How to Monetize a Pet Blog and Paw Up Some Profits

Starting a pet blog is a thrilling journey. You learn to register a domain, set up WordPress, and write engaging posts. But once you have the basics down, the next exciting step is monetization.

This is where the fun really begins! Turning your love for pets into profit can be incredibly rewarding.

Whether you’re just starting or you’re already a pet influencer, there are plenty of ways to make money from your blog. From affiliate marketing to selling pet-related products, the options are endless.

Let’s dive into some effective monetization strategies and transform your pet blog into a thriving business!

1. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is the best monetization method for pet 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 Pet Bloggers

If you're diving into the pet blogging niche and looking for great affiliate products to recommend, you’re in luck! There are tons of options that pet owners love. Here’s a neat list to get you started:

1. Pet Food Subscription Boxes

These offer regular deliveries of high-quality dog or cat food, often tailored to specific dietary needs.

2. Pet Grooming Products

This can include shampoos, conditioners, brushes, and more. Pet owners are always looking for ways to keep their furry friends looking their best!

3. Training Tools

Think of obedience training books, clickers, and training collars. These are desirable for pet owners wanting to shape their pet’s behavior.

4. Pet Toys

From chew toys to interactive puzzles, there’s a huge variety that keeps pets entertained and sharp.

5. Health Supplements

Vitamins and supplements for pets are growing in popularity as owners become more health-conscious for their pets.

6. Pet Accessories

This includes collars, leashes, and harnesses. Stylish and functional gear is always in demand.

7. Pet Tech Devices

Think GPS collars or pet cameras. These gadgets are trending as pet parents want to stay connected with their pets even when they’re apart.

Here’s why recommending these products can be a win:

• Engagement: Pet owners are passionate and often seek reliable recommendations.
• Diversity: There’s a wide range of products that cater to various pet types and needs.
• Recurring Revenue: Subscription services offer steady commissions over time.
• Brand Loyalty: Quality products can enhance your credibility and create trust with your audience.

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 pet 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 pet bloggers:

1. OnePet

   

   Commission Rate: 20%+ RevShare

   Cookie Duration: 30 Days - First Touch Basis

   OnePet creates products and services pet parents love. They offer premium brands: Honest Paws, CertaPet, VetsPreferred, Simple Wag & One Vet.

2. Innovet Pet

   

   Commission Rate: 20% - 40% Per Sale

   Cookie Duration: 30 Days

   Innovet Pet is a pet supplement marketplace full of specialized products designed to fit the unique needs of different pets.

3. Chewy

   

   Commission Rate: $15 Per Sale

   Cookie Duration: 15 Days

   Chewy has everything you need for your pet at amazing prices, every day. Explore more than 1,000 favorite brands, all from the comfort of home.

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

Affiliate Marketing Pros and Cons for Pet Bloggers

Affiliate marketing can be a great way for pet bloggers to earn money. It allows you to share products you love while earning a commission whenever someone makes a purchase through your link. This can feel super rewarding, especially when promoting quality pet products that your readers will actually appreciate.

However, it’s not all sunshine and wagging tails. To succeed, you need to build trust with your audience. If they feel you’re just in it for the cash, they might disengage. It’s crucial to choose affiliate programs that align with your values and your readers' interests.

Another downside? It often takes time to see results. Traffic to your blog must grow before the affiliate links start to pay off. You might not see success overnight, and that can be frustrating. But with consistent effort and quality content, it can be worth it.

2. Display Ads

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

How to Monetize a Pet Blog With Display Ads

Monetizing a pet 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 Pet Bloggers

Display ads can be a double-edged sword for pet bloggers. On one hand, they can generate passive income. Websites with decent traffic can earn money just by placing these ads. Websites like Google AdSense offer ad placements which pay you every time a visitor clicks on them.

However, there are some drawbacks. Many users find display ads intrusive. They can clutter your lovely blog layout and distract from what's most important—your pet content! A user unfriendly experience may drive your readers away faster than you can say "cat video."

Another consideration is the market for pet-related ads. If you cover niche topics, you might struggle to find relevant advertisers. This could result in lower click-through rates and, consequently, minimal income. In addition, maintaining ad quality can be a hassle, as unsuitable ads may appear on your website.

Overall, while display ads can offer quick financial gain, they also present challenges that every pet blogger should weigh carefully. Balancing monetization with user experience is crucial to maintaining a loyal audience.

3. Digital Products

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

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

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

• Pet Care eBooks: Provide in-depth guides on topics like nutrition, training, and health care for different pets.
• Printable Training Plans: Create customizable training schedules and checklists for dog owners to improve obedience.
• Pet Health Trackers: Offer downloadable templates for tracking vaccinations, medications, and vet visits.
• Online Courses: Develop video courses on pet grooming, training, or behavioral psychology for pet owners seeking professional advice.
• Customizable Pet Gift Guides: Create interactive PDF guides that help pet owners find the perfect gifts based on their pet's type and personality.

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 Pet Bloggers

Selling digital products as a pet blogger can be a great way to monetize your passion. One of the main pros is low overhead. You don’t have to worry about inventory costs or shipping fees. Once you've created a digital product, it can be sold repeatedly without additional expenses.

Another advantage is the flexibility. You can create eBooks, courses, or printables at your own pace. This allows you to tailor your offerings to your audience's needs. Plus, digital products can provide passive income. They continue to generate revenue while you focus on other aspects of your blog.

However, there are some cons to consider. Creating high-quality digital products takes time and effort. You need to ensure they are well-designed and valuable to your audience. If your products don’t meet expectations, it can hurt your reputation.

Additionally, the market can be quite competitive. Many bloggers sell similar products, so you need a unique angle to stand out. Pricing strategies can also be tricky. Charge too little, and you may undervalue your work; charge too much, and you might scare away potential buyers.

How To Monetize a Pet 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 pet 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 pet blog with an email newsletter and the pros and cons of email marketing for pet bloggers.

How to Monetize a Pet Blog with an Email Newsletter

Email newsletters are essential for pet bloggers looking to connect deeply with their audience. They allow you to deliver tailored content directly to your subscribers' inboxes. This is particularly beneficial for pet bloggers since pet owners often seek advice, tips, and product recommendations for their furry friends. By building a strong email list, you allow yourself to monetize your blog effectively.

To monetize your pet blog using an email newsletter, start by creating valuable content that appeals to your pet-loving audience. Share helpful tips on pet care, fun DIY pet projects, or heartwarming pet stories. You can include affiliate links to pet products within your newsletters. When subscribers purchase through these links, you'll earn a commission, driving revenue while providing value to your audience.

Another way to monetize your newsletter is by promoting your own products or services. This could be anything from pet care ebooks to handmade pet accessories. Offering exclusive discounts and early access to your products through the newsletter encourages more subscribers. Your loyal readers are likely to become paying customers if they feel they're getting something special.

Lastly, consider partnering with pet-related brands for sponsorship opportunities. Pet companies may be interested in advertising their products in your newsletter, especially if you have a dedicated subscriber base. Reach out to brands that fit your niche and propose a mutually beneficial collaboration, enhancing both your audiences while monetizing your blog.

Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Pet Bloggers

• Pros:
  • Direct Communication: You can reach your audience directly, allowing for tailored interactions and increased engagement.
  • High Conversion Rates: Email marketing typically has higher conversion rates compared to social media, meaning more potential sales.
  • Builds Loyalty: Regular newsletters help build strong relationships with your audience, turning casual readers into loyal fans who trust your recommendations.
• Cons:
  • Time-Consuming: Creating and maintaining an email newsletter requires regular effort and creativity to keep content fresh and engaging.
  • Subscription Management: Keeping track of subscriber lists, managing opt-ins, and dealing with unsubscribes can be a hassle.
  • Compliance Issues: Adhering to laws like GDPR and CAN-SPAM requires knowledge and diligence, adding another layer of complexity to your blogging efforts.

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 pet 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 Pet Blog With Consulting Services

Monetizing a pet 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 Pet Bloggers

When it comes to selling consulting services for pet bloggers, there are definitely some pros and cons to consider. On the plus side, pet bloggers often have a passionate and engaged audience. This creates a great opportunity to share your knowledge and create value. Many pet bloggers are eager to learn more about content creation, SEO, and social media strategies specific to their niche.

However, the flip side is that competition can be fierce. There are lots of consultants out there, making it essential to clearly define your unique selling points. It might take time to build credibility and establish a reputation. Additionally, pricing your services can be tricky since many bloggers operate on tight budgets.

Another advantage is the potential for recurring revenue. If you can build lasting relationships with your clients, you can offer ongoing services like content reviews or monthly strategy sessions. This not only provides stable income but can also foster a sense of community among pet bloggers.

On the downside, managing client expectations can be a challenge. Some pet bloggers may come to you with unrealistic goals or want quick wins. Setting clear boundaries and being upfront about what is achievable is vital to avoiding miscommunication and frustration.

Pet Blog Monetization FAQs

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

If you want to build a successful pet 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 Pet Blogging?

Absolutely! Some pet blogs, like Blog Paws and Pawsitively Pets 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 Pet Blog?

Learning how to start a pet 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 Pet Bloggers Get Paid?

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

Is Pet Blogging Easy?

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

As a pet 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 Pet Blog?

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

Final Thoughts on Monetizing a Pet Blog

Congratulations! You've learned all the different ways to monetize your pet blog. But I've got one last tip for you:

Mix it up with multiple income streams!

Diversifying how you make money is a smart move for your blog's future. If you rely on affiliate marketing, display ads, and your own products, you're less vulnerable to changes like commission cuts from platforms like Amazon.

By combining different strategies and putting in some hard work, you'll set yourself on a path to the earnings your blog truly deserves. Go for it!

Why You Should Trust Our Pet Blogging Content

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

Quite a lot, actually.

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

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