Bloggers can still make money with a well-planned strategy.
You’ve probably heard the phrase “content is king” more times than you can count. Quality content indeed plays a role in building a successful blog. However, it’s not the only factor to consider in blog monetization.
Once you’ve built a substantial readership, it’s time to start thinking about monetizing your blog. After all, you deserve compensation for your hard work creating great content.
We will discuss ten modern-day methods of blog monetization. We’ll also dig deeper into the ethics of sponsored posts–which can get you de-indexed by Google when done outside their guidelines.
10 Blog Monetization Ideas That Still Work Today
Despite the crowded online space, many bloggers earn an excellent living by combining these ten blog monetization strategies.
- Affiliate marketing: This marketing involves promoting other people’s products or services and earning a commission for each sale made through your unique affiliate link. Some popular affiliate programs include Amazon Associates, ShareASale, and Commission Junction.
- Display advertising: Display ads are the banners or boxes you see on websites that promote products or services. Google AdSense is a popular platform for displaying ads on your blog. You earn a percentage of the ad revenue every time someone clicks on an ad.
- Sponsored posts: Sponsored posts are blog posts that are paid for by a company or brand. The post will typically promote the brand’s products or services. While some bloggers have faced Google penalties for selling sponsored posts, it’s generally okay as long as you follow specific guidelines. For example, you should always disclose the sponsored post and use a nofollow link.
- Digital products: You can create and sell digital products such as ebooks, courses, and printables. These products can directly relate to your blog’s niche or expertise.
- Physical products: If your blog has a strong brand and following, you could consider selling physical products such as merchandise or branded products.
- Services: Depending on your blog’s niche, you could offer services related to your expertise. For example, you could offer consulting services related to your expertise.
- Memberships: You could offer exclusive content or access to your blog’s community through a membership program. Memberships can be tiered and offer different levels of access.
- Events: If you have a large following, consider hosting webinars, workshops, or conferences. These events could be sponsored or require a fee to attend.
- Donations: If your blog provides value to your readers, consider adding a donation button. Some readers may be willing to support your work if they enjoy your content.
- Sponsored social media posts: Like sponsored blog posts, you could monetize your blog by promoting brands on your social media accounts. Again, it’s essential to disclose that the post is sponsored and use a nofollow link.
About Google’s Rules Regarding Sponsored Posts When It’s Time to Monetize Your Blog
I include this section because I have seen clients lose their rankings on Google after taking bad advice. Usually, the advice is from internet marketers who want to place sponsored posts but want a do-follow link, running them afoul of Google’s terms.
Let’s discuss whether selling sponsored posts could lead to a Google penalty. Google generally wants to provide its users with the most relevant and trustworthy content.
Selling sponsored posts violates Google’s guidelines if you do not mark the content as sponsored and use do-follow links.
Summing It Up: Many Bloggers Earn a Decent Living by Combining a Few of These Blog Monetization Techniques
There are many ways to monetize your blog. Whether you choose affiliate marketing, display advertising, or selling digital products, finding the best method for you and your audience is essential. And when it comes to sponsored posts, follow Google’s guidelines and always disclose the sponsored post.
If you require help creating optimized, unique blog content quickly and accurately, our team is here to help. Connect with the Word Innovations team. Let’s work together to take your blog to the next level.