Starting a blog is just the beginning. Once you get the hang of the basics like setting up your site and publishing content, it's time to dive into how to make money from your personal blog.
Trust me, figuring out how to earn from your blog might just be the most enjoyable part since you started. It's really exciting!
No matter if you're just kicking off or you've been at it for a while, these monetization strategies can transform your blog from a simple passion project to a serious income source. Let’s explore how.
Why You Can Trust Our Personal Blog Monetization Guide
Lasso is installed on over 8,000 websites, including many personal 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 personal blogs.
1. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is the best monetization method for personal 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 Personal Bloggers
Hey! If you're diving into the personal blogging niche, there are tons of affiliate products you can recommend. Here’s a curated list for you:
- Web Hosting Services: Every blogger needs a reliable host for their website. Top picks often include Bluehost, SiteGround, and WP Engine.
- WordPress Themes: Aesthetic matters in blogging. Recommend beautiful and responsive themes from providers like StudioPress or Elegant Themes.
- Online Courses: Many bloggers seek to improve their skills. Courses on platforms like Udemy or Teachable in areas like writing, SEO, or social media are great.
- Email Marketing Tools: Help your followers grow their audience with tools like Mailchimp or ConvertKit.
- SEO Tools: Tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs are invaluable for bloggers looking to boost their organic traffic.
- Photography Equipment: High-quality images enhance blogs. Think cameras, lenses, and editing software from brands like Canon or Adobe.
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 personal 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 personal bloggers:
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Commission Rate: 9-15%
Cookie Duration: 30 Days
Affiliate+ is an AI-powered affiliate product marketplace for Lasso users. It's filled with thousands of high-commission Amazon products.
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Commission Rate: 20%, Up to $700+ per sale
Cookie Duration: 30 Days
Lasso is a WordPress plugin that allows you to quickly create affiliate link displays that earn more money. Manage all your affiliate links in one place.
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Commission Rate: 50% of Revenue for 12 Months
Cookie Duration: 60 Days
Keyword.com is a best-in-class Google keyword rank tracking solution for SEO agencies, freelancers and inhouse SEO teams. It provides everything you need to track, pinpoint and validate your SEO efforts and gives you additional features for showcasing and reporting your results.
TIP: We maintain a database of the best affiliate programs. Click here to see the best high-paying 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 Personal 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 personal blog. If you’re ready to start making a serious affiliate income from your personal 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 Personal Bloggers
Affiliate marketing can be a lucrative venture for personal bloggers, allowing you to earn commissions by promoting products or services that resonate with your audience. By integrating affiliate links into your content, you can monetize your blog without needing to create your own products. It's a fantastic way to leverage your content to generate passive income, especially if you've already built a loyal following who trusts your recommendations.
However, it's not all smooth sailing. One major drawback is the dependency on external platforms and vendors. Changes in affiliate terms and commission structures can happen without warning, potentially affecting your earnings. Moreover, there's the challenge of maintaining your authenticity. Overemphasizing affiliate products can turn off readers, damaging the trust you've worked hard to build.
Success in affiliate marketing also demands a strategic approach. It requires understanding what your audience truly values and seamlessly integrating recommendations into your content without making it feel forced or salesy. This balance is crucial; get it right, and you can enhance your blog's value and reader experience while boosting your income.
Finally, it's important to stay updated with the latest trends and regulations in affiliate marketing. Compliance with laws like FTC regulations in the U.S. is essential to avoid legal pitfalls. Keeping your content and promotions transparent and ethical not only adheres to legal standards but also preserves your blog's integrity and reader trust.
2. Display Ads
The second best way to monetize your personal blog is with display ads. Ads are the internet's favorite monetization method, but they have severe drawbacks.
How to Monetize a Personal Blog With Display Ads
Monetizing a personal 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 Personal Bloggers
Display ads can be a lucrative revenue stream for personal bloggers. They offer a passive income as you earn money each time a visitor clicks on an ad. Many bloggers use platforms like Google AdSense, which simplifies the process of ad placement and optimization. This means once you set it up, it requires minimal maintenance, allowing you to focus more on creating content.
However, not everything about display ads is perfect. One of the biggest drawbacks is that it can detract from the user experience. Ads can clutter your blog, making it look messy and potentially driving away readers if they find the ads intrusive or irrelevant. Moreover, the income from display ads can be unpredictable. It heavily depends on your blog's traffic and the engagement level of your audience, which can fluctuate.
There’s also the issue of control. When you use services like AdSense, you don't get to choose each ad that appears on your site. Sometimes, you might end up displaying ads for products or services that don't align with your personal brand or the interests of your audience. This can impact your blog’s credibility and your relationship with your readers.
Finally, to really profit from display ads, you need significant traffic. For new bloggers or those with a small audience, it might take a long time before display advertising becomes a viable income source. This necessitates a strong focus on growing your audience and consistently delivering valuable content to increase your site’s traffic and ad revenue.
3. Digital Products
Selling your own digital products is a great way to increase your earnings per visitor in the personal niche.
A digital product is anything you can sell on your personal blog that the customer will receive via download.
Here's a list of digital products you can sell on your personal blog:
- Ebooks: Write and sell your own ebooks. Topics can be anything you're knowledgeable about, from DIY crafts to advanced coding.
- Online Courses: Create video or text-based courses. Teach skills you excel in, like photography, cooking, or web development.
- Printables: Design downloadable planners, art prints, or organizational templates. Great for people who love DIY organization.
- Stock Photos: Sell your photography as digital downloads, especially if you have a unique style or niche.
- Software: Develop and sell your own apps, tools, or plugins. Cater to specific needs in your audience.
- Music or Audio Tracks: Produce and sell your music, sound effects, or guided meditations. Perfect for creatives with audio skills.
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 Personal Bloggers
Selling digital products offers personal bloggers an excellent opportunity to monetize their content with minimal overhead costs. Products like eBooks, courses, or printables don't require physical inventory, saving you from logistical headaches like shipping and storage. Plus, digital items can be sold globally, which dramatically expands your potential customer base beyond geographic limitations.
However, the digital marketplace is fiercely competitive. To stand out, you'll need to invest significant time and effort into marketing and maintaining the relevance of your products. This includes SEO optimization, creating engaging content, and updating products to keep up with market trends and technology changes.
Another advantage is the ability to automate sales. With the right tools, transactions can be handled 24/7, allowing you to earn revenue even while you sleep. This setup is ideal for bloggers who want to maintain a passive income stream alongside their regular posting schedule.
On the downside, digital products are easy to replicate. This susceptibility to piracy can lead to potential revenue loss. Implementing robust digital rights management (DRM) can help, but it's not foolproof and can sometimes alienate legitimate users who might find DRM restrictive or cumbersome.
How To Monetize a Personal 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 personal 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 personal blog with an email newsletter and the pros and cons of email marketing for personal bloggers.
How to Monetize a Personal Blog with an Email Newsletter
Email newsletters are a fantastic tool for personal bloggers looking to monetize their platform. By consistently sending out curated emails to subscribers, bloggers can create an engaged audience. This engagement becomes invaluable when it comes to monetizing. Once you have a substantial list, you can start integrating sponsored content, affiliate marketing links, or exclusive paid content within your newsletters.
To begin, focus on building your subscriber list by offering incentives like free e-books or exclusive content when readers sign up. Make sure your newsletters provide value, whether that's through unique insights, tips, or the latest news on your blog's topics. This will help maintain a high open rate among your subscribers, which is crucial for successful monetization.
Next, explore partnerships with brands that align with your blog's niche. You can feature their products or services in your newsletter in a way that feels natural rather than intrusive. Additionally, consider using a portion of your newsletter for affiliate links, where you earn a commission for every purchase made through the link. Lastly, offering a premium newsletter subscription that provides additional content can be an effective way to generate direct income from your most dedicated followers.
Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Personal Bloggers
- Pros:
- Direct access to readers: Email marketing allows you to directly communicate with your audience, bypassing any third-party platforms. This direct line can enhance reader loyalty and engagement.
- Increased traffic: Regular newsletters drive subscribers back to your blog, boosting your traffic numbers which can be monetized through various means.
- Segmentation: Personal bloggers can segment their email lists based on reader interests, allowing for tailored content that is much more engaging.
- Cons:
- Time-consuming: Creating engaging and valuable newsletters can be time-intensive, especially for bloggers who handle every aspect of their blog.
- Risk of unsubscription: If emails are too frequent or not valuable, there's a high risk of subscribers opting out, which can diminish your blog's reach and potential earnings.
- Technical challenges: Managing an email list and designing professional-looking newsletters might require technical skills or software that can be a hurdle for some bloggers.
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 personal 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 Personal Blog With Consulting Services
Monetizing a personal 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 Personal Bloggers
One of the biggest pros of selling consulting services as a personal blogger is the potential for significant income through direct monetization of your expertise. Unlike passive income streams like ad revenue or affiliate marketing, consulting allows you to charge premium rates based on your knowledge and skills. This can quickly turn your blogging efforts into a lucrative business.
Additionally, offering consulting services boosts your credibility and authority in your niche. When readers see that you provide specialized advice, your reputation as an expert grows. This enhanced credibility can lead to more traffic, a larger following, and increased engagement on your blog, creating a virtuous cycle that further boosts your blogging career.
However, there are cons to consider. Consulting can be time-intensive, requiring one-on-one sessions, preparation, and follow-up. This can eat into the time you have for content creation and other aspects of your blog. Managing this balance is crucial; otherwise, the quality of your blog might suffer, potentially alienating your audience.
There's also the challenge of consistently attracting consulting clients. Unlike passive income, which can generate money from past content, consulting requires ongoing effort to secure new clients. If not managed well, this can lead to inconsistent income, making financial planning more complicated.
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 MorePersonal Blog Monetization FAQs
What Is The Best Way To Make Money From Personal Blogging?
If you want to build a successful personal 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 Personal Blogging?
Absolutely! Some personal blogs, like James Clear and Zen Habits 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 Personal Blog?
Learning how to start a personal 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 Personal Bloggers Get Paid?
Most personal 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 personal bloggers also sell sponsored posts, consulting services, or their own products. In these cases, a payment processor like PayPal or Stripe is necessary.
Is Personal Blogging Easy?
Nothing worth doing is truly easy, but that doesn’t mean personal blogging isn’t fun.
As a personal 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 Personal Blog?
It’s absolutely worth it to start a personal 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 personal-related industries will take you seriously.
Final Thoughts on Monetizing a Personal Blog
So, you've explored all the steps to make money from your personal blog. Here’s a final nugget of advice: diversify your monetization strategies!
By mixing things up—think affiliate marketing, ads, and selling your own products—you safeguard your blog's earnings. Even if one source dips, like Amazon slashing commissions, you're set up for stability.
Embrace this layered approach, keep at it, and plan well. You're now on track to truly earn what your blog is worth.
Why You Should Trust Our Personal Blogging Content
You may be thinking, "that's all great, but what does Lasso know about personal blogging?"
Quite a lot, actually.
Here's why you can trust our process for building a successful personal 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 Personal Bloggers Every Day
Lasso's WordPress plugin is installed on over 8,000 websites, including a lot of personal 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 personal 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.
