How to Monetize a Writing Blog and Pen a Profit

Starting a writing blog is exciting. You get to learn how to pick a domain, set up WordPress, and create awesome content. But once you’ve nailed the basics, it's time to focus on monetizing your blog.

This part can be the most fun of all. Turning your passion for writing into income can be super rewarding.

Whether you're just starting out or you've been blogging for a while, there are plenty of ways to make money. Let’s dive into some effective methods to help turn your writing blog into a thriving business.

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

If you're diving into the blogging niche, there are tons of affiliate products to recommend that can really resonate with your audience. Here’s a solid list to get you started!

1. **Blogging Platforms:** Consider recommending platforms like WordPress or Wix. They offer easy-to-use interfaces and great flexibility.

2. **SEO Tools:** Products like SEMrush or Ahrefs are perfect for anyone looking to improve their website's visibility on search engines.

3. **Email Marketing Services:** Think about products like ConvertKit or Mailchimp. They’re essential for building and maintaining an email list.

4. **Web Hosting Services:** Recommend reliable hosts like Bluehost or SiteGround. They provide excellent uptime and support.

5. **Writing Tools:** Suggest Grammarly or Hemingway. These help writers polish their content and improve their style.

6. **Online Courses:** Courses from platforms like Udemy or Skillshare are great for learning blogging techniques and strategies.

Here’s why these products are great for affiliate links:

• High Demand: Blogging is popular, so tools and services related to it are always in demand.
• Recurring Revenue: Many services offer subscription models, giving you continuous income potential.
• Quality Resources: These products are well-regarded and valued by bloggers, which means higher conversion rates.
• Variety of Niches: They can cater to various niches, allowing you to reach a broader audience.
• Educational Opportunities: Many products come with tutorials and resources, enhancing their attractiveness.

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. 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 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 offers a great chance for blogging income. If you have a decent following, you can earn money by promoting products. You share links, and when someone buys through your link, you earn a commission. Simple, right?

But it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. You'll need to build trust with your audience first. If you’re constantly pushing products, your followers might feel pushed away. Authenticity is key, so only promote what you genuinely recommend.

Another thing to consider is the competition. The online marketplace is crowded. You’ll need to find your niche and stand out. It can take time and effort to see financial returns, so patience is crucial.

Lastly, keep in mind that regulations may apply. Different countries have varying rules around affiliate marketing. Be sure to disclose your affiliate status to your audience. It keeps you transparent and builds trust.

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 one hand, they provide a source of passive income. Once you set them up, you can earn money while you sleep. Who wouldn’t want that?

However, they can also clutter your blog and distract readers. If you have too many ads, your content might take a backseat. This could push visitors away instead of keeping them engaged. Balance is key.

Another downside is that the revenue can vary widely. Some months you might earn a decent amount, while other times it could drop sharply. It’s unpredictable, so relying solely on ads can be risky.

Overall, display ads can be beneficial, but they require careful consideration. Always think about your audience and how ads affect their experience. Quality content should always come first.

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 cool list of digital products you can sell on your writing blog:

• E-books: Write and sell e-books on specific writing topics, like character development or plot structure.
• Writing courses: Create online courses teaching your writing techniques. Use videos, worksheets, and quizzes.
• Templates: Offer customizable templates for outlines, character sheets, and plot planners to help streamline the writing process.
• Workshops: Host virtual workshops on different genres or writing styles. Participants pay to join live sessions.
• Printable resources: Design printables like checklists, goal trackers, or motivational posters for writers to boost their productivity.

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

When it comes to selling digital products, one major pro is the low overhead cost. You don’t need to worry about inventory or shipping. Once you create a digital product, like an ebook or an online course, you can sell it over and over again. This means you can focus on marketing instead of logistics.

However, there are some cons to consider. First, the market is saturated. With so many digital products available, standing out can be a challenge. Plus, creating quality content takes time and effort, which can be intimidating if you're just starting out.

Another advantage is the potential for passive income. Once your product is up and running, it can provide steady income with minimal work. On the downside, you still need to invest time in promotions. If your audience isn’t large enough, you might struggle to make sales.

In summary, selling digital products can be a rewarding venture for bloggers. Just weigh the pros with the cons to see if it’s right for you. It can be lucrative, but only if you’re willing to put in the necessary work!

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 allow you to connect deeply with your audience and provide valuable content directly to their inbox. This personal touch can help build trust and loyalty, making it easier to monetize your blog through various methods.

To start monetizing your writing blog with an email newsletter, first, focus on building a solid subscriber list. Offer incentives for visitors to join, such as exclusive content, writing tips, or free resources like eBooks. This not only increases your subscribers but also enhances your credibility as a knowledgeable writer. Don’t underestimate the importance of a well-crafted welcome email; it sets the tone for future communication and keeps your audience engaged.

Once you have a growing list, you can monetize it through several avenues. Consider offering premium content for a fee, such as writing workshops or one-on-one coaching sessions. Subscribers are often willing to pay for added value that can improve their own writing skills. You can also include affiliate marketing links in your newsletter, promoting writing tools or books that you genuinely believe in. Just be sure to disclose your affiliate relationships to maintain trust with your subscribers.

Lastly, collaborating with other authors or brands can be a win-win for your email newsletter. You could feature guest posts in exchange for them sharing your newsletter with their audience. This not only broadens your reach but also creates a community, which is crucial in the writing world.

Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Writing Bloggers

• Pros:
  • Direct Communication: You can reach your audience directly in their inbox without reliance on algorithms.
  • High Engagement: Email subscribers usually have a stronger connection to your content and are more likely to engage.
  • Multiple Monetization Options: From paid subscriptions to affiliate marketing, there are multiple ways to generate income.
• Cons:
  • Time-Consuming: Crafting quality emails and managing a subscriber list takes time and consistent effort.
  • Potential Spam Filters: Your carefully crafted messages might end up in the spam folder if not properly optimized.
  • Subscriber Management: Keeping track of unsubscribes and maintaining a clean list can be challenging.

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

When it comes to selling consulting services, bloggers have both advantages and challenges. One big pro is that you're already an expert in your niche. Your readers trust your advice, which can translate into paying clients. Plus, you usually have an existing audience, making it easier to market your services without starting from scratch.

On the flip side, not all bloggers are equipped to become consultants. It requires strong communication skills and confidence to share your knowledge effectively. Also, the consulting space can be competitive, so standing out takes effort. Pricing your services right is another hurdle. You want to reflect your value, but also be appealing to potential clients.

Time management is another vital aspect. Consulting can be time-consuming, and it might pull you away from your blogging routine. Balancing the two can be tricky. Lastly, you need to promote your consulting skills consistently. This includes crafting sales pages, using social media, and potentially investing in ads to get your name out there.

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

Congratulations! You now know how to monetize your writing blog step-by-step.

Here’s a bonus tip for you:

Use multiple ways to make money!

Having different income streams helps secure your blog’s future.

If you promote affiliate offers, use display ads, and sell your own products, you’re safe even if one source drops.

With this approach, some hard work, and good planning, you’ll be on the fast track 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.