You started blogging with a goal. 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 the 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 Adsense, Media.net, Infolinks or PropellerAds.
In fact, I have mentioned tons of 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.
For further reading;
The Ultimate Guide To Start A Profitable Blog
Blog Traffic For Beginners: How To Get 0-1000 Daily Visitors To Your Blog
7 Possible Ways Bloggers Make Money Online and You can Too!
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 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 income from your blog without placing 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 method 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
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.
For more, here’s my well-explained post on the beginner’s guide to affiliate marketing
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!
Related: 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 disapproves 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.
If you want to get started with affiliate marketing, read my post on The Beginner’s Guide: Affiliate Marketing For Bloggers
This post contains affiliate links. If you made a purchase through any link, it helps me earn a small commission.
2- CREATE EBOOKS
The other profitable method to monetize your blog 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 other 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.
Related: How To Become A Freelance Writer With 7 Easy Steps
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.
I know many influential bloggers who sell ebooks and make money.
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.
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.
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 a 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 a sponsored content.
However, it depends on your blog statistics and the company.
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- 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;
For online courses use the guide below;
How To Create An Awesome Online Course
5- 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. I got multiple reasons to love blogging. Read them here.
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 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
6- 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
Still wondering, how to monetize your blog 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.
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.
This all needs time and consistency. Blogging has taught me to value time and become more productive. Click to get my 3-step formula to increase blogging productivity.
How do you monetize your own website?
Now, it’s your turn!
Let me know in the comments below.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 🙂
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.
I’m glad it helped you to get started.
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.
Thanks, Farwa! Happy to share good stuff.
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
Absolutely, Beth. Affiliate marketing is good to start with.
This is a very insightful post! So many ways to make money. Thank you!
Thanks, Gabriella!
I’m very new to the blogging world–learned a few new things here–thank you!
Great. I’m sure you are going to implement the tips on your new blog. Let me know how it goes.
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!
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 information and ideas on how to monetize my blog
Thanks, Michelle.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Loving your content! I’m going to work on building a media kit today – thanks for the tips!
Thanks so much, Lauren! Yeeees, go ahead and create it.
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.
Thanks, Claudia. I believe blogging takes time and learning about different strategies is so helpful.
these are some great points that you have mentioned.
really helpful for someone who is just starting
Thanks, Princy. Good luck for your blog career.
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!
Thanks, Andrew. All the best for ebooks.
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.
Thanks, it helped Kumud!
I got rid of ads a million years ago it feels like – they do nothing for me. Instead I make money through sponsorships!
Amazing! Sponsorships work great for few niches and I’m sure you’re killing it.
These are some good tips. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Shameez!
Glad, it helped you Shameez.
Great post! Yes, being a new blogger has been frustrating. Thanks for the reminder on the necessity of planning and diversifying your income.
Thanks, Ashley. I’m glad the post is helpful for you.
Consistency is key (: Thanks so much for this post!
Thanks, Dianna 🙂
This is great because I really don’t want to fill my blog with ads. I am saving this for later Thanks for sharing!
Sarah, you can look at a number of options and choose if something can work for your blog. Of course, no ads!
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!
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.
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.
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.
Great tips
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!
Thankyou! It’s a good approach to maintain your blog first and then plan to monetize. This helps!
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
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.
Thanks for sharing! I usually only hear about affiliates but I’m loving these other pointers too.
Thanks, Dawy. I wanted to make the guide as helpful as I can.
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!
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! 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 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.