How to Monetize a Craft Blog and Create Financial Success

Starting a craft blog is an exciting journey! You’ve already tackled setting up your domain and WordPress. Now, it's time to dive into monetization.

Believe me, this part is where the fun really begins!

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an established craft influencer, there are plenty of ways to turn your passion into profit. Let’s explore these monetization methods and see how you can turn your hobby blog into a thriving 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

When you're diving into the craft blogging niche, there's a treasure trove of affiliate products you can recommend. Here’s a list to get you started!

Crafting Supplies: These are the backbone of any craft. Items like high-quality paper, specialty paints, and unique fabrics can attract a lot of interest.

Tools and Equipment: Think cutting machines, heat guns, and sewing machines. These tools make crafting easier and more efficient.

Online Courses and Workshops: Classes on techniques or product usage can be great for beginners and seasoned crafters alike.

Patterns and Templates: Selling downloadable patterns or printable templates can provide ongoing passive income.

DIY Kits: Ready-to-go kits that include everything needed for a project can appeal to novice crafters.

Books and Magazines: Crafting books that cover trends, tutorials, or project ideas can also be a valuable resource for your readers.

Here are some reasons why these products are worth recommending:

• High Demand: Crafting has a huge following, and people are always looking for supplies and inspiration.
• Recurring Purchases: Many crafters regularly replenish their stock, increasing your chances of commissions.
• Variety of Price Points: This allows you to cater to different budgets, making it easier for everyone to find something they like.
• Visual Appeal: Crafty products are often colorful and engaging, which can make your blog posts more attractive.
• Community Engagement: Recommending products can foster a sense of community among readers with shared interests.

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. One of the biggest pros is the potential for passive income. Once you set up your affiliate links, you can earn money while you sleep. This model lets you monetize your content without needing to create products yourself.

On the flip side, there are some cons to consider. It can take time to see significant earnings, and competition is fierce. Plus, you have to be strategic about which products to promote. If your audience feels you're pushing too hard, it can damage your credibility.

Transparency is key when engaging in affiliate marketing. Always disclose your relationships with brands. Trust is essential, and your readers will appreciate your honesty. When you strike the right balance, affiliate marketing can enhance your blog and provide extra financial freedom.

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 mixed bag for craft bloggers. On the positive side, they provide a potential revenue stream without needing to create products or services. Once you set them up, they can generate passive income while you focus on creating new content. Plus, many ad networks are user-friendly and don't require extensive technical skills.

However, there are downsides. Performance can vary, leading to inconsistent income, especially for niche markets. Ads can sometimes distract from your content or disrupt the aesthetics of your blog. If not carefully placed, they may turn off your loyal readers and affect user experience.

Another consideration is that display ads typically require constant monitoring. Trends change, and so do ad sizes and requirements. This means you might spend time optimizing rather than crafting. Balancing these ads with high-quality content is key to keeping your audience engaged.

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 Planners: Offer designs that help crafters organize their projects.
• Tutorial eBooks: Create easy-to-follow guides for specific techniques or crafts.
• Digital Patterns: Sell downloadable sewing or knitting patterns that crafters can instantly use.
• Clipart Collections: Provide unique, hand-drawn illustrations for crafters to use in their projects.
• Crafting Worksheets: Design worksheets for brainstorming and tracking project ideas.

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

There's a lot to love about selling digital products as a craft blogger. First off, it’s a low-cost venture. You don’t have to worry about inventory or shipping fees. Once you create your product, it's all profit every time it sells. Plus, you can reach a global audience, expanding your potential customer base beyond local markets.

However, there are downsides too. It can take time to build an audience that trusts you enough to buy your products. You might also face stiff competition from others in the craft niche. Plus, if you’re not tech-savvy, setting up an online store can feel overwhelming at first. Learning the ropes of digital marketing is also crucial and requires a dedicated effort.

Another point to consider is customer support. With digital products, you’ll often find yourself on the receiving end of inquiries and complaints. This means being prepared for occasional refund requests or tech-related issues from customers. Balancing this with your blogging schedule can be tricky.

Ultimately, the decision to sell digital products hinges on your goals. If you have quality content and a strong brand, the benefits can outweigh the drawbacks. Just be ready for the learning curve and the commitment it requires.

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. They allow you to connect with your audience directly and nurture a loyal following. Through engaging content and valuable insights, you can turn casual readers into dedicated fans who are eager to support your craft endeavors. Plus, newsletters are a fantastic way to promote your products or services while offering your subscribers something of value.

Monetizing your craft blog with an email newsletter involves offering exclusive content, products, or promotions that aren't available on your blog. Start by building a mailing list. Offer a freebie, like a downloadable pattern or craft guide, in exchange for email signups. Once you have a substantial list, you can send newsletters featuring tutorials, top picks for crafting supplies, and links to your related products. Highlight the benefits of your newsletter, such as early access to new materials or tutorials, enticing your audience to subscribe and stay engaged.

Another effective way to monetize is by showcasing affiliate links in your newsletters. Recommend craft supplies or tools you love, and include affiliate codes that earn you a commission when your followers make a purchase. Since your subscribers trust your expertise, they are more likely to check out your recommendations, leading to potential income with each sale. Don’t forget to include visually appealing images of your projects using the suggested products, as this will help spark interest and inspire them to click through.

Last but not least, you can incorporate sponsored content into your newsletters. Partner with brands that resonate with your niche and create special features or highlight their products in relevant posts. Be sure the sponsorship aligns with your audience’s interests to maintain your credibility. Crafting authentic collaborations not only strengthens your blog's content but also helps generate additional revenue.

Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Craft Bloggers

• Pros:
  • Direct Engagement: Email allows for personal communication with your audience, enhancing trust.
  • Higher Conversion Rates: Subscribers are often more receptive to marketing than casual blog visitors.
  • Targeted Offers: You can tailor promotions based on subscriber preferences or behavior.
• Cons:
  • Time-Consuming: Creating valued newsletters can take significant effort and planning.
  • Subscriber Drop-Off: Readers may unsubscribe if content doesn’t consistently meet their expectations.
  • Spam Filters: Emails may end up in spam folders, reducing visibility unless managed carefully.

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. You get to connect with your audience on a deeper level. This allows you to leverage your expertise and offer personalized advice, which can be really rewarding. Plus, it can create an additional revenue stream that supplements your blog income.

However, there are also downsides. Consulting requires a lot of time and energy. Balancing client needs with content creation can be challenging. Also, not all bloggers have the skills or confidence to market their consulting services effectively.

Another pro is that you build a community around your brand. Helping others can boost your credibility and establish you as an authority in your niche. Conversely, if you're not organized or if clients have unrealistic expectations, it can lead to frustration for both parties.

Ultimately, it’s about finding that sweet spot. If you enjoy helping others and can manage your time well, selling consulting services can be a fantastic addition to your craft blogging journey. Just keep the challenges in mind to avoid burnout.

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 learned how to monetize your craft blog, here’s my final tip:

Use multiple ways to make money!

Diversifying your income is key to keeping your blog healthy.

If you rely on affiliate links, ads, and selling your products, you’ll be safer if one area hits a rough patch.

With this approach, along with some hard work and smart planning, you’ll be well on your way to earning what 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.