Starting an automotive blog can be a fun adventure! You'll learn how to register a domain, set up WordPress, and create awesome content. But after you nail the basics, it's time to dive into monetization.
This part is where it gets really exciting. There are a ton of ways to make money while sharing your love for cars.
Whether you're just starting out or you've been influencing the automotive scene for a while, these methods will help you turn your blog from a hobby into a real business.
Let’s break down some easy ways to start making money with your automotive blog!
Why You Can Trust Our Automotive Blog Monetization Guide
Lasso is installed on over 8,000 websites, including many automotive blogs.
Our team has built multiple 7-figure blogs in a wide range of niches.
We have hands-on experience working with founders to grow and monetize their automotive blogs.
1. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is the best monetization method for automotive 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.
TIP: With all monetization methods, the rule of thumb is the easier it is to accomplish, the less money you can make, and vice versa.
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 Automotive Bloggers
When it comes to automotive blogging, there are tons of affiliate products you can recommend. Here’s a handy list to get you started:
- Car Care Products: Things like cleaners, waxes, and polishes help car enthusiasts keep their rides looking shiny and new.
- Automotive Gadgets: Cool tech like dash cams, OBD-II scanners, or GPS systems can improve safety and driving experience.
- Car Accessories: From seat covers to floor mats, these add style and functionality to any vehicle.
- Tools and Equipment: Mechanics and DIYers will always be looking for quality tools, whether it’s wrenches or car lifts.
- Aftermarket Parts: Performance parts like exhaust systems or brake kits are great for upgrades and custom builds.
- Car Insurance: Partnering with insurance cos provides options for readers to save money while protecting their investment.
- Maintenance Services: Recommendations for local or national services help readers find dependable care for their cars.
These products not only cater to car lovers but can also help you monetize your blog effectively!
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 automotive 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 automotive bloggers:
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Commission Rate: 50% Per Sale
Cookie Duration: 30 Days
Travelpayouts helps publishers earn on all types of travel services, including flight tickets, accommodation, cruises, tours, car rentals, insurance, and much more.
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Commission Rate: 1.6% Per Sale
Cookie Duration: 30 Days
AutoZone is the largest retailer of automotive replacement parts and accessories in the US. They even offer free next day delivery on parts.
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Commission Rate: 4% Per Sale
Cookie Duration: 1 Day
Avis is recognized as one of the best rental car brands and they maintain it by ensuring a stress-free car rental experience.
TIP: We maintain a database of the best affiliate programs. Click here to see the best automotive affiliate programs.
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 Automotive 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 automotive blog. If you’re ready to start making a serious affiliate income from your automotive site, sign up for Lasso today.
A WordPress plugin that lets you add, manage, and display your affiliate links from any program, including Amazon. Increase conversions. Find new affiliate link opportunities. Earn more revenue! Less than 5 minutes to set up.
Affiliate Marketing Pros and Cons for Automotive Bloggers
Affiliate marketing can be a great way for automotive bloggers to monetize their sites. The biggest pro is the potential for passive income. Once you create good content and establish affiliate links, they can keep earning revenue over time without much extra effort.
On the flip side, it's not all sunshine. Many affiliate programs have competitive payouts, and it might take time to see substantial earnings. Bloggers often need to experiment with different programs to find the best fit for their audience and niche.
Another consideration is audience trust. Promoting products for commission might clash with your readers' expectations. If followers feel you're more concerned about earnings than providing valuable content, they could disengage.
Choosing the right affiliates is crucial. Automotive bloggers should align with reputable brands that resonate with their audience. Quality over quantity often leads to better results and a stronger relationship with readers.
2. Display Ads
The second best way to monetize your automotive blog is with display ads. Ads are the internet's favorite monetization method, but they have severe drawbacks.
How to Monetize a Automotive Blog With Display Ads
Monetizing a automotive 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
NOTE: WordPress is an open-source software found on WordPress.org. WordPress.com is a premium blogging platform, but you never need to pay to install WordPress on your website, even if it’s self-hosted.
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.
TIP: Optimize your display ads for user experience by using your chosen network’s software settings or talking to your account manager. Keep the ads in the sidebar and footer whenever possible.
You’ll make a lot of money in the long run if you put your readers ahead of quick profit.
Display Ad Pros And Cons For Automotive Bloggers
Display ads can be a double-edged sword for automotive bloggers. On the plus side, they can generate good revenue. If you have a solid audience, advertisers may be willing to pay decent rates for ad placements. Plus, they can be easy to manage. You can set them up on platforms like Google AdSense and let them run in the background while you focus on creating content.
However, there are downsides too. Display ads can clutter your site and may lead to a poor user experience. Readers may find them distracting or annoying, which could drive them away. Additionally, ad-blockers are common, and they can severely cut into your earnings.
Another point to consider is audience engagement. Display ads don’t always lead to high interaction rates. You might get clicks, but those won’t always translate to meaningful engagement with your content. If your main goal is to build a loyal readership, relying too heavily on display ads might not be the best strategy.
Ultimately, it’s about balance. You can use display ads strategically while ensuring they don’t overshadow your key content. Finding that sweet spot can help you maximize both revenue and reader satisfaction.
3. Digital Products
Selling your own digital products is a great way to increase your earnings per visitor in the automotive niche.
A digital product is anything you can sell on your automotive blog that the customer will receive via download.
Digital Products to Sell on an Automotive Blog:
- eBooks: Create detailed guides on car maintenance, buying guides, or tuning tips.
- Online Courses: Offer courses on basic car repair, auto detailing, or even advanced DIY modifications.
- Printable Checklists: Design easy-to-download checklists for routine maintenance or pre-road trip preparations.
- Memberships: Set up a subscription for premium content, webinars, or exclusive Q&A sessions with experts.
- Podcasts: Offer exclusive episodes discussing car trends, interview mechanics, or explore automotive history.
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 Automotive Bloggers
Selling digital products as an automotive blogger has some real perks. First, you can tap into a niche market. Car enthusiasts love specialized content, whether it’s ebooks on maintenance, video tutorials, or downloadable guides. This means you can potentially earn good money from your audience who is eager for knowledge or tools tailored to their interests.
On the flip side, digital products require upfront work. You need to create something valuable that stands out. This means investing time and skills in producing high-quality resources. Plus, the digital market is competitive. You must constantly keep up with trends and update your offerings to stay relevant.
Another pro is the low overhead costs. Once you create a digital product, there’s no need for inventory or shipping costs. You can sell it over and over again, turning your time into passive income. However, marketing is crucial here. If your product isn’t seen, it won’t sell, which means you’ll also need to focus on strategies to promote your work effectively.
Ultimately, selling digital products can be a game-changer. Just remember to balance the benefits with the effort it requires. Understanding your audience and perseverance are key to making it successful!
How To Monetize a Automotive 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:
Get Your FREE 20-Page Guide To Making $1000/Day From Your Niche Blog
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.
TIP: You can still use Lasso to get more clicks to your digital products. Just create a Lasso display with the link pointing to your product’s sales page.
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 automotive 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 automotive blog with an email newsletter and the pros and cons of email marketing for automotive bloggers.
How to Monetize a Automotive Blog with an Email Newsletter
Email newsletters are a powerful tool for bloggers, especially in the automotive niche. They allow you to connect directly with your audience, build loyal followers, and drive consistent traffic to your blog. For automotive bloggers, the audience often looks for insights on the latest car models, maintenance tips, or industry trends—content that can easily be shared through newsletters.
To get started, create an email list by offering a valuable lead magnet. This could be a free e-book on car maintenance, a checklist for new car buyers, or exclusive content about the latest automotive technology. Make sure to promote this lead magnet on your blog and social media to attract subscribers. Once you've started building your email list, you can consistently engage your audience with informative and entertaining newsletters that showcase your expertise in the automotive field.
Next, you can monetize your newsletter by incorporating affiliate marketing. Partner with automotive brands or companies that offer products like accessories, parts, or tools, and include affiliate links in your newsletters. Each time a subscriber makes a purchase through your link, you'll earn a commission. Additionally, you can run sponsored content in your newsletters. Let automotive brands pay you to feature their products, services, or promotions in your newsletters while ensuring the content is still relevant and valuable to your readers.
Finally, consider using the newsletter to promote your own products or services. If you have an online store, sell car-related items, or offer consulting services, sending offers directly to your newsletter subscribers can boost sales. The key is to provide value while gradually introducing your products in a way that feels natural and relevant to your automotive audience.
Pros and Cons of Email Marketing for Automotive Bloggers
- Pros:
- Direct access to your audience: You can reach your readers without relying on algorithms.
- High engagement rates: Newsletters often see better engagement than social media posts.
- Room for personalization: Tailor your content to meet the unique needs of automotive enthusiasts.
- Long-term audience relationships: Build a loyal community around your blog.
- Cons:
- Requires consistency: You need to send newsletters regularly to maintain interest.
- Compliance with regulations: Make sure you're following email marketing laws, like CAN-SPAM.
- Potential for unsubscribes: If content isn't fresh or relevant, subscribers may leave.
- Initial setup can be time-intensive: Building a quality email list takes time and effort.
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 automotive 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 Automotive Blog With Consulting Services
Monetizing a automotive 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.
TIP: Again, you can use Lasso to drive more clicks to your coaching pages. Just create a Display with a link to your sales page, and insert it into blog posts.
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 Automotive Bloggers
When it comes to selling consulting services for automotive bloggers, there are several pros to consider. First, you can leverage your expertise and build a loyal following. Many bloggers look for seasoned pros to help them navigate the complex automotive landscape. Plus, consulting can provide a great income stream, especially if you establish yourself as a niche authority.
On the flip side, there are challenges. The market can be oversaturated, making it tough to stand out from the crowd. You need to rely on your networking skills, so if you're not good at connecting with others, that could be a hurdle. Additionally, managing client expectations can be tricky. Not every client will be clear on what they want or what services you offer, leading to potential miscommunication.
Another pro is the flexibility that comes with consulting. You can set your hours and choose your clients. This lifestyle appeals to many who crave work-life balance. But don’t forget the cons—like inconsistent income. Clients come and go, and periods of uncertainty can be stressful.
Lastly, positioning yourself as a consultant can enhance your brand. It adds credibility to your blog and showcases your expertise. However, you must ensure your content remains valuable. If you get too caught up in consulting, you might neglect your blogging, which is your primary platform for growth.
Supercharge your earnings with Lasso. Create no-code product Displays and Tables that convert, find and fix broken links, and gain valuable business insights with revenue analytics.
Learn MoreAutomotive Blog Monetization FAQs
What Is The Best Way To Make Money From Automotive Blogging?
If you want to build a successful automotive 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 Automotive Blogging?
Absolutely! Some automotive blogs, like Motor Trend and Autoblog 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 Automotive Blog?
Learning how to start a automotive 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 Automotive Bloggers Get Paid?
Most automotive 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 automotive bloggers also sell sponsored posts, consulting services, or their own products. In these cases, a payment processor like PayPal or Stripe is necessary.
Is Automotive Blogging Easy?
Nothing worth doing is truly easy, but that doesn’t mean automotive blogging isn’t fun.
As a automotive 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 Automotive Blog?
It’s absolutely worth it to start a automotive 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 automotive-related industries will take you seriously.
Final Thoughts on Monetizing a Automotive Blog
So, there you have it! You’ve learned the ropes of monetizing your automotive blog step-by-step.
Here’s one last tip: use multiple ways to make money!
Diversifying your income streams is key to securing your blog's future.
If you're using affiliate offers, display ads, and selling products, your blog won’t suffer if one source dries up.
With this approach, some hard work, and a bit of planning, you’ll be on the road to earning what your blog truly deserves!
Why You Should Trust Our Automotive Blogging Content
You may be thinking, "that's all great, but what does Lasso know about automotive blogging?"
Quite a lot, actually.
Here's why you can trust our process for building a successful automotive 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 Automotive Bloggers Every Day
Lasso's WordPress plugin is installed on over 8,000 websites, including a lot of automotive 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 automotive 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.
