How to Monetize a Political Blog and Campaign for Cash

When you dive into political blogging, there’s a lot to figure out: setting up your domain, getting WordPress going, and publishing your first post. But once you've navigated those basics, it's time to learn how to make some money with your blog.

Trust me, this part will be a blast!

Whether you're just starting out or you’ve been in the game for a while, these monetization strategies are your ticket to turning your passion for politics into a thriving business. Let’s break down each method!

1. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is the best monetization method for political 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 Political Bloggers

When you're diving into the political blogging niche, affiliate marketing offers some awesome products to recommend. Here’s a quick list of different kinds of affiliate products that resonate well with politics enthusiasts:

• Books and Ebooks: Readers love to dive deeper into political theory and current events. You can recommend popular books, whether they're about history, impactful politicians, or current affairs.
• Online Courses: Consider promoting courses that teach about political science, government, or campaigning. People are eager to learn and enhance their understanding.
• Political Merchandise: Items like campaign buttons, T-shirts, and posters are great for fans wanting to show their support for causes or candidates.
• Subscriptions to Political Magazines: Recommend subscriptions to magazines that focus on politics, providing readers with continuous updates and analysis.
• Political Tools and Software: Platforms that help users get involved politically, like campaign management tools or voter outreach software, can be a good fit too.
• Donations to Causes/Campaigns: Encourage your readers to support their favorite candidates or causes through reliable donation platforms.

Here are some reasons why these products work well in the political blogging niche:

• Engagement: Readers are more inclined to purchase products that fuel their passion for politics.
• Trust: Recommending quality products builds your authority and credibility in the niche.
• Relevance: Political products resonate more, sparking interest and conversation among your audience.
• Diverse Income Stream: Different types of products can cater to various interests, giving you multiple avenues for earning.

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 political 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 political bloggers:

1. Udemy

   

   Commission Rate: 8% Per Sale

   Cookie Duration: 7 Days

   Udemy is the biggest hub of paid and free online courses on the web. With so many coureses, it has training and content in every niche possible.

2. Grammarly

   

   Commission Rate: $0.20 - $20 Per Lead

   Cookie Duration: 90 Days

   Grammarly is a software suite that assists in English spelling, grammar, and more. Get up to $20 per sale as well as $0.20 per lead.

3. Coursera

   

   Commission Rate: Up to 45% Per Sale

   Cookie Duration: 30 Days

   Coursera offers over 1,000 courses and specializations. Each course consists of pre-recorded videos, puzzles, and assignments.

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

Affiliate Marketing Pros and Cons for Political Bloggers

Affiliate marketing can be a great way for political bloggers to monetize their content. By partnering with specific organizations or campaigns, you can earn a commission for every referral you send their way. It allows you to promote causes you believe in while also bringing in some income.

However, there are downsides. Advertisers may not align perfectly with your audience’s values. If you choose the wrong affiliate program, it can damage your credibility. Your readers trust you to give them honest opinions, and promoting a product that feels inauthentic can backfire.

Additionally, the income from affiliate marketing can be unpredictable. You may have months where commissions flow in nicely and others where they dwindle. This inconsistency can be a hurdle for bloggers relying on steady income.

Finally, effective affiliate marketing requires a solid strategy. You need to carefully craft your content, ensuring it effectively integrates the affiliate links. This takes time and effort, and not every blogger has the resources to commit fully.

2. Display Ads

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

How to Monetize a Political Blog With Display Ads

Monetizing a political 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 Political Bloggers

Display ads can be a mixed bag for political bloggers. On the plus side, they can generate significant revenue. If you have decent traffic, the earning potential is solid. These ads can also bring in more audience engagement if timed with hot political topics.

However, there are downsides. Many readers find display ads annoying or intrusive. This can negatively affect user experience and might prompt some to leave your site. Additionally, ad blockers are common among younger audiences, which can diminish your ad reach.

There's also the challenge of ad relevance. If the ads don't align with your content, readers might be less likely to engage. This could lead to lower click-through rates. Finding a balance between monetization and guest satisfaction is key.

3. Digital Products

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

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

Digital Products to Sell on a Political Blog:

• E-books: Comprehensive guides on political topics, strategies, or historical analysis. They can be informative and highly shareable.
• Webinars: Live or recorded sessions featuring experts talking about current events. These can engage your audience while offering valuable insights.
• Subscription Newsletters: Exclusive content delivered weekly or monthly, featuring in-depth articles, commentary, and analysis.
• Political Merchandise: Fun and intriguing designs on apparel or accessories that reflect political positions or movements.
• Online Courses: In-depth courses on understanding political systems, campaign strategies, or civic engagement, catering to different skill levels.

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 Political Bloggers

Selling digital products can be a game-changer for political bloggers. One big pro is the potential for passive income. Once you create a product like an eBook or an online course, you can sell it repeatedly without additional effort. It’s perfect for bloggers who want to monetize their expertise without constantly chasing new content.

On the flip side, there's a learning curve. You need to master marketing strategies. Building an audience takes time, and getting people's attention in the crowded political space can be tough. If you're unfamiliar with sales funnels or email marketing, it might feel overwhelming.

Another advantage is the low overhead costs. Unlike physical products, digital goods don’t require inventory or shipping. This means your profit margins can be higher. But remember, while you save on production costs, you may need to invest in quality design or software to create your products.

Lastly, the niche nature of political blogging can limit your audience. Not everyone will be interested in your specific topics. It’s vital to understand your target audience and create tailored products to meet their needs. Focusing on your niche can drive sales, but it can also narrow your potential market.

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

How to Monetize a Political Blog with an Email Newsletter

Email newsletters are an excellent way for political bloggers to build a loyal audience and generate revenue. They allow you to share valuable insights, updates, and calls to action directly with your readers' inboxes. By investing in an email newsletter, you not only cultivate a dedicated following but also create multiple avenues for monetization.

First, start by growing your email list. This can be achieved through various tactics like offering exclusive content, appealing freebies, or access to community discussions. Political readers often appreciate content that goes deeper than what’s available in traditional media. By giving your subscribers in-depth analysis, polls, or early access to blog posts, you make your newsletter something they look forward to receiving.

Once your email list has grown, it’s time to monetize it. You could offer premium subscriptions where subscribers pay for access to exclusive content, such as interviews with political figures or detailed reports on political events. Furthermore, opt for sponsorships in your newsletters. Don’t hesitate to partner with brands that align with your political beliefs and values. Sponsored content that resonates with your audience can be both informative and profitable.

Another route is to leverage affiliate marketing. Share aesthetic gear like books or courses on political theory that your audience may find interesting. Whenever someone buys something through your links, you earn a commission. Not only do newsletters help amplify these offers, but they create a personal connection that boosts conversion rates.

Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Political Bloggers

• Pros:
  • Direct Communication: Email allows you to speak directly to your audience without algorithm interference.
  • High Engagement: Political readers are generally passionate and likely to open and engage with your content.
  • Easy to Personalize: You can segment your audience and tailor messages based on their interests, leading to better possible responses.
  • Recurring Revenue: Premium subscriptions can provide a reliable income stream over time.
• Cons:
  • Time-Consuming: It requires consistent effort to create quality content and maintain your email list.
  • List Management: Keeping your audience engaged can be challenging. Subscribers may lose interest and unsubscribe.
  • Risk of Spam: If not done thoughtfully, your emails can be seen as spam, damaging your reputation.
  • Dependence on Deliverability: Even the best content won’t matter if your emails end up in the promotion or spam folder.

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 political 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 Political Blog With Consulting Services

Monetizing a political 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 Political Bloggers

When considering selling consulting services, political bloggers have some notable advantages. First, they often have a built-in audience. This means they can quickly market their services to followers who already trust their expertise. Plus, bloggers can leverage their content to establish themselves as authorities in niche topics, enhancing their credibility.

On the flip side, selling consulting services also comes with challenges. Many bloggers may feel uncomfortable switching from content creation to a sales mindset. There’s also the issue of competition; as more bloggers enter this space, standing out can be tough. Additionally, clients often expect results, putting pressure on the consultant to deliver.

Another pro is flexibility. Consulting allows bloggers to set their hours and choose their clients. This independence can lead to a better work-life balance. Yet, this freedom can also mean inconsistent income, especially when starting. And without a robust marketing plan, it can take time to build a steady stream of clients.

Lastly, there's the skill of transitioning from written content to personalized consultations. This requires great communication skills and the ability to listen actively. If a blogger can adapt, they can create valuable relationships, but it is a learning curve worth considering.

Political Blog Monetization FAQs

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

If you want to build a successful political 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 Political Blogging?

Absolutely! Some political blogs, like The Political Insider and Daily Kos 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 Political Blog?

Learning how to start a political 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 Political Bloggers Get Paid?

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

Is Political Blogging Easy?

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

As a political 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 Political Blog?

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

Final Thoughts on Monetizing a Political Blog

Now that you’ve learned how to monetize your political blog, here’s one last tip:

Use multiple methods to earn money!

Diversifying your income sources is key to a stable future for your blog.

If you mix affiliate offers, display ads, and your own products, you won’t be as affected if one source takes a hit.

With this approach, some hard work, and good planning, you’ll be well on your way to maximizing your blog’s earnings.

Why You Should Trust Our Political Blogging Content

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

Quite a lot, actually.

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

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