How to Monetize a Writing Blog and Pen a Profit

Starting a writing blog is exciting! You’ve learned how to get your domain, set up WordPress, and post content. Now it’s time to dive into monetizing your writing blog.

Trust me, figuring out how to make money from your blog is going to be a blast.

Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been at this for a while, there are plenty of ways to turn your passion into profit. Let’s break down some easy methods to help you transform your hobby into a full-time gig!

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 diving into the blogging world, it's crucial to have solid affiliate products to recommend. They not only enhance your writing but also help you earn some extra cash. Here’s a handy list of different kinds of affiliate products perfect for the writing and blogging niche:

• Writing Tools: Many bloggers recommend tools like grammar checkers, plagiarism checkers, and formatting tools. These help improve writing quality.
• Web Hosting Services: Great web hosts are essential for any serious blogger. They ensure your site runs smoothly and can handle more traffic.
• SEO Tools: Tools that help with keyword research and site analytics are big hits among bloggers looking to boost their search engine visibility.
• Online Courses: Courses on writing, blogging, and marketing skills enable people to enhance their craft while you earn commissions.
• Graphic Design Tools: Visual elements can make or break a blog. Recommend tools for creating eye-catching headers and images.
• Book Recommendations: Share your favorite writing books or guides. They’re invaluable resources for aspiring writers.

So, why consider these products? Here’s what you need to know:

• Quality enhancement: They significantly improve content and effectiveness in creating engaging posts.
• Revenue Potential: High commissions can boost your income stream as your blog grows.
• Audience Value: Recommending useful tools provides genuine value to your readers.
• Networking Opportunities: Affiliate partnerships can open doors to connect with other bloggers and influencers.

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 is a great way for bloggers to monetize their content. The potential for passive income can be appealing, especially when you have a steady stream of traffic. You earn money by promoting products or services and can build partnerships with brands you love, making it feel less like a job and more like a collaboration.

However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. One downside is that it can take time to see results. You might need to invest significant effort in creating engaging content before you notice any real income. Plus, if your readers don’t trust your recommendations or feel like you’re pushing products too hard, it could hurt your audience’s loyalty.

Another consideration is the competition. Many bloggers are also venturing into affiliate marketing, which means you may need to work harder to stand out. Finding your niche and being genuine in your promotions is essential. Overall, it requires a good balance between providing value and promoting products.

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

Display ads can be a mixed bag for bloggers. On the plus side, they can be a solid revenue stream. If your blog attracts a lot of visitors, those ad placements can really add up. Plus, setting up display ads is pretty straightforward; services like Google AdSense make it easy to get started.

On the downside, these ads can be intrusive. They might slow down your site’s loading speed, which can frustrate readers. Additionally, if the ads are not relevant to your audience, they might find them annoying and it could impact their experience.

There's also the issue of ad blindness. Many users have learned to ignore ads, so even if you have great placements, they might not be as effective as you hope. Lastly, if too many ads clutter your blog, it can drive away potential readers and hurt your brand’s image.

So, while display ads can offer benefits, it's essential to strike a balance. You want to monetize your blog but do it in a way that keeps your readers happy and engaged.

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.

Digital Products to Sell on a Writing Blog:

• E-books: Compile your knowledge into e-books covering specific writing topics, like grammar tips or plot development.
• Writing Prompts: Create a bundle of unique writing prompts to inspire creativity for writers at any level.
• Online Courses: Offer structured courses on writing skills, such as character development or SEO writing.
• Templates: Design customizable templates for blogs, resumes, or query letters to help writers save time.
• Workbooks: Produce interactive workbooks that guide writers through the writing process with exercises and tips.

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

One big pro of selling digital products as a writing blogger is income potential. Once you create an eBook, online course, or template, you can sell it repeatedly with very little effort. This generates passive income, which is ideal for bloggers looking to monetize their craft.

On the flip side, there's significant upfront effort involved. You'll need quality content and a solid marketing strategy to reach your audience. Running promotions and consistently creating awareness can be draining and time-consuming.

Another advantage is the low overhead costs. Unlike physical products, digital items don't require inventory or shipping. This makes it easier to dive in without a huge financial commitment.

However, breaking into the market can be tough. With so many writers and bloggers selling digital products, standing out requires not just great content, but also savvy marketing skills. That can feel overwhelming for many.

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 writers looking to monetize their blogs. They allow you to connect directly with your audience, offering a personal touch that can lead to stronger engagement and trust. For writing bloggers, this is essential since building a loyal readership is key to generating income. You can share exclusive content, promote products, and even sell your services directly to subscribers.

One effective way to monetize your email newsletter is by offering exclusive content. This can include in-depth articles, writing tips, or even personalized feedback on writing samples. By creating valuable content that’s only available to subscribers, you encourage more visitors to sign up. This approach not only adds to your revenue stream but also positions you as an authority in your niche.

Another strategy is to include affiliate marketing in your newsletter. You can recommend writing tools, courses, or books that you love and earn a commission on every sale through your links. Since your subscribers trust your opinion, they're more likely to click on these links and make purchases. This provides a seamless way to integrate monetization without compromising the quality of your content.

Lastly, you can consider selling premium subscriptions or membership options for your newsletter. By offering an upgraded experience—such as one-on-one consultations, workshops, or exclusive access to events—you can generate a steady income stream. This works particularly well for writing bloggers who have mastered their craft and wish to offer personalized guidance to their audience.

Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Writing Bloggers

• Pros:
  • Direct Connection: You can communicate directly with your audience, fostering stronger relationships.
  • Higher Engagement: Subscribers are typically more engaged with your content than casual visitors.
  • Control Over Audience: You own your email list and can market to your audience whenever you want, unlike social media platforms which can change their algorithms.
• Cons:
  • Time-Consuming: Building and maintaining an email list requires consistency and effort.
  • Potential for Low Open Rates: If not done correctly, newsletters can end up in the spam folder or go unread.
  • Requires Strategy: You need a clear strategy to ensure your emails provide value and won't push subscribers away.

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 for writing bloggers has its ups and downs. One major pro is flexibility. You can set your own hours and decide how many clients to take on. This can be a game-changer for those who want to maintain a work-life balance.

Another advantage is the potential to earn a good income. Many bloggers are willing to pay for expert guidance to elevate their content and grow their audience. If you have solid experience and niche expertise, you can command higher rates.

On the flip side, marketing yourself can be a real challenge. Not everyone knows who you are, and establishing credibility takes time. You'll need a solid online presence and maybe some testimonials to attract clients.

Additionally, the consulting business can be unpredictable. Income may fluctuate based on client demand. Months may go by without a single client, leaving you scrambling to find new work. Being prepared for this ebb and flow is crucial.

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 you know all the ways to monetize your writing blog, here’s a bonus tip:

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket!

Diversifying your income streams is the best way to secure your blog's future. Try promoting affiliate offers, using display ads, and selling your own products. This way, if one income source takes a hit, you're not left in the lurch.

With a mix of strategies, hard work, and a bit of planning, you'll be on the right path 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.