How to Monetize a Finance Blog and Build an Investment

Starting a finance blog? There’s a lot to get the hang of—like picking a domain name, setting up WordPress, and crafting your first posts. But once you’ve nailed those basics, it's time to dig into monetizing your finance blog!

Trust me, this part is where the real fun begins. Whether you're just starting out or already a finance whiz, these money-making strategies can help you turn your hobby into a legit business.

Let's dive into each method and explore how you can start earning from your finance blog today!

1. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is the best monetization method for finance 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 Finance Bloggers

Here’s a list of a few affiliate products you can recommend in the finance blogging niche. Different products cater to various money management needs.

• Budgeting Apps: Easy-to-use tools like Mint or YNAB help users track spending and save effectively.
• Investment Platforms: Recommend platforms like Robinhood or Acorns for those looking to start investing with minimal fees.
• Online Courses: Offer financial literacy courses that teach important money management skills and investing strategies.
• Credit Monitoring Services: Suggest services like Credit Karma or Experian that help users keep an eye on their credit scores.
• Debt Relief Programs: Affiliate with companies that offer solutions for debt consolidation or negotiation services.

Why these products? Here are some solid reasons:

• Helpful Resources: These tools can improve financial literacy and empower users to take control of their finances.
• Growing Interest: More people want guidance on saving and investing, making these products relevant.
• Recurring Commissions: Many of these services offer subscription models, leading to ongoing earnings for you.
• High Demand: Financial stability is a universal concern, so these products attract a wide audience.
• Variety of Options: Different products cater to various financial needs, appealing to a broad demographic.

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 finance 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 finance bloggers:

1. Olavivo

   

   Commission Rate: $250+

   Cookie Duration: 30 - 90 Days

   Olavivo is a boutique affiliate network with a focus on Ecommerce, Health & Beauty, Sweepstakes, Gaming, Dating, Finance and Cryptocurrency.

2. Vantage

   

   Commission Rate: Up to $1,200 CPA

   Cookie Duration: 30 Days

   Vantage is a global, multi-asset broker offering a robust and efficient service for trading CFDs on Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, and Cryptocurrencies. Vantage has a reputation for delivering high standards of trading to clients by providing a trusted trading ecosystem.

3. QuickBooks

   

   Commission Rate: 10% Per Sale

   Cookie Duration: 45 Days

   QuickBooks is an accounting software package developed and marketed by the company Intuit. Earn a referral fee by selling QuickBooks software!

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

Affiliate Marketing Pros and Cons for Finance Bloggers

Affiliate marketing can be a great way for finance bloggers to monetize their content. You can earn passive income by promoting financial products, apps, or services that resonate with your audience. If done right, it can be straightforward and rewarding.

However, it’s not all smooth sailing. One downside is the competition; many bloggers are promoting the same financial products. You need to find a unique angle or niche to stand out. Additionally, if your audience doesn’t trust your recommendations, you may end up losing credibility.

On the flip side, successful affiliate marketing can lead to generous commissions. Many finance products offer substantial payouts. It allows you to diversify your income stream while providing value to your readers. Just remember to disclose your partnerships to maintain transparency.

Ultimately, finding the right balance between authenticity and promotion is key. Your readers are savvy; they can sniff out insincerity. Focus on products you genuinely believe in to keep your influence strong and your audience engaged.

2. Display Ads

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

How to Monetize a Finance Blog With Display Ads

Monetizing a finance 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 Finance Bloggers

Display ads can be a mixed bag for finance bloggers. On the plus side, they can generate decent revenue if your blog attracts a lot of traffic. The right ads, like those from financial services or products, can resonate well with your audience and lead to better click-through rates. Plus, they can be a hassle-free way to monetize your site without relying solely on sponsored posts or affiliate links.

However, there are downsides to consider. Display ads may clutter your blog layout and distract readers from your actual content. Too many ads can frustrate visitors, potentially causing them to bounce away from your site. Additionally, depending on your niche, CPM rates can vary widely, meaning your earnings might not be as high as hoped.

Another thing to keep in mind is ad fatigue. Your audience may grow tired of seeing the same ads repeatedly, diminishing their effectiveness over time. Moreover, some readers may have ad blockers enabled, further reducing your revenue potential. Ultimately, finding the right balance is key to making display ads work for your finance blog.

3. Digital Products

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

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

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

• E-books: Create detailed guides on budgeting, investing, or debt management. They're great for readers wanting in-depth knowledge.
• Online Courses: Teach financial literacy or specific investment strategies through video lessons. Interactive content keeps learners engaged and improves retention.
• Budgeting Templates: Offer customizable spreadsheets for budgeting or track expenses. Help your audience stay organized more efficiently.
• Financial Planning Tools: Develop calculators for retirement, savings, or loans to help users visualize their financial futures.
• Email Newsletters: Monetize exclusive financial tips and insights by offering a premium subscription for insiders.
• Webinars: Host live sessions on trending finance topics. Charge a fee for access to expert discussions and tips.

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 Finance Bloggers

Selling digital products can be a great way for finance bloggers to monetize their knowledge. One big advantage is the low overhead. You don't need to worry about inventory or shipping, which makes it easier to manage. Plus, once you create a product, like an ebook or a course, you can sell it repeatedly without much extra effort.

However, it’s not all smooth sailing. Not every finance blogger has a large audience. If you're just starting out, reaching enough people to make sales can be tough. Plus, competition is fierce. Many bloggers offer similar products, so standing out requires effort in marketing and branding.

Another pro is flexibility. You can set your own prices and sales strategies, allowing you to adapt quickly to market demands. But keep in mind that it requires regular updates to stay relevant. The finance world changes constantly, and your content needs to reflect that, which can be time-consuming.

Finally, selling digital products can enhance your credibility as an expert in your niche. But remember, if your product doesn’t deliver, it can hurt your reputation. Building trust with quality content should be your priority. In the end, weigh the benefits against the challenges before diving in.

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

How to Monetize a Finance Blog with an Email Newsletter

Email newsletters are a powerful tool for Finance bloggers. They allow you to build a direct line of communication with your readers. With a strong email list, you can share valuable insights, promote financial products, and even sell your own courses or ebooks. It's a way to create a loyal community while increasing your earning potential.

To monetize your finance blog using an email newsletter, start by offering your audience a freebie, like a budgeting planner or an investment guide, in exchange for their email addresses. This not only helps grow your list but also establishes your authority in the finance niche. Once your list starts to grow, you can send regular newsletters packed with actionable financial advice, market updates, and investment tips, which will keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.

Next, explore affiliate marketing opportunities. Promote financial products like credit cards, investing platforms, or personal finance apps within your newsletters. Make sure to provide honest reviews and value-driven content, as this builds trust. When your readers click on your affiliate links and make a purchase, you'll earn a commission. As a finance blogger, your audience relies on your expertise, so recommend genuine products that you believe will benefit them.

Finally, consider creating premium content or memberships for your newsletter subscribers. This could include exclusive webinars, detailed market analyses, or personalized financial coaching. This not only adds value for your readers but also creates additional revenue streams. By providing subscribers with unique insights and tools, you can increase the perceived value of your newsletter and charge a subscription fee.

Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Finance Bloggers

• Pros:
  • Direct engagement: You communicate directly with your readers, which fosters a strong relationship.
  • High conversion rates: Email marketing usually sees higher conversion rates compared to social media promotions.
  • Cost-effective: It’s relatively inexpensive, with many platforms offering free or low-cost options.
  • Helps build authority: Regular, valuable content positions you as a trusted expert in the finance space.
• Cons:
  • Time-consuming: Creating consistent, quality content can be a big time commitment.
  • Privacy concerns: Managing personal data comes with responsibility and regulations that must be followed.
  • Unsubscribes: You risk losing subscribers if your content doesn’t meet or exceed their expectations.
  • Spam filters: Your emails might end up in spam folders, reducing your reach to potential readers.

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 finance 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 Finance Blog With Consulting Services

Monetizing a finance 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 Finance Bloggers

Selling consulting services as a finance blogger has some clear advantages. First, it allows you to monetize your expertise directly. You can charge for your knowledge and experience, which can be more lucrative than ad revenue or affiliate sales. Plus, working one-on-one with clients can help you build strong relationships and a solid personal brand.

However, there are challenges as well. Managing client expectations can be tricky. Not every client will have the same knowledge level or goals, which means you have to tailor your approach. Additionally, it can be time-consuming, taking time away from creating content for your blog.

Another potential downside is the need for ongoing learning. The finance landscape changes rapidly. You’ll have to stay updated on trends and regulations to ensure your advice remains relevant. It’s another layer of responsibility that might not appeal to everyone.

Lastly, the competition can be fierce. Many bloggers and professionals offer consulting services, and standing out requires marketing savvy and a unique selling point. You need to carve out your niche to attract the right clients while maintaining credibility.

Finance Blog Monetization FAQs

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

If you want to build a successful finance 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 Finance Blogging?

Absolutely! Some finance blogs, like Money Crashers and Get Rich Slowly 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 Finance Blog?

Learning how to start a finance 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 Finance Bloggers Get Paid?

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

Is Finance Blogging Easy?

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

As a finance 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 Finance Blog?

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

Final Thoughts on Monetizing a Finance Blog

Now that you've explored the different ways to monetize your finance blog, here's a bonus tip:

Use multiple monetization methods!

Mixing up your income streams is a smart way to secure your blog's future.

If you promote affiliate offers, run display ads, and create your own products, you're covered if one income source gets hit.

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

Why You Should Trust Our Finance Blogging Content

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

Quite a lot, actually.

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

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