How to Monetize a Music Blog and Harmonize with Hard Cash

Starting a music blog is exciting! You’ve tackled the basics like domain registration and setting up WordPress. Now it’s time to think about how to monetize your music blog.

This part is going to be the most thrilling yet.

Whether you’re just getting started or you’re already a music influencer, these monetization strategies can help you turn your passion into a real business. Let’s dive into each one!

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

If you're diving into the music blogging niche, there are tons of affiliate products you can recommend. Here’s a quick rundown of some popular choices that resonate well with music lovers. Each one has its unique selling points, making it easier for your readers to grab what they need!

Here’s a handy list of affiliate products to consider:

• Music Streaming Services: These platforms, like Spotify and Apple Music, keep listeners entertained while offering great referral bonuses for affiliates.
• Online Music Lessons: Promote platforms like MasterClass or Skillshare where musicians can learn from the best and save your audience from pricey classes.
• Music Equipment: Think microphones, headphones, and instruments! Sites like Sweetwater and Guitar Center have great affiliate programs that cater to both professional and hobbyist musicians.
• Vinyl and Merch Stores: Many artists and bands offer merchandise and records. Use affiliate links from sites like Bandcamp to cash in while supporting the creators.
• Concert Tickets: Recommend ticketing services like Ticketmaster or Eventbrite. Your audience gets to enjoy live music while you earn a cut.

Here are some quick reasons why these products are great for affiliate marketing:

• High Demand: Music is universal. Everyone loves it and constantly seeks new ways to enjoy or learn about it.
• Recurring Revenue: Services like streaming plans often have monthly subscriptions, meaning you can earn continuously.
• Diverse Audience: People of all ages and backgrounds indulge in music, allowing for a broad target market.
• Seasonal Trends: With music festivals and award seasons, there’s always something buzzing to promote around the year.

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 great way for music bloggers to monetize their passion. On the plus side, you can promote products you actually love and use yourself. This makes your endorsements feel more genuine, which can build trust with your audience. Plus, many affiliate programs offer decent commission rates, especially in niches like music gear or digital downloads.

However, there are some downsides. One major concern is competition. The music blogging space can get crowded, making it tough to stand out. Also, relying too much on affiliate income might limit your content. It's crucial to balance promotional posts with engaging, original content that keeps your readers coming back.

Another downside is that not all affiliate programs are created equal. Some have tricky payout structures or high minimum withdrawal limits. It’s important to research each program in depth before diving in. If you don’t pick the right partners, your earnings might not be worth the effort you put in.

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

Display ads can be a mixed bag for music bloggers. On the plus side, they’re fairly easy to set up. You can quickly integrate them into your blog, and they monetize your content without needing constant updates. Plus, if you choose visually appealing ads that resonate with your audience, you might even enhance engagement.

However, there are some downsides. Display ads can clutter your site, which might drive visitors away. If the ads are irrelevant or too intrusive, readers may find them annoying, risking your blog's credibility. Additionally, while they can generate income, the revenue often isn’t enough unless you have significant traffic.

Also, consider that ad blockers are common. A substantial portion of users may not even see your ads due to these blockers. Plus, Google’s ad policies can be tricky; if you violate any rules, you risk losing your ability to display ads altogether. So, weigh the pros and cons carefully before diving in.

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.

1. E-books: Create guides on songwriting, music production, or how to promote music online. These can offer in-depth tips and strategies.

2. Sample Packs: Sell collections of audio samples, loops, and sound effects for music producers. This helps them kickstart their projects with unique sounds.

3. Online Courses: Develop video courses focusing on specific skills, like guitar lessons or music marketing. These can be tailored for beginners or advanced musicians.

4. Merch Templates: Offer customizable templates for band merch like T-shirts, posters, and album covers. Musicians can easily create their brand materials.

5. Digital Sheet Music: Sell downloadable sheet music for various instruments. This can cater to both amateurs and professional musicians looking for new pieces.

6. Membership Access: Create a subscription service for exclusive content, including tutorials, interviews with artists, or behind-the-scenes insights into the music industry.

7. Music Promotion Tools: Develop tools or apps for artists to promote their music on social media effectively. This can include scheduling posts and analyzing engagement metrics.

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

Selling digital products can be a game-changer for music bloggers. One major pro is the low overhead cost. You don’t need to worry about stock or shipping fees. Just create your content and sell it directly to your audience, which means higher profit margins.

Another benefit is the ability to connect with your fans on a deeper level. By offering exclusive digital downloads or courses, you provide additional value. This can build stronger relationships and encourage loyalty among your audience.

However, there are downsides. Competition is fierce, and it can be hard to stand out in a crowded market. You also need to invest time in marketing your products effectively, which can be draining alongside regular blogging tasks.

Moreover, there's always the risk of piracy. Digital products can be easily shared without your consent. This can diminish your potential income, making it crucial to balance accessibility with protection strategies.

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:

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 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 a powerful tool for music bloggers. They allow you to reach your audience directly and provide valuable content. By engaging subscribers, you can convert them into loyal fans and potential customers. It’s an effective way to generate income while building a community around your music blog.

To monetize your music blog through an email newsletter, start by creating compelling content that resonates with your audience. Share exclusive music insights, behind-the-scenes stories, or personal experiences as a music blogger. Kate, for instance, a blogger specializing in indie music, saw a significant increase in her email open rates after sharing personal anecdotes about her favorite artists. The more personal your content, the more subscribers will connect with you.

Next, consider offering premium content or memberships. For example, you could create a tiered membership system for subscribers, where they can access exclusive articles, playlists, or even early-bird concert ticket sales. This gives your readers an incentive to subscribe and support your blog financially. Digital downloads, like songs or music lessons, can also be packaged and sold through your newsletters.

Lastly, partner with brands for affiliate marketing opportunities. As an authority in the music niche, you can promote music-related products, services, or concert tickets, earning a commission on any sales made through your referral. Make sure to choose partnerships that align well with your blog’s theme, keeping the trust and interest of your audience intact.

Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Music Bloggers

• Pros:
  • Direct Engagement: Connect with your audience in a personal way, sharing content straight to their inbox.
  • Building Community: Foster a loyal fan base that feels invested in your journey as a music blogger.
  • Revenue Opportunities: Generate income through memberships, merchandise sales, or affiliate marketing.
• Cons:
  • Content Demand: Requires consistent and quality content that keeps subscribers engaged.
  • Management Costs: Depending on your email platform, managing newsletters can involve fees as your subscriber list grows.
  • Risk of Unsubscribes: Over-saturation with too many emails can lead to higher unsubscribes, damaging your outreach.

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.

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

When it comes to selling consulting services for music bloggers, there are some clear advantages. One big pro is the potential for a steady income stream. If you have the right expertise, bloggers are often willing to pay for guidance that helps them improve their content or grow their audience. Plus, as you build your reputation, word-of-mouth can lead to more clients.

On the flip side, there are downsides to consider. The market can be quite competitive, so standing out is essential. You might need to invest time in marketing your services and establishing your brand. Additionally, depending on your niche, you could face fluctuating demand, which makes it hard to predict income.

Another pro is the chance to network within the music industry. Working closely with bloggers can open doors to various collaborations and partnerships. This can enhance your credibility while also increasing your visibility. It's a win-win if you play your cards right.

However, running a consulting business requires effort. You’ll need to keep up with trends and adapt your strategies frequently. This means continuous learning and possibly investing in courses or resources to stay relevant. It's not just about giving advice; it’s about being a trustworthy and knowledgeable resource.

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 explored all the ways to monetize your music blog, here’s a bonus tip:

Mix it up!

Using different methods to earn money is smart. It keeps your blog safe and secure.

If you’re promoting affiliate offers, running ads, and selling your own stuff, you won’t be hit hard if one revenue source dips.

With this varied approach, a bit of hard work, and some solid planning, you’ll be well on your way to making the money your blog deserves!

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.