How to Monetize a Counseling Blog and Find Therapeutic Earnings

Starting a counseling blog is exciting, but there’s a lot to figure out. You’ve got to pick a domain, set up WordPress, and start creating content. Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to focus on monetization.

I promise, this is going to be the most rewarding part of your blogging journey.

Whether you're just starting out or you're already a well-known counseling blogger, there are plenty of ways to make money from your passion. Let’s dive into some effective strategies to transform your blog into a thriving business.

1. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is the best monetization method for counseling 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 Counseling Bloggers

Hey there! If you're diving into the counseling blogging niche, recommending the right affiliate products can truly enhance your content. Here are some great options that fit well within your space:

1. Online Therapy Platforms: These tools connect clients with licensed therapists for virtual sessions. It’s perfect for those who prefer remote counseling. Examples include BetterHelp and Talkspace.

2. Self-Help Books: Books focused on mental health topics can provide readers with valuable insights. Think about titles related to anxiety management, mindfulness, or cognitive behavioral therapy.

3. Journaling Supplies: Beautiful journals or guided journals can encourage self-reflection and emotional processing. Pair it with a good set of pens to make it appealing.

4. Courses and Webinars: Recommend online courses that focus on personal development, coping strategies, or relationship skills. Platforms like Udemy or Coursera have a plethora of great options.

5. Meditation and Mindfulness Apps: Apps like Headspace or Calm help users manage stress and improve mental well-being. These are highly sought after within your audience.

6. Counseling Resources for Therapists: Offer products like practice management software, continuing education courses, and therapeutic tools. These resources can be highly beneficial for professional counselors.

Here’s why these affiliate products are great for your audience:

• Relevance: They align perfectly with your niche, making it easy for readers to relate.
• Value: These products offer genuine help and support for mental well-being.
• Recurring Income: Many platforms offer subscription models, which means ongoing commissions.
• Trustworthy Brands: Established companies have brand recognition and authority, increasing the likelihood of conversions.
• Diverse Options: A variety of products means you can cater to different reader needs and preferences.

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 counseling 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 counseling bloggers:

1. SelfDecode

   

   Commission Rate: up to 25%

   Cookie Duration: 90 days

   SelfDecode combines your DNA, labs and lifestyle to provide you with personalized recommendations based on 350+ health risks.

2. Loka Yoga School

   

   Commission Rate: 40%

   Cookie Duration: 30 days

   Loka Yoga School are world-renowned leading experts in yoga, breathwork and meditation. Their courses are internationally certified and accredited with Yoga Alliance.

3. Sunday Scaries

   

   Commission Rate: $50 per sale

   Cookie Duration: 90 Days

   Sunday Scaries is a leading CBD brand, providing stress relief CBD products for humans and their pets, using high-quality ingredients.

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 Counseling 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 counseling blog. If you’re ready to start making a serious affiliate income from your counseling site, sign up for Lasso today.

Affiliate Marketing Pros and Cons for Counseling Bloggers

Affiliate marketing offers some great benefits for counseling bloggers. First, it’s a way to monetize your content without the pressure of creating your own products. You can promote resources, books, or courses that resonate with your readers, and earn a commission for each sale made through your links.

However, there are drawbacks to consider. It may take time to build trust with your audience. If they feel you're promoting products for profit rather than genuine recommendation, it can hurt your credibility. Balancing authenticity and revenue can be tricky, especially in the sensitive field of counseling.

Another con is the potential for earning variability. The income from affiliate marketing can be unpredictable, especially if you’re just starting out. Relying solely on commissions may not provide the financial stability many bloggers need. It's essential to have a diverse income strategy to mitigate this risk.

2. Display Ads

The second best way to monetize your counseling blog is with display ads. Ads are the internet's favorite monetization method, but they have severe drawbacks.

How to Monetize a Counseling Blog With Display Ads

Monetizing a counseling 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 Counseling Bloggers

Display ads can be a double-edged sword for counseling bloggers. On the upside, they offer a steady stream of potential revenue. If your blog attracts a lot of traffic, you can earn money just by letting these ads run. It’s a great way to monetize your content without having to sell products or services directly.

However, there are some downsides. Many readers find display ads intrusive, especially if they disrupt the user experience. They can make your blog look cluttered or unprofessional. This might drive away visitors who are looking for a calming and supportive place to seek help.

Additionally, not all ads are created equal. It’s possible to have ads that don't align with the values of your counseling practice, which can dilute your brand's message. Choosing the right ad network and maintaining control over the types of ads shown is crucial for staying authentic and relevant in the field.

3. Digital Products

Selling your own digital products is a great way to increase your earnings per visitor in the counseling niche.

A digital product is anything you can sell on your counseling blog that the customer will receive via download.

Digital Products to Sell on a Counseling Blog:

• E-books: Write about common mental health issues with practical tips for readers.
• Worksheets: Create fillable PDFs for self-reflection and coping strategies.
• Guided Meditations: Offer downloadable audio recordings for relaxation and mindfulness.
• Online Courses: Develop structured courses on topics like stress management or effective communication.
• Webinars: Host live or recorded sessions discussing various mental health topics, allowing for audience interaction.
• Resource Guides: Curate lists of helpful books, websites, and tools that readers can use for support.

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 Counseling Bloggers

Selling digital products as a counseling blogger can be a game-changer. One significant pro is the potential for passive income. Once you create your product, like an e-book or online course, it can generate sales without constant effort. This lets you focus on what you love—counseling and connecting with clients.

Another advantage is the ability to reach a broader audience. Unlike in-person sessions, digital products can be sold to anyone, anywhere. This opens doors to clients you wouldn’t normally reach, allowing your expertise to spread beyond your local community.

However, it's not all sunshine. One key con is the competition. The digital market is saturated. You might need to invest time and resources into marketing your products to stand out. Additionally, creating high-quality material requires expertise and effort, which can be challenging for someone who is mainly focused on client work.

Lastly, there's the issue of tech skills. Not everyone is comfortable with the digital side of things. Setting up an online store or managing payment systems can feel overwhelming. If you aren’t tech-savvy, you may need to learn or hire help, adding to your initial costs.

How To Monetize a Counseling 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 counseling 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 counseling blog with an email newsletter and the pros and cons of email marketing for counseling bloggers.

How to Monetize a Counseling Blog with an Email Newsletter

Email newsletters are a fantastic way for counseling bloggers to connect with their audience. They allow you to share insights, tips, and valuable resources directly in your readers' inboxes. Plus, with an email list, you remain in control of your audience. You aren’t at the mercy of social media algorithms that might hide your content. Now, let’s dive into how you can monetize your counseling blog through an email newsletter.

First, start by building a loyal subscriber list. Use enticing lead magnets like free e-books on coping strategies or worksheets for managing anxiety. These help in creating a worthwhile exchange; users sign up for your newsletter to receive valuable content. Once you have a solid subscriber base, you can introduce sponsored content or affiliate marketing. Each newsletter offers a prime spot to feature products or services relevant to your audience, such as therapy tools or self-help books, while generating income.

Next, consider offering premium content or services through your newsletter. This could be exclusive webinars, online courses, or one-on-one coaching sessions that go in-depth into specific areas of counseling. Subscription-based content can add a steady revenue stream while providing value that builds further trust with your audience. By sharing personal stories, listener questions, and insights, you nurture a community that’s eager to explore more of what you offer.

Lastly, use your email newsletter to create stand-alone products like mindfulness exercises or session materials. Market these directly in your newsletters or provide limited-time offers to create urgency. The key is to highlight how these materials can benefit your readers and enhance their journeys toward healing. With regular, thoughtful engagement, your newsletters can become a significant source of monetization for your counseling blog.

Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Counseling Bloggers

• Pros:
  • Direct Engagement: Email allows you to communicate directly with your audience, building personal connections.
  • Controlled Reach: You maintain a list of subscribers, so you can ensure your content reaches them regardless of social media trends.
  • High Conversion Rates: Emails tend to have higher engagement than social media posts, potentially leading to better monetization opportunities.
• Cons:
  • Management Time: Building and creating content for an email list can be time-consuming.
  • Risk of Unsubscribes: If your content isn’t valuable, subscribers may leave, affecting your audience size.
  • Technical Issues: Handling email platforms and ensuring your emails don’t end up in spam can be tricky.

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 counseling 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 Counseling Blog With Consulting Services

Monetizing a counseling 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 Counseling Bloggers

Selling consulting services for counseling bloggers has its ups and downs. One major pro is the flexibility it offers. You get to decide your schedule and how much you want to earn. This can be a huge benefit for those who want to balance multiple projects or personal commitments.

On the flip side, marketing your services can be tough. You may struggle to find clients, especially if you're just starting out. Building a reputation takes time, and you’ll need to consistently market yourself to stand out in a saturated field.

Another advantage is the opportunity for ongoing client relationships. A satisfied client may return for more sessions or refer others to you, creating a reliable income stream. However, consulting entails constant learning and adapting, which can be stressful if you’re not prepared to keep your skills sharp.

Ultimately, it’s about finding what works for you. If you enjoy helping others and have a knack for navigating challenges, selling consulting services can be a rewarding venture. However, be ready to face the realities of self-employment too.

Counseling Blog Monetization FAQs

What Is The Best Way To Make Money From Counseling Blogging?

If you want to build a successful counseling 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 Counseling Blogging?

Absolutely! Some counseling blogs, like Ashley Turner and Good Therapy 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 Counseling Blog?

Learning how to start a counseling 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 Counseling Bloggers Get Paid?

Most counseling 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 counseling bloggers also sell sponsored posts, consulting services, or their own products. In these cases, a payment processor like PayPal or Stripe is necessary.

Is Counseling Blogging Easy?

Nothing worth doing is truly easy, but that doesn’t mean counseling blogging isn’t fun.

As a counseling 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 Counseling Blog?

It’s absolutely worth it to start a counseling 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 counseling-related industries will take you seriously.

Final Thoughts on Monetizing a Counseling Blog

Now that you know how to monetize your counseling blog, I have one last tip for you:

Consider using multiple ways to make money!

Diversifying your income streams is the best way to ensure your business stays strong.

If you combine affiliate promotions, display ads, and your own products, you'll be better protected against any sudden changes.

With this layered strategy, some hard work, and a bit of planning, you’ll be on your way to earning what your blog truly deserves.

Why You Should Trust Our Counseling Blogging Content

You may be thinking, "that's all great, but what does Lasso know about counseling blogging?"

Quite a lot, actually.

Here's why you can trust our process for building a successful counseling 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 Counseling Bloggers Every Day

Lasso's WordPress plugin is installed on over 8,000 websites, including a lot of counseling 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 counseling 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.