landscape effectively.

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 now know various ways to monetize your business blog. But I've got one last tip for you:

Mix it up!

Diversifying your income sources is key to a stable future for your blog. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket! If you’re using affiliate marketing, displaying ads, and selling your own products, you're protected. For instance, if Amazon cuts its commissions, you won’t feel the hit as much.

By taking a multi-faceted approach, and with a bit of effort and smart planning, you’ll be well on your way to earning what your blog truly 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.