Let’s get bloggy for a second. One of the things I get asked a lot and one of the things I used to wonder, is how bloggers make money. I thought I’d share 10 of the ways that I make money in today’s post! This is a part of an email from my series all about blogging, building an audience and making money. I encourage you to read more about it and sign up for that list on this page!
Ad Networks
This is the most passive form of income for blogs. You literally just paste the ad code into your sidebar or wherever you want it to show up and the ads will automatically display to all of your website visitors. It’s not a major revenue generator, but it is definitely very easy.AdSense – With AdSense, you can run up to 3 display ads at one time on your site. There are tons of ad sizes available. You can also add link units, which are lines of ads that are just text links. AdSense is commonly known (though not true for everyone) as the ad network with the highest revenue potential.
BlogHer Publishing Network – You’ll have to make it through their rigorous application process where your site design, content and other ad networks will come under scrutiny. You can also get sponsored post opportunities through the BlogHer network.
Affiliate Networks
These pay based on actions (most often sales). These are easier to join because they are results based, aka you have to make them money to make money yourself. These can be a nice source of passive income as well, since affiliate links sitting inside of old posts can generate money indefinitely if the post is getting traffic.VigLink – this is the main network that we use on my blog. The commission rates are consistently higher than other networks and the platform is very user-friendly. They also have a link program where you install code on your site and VigLink recognizes keywords (aka dress, new shoes, hotel) and automatically turns them into clickable affiliate links that make you money. I don’t use this, but know a few bloggers who do.
Amazon Associates – receive a percentage of sale for referring people to Amazon to make a purchase. Perhaps the single most popular affiliate out there. Unfortunately, if you live in the following states: Arkansas, Louisiana, Maine, Missouri, Rhode Island, or Vermont, you cannot join due to tax laws. The best part about Amazon is that they literally have everything for sale – which means you can make money promoting just about anything you want.
Commission Junction – CJ has a huge library of affiliates (including Minted, Free People, Forever 21 and more) that you can apply for. They also have a premium publisher program that they are building right now which focuses on content heavy blogs.
LinkShare – another huge network of affiliates including Macy’s, Kohl’s, iTunes and about 1,000 others.
ShareASale – yet another large network with merchants including Zulily, Reebok, Wayfair and about 3900 others.
Influencer Networks
These are networks that you join and provide your reach information. You are then notified of potential opportunities (campaigns) with various brands. Each network has their own set of rules and expectations. Be sure to read all of the requirements of each campaign before committing to anything.I join as many of these as I can and let the opportunities come in. Then I am able to filter out what fits and what doesn’t for my audience.
Clever Girls Collective – new campaigns pretty often and a lof of the times are with brands that I’m happy to work with.
Linqia – sponsored posts that pay per click. You are given a goal, but even if you don’t reach it, you get paid for the clicks you did get.
PopSugar Select – sponsored campaigns for fashion, food, beauty, fitness and mom blogs. This has been one of the best partnerships for my blog.
Obviously these are not all of the ways that I make money from my blog. This is just a short list that hopefully provides at least a couple of new money making opportunities for bloggers out there! Again, the full list is in my email series which you can find here!
If you do not have a blog, I encourage you to take a look at my How to Start a Blog page and consider starting one! :) It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made!
I’m interested to hear what you think of posts like this. Do you want to see more helpful blogging posts? Let me know!
xo
Christy Kangas
Thanks for sharing some of the ways in which you have created revenue from your site! :) It’s nice to see what others do, and gain more familiarity with different organizations out there that support and link up with bloggers.
Katie
Aww yay, I’m so glad you enjoyed! :) So happy it was helpful!
xo
Nicole
Thank you for sharing! I’m brand new to blogging so this is great info. for me!
Question- For amazon associates do people have to actually purchase what you are linking? Or do you still get money if know one makes a purchase off your link??
Thank you!
xo Nicole
http://www.damatoadventures.blogspot.com
Katie
As long as they get to Amazon from your link, anything they purchase at that time earns you commission – not just the thing you linked!
xo
Kylie Gravlee
Hi Katie,
Your blog posts have been EXTREMELY helpful as I work on building my blog following. I actually started reading your posts before I decided I would definitely launch a blog of my own! So I absolutely appreciate everything you share about how you’ve built and grown yours, and how you make money. I’m a little confused about brand collaborations still, so if you ever feel inclined to share about that I would love to learn!! Thanks for all the helpful tips… I find myself reading over and over as time goes on and checking things off or making to do lists :) Keep sharing, lady!!
Xoxo,
Kylie
Kylie Gravlee
http://www.coffeewithkylie.com
@coffeewithkylie
Katie
Thank you! It’s great to hear the posts and emails have been helpful! I do have one email about collaborations, but I might have to create something more detailed in the future!
xo
Jordan
I love this post! I definitely needed to see this today! Thank you for your knowledge!!!
Katie
Awesome! I’m so glad this was helpful! :)
xo
Ericadianas
thanks a million
I’m a new blogger from Nigeria and this is really helpful
Katie
Amazing!! I’m so happy to hear that it was helpful to you! :)
xo