How to Monetize a Writing Blog and Pen a Profit

Starting a writing blog is a fun adventure! But there’s a lot to learn at first, like registering a domain and setting up WordPress. Once you get the hang of things, it's time to turn your passion into profit.

Trust me, this part is where the excitement really kicks in.

Whether you're just launching your blog or you've been writing for a while, there are plenty of ways to monetize your writing. These strategies will help you transform your hobby into a thriving business. Let's dive into each one!

1. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is the best monetization method for writing 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 Writing Bloggers

When it comes to recommending affiliate products in the blogging niche, you've got plenty of options. Here’s a quick guide to some effective types of affiliate products you can promote.

1. Hosting Services: Most bloggers need a reliable host for their site.

• High demand: Every new blog requires a hosting service.
• Recurring commissions: Many hosting companies offer monthly or annual commissions.
• Brand recognition: Recommend popular hosts for instant trust with your audience.

2. SEO Tools: Help bloggers improve their visibility online.

• Essential for success: SEO is critical for driving traffic to any blog.
• Wide variety: Choose from tools like keyword research and analysis tools.
• Longer subscription terms: Many tools have monthly or yearly subscriptions.

3. Writing Software: Great for enhancing the writing process.

• Immediate needs: Many bloggers need tools for grammar and style checking.
• Digital products: Easy to promote and often have low upfront costs.
• Multiple options: You can recommend various tools like Grammarly or Hemingway.

4. Online Courses: Educate your audience on blogging skills.

• Valuable content: People love learning how to improve their blog.
• High commission potential: Many courses are priced at a premium.
• Helps build authority: Promoting courses positions you as an expert in the niche.

5. Email Marketing Services: Email is crucial for blog growth.

• Recurring revenue: Bloggers often rely on email marketing services for engagement.
• Wide audience: Any blog can benefit from emailing their subscribers.
• Long-term relationships: Building an email list is a lasting strategy.

These product types can not only earn you commissions but also provide real value to your audience while enhancing their blogging journey.

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 writing 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 writing 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. Twig

   

   Commission Rate: 20% Per Sale

   Cookie Duration:

   The Twig affiliate program helps writers know exactly what to do next to get their book ready for publishing.

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

Affiliate Marketing Pros and Cons for Writing Bloggers

Affiliate marketing can be a great way for bloggers to make money. The biggest pro is the potential for passive income. Once you set up your links and content, you can earn money while you sleep. It’s a win-win for passionate writers who want to monetize their blog.

On the flip side, it can take time to see significant results. You have to build your audience and gain their trust. Also, choosing the wrong products to promote can damage your credibility. It's essential to pick items that align with your brand and that your readers will find valuable.

Transparency is another key point. Readers appreciate honesty, so it's crucial to disclose affiliate links. This builds trust and keeps your community engaged. Being upfront about your ties can actually strengthen their loyalty.

Lastly, remember that the competition can be fierce. Many bloggers are vying for the same audience. To stand out, you have to create high-quality content that offers real value and drive traffic to your blog through SEO and social media. It's all about the strategy!

2. Display Ads

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

How to Monetize a Writing Blog With Display Ads

Monetizing a writing 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 Writing Bloggers

When it comes to display ads, there are definitely pros and cons for bloggers. On the plus side, display ads can generate a consistent stream of income. They require minimal effort once set up, allowing you to focus on creating great content. Plus, you can target ads to your audience's interests, which can improve click-through rates.

However, display ads also come with some drawbacks. They can be intrusive and disrupt user experience. If they're too overwhelming, visitors might leave your site quickly. Additionally, ad blockers are becoming more popular, which can limit your potential earnings. You might earn less if many of your visitors can't see the ads.

Another thing to consider is the aesthetic impact on your blog. Too many ads can make your site look cluttered and less professional. It’s about finding a balance that doesn’t compromise your brand’s image. Ultimately, understanding your audience's preferences will guide you in making the right call.

3. Digital Products

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

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

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

• E-books: Create and sell your guide on writing techniques or genres.
• Writing Templates: Offer customizable templates for resumes, cover letters, or story outlines.
• Online Courses: Develop video or text-based courses on various writing skills.
• Workbooks: Provide engaging workbooks for self-improvement and writing exercises.
• Exclusive Memberships: Create a subscription for premium content, community access, or live Q&A sessions.

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 Writing Bloggers

Selling digital products can be a game changer for writing bloggers. One of the biggest pros is the potential for passive income. Once you create an eBook or an online course, you can sell it repeatedly without much extra effort. This can free up time for you to focus on content creation or other projects.

Another advantage is the low overhead cost. You don’t need to worry about production or shipping costs. Everything can be delivered electronically, which is not only efficient but also environmentally friendly. Plus, you can reach a global audience without the constraints of physical products.

However, there are also some downsides. Marketing digital products can be challenging. You need to invest time in building your brand and audience before you can make solid sales. Many bloggers struggle with self-promotion and may not feel confident in advertising their creations.

Additionally, competition is fierce. There are countless eBooks and courses available, so standing out is crucial. It requires constant innovation and effort. If you don’t stay ahead, your offerings might get lost in the crowd.

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

How to Monetize a Writing Blog with an Email Newsletter

Email newsletters are a powerful tool for Writing bloggers. They let you connect directly with your audience, which can enhance engagement and drive revenue. By offering valuable content, you can turn subscribers into loyal readers and customers. This is a great way to showcase your writing skills while opening doors to monetization opportunities.

To monetize your writing blog through an email newsletter, start by building a solid subscriber list. Promote your newsletter on your blog and social media channels. Offer incentives like free e-books, writing tips, or exclusive content that highlights your expertise as a writer. The goal is to make people feel like they’re gaining something valuable by subscribing. Once they’re interested, nurture this relationship with regular, authentic communication.

Next, think about the content of your newsletter. This isn't just about sharing blog posts. Include writing advice, sellable products, or even your writing services. Highlight any upcoming workshops, classes, or writing retreats you might be offering. You can also feature guest writers or interviews that will draw in more subscribers. Including these elements can keep your audience engaged and more likely to make purchases.

Finally, consider integrating affiliate marketing into your newsletters. Recommend writing-related books, courses, or tools that you genuinely love and believe in. Whenever someone buys through your link, you'll earn a commission. This is a straightforward way for Writing bloggers to monetize without compromising their integrity or alienating their audience.

Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Writing Bloggers

• Pros:
  • Direct connection: You build a personal relationship with your audience that social media can't match.
  • Increased revenue potential: You can sell your products and services directly to an engaged audience.
  • Controlled environment: You own your email list and can communicate without dependence on platforms like Facebook or Instagram.
  • Analytics: Track your open rates and conversions to refine your strategies.
• Cons:
  • Time-consuming: Writing regular, high-quality newsletters requires time and effort.
  • List-building challenges: Growing an email list from scratch can be slow.
  • Risk of unsubscribes: Not all content will appeal to your subscribers, which can lead to dropping numbers.
  • Compliance issues: Be mindful of regulations like GDPR when collecting email addresses.

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 writing 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 Writing Blog With Consulting Services

Monetizing a writing 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 Writing Bloggers

Selling consulting services as a blogger can be a double-edged sword. On the plus side, you can leverage your expertise to attract clients who value your insights. This offers a steady stream of income beyond just ad revenue or affiliate marketing. Plus, the direct interaction with clients enhances your reputation and opens doors for future collaborations.

However, there are downsides too. Time spent on consulting often takes away from producing new blog content. Balancing client work and your writing can be challenging. Additionally, it may demand a higher level of responsibility. Not all clients will be easy to work with, and the pressure to deliver may lead to stress.

Moreover, if you don’t market yourself correctly, finding clients can be a struggle. Not every blog visitor is a potential consultative client. You’ll need to invest time and effort into building a personal brand that showcases your skills and value.

Ultimately, while consulting services can diversify your income, it’s vital to weigh your passion for writing against the demands of client work. Finding the right balance is key to success.

Writing Blog Monetization FAQs

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

If you want to build a successful writing 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 Writing Blogging?

Absolutely! Some writing blogs, like The Write Life and Writer's Digest 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 Writing Blog?

Learning how to start a writing 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 Writing Bloggers Get Paid?

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

Is Writing Blogging Easy?

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

As a writing 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 Writing Blog?

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

Final Thoughts on Monetizing a Writing Blog

Now that we've explored various ways to monetize your writing blog, here’s a quick bonus tip:

Use multiple monetization methods!

Diversifying your income streams is key to securing your blog's future. If you dabble in affiliate marketing, display ads, and sell your own products, you're better protected. This way, a dip in Amazon's commission rates won't sink your business.

With this layered approach, plus some hard work and smart planning, you'll be well on your way to earning what your blog truly deserves.

Why You Should Trust Our Writing Blogging Content

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

Quite a lot, actually.

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

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