How To Make Money Blogging

Have you ever wanted to make money blogging? Starting a blog is one of the best, if not the best way to earn income online these days!

With the exploding digital landscape, there’s a bonanza of opportunities for bloggers to not only share their voices but also generate substantial income.

But for newcomers, the path from starting to making money blogging can seem labyrinthine, fraught with contradictory advice and daunting technology.

That’s why I decided to create this guide. In this blog post, you will learn exactly how to make money blogging even if you are a complete beginner.

What is Blogging?

In simple terms, blogging refers to the act of creating and maintaining an online platform where writers, known as bloggers, regularly publish content in the form of articles or posts.

These posts are typically displayed in reverse chronological order on the blog’s website. A perfect example would be the NomadicMatt travelling blog.

Is Blogging Dead?

NO! On the contrary, blogging has exploded as a creative and lucrative pursuit in recent years.

According to the DemandSage website, 77% of internet users read blogs, which make up around 4.08 billion people globally.

With platforms like WordPress and Squarespace making it easier than ever to launch a blog, more people are turning to digital content creation to engage with this HUGE audience.

Moreover, starting a blog is an accessible way to share your passion, expertise, or creativity with the world. It’s a platform where anyone with a message can find their voice and, with dedication, possibly turn their hobby into a profession.

One of my favourite things about blogging is that it offers a unique opportunity to express yourself and connect with like-minded people who share similar interests.

But blogging is not just about writing – it’s about connecting with an audience, producing valuable or entertaining content, and often, finding ways to make money blogging.

So let’s go over how you can start a blog and make money!

This comprehensive guide is tailored for bloggers who aim to monetize their passion, and aspiring writers looking to take their first steps in the blogging world.

Step 1. Finding Your Niche For Blogging

Finding the right niche for your blog is a critical step in building a successful and sustainable online presence. Here is how to find yours in two simple steps:

a) Define Your Interests and Expertise

Before you start typing out your first post, you need to reflect on what you love to write about. Passion is your greatest asset as a blogger; it’s the fuel that will keep your content engaging and authentic.

Take these steps:

Assess your passions: What do you love learning about? What could you talk about for hours?
Identify potential niches: List out multiple potential topics of interest based on your passions and knowledge.

Remember, it’s important to choose a niche that you will be happy to explore deeply even when it feels the internet does not have enough room for yet another blog on the topic.

b) Narrow Down Your Niche

Diving into your research, you might find that a broad niche includes multiple sub-niches.

Refine your niche based on research: For instance, a general topic like ‘health’ could become a ‘plant-based diet for busy professionals.’ Or, ‘fitness’ can become ‘setting up a home gym.’
Identify unique selling points: What can you offer that no one else does? Perhaps it’s a personal experience, professional expertise, or a new take on the subject. This is your unique selling point—your niche within the niche.

A blog with a specific focus can establish you as a thought leader in that area, a destination for a unique take on the topic.

Step 2. Identify Your Target Audience

Your target audience is the group of people who will find your content most valuable. You need to know them like the back of your hand to be able to write content that resonates.

This shouldn’t be hard. If you choose something you are passionate and knowledgeable about, you will have no problems attracting the right crowd.

Nonetheless, here are some tips to help you:

Understand demographics and psychographics: Age, gender, interests, and even life situation can influence how you write your blog posts.
Create buyer personas: These are fictional characters that embody your ideal reader, making it easier to write for them.

The more you understand your audience, the easier it will be to connect with them through your blog posts. Once again, this shouldn’t be hard once you pick the right niche for you.

Step 3. Build Your Brand

Before building a blog, create a brand. Branding is what sets your blog apart from the countless others online. It’s about creating a unique identity that readers can identify and connect with.

a) Brainstorm Unique and Relevant Names

Your blog’s name should reflect your niche and personality. It should be unique enough to stand out, but still be easy to remember and spell.

Think about words, phrases, or concepts related to your niche and brand values. Take your time with this step, as your blog’s name is one of the first things readers will encounter.

b) Secure a Domain that Aligns with Your Brand

Once you’ve settled on a name, it’s crucial to secure a domain that matches. Your domain is your online address, so it must be easy to type and remember.

Make sure it’s not too long and doesn’t include numbers or hyphens unless they are part of your brand identity. Get some domain name ideas here.

c) Design a Logo that Reflects Your Brand Personality

Your logo is a visual representation of your brand. It’s not hard to create one using free online tools such as Canva or Logo Maker.

Keep in mind that your logo will be used across various platforms, so it should look good in all sizes.

d) Choose a Color Scheme and Typography

Colours and typography play a significant role in brand recognition. Select colours that not only look good but also complement your content and brand values.

When it comes to typography, use no more than two or three font families consistently.

Step 4. Get Hosting and Setup a Blog

Now that you know more about your niche and your audience, and you have a brand all designed, it is time to start a blog from scratch!

Follow these quick and simple steps to get started:

a) Choose a Hosting Provider

Start by researching different hosting providers. Consider factors such as uptime reliability, customer support, and the resources they offer. Choose a hosting plan that suits your needs and budget.

Here are some of the most popular hosting providers:

A2 Hosting
BlueHost
SiteGround
Kinsta
HostGator
Hostinger
DreamHost

I highly recommend A2 Hosting for your first blog as they have great service.

b) Set Up the Hosting Account

Most hosting providers offer user-friendly interfaces or walkthroughs to set up the hosting account. These steps usually include adding your domain and configuring your site settings.

c) Install a Content Management System (CMS)

A CMS is software that helps you manage your blog content. WordPress is a popular choice, known for its user-friendliness, extensive community support, and plugin ecosystem.

Most hosting providers include free installation of a CMS.

d) Choose a Theme/Template

Many CMS platforms offer a wide array of free and premium themes. Choose one that resonates with your brand and vision.

Some of the most popular themes for blogs are GeneratePress and Astra. The latter comes loaded with easy-to-customize templates.

e) Customize Your Blog

The appearance of your blog is your first chance to make a statement. Add your logo, your branding, your colours and your typography from the previous step to make your blog stand out.

Step 5. Start Writing Blog Posts

Now that you have your platform (blog) ready, it’s time to start blogging! But before you even touch the keyboard, you need to decide what you’re going to write about.

a) Brainstorm the Idea

Start by making lists of potential topics within your niche. Jot down any subtopics or related themes.

Can these ideas be turned into a series of posts?
Are there current trends in your niche that you can discuss?
What problems can you solve in your niche?

The goal is to have a pool of potential topics that you can filter and develop further.

b) Research and Gather Information

Even if you’re already an expert on your chosen topic, regular research is essential for staying up-to-date and providing your audience with valuable, factual content.

Check academic journals, reliable websites, and books. Look for statistics, expert opinions, and success stories that support your blog post.

As you gather information, keep detailed notes. These notes will form the backbone of your blog post and make it much easier to refer back to specific points when writing.

c) Create an Outline

An outline will give your blog post structure and ensure you cover all the necessary points without meandering.

Structuring Your Blog Post: Decide on the number of sections you want to include and the purpose of each. Commonly this will be an introduction, a few body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Organizing Main Points and Subtopics: Under each section, list the main points you want to make and the arguments you’ll use to support those points. If applicable, include subtopics under these main points to help organize your thoughts.

d) Write the Content

Now that you have the idea in mind, the research in place, and the outline waiting to be filled, start writing. It’s as simple as that!

If you have done everything correctly by now, the words should flow by themselves.

Don’t worry about the length of your post. If you can produce only 500 words at the beginning, you are good. With practice, you will be able to increase the length of your posts.

e) Publish Your Blog Post

Before you hit that publish button, here are a few more things you can do to your post to make it stand out in the sea of competitors:

Checking for Grammar and Spelling Errors: This step can be done with a spell-check tool, but also consider deploying a grammar checker. Don’t rely solely on these tools—proofread manually as well, as they can often miss context-specific errors.
Ensuring Clarity and Coherence: This involves reading your post word by word and sentence by sentence. Look for awkward phrasings, and vague points, and ensure that your ideas flow logically from one to the next.
Incorporating Images, Videos, or Infographics: Visuals often convey a concept more succinctly than words. Including relevant images, informative charts, or engaging videos can break up long stretches of text and make your post more appealing.
Optimizing for SEO: Include keywords naturally in your headings and throughout your post, but always prioritize readability and the needs of your audience over search engines.

Done? Now, hit that PUBLISH button and head over to the last step!

Step 6. Monetize Your Blog

There are several ways to monetize your blog. Here are some of my favourite ones:

Affiliate Marketing: Promote products or services through affiliate marketing. You earn a commission for each sale or action generated through your unique affiliate link. Choose products or services relevant to your niche.
Display Ads: Implementing display ads through platforms like Google AdSense or other ad networks can provide a steady stream of income. Optimize ad placements for better visibility without compromising the user experience.
Sponsored Content: Collaborate with brands for sponsored posts. Companies pay you to create content that promotes their products or services. Make sure to disclose sponsored content transparently to maintain trust with your audience.
Sell Digital Products or Services: Create and sell your digital products such as ebooks, online courses, printables, or software. This allows you to retain a higher percentage of the revenue.
Sell Physical Products: If your niche allows, consider selling physical products related to your content. This could include merchandise, branded items, or products that complement your blog’s theme.
Membership or Subscription Models: Offer premium content or a membership area that requires a subscription fee. This is an effective way to build a loyal community and generate recurring revenue.
Freelance Writing: Use your blog as a portfolio to attract freelance writing opportunities. Many websites and businesses are willing to pay for quality content.
Consulting or Coaching Services: If you have expertise in a specific field, offer consulting or coaching services. Use your blog to showcase your knowledge and attract clients.
Donations or Crowdfunding: If your audience values your content, you can ask for donations or set up a crowdfunding page. Platforms like Patreon allow your audience to support you regularly.
Host Webinars or Events: Conduct webinars or online events where you can charge participants a fee. This can be a great way to share knowledge, interact with your audience, and generate income.
Create a Job Board: If your blog is in a niche where job opportunities are relevant, consider adding a job board. Charge companies or individuals to post job listings.
Flip Websites: Build and monetize multiple blogs, and then sell them as profitable online assets. Websites can be sold on platforms like Flippa.

Scaling Your Blogging Business

As your blog grows, you may start to think about scaling your blogging business. This could involve:

Outsourcing: Delegating tasks like content creation, social media management, or technical support can free up your time to focus on growth and monetization.
Automating: Use automation tools to manage your social media posts, email marketing, or customer support more efficiently.
Expanding Your Offerings: Consider adding new products, services, or monetization channels to your blog, taking advantage of your growing audience and influence.

By continually looking for ways to scale and improve your blogging business, you can ensure its long-term success and profitability.

Common Blogging Pitfalls to Avoid

While the road to monetizing your blog can be lucrative, it’s not without its pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Ignoring SEO: Short-changing your SEO efforts can limit your blog’s growth and visibility. Make sure to incorporate SEO best practices from the outset.
Over-promoting: Balancing monetization with your readers’ experience is crucial. Avoid overloading your blog with ads or promotional content that could turn off your audience.
Misaligning with Your Audience: Only promote products or services that are genuinely useful and valuable to your audience. Misleading or irrelevant promotions can erode trust and damage your blog’s reputation.
Lack of Patience: Making money blogging takes time, and success doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient, consistent, and willing to adapt your strategies over time.

By being mindful of these potential missteps and taking a strategic, audience-focused approach to your blog, you can create a sustainable and profitable platform.

FAQs

How Long Does It Take to Make Money Blogging?

Blogging success varies, but it generally takes several months to start earning income. Consistency, quality content, and effective monetization strategies play a significant role in the timeline.

What Are the Best Ways to Monetize a Blog?

Bloggers often seek advice on the most effective monetization methods. Common strategies include affiliate marketing, display ads, sponsored content, selling products or services, and memberships.

How Much Traffic Do I Need to Make Money?

The amount of traffic needed to make money depends on the chosen monetization methods.

Some strategies, like display ads, may require higher traffic volumes, while others, like selling high-margin products, may require fewer visitors.

Can I Make Money Blogging Without a Large Audience?

While a larger audience can offer more opportunities, it’s possible to make money with a small, engaged audience by focusing on targeted and high-value content.

How Do I Stay Consistent and Motivated in Blogging?

Consistency is crucial in blogging. Bloggers may seek advice on staying motivated, overcoming writer’s block, and maintaining a regular posting schedule.

Final Words

Remember, blogging is not just about making money; it’s about building relationships, inspiring change, and spreading your message.

The income you generate is a byproduct of the value you provide.

With patience, persistence, and a commitment to quality, your blog can become a powerful vehicle for both personal expression and financial success.

I hope this guide on how to make money blogging has helped you to get started! Feel free to reach out if you have questions or need help using the comment section below!

How To Make Money Blogging – Free Guide For Beginners

I Want To Know…

What is Blogging?

Is Blogging Dead?