8 Ways To Monetize Your Blog and Make Money [$20k/month]

Turn your blog into a money-making machine.

So, you’ve started a blog—or you’re thinking about it. Maybe you’re writing for passion, sharing expertise, or just exploring a side hustle.

But here’s the real question: How do you turn those blog posts into real income?

The good news? You don’t need millions of readers to make money blogging. With the right strategies, even a small but engaged audience can generate serious revenue, whether it’s a few extra thousand a month or a full-time income.

In this guide, you’ll discover 8 proven ways to monetize your blog, from beginner-friendly methods (like ads and affiliate marketing) to advanced strategies (like selling digital products and coaching).

Here’s a sneak peek of what’s inside:

✅ The fastest way to monetize and start making money (even with low traffic).
✅ Step-by-step actions to apply each of them TODAY and start making money immediately.

Quick Start

Here’s a quick-start blueprint to set up your blog, monetize, and start making money:
1️⃣ Choose a niche (e.g., personal finance, fitness, tech).
2️⃣ Set up your blog with HostGator [Packed with reliable web hosting, free domain name, and easy access to WordPress, your blogging platform [choose from website templates in WordPress], it takes <10 mins].
3️⃣ Publish your first posts (focus on solving problems).
4️⃣ Apply these 8 monetization tactics (start with just 1 or 2).

By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly how to turn your words into wealth, whether you’re a total newbie or a blogger ready to scale. Let’s dive in!

Tip: Different blogs are making far more than this average range; you can definitely make more than them by applying the right blogging strategies.

7 Ways To Monetize Your Blog and Start Making Money

1. Monetize your blog post content with display ads
2. Promote affiliate products and make money
3. Sell courses and ebooks
4. Become a consultant or offer a coaching service
5. Partner with brands and accept sponsorships
6. Offer a paid subscription
7. Sell products on your blog  
8. Sell your blog

[1]. Monetize Your Blog Posts with Display Ads

Display ads are one of the most beginner-friendly ways to start earning money from your blog. These are the visual ads—like banners or sidebar ads, like you see on most websites. When visitors land on your blog, you earn money either through impressions (views) or clicks on those ads.

How Display Ads Work

When you sign up for an ad network like Google AdSense, Mediavine, or AdThrive, they place relevant ads on your blog either automatically within your blog post, or you can choose to do this manually. You earn money through:

• Cost Per Click (CPC): You get paid when a visitor clicks on an ad.
• Cost Per Mille (CPM): You earn revenue per 1,000 ad impressions (views).

Both happen at the same with with the same ads. The more traffic your blog gets, the higher your earnings.

Potential Earnings from Display Ads

Earnings vary based on:

• Niche: Some niches pay more than others (e.g., finance, tech, and legal blogs have high CPC rates).
• Traffic: More pageviews = more ad impressions = higher revenue.
• Ad Placement: Strategic ad placements (like in-content ads) increase click-through rates.

On average, the payout is based on traffic levels:

• Low-traffic blogs: $500 – $3,600+/month
• Mid-traffic blogs: $1,500 – $12,000+/month
• High-traffic blogs: $5,000 – $20,000+/month

High-Earning Niches for Display Ads

Some of the best-paying niches include:
✔ Finance & Investing
✔ Insurance & Loans
✔ Tech & Software
✔ Health & Wellness
✔ Legal Services
✔ Real Estate

Find More: Profitable Blogging Niches

How to Apply for Google AdSense & Start Making Money

1. Create Quality Content – AdSense requires original, valuable content; just decent, normal content will do. (Wondering how many blog posts you need to make money? Check out our guide!)
2. Sign Up for AdSense – Go to Google AdSense and submit your blog for approval.
3. Place Ad Code on Your Blog – Once approved, add AdSense code to your site (header, sidebar, or within posts).
4. Optimize Ad Placements – Test different ad positions to maximize revenue.

How to Make More Money with Display Ads

To maximize ad revenue:
✅ Increase Your Pageviews – More traffic = more ad impressions.
✅ Improve Blog Retention Time – Longer visits = more ad views.
✅ Optimize for SEO – Rank higher on search results to attract organic traffic.
✅ Use A/B Testing – Experiment with ad placements for better CTR.

If you start receiving more traffic (let’s say 50k pageviews/month), you can explore higher-paying ad networks with traffic requirements, such as Mediavine or Adthrive, for higher ad payouts.

Display ads are a great passive income stream—start monetizing your blog today! 🚀

[2]. Promote Affiliate Products and Make Money

Affiliate marketing is one of the most profitable ways to monetize a blog. Instead of just earning from ad clicks, you get commissions when readers purchase products through your referral links. The best part? You don’t need huge traffic to start making money—just the right strategy.

How Affiliate Marketing Works

1. Sign Up for Affiliate Programs – Join networks like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or high-paying programs in your niche.
2. Promote Products Naturally – Recommend products within blog posts, reviews, or comparison guides.
3. Earn Commissions – When readers click your links and make a purchase, you get paid (typically 5%–75% per sale).

Potential Earnings from Affiliate Marketing

Earnings depend on:

• Niche (some products pay much more than others)
• Traffic & Conversions (targeted content = higher sales)
• Commission Rates (some programs offer recurring payouts)

💰 Income Examples:

• Beginner (1k–10k visitors/month): $1,000 – $3,000/month
• Mid-level (50k+ visitors/month): $5,000 – $15,000/month
• Top affiliates (100k+ visitors/month): $50,000+/month

High-Paying Affiliate Niches

Some of the most lucrative niches include:
✔ Software & SaaS (e.g., web hosting, SEO tools – often 30%–75% commissions)
✔ Finance (credit cards, investing platforms [$50 – $500+ per sign-up])
✔ Health & Wellness (supplements, fitness programs – 10%–50% commissions)
✔ Luxury & High-Ticket Items (e.g., mattresses, jewelry – $100+ per sale)

For a full list of lucrative programs, check out these high-paying affiliate programs.

How to Start Affiliate Marketing on Your Blog (Realistically)

1. Choose the Right Products – Promote items your audience actually needs.
2. Write Helpful Content – Create in-depth reviews, tutorials, and “best X for Y” posts.
   • Need ideas? Here are high-paying affiliate blog topics for different niches.
3. Disclose Affiliate Links (Required by law in many countries)
4. Track Performance – Use Google Analytics & affiliate dashboards to optimize.

Pro Tips to Maximize Earnings

✅ Focus on High-Intent Keywords – People searching for “best [product]” are ready to buy.
✅ Use Comparison Posts – “X vs Y” articles convert well.
✅ Leverage Email Marketing – Follow up with leads for more sales.

Affiliate marketing can be a game-changer—start strategically promoting products today and watch your blog revenue grow! 🚀

[3]. Sell Courses and E-books

If you have knowledge to share, selling digital products like online courses and e-books can be one of the most lucrative ways to monetize your blog. Unlike ads or affiliate marketing, you keep 100% of the revenue (minus platform fees), making this a high-margin income stream.

How Selling Courses & E-books Works

1. Create a Valuable Product – Package your expertise into a course (video/text) or an e-book (PDF, Kindle).
2. Host & Sell It – Use platforms like Teachable, Gumroad, or self-host via WooCommerce.
3. Promote to Your Audience – Leverage your blog, email list, and social media to drive sales.

Pro Tip: You can manage your course or ebook creation with a third-party platform like Teachable, Thinkific, or Udemy, and then use your blog and other promotional platforms and efforts to get traffic and sales to your promoted course or ebooks.

Potential Earnings from Digital Products

Earnings vary widely based on:

• Product Price ($100 – $1,000+)
• Niche Demand
• Audience Size & Engagement

💰 Income Examples:

• Beginner and medium-sized blogs: $5,000 – $10,000/month
• Established Blogger: $15,000 – $50,000+/month (with effective marketing)
• Best-Selling Courses/E-books: Can generate passive income for years

Best Niches for Selling Courses & E-books

Some of the most profitable niches include:
✔ Business & Marketing (e.g., “SEO Mastery,” “Instagram Growth”)
✔ Health & Fitness (e.g., “Meal Planning for Weight Loss”)
✔ Personal Finance (e.g., “Investing for Beginners”)
✔ Hobbies & Skills (e.g., “Photography 101,” “Piano for Adults”)
✔ Tech & Coding (e.g., “Python Crash Course”)

How to Start Selling Courses & E-books (Step-by-Step)

1. Validate Your Idea – Check forums, surveys, or blog comments to see what your audience struggles with.
2. Create High-Quality Content – Use tools like Canva (e-books) or Loom (video courses).
3. Choose a Platform –
   • Teachable/Kajabi (best for courses)
   • Gumroad/Payhip (simple e-book sales)
   • Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) (for wider e-book distribution)
4. Market Strategically –
   • Offer a free sample or lead magnet to build trust.
   • Use email sequences to nurture buyers.
   • Run limited-time discounts to boost urgency.

Pro Tips for Maximum Sales

✅ Bundle Products – Offer a course + e-book combo for higher value.
✅ Use Testimonials – Social proof increases conversions.
✅ Repurpose Content – Turn blog posts into e-books or course modules.

Pro Tip: Selling digital products requires little more upfront cost and experience. So, because of this, it’s best for those who have grown some mastery in their niche to effectively apply and make good money here. The most important thing is to get started, learn, refine, and apply what works for you 🚀

[4]. Become a Freelance Consultant or Offer a Coaching Service

If you’ve built expertise in your niche through blogging, consulting, or coaching can be a highly profitable way to monetize your knowledge. Unlike passive income streams, this approach leverages your skills directly, helping clients solve problems while earning premium rates based on your set price or negotiated price.

How Consulting & Coaching Works

1. Identify Your Expertise – What problems can you solve for your audience? (e.g., SEO, business strategy, fitness coaching)
2. Define Your Service – 1-on-1 calls, group coaching, or done-for-you consulting.
3. Promote to Your Audience – Use your blog, email list, and social media to attract clients.

Potential Earnings from Coaching & Consulting

Earnings depend on:

• Your Niche (High-demand skills = higher rates)
• Experience & Credibility (Case studies & testimonials help)
• Service Type (Hourly, package-based, or retainer)

💰 Income Examples:

• Beginners: $50 – $150/hour
• Mid-Level Experts: $200 – $500/hour
• Top-Tier Coaches: $1,000+/hour (Sometimes up to $5,000+ for premium packages)

Best Niches for Coaching & Consulting

✔ Business & Marketing (SEO, Facebook Ads, Sales Funnels)
✔ Health & Wellness (Nutrition, Fitness, Life Coaching)
✔ Career & Personal Development (Resume Writing, Interview Coaching)
✔ Finance (Investing, Debt Management, Real Estate)
✔ Creative Skills (Writing, Photography, Design)

How to Start Offering Coaching or Consulting

1. Validate Demand – Survey your audience or analyze blog comments for common pain points.
2. Create a Service Offer –
   • 1-on-1 Coaching (e.g., 60-minute strategy sessions)
   • Group Programs (Masterminds, workshops)
   • Done-for-You Services (e.g., SEO audits, website setup)
3. Set Your Pricing –
   • Hourly (Good for beginners)
   • Packages (e.g., “$997 for 4-week coaching program”)
   • Retainers (Monthly recurring income)
4. Promote Your Services –
   • Write a “Work With Me” page on your blog.
   • Offer a free discovery call to convert leads.
   • Use case studies & testimonials to build trust.

Pro Tips for Success

✅ Start Small – Offer beta coaching at a discount in exchange for testimonials.
✅ Leverage Your Blog Content – Turn popular posts into lead magnets (e.g., “Download my free guide, then book a consult!”).
✅ Automate Scheduling – Use tools like Calendly to manage bookings.

If you’re ready to turn your expertise into a high-income service, start by identifying what your audience needs most, then package it into a premium offer!

[5]. Partner with brands and accept sponsorships

Once your blog gains traction, brand sponsorships can become a lucrative revenue stream. Companies pay bloggers to promote their products or services through dedicated content, social media shoutouts, or email features.

Unlike ads or affiliate links, sponsorships often involve fixed-fee deals, making earnings more predictable.

How Brand Sponsorships Work

1. Build an Engaged Audience – Brands look for blogs with strong reader trust in a specific niche.
2. Pitch Brands or Get Discovered – Reach out to companies or get listed on influencer platforms.
3. Deliver Promotional Content – Sponsored posts, product reviews, or social media takeovers.

Potential Earnings from Sponsorships

Income depends on:

• Niche (Lifestyle, tech, and finance brands pay more)
• Traffic & Engagement (Higher reach = higher rates)
• Content Type (Long-term partnerships pay best)

💰 Income Examples:

• Micro-influencers (10k–50k monthly views): $200 – $1,000 per post
• Mid-sized blogs (100k+ monthly views): $1,500 – $5,000 per campaign
• Authority sites (500k+ monthly views): $10,000+ per sponsorship

Top Niches for Brand Deals

✔ Beauty & Fashion (Skincare, apparel brands)
✔ Tech & Gadgets (Software, electronics companies)
✔ Finance & Business (Banking, investment platforms)
✔ Health & Wellness (Supplement, fitness brands)
✔ Parenting & Home (Baby products, home goods)

How to Land Sponsorships (Step-by-Step)

1. Optimize Your Media Kit – Include stats (traffic, demographics), past collaborations, and rates.
2. Pitch Relevant Brands – Cold email or use platforms like Fiverr Collab, AspireIQ, or Upfluence.
3. Negotiate Fair Rates – Charge based on deliverables (e.g., $500 for an Instagram story + blog feature).
4. Disclose Sponsorships – Follow FTC guidelines (use #ad or “Sponsored” disclaimers).

Pro Tips for More Sponsorship Deals

✅ Engage on Social Media – Brands often scout influencers on Instagram/LinkedIn.
✅ Repurpose Sponsored Content – Turn a blog post into a YouTube video or Pinterest pin.
✅ Offer Long-Term Packages – Retainer deals (e.g., 3 posts/month) secure steady income.

Sponsorships scale well with your audience growth—start reaching out to brands today!

Platforms to find and connect with sponsors;

• FameBit – A popular platform that connects brands with influencers. You can create a profile, showcase your blog, and apply for sponsored opportunities.
• Influencity – Set up a profile and get discovered by brands, negotiate deals directly.
• Influence.co – Create a profile, showcase your blog, and apply for sponsorships or get discovered by brands.
• AspireIQ – Sign up, link your blog, and get matched with brands for collaboration.
• Blog Meets Brand – Register, provide your blog analytics details, and apply for relevant sponsorship campaigns.

[6]. E-Commerce: Sell Physical or Digital Products on Your Blog

Turn your blog into a revenue-generating store by selling products directly to your audience. Unlike affiliate marketing, where you earn small commissions, e-commerce lets you keep 100% of the profits while building your own brand.

How Blog E-Commerce Works

1. Choose Your Product Type: Physical goods, print-on-demand, digital downloads, or dropshipping
2. Set Up Your Store: Add a shopping system to your existing blog
3. Market Through Content: Use blog posts to naturally promote your products
4. Fulfill Orders: Handle shipping yourself or automate with suppliers

Potential Earnings from E-Commerce

💰 Profit Margins:

• Digital products: 80-95% margins
• Physical products: 30-60% margins
• Dropshipping: 15-40% margins

🚀 Based on traffic levels and applied strategies:

• Beginner stores: $600 − $3,000/month
• Established shops: 7,500 − $50,000/month
• Top performers: $100,000+/month

Best Niches for Blog E-Commerce

✔ Educational (Courses, templates, ebooks)
✔ Lifestyle (Merchandise, printables)
✔ Hobbies (Craft supplies, specialty gear)
✔ Professional (Software, tools)

How to Set Up a Store and Sell Products (2 Options)

Option 1: WooCommerce (Best for WordPress Blogs)

Start a WordPress blog using HostGator to host your site [including a free domain name and easy access to wordpress]

Within your WordPress;

1. Install WooCommerce (Free plugin)
2. Add Products with descriptions and pricing
3. Set Up Payments (Stripe, PayPal)
4. Configure Shipping options
5. Launch & Promote through blog content

Bonus Tip: For automated fulfillment, add dropshipping plugins to source products from suppliers.

Option 2: Shopify (Easier but Paid)

1. Create Shopify Account ($29+/month)
2. Connect to Your Blog via subdomain or links
3. Import Products manually or via Oberlo
4. Customize Store Design
5. Drive Traffic from your blog posts

Pro Tips for E-Commerce Success

✅ Start Small – Test with 3-5 signature products first
✅ Bundle Items – Increase average order value
✅ Leverage Your Content – Create “problem → solution” posts that feature your products
✅ Offer Limited Promos – Create urgency with “first 50 buyers” discounts

For product ideas, see our guide on high-demand digital products that sell well with blog audiences.

[7]. Offer Paid Memberships & Subscriptions

Turn your most loyal readers into recurring revenue by offering exclusive, members-only content. This model creates predictable monthly income while deepening engagement with your audience.

How Blog Subscriptions Work

1. Create Premium Content – Offer what free readers can’t access
2. Set Up Payment Tiers – Monthly/annual plans with different benefits
3. Deliver Continuous Value – Keep members coming back
4. Earn Predictable Income – Recurring revenue vs. one-time sales

Why This Beats Ads & Affiliate Marketing

• Higher Revenue Per Visitor: $5 − $100/month per subscriber vs.$0.1 − $0.50 per ad view
• Stronger Community: Builds loyal followers who engage more
• Full Control: No middlemen taking cuts (like Amazon or ad networks)

💰 Potential Earnings:

• 100 subscribers at $10/month = $10/month = $1,000/month
• 500 subscribers at $25/month = $25/month = $12,500/month
• Top membership sites earn $50,000+/month

Best Niches for Paid Memberships

✔ Finance (Stock picks, crypto alerts)
✔ Business (SEO tools, swipe files)
✔ Health (Meal plans, workout programs)
✔ Hobbies (Exclusive tutorials, patterns)
✔ Professional (Legal templates, design assets)

How to Start in <1 Hour (Using WordPress)

Step 1: Install MemberPress

1. Get the plugin (starts at $179/year)
2. Connect Stripe/PayPal
3. Set tax rules if needed

Step 2: Create Membership Tiers

Example Structure:

• Bronze ($9/month) – 1 premium article weekly
• Silver ($29/month) – Weekly articles + Q&A access
• Gold ($99/month) – All above + monthly coaching call

Step 3: Lock Premium Content

• Restrict posts/pages by membership level
• Hide paywalled content with teasers
• Offer a free trial to convert members

Step 4: Launch & Promote

• Convert top 10% readers first
• Add CTAs in your best posts
• Run limited-time discounts

Pro Tips for Success

✅ Start Small – Launch with just 1 tier, expand later
✅ Show Proof – “Members gained X result” case studies
✅ Engage Daily – Answer questions in the members’ area
✅ Upsell Smartly – Offer annual plans for 20% off

Example: A cooking blog could offer:

• $15/month for exclusive recipes
• $50/month for live cooking classes
• $150/month for 1-on-1 chef consultations

“Our members saved 12 hours/week on meal prep using our system.”

[8]. Sell Your Blog for a Life-Changing Payout

Even if you’re just starting, it’s valuable to know that your blog is an asset—one you can eventually sell for a significant profit.

Whether you lose interest, pivot careers, or want to cash out your hard work, selling a profitable blog can deliver 10X – 50X monthly earnings in a single payday.

How Blog Selling Works

1. Build Value – Grow traffic & revenue (even $500/month makes it sellable)
2. Prepare Financials – Document income/expenses for 6+ months
3. List on a Marketplace – Top platforms handle vetting and secure payments
4. Negotiate & Close – Typical sale completes in 30-60 days

Why This is the Ultimate Monetization

• Lump-Sum Payouts: $10,000 – $1,000,000+ for established blogs
• Passive Exit Strategy: Earn while finding a buyer
• No More Work: The buyer takes over operations

💰 Real Sale Examples

• Personal Finance Blog: Sold for $240,000 (20X monthly profit)
• Tech Tutorial Site: $575,000 sale after 3 years
• Lifestyle Niche: 42,000 for a blog making $1,800/month

Where to Sell Your Blog

✔ Flippa – Best for newer blogs ($5k–$50k range)
✔ Empire Flippers – Premium marketplace ($50k – 5M+)
✔ Motion Invest – Fast sales for $10k – $250k blogs
✔ BizBuySell – Good for local business blogs

How to Maximize Your Blog’s Sale Price

1. Build Sellable Assets

• Traffic: 10,000+ monthly visitors minimum
• Revenue: At least $500/month (ads, affiliates, products)
• Diversification: Multiple income streams increase value

2. Prepare Documentation

• 12 months of Google Analytics
• Revenue screenshots (AdSense, affiliate networks)
• Operations manual for the buyer

3. Optimize for Valuation

• Recurring Revenue (memberships > ads)
• Low Maintenance (automated content/systems)
• Growth Potential (untapped monetization opportunities)

Pro Tip: Blogs typically sell for 24-48X monthly profit—a $3,000/month blog could fetch 72,000–$144,000.

Why This Matters Now
Even if you’re just starting, building with an exit strategy in mind helps you:
✅ Focus on profitability over vanity metrics
✅ Create transferable systems (not just a personal brand)
✅ Track key valuation metrics from Day 1

Examples of Real Results – 15 Blog Income Reports

How to Start a Blog in Three Steps and Monetize it to Make Money

Want to turn your blog into a money-making machine? Follow this proven roadmap that thousands of successful bloggers have used to build sustainable online income.

Step 1: Choose a Profitable Niche You Love

Your niche determines 80% of your blogging success. The best niches combine:

• Profit potential (high-paying ads/affiliates)
• Your passion/knowledge
• Growing audience demand

🔥 Top 5 Most Profitable Niches Right Now:

1. Personal Finance & Investing
2. Health & Wellness
3. Technology & Software
4. Business & Marketing
5. Lifestyle & DIY

Explore our full list of 50+ Most Profitable Blogging Niches with income potential for each.

Step 2: Launch Your Blog (Under 15 Minutes)

Don’t overcomplicate this! Here’s the fastest way to start:

1. Get Hosting – We recommend HostGator (affiliate link) for its 1-click WordPress install
2. Pick a Domain – Yourblogname.com
3. Install WordPress – It’s automatic with HostGator
4. Choose a Theme – Use Astra or GeneratePress for speed

Need visuals? Our Beginner’s Blog Setup Guide shows every click.

Step 3: Create Money-Making Content

The secret? Publish problem-solving posts that attract traffic and revenue opportunities.

Content Strategy That Works:

✅ Beginner Phase (0-30 posts):

• Focus on “How to [solve pain point]” posts
• Target low-competition keywords
• Example: “How to Start Investing With $100”

✅ Monetization Phase (30+ posts):

• Add comparison posts (“X vs Y”)
• Create product reviews
• Develop pillar content

Stuck for ideas? Get 500+ Proven Blog Post Ideas organized by niche.

When & How to Start Making Money

You can begin monetizing with just 10 quality posts if you:

🟢 Display Ads (Apply for Google AdSense)
🟢 Promote Affiliate Products (Amazon, ShareASale)
🟢 Offer Freelance Services (Leverage your expertise)

See real examples in our Blog Income Reports showing how bloggers earn $500 − $10,000/month.

Pro Tips for Faster Success

• Repurpose Content – Turn posts into YouTube videos/Twitter threads
• 20% Creation, 80% Promotion – Share every post on Pinterest/forums
• Build an Email List – Start from Day 1 with free lead magnets

Find More: Blogging Strategies to Boost Your Success