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

Starting a blog is exciting. You learn to register a domain, set up WordPress, and publish your first posts. But soon, it’s time to shift gears and explore how to monetize your business blog.

This part is where the real fun starts!

Whether you're just beginning or you've been blogging for a while, these monetization strategies can help you turn that hobby into a thriving business. Let’s dive into each method and discover how to make your blog income-generating!

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, recommending the right affiliate products can really set you apart. Here are some awesome types of products you can promote:

1. **Web Hosting Services**: Reliable hosting is crucial for any blog. Look for providers that offer fast speeds and great uptime.

2. **Email Marketing Tools**: Email is still king for building relationships. Recommend platforms that help users grow their lists effectively.

3. **SEO Tools**: Every blogger needs to optimize their content. Products that provide keyword research and site auditing features are great options.

4. **Online Course Platforms**: Many bloggers wish to sell their expertise. Promoting course platforms can help them create and sell courses easily.

5. **Content Management Systems (CMS)**: Help bloggers manage their content efficiently by recommending user-friendly CMS solutions.

6. **Graphic Design Tools**: Great visuals attract more readers. Tools that simplify design can be a huge hit.

7. **Stock Photo Libraries**: High-quality imagery is vital. Recommend places where bloggers can find images without breaking the bank.

8. **Affiliate Marketing Platforms**: Many bloggers want to earn through affiliate marketing. Directing them to platforms that connect them with brands is essential.

Here are a few reasons why these products are beneficial for bloggers:

• High Demand: Many bloggers need tools to run and grow their blogs efficiently.
• Earning Potential: Many of these products have high commissions for affiliates.
• Recurring Revenue: Some tools offer subscription models, resulting in continuous income for link placements.
• Value-Driven: Quality products enhance user experience and provide real value.

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 game-changer for bloggers. One major pro is the potential for passive income. Once you set up affiliate links in your posts, you can earn money even while you sleep. It’ll keep generating revenue as long as folks click those links and make purchases.

Another perk is the ability to promote products you genuinely believe in. This can build trust with your audience, as they'll appreciate your honest recommendations. Plus, aligning with trusted brands can enhance your blog’s credibility and authority in your niche.

However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The competition can be tough. You might be sharing space with countless other bloggers promoting the same products. It’s crucial to stand out and offer unique value to your readers.

Additionally, earning substantial commissions often takes time. You can’t expect to see a payout overnight. Building quality traffic and engagement is key, which might require a lot of upfront work and patience. Just remember, consistency is crucial in the affiliate game.

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 help generate revenue easily. If you have a good amount of traffic, you can earn money just by displaying ads. Plus, they’re visually engaging and can capture the audience's attention quickly.

However, there's a downside too. Many users find display ads intrusive or annoying. This could detract from their experience on your site. If not strategically placed, they might even lead visitors to leave, resulting in higher bounce rates.

Another point to consider is the competition within display networks. For bloggers in niche markets, it can be tough to monetize effectively. Your ads might be overlooked in favor of bigger brands, which can decrease potential earnings significantly.

It's essential to strike a balance. Choosing the right ad placements and monitoring user engagement can help maximize the benefits while minimizing the drawbacks. Test different formats and placements to see what works best for your specific audience and goals.

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:

• eBooks: Share your expertise. Write an easy-to-read guide that helps your audience solve a problem.
• Online Courses: Create video or text lessons. Teach topics your audience wants to learn more about.
• Templates and Checklists: Design downloadable tools. Help people streamline their tasks with ready-to-use resources.
• Webinars: Host live sessions. Engage your audience while sharing valuable insights and experiences.
• Stock Photos or Graphics: If you’re savvy with a camera or design software, sell unique visual content for blogs and social media.

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 real game changer for business bloggers. One of the biggest pros is the low overhead. You don’t need inventory or shipping, which means you keep more of your profits. Plus, once you create a digital product, it can continue to sell while you focus on other tasks.

On the flip side, the competition is fierce. Many bloggers are also trying to sell digital products, so standing out can be tough. Additionally, marketing takes time and effort. You’ll need to actively promote your product to boost visibility and drive sales.

Another benefit is the potential for passive income. Once your product is set up and marketed, it can generate revenue even when you’re not working. However, don't forget that this requires an initial investment of time to create something valuable that resonates with your audience.

Lastly, customer feedback can be a double-edged sword. It's great to learn what works and what doesn’t. But negative reviews can sting and impact your reputation. Balancing this feedback with excellent customer service is crucial to your long-term success.

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 powerful tools for business bloggers looking to connect with their audience. They allow you to share your insights, promote products, and keep your readers engaged. With a well-planned email strategy, you can efficiently drive traffic back to your blog and boost your conversions—all while providing value to your subscribers. Let's dive into how you can use this method to monetize your business blog effectively.

The first step in monetizing your business blog through an email newsletter is to build a strong subscriber list. Offer incentives, like exclusive content or free resources, to encourage visitors to sign up. As a business blogger, you should focus on what your audience craves. Tailor your content to their needs—whether that's industry tips, product updates, or case studies. Once they see the value in your emails, they'll be more likely to stay subscribed and engage with your offerings.

Next, create compelling email content that keeps your subscribers intrigued. Mix informative articles with promotional material featuring your products or services. For instance, if you’re offering a new online course, share snippets of how it can benefit them, or include testimonials from satisfied customers. You can also introduce affiliate products related to your blog's niche. This way, you can earn commissions while delivering value to your audience.

Finally, analyze your newsletter performance regularly. Keep an eye on open rates, click-through rates, and conversion rates. This data is gold for a business blogger. It lets you fine-tune your approach, so you can maximize your revenue potential while maintaining your readers' interest. Always remember: the goal is to create a symbiotic relationship between monetization and value delivery.

Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Business Bloggers

• Pros:
  • Direct Communication: Your emails land straight in your subscriber's inbox, ensuring they see your content and offers.
  • Targeted Marketing: You can segment your subscribers based on their interests, making your marketing efforts more effective.
  • High ROI: Email marketing typically offers a better return on investment compared to many other forms of marketing.
  • Build Relationships: Regular newsletters help foster loyalty and trust with your audience, creating long-term followers.
• Cons:
  • Competition for Attention: Many emails go unread. Crafting a standout email is essential but can be challenging.
  • Subscriber Fatigue: Overloading your subscribers with emails may lead to higher unsubscribe rates.
  • Technical Hurdles: Setting up and maintaining an email marketing system can be technically daunting for some.
  • Spam Concerns: Your emails may get flagged as spam, especially if you haven’t built trust with your audience.

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, one of the biggest pros is the ability to monetize your expertise. Business bloggers often have valuable insights, and turning these into a consulting offer can create a new revenue stream. You set your rates and decide how much value your knowledge brings to clients. Plus, it’s flexible. You can tailor your services to fit your schedule and needs.

On the flip side, there's the challenge of building credibility. Many potential clients might hesitate to invest in you, especially if you’re starting out. You need to showcase your knowledge effectively and build trust over time. This might mean giving away free advice initially or creating valuable content that showcases your expertise.

Another con is the workload. Consulting requires not just sharing knowledge but also managing client relationships, delivering on promises, and handling administrative tasks. If you’re already running a blog, adding consulting might lead to burnout if not managed wisely. Balancing both can be tricky.

Lastly, there’s competition. Other consultants are reaching out to the same audience, so you need a clear differentiator. You want potential clients to choose you over others. Understand your niche and what makes your approach unique. This can help you stand out and attract the right clients.

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

You've explored all the ways to monetize your business blog step-by-step. Here’s a bonus tip for you:

Use multiple monetization methods!

Diversity is key. By having different income streams, you’ll protect your business’s future.

If you promote affiliate offers, use display ads, and sell your own products, you won't be as affected if one revenue source changes.

With this multi-tiered approach, lots of hard work, and smart planning, you’ll be on your way to earning the income your blog 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.