How to Make Money From Blogging

Money Making Blogging contains affiliate links. Meaning I may receive commissions for purchases made through those links, at no cost to you. Please understand that I recommend products and services because I think they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something.

Congratulations! You’ve launched your blog, discovered your niche, and mastered the art of wielding WordPress. Now comes the exciting part: transforming your passion into profit.  How to make money from blogging can be a fantastic way to generate income, but remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Promotion is Key: Spreading the Word About Your Blog

In the vast online landscape, discoverability is crucial. Social media reigns supreme when it comes to blog promotion. With millions actively using platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, it’s a goldmine for reaching new audiences. Don’t forget the rising star, Pinterest! Particularly for UK audiences, Pinterest offers immense potential to amplify your content and connect with potential readers.

Here’s a golden tip: Create dedicated social media accounts for your blog across all these platforms. Utilize relevant hashtags in your bios and include your location. This can attract local brands seeking bloggers for review opportunities, expanding your reach further.

Scheduling and Automation: Tools for the Savvy Blogger

Sharing your content strategically is key. Platforms like Hootsuite and Buffer can be lifesavers, allowing you to schedule posts for optimal visibility. Analyze when your tweets, Instagram photos, or Facebook statuses perform best, and automate publishing accordingly. This ensures your content appears at the most impactful times. For instance, if you target parents, evenings might be the sweet spot for catching them browsing Pinterest for craft ideas or household hacks.

Monetization Magic: Turning Content into Cash

Affiliate marketing is a powerhouse strategy for many successful websites. You’ve likely encountered these on popular sites – targeted ads displayed based on user data and demographics. Google Adsense is a prime example, allowing you to display ads on your blog and earn revenue based on visitor clicks. The more traffic you attract, the greater the potential for income.  This is all part of learning how to make money from blogging.

Exploring Affiliate Marketing Avenues

If you’re looking to focus on a select few affiliate marketing companies, here are some top picks to help you make money from blogging:

• Affiliate Window: A giant in the affiliate marketing world, offering thousands of companies with opportunities to earn from clicks, sign-ups, purchases, and more. Some campaigns might require pitching to specific brands, so building a strong brand identity and social media following is crucial. As your blog gains traction, you can approach bigger brands and potentially negotiate higher commission rates.

• Amazon Associates: Who doesn’t love Amazon? With a vast product selection, incorporating Amazon links in your sidebar, blog posts, or even dedicated Amazon-themed articles is a great strategy for making money from blogging. Consider quirky product finds, bargain roundups, or gift guides highlighting the convenience of one-click shopping and next-day delivery. Remember, even if someone clicks your link but ends up buying something else within 24 hours, you’ll still earn a commission (between 1% and 10%, depending on the product category). This makes Amazon Associates a perfect partner, especially during peak shopping seasons like Christmas.

• Commission Junction: Similar to Affiliate Window, Commission Junction offers access to hundreds of advertisers with links, banners, and other resources for your blog. They constantly add new brands, providing a plethora of ways to make money from blogging through affiliate marketing.

• Finding Your Perfect Affiliate Match: Don’t underestimate the power of existing favorites! Many companies you already use and love likely have affiliate programs. This is a win-win situation: recommending products you genuinely enjoy fosters passion and authenticity, while potentially generating income. Look for programs that align with your blog’s values or niche. For example, if you champion education, partnering with an eLearning platform like BitDegree (offering a 50% commission rate on their courses) could be a perfect fit. Not only will you earn money, but you’ll also contribute to spreading knowledge.

The Power of Sponsored Posts: Brands Want You!

Companies are eager to leverage bloggers for advertising their services. This could entail anything from a simple website link inclusion to a more in-depth series of product or service reviews. Brands value these valuable links and the exposure you provide to your audience. As your blog gains recognition, it’s not uncommon for brands (directly or through PR companies) to approach you for collaboration on upcoming campaigns. Public relations companies specialize in enhancing brand reputation and visibility through advertising, search engine optimization, and more.

Finding Sponsored Post Opportunities

Several online platforms connect bloggers with sponsored post gigs, helping you make money from blogging. Check out Bloggers Required, a great resource for just that. Additionally, scour Twitter using hashtags like #prrequest and #bloggersrequired. These hashtags are goldmines for brands seeking blogger partnerships. They can also be handy for putting yourself out there to brands looking for bloggers in your specific niche.

Joining the Blogger Community

Facebook groups like UK Bloggers and UK Parent Bloggers are fantastic for connecting with engaged audiences and discovering collaboration opportunities. You’ll also learn from fellow bloggers and gain valuable insights to make money from blogging more effectively.

Invoicing for Work That You Complete

Many companies offering sponsored posts will want you to invoice them for your work. Once a post is live, you can look to arrange an invoice. If a brand accepts Paypal invoices, the process is straightforward. Paypal offers pre-made templates to create invoices, assign invoice numbers (essential for tax purposes), and add details of your fees and terms.

What to Include in an Invoice:

Always ensure your invoice includes details of any non-payment or late fees you may charge. If a brand surpasses the agreed-upon payment timeframe (typically 28-30 days is standard), you can implement late fees. This offers an opportunity to remind a brand about an overdue payment a few days before it’s due, potentially avoiding the need for late fees altogether. More importantly, if a company fails to pay, late fees compensate you for the delay.

The Final Word: Consistency is Key

We hope this three-part series has been helpful. Now that you’ve explored creating a blog, installing WordPress, crafting compelling content, and learning how to make money from blogging, you possess the tools to launch your own monetized blog. Remember, initial progress might be slow, so avoid burnout. Don’t publish all your content at once; strategically space it out, and maintain a consistent posting schedule to stay motivated. Consider splitting longer posts into parts and setting a publishing schedule to keep yourself accountable and inspired.