How to Monetize a Coupon Blog and Clip Your Way to Cash

Starting a coupon blog? There’s a lot to discover: setting up your domain, installing WordPress, creating content, and more.

But once you have the basics down, it’s time to dive into how to monetize your blog.

This part is where the fun really begins!

Whether you're just starting out or you're already a coupon pro, I've got some great methods to help you transform your hobby into a thriving business.

Let’s take a closer look at how to make money with your coupon blog!

1. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is the best monetization method for coupon 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 Coupon Bloggers

When diving into the coupon blogging niche, you'll want to recommend products that resonate with your audience. Here’s a quick list of various affiliate products you might consider:

• Coupon Sites: Platforms like Rakuten and Honey give users cashback and coupon codes. They’re trusted sources for deals.
• Deal Aggregators: Websites that gather offers from multiple retailers attract bargain hunters looking for the best prices, such as Slickdeals.
• Subscription Services: Meal kits, beauty boxes, or streaming services often offer first-time discounts, appealing to savvy shoppers.
• Finance Tools: Credit score apps or budgeting tools that provide referrals for users to save money along with promotional discounts.
• Retailer-Specific Coupons: Partnering with major retailers to share their exclusive offers, like Target or Macy's, can attract followers hunting for savings.

Here are some key reasons to recommend these products:

• High Engagement: Coupon products attract enthusiastic readers who are keen on saving money.
• Recurring Revenue: Subscriptions create long-term income potential from affiliate programs.
• Proven Trust: Popular coupon sites have established trust with users, making it easier for them to act on your recommendations.
• Easy Promotion: Many platforms offer ready-made banners and links, simplifying your promotional efforts.
• Diverse Offerings: There’s a wide range of affiliate options, catering to different shopper 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 coupon 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 coupon bloggers:

1. Academic Superstore

   

   Commission Rate: 4% Per Sale

   Cookie Duration: 45 Days

   Find academic edition software discounts for students, teachers, and schools. Educational pricing available.

2. Points

   

   Commission Rate: 1.25% - 10% Per Sale

   Cookie Duration: 15 Days

   Points.com allows you to manage all your different loyalty programs from one interface. Even exchange and redeem points for other things.

3. Ibotta

   

   Commission Rate: $2 Per Referral

   Cookie Duration: Unknown

   Ibotta is a free app that rewards you for purchases you already make. Get cash when shopping in-store. Online shoppers earn via their web portal.

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

Affiliate Marketing Pros and Cons for Coupon Bloggers

Affiliate marketing can be a goldmine for bloggers. It offers a way to monetize your blog without creating your own products. With each sale made through your unique referral links, you can earn a commission. The more traffic and engagement you have, the better your potential earnings.

However, not everything is rosy. Competition can be fierce. You’re not just competing with other bloggers but also with established brands. It can take time to build authority and trust in your niche, and that’s essential for driving conversions. Trust me, people buy from those they trust!

Another downside is the constant need for updates. Affiliate programs change their terms and commissions often. You need to stay on top of these changes to ensure you’re promoting the best deals. Some programmers might also have a lengthy approval process, which can delay your ability to earn.

Overall, balancing both pros and cons is crucial. Being aware of them will help you tailor your approach. Continuous learning and adapting is key to thriving in the affiliate marketing landscape.

2. Display Ads

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

How to Monetize a Coupon Blog With Display Ads

Monetizing a coupon 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 Coupon Bloggers

Display ads can be a mixed bag for coupon bloggers. On one side, they provide a steady income stream without needing to create new content. When readers visit your site, they see ads that can lead to clicks, which means pays for you. This can be particularly beneficial if you've already built a loyal audience.

On the flip side, too many display ads can clutter your site. This might annoy guests and turn them away. It’s essential to find a balance between monetization and user experience. If your site looks spammy, followers might abandon you for cleaner alternatives.

Another consideration is that ad revenue can be unpredictable. Earnings from display ads fluctuate based on traffic and user engagement. Sometimes, you might earn big, while other months could bring little to no income. Coupon bloggers need to supplement ad income with other strategies to maintain steady cash flow.

3. Digital Products

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

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

Here are some digital products you can sell on your coupon blog:

• E-books: Create guides on couponing strategies and money-saving tips.
• Printable Coupons: Design custom coupon templates that users can print out and use.
• Budgeting Worksheets: Offer Excel or PDF sheets to help users track their expenses and savings.
• Email Courses: Develop a series of lessons on effective couponing delivered via email.
• Subscription Services: Set up a premium membership for exclusive deals and content.

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 Coupon Bloggers

Selling digital products can be a great way for coupon bloggers to diversify their income. One of the biggest pros is the low overhead cost. You don’t need to stock inventory, which keeps your expenses down. Plus, products like e-books and courses can be created once and sold many times, making it a scalable option.

On the flip side, marketing these digital products can be challenging. It requires strong promotional skills. You'll need to build a solid audience and keep engaging them to make consistent sales. If your blog isn't growing rapidly, you might struggle to get traction.

Another pro is the potential for high profit margins. Once you've created your digital product, every sale is essentially profit. However, this requires good upfront work, time, and significant initial effort to make sure the product resonates with your audience.

Finally, selling digital products opens doors for passive income. But don’t forget that it also requires ongoing marketing and customer support. If you're not up for a little hustle, it might not be worth it. Balancing promotion with your couponing content is key.

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

How to Monetize a Coupon Blog with an Email Newsletter

Email newsletters are a powerful tool for coupon bloggers. They allow you to build a loyal subscriber base, keeping your audience updated on the latest deals and promotions. With an email list, you can drive traffic back to your blog and create numerous monetization opportunities.

To monetize your coupon blog with an email newsletter, start by offering incentives to subscribe. This could be an exclusive eBook of the best local deals or early access to the hottest coupons. By providing valuable content, you entice readers to sign up. Once you have a growing list, regularly send out newsletters filled with the latest coupon deals, promotional offers, and even personal tips on saving money. The more valuable your content is, the more your subscribers will engage with your newsletters.

Next, consider partnering with brands for sponsored content. Many companies are eager to reach deal-hunters through a reputable email list. You can offer to feature their products or services in a dedicated section of your newsletter in exchange for payment. This can be a win-win; your readers get access to exclusive deals, and you earn revenue. Also, include affiliate links in your newsletters. When your readers click through and make a purchase, you earn a commission. Just ensure that the products you promote align with your audience's interests to maintain trust.

Lastly, promote your email list on social media and your blog. Use pop-ups or banners on your website encouraging visitors to subscribe. The more visibility your email newsletter gets, the larger your subscriber base will grow. A well-crafted email newsletter can turn casual visitors into loyal followers and customers, making it one of the best monetization strategies for coupon bloggers.

Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Coupon Bloggers

• Pros: - Direct communication with followers: Newsletters allow coupon bloggers to connect personally with their audience, ensuring they receive valuable content directly. - High engagement rates: Email typically has better engagement rates compared to social platforms, making it easier to convert readers into loyal followers. - Increased website traffic: Newsletters drive traffic back to your blog, helping you gain more exposure and potential ad revenue.

• Cons: - Time-consuming: Creating quality content for newsletters can take time and effort, which some bloggers may find challenging. - Risk of unsubscribes: If subscribers find the content irrelevant or overwhelming, they may opt-out, undermining your effort. - Compliance challenges: Navigating email regulations and privacy laws can be complicated and requires ongoing attention.

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 coupon 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 Coupon Blog With Consulting Services

Monetizing a coupon 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 Coupon Bloggers

Selling consulting services as a coupon blogger has its ups and downs. One of the major pros is that it allows you to leverage your expertise. You already have knowledge about saving money, which can attract clients looking for guidance. This can lead to a steady income stream if you market yourself well.

On the flip side, competition is fierce. Many bloggers and consultants offer similar services, which can make it hard to stand out. Plus, you'll have to invest time in marketing and client acquisition, diverting time from your blogging activities.

Another pro is the potential for building long-term relationships with your clients. Satisfied customers are likely to refer others, which can help expand your consulting business. However, the demanding nature of consulting means that you need to be responsive and can't take on too many clients at once without stretching yourself thin.

Ultimately, it’s essential to weigh these factors against your own goals. If you enjoy guiding others and can handle the challenges, it may be worth pursuing. Just remember to keep a balance between consulting and your core blogging activities!

Coupon Blog Monetization FAQs

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

If you want to build a successful coupon 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 Coupon Blogging?

Absolutely! Some coupon blogs, like Hip 2 Save and Money Saving Mom 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 Coupon Blog?

Learning how to start a coupon 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 Coupon Bloggers Get Paid?

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

Is Coupon Blogging Easy?

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

As a coupon 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 Coupon Blog?

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

Final Thoughts on Monetizing a Coupon Blog

Now that you’ve learned how to monetize your coupon blog, here's a final tip for you:

Use multiple methods!

Diversifying your income is key to a stable future. If you rely on various streams like affiliate offers, display ads, and even your own products, you'll be safer if one source dips.

This multi-tiered approach, combined with your hard work and a solid plan, will set you on the path to earning what your blog truly deserves.

Why You Should Trust Our Coupon Blogging Content

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

Quite a lot, actually.

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

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