Starting a Christian blog is all about learning the ropes first. You’ll need to register a domain, set up WordPress, and learn to write and publish posts. But once you’ve got that down, it’s time to talk about how to monetize your Christian blog.
Trust me, this part is going to be the most exciting aspect of your blogging journey.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been blogging for a while, there are plenty of ways to make money. These monetization strategies will help you turn your passion into a thriving business. Let’s dive into each method!
Why You Can Trust Our Christian Blog Monetization Guide
Lasso is installed on over 8,000 websites, including many christian blogs.
Our team has built multiple 7-figure blogs in a wide range of niches.
We have hands-on experience working with founders to grow and monetize their christian blogs.
1. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is the best monetization method for christian 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.
TIP: With all monetization methods, the rule of thumb is the easier it is to accomplish, the less money you can make, and vice versa.
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 Christian Bloggers
When you’re blogging in the Christian niche, picking the right affiliate products can help you connect with your audience and offer them genuine value. Here’s a list of products that can resonate well with Christian readers:
- Bibles: High-quality, study, or devotional bibles can help enrich readers’ faith and understanding.
- Christian Books: Recommend books from popular authors or classics that inspire spiritual growth.
- Devotionals: Daily devotionals can guide readers in their everyday spiritual practices.
- Courses and Workshops: Online courses are great for those looking to deepen their understanding of Scripture or improve their prayer life.
- Christian Music: Contemporary, worship, or gospel music can uplift spirits and enhance worship experiences.
- Faith-based Apparel: Clothing that showcases their faith can be a fun and meaningful way to express beliefs.
- Home DĂ©cor: Items like wall art or inspirational quotes can create a spiritually uplifting environment.
- Faith Journals: Journals for personal reflections or prayer notes can encourage readers to document their journey.
These products can enhance the faith experiences of your audience. Here’s why they’re worth recommending:
- Relevance: Each product aligns with the interests and needs of Christian readers, further establishing your blog's authority.
- High Quality: Many trusted brands produce these items, ensuring you recommend products that believers will appreciate.
- Engagement: Offering diverse products invites interaction, making your blog a go-to resource in the community.
- Potential for Growth: The Christian niche is ever-expanding; these products could lead to more audience engagement and conversions.
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 christian 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 christian bloggers:
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Commission Rate: $15 Per Sale
Cookie Duration: 45 Days
PureFlix is a video streaming service featuring family-friendly and Christian-focused content. It's a Christian equivalent of Netflix.
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Commission Rate: 20% - 50% Per Lead
Cookie Duration: 45 Days
eharmony is an online dating website that aims to help people find long-term relationships. Its famed 29 dimensions of compatibility are used for matching.
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Commission Rate: 13% Per Sale
Cookie Duration: 30 Days
DaySpring is the largest publisher and distributor of Christian greeting cards and also sells Christian gifts, home decor, jewelry, and more.
TIP: We maintain a database of the best affiliate programs. Click here to see the best christian affiliate programs.
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 Christian 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 christian blog. If you’re ready to start making a serious affiliate income from your christian site, sign up for Lasso today.
A WordPress plugin that lets you add, manage, and display your affiliate links from any program, including Amazon. Increase conversions. Find new affiliate link opportunities. Earn more revenue! Less than 5 minutes to set up.
Affiliate Marketing Pros and Cons for Christian Bloggers
Affiliate marketing can be a goldmine for Christian bloggers. You get to promote products that resonate with your values and that you genuinely believe in. This builds trust with your audience. When readers see you endorsing something, it feels authentic, which is a big plus in the church community.
However, there are downsides. It takes time to build up a strong affiliate marketing strategy. You need to create content that drives traffic, and that can be challenging. Plus, if you're not careful, it can come off as too salesy. You want to keep your message pure and not let the money motives overshadow your faith-based content.
Another pro is that you can earn passive income while focusing on your ministry. Even a well-placed affiliate link can generate revenue months after you post it. On the flip side, not all affiliate programs pay well or are worth your time. It’s essential to align with products that not only pay but also reflect your Christian values.
2. Display Ads
The second best way to monetize your christian blog is with display ads. Ads are the internet's favorite monetization method, but they have severe drawbacks.
How to Monetize a Christian Blog With Display Ads
Monetizing a christian 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
NOTE: WordPress is an open-source software found on WordPress.org. WordPress.com is a premium blogging platform, but you never need to pay to install WordPress on your website, even if it’s self-hosted.
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.
TIP: Optimize your display ads for user experience by using your chosen network’s software settings or talking to your account manager. Keep the ads in the sidebar and footer whenever possible.
You’ll make a lot of money in the long run if you put your readers ahead of quick profit.
Display Ad Pros And Cons For Christian Bloggers
When it comes to display ads, Christian bloggers have some distinct pros and cons to consider. On the positive side, display ads can generate passive income. Once they’re set up, you can earn money without much ongoing effort. This is especially helpful for bloggers looking to fund their ministries or charitable work.
However, one major downside is that ads can detract from your blog's message. For Christian bloggers, this can be tricky. You want to maintain a spiritual focus, but ads can sometimes clash with your values or not resonate with your audience. It's essential to choose ad networks carefully to keep your brand authentic.
Another pro is that display ads can be tailored to target your specific audience. This personalization can lead to higher engagement and click-through rates. Nevertheless, the downside is that many readers have ad blockers. This means some of your potential income might not come through if your audience is savvy at avoiding ads.
3. Digital Products
Selling your own digital products is a great way to increase your earnings per visitor in the christian niche.
A digital product is anything you can sell on your christian blog that the customer will receive via download.
Digital Products for a Christian Blog:
- Printable Bible Study Guides: Create guides that help readers dive deeper into scripture. They can be themed around specific books or topics.
- Christian E-Books: Write e-books on spiritual growth, prayer, or Christian living. These can be sold directly from your blog.
- Devotional Journals: Design fillable PDF journals for daily reflections, prayers, and gratitude lists to encourage deeper faith practices.
- Audio Sermons: Record and sell podcasts or sermon downloads that tackle relevant issues, encouraging Christians in their daily lives.
- Email Courses: Offer a series of educational emails on specific topics like prayer, studying the Bible, or understanding Christian doctrines.
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 Christian Bloggers
One of the biggest pros of selling digital products as a Christian blogger is the potential for passive income. Once you create a product, like an eBook or a devotional app, it can continue to sell without much active involvement. This frees you up to focus on content creation while still earning revenue.
Another advantage is the low overhead cost. Unlike physical products, digital goods don’t require inventory, shipping, or storage space. This makes them a more accessible option for bloggers who may be working with limited budgets.
On the flip side, competition becomes a significant challenge. The digital marketplace is crowded, so standing out with quality, value, and marketing is crucial. Christian bloggers need to find unique angles and create offerings that resonate well with their audience.
Lastly, not every reader may be willing to spend money on digital products. Some may prefer free content, which can lead to dissatisfaction if they feel pushed to buy. Balancing between providing free resources and premium products is key to maintaining reader trust and engagement.
How To Monetize a Christian 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:
Get Your FREE 20-Page Guide To Making $1000/Day From Your Niche Blog
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.
TIP: You can still use Lasso to get more clicks to your digital products. Just create a Lasso display with the link pointing to your product’s sales page.
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 christian 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 christian blog with an email newsletter and the pros and cons of email marketing for christian bloggers.
How to Monetize a Christian Blog with an Email Newsletter
Email newsletters are a fantastic way for Christian bloggers to share their messages and connect with readers. These newsletters act as direct lines of communication, allowing bloggers to send devotional materials, Bible studies, or inspirational content straight to their audience’s inboxes. When used strategically, email newsletters can become a significant revenue stream and foster a close-knit community around your blog.
First, building an email list is crucial. Start by offering something valuable to entice readers to subscribe. This could be a free eBook, a downloadable prayer guide, or exclusive access to webinars on Christian living. These offerings can be directly tied to your blog’s content, ensuring that subscribers see the value in joining your community. As your list grows, you’ll have a direct audience that is eager for your insights and recommendations.
Once you have a solid email list, you can incorporate monetization strategies into your newsletters. Consider partnering with Christian authors, organizations, or your own products that align with your faith-based content. You can promote these through dedicated newsletter sections, creating affiliate income and driving sales. Test different types of content to see what resonates most with your audience, such as devotionals, encouraging stories, or prayer prompts, which can position you as a trusted resource, all while promoting products authentically.
Furthermore, utilizing email newsletters for sponsorship opportunities can effectively monetize your blog. Businesses that align with Christian values often look for outlets to reach faith-based communities. With a well-curated newsletter and a loyal subscriber base, you can pitch sponsorship spots, where brands will pay to be featured in your emails. Just remember to keep a balance, ensuring the content remains genuine and not overly commercial to maintain trust with your audience.
Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Christian Bloggers
- Pros:
- Direct Communication: Email allows you to speak directly to your audience, fostering a personal connection.
- Targeted Content: Tailor content specifically for your audience's needs and interests, increasing engagement.
- Higher Conversion Rates: Email marketing often sees higher conversion rates compared to social media as subscribers are already interested in your content.
- Community Building: You can create a sense of belonging among your readers, which is essential in Christian blogging.
- Cons:
- Time-Consuming: Creating valuable and engaging content can take significant time and effort.
- Deliverability Issues: Emails may end up in spam folders, limiting your reach.
- Maintenance Required: Regularly managing and updating your email list is necessary to ensure high open rates.
- Possible Subscriber Fatigue: Sending too many promotional emails can lead to unsubscribing.
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 christian 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 Christian Blog With Consulting Services
Monetizing a christian 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.
TIP: Again, you can use Lasso to drive more clicks to your coaching pages. Just create a Display with a link to your sales page, and insert it into blog posts.
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 Christian Bloggers
When selling consulting services, Christian bloggers can tap into a niche audience that values faith-driven guidance. This approach can foster deep connections, leading to repeat clients. Additionally, your unique insights can help bloggers stand out and build a brand based on trust and community.
However, there are drawbacks to consider. The competition is fierce, and conveying your expertise can be challenging. Many bloggers may hesitate to spend money on services, especially if they're new to monetization. This can make it harder to convert leads into paying customers.
Another con is the emotional labor involved. Providing consulting services often means holding space for clients' vulnerabilities. It requires balancing professionalism with empathy, which can sometimes be draining. Having clear boundaries is essential to staying energized.
On the upside, you can set your rates and tailor your offerings to fit your audience’s needs. This flexibility allows for creativity in service packages. As you grow, you can expand your services, such as creating courses or workshops, diversifying your income even further.
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 MoreChristian Blog Monetization FAQs
What Is The Best Way To Make Money From Christian Blogging?
If you want to build a successful christian 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 Christian Blogging?
Absolutely! Some christian blogs, like Christianity Today and iBelieve 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 Christian Blog?
Learning how to start a christian 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 Christian Bloggers Get Paid?
Most christian 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 christian bloggers also sell sponsored posts, consulting services, or their own products. In these cases, a payment processor like PayPal or Stripe is necessary.
Is Christian Blogging Easy?
Nothing worth doing is truly easy, but that doesn’t mean christian blogging isn’t fun.
As a christian 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 Christian Blog?
It’s absolutely worth it to start a christian 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 christian-related industries will take you seriously.
Final Thoughts on Monetizing a Christian Blog
Now that you’ve learned the various ways to monetize your Christian blog, here’s one last tip: use multiple methods!
Diversifying your income is key to securing your blog's future.
If you combine affiliate marketing, display ads, and your own products, you'll be better protected if one income source falters.
With this approach, lots of hard work, and some good planning, you’ll be on your way to maximizing your earnings.
Why You Should Trust Our Christian Blogging Content
You may be thinking, "that's all great, but what does Lasso know about christian blogging?"
Quite a lot, actually.
Here's why you can trust our process for building a successful christian 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 Christian Bloggers Every Day
Lasso's WordPress plugin is installed on over 8,000 websites, including a lot of christian 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 christian 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.
