How to Monetize a Writing Blog and Pen a Profit

Starting a writing blog? There's a lot to dive into. You'll need to pick a domain, set up WordPress, and get comfortable writing and publishing content. But once you’ve figured that out, it's time to explore how to monetize your blog.

Trust me, this could be the most exciting part of your blogging journey!

Whether you’re new to blogging or a seasoned pro in the writing world, monetization techniques can turn your passion project into a thriving business. Let’s take a closer look at each of these methods.

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 you're diving into the writing blogging niche, there are plenty of affiliate products to recommend. Here’s a quick rundown of some popular options:

• Writing Tools: Tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid help writers enhance their grammar and style, making their blogs shine.
• Blogging Platforms: Platforms like Bluehost or SiteGround provide hosting services, crucial for any blog's infrastructure.
• E-books and Courses: Promoting writing courses or e-books like “On Writing” by Stephen King can offer your audience valuable insights and skills.
• WordPress Themes: Attractive themes from providers like Elegant Themes help bloggers customize their site, enhancing user experience.
• Social Media Tools: Tools like Hootsuite or Buffer streamline social media management, helping bloggers promote their work effectively.

Here’s why recommending these products makes sense:

• Value to Readers: These products offer genuine solutions that can improve writing or blogging efficiency.
• High Demand: Writers are always seeking ways to improve their craft and promote their work, making these products relevant.
• Recurring Revenue: Some services provide recurring commissions on subscriptions, which can boost your affiliate earnings consistently.
• Trust Factor: Recommending quality products builds trust with your audience, establishing you as an authority.

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 fantastic way for bloggers to monetize their content. You can earn commissions by promoting products or services related to your niche. This can be a win-win since you’re recommending products you believe in, which adds value for your readers.

However, there's a catch. Not every affiliate program is created equal. Some offer low commission rates or have strict approval processes. Plus, you'll need to create quality content regularly to drive traffic and convert readers into buyers. It’s crucial to balance affiliate promotions with engaging content; nobody likes feeling sold to.

On the flip side, if you choose the right products and build trust with your audience, affiliate marketing can create a passive income stream. You earn money while you sleep—literally! Just remember to track your metrics and adjust your strategy based on what resonates with your audience.

Finally, be transparent. Always disclose your affiliate relationships. Your readers appreciate honesty and it helps maintain your credibility. That aligns with good blogging practice and can boost your reputation in the long run.

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 one hand, they offer the potential to earn passive income. You can easily integrate them into your blog's design, and once set up, they require minimal maintenance. This means more time for you to focus on writing and creating content.

However, these ads can also become intrusive. When not implemented carefully, they might disrupt the reading experience. If your audience feels overwhelmed by ads, they may bounce from your site faster than you can say "click-through rate." Balancing monetization and user experience is crucial.

Additionally, traffic plays a significant role in your ad performance. If your blog is still growing, you may struggle to generate significant earnings. Low traffic often leads to low ad impressions and clicks, making it hard to see a real return on investment. Therefore, it's essential to build a solid readership before relying on display ads as a primary income source.

In short, understanding your audience and strategically placing ads are key. With the right approach, display ads can complement your blog rather than complicate it. Just make sure to keep your readers’ experience as a top priority!

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 valuable content around specific writing topics or genres. They can be guides, stories, or compilation of tips.
• Writing Templates: Offer customizable templates for story outlines, plot structures, or character sheets to help aspiring writers.
• Courses: Develop online courses covering writing skills, like creative writing, blogging, or marketing for authors, using video and written content.
• Workshops: Host virtual workshops for writers to practice their skills, get feedback, and learn directly from you.
• Printables: Provide downloadable printables, such as writing prompts or goal planners, to engage and motivate your audience.

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 goldmine for writing bloggers. One major pro is the low overhead. You can create an eBook, an online course, or templates with just your laptop and a great idea. Once it's made, you can sell it endless times without worrying about inventory or shipping costs.

Another perk is that digital products can help establish your authority. When readers see you offer valuable resources, they’re more likely to trust your expertise. This can boost your blog's credibility and grow your audience quickly.

However, there's a flip side. Marketing digital products can be tough. You're not just writing well; you need to engage in promotions, social media, and email marketing. It takes time and effort away from writing, which can feel overwhelming for some bloggers.

Plus, there’s competition. The online marketplace is saturated with information and resources; standing out can be difficult. If your product doesn’t offer unique value, it may struggle to grab attention. It's an ongoing challenge that requires constant innovation.

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 an excellent way for writing bloggers to engage with readers and monetize their content. They allow you to build a dedicated audience that values what you share. By offering exclusive content, tips, and resources, you can turn subscribers into paying customers and boost your blog's income stream.

To start monetizing your writing blog with an email newsletter, consider offering a free resource as an incentive for readers to sign up. This could be an eBook, a writing guide, or templates for aspiring authors. By giving away something of value, you can grow your email list quickly. Once you’ve established a solid follower base, you can promote premium content, such as online courses or mentorship programs, directly through your newsletter.

Create engaging newsletters that mix your writing insights with marketing strategies. Use your emails to promote writing-related products like courses, tools, or books you believe in. You can also consider affiliate marketing by joining writing-related affiliate programs and linking to products in your emails. Just remember to be transparent with your audience about your affiliations; authenticity is key in the writing community.

Weekly or bi-weekly newsletters keep your audience engaged. Always encourage feedback and interaction in your emails. Ask questions, solicit answers, or even share stories from your readers. This interaction can lead to more personalized content and can shift your focus based on what resonates with your audience the most. In turn, this strategy can open up additional monetization doors with tailored offerings.

Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Writing Bloggers

• Pros:
  • Direct engagement: Email allows for fun and meaningful communication with your audience, enhancing trust and loyalty.
  • Targeted marketing: You can segment your audience based on interests and tailor content accordingly, providing better opportunities for conversion.
  • Control over platform: Unlike social media, you own your email list, ensuring you maintain relationships regardless of shifting platforms.
• Cons:
  • Time investment: Building an email list and creating valuable content takes time and effort, which can be daunting for busy bloggers.
  • Privacy concerns: Readers may hesitate to share their email addresses due to concerns about privacy and spam.
  • Split focus: Managing an email newsletter alongside blog content can divide your attention, potentially impacting quality.

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

Offering consulting services as a blogging writer has its ups and downs. On the plus side, you have the freedom to set your own rates, which can be quite lucrative if you find a niche audience. Bloggers often seek specialized advice for content strategy, SEO, or monetization, allowing you to capitalize on your knowledge and skills.

On the flip side, competition can be intense. Many are jumping into the consulting game, so you’ll need a solid portfolio to stand out. Additionally, you may face challenges in time management. Balancing consulting with your own writing commitments can get tricky, especially if clients expect rapid feedback.

Another pro is the opportunity to build your network. Working with various clients can lead to collaborations and even guest posting opportunities. However, it can also create a dependency on client work which may limit your creative freedom as a blogger. So, weighing both sides is essential before diving in.

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’ve now learned how to monetize your writing blog in various ways.

But here’s a bonus tip: use multiple monetization methods!

Diversifying your income streams is key to securing your blog’s future.

If you mix affiliate marketing, display ads, and your own products, you're less vulnerable to changes, like Amazon cutting its commission rates.

This multi-tiered approach, along with your hard work and smart planning, will set you on the path to earning what your blog really 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.