How to Make Money Blogging

This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions expressed are our own.

So, you’re thinking about starting a blog? That’s great!

One thing you need to know is that it’s not as easy as 1-2-3, contrary to what some may have told you. It’s not you build it and they will come type of business. Blogging and making money blogging are two entirely different things. There are many bloggers that are hobby bloggers, and they are content making very little with their sites, and that’s okay, however today we are going to discuss how you can get started with your new blog, and make some extra cash while you’re at it.

The first thing you will want to do is to come up with a good niche and a name for your blog. You will want to do a search to make sure that your name is not taken. Once you have decided on your name, you will want to register it with a domain host. I like to use NameCheap, but you can decide which host you prefer.

You can  Get a .COM for just $5.98! from Namecheap with my link.

The next thing you will want to do is to get your web hosting set up. I recommend HostGator as they have been around forever and I tend to get really quick responses using their live chat and phone support.

Now to the money-making part. Several ways that you can make money are with affiliate marketing, advertising, sponsored posts, selling courses, and so forth. But, let’s start with your niche. This is the biggest and most important part of your blog and making money. You are going to want to choose a niche that targets a large audience, keeps them engaged, and keeps them coming back.

Once you have decided on your niche you are going to want to start creating useful content. If you write what they want to read, they will keep coming back.

But, how do you find readers? You are going to want to go out and search for people and places. You might start by guest posting on other blogs. This will help you build backlinks and credibility, ultimately growing your site. You can also post your blog links on your personal social media pages to get started. Just make sure that you aren’t being spammy when promoting your blog. You want to post creative content that will draw people in but promote it without making people feel like you are begging them to come visit your site.

Be a person of knowledge. Be confident in what you are writing about.

1.) Sponsored Posts– Once you have been blogging for a while companies will start to reach out to you asking you to post about their products in exchange for free products and/or money. Let’s assume you are new to the blogging world. To get started you will want to come up with a list of companies that you wouldn’t mind writing about. You will then go to their website and search for a contact email address and you will send them a pitch explaining how it would be beneficial to them to advertise on your blog.

2.) Affiliate Programs– This is one of the easiest ways to make money blogging. Companies that have affiliate programs set up are ready and willing to pay you money for driving traffic and sales to their sites.

3.) Advertisements- Displaying advertising on your site is a quick and easy way to make money blogging. You have the space (it’s your billboard), why not charge companies to advertise on that space?

4.) Sell Something– Of course, everyone knows that if you have a great product or service you can sell it and make money. What is it you are good at? Could you use that to make some extra cash? Maybe you could sell your writing services? Or how about selling design services? Think about what you are good at, and market it to your readers. If you are great at teaching then you could sell an online course, or if you are a great writer and always wanted to write a book- you could write and sell an e-book!

There are so many possibilities. The first step is to get started. “The only way to finish the race is to take another step.”