How to Make Money with Blogging: A No-BS Guide
Let’s cut to the chase. You’re here because you want to know how to make money with blogging. Maybe you’ve tried a few things, but nothing’s stuck. Or maybe you’re starting from scratch and wondering if blogging is even worth it. Spoiler: It is. But only if you do it right.
I’m not here to sell you a dream or tell you it’s easy. Blogging is work. But if you’re willing to put in the effort, it can be one of the most rewarding ways to make money online. Let’s break it down—no fluff, no cringe, just actionable steps.
Why Blogging Still Works in 2023
Before we dive into the how, let’s address the why. You might be thinking, “Isn’t blogging oversaturated?” Sure, there are a lot of blogs out there. But here’s the thing: most of them suck. They’re either too generic, too salesy, or just plain boring.
If you can create content that’s valuable, engaging, and authentic, you’ll stand out. People are always looking for solutions to their problems. If your blog can solve those problems, you’ll make money. Period.
How to Start a Blog That Makes Money
- Pick a Niche That Pays
Your niche is everything. It’s the foundation of your blog. But here’s the catch: it needs to be something people are willing to pay for.
Examples of profitable niches:
Personal finance (e.g., budgeting, investing)
Health and wellness (e.g., fitness, mental health)
Tech and software (e.g., app reviews, tutorials)
Lifestyle (e.g., travel, parenting)
Avoid overly broad niches like “life” or “hobbies.” Instead, go specific. For example, instead of “fitness,” try “home workouts for busy moms.”
- Set Up Your Blog the Right Way
You don’t need to be a tech genius to start a blog. Here’s the bare minimum you need:
A domain name: Keep it short, memorable, and relevant to your niche.
Hosting: I recommend Bluehost for beginners. It’s affordable and easy to use.
A blogging platform: WordPress.org is the gold standard.
Once your blog is set up, focus on creating a clean, user-friendly design. No one’s going to stick around if your site looks like it’s from 2005.
- Create Content That Converts
Content is king, but not all content is created equal. Here’s how to make yours stand out:
Solve a problem: Every post should answer a question or solve a pain point.
Be conversational: Write like you’re talking to a friend. No jargon, no fluff.
Use headers and subheaders: Break up your content so it’s easy to skim.
Add visuals: Use images, infographics, or videos to make your posts more engaging.
Pro tip: Always include your keyword in the first and last paragraph. It helps with SEO.
How to Monetize Your Blog
Now for the fun part: making money. Here are the most effective ways to monetize your blog:
- Affiliate Marketing
This is where you promote other people’s products and earn a commission for every sale. It’s one of the easiest ways to start making money with your blog.
How to get started:
Join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or ShareASale.
Write honest reviews or tutorials that include your affiliate links.
- Display Ads
Once your blog starts getting traffic, you can sign up for ad networks like Google AdSense or Mediavine. They’ll pay you to display ads on your site.
Tip: Don’t overload your site with ads. It’ll ruin the user experience.
- Sell Your Own Products or Services
This is where the real money is. Once you’ve built an audience, you can sell:
Ebooks or courses: Share your expertise in a downloadable format.
Coaching or consulting: Offer one-on-one help to your readers.
Physical products: If you’re in a niche like fashion or fitness, consider selling merch.
- Sponsored Posts
Brands will pay you to write about their products or services. But be picky. Only promote stuff you actually believe in.
How to Drive Traffic to Your Blog
You can have the best content in the world, but it won’t matter if no one sees it. Here’s how to get traffic:
- Master SEO
Search engine optimization (SEO) is how you get your blog to rank on Google.
Do keyword research: Use tools like Ahrefs or Ubersuggest to find keywords your audience is searching for.
Optimize your posts: Include your keyword in the title, headers, and meta description.
- Leverage Social Media
Share your posts on platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. Each platform has its own vibe, so tailor your content accordingly.
- Build an Email List
Your email list is your most valuable asset. It’s how you stay connected with your audience, even if social media algorithms change.
Use a tool like ConvertKit: It’s beginner-friendly and powerful.
Offer a freebie: Give away a checklist, guide, or template in exchange for email addresses.
FAQs About Making Money with Blogging
- How long does it take to make money blogging?
It depends. Some people start earning within a few months, while others take a year or more. The key is consistency.
- Do I need to be a good writer to start a blog?
Not really. You just need to be able to communicate clearly. If you can talk, you can write.
- How much money can I make blogging?
There’s no limit. Some bloggers make a few hundred dollars a month, while others make six or seven figures. It all comes down to your niche, traffic, and monetization strategies.
Final Thoughts
Blogging isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s a long-term game. But if you’re willing to put in the work, it can be one of the most rewarding ways to make money online.
If you’re serious about building a profitable blog, check out MillionFormula.com. It’s an excellent resource for learning how to make money online, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro.
Other great websites to explore include:
MillionFormula.com
Smart Passive Income
ProBlogger
Remember, the key to success is consistency. Keep showing up, keep creating, and the money will follow.
Now go start that blog.
Keyword: Make money with blogging