How to Monetize a Writing Blog and Pen a Profit

Starting a writing blog is exciting, but there’s a lot to figure out. You need to register a domain, set up WordPress, and learn how to write and publish your posts. Once you’ve got that down, it’s time to talk about how to monetize your writing blog.

I promise, this will be the most enjoyable part of your blogging journey.

Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been at it for a while, these monetization strategies can turn your passion into a real income. Let’s break them down and explore 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

If you’re diving into the blogging niche and looking to recommend some affiliate products, you're in for a treat! There’s a wide array of products that can not only benefit your readers but can also boost your earnings. Here are some top picks:

1. **Website Builders**: Websites like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress. These platforms make it easy for bloggers to create stunning sites without serious coding skills.

2. **Web Hosting Services**: Companies like Bluehost and SiteGround are essential. They ensure your site's speed and uptime are top-notch.

3. **Content Management Tools**: Programs like Grammarly and Hemingway help bloggers polish their writing and make it more engaging. These tools can elevate the quality of blog posts dramatically.

4. **SEO Tools**: Services such as SEMrush and Yoast SEO can help bloggers optimize their content for search engines. This leads to better visibility and traffic.

5. **Email Marketing Services**: Platforms like Mailchimp and ConvertKit allow bloggers to build and manage email lists effectively. These are crucial for maintaining reader engagement.

6. **Social Media Management Tools**: Tools like Buffer and Hootsuite enable bloggers to schedule posts and manage their social media presence efficiently.

7. **Stock Photo Sites**: Websites like Shutterstock or Unsplash are fantastic resources for bloggers needing high-quality visuals without spending a fortune.

Here’s why these products can be great recommendations:

• Ease of Use: Most of these products are user-friendly, making them accessible for all skill levels.
• Instant Value: They provide tools that bloggers use daily, making your recommendations feel relevant and useful.
• Potential for Growth: Investing in these tools can help bloggers grow their audience and income over time.
• Recurring Commissions: Many of these programs offer subscriptions, meaning you can earn money continuously as long as users stay subscribed.
• High Demand: Every blogger needs some of these services, guaranteeing a potential audience for your recommendations.

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 earn money while doing what they love. One big pro is the potential for passive income. Once you've created content and included affiliate links, you can earn commissions even while you're sleeping. This makes it a flexible option for those looking to monetize their writing.

However, there are also cons to consider. For instance, establishing trust with your audience is crucial. If readers feel you're promoting products just for the money, they might lose interest. Maintaining a balance between content quality and sales pitches can be tricky, especially when trying to keep your blog authentic.

Another downside is that affiliate programs may have restrictions. Some might require a certain number of visitors before you can join, or they could impose lengthy approval processes. This can limit the opportunities available to newer bloggers. It's essential to research and choose programs that align well with your niche.

In the end, successful affiliate marketing hinges on aligning your content with your readers' needs. If you can genuinely advocate for products you'll love, you'll likely see both engagement and earnings grow. Just be prepared for a learning curve as you figure out the best approach for your specific audience.

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 double-edged sword for bloggers. On the plus side, they can be a significant source of revenue. If strategically placed, they grab attention and entice clicks. Many ad networks, like Google AdSense, make it easy to get started and offer reliable payouts.

However, there are also downsides. Too many ads can clutter your blog, turning readers away. They might distract visitors from your content and harm user experience. Plus, ad revenue often relies on traffic—if your site isn't pulling in visitors, earnings can dwindle.

Another factor to consider is the compatibility with your brand. Display ads may not always align with your niche or the expectations of your audience. Choosing the right ads is crucial. If they don’t resonate, they could even damage your credibility.

Ultimately, it’s about balance. A few well-placed ads can enhance your earnings while preserving user experience. Keep an eye on the metrics and adjust your strategy accordingly. Experimentation is key to finding what works best for your blog.

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

• E-books: Share your expertise or indulge in creative storytelling. E-books can range from how-to guides to fictional tales.
• Writing Courses: Create video or text-based courses teaching various writing skills, like blogging, fiction, or freelance writing.
• Printable Workbooks: Design worksheets that help writers brainstorm ideas, outline stories, or refine their craft.
• Templates: Offer customizable templates for blog posts, query letters, or book proposals to simplify the writing process.
• Membership Community: Build a subscription-based community where members access exclusive content, workshops, and networking opportunities.
• Audio Guides: Produce audio formats of your writing tips or readings of your work. It’s convenient for on-the-go learning!

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 big pro is the passive income potential. Once you create an e-book or a digital course, you can sell it over and over without any extra effort. This means you can earn money while you sleep!

Another advantage is the low overhead cost. Unlike physical products, there’s no need for inventory or shipping. You can set up shop with minimal expenses, which is perfect for bloggers just starting out.

On the flip side, there are cons to consider. The market can be saturated, making it hard to stand out. You'll need to invest time in marketing to reach your audience effectively. Plus, tech issues can arise, from software glitches to payment processing hiccups, which might be a hassle.

Lastly, some bloggers may struggle with pricing. It’s tricky to find that sweet spot between value and profitability. If you price too high, customers might hesitate. If you go too low, you could undervalue your 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 fantastic way for writing bloggers to connect directly with their audience. They allow you to share your insights, tips, and updates while building a loyal readership. Plus, they can serve as a revenue stream. By providing exclusive content and promotions, you can monetize your newsletter and enhance your blog business.

To start monetizing your writing blog with an email newsletter, first, build your subscriber list. Offer readers something valuable in exchange for their email addresses like a free eBook, a writing prompt guide, or a mini-course on writing techniques. Once you have an engaged audience, use an email marketing service to manage your campaigns efficiently. Popular options include Mailchimp, ConvertKit, or Substack. This infographic tool makes it simple to automate your email broadcasts and keep your subscribers updated.

As you develop your newsletter, consider incorporating sponsored content or affiliate links. Collaborate with brands that align with your content and your audience's interests. For instance, if you review writing tools or books in your newsletter, you could include links that earn you a commission on sales. Furthermore, offering premium subscriptions gives readers access to exclusive content, workshops, or personalized feedback, which deepens their connection to your writing expertise.

Lastly, engage regularly with your subscribers. Encourage feedback and ask what they want to see. When they feel invested, they’re more likely to support your monetization efforts by purchasing products you recommend or subscribing for premium content. A personal touch goes a long way in building relationships that ultimately lead to revenue.

Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Writing Bloggers

• Pros:
  • Direct audience connection: Email allows you to reach your audience without algorithms getting in the way, ensuring your message hits inboxes.
  • Increased engagement: Subscribers who opted into your list are typically more engaged and interested in your content.
  • Monetization opportunities: Options like affiliate marketing and premium content can add revenue directly through your newsletter.
  • Building a community: A newsletter fosters a sense of community where readers feel they are part of your journey.
• Cons:
  • Time-consuming: Creating quality content for newsletters can take a lot of time and effort.
  • Needs consistent effort: Regular engagement is necessary to keep subscribers from dropping off.
  • Initial growth may be slow: Building a solid subscriber list takes time and persistence.
  • Potential for low open rates: If not managed carefully, your email may end up ignored or marked as spam.

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 for writing bloggers, there are plenty of pros to consider. First off, writers often struggle with clarity or strategy, and you can step in to offer targeted help. Your expertise can assist them in shaping their voice, improving SEO, or even establishing a solid content calendar. This kind of support can be invaluable, making your services highly appealing.

On the flip side, there are some cons too. Entering the consulting space may require more than just writing skill; you need to market yourself effectively. Standing out in a saturating market can be challenging, especially against others who may have more experience or a bigger portfolio. Plus, managing client expectations can sometimes be a tightrope walk, especially when creative work is involved.

Another downside is that pricing your services can feel tricky. If you price too low, youd undervalue your expertise; too high, and you might scare potential clients away. Finding that sweet spot takes time and research, and it can definitely be a learning curve for newcomers.

Lastly, remember that client work can be unpredictable. Some months you may be overwhelmed with projects, while others could leave you wondering where your next gig will come from. It's vital to maintain steady connections and have strategies for client retention, or the feast-or-famine cycle can be tough to navigate.

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’ve learned how to monetize your writing blog, here’s a bonus tip for you:

Use multiple ways to make money!

Diversifying your income streams is key to protecting your blog's future.

If you use affiliate marketing, display ads, and sell your own stuff, you won’t tank your business if one revenue source dips.

With this mixed approach, a lot of effort, 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.