How to Monetize a Christian Blog: Preaching Profits

When you dive into blogging, there’s a lot to figure out. From registering a domain to setting up WordPress and crafting posts, it can feel like a lot. But once you have a handle on the basics, it’s time to explore how to monetize your Christian blog.

Trust me, this part is going to be a blast!

Whether you’re just starting out or you've been around the block, these monetization strategies can help turn your passion for sharing faith into a profitable venture. Let’s break down each method together.

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.

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

If you're diving into the Christian blogging world and looking for affiliate products to promote, you're in luck! Here’s a quick rundown of some awesome options to consider:

1. **Bible Studies**: There are many workbooks and online courses focused on Bible studies that can help deepen faith. They cater to all age groups and levels of understanding.

2. **Christian Books**: From devotionals to fiction, recommending popular Christian authors can be a hit. These often resonate strongly with your audience.

3. **Faith-Based Merchandise**: Items like apparel, mugs, and wall art featuring biblical verses or inspirational quotes can attract non-stop attention.

4. **Subscription Boxes**: Monthly Christian-themed subscription boxes with curated products for faith and well-being can be a delightful surprise for your readers.

5. **Prayer Journals**: Offering tools that help with prayer and reflection can be empowering for your audience's walk with God.

6. **Devotional Apps**: Promoting digital tools and apps that provide daily devotionals is great for tech-savvy believers.

Why recommend these products?

• Relevance: These products often cater directly to the spiritual needs of your audience, making them more likely to engage.
• Quality Content: Many of these offerings come from reputable organizations or authors, ensuring your audience gets quality insights.
• Variety: There's a wide range of options to fit different interests and budgets, appealing to a larger audience.
• Loyalty: Faith-driven consumers tend to be loyal to brands that align with their beliefs, encouraging repeat purchases.
• Impact: Many of these products can have a profound impact, helping individuals grow in their faith and relationship with God.

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:

1. PureFlix

   

   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.

2. eharmony

   

   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.

3. DaySpring

   

   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.

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.

Affiliate Marketing Pros and Cons for Christian Bloggers

Affiliate marketing can be a great opportunity for Christian bloggers. It allows them to earn income by promoting products that align with their values. You can choose companies that reflect your faith, making the process more authentic. Plus, manyChristian bloggers find relevant affiliate programs that resonate with their audience.

However, there are some downsides to consider. Promoting the wrong products can damage your credibility. If your audience feels you’re only in it for the money, they might lose trust in your content. It’s essential to be transparent about your affiliate partnerships to maintain that trust.

Another challenge is the initial work required to set everything up. You’ll need to research and apply to affiliate programs, create content, and track your results. While this might be daunting at first, once you get the hang of it, it can lead to passive income over time.

Ultimately, find a balance that works for you. Use affiliate marketing as a tool to support your mission. When done right, it can serve both your financial goals and your commitment to 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

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 Christian Bloggers

Display ads can be a mixed bag for Christian bloggers. On the one hand, they offer a way to generate passive income. When placed correctly, these ads can complement your content without overwhelming your audience. They can potentially attract new visitors who find your site appealing through the ads they're clicking on.

However, there are downsides. Many Christian bloggers worry that display ads may clash with their message. If an ad promotes something that’s not aligned with Christ's values, it can turn readers away. Plus, there’s the constant struggle to balance monetization with content quality.

Another challenge is ad blindness. Many people have learned to ignore ads, which can affect your earnings. You might be better off focusing on organic outreach or affiliate marketing to connect with your audience genuinely. It’s essential to weigh the benefits against these potential setbacks.

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 to Sell on a Christian Blog:

• Printable Bible Study Guides: Offer downloadable PDFs to help readers deepen their understanding of the Scriptures.
• Christian Devotional eBooks: Create eBooks filled with daily devotionals, prayers, and reflections.
• Online Courses: Develop courses on topics like spiritual growth, prayer strategies, or biblical literacy.
• Faith-Inspired Art Prints: Sell digital downloads of encouraging quotes and beautiful scripture designs.
• Sermon Notes Templates: Provide customizable templates for taking notes during sermons or personal study.

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

Selling digital products can be a rewarding venture for Christian bloggers. One of the biggest pros is the potential for passive income. Once you create a digital product like an eBook or a course, you can sell it repeatedly without much additional effort. This allows you to focus on your blog's content and your ministry without constantly worrying about time-consuming prоjects.

Another advantage is the flexibility that digital products offer. You can work from anywhere, set your own schedule, and choose what to create based on your audience’s needs. This aligns beautifully with the ability to share your faith and vision in a format that resonates with others.

However, there are some downsides. It requires an upfront investment of time and possibly money to develop quality products that meet your audience's expectations. Additionally, the market can be competitive. Standing out means not just creating excellent content but also effectively marketing it, which can feel overwhelming for some bloggers.

Lastly, there's the risk of burnout. Balancing content creation and product development while managing your spiritual responsibilities can lead to fatigue. It’s essential to maintain your personal well-being to avoid compromising your ministry's quality.

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:

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 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 perfect way for Christian bloggers to connect with their audience. They allow you to share insights, devotionals, and news right in your followers' inboxes. Plus, emails can be monetized through various means that can align seamlessly with your faith-based message.

The first step to monetizing your Christian blog through an email newsletter is growing your subscriber list. Offer a free downloadable resource, like a faith-based eBook or a prayer guide. This will incentivize visitors to sign up. When they subscribe, they not only receive valuable content, but they are also nurturing a relationship with you as their trusted spiritual guide.

Once you have an engaged audience, you can start including sponsored content or affiliate links in your emails. These might be for Christian books, products, or courses that align with your messaging. Since your audience trusts your recommendations, they’re more likely to make a purchase, which means you can earn commissions or receive sponsorship funds.

Another monetization avenue is selling your own products. Whether it’s merchandise, study guides, or even courses, your newsletter is an excellent platform for promotion. By sharing inspiring testimonials and the impact of your creations, you can encourage your subscribers to invest in their spiritual growth.

Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Christian Bloggers

• Pros:
  • Direct Communication: You reach your audience without distractions or algorithms getting in the way.
  • High Engagement: Subscribers are often more engaged and likely to support monetized content.
  • Community Building: Nurtures a sense of belonging among your readers.
  • Revenue Opportunities: Multiple monetization channels through affiliate marketing, sponsorships, or selling your products.
• Cons:
  • Time-Consuming: Building and maintaining an email list requires consistent effort.
  • Subscriber Management: You’ll need to manage unsubscribes and ensure compliance with privacy laws.
  • Content Saturation: Inbox competition is intense, so you must provide consistently valuable content.

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.

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

There are definitely pros to selling consulting services as a Christian blogger. For starters, you can connect deeply with your audience. By offering guidance and advice, you create a sense of community and trust. Many Christian bloggers take on multiple clients, allowing for diverse interactions while reinforcing their ministry. It’s a great way to share your faith and expertise in a way that resonates.

However, there are also some cons to consider. Selling services requires time and effort, which can be challenging when balancing content creation. You might face difficulties in pricing your services fairly, especially if you’re just starting out. Plus, there’s the pressure to constantly deliver value, which can lead to burnout.

It's also important to note that not everyone might be willing to pay for consulting services. Some may expect help for free, which can lead to frustration. Additionally, the competition in this space can be tough, as many Christian bloggers offer similar services. It’s essential to carve out your niche and truly understand your unique value.

Christian 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

Congratulations! You’ve learned all the ways to monetize your Christian blog step-by-step.

Now, here’s a bonus tip for you: use multiple monetization methods!

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

When you mix affiliate offers, display ads, and your own products, you protect your blog from sudden changes, like cuts in Amazon's commission rates.

With this multi-faceted approach, a bit of hard work, and some planning, you'll be on the right path to earning what your blog truly deserves!

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.