Starting a fitness blog comes with a learning curve. You need to set up a domain, get WordPress running, and start creating content. But the real excitement begins when you start monetizing your fitness blog.
Trust me, figuring out how to make money from your blog is going to be a blast!
Whether you're just kicking off or you're already a fitness blogging pro, I've got some killer tips to help you turn your passion into profit. Let's dive into the details.
Why You Can Trust Our Fitnes Blog Monetization Guide
Lasso is installed on over 8,000 websites, including many fitnes blogs.
Our team has built multiple 7-figure blogs in a wide range of niches.
We have hands-on experience working with founders to grow and monetize their fitnes blogs.
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.
TIP: With all monetization methods, the rule of thumb is the easier it is to accomplish, the less money you can make, and vice versa.
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
Hey there! Diving into the fitness blogging niche? Awesome choice! Here’s a list of different kinds of affiliate products you can recommend:
- Fitness Equipment: Think weights, yoga mats, and resistance bands. These are essentials for home workouts.
- Workout Apparel: Stylish and functional gear like leggings, sports bras, and tank tops always catch readers' eyes.
- Health Supplements: Protein powders, vitamins, and energy bars. They support workout recovery and overall health.
- Fitness Apps: Subscriptions to apps for workout tracking, nutrition planning, or mindfulness can really add value.
- Online Workout Programs: Guides or video courses from fitness influencers can be a big draw.
- Exercise Machines: Treadmills, stationary bikes, or rowing machines are great for those looking to level up their home gym.
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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
TIP: We maintain a database of the best affiliate programs. Click here to see the best fitness affiliate programs.
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.
A WordPress plugin that lets you add, manage, and display your affiliate links from any program, including Amazon. Increase conversions. Find new affiliate link opportunities. Earn more revenue! Less than 5 minutes to set up.
Affiliate Marketing Pros and Cons for Fitnes Bloggers
Affiliate marketing offers fitness bloggers a lucrative way to monetize their content by promoting products or services related to fitness and health. By joining affiliate programs from fitness brands, bloggers can earn commissions on sales generated through their referral links. This not only provides a steady income stream but also aligns with the content they are already producing, adding authentic value to their audience's fitness journey.
However, there are downsides to consider. Dependence on affiliate marketing can sometimes lead to a compromise in the blogger's perceived impartiality. Readers might question the sincerity of the product recommendations, suspecting that profit, rather than genuine endorsement, is the driving force. This skepticism can erode trust, which is crucial in maintaining a loyal audience in the fitness blogging community.
Moreover, the income from affiliate marketing can be unpredictable. Sales commissions fluctuate based on audience purchasing behavior, which can be influenced by myriad factors outside a blogger's control. Seasonality, market trends, and changes in affiliate program terms can all impact earnings, making financial planning challenging.
Despite these challenges, if managed ethically and transparently, affiliate marketing can be a powerful tool. It allows fitness bloggers to enhance their content, offer valuable products to their audience, and maintain a sustainable business model. It's about finding the right balance between commercial interests and genuine user value.
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
NOTE: WordPress is an open-source software found on WordPress.org. WordPress.com is a premium blogging platform, but you never need to pay to install WordPress on your website, even if it’s self-hosted.
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.
TIP: Optimize your display ads for user experience by using your chosen network’s software settings or talking to your account manager. Keep the ads in the sidebar and footer whenever possible.
You’ll make a lot of money in the long run if you put your readers ahead of quick profit.
Display Ad Pros And Cons For Fitnes Bloggers
Display ads can be a powerful tool for fitness bloggers looking to monetize their platforms. By featuring ads from relevant brands, such as fitness apparel or health supplements, bloggers can earn passive income each time a visitor clicks or views an ad. This method is especially attractive because it requires minimal effort once the ads are in place, allowing bloggers to focus on creating engaging content.
However, there are also downsides to consider. Display ads can sometimes detract from the user experience, especially if they are intrusive or not well-targeted. If visitors feel bombarded by ads, it might decrease the overall engagement with your blog, potentially driving away your audience. Plus, excessive reliance on ads might make your blog look less credible if it seems like the main goal is to generate ad revenue rather than provide valuable content.
It's also important to note that the revenue from display ads can be unpredictable. Factors like changes in ad algorithms, shifts in audience behavior, or updates in ad network policies can fluctuate earnings. For fitness bloggers, this means financial planning can be challenging if relying solely on ad revenue.
To effectively use display ads, fitness bloggers should aim for a balance. Strategically placing ads that align with your audience's interests and maintaining the quality of your content will help ensure that your blog remains both profitable and engaging. Partnering with reputable ad networks that offer good rates and analytics tools can also help optimize ad performance and earnings.
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's a quick list of digital products you could sell on your fitness blog:
- Workout Plans: Tailored programs for different goals like weight loss, strength training, or flexibility.
- Nutrition Guides: Meal plans and recipes that cater to various dietary needs, such as vegan, keto, or gluten-free.
- Fitness E-books: Comprehensive guides on fitness topics, from beginner tips to advanced techniques.
- Video Courses: Step-by-step exercise tutorials or full fitness classes you can follow from home.
- Mobile Apps: Custom app development for personal training, tracking workouts, or nutrition logging.
- Webinars and Live Classes: Live training sessions or talks on topics like wellness, diet, or exercise routines.
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
One of the biggest advantages of selling digital products as a fitness blogger is scalability. Once you create a digital item, like an eBook or a workout program, you can sell it repeatedly without additional production costs. This creates a potentially lucrative passive income stream, allowing you to focus on creating new content or even enjoying some downtime.
Another pro is the global reach digital products offer. You're not limited by geographical boundaries; anyone with internet access can purchase your products. This is especially beneficial in the fitness industry, where trends and health movements have a broad and enthusiastic global audience.
However, the digital marketplace is crowded, and standing out can be a challenge. Fitness enthusiasts have a plethora of choices, so your products need to offer something unique or solve a specific problem uniquely to capture attention. This requires not just fitness expertise, but also strong marketing skills.
Additionally, digital products require technical maintenance and security measures. You'll need to ensure that your products are always accessible and that customer data is secure. This might involve regular updates and possibly some investment in cybersecurity, which can be daunting if you're not tech-savvy.
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:
Get Your FREE 20-Page Guide To Making $1000/Day From Your Niche Blog
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.
TIP: You can still use Lasso to get more clicks to your digital products. Just create a Lasso display with the link pointing to your product’s sales page.
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 Fitness Blog with an Email Newsletter
Email newsletters are a powerful tool for fitness bloggers looking to monetize their content. By collecting email addresses from your blog visitors, you create a direct line of communication to engage with your audience. This personal touch makes it ideal for promoting products, services, or content that can generate income.
Start by offering a subscription to your newsletter in exchange for exclusive content like special workout plans, nutritional tips, or early access to new blog posts. Once you have a decent subscriber base, consider integrating affiliate marketing by promoting fitness products you use and endorse. Each sale made through your affiliate links can earn you a commission.
Additionally, you can create and sell your own digital products, such as eBooks or video courses, directly through your newsletter. Another lucrative option is to collaborate with fitness brands for sponsored content. Here, you can write about a product, host giveaways, or offer special discounts, all of which can be exclusive to your newsletter subscribers.
Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Fitness Bloggers
- Pros:
- High Engagement: Subscribers have opted in to receive your content, which generally leads to higher engagement rates compared to other marketing channels.
- Targeted Audience: You're communicating directly with people who have already shown interest in your fitness advice, making them more likely to respond to offers and promotions.
- Cost-Effective: Email marketing is relatively inexpensive, offering a great ROI as you can reach a large number of people at a low cost.
- Cons:
- Time-Consuming: Creating engaging and valuable content on a regular basis can be time-intensive.
- Over-saturation: Many users receive numerous newsletters, which can make it hard for your messages to stand out in crowded inboxes.
- Spam Filters: There's always a risk that your emails might end up in the spam folder, reducing their visibility.
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.
TIP: Again, you can use Lasso to drive more clicks to your coaching pages. Just create a Display with a link to your sales page, and insert it into blog posts.
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
One of the major pros of selling consulting services as a fitness blogger is the ability to leverage your existing audience. If you've already built a dedicated following, offering personalized advice or tailored fitness plans can be a natural next step. This not only boosts your income but also enhances your credibility and authority in the fitness niche. Plus, it creates an opportunity for deeper engagement with your audience, turning casual followers into loyal customers.
However, there are challenges to consider. The biggest con is the time commitment. Consulting requires a significant amount of time per client, not just in session but also in preparation and follow-up. For bloggers who are used to creating content at their own pace, this can be a jarring transition. Additionally, there's the issue of scalability. There's a limit to how many clients you can handle before the quality of your services or your content begins to suffer.
Another point to consider is the need for proper certifications. Depending on where you are and what type of consulting you're doing, you may need to be certified. This ensures that you are providing safe and reliable advice, but obtaining these certifications can be costly and time-consuming.
Finally, pricing your services can also be tricky. Set the bar too high, and you might scare potential clients away; too low, and you might undervalue your expertise. It's important to find a balance that reflects your experience, the depth of your service, and what your audience can reasonably afford.
Supercharge your earnings with Lasso. Create no-code product Displays and Tables that convert, find and fix broken links, and gain valuable business insights with revenue analytics.
Learn MoreFitnes 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
So, you've got the scoop on turning your fitness blog into a money maker. Here’s a pro tip before you go: Mix it up with different ways to earn!
Why put all your eggs in one basket? Spread out with affiliate marketing, ads, and your own products. That way, if one stream dips, you’re not sunk.
Combine these strategies with dedication and smart planning, and you're all set to make your blog pay off big time!
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.
