Starting a Christian blog involves a bunch of first steps like picking a domain, setting up WordPress, and posting your first articles. But after mastering the basics, it's time to dive into monetizing your Christian blog.
Trust me, figuring out how to make money from your blog can be as thrilling as your first post!
Whether you're just beginning or you're already a known Christian blogger, I've got some great ways for you to turn your passion into profit. Let's explore these methods one by one.
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
Hey there! If you're into Christian blogging, there's a neat variety of affiliate products you can recommend. These can resonate well with your audience while also helping you earn some commission. Here’s a quick list:
- Bibles and Devotionals: These are essentials for any Christian. You can find affiliate programs for beautifully bound Bibles, study Bibles, or thematic devotionals.
- Christian Books: From theology to Christian living, there's a wide range of books. Promote current bestsellers, classics, or niche specific books like Christian parenting or marriage.
- Christian Music: Recommend everything from contemporary Christian bands to traditional hymns. Music is a big part of many believers' lives.
- Church Supplies: Think communion items, church décor, and even robes. These products are often reordered, providing recurring income.
- Faith-based Apparel: T-shirts, hats, and jewelry with Christian messages can be popular, especially around holidays or special church events.
- Online Courses: Courses on Bible study methods, Christian leadership, or family life are always in demand. They offer deep insights and practical advice.
- Charitable Gifts: Promote products where a portion of the proceeds goes to charity. These resonate well as they mirror Christian values of giving and compassion.
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 great way for Christian bloggers to monetize their content while promoting products and services that align with their values. By partnering with companies that match their ethical standards, bloggers can earn commissions without compromising their beliefs. This synergy not only enhances the blog's credibility but also strengthens the trust among its audience, which is crucial in the Christian community.
However, one of the main challenges is finding the right affiliate programs that truly reflect Christian values. It's important to thoroughly vet potential affiliates to ensure their products and business practices don't conflict with Christian teachings. This due diligence is key to maintaining integrity and trustworthiness in the eyes of your readers.
Another consideration is the potential for over-commercialization. If a blog becomes too focused on affiliate marketing, it might detract from its spiritual message or alienate readers who come for guidance and inspiration rather than shopping tips. Striking the right balance between monetization and mission is essential to keep the blog authentic and engaging.
Overall, while affiliate marketing offers a viable financial path for Christian bloggers, it requires careful selection and strategic implementation to align with both financial goals and spiritual commitments. When done right, it can enhance the blog's value and reach, providing both material and spiritual rewards.
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
Display ads can be a powerful tool for Christian bloggers looking to monetize their content. By placing these visual ads on your blog, you can earn revenue based on views or clicks, which can support your blogging journey financially. This is especially useful when your blog starts attracting a larger audience, providing a steady stream of income that can help cover hosting fees, content creation costs, or even charitable donations.
However, it's important to consider the content of the ads themselves. Since display ads are typically managed by networks, you might not always have complete control over which ads appear on your blog. For Christian bloggers, this can mean the occasional mismatch between an ad's content and your blog's Christian values. It’s vital to choose ad networks that allow you to filter categories and ensure that the ads are appropriate for your audience.
Another key consideration is the impact on user experience. Display ads can sometimes intrude on the clean, focused design of your blog, potentially distracting readers from your message. They can also slow down your site’s loading time, which might frustrate visitors and reduce engagement. Balancing monetization with a seamless user experience is crucial.
Finally, using display ads requires a strategic approach to placement and size to ensure they are effective without being overpowering. Optimal ad placement can lead to better engagement rates and higher revenue, while poor placement could drive readers away. Regularly reviewing performance metrics like click-through rates and adjusting your strategy accordingly will help maximize the benefits of using display ads on your Christian blog.
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.
Here are some great digital products you can sell on your Christian blog:
- Devotional eBooks: Daily or thematic guides to scripture and prayer, perfect for personal growth.
- Online Courses: Teach Biblical studies, Christian living, or church history in a structured format.
- Bible Study Guides: PDFs or downloadable materials that facilitate deeper Bible understanding.
- Printable Artwork: Inspirational quotes and scripture verses in beautiful fonts and designs.
- Christian Music and Podcasts: Original songs, hymns, or sermon-based podcasts for spiritual enrichment.
- Prayer Journals: Interactive PDFs that guide users in their prayer life and spiritual reflections.
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 major pros of selling digital products as a Christian blogger is the ability to generate a passive income stream. Once a digital product like an eBook, webinar, or course is created, it can be sold repeatedly without much additional effort. This allows bloggers to continue spreading their message while also securing financial stability.
Another advantage is the global reach digital products offer. Christian bloggers can share their faith-inspired content with people around the world, not just those who can physically attend church or local events. This broadens their impact and provides a platform for deepening faith discussions internationally.
However, there are cons to consider as well. The digital market is highly competitive, and standing out can be challenging. Christian bloggers must ensure their products are not only high-quality but also uniquely tied to their personal brand and message, which requires strategic marketing and a deep understanding of their audience’s needs.
Additionally, the technical aspects of creating and selling digital products can be daunting for some. Managing online sales platforms, ensuring secure payment methods, and providing customer support are tasks that might require new skills or hiring professionals, potentially increasing the upfront investment.
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 powerful tool for engagement, allowing bloggers to stay connected with their audience by delivering content directly to their inboxes. For Christian bloggers, this means an opportunity to share inspirational content, updates on community events, or devotional messages consistently. By monetizing an email newsletter, you can turn this regular engagement into a viable revenue stream.
Firstly, consider integrating sponsored content within your newsletters. This can include advertisements from Christian businesses or faith-based organizations that align with your blog's values and resonate with your audience. Ensure these promotions feel natural and add value to your reader's experience rather than detracting from it.
Another effective strategy is offering exclusive content or resources for a subscription fee. This could be in-depth Bible studies, eBooks, or video series that delve deeper into topics discussed on your blog. Subscribers might be more willing to pay for content that aids their spiritual growth and helps them connect more deeply with their faith.
Lastly, use your email newsletter to promote merchandise related to your blog, like apparel, stickers, or posters with Christian messages. This not only helps in monetizing but also spreads the word about your blog through physical items that carry its message.
Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Christian Bloggers
- Pros:
- Direct Engagement: Regular contact with subscribers fosters a strong community and keeps your audience engaged with your content.
- Control Over Content: Unlike social media algorithms, email newsletters allow you to control exactly what content your audience sees, ensuring your messages are delivered as intended.
- Targeted Outreach: Segmenting your email list can help you tailor messages to specific groups within your audience, making content more relevant and personal.
- Cons:
- Time Consuming: Creating engaging and valuable content regularly can be time-consuming.
- Risk of Unsubscription: If not executed properly, frequent emails may lead to subscribers opting out due to perceived spamminess.
- Initial Growth Slow: Building a substantial email list to monetize effectively can initially be slow and requires persistent effort and patience.
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
One major advantage of selling consulting services for Christian bloggers is the ability to monetize their expertise and passion. By offering tailored advice, coaching, or strategy sessions, bloggers can generate a steady income while helping others grow spiritually and professionally. This not only enhances their credibility but also establishes them as thought leaders within the Christian community.
However, there are challenges to consider. Consulting requires a significant time investment, often pulling bloggers away from their primary task of content creation. Balancing both roles can be stressful and might lead to burnout if not managed properly. Moreover, the niche focus on Christianity may limit the audience size, potentially reducing the number of potential clients compared to more secular niches.
From a technical standpoint, Christian bloggers venturing into consulting need to be adept at various digital tools for communication and management, such as video conferencing software and project management applications. This might require additional training and investment, which can be a hurdle for those who are not technically savvy.
Lastly, establishing trust and authenticity in the market is crucial. Christian bloggers must adhere strictly to ethical standards and maintain a genuine approach to avoid skepticism from their audience. This integrity is essential not just for business success but for personal and spiritual satisfaction as well.
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 we've explored various steps to monetize your Christian blog, here's a bonus tip: diversify your income sources! Utilizing multiple monetization strategies like affiliate marketing, display ads, and selling your own products can safeguard your blog's financial future. Even if one income stream falters, others can keep your earnings stable. So, with dedication and thoughtful planning, you're all set to boost your blog's revenue. Good luck!
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.
