How to Make Money Blogging
The Building Blocks of Monetization
- Affiliate marketing
- Selling your own products/services
- Sponsorships
- Ad networks
- Creating multiple streams of income
Step 1: Switch to self-hosting
This goes without saying, but there are still bloggers who do not self-host. What does it mean to self-host? Simply put, self-hosting is the paid version of your blogging platform like WordPress. Your blog is set up on a server, you have a custom domain name, and you own all of the content on your blog.
However, the free versions have many disadvantages. Yes, you get to start a blog for free, but if you ever plan on selling your own products/services, or making money in any kind of capacity, you should switch to self-hosting.
Disadvantages of free hosting
- Limited customization – Limited templates/themes, and access to plug-ins
- No chance to monetize with ad programs like Google AdSense
- No control over Ad display on your blog
- It’s less professional
- Less chance for SEO
- You do not own the content on your blog
Step 2: Establish a blog plan
- An ideal target audience
- A summary of what your blog is about/blog identity
- A weekly, monthly, or quarterly content schedule
- A strategy for growth/traffic
- A system for tracking metrics (the success of your blog)
- A plan for SEO
Step 3: Establish a social media plan
Step 4: Grow a community
- stay active & consistent on social media
- boost your press so that you become an expert in your field
- create a Facebook fan page or private group
- host weekly or monthly Twitter Chats
- post on Youtube
- etc. etc. etc.
The options are endless. What is going to fit best with your audience, and what can you do to build that community?
Step 5: Learn the basics of digital marketing
The takeaway
Keep in mind, the way you go about monetizing your blog will look different than the next person. If you follow these 5 building blocks to learn how to make money blogging, you will set yourself up on a path to success. However, that path will consist of determination, effort, and hard work. Those who are willing to put in the work, are sure to see results!
This is a great resource! I am currently looking to switch my hosting platform as I am struggling with my current one – I feel it’s not suited for bloggers 🙁 Thanks for these tips!
This was very helpful, especially with the changes Social Media sites are creating in regards to engagement. This convo never gets old, because as the blogging community grows, this question still prevails. Good read!
I’m doing this all wrong! Well, not totally. But, I’m not planning this blogging like I plan my business. Thank you for this. I’ll study it and implement it. Thanks again!!!!!
I needed this. I’m struggling as a new blogger. This is very helpful. Thx! #BLMGirl
WOW! You just schooled me! Love this
First, beautiful site and a wealth of information! Although I self-host my blog, I was unaware of some of the disadvantages you listed of free-blog sites. Good to know.
Incredible tips! These are all super helpful for new bloggers and anyone looking to make some money off their blogs! Thank you for sharing!
This was a great read particularly for me right now as I just recently launched my blog. Thank you I always enjoy reading your tips!
Thanks for your fresh perspective Brittany! I always enjoying hearing from fellow bloggers on the business.
Brittany, these tips were super helpful! I especially agree with finding your audience like in your last point. I have a character I created, like a typical reader — her name is Ash. Ash is a young mom with kids, drinks coffee in the morning and enjoys a beer with her husband at night, she works out but enjoys chicken wings and cheese fries on the reg. You can find her scrolling on her phone and laughing at memes at the park instead of helicoptering over her kids — if Ash doesn’t like what I post.. then I don’t post it!
Justine! You are right on the money! In my advertising and campaigns class, we had to do a full-out advertising campaign. When we began defining our target audience, we had to create an ideal customer for each audience! Switch wine for beer, & Ash is ME! Look, you just gained a customer!
This is so helpful as someone new to the blogging world and gave me a lot to consider without being overwhelming. Thanks for putting this ist together!