I’ve always had a knack for writing. I love writing about the places I go to, the food I eat, and the people I meet. I used to have these blogs from long-gone social media platforms (hello Friendster and Multiply :D) as a hobby.

Over time, I learned that blogging can be a lucrative business. And that there are many ways to do this. Unfortunately, I had no idea how to go about it. It took me a few years to come up with a strategy that eventually worked for me.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably looking for ways on how to earn from blogging. It would be nice to compensate for the money you spent on those travels or DIY photoshoot, yeah?

Let me share with you the ways to earn income that you can apply to your blog.

Here’s how you can earn from your blog (especially if this hobby makes you spend cash).

1. Paid Advertisements

Paid advertisement is when businesses use a space in your blog to advertise their products or services. When you’re just starting out, the easiest and most practical monetization method to set up is through display ads.

And if you’re a busy person who doesn’t have all the time to write and post articles on your website, then this is a good option because you’ll earn from blogging without doing much work. 

There are two ways you can do this:

1. Join an ad network – The good thing about the display ads network is they make things easy for you every step of the way. No need to worry if you don’t have the technical skill or expertise in running a website.

All you need to do is sign-up, wait for approval, and follow the instructions.

Here are some of the few ad networks you can try:

• Google AdSense – by far the biggest and most popular ad network for advertisers. 
• Media.net – this is powered by Yahoo Bing Network and an excellent display ad network for beginner bloggers. The best thing about it is that there is no minimum traffic requirement to join.
• Fomo Ads – this ad network focuses on highly curated and targeted advertisements. Whatever ads your readers see on your blog will be related to your content. There’s also no minimum traffic requirement to join. 

2.  Offer direct advertisements on your website – This one is feasible if you already have decent traffic. This is also one way of taking charge and taking control of what you want to be advertised on your site. 

You can add an “Advertise with us” page and list out different formats and costs per month. Both options have their pros and cons, but still, you get to earn from blogging that’s 100% passive income. 

2. Publishing of Press Releases / Event Coverage

Press release/ event coverage is usually notification from brands that contain information on what is happening with their company. 

It could be about a new product, a sale, or a product launch.

These brands lookout for blogs that relate to them. 

For example, your blog focuses on reviewing skincare products and makeups. Then PR representatives from companies that make skincare and makeups may reach out to you.

They will send an invite for you to either, or both:

• Write about their product/ event to promote awareness

• Attend and cover their event and write about it after.

Take note though that a brand doesn’t have to pay you for the media coverage. When you receive a pitch, it’s either you tell them you’re interested, or not. They may give a bag of goodies, or sample products in exchange for your write-up as a token of gratitude.

So, you might ask, “Then how do I get paid from publishing press releases?”

Yes, you can still get paid through a sponsored post.

Sponsored Post is when a company reaches out to you to provide a specific service in exchange for money, or whatever is negotiated. 

They may provide the exact words you need to write and pictures you must include.

A sponsored post is equivalent to advertising. For a company to partner with you, you must have gained a large number of followers on your blog and social media accounts.

Accepting press releases and posting it to your site will not only build goodwill but will also make these brands remember you and keep you on their radar for future partnerships.

3. Affiliate Marketing

As a blogger, you write about stuff that interests you. And that includes products or services that you love and recommend? 

Right?

Do you know that you can earn from blogging about these products or services?

Of course! 

So how do you do that? 

No, you don’t ask the brand to pay you up every time you mention them in your blog.

Instead, you promote someone’s product or service and earn a commission every time they make a sale from your referral.

It’s called affiliate marketing. 

When done right, this is also one of the most convenient ways to earn passive income.

Here are a few things you need to consider before jumping into the wagon:

1. You must offer a quality product or service.

Remember to choose a product/ service that can help your reader solve his or her problem. The product should be related to your blog’s niche/ topic.

Even if you have this exercise equipment that you really like, you can’t recommend it in your cooking blog when what you talk about there is food. 

2. The product or service that you’re planning to promote/ sell has a good affiliate program.

Do they have tools to make it easier and convenient for you to track sales? Do they offer an attractive commission rate?

It’s essential to research the brands that you wish to partner with. And make sure that the pay is worth your while.

3. A decent number of audience that visits your site regularly.

You can’t make a sale if no one visits your site. And you got to have credibility. It’s easier to recommend to people who trusts and respects you.

4. Freelance Writing (Offering Your Article Writing Services)

Another way to earn from blogging is to pitch your service to other bloggers or websites.

In freelance writing, people hire you to create content for them. And depending on your agreement, you would get paid by the word, or per article.

Let me share some of the advantages of going freelance:

You get your name out there.

• You build and improve your portfolio even without having to put up your own blog (if you haven’t yet) and get your writing seen. 
• It can also help you grow your own blog and reach more people.

You get to set your own rates.

• You can start low or high, depending on your confidence to provide quality articles to your clients. And it’s ok. 

If you’re just starting out, there are helpful tips on how to boost your credibility as a freelance writer, and what niche you should pursue.

You work anywhere and manage your time.

• You make your own schedule and work accordingly. You have the freedom to adjust how long or how frequent you must write.
• This set-up is great for you if you have an unpredictable schedule. Perhaps you’re juggling your time with multiple clients. Or maybe you’re a mother who looks after the kids and still wants to earn income on the side. This is perfect for you!
• You can bring your work wherever you go. Even when you’re offline. Even when on vacation!

Be careful, though because you might have a hard time managing your time efficiently when no one is telling you how to manage it.

5. Creating Your Own Products / Information Business

If you’ve done blogging for some time and already have loyal followers, you might want to consider launching your own product or service that relates to your niche.

What are the products and services that you can sell?

1. Physical Product

It could be an actual book, skincare, makeup, artworks, and other merchandise. You can use online selling platforms like Etsy and Amazon. Or you can sell from your own blog site. 

2. Online Courses

This is an excellent concept to venture in if your blog is into technology and skills learning.

Some examples would be:

• SEO/ Copywriting/ Content Writing and Marketing/ FB Ads/ E-Commerce
• Baking/ Financial Management/ Language

3. Printables

Printables are increasingly becoming more popular due to convenience. Just send a link or copy of your product to the buyers, and they can print it at home. It will also save you expenses and effort since there’s no physical product that you need to pack and ship.

• Planners
• Calendars
• Workbooks

4. E-books

If publishing a book is something you can’t afford now, consider offering an e-book first.  

Conclusion

Keep in mind that you need to provide consistent quality contents to grow your audience.

And as Neil Patel advised..

“Money shouldn’t be the driving factor in your early efforts. That’s why monetizing is the last step in creating a profitable blog. You need to build meaningful relationships and community that will steer you in the right direction by knowing their needs.”

Going the blogging route to earning income can be so appealing. 

But remember that everything takes time, hard work, dedication, and persistence to achieve our goals.

And lastly, if you need help on how to set goals for your blog, check out this link for tips!