11 Steps to Start Blogging and Earn Money (2024)

Blogging has become a popular small business idea with the potential to generate thousands of dollars per month. Whether you are driving product sales for your brand, earning commission from affiliate partners, or creating a space for digital ad sales, there are multiple revenue streams that professional bloggers use to earn a full-time income through their content-based websites.

How much money can bloggers earn?

Blog posts are a monetizable form of online content, with many long-running blogs attracting millions of readers and generating significant income. Well-established bloggers like Ryan Robinson and Adam Enfroy have shown that it is possible to make substantial amounts of money through blogging. Ryan Robinson makes upwards of $30,000 per month, while Adam Enfroy generated $1.5 million from his blog in just two years.

The potential income of a blog depends on two main factors: niche profitability and blogging income streams. Niche profitability refers to whether the audience is motivated customers who are likely to spend money on products or premium content. The more monetization methods a blog has, the more opportunities there are to increase revenue.

Choosing a profitable niche

When starting a blog, it is essential to invest time in selecting the right niche. A niche is a self-contained topic within a broader category, such as vegan recipes within the food category. Focusing your blog on a niche helps readers associate your site as an authority on that topic, making it their go-to source for information.

Catering to a popular niche improves the chances of being a reader’s first choice when looking for advice. Mushfiq Sarker, founder of The Website Flip, emphasizes the importance of quality and expertise in standing out in a niche. Building a following over time is crucial before monetization can follow.

There are profitable blog niches in various industries, from business software to pet accessories. However, not all niches are suitable for monetization. A profitable blog niche typically meets three criteria: it is something you are skilled at or interested in, there is low competition but clear monetization potential, and the audience is motivated customers likely to spend money.

Building an email list

Building an email list for your blog is one of the best ways to secure regular readers who will consume your content. By encouraging visitors to sign up for your mailing list, you gain permission to reach them in their inbox, a valuable online space. Email marketing is a lucrative sales channel for many bloggers, as it allows direct communication with readers and promotes products or affiliate links.

Offering services

As your blog builds an audience, you can leverage your expertise and authority in your niche to offer services such as consulting, graphic design, freelance writing, virtual assistance, or classes and workshops. Consulting services, in particular, can be a high revenue, low commitment way to make money blogging.

Selling digital products

Digital products are a scalable way to make money by selling useful items alongside your blog. Ebooks, printables, workbooks, and online courses are popular digital product formats that can be created once and sold multiple times. Digital products offer a way to monetize your expertise and provide value to your audience.

Selling physical products

If your blog’s subject matter is related to a range of products, you can leverage your audience’s interest to sell items likely to appeal to them. Whether sourcing products from affiliates or dropshipping suppliers, or creating your own merchandise, selling physical products can be a profitable revenue stream for your blog.

Creating a membership community

Creating a membership community for your most engaged readers can provide a VIP experience that they are willing to pay for. Membership programs offer exclusive content, special offers, and a sense of community for members. Setting up membership fees on a monthly or yearly basis can provide a consistent revenue stream for your blogging efforts.

Monetizing YouTube videos

Posting engaging videos on YouTube can help you make money as an expansion of your blog content. Video content can reach a different segment of your audience and provide additional revenue opportunities through the YouTube Shopify affiliate program. By creating video versions of your blog content, you can increase engagement and reach a wider audience.

Producing a podcast and getting a sponsor

Podcasts have become increasingly popular, with many listeners willing to visit a brand’s website or engage with their products after hearing about them through a podcast sponsorship. Starting your own podcast and reaching out to brands for sponsorship opportunities can provide an additional revenue stream for your blog.

How long does it take to make money blogging?

While a popular blog can make money right away, it often takes time to build an audience large enough to monetize. Embracing monetization strategies early on can help reduce the time it takes to earn money from your blog. Experimenting with different monetization tactics and building a loyal readership are key to making money blogging.

Can I earn a living by monetizing a blog?

It is possible to make a living by monetizing a blog, as many successful bloggers have shown. Building a successful blog requires time, effort, and a strong relationship with your audience. By following best practices, investing time, covering all distribution channels, and rethinking your business model, you can increase your chances of turning your blog into a profitable business.

In conclusion, blogging offers multiple opportunities to make money, whether through affiliate marketing, selling products, offering services, or creating a membership community. By focusing on building quality content, engaging with your audience, and experimenting with different monetization strategies, you can turn your blog into a successful business that generates a full-time income.