Blogging

Finding websites that pay bloggers to write can be tricky. You don’t want to get caught up working with a low-paying content mill. It’s best to write for websites with a good reputation.

If you are unsure how and where to start making money with your blog, writing content for others is a great place to start.

There are many ways to monetise your blog, such as ad revenue and affiliate marketing, but if you want a fast way to make money online from blogging, here are 40 platforms that can help you get started.

Writing blog content is not passive income, but it’s money in the bank doing what you love: blogging.

I began my writing journey as a ghostwriter, writing blog posts for various clients and made a full-time income writing blog content for 2-4 clients.

I still write blog content for clients, some as authored content and others ghostwritten

Writing Blog Content for Beginners

You don’t need to be a highly experienced writer to start getting writing gigs. You can start making money as a freelance writer straight out of the gate. Moreover, websites that pay bloggers need quality writers and many of them pay exceptionally well.

Whether you’re a mom who enjoys writing and wants extra income or an experienced blogger seeking part-time writing work, you can get hired.

Most writing gigs are freelance, meaning you can choose your work hours.

Imagine getting paid $700 per blog post. One post a week would net you $3k monthly. What a difference that would make to your life.

OK, they’re not all well-paid gigs, but even the lower-paid blog writing jobs start adding up when you’ve published a few.

38 Sites That Pay Bloggers To Write

I’ve checked all of the following publications (November 2024) but I advise double checking and thoroughly reading submission guidlines for these websites that pay bloggers to write .

#1: American Gardener

First on the list of websites that pay bloggers to write is American Gardener.

If you’re an amateur gardener, the 64-page, bi-monthly American Gardeners seeks applications for articles covering a wide range of gardening topics, from high-end garden design to gardening history.

Publication Pays: Up to $600
Link: American Gardener

#2: Anxiety Foundation

The Anxiety Foundation is a publication that supports those experiencing anxiety. Articles must be 550 words and above and demonstrate expertise and evidential research.

Supported images must be copyrighted free, and you can add backlinks to your website.

Publication Pays: A one-off $50 after publishing
Link: Anxiety Foundation

#3:  List Apart

If you love writing listicles about web design and associated subjects, A List Apart is the perfect platform. They accept submissions from 600 – 2500 words (average is 1500 words).

You can submit a pitch, rough, or final draft following their style guidelines.

Publication Pays: From $50 to $200 per featured article
Link: A List Apart

#4: Bible Advocate Online

There’s a demand for Christian bloggers, and the Bible Advocate Online is always looking for good writers focusing on the ministry of reconciliation.

As a Christian blogger, you can grow your brand and audience by posting guest content on faith-based sites. The Bible Advocate Online is one such place.

It’s not the best-paid publication, but every little helps, right?

Publication Pays: Up to $65
Link: Bible Advocate Online

#5: B Michelle Pippin

B Michelle Pippin is a site that helps women in business make money and become profitable. The editors are looking for experts who can share unique perspectives on business and career.

Publication Pays: $50 to $150 per article.
Link: B Michele Pippin

#6: Backcountry

Backcountry is a publication focusing on skiing and snowboarding and everything associated with snow sports.

They want original, well-researched and newsworthy stories featuring characters in the sport, mountain skills, destinations, current events, etc.

Publication Pays: $0.35 per word
Link: Backcountry

#7: BuzzFeed

Buzzfeed is a digital media platform that features news articles, humorous listicles, quizzes, and content that has the potential to go viral.

There’s scope to write on various topics, including food, entertainment and lifestyle. Topic requirements change, so always check submission requirements before pitching.

Their content is primarily entertaining listicles.

Publication Pays: Various depending on your expertise, subject matter, etc., but it won’t be chicken feed rates.
Link: BuzzFeed

#8: Carve Magazine

Carve magazine pays for short stories, non-fiction, and poetry if you enjoy creative writing.

Publication Pays: $100 (submissions currently show as closed due to backlog)
Link: Carve Magazine

#9: Clarkesworld

For you sci-fi buffs, Clarkes World invites submissions for fiction and non-fiction science-fiction pieces.

This award-winning monthly sci-fi and fantasy magazine publishes articles, short stories, audio fiction and interviews.

Publication Pays: $0.10 per word
Link: ClarkesWorld

#10: Communication Arts

This magazine focuses on advertising, photography, illustrations, design, and typography. It suits photography bloggers or web designers and is an excellent publication for submitting guest posts.

Communication arts want topical features on emerging trends, tools, and social issues within the design community.

If you are a photography blogger or offer website design, you could guest post for this magazine.

Publication Pays: Negotiable when you pitch your ideas
Link: Communication Arts

#11: Cracked

Cracked wants *good* writers but doesn’t define what that means. You can write about various topics, including movies and pop culture.

It’s somewhat disappointing that the submission guidelines page is outdated, talking about 2020.

Publication Pays: $250 per article
Link: Cracked

#12: Daily Science Fiction

Daily Science Fiction published short stories for speculative fiction fans. Word count varies from 100 to 1500, which is a weird range. Additionally, the magazine considers flash series submissions with a minimum of three.

They don’t invite erotica or horror but welcome fantasy, science fiction, and slipstream.

Publication Pays: $0.08 per word
Link: Daily Science Fiction

#13: DAME Magazine

This women-led media company publishes insightful, edgy content on current events, culture, politics, etc., focusing on embracing human-centric, thoughtful, but diverse perspectives and unique voices, leading with storytelling.

Publication Pays: $350 to $750
Link: DAME

 

#14: Doctor of Credit

Doctors of Credit invites submissions of over 600 words from financial bloggers who can write about personal finance, credit, making money and related topics.

Suppose you become a regular contributor. Doctor of Credit offers official writing positions with a fixed fee or revenue share per post (or a mix of both).

Publication Pays: $50
Link: Doctor of Credit

#15: Earth Island Journal

If you enjoy writing informative and inspiring long-form articles on environmental issues, Earth Island Journal welcomes well-researched articles of up to 4k words. The most common length is just under 3000 words.

Earth Island Journal publishes features, news, reviews, essays, interviews and analyses. They will want to see evidence of published content.

Earth Island Journal combines investigative journalism and inspiring stories to highlight environmental issues and solutions.

Publication Pays: $200
Link: Earth Island Journal

#16: Elite Personal Finance

Elite Personal Finance is a site that helps readers understand and improve their finances. They share credit advice, financial tips and money management strategies.

If you’re a whiz with finances and can demonstrate your experience, Elite Personal Finance invites high-quality content that is helpful with a unique spin. That might be in-depth guides, listicles, and top tips on personal finances. The minimum word count is 1000 words.

Publication Pays: $300
Link: Elite Personal Finance

#17: Freelance Mom

Freelance Mom is a community of moms who share their experiences running a freelance business, notably balancing work life with family time.

Freelance Mom wants content that shares practical and actionable advice based on personal experience. Word count is from 900 to 1500 words.

Publication Pays: $75 – $150 (potential $150 bonus if your article has the most monthly shares)
Link: FreelanceMom

#18: Funds for Writers

Funds for Writers is a site that helps writers learn how to make a living from writing. The platform wants “no fluff” succinct content from 550 to 600 words.

Share resources, advice and tips for writers, such as freelance opportunities (you could share some of these websites), resources, tools, grants, etc.

Publication Pays: $100 for original articles & $25 for 90 day+ reprints.
Link: FundsforWriters

#19: Go World Travel

Go World Travel publishes articles about world travel, such as tips, guides, travel stories, cultural insights and more. The objective is to inspire its readers.

The website accepts travel articles from 850 to 1600 words and up to eight photographs.

Go World Travel does not accept guest posts.

Publication Pays: $30-$40
Link: Go World Travel

#20: Her View From Home

This lifestyle magazine wants heartfelt stories, parenting and family advice, and tips on relationships, grief, and faith. Articles may be topical or general. Her View From Home invites submissions of 600 – 800 words.

Publication Pays: $10 to $100 (payment based on views)
Link: Her View From Home

#21: Horse Network

If you adore horses, write for Horse Network. They invite submissions of 500 to 750 well-researched words.

Your content can be funny, satirical list stories, opinion pieces, barn hacks and more.

Publication Pays: $50 per post. There’s a bonus of $100 if your content gets shared over 1000 times on social media.
Link: Horse Network

#22: IncomeDiary

IncomeDiary is an established publication (2009) that provides strategies and insights for entrepreneurs, bloggers, and marketers who want to build an online business. You can write about SEO, traffic generation, websites, content creation and making money online.

Publication Pays: Up to $200. If you can provide evidence of writing similar high-quality content, you can submit a quote of $150 to $300.
Link: Income Diary

#23: International Living

International Living is all about affordably retiring abroad and living a comfortable life. Subject matter includes investing overseas, retiring, living abroad, etc.

The publication requires content such as listicles, travel hacks, in-depth guides, etc. The word count is 600 to 1600 words, and they want content from expats who have personal experience travelling and retiring overseas.

Publication Pays: A one-time rate (unspecified) based on word count.
Link: International Living

#24: Listverse

I once worked for a company writing 5-10 listicles a week. I thought it would be boring, but once you get into the groove, you can write a decent listicle in an hour or so.

Listverse is a long-established organisation (2009) that invites submissions that share obscure, bizarre or fascinating lists on subjects like politics, entertainment, food, science, and history. Your lists should be a minimum of ten.

Unlike most publications, Listverse reply to every submission, even if it’s a rejection!

An example of a Listverse listicle is “10 Scientists Who Enabled Brains to Survive Bodily Death”.

It could be a fun gig.

Publication Pays: $100 per list
Link: Listverse

#25: Longreads

Longreads is what it says on the tin. The publication invites submissions for in-depth 2000 to 6000-word essays and columns. Articles must be personal and well-researched, citing sources where applicable.

Longreads also publish curated reading lists, which isn’t as simple as writing a list of books. It’s crucial to read Longreads submission guidelines.

I haven’t written for this publication as I find it a bit starchy.

Publication Pays: $350 for a reading list and $500 for an essay or column.
Link: Longreads

#26: Make a Living Writing

Make a Living Writing is a blog that provides guidance and practical advice for aspiring freelance writers. That may include writing craft, blogging, writing tools, pitching clients, improving writing skills, overcoming self-doubts and more.

You can find invites for open pitches on Make a Living Writing’s Facebook page.

However, consider that you will likely compete with hundreds of submissions from other bloggers. That said, the page shares helpful resources, such as other publications for writing opportunities.

Publication Pays: $150 – $230
Link: Make a Living Writing

#27: Metro Parent

Metro Parent is a parenting magazine that provides insights for parents in southeast Michigan. The magazine invites submissions for the following:

• Features: 1200 to 2500 words with pieced or traditional narrative featuring local sources
• Pulse: 150-400 words on places, people, tips and trends
• Why: 600 words on child development for children of all ages
• Voice: 600 words – a personal perspective from a parent
• Profiles: 800+ words on a local parent
• My Obsession: 50 words on something loved by your family (toy, website, product, etc)
• Tips & Tricks: 50 words on a helpful idea, product or hack

Publication Pays: From $25 to $200
Link: Metro Parent

#28: Money Pantry

Money Pantry is all about making and saving money. They prefer content from 1000 to 2000 words and welcome new writers. Their writing style is conversational, which is great for bloggers.

Share real-life examples and focus on writing content that helps readers understand how to grow their finances.

Publication Pays: Up to $150
Link: Money Pantry

#29: Motherly

Motherly is a website for parenting stories with a fresh perspective for mothers. Submit stories from 700 to 900 words. The website aims to help mothers feel less alone and more understood.

Publication Pays: $50
Link: Motherly

#30: PTO Today

This quarterly magazine provides essential resources for parent group leaders (parent-teacher organisations) across the United States.

Your content should be 600 to 1500 words, focusing on helping parent group leaders become better organised and more efficient to support their schools more effectively.

Publication Pays: $150 to $500 (Potentially more for high-impact stories)
Link: PTO Today

#31: Sail Magazine

For sailing lovers, Sail Magazine invites submissions of 1500 to 3000 words, such as features, “how to” technical guides, sailing news, sailing memories and voice of experience.

Publication Pays: $200 – $800
Link: Sail Magazine

#32: Serious Eats

Do you love writing about food? If so, Serious Eats invites submissions of 800 to 2000 words on food-related content. They’re not keen on receiving recipes as they do that in-house, but anything else on food, cooking and eating goes.

Publication Pays: $100
Link: Serious Eats

#33: The Revelator

The Revelator is an environmental magazine covering climate change, pollution, conservation, wildlife, etc. The publication reaches many thought leaders and those engaged in environmental issues, primarily in the United States.

The guidelines don’t specify a word count requirement, so look at existing content.

Publication Pays: $300 for new contributors and $350 for returning contributors.
Link: The Revelator

#34: Vox

Vox is a generalised publication that publishes content on various topics, including science, politics, health, technology, culture, etc.

Rather than submit a completed story, Vox prefers working with writers, helping you to shape your story to suit the publication, so don’t submit completed articles. Word count ranges from 1000 to 2500 words.

Publication Pays: Up to $0.50 to $1.00 per word (very generous!)
Link: Vox

#35: We Are Teachers

We Are Teachers publishes short-form, practical, inspirational and funny stories about teaching. Guest post requirements are between 500 to 700 words.

If you’re new to blogging about teaching, join the We Are Teachers Contributors Facebook group, where you can learn more about writing for this publication.

Publication Pays: $100
Link: We Are Teachers

#36: Western Art & Architecture

Western Art & Architecture magazine is for art collectors across the United States, so you must have experience with this subject.

Browse current blog posts to get a flavour of what the magazine requires. The guidelines don’t specify word count requirements.

Publication Pays: $400 – $600
Link: Western Art & Architecture

#37: WOW! Women on Writing

WOW! Women on Writing is a digital magazine for women writers.

They advise subscribing to the Markets Newsletter and Author Marketing Newsletter to get a flavour of submission requirements.

Thoroughly familiarise yourself with WOW! Women on Writing before submitting a pitch.

Publication Pays: $50 – $75
Link: WOW! Women on Writing

#38: Writer’s Digest

The final publication on the list of websites that pay bloggers to write  is Writer’s Digest, which is over a century old! It’s the leading resource for non-fiction and fiction writers. You can submit articles of 1200 to 2500 words.

Although Writers Digest accept submissions from new writers, you stand a better chance of publishing if you have proven writing credentials, such as an active blog.

Publication Pays: $0.50 per word
Link: Writer’s Digest

How to Get Writing Submissions Published

We all start with no experience, but I suggest building a portfolio of writing work. That helps strengthen your writing *muscles* and shows publications you can write to their standard.

Work through this list of websites that pay bloggers to write and choose ones you feel aligned with. Bookmark them for later.

Write content on a free platform like Medium, for instance. That’s where I started. I also posted links to my blog content on Contently, which is free.

Here are a few tips I use to approach websites that pay bloggers to write and get my pitches accepted by an editor.

Focus on Writing Helpful Content For Readers

Every piece of writing SHOULD focus on the reader. Write in a conversation style (depending on the publication guidelines) to encourage the reader to continue reading the entire piece and want more of your content.

After reading, readers should feel better informed and have actionable steps if relevant.

Always Create An Outline

Your content should follow a natural progression with a beginning, middle and end.

An outline saves time and helps your brain better engage with the content you’re about to write.

I often use ChatGPT or Claude AI to suggest outlines. Generative AI doesn’t always do the best job, but I use its outlines as a starting point for building my own.

An example of an outline:

What is blogging?
Can a beginner start blogging?
What’s the best platform for hosting a blog?
How many blogs should you write?
How many words should a blog post be?
Can I use AI to help write blog posts?
Do you need SEO for blog posts?
Top tips for successful blogging?

You can build in headings and sub-headings if you start with a framework.

Write What You Know About

It’s easier to stay motivated to keep writing when you plug into topics you understand and enjoy.

Admittedly, when writing work is thin on the ground, it’s tempting to accept any writing work. I’ve done that many times and got my head around subjects I’m not especially interested in.

That said, there are enough publications to find writing work you enjoy.

Always Check Publication Guidelines & Style

Every publication has a different style guide and guidelines. Some use the Oxford comma. Some capitalise headings, but others don’t. Never assume. If you’re working with an editor, always clarify requirements. It will save hours spent editing later.

Conclusion: 38 Websites that Pay Bloggers to Write 

I hope you enjoyed reading about the 38 websites that pay bloggers to write. Some aren’t so well paid but can be an excellent entry point for new writers.

Don’t undersell yourself. Publications need writers cranking out quality content, or they have nothing to offer their readers. You can get regular work once you get in with a company and prove your worth.

My final word is this. NEVER put all your eggs in one basket. I had a sweet gig writing listicles for a few months. They had about thirty writers and a ton of work. Suddenly, overnight, they cut their writers down to ten.

Other times, editors move on, and new editors bring in their writers. Never rely on one source of income. Ideally, work with a handful of publications to keep a steady income flow regardless of any falling by the wayside.

You can find more websites that pay bloggers to write by searching google with the term “write for us + (insert topic). So, if you want to write about fashion, use “write for us + fashion”

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links on this page. If you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission.

I’m often asked, “How to start a blog for beginners?” because many people seem confused about how to start a profitable blog.If you’re in the UK, you probably Google “how to write a blog uk” and there is plenty of work to be found.

Yes, you can blog about your life experiences, share your innermost thoughts or tell stories about your cat. Still, did you know you can monetise a blog regardless of the niche?

Many blog owners have created 6-7-figure incomes from blogging, but is it really that easy? Yes and no, but you’ll learn more about successful blogging in this article, including blog monetisation strategies.

Why Start a Blog? What Are the Benefits?

Before learning how to start a blog, deciding why you want to follow this path is essential. What do you hope to gain, and what are your goals and expectations?

The power of blogging is you have a global audience. You have no restriction with location.

Blogging As A Platform For Personal Expression

Often, people associate having a blog as a place to offload your innermost thoughts and connect with like-minded people.

There’s nothing wrong with having an online journal, but reflect on your long-term goals. It can be tricky to monetise a personal blog unless you create merchandise.

The Potential For Monetisation And Passive Income

A blog presents a fantastic opportunity to create passive income from monetisation.

If you start with the end in sight, you will make better decisions about which affiliate programs to choose, what content to write, how often to publish and how to drive traffic.

I knew little about affiliate marketing when I started my website in 2017. Primarily, I used my blog as a showroom for my freelance services. I wish I had started earlier, and I encourage you to learn from my mistakes.

Building A Personal Brand Or Online Portfolio

If you are creative, like an artist or photographer, you may want a blog to showcase your creations. Your blog can help define and build your brand by sharing your portfolio.

Still, don’t miss an opportunity to create passive income from relevant affiliate offers, and write content that Google loves and helps your audience.

Developing Skills Like Writing, SEO, And Marketing

You can improve your chances of successful blogging by learning writing, SEO and marketing skills. I am an SEO writer, which has helped me get regular client work and get my content ranked in Google SERPs.

Blogging is pointless if you can’t get eyes on your published content. Developing additional skills that help you generate organic traffic is a must.

Choosing A Niche for Your Blog

Understanding The Importance Of A Niche

Instead of explaining why choosing a niche is important, I will share my story about choosing the wrong niche.

In the mid-2000s, I connected with a man teaching how to build an Amazon authority website. I learned loads, but he told us to choose a profitable niche and not worry about choosing one we love.

After choosing the baby equipment niche (like nursery gliders), I spent 18 months creating content, and when I stopped, I had 80 published posts.

I never had children and found it tedious writing about baby stuff each week.

The site started making money, but I lost interest in continuing.

I should have chosen the dog niche, which I never tire of writing or discussing.

If you’re struggling with blog niche ideas, try using Claude AI or ChatGPT to brainstorm.

Tips For Selecting A Niche You’re Passionate About

What do you enjoy doing most? What lifts your heart and makes you feel alive? Whatever that is, you can start a blog, write content about it, and align affiliate offers.

If you don’t connect to a subject, don’t pursue it. If you have limited interest in a niche, it will become challenging to stay motivated.

Evaluating Market Demand And Competition

If we continue with the theme of dogs, choosing that as a niche is too broad. The dog industry is enormous, and your little blog will get lost among the big boys who can throw money at sponsored ads.

Research areas of the dog niche where you can specialise. For me, that would be dog behaviour, as I am a qualified behaviourist.

I could create a course or research affiliate programs such as specialised behaviour courses, dog toys, and other items.

Selecting the Right Blogging Platform

Everyone has an opinion about the best option for a blogging platform. Still, choosing a blogging platform you feel comfortable with is vital.

I use WordPress because I find it easy. Others prefer Wix, Squarespace, Blogger, etc.

What To Consider When Choosing A Blogging Platform

The key factors when choosing a blogging platform are the following: –

• Is it easy to use?
• The cost of hosting
• Is it mobile-friendly?
• The speed of loading
• Can you customise your blog?
• Can you scale the blog as it grows?
• Does it have in-built SEO or plugins?
• Does the platform provide technical support?

Instead of asking for advice from others, research different blogging platforms until you clearly understand which one you might like.

I find WordPress blog set up easy, and plenty of YouTube tutorials exist for beginners. It comes with essential plugins for bloggers like Yoast SEO, and you have a blog theme selection.

Pros And Cons Of Self-Hosted Vs. Free Platforms

I make no apologies for recommending self-hosting. Starting a blog on free platforms might seem like a good idea, but you have little control over your content.

I started a Substack account in 2023 and published 40 posts. Then, Substack blocked my account for phishing, which I hadn’t done. Thankfully, I had kept copies of my work.

That was when I decided to build digital real estate with my self-hosted website.

You can write on a free platform like Medium. It’s an OK start, but if you’re serious about blogging, start as you mean to go and do it properly by choosing a blog hosting service.

My WordPress site costs me £7.20/Month for hosting, so it isn’t expensive.

Picking a Domain Name and Hosting

The next step is to choose a domain name and reliable hosting.

Tips For Choosing A Domain Name

Choose a domain name carefully because you can’t change it later without losing the traffic you’ve built up.

I decided to keep my Wolfheart site because it was an aged domain I started in 2017.

Ideally, choose a domain name that says what your blog is about. For example, my new dog behaviour site is speaksdog.co.uk (not live yet), which relates to my niche.

Understanding The Importance Of Web Hosting

It’s vital to choose an established, reputable web hosting company. The best blogging platforms provide secure hosting, load your blog fast, look good on mobile, have technical support and have other options such as email facilities.

A2 Hosting

I use A2 Hosting for one of my sites. The WordPress hosting has been seamless, and support is excellent.

Starting from $1.95, you can take your time to build your blog at an affordable price.

A2 Hosting has a 4.6* Trustpilot rating with 3k+ reviews.

Please Note: If you make a purchase from my recommendation of A2 Hosting, I may receive a small commission.

Choose A Recommended WordPress Theme

I’ve got an old theme on this website and I am loathe to change it because I know there will be technical bugs for me to sort out and I can’t face it.

I started a new vegetarian recipe blog in late January 2025 and I’ve installed the free version of OceanWP. You can get this theme (or one of thousands of others) by searching for themes in your WordPress dashboard. OceanWP has many thousands of recommendations and it’s been fairly intuitive to set up.

Writing Your First Blog Post

You have set up your website and hosting and are ready to write and publish your first blog post, so what’s the best way to get started?

Hey, if you want to generate additional income whilst you’re building your blog, read 38 websites that pay bloggers to write.

Creating a Pillar Post & Content Clusters

Before writing a word, brainstorm ideas for a pillar post. That is an in-depth post with multiple opportunities to write spin-off content (clusters).

For example, suppose your pillar post is “How to start marketing your business.” Content clusters could include topics like the following: –

• Faceless marketing
• Marketing courses
• Pinterest marketing
• Organic and paid traffic
• Marketing for creatives
• Social media marketing
• Free marketing courses

Map out a content strategy for at least one month so you have plenty of blog content ideas ready to start writing.

Using On-Page SEO for Blog Posts

The basics of on-page SEO include the following SEO tips for bloggers: –

• Compelling titles (up to 60 characters)
• SEO-focused meta description (use the primary keyword)
• Primary keyword – the main keyword for your SEO
• Secondary keywords – additional keyword phrases
• Semantics – use Claude AI or ChatGPT to ask for semantics for your article. Semantics help the Google bots understand your content and are a significant factor in ranking.
• Add internal and external links
• Add images and use alt text
• Use Grammarly to edit and check for plagiarism
• Use Microsoft Word to “Read Aloud”, as that enables you to hear mistakes and sticky sentences

Quick Tip: Use Claude AI or ChatGPT to generate semantics. An example script could be the following: –

“You are an SEO expert and have written an article entitled [insert title]. Please create [insert number] related keyword semantics (one per line)”

Promoting Your Blog and Building an Audience

When you first start blogging, you won’t have any traffic. Generating organic traffic takes time and requires a multi-prong approach.

Social Media Marketing

Choose up to three social media platforms to curate your blog content. Social media marketing can become frustrating with low reach, tricky community guidelines and a constantly changing environment.

I suggest committing to 3-6 months per platform to assess if you have an engaged audience. You also learn to adapt and improve your content over time.

Use Statistics to Measure Performance

I use Google Console mainly to assess which pages are performing best. After that, you can create similar content and use internal linking to get more views.

Google Analytics also gives a good overview of where your traffic is coming from and other statistics.

Pinterest Marketing

I haven’t lumped Pinterest under social media marketing because it isn’t the same.

Even though it’s a slow burn, using Pinterest to promote your blog is a fantastic idea because the platform is a phenomenal search engine.

Anticipate 3-6 months before you see results from consistent pinning. Don’t give up because, in 12 months, your blog will get a lot of traffic and sales from Pinterest marketing. Pins are evergreen, so can generate traffic and sales for a long time.

At first, having enough blog content for Pinterest may be challenging. Create pins with blog links, as that is what Pinterest prefers.

Even though Pinterest guidelines say affiliate links are okay, my account got deactivated in June 24 for spamming. I can only track that back to an affiliate link I shared and a short link (read my post on preventing that from happening with your Pinterest account).

If you are Pinterest rookie, I have two free courses I recommend, plus paid courses and a fabulous Pinterest pin design course.

Monetising Your Blog

The final step in planning your blog is to monetise your content, and I have some essential guidelines to help you.

Build First, Monetise Later

When applying for affiliate programs, merchants often want to know how much traffic your blog gets. They will check your site to see how much content it has and whether it is high quality and relevant to their business.

After all, they want sales, so you are unlikely to sell anything if you aren’t generating traffic and only have a handful of blog posts.

I suggest monitoring Google Console stats and waiting to apply for affiliate programs until you have 10k monthly impressions (my site now has 30k/month as of August 2024).

Affiliate Programs or Affiliate Networks

This section is brief as I have a blog post on this subject.

I prefer affiliate programs to networks, and here’s why: –

• I only recommend products or services I use, have used or know have an excellent reputation.
• Most blog beginners head to networks like JVZoo, ClickBank and WarriorPlus. On these networks, products come and go and aren’t always good quality (IMO).
• Building a relationship with an affiliate partner is easier than a network.

Monetise Your Blog With Ad Revenue

If you’re serious about how to start a blog for beginners and make money blogging, you will plan to monetise your blog with ad revenue. It can be one of the best passive income sources. However, you’ll need to do significant work to qualify for ad revenue programs.

Google Adsense

Google Adsense might say there are no minimum traffic requirements, but they won’t approve your application unless you have authentic content and high-quality traffic.

I stupidly applied when I practically had no traffic and received an instant rejection.

One helpful route to Google Adsense is to curate your content on YouTube. It creates another leg for monetisation. In addition, use YouTube to promote affiliate offers and send traffic to your blog.

In addition, you can pin your YouTube links on Pinterest.

Journey by Mediavine

Allegedly, Mediavine pays more than Google Adsense. Up until 2024, Mediavine had a minimum requirement of 50k monthly users. However, the new Journey by Mediavine requirement is only 10k monthly users.

It may take a year or so to build up to 10k monthly users because it isn’t the same as impressions.

You can find user stats in Google Analytics. Try not to get disheartened if your monthly user stats are low. That will grow by publishing consistent content and getting traffic to your blog.

Conclusion: How to Start A Blog for Beginners

Congratulations, you now know how to start a blog for beginners.

In this beginner’s guide to blogging, you’ve learned the basic steps to starting a blog from scratch!

Blogging for beginners isn’t complicated. Whether blogging for passion, profit, or personal growth, the most important element is to enjoy the journey and learn how to drive traffic to your blog.

Affiliate marketing for bloggers is something many fail to do. They quit when they don’t get results and creating consistent content seems too hard.

Patience is the key.

With practice, you will create a blog content strategy and learn how to write blog content that converts. You will start making affiliate sales and make passive income from blogging.

Starting a successful blog that pays you when you’re asleep will take time. It can become disheartening when you don’t see results, but if you build it, stay consistent and be patient, the rewards will come.

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links on this page. If you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission.

Monetise your blog for passive income or you may later regret not starting with the end in sight.

There’s no point creating a blog if you don’t plan to monetise it. It’s hard work generating enough SEO content to start getting traffic.

33% of bloggers never make a bean. Do you want to do all that hard work for nothing?

I’ve been a freelance writer since 2020. Writing content that performs is an ongoing commitment until you get to the point where you can hire writers to share the workload.

Imagine how it will feel in a year when your blog gets tons of traffic and makes sales while you sleep.

Read my post on the 7 types of blog content that Google loves, and your content will start ranking in SERPs.

That, my friend, is a reality that can and will be yours if you apply these 7 ways to monetise your blog in 2024.

#1: Harness the Power of Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing will underpin your blog monetisation strategy.

How Affiliate Marketing Works

• You promote a vendor’s products or services on your blog
• The vendor gives you an affiliate link that tracks back to traffic from your blog.
• When you make a sale, the vendor pays you an agreed commission rate.
• You get a one-off payment or recurring commissions depending on the deal (the latter is preferable for passive income)
• The vendor tracks cookies for a determined period.

Choosing Relevant Affiliate Programs for Your Niche

• Affiliate products or services must be relevant to your niche: Ideally, opt for affiliate partnerships with vendors you trust. Promote products or services you use or have used that provide value to your audience.
• Don’t bother with affiliate programs paying low percentages: Although Amazon affiliate marketing is fantastic, the commission is tiny, around 3%, if I recall. Unless you’re selling big-ticket items, it’s not worth the effort. I promote vendors offering 25% or more affiliate commissions.
• Insert links with relevant anchor text: For instance, add your link in sentences like “the Ubersuggest Keyword research tool is free” or “Use Systeme for sales pages and email campaigns.” (note where I inserted the link).

#2: Create and Sell Digital Products

If you have a skill that helps others, create and market a digital course.

• Types of digital products: Create e-books, courses, Canva templates, and bite-sized video courses).
• Identify your audience’s pain points and create solutions: Research the market to discover these things. Instagram Threads is a great place to ask questions.
• Pricing strategies for digital products: Look at market prices for similar products.
• Platforms for hosting your digital products: You can host one free course on Systeme or five courses with the starter package. It is VERY easy to create a course in Systeme.
• Buy a DFY digital product: I joined Catalyst Collective – the founder is an ex Meta executive. Not only do you learn how to start a business, make a success of social media and create your own digital products. You can sell Catalyst and receive a 70% commission. Is Catalyst Collective good? Yes, it’s the best program I have bought and I no longer need to buy other digital products or courses.

#3: Leverage Email Marketing for Monetisation

Remember, you do not own your social media followers. If a platform closes your account or gets hacked, you lose your followers. Building an email list is the best way to protect your business and create a following eager to buy your products or services.

• Create a capture page: This is a one-page website to get people to subscribe to your newsletter
• Build and nurture your email list: Don’t rush to sell to your email list. Give value away freely and build trust with your subscribers.
• Implement automated email sequences: Structure your emails into a timed sequence. Send the first email immediately after subscribing, followed by another within 3-4 days and then one or two weekly. Don’t bombard your subscribers with fluff and nonsense.
• Monetise your email marketing: Add your links to offers, freebies, templates, products and services, but only in small doses. Avoid the hard sell. Lead with value.

You can create a capture page of your own by taking the free certified course on building sales funnels.

#4: Launch a Membership Site or Premium Content

A membership site can become a cash cow if you have sufficient content and the time to nurture your members. Low ticket memberships have become a “thing”, with an average $7 membership fee.

Don’t underestimate low ticket memberships. Jessa of Template Creators has multiple low-ticket memberships generating 6-figure months.

• You get recurring revenue through memberships.
• Offer exclusive content to subscribers.
• Offer membership upgrades and 1-2-1 services.

The most popular Membership platforms are: –

• Circle
• Skool
• Mighty Networks
• Thinkific
• Kajabi
• Podia
• Kartra
• Membervault

Most membership platforms cost around $99/month, so building a following and a waiting list is a good idea. That way, you know those monthly fees are covered before starting your membership.

#5: Provide Coaching or Consulting Services

Coaching and consulting services aren’t passive, but you could generate recurring income if you create an email list.

You don’t need to be a super coach; you can make a successful practice if you’re just a few steps ahead of your clients.

• Identify your expertise and target audience.
• Set up your coaching or consulting packages.
• Organise a system for managing appointments and payments, such as Calendy, which is relatively low-cost.
• Scale your services through group coaching or workshops. Working 1-2-1 limits your income. Scaling can make a significant difference financially.

Start with small groups, but don’t start with a free service. The pain of paying bias makes it uncomfortable for people to upgrade to paid from free.

#6: Sell Print-on-Demand Merchandise

Print-on-demand is perfect for the time you have a more extensive following. Don’t try to do it when you have 20 followers, 😊

You can either set up an e-commerce store such as Shopify or use a print-on-demand service where you only need to upload 300 dpi images.

• Choose the right print-on-demand platform: Printful and Printify are the two most popular POD platforms.
• Design merchandise that appeals to your audience.
• Integrate your store with your blog or insert links to your shop.
• Promote to your followers and on social media.

Alternatively, open an account with Redbubble. I opened a store there a couple of years ago. I lost interest after a while, but still get a few sales come through each month.

#7: Explore Podcast Sponsorships and Advertisements

Podcasting is something I want to do, but I keep avoiding the task. Still, forget about me. Podcasting can be a fabulous way to monetise your blog with integrated ads.

• Start a podcast to complement your blog.
• Find and secure podcast sponsors (Ideally relevant to your niche).
• Integrate ads seamlessly into your podcast content.
• Cross-promote your blog and podcast for maximum reach.

Conclusion

Monetising your blog doesn’t have to be an impossible dream. These passive income strategies are relatively easy to implement.

I suggest using one strategy at a time, or it could become overwhelming. It takes time, but as you gain confidence and experience, you will master these blog monetisation techniques.

Content monetisation is a must for bloggers and digital marketers. I put together 9 best passive income ideas for digital marketers, which you might find helpful.

Keep going and believe that success is only a matter of commitment, consistency and time.

Hey, if you want to generate additional income whilst you’re building your blog, read 38 websites that pay bloggers to write.

Pro Tip: Set up your blog with Google Console and Google Analytics. Once you have 10,000 monthly users, you can apply for the Journey by Mediavine program and start getting paid for ads on your site.

Disclaimer: There are affiliate links on this page. If you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission.