How to Monetize a Craft Blog and Create Financial Success

Starting a craft blog is an exciting journey! You get to learn about registering a domain, setting up WordPress, and creating amazing content.

But once you've got the basics down, it's time to explore how to make money from your craft blog.

This part is truly the most enjoyable! Whether you're just starting out or you're already a craft influencer, there are plenty of ways to monetize your blog.

Let's dive into these fun methods. We'll explore how to turn your passion for crafts into a full-time business!

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

Affiliate marketing in the craft blogging niche can be super rewarding. Here's a list of some great products you can recommend:

• Craft Supplies: Recommend everything from yarn, fabric, paints, to tools. These are essentials that every crafter needs.
• DIY Kits: Promote kits for specific projects, like candle making or soap making. They’re perfect for beginners!
• Online Craft Courses: Classes from platforms like Skillshare or Udemy can help your readers learn new skills.
• Books and Magazines: Suggest titles related to crafting techniques, patterns, or inspiration. They’re always great for advice!
• Membership Sites: Some websites offer premium crafting content or patterns that your readers might love.
• Sustainable Craft Supplies: Eco-friendly materials appeal to environmentally-conscious crafters.

Here are some reasons why these products are great choices:

• Wide Appeal: Crafts attract a broad audience, from hobbyists to professionals.
• Recurring Revenue: Many crafters buy supplies regularly, which can result in ongoing commissions.
• Engagement Opportunities: You can create projects and tutorials showcasing these products to engage your audience.
• Community Support: Crafting often fosters a sense of community, encouraging readers to share your recommendations.
• Seasonal Trends: Products can change with seasons or holidays, keeping content fresh and timely.

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 great way for bloggers to monetize their content. You can earn commissions by promoting products and services you love. It's like getting paid for sharing your recommendations with your readers.

However, there are some downsides to consider. First, success doesn't come overnight. It takes time and effort to build an audience and trust. If you're not patient, you might get discouraged.

Another con is the potential for oversaturation. Many bloggers promote similar products, making it harder to stand out. To differentiate yourself, you’ll need to choose relevant offers and be honest with your audience to maintain credibility.

Lastly, earnings can be unpredictable. Some months you might make a decent income, while others may yield little to nothing. It’s essential to diversify your income streams, so you're not solely reliant on affiliate sales.

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 double-edged sword for craft bloggers. On one hand, they’re a straightforward way to monetize a blog without needing to create your own products. You can sign up for ad networks and start earning money just by placing ads on your site. This passive income can be especially enjoyable while you focus on your creative projects.

However, display ads come with their own downsides. They can clutter your site and distract from your content. When readers are browsing for inspiration, a busy page of ads can be pretty off-putting. Plus, some ad networks pay based on impressions or clicks, which can fluctuate a lot, meaning your earnings might not be steady.

Another consideration is user experience. If the ads aren't relevant to your audience, they may frustrate readers instead of enticing them. It’s also worth noting that some readers use ad blockers, which could cut into your potential revenue. So, it’s a balance between monetization and maintaining an inviting space for your followers.

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.

Here’s a cool list of digital products you can sell on your craft blog:

• Printable Planner Pages: Help your audience stay organized with beautifully designed planner sheets they can print at home.
• DIY Craft Templates: Offer templates for popular projects like greeting cards, scrapbook pages, or home decor, saving time for your readers.
• Crafting E-Books: Create comprehensive guides on specific techniques or types of crafts, packed with tips and step-by-step instructions.
• Online Workshops: Host video workshops teaching various crafting skills, allowing users to learn directly from you at their own pace.
• Exclusive Printables: Design unique graphics, art prints, or stickers that your audience can download and use in their own projects.

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

Selling digital products can be a rewarding venture for craft bloggers. One of the biggest pros is low overhead costs. You don’t need to worry about materials, shipping, or physical inventory. Once you create that e-book or pattern, you can sell it indefinitely without additional expenses.

Another benefit is the potential for passive income. After setting up your digital products, you can earn money while you sleep. This means that your previous work can continue generating revenue over time, which is a fantastic boost for your blog’s income.

However, there are some downsides to consider. Competition is fierce in the digital marketplace. Many bloggers are selling similar products, so standing out might require extra marketing and creativity. Plus, creating quality digital content can be time-consuming, and you need to have a solid understanding of your audience to meet their needs.

Lastly, managing customer support can be tricky. You might get inquiries about downloads or technical issues. This can take time and effort, especially if you're not prepared for it. Balancing support with your own creative work is crucial to keep everything running smoothly.

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. By collecting email addresses, you can create a dedicated readership that is interested in your projects, tips, and inspirations. They keep your audience engaged and can be a great source of income.

One of the simplest ways to monetize your craft blog through newsletters is by promoting your own products. This could be anything from handmade items to downloadable patterns. By directly reaching out to your subscribers, you can highlight new products, offer exclusive deals, or share information about upcoming workshops. Since these readers are already interested in your craft, they’re more likely to make a purchase.

Another effective strategy is to collaborate with brands. Many companies are looking for influencers to promote their products. If you include affiliate links in your newsletter, you can earn a commission on any sales generated through those links. Ensure that the products align with your audience's interests. Craft supplies, tools, and materials often make the best fit, as your subscribers will look to you for recommendations.

Lastly, you can offer premium content exclusively through email. Consider creating a membership or subscription plan where readers can pay to receive in-depth tutorials, craft kits, or monthly project ideas. This not only generates income but builds a sense of community among your most dedicated followers.

Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Craft Bloggers

• Pros: - Direct Communication: You reach your audience directly in their inboxes, sparking timely engagement. - Build Loyalty: Regular newsletters foster a sense of community and trust with readers. - High Conversion Rates: Emails often have higher engagement rates compared to social media posts, leading to more sales.

• Cons: - Requires Effort: Creating regular content and maintaining an email list can be demanding. - Risk of Unsubscribes: If the content becomes irrelevant or too salesy, readers may opt out. - Less Instant Engagement: Unlike social platforms, emails usually don’t receive immediate responses or interactions.

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

One major pro of selling consulting services for craft bloggers is the ability to generate a steady income. By offering insights tailored to your niche, you attract clients who genuinely value your expertise. This makes it easier to charge what you’re worth, ensuring you’re compensated fairly for your time and knowledge.

Another advantage is that it enhances your personal brand. Providing consulting services showcases your skills, elevating your status within the craft community. This can lead to more opportunities like speaking engagements, collaborations, or even product sales, paving a path for growth.

On the flip side, selling consulting services can also be time-consuming. You’ll need to balance client work with your creative projects. Additionally, marketing yourself effectively is crucial, which can feel overwhelming for those who prefer focusing on crafting.

There’s also the pressure of delivering results. Clients will expect value in exchange for their investment. If they don’t see the outcomes they’re hoping for, it may lead to dissatisfied clients and negatively impact your reputation.

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’re aware of all the ways to monetize your craft blog, here’s a special tip:

Use multiple income streams!

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

If you're into affiliate marketing, displaying ads, and selling your products, you’ll be more resilient.

This way, even if Amazon changes its commission rates, your business remains safe.

With a mixed strategy, some hard work, and smart planning, you're set to earn great rewards from your online craft journey.

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.