You started blogging with a goal. To monetize a blog and make money blogging. It could be the ultimate desire to work from home and live on your own terms. Or, it could be making money online without tiring job routines. Maybe for a successful career, a freelancer life, or winning dreams. But – you also planned to make money from your blog. The truth is that you HATE ads. Then, you wonder, how to monetize your blog without ads?
Once you start a blog, you come across several things through your blogging journey. One important concern is how to make money from blogging and How to monetize a blog without ads?
As sometimes, advertisement sucks! It just makes the website looks cluttered and untidy. Many bloggers also hate advertisements due to low rates. However, it’s totally up to you.
If you are already blogging then I assume you go through some of these common frustrations.
- Chasing six-figure bloggers and expecting more from your blog.
- Having no content strategy.
- Chasing ideas for the quick rich scheme.
- Searching for ads networks
- No blog planning.
- Failing traffic generating ideas.
Blog monetization is an important blogging topic. Every blogger needs to know the monetization methods and common ways to make money through blogging.
This is the reason you are reading this post.
One common method is placing ads on your site and start earning income when someone clicks on your ads. Some ad networks are Mediavine, Adsense, Media.net, Infolinks or PropellerAds.
In fact, I have mentioned tons of other methods in my guide to make $100 blogging quickly.
But, what if you don’t like ads networks and those cluttered websites?
Go for the other earning opportunities.
You need to learn other ways of monetizing a blog without ads.
Right?
It’s simple.
Suggested blog posts for making money blogging;
- The Ultimate Guide To Starting a money-making Profitable Blog
- 7 Possible Ways Bloggers Make Money Online and You Can Too!
- How to make money with selling ebooks on your site?
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HOW TO MONETIZE YOUR BLOG WITHOUT ADS?
After starting your blog and building content, the next step is monetization without placing ads. You don’t have the option to work with ad networks. So, what other options we have?
We’ll discuss it briefly.
Before you determine other methods, I need to talk about content value. If you understand the importance of ‘Value for value’ you’ll be gaining success with all profitable blog monetization methods.
Your blog should provide value to readers.
Nothing works if you write poor content and fail to connect with your audience.
The website monetization looks easy but follows strategic implementation which makes your content easily readable for the audiences. It isn’t complicated but you’ve to put a little extra effort to make things work. This leads to making money blogging without ads.
Whatever monetization methods you follow, make sure to produce quality content before you expect any income.
This is what I believe in.
Some tips to help you succeed in blog monetization;
- Don’t follow all the methods at a time.
- Learn all about the monetization methods and do your homework.
- Take time, implement, and see what works for you.
Not wasting your time, let’s quickly figure out how to monetize a blog without ads?
Do you want to join a free Facebook group? It’s free to join! This community allows bloggers to interact and help each other grow. If you want to boost your blog and build connections, I invite you here.
1- AFFILIATE MARKETING – Promote products and earn commission
This post contains affiliate links. If you made a purchase through any link, it helps me earn a small commission. For more, please read my disclosure here.
Affiliate marketing is what top bloggers mostly use to generate online income through their blogs. It’s basically a marketing technique to recommend a service or product to your readers through a special tracking link. And, it makes blogger earn a set amount of commission when someone clicks on the link and make a purchase. Simple.
This is by far the best method to make money from a website without ads.
Nowadays, there are many affiliate programs in almost every niche. You just have to do a little research for products you wish to promote on your site.
What affiliate programs you can join?
I see many bloggers don’t know how and where to find products to promote. Nothing to worry. Of course, you need to search their affiliate programs and request to become an affiliate for their products.
Here, you can find a list of products;
- ShareASale
- Amazon
- Commission Junction
- Rakuten Marketing!
I suggest reading the post on Top Paying Affiliate Marketing Programs For Bloggers
First, join the networks and request to get accepted as an affiliate partner. Don’t get discouraged if someone doesn’t approve you. Keep working and make your blog better. Companies need dedicated bloggers who are consistently active and can bring happy sales to them. Once, you get accepted into the desired program or the company. You can download plugins like Thirsty affiliates and track the links.
Several businesses have their own affiliate programs. Try the product and determine if it provides value to your readers. Next, find out their affiliate program and join the team.
Use different methods to promote affiliate products and make money with affiliate marketing.
If you want to get started with affiliate marketing, read my post on The Beginner’s Guide: Affiliate Marketing For Bloggers
2- CREATE EBOOKS/COURSES
The other profitable method to monetize your blog without ads is through selling e-books. The business of selling e-books online have been reached to billions. Yes!
So, are you good at writing?
Do you have some remarkable skills to help others with?
Maybe, you are a health or fitness expert. A beauty blogger. A sports blogger. A wedding photography expert. A web designer. A freelance writer. A business coach.
You are an expert in your own field.
People look for your advice. They find YOU better and experienced. Why not utilize those skills and sell them?
Why not utilize those skills and sell them?
Few steps you’ll need to go through to make money through e-book;
- Get the content done.
- Review the work (Hire an editor)
- Design the cover (Hire e-book cover designers)
- Self-publish the book on your own website and sell it. (Set up a shopping cart option and PayPal link)
- Use other platforms like Amazon, Kindle direct publishing to sell your book.
Look at this affordable ebook creation guide that walks you through the process of creating an ebook, and making money through selling it online.
I know many influential bloggers who sell ebooks and make money.
And that is when I interviewed this blogger who makes money selling ebooks. She explains everything you need to do about creating small digital products like ebooks to make passive income.
I have purchased a number of Ebooks and Courses to grow my blog and learn about the hidden tactics. Check out my list of favorite tools and best resources.
Ryan Biddulph is a blogging expert who has written a number of e-books on multiple subjects. He has written ebooks on blogging, travel, online business, etc. You can find the whole collection here.
3- SPONSORED CONTENT ON YOUR BLOG
I understand you don’t like ads on your site.
But, how about writing?
Sponsored content is an indirect way of advertising on your blog. Companies need blogs to promote their products and generate sales. A company asks you to write a review on your blog for their products and services. You can set your own rates for paid content on your blog.
Before you approach companies for sponsored content, make sure you have got a media kit. It’s basically a one-hand document that collects your blog social media following, traffic statistics, audience demographics, and other details. Here’s how to create Media Kit.
You can get paid for;
- Writing blog posts.
- Product reviews
You can easily get paid more than $150 for sponsored content. However, if you’re starting out $50 is a good deal.
It further depends on your blog statistics, SEO ranking, social media reach and the brand itself to decide.
Where to approach for sponsored content opportunities?
You can join websites like PayPerPost, SponsoredReviews.com, and Coobis to connect with businesses. These websites help to connect influencers, bloggers with companies.
Be sure to read my post below to find all the details on making money with sponsors – How To Make Money From Sponsored Blog Posts.
4- MAKE MONEY WITH BLOG FLIPPING
Do you know that blog flipping is another way to make money blogging without ads? In this case, you build blogs and then, sell those blogs for huge profits! Many bloggers are flipping blogs as a side hustle and make a decent income.
I highly suggest reading this post on ‘How to make money with blog flipping’
Some of my blogging friends have made than $20,000 with just blog flipping. They like building blogs and sell them for a good price. Is this something you’re interested in?
My super talented blogging friend, Chelsea, has sold her beauty blog for $50,000! Can you believe that? In her Blog Flipping Course, she talks everything to set up a blog, grow it and then, sell it for decent money.
SELL YOUR BLOG
Did you know most bloggers make yearly income by selling small and even, profitable business blogs?
Flippa is a platform where you BUY and SELL your blog. As simple as that. It’s a huge online market to sell your blogs for huge profits. There are listings available for your blog and you can accept bids.
Even if you have a small blog which has some awesome content then you can determine the value of your blog, and maybe, sell it if you want.
Check out this valuation tool to determine the price of your blog.
5- OFFER ONLINE COURSES AND WEBINARS TO MAKE MONEY
Wondering, what else you can do to monetize your blog without ads?
Do you have expert skills?
If yes then creating an online course can be a great idea to make money from your blog.
You will be required to create multiple lessons on your course. You may also need to make any supporting materials like printables, checklists, downloads etc.
Some platforms for creating online courses are;
<<CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TEACHABLE>>
6- SELL SERVICES ON YOUR BLOG
As a blogger, you already get expertise in certain fields. You spend hours learning how to blog the right way. You give endless hours understanding the WordPress or your blogging dashboard. Blogging also makes you active on social media platforms. It helps you learn a variety of skills.
And, your blog is more like a portfolio of your clients.
Take my example. When I started out, I showed this blog as my portfolio to win freelance clients and it worked amazingly. With blogging, I improved my freelance writing skills and learned more about social media, blogging, marketing, etc.
At times, clients also approach me through this blog. Isn’t that awesome?
I made the best decision to start this blog. Right?
Why not sell some services on your blog?
Freelancing helps to make money online. It’s another profitable method to monetize your blog and start earning. You can even create another freelancer website and link the website to your blog.
You can offer the following services to make money online;
- Freelance writing
- Virtual Assistant
- Consultations
- Coaching
- Guest post services
Further reading;
27 Freelance Services You Can Offer From Home And Make Money Online
7- ADD MEMBERSHIP FEATURE TO YOUR BLOG
You must have seen websites with private forums. You can also create a paid membership site where users need to pay to join the private forums. Your audience joins these forums to take direct advice from you. This way, members get an exclusive opportunity to learn from you.
All members can interact and help each other.
A membership feature on your blog is a great way to make money online.
For more;
How to create and run your first membership site
Be sure to download my free roadmap to make $1000 from blogging. This free pdf will give you a roadmap to follow to make your first $1000 from blogging.
I have made thousands of dollars on my blog so this roadmap will have actionable steps to make you money blogging.
Still wondering, how to make money from a website without ads?
You shouldn’t.
It’s totally possible to make money without placing advertisements on your website. Just look at the above methods and see what is a good fit for your blog. I’d recommend you to start with affiliate marketing. It does require extra work but it’s totally worth doing.
For affiliate marketing;
Start by joining these affiliate marketing programs!
I would like to know your suggestions.
Making money is no easy-to-go option when it comes to blogging. Before you expect good blogging income, emphasize your blog content strategy, social media, and followers.
If you are a beginner, here are few ways to make money blogging as a beginner.
This all needs time and consistency. Blogging has taught me to value time and become more productive.
How do you monetize your own blog?
Now, it’s your turn!
Let me know in the comments below.
Thanks! Some good advice with new resources to check out. While I have no interest in seeking out advertising income, I do like several of the options you offered.
Hi Arfa, I loved this post. I haven’t been actively trying to monetize my blog yet, but these tips will definitely help later on when I do decide to. Thanks for the tips!
Thanks for sharing! I usually only hear about affiliates but I’m loving these other pointers too.
Hi Arfa,
Thanks for the shout! Lead in with value, and you create a monetizing foundation for your campaign. The content does the monetizing. The content does the selling. Then you can open income streams – those mentioned above – and in due time, money will flow in through any channels. But never ever ever rely on ads online to generate income; massive mistake until you have a high volume of traffic. Never rely on bad-looking ads either LOL.
Ryan
Hi Deborah, I rarely read comments and discussions in communities where people don’t talk about blogging income and stuff like this. I’m glad you like few other options.
Hi, Sharon! Thank you. Yes, you should only think about monetization when you are ready to do it. I’m not in favor of monetization with a new one-month-old blog. Good Luck!
Thanks, Dawy. I wanted to make the guide as helpful as I can.
Hey, Ryan
Thanks for taking out time and comment. Loved what you said ‘The content does the monetization. The content does the selling’. It sets the foundation. I get the point of relying on ads 😉 (working on it, though).
It’s always good to learn from you.
This is so helpful! I have had my blog for 2 months and feel like its time to advance and try and make some money. This post have been saved so I can go back and look at all the tips!
Hi Arfa,
Thanks so much for sharing. It’s always good to keep in mind that there are options out there if you only know where to look.
I’m not a fan of ads, and I don’t see myself using them anytime soon. I am trying to ease into affiliate marketing but it is somewhat difficult for me to find the perfect thing to sell that meshes well with my content!
This is great because I really don’t want to fill my blog with ads. I am saving this for later Thanks for sharing!
Consistency is key (: Thanks so much for this post!
Great post! Yes, being a new blogger has been frustrating. Thanks for the reminder on the necessity of planning and diversifying your income.
Thankyou! It’s a good approach to maintain your blog first and then plan to monetize. This helps!
Thanks, April. Of course, one has to know where to look. Otherwise, things don’t turn as amazing as we’d like them to see.
Dayna, I’m impressed by your thoughts. For affiliate marketing, you should well-research your audience and their needs. Do a comprehensive research about the products that your audience is looking for. A quick research will help you determine the products to promote.
Sarah, you can look at a number of options and choose if something can work for your blog. Of course, no ads!
Thanks, Dianna 🙂
These are some good tips. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Shameez!
I got rid of ads a million years ago it feels like – they do nothing for me. Instead I make money through sponsorships!
Hello Arfa,
Thank you so much for sharing this useful post because I have a blog ofcoursemoney.com and I want to monetize it.
This post will surely help me to go 1 step ahead.
Great work.
Have a nice day.
Great article! I’m currently using numbers 1 and 5 and it’s going well. Moving into Ebooks next! Very helpful to bloggers starting out!
these are some great points that you have mentioned.
really helpful for someone who is just starting
It was really interesting to read your post. I started blogging 5 month ago and also still testing how everything works and how to monetize my blog. I found some really helpful tips in your post. Going to check that out.
Loving your content! I’m going to work on building a media kit today – thanks for the tips!
Some great ideas here for those that want something a little more inconspicuous. I have a couple of ad spaces on my website, I think as long as it is in moderation it is fine. I mean, once you create a product, you want to advertise it, right? And even though inline affiliate link aren’t as “in your face” as banner ads, they are still advertising.
These tips on how to monetize are just what I’ve been looking for! I just started a blog and have no clue how to start making money but now I think I can do it after reading this! Thank you so much!
Great information and ideas on how to monetize my blog
These are great suggestions. I have been strugglin with whether I should add adds to my blog. I don’t want to interfere with the reader experience. You have provided great alternatives!
Glad, it helped you Shameez.
Amazing! Sponsorships work great for few niches and I’m sure you’re killing it.
Thanks, it helped Kumud!
Thanks, Andrew. All the best for ebooks.
I’m very new to the blogging world–learned a few new things here–thank you!
Thanks, Ashley. I’m glad the post is helpful for you.
Thanks, Princy. Good luck for your blog career.
Thanks, Claudia. I believe blogging takes time and learning about different strategies is so helpful.
Thanks so much, Lauren! Yeeees, go ahead and create it.
Ad spaces don’t hurt the overall performance of the blog but if the ads are helping you earn a good income then I totally think it’s fine. I agree inline affiliate links is a type of advertising which don’t make your blog stuffed with ads, and make it look more cluttered. That’s why I find affiliate marketing a clean way of making money but of course, it sends your visitors to other sites.
I’m glad you found these tips super helpful. I’m sure you get some new ways to start making money on your blog. Good Luck.
Thanks, Michelle.
Thanks so much, Chevelle! As I said, you are the one to make the decision. Test out different alternatives and see what works best for your blog business.
Great. I’m sure you are going to implement the tips on your new blog. Let me know how it goes.
This is a very insightful post! So many ways to make money. Thank you!
Thanks, Gabriella!
Such a. GPod post, the idea of affiliate and sponsored posts are something I’m definitely interested in doing xx
http://www.pagesfrombeth.co.uk
Thanks for writing this post Arfa! This is so helpful. I didn’t know where I could look for good freelance work and never really considered creating e-resources.
Great tips
your information was helpful, it made me think a bit. I was thinking how to monetize my site and you gave me some encouragement to use what I already have thanks for the boost!
I feel glad about it, Jiselle. Sure, use the information to monetize your site.
Thanks, Farwa! Happy to share good stuff.
Absolutely, Beth. Affiliate marketing is good to start with.
Great post Arfa (share worthy 🙂 ) I earn about 1/4 of my income from affiliate revenue (although I’d love to bump that up to 1/3 in 2018, or higher). Like you said, it’s a great way to start out. And it can also be a really nice way to earn semi-passive revenue long term. Especially if you can find a great program with recurring revenue, or lifetime commissions (refer once, earn on all upcoming purchases).
The rest of my income comes from membership sales, online courses and books. Although I have to admit I’ve considered adding some ad revenue again (I haven’t since 2010)
Great post!
Thanks, Loralee Hutton for stopping by.
That’s so impressive! Well, that’s true. Affiliate marketing is a great way to earn semi-passive revenue long term. I also think that it requires fewer efforts for a consistent income. Of course, if you’ve successfully found a great program and have the shiny content guides prepared for the audience.
All of the income streams, you mentioned, are so powerful that once you invest in it, you become certain to earn a recurring revenue.
Thanks for sharing the invaluable experiences. I appreciate that 🙂
I make money through sponsorships on my blog. I didn’t have ADs for a long time, but recently put them back on my site, just to test it out and see if I like it – Will evaluate in the new year – Ads are definitely NOT my #1 source of income though, that’s for sure!
Great! Sponsored content is well-paid off if the blog maintains the quality and has good consistent traffic. Testing is always recommended. I personally do the test with the ads.
Thanks, Gigi for sharing the feedback.
I’m glad it helped you to get started.
Great post, Arfa! I’m always on the fence about ads. I’ve had them on my site, and after the initial shock of how hideous they are, you kind of get used to them. They’re off now as I pursue the ebook avenue for revenue. Looking forward to hosting webinars and workshops in 2018 too!
I haven’t had much success with affiliate marketing but I keep on trying. My blog makes most of its earnings from ads otherwise these are great ways to monetize a blog explained in details for anyone who would like to make money online.
John,
Affiliate marketing may take time but it definitely worth trying. Ads can be a great income source if one has many visitors. It’s good to know that you use ads on your blog and make a significant earning.
This is really an awesome list for monetizing a blog if you have under 1000 visitors a month because most of the new blogs dealing in b2b industry takes a lot of time to attract traffic in thousands.
Good options for one who doesn’t wish to have pay per click ads on their blog.
Yes, definitely. And, we have many people who don’t like ads on their sites.
Wow, now this is some unique ideas provided for monitizing without ads.
Glad I dropped here to find this information. Keep it up.
Thanks, Lisa!
Thank you so much Arfa. Ads ain’t doing much for me right now and I’m looking for more ways to monetize my blog. Sponsored posts seem to work for me so far.
Nice blog with useful info. Thanks for sharing. Good tips on ways for losing the ads.
Thanks, Emma! Yes, there’s so much more except ads.
These are great ways to monetize. Thanks for posting.
GREAT tips!!!! thanks!
This is such a great post, a very inspiring post for beginner bloggers because making money with a blog the ultimate goal for most bloggers. Thanks for sharing this.
These are excellent tips, Arfa! Majority of the income I generate from my blog is via affiliate marketing. I’ve been contemplating blog flipping for some time now; may act upon that soon 🙂 Thanks again for all the unique tips ????
I’m still very new to the blogging scene and I’m just looking for options to monetize my blog soon. Thanks for sharing, would definitely pin and save this
Yes, linda. These are some great options to consider for monetization. When you are new to blogging, there’s so much to learn. I wish you good luck 🙂 Thanks for saving the pin.