You started a
blog since you’ve heard it’s an easy way to make cash, but you’re not quite
sure how to actually make money doing it. Or maybe you already have a blog and
you’re exploring ways to monetize it.
No matter which
group you’re in, making money with a blog – whether it’s a hobby blog or a
business blog –is possible. It’s not a get rich quick ordeal, but
if you do it right, you could make enough to support your family and more.
Let’s dive in and see how you can make a profit with your blog.
1. Monetize
with CPC or CPM Ads
One of the most common ways bloggers make money is through
placing ads on their site. There are two popular types of ads:
- CPC/PPC
Ads: Cost per click (also called pay per
click) ads are usually banners that you place in your content or sidebar.
Each time a reader clicks on the ad, you are paid for that click.
- CPM
Ads: CPM Ads, or “cost per 1,000
impressions,” are ads that pay you a fixed amount of money based on how
many people view your ad.
Perhaps the most popular network for placing these types of ads
is Google AdSense. With this program, you do not
need to be in direct contact with advertisers; you simply place the banner on
your site, Google chooses ads relevant to your content, and your viewers click
on the ads. There are countless similar programs available if you find that
AdSense doesn’t work for you, such as Infolinks, Media.net, and Cuelinks.
2. Sell Private Ads
Working with advertising networks isn’t your only option when it
comes to selling ads. If you end up with enough traffic, advertisers may come
directly to you and ask you to place their ad on your site. You can also
contact advertisers yourself. The biggest difference from the above mentioned
option is that there is no middle man, which means you can set your own ad
rates.
Selling private ads can come in the form of banners, buttons, or
links. You can even make money writing sponsored posts where you write about or
give a review of an advertiser’s product or service. Another option is to write
an underwritten post or series, which is where you can write about any topic,
but the advertiser pays for a “Brought to you by” mention in the content.
The ways you make money with this can vary. For instance, you
might charge a one-time fee for a link within a post. If you are hosting banner
ads, you might charge your partner monthly.
Bonus tip: To maximize your
income, you can also choose to sell sponsorship space in your email newsletters
(here is 5 best email marketing software), podcasts,
and videos.
3. Include Affiliate Links in Your Content
1.
An advertiser has a product she
wants to sell. She agrees to give you a commission from each sale if the buyer
is coming from your site.
2.
She gives you a unique link
that tracks your affiliate code. That way, she knows when a buyer used your
link to make a purchase.
3.
You include your affiliate link
on your site. You can do this directly in the content or through banner ads. If
a reader clicks on your unique link and buys the product you have recommended,
you earn a percentage of what she purchased.
You can utilize affiliate marketing through ad networks like Amazon Associates, or you can create private
partnerships with advertisers and businesses with an affiliate program.
4. Sell Digital Products
If you would rather not advertise other people’s products on
your site, or if you are looking for another stream of income, consider selling
digital products. This can include items like:
- eBooks
- Online
courses/workshops
- Images,
video, or music people can use in their own content
- Apps,
plugins, or themes
Just remember that if you are going to choose one of these
avenues that you make it relevant and useful to your readers. A lot of bloggers
make the mistake of assuming they are developing a product
their readers need; listen to your readers first, and then create a digital
product that will meet their needs.
5. Use it as a Content Marketing Tool for Your
Business
It is also possible to sell physical products on your blog and
to make money that way. Instead of thinking of it as making money from your
blog, however, think of your blog as a content marketing tool that will drive
visitors to your business website.
The possibilities are practically endless when it comes to
developing a business blog. You could sell hand-made products, books,
manufactured products, and so much more. Or you might already have a business
and decide to start a blog to convert loyal customers.
Let's say, for example, that you refurbish and resell used
smartphones out of your home. You could use a blog to attract visitors to your
website where you list your current phones for sale. Your blog might cover
topics about DIY refurbishing. On one level, it seems counterintuitive because
you want people to buy your phones, but it also helps you build a brand and
gain recognition.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
Not all of these tips and avenues of income are going to work
for you. Don’t be afraid to tweak your methods to see what works best for you
and your readers.
Making money blogging can take a lot of persistence, but it can
pay off in the long-run if you’re starting out from scratch. Just remember that
you don’t have to use all of these money-making avenues at once. Consider what
other people in your industry are doing, and start from there.
If you have any doubts in any methods let me know in the comment
section.
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