How to Monetize a Music Blog and Harmonize with Hard Cash

Starting a music blog is exciting! You’ve got to learn things like registering a domain, setting up WordPress, and creating awesome content. But once you’ve nailed the basics, it’s time to explore how to monetize your music blog.

Trust me, this part is going to be the most fun you’ve had since you started blogging!

Whether you’re a fresh face in the blogging world or a seasoned music influencer, these monetization strategies will help you turn your passion into profit. Let’s dive into each method and see how you can make money from your blog!

1. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is the best monetization method for music 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 Music Bloggers

When it comes to music blogging, there's a variety of affiliate products you can recommend to earn some extra cash. Here are some popular options that resonate well with music lovers:

• Music Streaming Services: Many people love access to music libraries. Link to services like Spotify, Apple Music, or Tidal. These pay a commission for sign-ups.
• Instruments and Gear: From guitars to recording equipment, recommend gear that musicians need. For example, Amazon Associates is perfect for instrument recommendations.
• Online Courses: Platforms like Udemy or MasterClass offer music courses. These can help aspiring musicians sharpen their skills while you earn a commission.
• Concert and Event Tickets: Use affiliate programs like Ticketmaster to promote live shows. Everyone loves live music, and you can capture that excitement.
• Music Apps: Apps for mixing, learning, or even discovering new music can be useful. Look for affiliate programs from popular apps in the music space.
• Vinyl and Merchandise: Link to vinyl records or band merch through stores like Redbubble or Teespring. Music fans love to show their passion!

Here are some reasons these products work well:

• High Demand: Music is universal. Many people are always looking for new ways to enjoy it.
• Recurring Revenue: Services like streaming can provide long-term income through subscriptions.
• Diverse Audience: Musicians, listeners, and hobbyists all have different needs, giving you a broader market.
• Multiple Platforms: Many of these products have affiliate programs on various platforms, making it easier to find the right fit.

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 music 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 music bloggers:

1. StubHub

   

   Commission Rate: 9% Per Sale

   Cookie Duration: 30 Days

   StubHub is a very well-known event ticket marketplace, and that leverage helps to encourage your audience to click on your affiliate links.

2. Apple

   

   Commission Rate: 7% - 400% Per Sale

   Cookie Duration: 1 - 30 Days

   Earn commissions on qualifying Apple Music memberships as well as sales of movies, tv shows, books, audiobooks, and more.

3. zZounds

   

   Commission Rate: 6% Per Sale

   Cookie Duration: 45 Days

   With zZounds, you get More for your Music: the lowest prices AND the best service in the musical instrument and equipment business. Period.

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

Affiliate Marketing Pros and Cons for Music Bloggers

Affiliate marketing can be a goldmine for music bloggers, especially when you know your audience. You can earn commissions by promoting products like concert tickets, music gear, or streaming services. It’s a great fit because music fans often love recommendations from their favorite blogs.

However, it's not all rainbows and sunshine. The competition can get fierce. Many bloggers promote the same products, which might make it hard to stand out. Plus, if you spend too much time on affiliate links, you might alienate your readers. They can tell if you’re just in it for the bucks.

Another pro is the passive income potential. Once you’ve set up your links, you might continue earning money while sleeping. On the flip side, commissions can vary widely, so it’s crucial to choose your affiliate programs wisely. Not all will pay fairly, and some may have complicated payout structures.

In the end, balance is key. Make sure to blend affiliate marketing naturally within your content. If done right, it can enhance your blog while adding value for your readers. Just keep an eye on your integrity and authenticity, and you’ll be on the right track.

2. Display Ads

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

How to Monetize a Music Blog With Display Ads

Monetizing a music 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 Music Bloggers

When it comes to display ads, there are some solid pros for music bloggers. First, they can generate a steady stream of income. If you have enough traffic, ads can really add up. Plus, it's an easy way to monetize your blog without too much extra effort.

However, there are downsides too. Ads can clutter your site and annoy visitors. If the ads are poorly chosen or too intrusive, your readers might bounce, affecting your site's popularity. Also, the payout varies widely depending on traffic and ad network performance.

You should also consider the aesthetic of your blog. Display ads can clash with your vibe, especially if you’re aiming for a clean, artistic look. Finding a balance between monetization and user experience is crucial.

Lastly, it might take time to earn significant income. You won’t see huge returns overnight, and patience is essential. Some bloggers find display ads effective, while others prefer alternative monetization strategies like sponsorships or affiliate marketing.

3. Digital Products

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

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

Digital Products to Sell on a Music Blog:

• Sample Packs: Curate collections of high-quality audio samples for producers to use in their projects.
• Music Lessons: Offer video tutorials or e-books for various instruments or vocal techniques.
• Merchandise Templates: Provide customizable designs for t-shirts, posters, and other merch that musicians can sell.
• Exclusive Songs: Sell original tracks or exclusive demos from up-and-coming artists.
• Music Licensing: Create a catalog of tracks that others can license for their own projects, like commercials or films.

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 Music Bloggers

One major pro of selling digital products for music bloggers is the low overhead cost. You don’t need to invest in physical inventory or shipping. Everything is handled online, which means you keep a larger share of the profits. Plus, digital products can include items like e-books, merchandise, or exclusive audio files, catering to diverse interests.

Another advantage is the ability to scale easily. When you create a digital product, it can be sold repeatedly without the need for additional effort. This means your income potential can grow without a proportional increase in workload, allowing you to focus on content creation.

How To Monetize a Music 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:

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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 music 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 music blog with an email newsletter and the pros and cons of email marketing for music bloggers.

How to Monetize a Music Blog with an Email Newsletter

Email newsletters are powerful tools for music bloggers looking to monetize their content. They allow you to directly reach your audience in a more personal, engaging way. You can share updates, promote events, or even sell products right in their inbox. Plus, your subscribers have opted in to receive your content, meaning they are genuinely interested in what you have to say.

To start monetizing through email newsletters, first build a robust subscriber list. Offer something valuable in exchange for their email—like an exclusive track, behind-the-scenes content, or an e-book on music industry tips. Once you have their attention, keep them engaged with regular updates about your blog posts, music recommendations, and news from the industry.

Next, consider including sponsored content or affiliate links in your newsletters. You can partner with brands that align with your musical interests and audience. For example, if you write about indie music, you might collaborate with a small record label or local venue. Promote their products or services in exchange for a fee or a commission on sales you help generate.

Lastly, don't underestimate the power of promoting your own products through your newsletter. This could include merchandise, exclusive online concerts, or paid subscriptions to premium content. Tailor your offerings to what your readers value the most and watch your revenue grow.

Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Music Bloggers

• Pros:
  • Direct Engagement: You can communicate directly with your audience, making them feel valued and connected.
  • High Conversion Rates: Emails often have better conversion rates compared to social media, increasing your chances of monetization.
  • Ownership of Your List: Unlike social media, you own your email list. Changes in platform algorithms won’t affect your reach.
  • Targeted Marketing: Segment your audience and tailor your messages, ensuring relevancy and increasing the likelihood of engagement.
• Cons:
  • Time-Consuming: Building and maintaining an email list takes time and consistent effort.
  • Management Tools: You may need to invest in an email marketing service, which can add to your expenses.
  • Subscriber Fatigue: If you email too often, you risk annoying your subscribers and losing their interest.
  • Spam Regulations: You must comply with laws regarding email marketing, such as the CAN-SPAM Act in the U.S.

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 music 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 Music Blog With Consulting Services

Monetizing a music 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 Music Bloggers

Selling consulting services to music bloggers has its ups and downs. On the positive side, you get to share your expertise with like-minded individuals. This can lead to a rewarding experience. Plus, it's a great way to earn extra income while doing something you enjoy.

However, there are challenges. For one, many bloggers may not see the value in consulting services. They might prefer free advice from online videos or articles. Additionally, establishing credibility can be tough when competing with others in the same space.

Another con is the time investment required. Balancing consulting with your own music projects can be tricky. It’s important to ensure that you're not spreading yourself too thin or sacrificing quality in your main work.

Ultimately, it's about finding a balance. If you can tap into a niche that resonates with bloggers and offer real value, your consulting services can be a hit.

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Music Blog Monetization FAQs

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

If you want to build a successful music 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 Music Blogging?

Absolutely! Some music blogs, like Rolling Stone and Consequence 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 Music Blog?

Learning how to start a music 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 Music Bloggers Get Paid?

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

Is Music Blogging Easy?

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

As a music 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 Music Blog?

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

Final Thoughts on Monetizing a Music Blog

Now that you've learned the steps to monetize your music blog, I've got one last tip for you:

Mix it up with different monetization methods!

Diversifying your income is key to a strong and secure blog. If you rely on affiliate offers, display ads, and sell your own products, you won’t be thrown off if one income stream takes a hit.

With this balanced approach, some hard work, and smart planning, you'll be on your way to maximizing your blog's earning potential.

Why You Should Trust Our Music Blogging Content

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

Quite a lot, actually.

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

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