How to Monetize a Craft Blog and Create Financial Success

So, you’ve started your craft blog. That’s awesome! You’ve already learned how to register your domain and set up WordPress. But now, let’s dive into the exciting part: monetizing your craft blog.

Trust me, this will be the most enjoyable step in your blogging journey.

Whether you’re just starting out or you're a seasoned craft guru, I have some fun ways to help you turn your passion into profit. Let's explore each method together!

1. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is the best monetization method for craft 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 Craft Bloggers

If you're diving into the craft blogging space, there are plenty of affiliate products you can recommend. Here’s a solid list to get you started:

1. Craft Supplies

Think about offering a wide range of items like paper, fabrics, beads, and paints. These are essentials for any crafter!

2. Tools and Equipment

Recommendations could include scissors, cutting machines (like Cricut or Silhouette), and specialty tools. Crafters love gear that makes their projects easier.

3. Subscription Boxes

Services like monthly craft kits are fantastic. They bring new projects right to your readers’ doors, and most love the surprise!

4. Online Courses and Workshops

Consider promoting classes for sewing, knitting, or jewelry making. Learning new skills keeps crafters inspired.

5. Digital Downloads

These include patterns, printables, or SVG files. They’re easy to deliver and can provide a steady income stream.

6. Crafting Books and Magazines

Books about specific crafts or magazines filled with ideas will keep your readers engaged and inspired.

7. Eco-Friendly Products

More crafters are looking for sustainable options. Recommend supplies that are recyclable or made from natural materials.

Here are some reasons why these products work well in the craft niche:

• High Passion Level: Crafters are often passionate about their hobbies and more likely to purchase related supplies.
• Recurring Needs: Craft supplies need replenishing, so your audience will return for more.
• Diverse Niches: Crafting includes various categories, from knitting to DIY home decor, increasing product range.
• Visual Appeal: These products lend themselves well to visuals, making for engaging blog content.

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 craft 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 craft bloggers:

1. Etsy

   

   Commission Rate: 3.2% Per Sale

   Cookie Duration: 30 Days

   Etsy is a marketplace of handtrafted pieces and vintage treasures from sellers around the world. Get 5% commission per sale with 30-day cookies.

2. The Knot

   

   Commission Rate: 10% Per Sale

   Cookie Duration: 30 Days

   The Knot is the leading global family of brands that inspire, inform and celebrate communities as they move through life’s biggest milestones.

3. DMC

   

   Commission Rate: 5% Per Sale

   Cookie Duration: 30 Days

   DMC is the global brand leader in the manufacturing of hand needlework threads with the highest quality, reliability, and consistency.

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

Affiliate Marketing Pros and Cons for Craft Bloggers

Affiliate marketing can be a game-changer for bloggers. On the plus side, it’s a low-entry barrier. You don’t need to create your own products. Instead, you promote others’ products and earn a commission on sales through your referral links.

Another advantage is the potential for passive income. Once you've crafted quality content and integrated affiliate links, you can earn money even while you sleep. That said, it takes time to build an audience and trust before you see significant returns.

However, it's not all sunshine. Choosing the right affiliate programs is crucial. If you promote products that don't align with your audience's interests, you'll get low engagement and sales. Plus, there's the risk of creating a transactional feel to your blog, which can put off loyal readers.

Lastly, tracking performance can be tricky. You need to monitor clicks, conversions, and manage various affiliate accounts. This can overwhelm some bloggers. Still, with the right tools and strategies, you can streamline your efforts and enhance your earnings.

2. Display Ads

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

How to Monetize a Craft Blog With Display Ads

Monetizing a craft 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 Craft Bloggers

Display ads can be a great way to monetize your craft blog. They can provide a passive income stream, allowing you to earn money without selling products directly. Plus, once you set them up, they can run on autopilot while you focus on creating content.

However, display ads come with their downsides. They can clutter your blog, making it less aesthetically pleasing for your audience. If your blog has too many ads, it might deter readers from coming back. Additionally, depending on your traffic, ad revenue can be inconsistent.

It’s also important to consider the types of ads displayed. Not all ads will align with your brand, and irrelevant ads can frustrate your audience. This might even lead to a loss of trust from your loyal readers.

In the end, striking a balance is key. You want to leverage display ads for income without compromising your user experience. Careful management of ad placements can help you achieve this balance effectively.

3. Digital Products

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

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

Digital Products to Sell on a Craft Blog:

• Printable Crafting Templates: Offer a variety of templates for cards, scrapbooking, or seasonal decorations that users can print at home.
• E-books and Guides: Create detailed guides on specific crafting techniques or project ideas, providing step-by-step instructions and tips.
• Digital Patterns: Sell unique sewing, knitting, or crochet patterns as downloadable files, catering to different skill levels.
• Workshop Videos: Record and sell video tutorials for hands-on crafting projects, helping viewers learn new skills visually.
• Social Media Kits: Design packs with graphics or templates for Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook to help crafters showcase their work online.
• Crafting Planners: Provide digital planning sheets to help crafters organize their projects, supplies, and timelines effectively.

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 Craft Bloggers

One of the biggest pros of selling digital products is the low overhead cost. Unlike physical items, you don't have to worry about inventory, shipping, or storage. Once your product is created, it can be sold to an unlimited number of customers without extra costs.

Another advantage is the passive income potential. After the initial effort of creating your product, you can earn money while you sleep. This means more time for you to focus on blogging or creating new crafts!

However, there are some cons to consider. The market is quite saturated, so standing out can be tough. You’ll need a solid marketing strategy to get your products noticed. Plus, digital products require ongoing support. Customers may have questions or need assistance, which adds to your workload.

Finally, keep in mind that not all audiences are ready for digital purchases. Some craft lovers prefer tangible items they can touch and feel. If your audience falls into this category, selling digital products might not be ideal.

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

How to Monetize a Craft Blog with an Email Newsletter

Email newsletters are a powerful tool for craft bloggers to connect directly with their audience. They allow you to share your creative projects, tips, and special offers while fostering a sense of community. Since your readers are interested in crafts, they are likely to appreciate and engage with your content in their inbox, making it a lucrative avenue for monetization.

To monetize your craft blog with an email newsletter, start by building a mailing list. You can encourage visitors to sign up by offering a freebie, like an exclusive crafting guide or a printable pattern. This not only drives signups but gives you a chance to showcase your creativity upfront. Showcase the value of your newsletter on your blog with clear calls to action and opt-in forms placed strategically throughout your site.

Once you have a substantial list, you can explore various monetization strategies. One effective method is to promote your own products or services, such as Etsy shop items or online workshops. You can share links to your products in your newsletters or even create special promotions for your subscribers. Pair this with seasonal content, like holiday gift guides, to drive sales that align with your audience's crafting passion.

Another option is to collaborate with brands that align with your craft niche. Sponsored content or affiliate marketing can be seamlessly integrated into your newsletter. When you share products you genuinely love and use in your projects, it builds trust with your audience and can lead to income while supporting companies in your craft community.

Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Craft Bloggers

• Pros:
  • Direct Communication: You reach your audience directly without relying on social media algorithms.
  • Engagement: Craft bloggers often have dedicated followers who are eager to engage with their content.
  • Personalization: You can tailor your newsletters to specific segments of your audience, leading to better conversions.
  • Repeat Business: Regular newsletters keep your brand top-of-mind, encouraging repeat visits to your blog or shop.
• Cons:
  • Time-Consuming: It requires consistent effort to create and send engaging newsletters.
  • Subscriber Management: Managing your list and analyzing engagement can be tedious.
  • Potential for Unsubscribes: If content becomes stagnant or irrelevant, you risk losing subscribers.
  • Requires Initial Setup: Setting up an effective email marketing system might need an upfront investment.

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 craft 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 Craft Blog With Consulting Services

Monetizing a craft 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 Craft Bloggers

Selling consulting services as a craft blogger has its perks. First, you can leverage your existing audience. People who admire your work might be eager to learn from you. This creates a natural platform for promoting your services.

Another big plus is the flexibility. You can set your own hours and work from anywhere. This is especially appealing for those juggling multiple responsibilities, like family or another job. Plus, the potential to earn extra income is always a motivating factor.

However, there are some downsides. Not everyone will view you as an expert, even if you know your stuff. It may take time to build credibility in the consulting market. There's also the challenge of managing your time effectively—balancing content creation with client work can get tricky.

Lastly, you might face tough competition. Many in the craft space offer similar services, making it essential to differentiate yourself. Staying unique and providing value is key to standing out in such a crowded field.

Craft Blog Monetization FAQs

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

If you want to build a successful craft 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 Craft Blogging?

Absolutely! Some craft blogs, like DIY Candy and Ceramic School 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 Craft Blog?

Learning how to start a craft 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 Craft Bloggers Get Paid?

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

Is Craft Blogging Easy?

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

As a craft 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 Craft Blog?

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

Final Thoughts on Monetizing a Craft Blog

Now that you've got a handle on various ways to monetize your craft blog, here’s a little bonus tip:

Mix it up with different monetization methods!

Diversifying your income is key to securing your blog's future.

If you promote affiliate offers, use display ads, and sell your own crafts, a dip in one area won’t sink your ship.

With this approach and a bit of hard work, you’ll be well on your way to earning the profits your craft blog truly deserves.

Why You Should Trust Our Craft Blogging Content

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

Quite a lot, actually.

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

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