How to Monetize a Fitness Blog: Flexing Your Financial Muscles!

Starting a fitness blog is a whole adventure! You learn how to register a domain, set up WordPress, and create awesome content. But once you've got the hang of it, the real fun begins: monetizing your fitness blog!

This part is where things get exciting. Whether you're just starting out or you're already a fitness influencer, there are plenty of ways to turn your passion into profit.

Ready to dive in? Let’s break down some effective methods to help you transform your hobby blog into a thriving business. You’re going to love it!

1. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is the best monetization method for fitnes 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 Fitnes Bloggers

When you’re in the fitness blogging niche, there are tons of affiliate products you can recommend. Here’s a quick rundown of some popular categories:

• Fitness Equipment: Think yoga mats, dumbbells, resistance bands, and kettlebells. These items are essential for home workouts.
• Workout Apparel: High-quality leggings, moisture-wicking shirts, and supportive sneakers are big winners in this space.
• Fitness Programs: Offer online courses or subscription memberships that provide fitness training, meal plans, or wellness coaching.
• Supplements: Protein powders, pre-workout formulas, and vitamins help readers enhance their fitness journeys.
• Fitness Trackers: Encourage using smartwatches or fitness bands that monitor activity levels, heart rate, and calories burned.
• Nutrition Products: Recommend meal delivery services, healthy snacks, and cookbooks focused on fitness-friendly recipes.

Here are some reasons why these products are a great fit for your blog:

• High Demand: Fitness is a booming industry, and people are always looking for products to help them.
• Diverse Choices: There’s a wide range of products, catering to different fitness levels and preferences.
• Consumer Trust: Many fitness enthusiasts trust product reviews from bloggers, making recommendations more effective.
• Recurring Revenue: Subscription products like meal plans or monthly workout sessions can lead to long-term commissions.
• Personal Connection: Sharing your workout experiences with products helps build authenticity and rapport with your audience.

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 fitnes 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 fitnes bloggers:

1. Loka Yoga School

   

   Commission Rate: 40%

   Cookie Duration: 30 days

   Loka Yoga School are world-renowned leading experts in yoga, breathwork and meditation. Their courses are internationally certified and accredited with Yoga Alliance.

2. Onnit

   

   Commission Rate: 12% Per Sale

   Cookie Duration: 45 Days

   Onnit aims to inspire peak performance through products and information. Its products include fitness, nutrition, supplements, apparel, and more.

3. Reebok

   

   Commission Rate: 7% Per Sale

   Cookie Duration: 30 Days

   Reebok creates and markets sports and lifestyle products built upon a strong heritage and authenticity in sports, fitness, and women’s categories.

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

Affiliate Marketing Pros and Cons for Fitnes Bloggers

Affiliate marketing offers numerous advantages for Fitnes bloggers. First, it allows you to monetize your content without creating products yourself. You can earn commission by promoting brands and products you genuinely believe in. This can be a great way to add value to your audience while bringing in income.

On the flip side, it also has its downsides. One major challenge is building trust with your audience. If they feel you're promoting products just for the sake of money, they may lose faith in your recommendations. Additionally, competition can be fierce in the fitness niche, making it tough to stand out and get clicks.

Moreover, you'll need to stay updated with changing affiliate rules and trends. This requires some effort to research and adapt. Although the potential earnings can be appealing, remember that success won't come overnight. Patience and persistence are key in making affiliate marketing work for you.

2. Display Ads

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

How to Monetize a Fitnes Blog With Display Ads

Monetizing a fitnes 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 Fitnes Bloggers

Display ads can be a double-edged sword for fitness bloggers. On one hand, they can help you generate passive income. When your content attracts steady traffic, those ad clicks can add up. Every penny counts when you're running a blog, especially one focused on fitness, where competition is fierce.

On the flip side, some readers find display ads annoying. Too many ads can distract from your content and push visitors away. You risk losing your loyal audience if ads become intrusive. It’s a balancing act between monetization and user experience.

You also need to consider the type of ads that fit your brand. Sponsored fitness brands can resonate well with your audience. However, irrelevant ads can turn them off. Carefully choose ads that align with your message to keep the engagement high.

Lastly, keep in mind that display ads require maintenance. You’ll need to monitor performance and tweak settings frequently. This adds another layer of work on top of your regular blogging duties. Make sure you're ready for that commitment.

3. Digital Products

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

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

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

• Workout Plans: Customizable workout routines for different fitness levels. Include weekly schedules that users can follow easily.
• Nutrition Guides: Meal plans that fit various diets, like keto or vegan. Offer recipes and shopping lists for convenience.
• Fitness eBooks: Comprehensive guides on topics like strength training or flexibility. Use visuals and tips to keep it engaging.
• Video Tutorials: Short videos demonstrating exercises or proper form. Great for visual learners wanting to improve their techniques.
• Online Coaching: Personalized training sessions or consultations. Provide one-on-one support to help clients reach their goals.

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 Fitnes Bloggers

Selling digital products can be a game changer for fitness bloggers. One of the biggest pros is scalability. Once you've created your digital product, you can sell it to unlimited people without additional production costs. This means more income without the physical strain of delivering a service.

Another advantage is the flexibility of content. You can offer workout guides, meal plans, or instructional videos. These materials can cater to different fitness levels and target specific audiences, allowing you to expand your reach and diversify your income streams.

However, there are some downsides. The initial time and effort to create high-quality digital products can be significant. You also need to focus on marketing them effectively. If your audience doesn’t see value in your offerings, you won't make any sales.

Additionally, digital products can sometimes face stiff competition. Many bloggers and gurus are selling similar content. To stand out, you need to have a unique angle or niche that resonates with your audience.

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

How to Monetize a Fitnes Blog with an Email Newsletter

Email newsletters are a powerful tool for fitness bloggers looking to connect with their audience. They allow you to share valuable content, promote products, and turn your followers into paying customers. With a direct line to your subscribers' inboxes, you can build relationships and engage with your audience like never before. Here’s how to leverage email newsletters to monetize your fitness blog.

First, build a strong email list. Offer a free resource, like a workout guide or meal plan, to encourage visitors to sign up. Be consistent with the content you send out. Share workout tips, nutrition advice, and personal stories. Your goal is to establish trust and keep subscribers eager for your next email. With a dedicated list, you can start recommending products that align with their fitness goals. Think fitness equipment, supplements, or even special membership programs.

Next, explore affiliate marketing opportunities. Feature products that you genuinely support and use in your own fitness journey. Include unique affiliate links in your emails. Every time a subscriber makes a purchase through your link, you earn a commission. This aligns perfectly with the fitness niche, as your recommendations can have a significant impact on your readers’ choices.

Finally, consider premium content. You can create exclusive content for subscribers, like advanced workout regimes or nutrition plans, available only to paying members. This not only generates revenue but can also increase subscriber loyalty. When readers see value and results from your content, they’re more likely to stick around and possibly pay for more.

Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Fitnes Bloggers

• Pros:
  • Direct Connection: Emails allow for a more personal touch, deepening your relationship with your audience.
  • Easily Trackable: You can monitor engagement through open rates and click-through rates, improving your strategy over time.
  • Targeted Promotions: You can segment your audience to send tailored offers that resonate with different groups.
• Cons:
  • List Maintenance: Building and maintaining an email list takes effort and time to keep subscribers engaged.
  • Compliance Issues: You’ll need to adhere to regulations like GDPR, which can complicate email marketing efforts.
  • Possible Unsubscribes: Not everyone will stay subscribed; you might face occasional churn in your list.

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 fitnes 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 Fitnes Blog With Consulting Services

Monetizing a fitnes 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 Fitnes Bloggers

Selling consulting services as a fitness blogger has its ups and downs. On the plus side, you can leverage your expertise to help others achieve their fitness goals. This not only establishes you as an authority but also allows for a flexible work schedule. You can work with clients virtually, making it easier to balance your lifestyle and work commitments.

However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. The market can be saturated, so standing out might be challenging. You’ll need to invest time in marketing yourself effectively. Additionally, managing client expectations can be tough. You must constantly ensure your clients are getting their money's worth, which can add some pressure.

There’s also the financial aspect to consider. Consulting services can be lucrative, but it might take time to build a steady income. Income can fluctuate based on the number of clients you have at any given time. In some cases, clients might expect free advice before they commit, which can lead to frustration.

Ultimately, selling consulting services can be rewarding, but it requires careful planning and consistent effort. You might start off slow, but with persistence, the potential for growth and fulfillment is significant.

Fitnes Blog Monetization FAQs

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

If you want to build a successful fitnes 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 Fitnes Blogging?

Absolutely! Some fitnes blogs, like NerdFitness and Breaking Muscle 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 Fitnes Blog?

Learning how to start a fitnes 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 Fitnes Bloggers Get Paid?

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

Is Fitnes Blogging Easy?

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

As a fitnes 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 Fitnes Blog?

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

Final Thoughts on Monetizing a Fitnes Blog

Now that you have a solid grasp of how to monetize your fitness blog, here's one important tip to remember:

Use multiple monetization methods!

Diversifying your income sources is crucial for long-term success.

If you’re promoting affiliate offers, using display ads, and selling your products, you’ll be less vulnerable to market changes.

A mixed strategy means you won’t be left high and dry if one income stream falters.

With some hard work and smart planning, you’re well on your way to maximizing your earnings!

Why You Should Trust Our Fitnes Blogging Content

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

Quite a lot, actually.

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

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