How to Monetize a Music Blog and Harmonize with Hard Cash

Starting a music blog is an exciting journey! There’s a lot to figure out, like getting your domain and setting up WordPress. But once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to dive into monetizing your passion for music.

I promise, this part is going to be the most fun you'll have since hitting that "publish" button!

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been at it for a while, there are plenty of ways to turn your music blog into a money-making machine. Let’s break down some awesome monetization methods to help you get started.

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 to your readers. Here’s a cool list to get you started:

• Music Streaming Services: Recommend platforms like Spotify or Apple Music. They often have affiliate programs that offer payouts for new sign-ups.
• Music Courses and Tutorials: Suggest sites like Udemy or Skillshare that offer courses on instrument playing, music production, or songwriting.
• Music Merchandise: Partner with brands to promote band merchandise, vinyl records, or even musicians' own stores.
• Audio Equipment: Think microphones, speakers, headphones, and other gear that music lovers or aspiring musicians would want to invest in.
• Instruments: From guitars to synthesizers, recommend online music stores that cater to various skill levels.
• Music Production Software: Software like Ableton Live or Logic Pro is a must for aspiring producers; many have affiliate programs.
• Concert and Event Tickets: Use affiliate links for ticket reselling services where fans can get tickets to live shows.
• Royalty-Free Music Libraries: Sites that offer stock music can be a hit among content creators who need background tracks.

Why these products? Here are a few solid reasons:

• High Demand: Music-related products are always in demand, making it easier to convert click-throughs into sales.
• Multiple Audiences: You can cater to different segments, from casual listeners to aspiring musicians and industry professionals.
• Recurring Revenue: Many streaming services offer monthly subscriptions, which means recurring income opportunities for you.
• Variety of Promotions: There's a mix of physical and digital products, so you can diversify your recommendations.
• Passionate Niche: Music fans tend to be passionate and loyal, which can lead to higher engagement and trust in your recommendations.

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. It allows you to earn money by promoting products or services related to your niche. You can recommend music gear, subscriptions, or concert tickets and earn a commission on each sale through your links. This opens up a handy revenue stream without needing to create products yourself.

However, there are some downsides to consider. Earning potential varies greatly, and it may take time to build a loyal audience that trusts your recommendations. If you’re not authentic, your followers might see through the promotions and lose interest in your content. Plus, managing multiple affiliate partnerships can get overwhelming.

Another thing to keep in mind is choosing the right partners. Align your affiliates with your audience’s tastes and interests. If you promote low-quality products, it can damage your credibility. It’s essential to pick brands you genuinely believe in to maintain your integrity as a blogger.

Finally, pay attention to changes in affiliate programs. Terms and commission rates can fluctuate, which might affect your income. Staying informed and flexible is essential in this ever-evolving landscape. This way, you can adapt and continue to provide value to your audience while monetizing effectively.

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, they can be both a blessing and a curse for music bloggers. On one hand, they can generate a steady stream of income. As you attract more visitors to your blog, ad revenue typically increases. This can help you fund your projects or even create new content for your audience.

However, the downside is that display ads can clutter your site. Too many ads might annoy your visitors and drive them away. If your blog feels more like a billboard than a music haven, readers might not stick around for long.

Another thing to consider is the type of ads shown. Not all ads align with your brand or message. If an ad brings in money but conflicts with your music taste or values, it could tarnish your reputation as a trustworthy blogger.

In the end, balance is key. You want to monetize your blog, but not at the cost of a harmonious reader experience. Finding that sweet spot with display ads can be tricky but rewarding when done right.

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.

Here’s a quick list of digital products you can sell on your music blog:

• Music Production Courses: Teach aspiring artists how to produce their own tracks. Use video tutorials and downloadable resources.
• Exclusive Sample Packs: Offer unique sound samples for producers. Custom-made loops, beats, and sound effects can sell like hotcakes.
• Merchandise Designs: Create digital designs for band merch. T-shirts, stickers, and posters that fans can print at home.
• E-books on Music Industry Insights: Share your knowledge about getting signed, promoting music, and navigating the biz.
• Online Concert Tickets: Host virtual gigs and sell tickets. Offer fans an intimate digital experience with their favorite artists.

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

When it comes to selling digital products as a music blogger, there are some upsides. First off, the profit margins can be pretty sweet. You create something once—like an eBook or a music course—and then you can sell it endless times. This means more revenue without the ongoing effort of physical inventory.

On the other hand, it can be tough to get initial sales. Without a solid audience, your digital products might just sit there. Marketing your goods takes time and energy, and sometimes the return on investment isn't as high as expected.

Additionally, your products need to be high quality. If they miss the mark, you could lose credibility with your readers. Building a good reputation requires consistent effort, so keep that in mind before diving in.

Lastly, you'll face some tech challenges. Setting up an online store, payment gateways, and managing downloads can be overwhelming if you're not tech-savvy. It’s important to weigh all these factors before jumping into selling digital products.

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 direct line to your audience. For music bloggers, this means connecting with fans who love your content and want to engage with you. Regular updates keep them in the loop about new posts, exclusive content, and music events. When done right, these newsletters can become a lucrative revenue stream.

To start monetizing your music blog through an email newsletter, first build a strong subscriber base. Offer something of value to encourage sign-ups, like exclusive interviews with artists, free downloads, or curated playlists. Ensure the sign-up process is easy and accessible on your blog. Use enticing call-to-action buttons—something simple, like "Subscribe for the latest music news and exclusive content!"

Once you have a solid subscriber list, you can engage them through fascinating content while promoting brands or your products. This can take the form of sponsored content, where brands want to tap into your audience's love for music. Partner with music-related companies—like concert venues, record labels, or merchandise shops—to include special offers or ads in your newsletter.

Furthermore, consider offering premium content to your email subscribers. This could include exclusive insights from artists, early access to events, or special discounts on music-related gear. By providing value, your audience will be more likely to support these offerings, increasing your revenue stream.

Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Music Bloggers

• Pros:
  • Direct connection: You reach your audience directly in their inbox, allowing for more personal interaction.
  • Higher engagement: Subscribers are often more committed fans, making them more likely to respond to your content.
  • Monetization options: You can easily incorporate advertising, affiliate marketing, and premium content.
  • Long-term relationship: Email marketing helps you build lasting relationships with your readers, ensuring loyalty.
• Cons:
  • Time-consuming: Creating quality newsletter content regularly takes dedication and effort.
  • Growing your list: Initially building a subscriber list can be challenging and may take time.
  • Managing unsubscribers: Some subscribers may opt-out, which can feel discouraging.
  • Spam concerns: If not properly managed, your emails could end up being marked as spam, reducing their effectiveness.

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

One of the biggest pros of selling consulting services for music bloggers is the ability to monetize your knowledge. If you’ve built a solid reputation, businesses and upcoming artists may seek your expertise. This not only provides extra income but also helps establish you as an authority in the industry.

Another advantage is flexibility. You can tailor your services to fit specific niches, whether it's music promotion, content creation, or social media strategy. This means you can adapt your offerings based on trends and what clients find valuable, keeping your business fresh and relevant.

On the flip side, one major con is competition. The market is filled with many bloggers who may offer similar services. Standing out requires constant self-promotion and a strong personal brand, which can be challenging and time-consuming.

Additionally, selling consulting services can shift your focus from creative work to business management. This might distract you from blogging and content creation, which is likely why you got into this field in the first place. Balancing both can be tricky, and burnout is a real risk.

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

You've learned all the different ways to monetize your music blog, and I’ve got one last tip for you:

Try using multiple monetization methods!

Diversifying your income streams is key to securing your blog’s future.

If you focus on affiliate offers, display ads, and sell products of your own, you won’t be as affected if one income source drops.

With a multi-pronged strategy, hard work, and smart planning, you're set to make the most of your music blog.

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.