How to Monetize A Blog

I spent the first six months of blogging learning and writing. I did not know how to monetize a blog, nor did I realize the earning potential, so my goal has been to learn about the various concepts first. You can earn several ways through blogging, the primary ways I’ve learned about include Sponsored Content, Affiliate Marketing, and Advertising Revenue. Again, I’m new to this, but I have seen success over the past three months and wanted to share what I’ve learned so far and I’ve created an extensive list of networks that is worth sharing.

This is part 2 of 5 of my Beginner Blogging Series. This post contains affiliate links. All thoughts and opinions are my own. See our disclosure for more information.

1. How to Start a Blog
2. How to Monetize a Blog
3. How to Promote A Blog
4. Photography Gear for Bloggers
5. Instagram Growth Tips

HOW TO MONETIZE A BLOG: SPONSORED CONTENT

I have worked with sponsors three ways, through reaching out to them (either through Instagram or directly to their customer service or marketing email), a potential sponsor has reached out to me (either through my email or through Instagram direct message) and by being a part of networks that act as agents in connecting you with companies that might be a good fit.

Here is a comprehensive list of the networks and PR Agencies I’m involved with as of now. I’m sure there are more, and if you know of one not listed please email me so I can add it here. There are some that require a higher monthly viewership that what I have, so I do not have them listed but if I join any other network I will update this post. I have not received a campaign from all of these, but I continue to review the opportunities they send me or apply to those available.

You may be wondering why someone would want to be a part of so many networks. I was encouraged to apply to any and all I might be interested in because each network has different procedures, different customer service quality, and they have different relationships with brands. By being a part of all of these, I get introduced to more companies and I can better choose who I want to work with or who might be the best fit for my blog.

1. Linqia
2. Social Native
3. Socialix
4. Izea
5. Full Bottle Let me know if you’d like an invite.
6. Luxury Travel Writing
7. HeartBeat
8. WeaveMade
9. Popular Pays
10. Everywhere Agency (Mention my name when applying.)
11. Whats Blog
12. Clever
13. Cooperatize
14. Obvious.ly
15. BrandBacker
16. Revfluence
17. Acorn Influence
18. Social Fabric
19. Tapinfluence
20. MassiveSway
21. Revfluence
22. Blogmeetsbrand
23. The Shelf
24. Musefind
25. Activate by Bloglovin
26. Collectively
27. BlogHer
28. Inkwave (new)
29. Octoly
30. Whalar
31. Babbleboxx
32. The Women Bloggers is a talent agency that works with bloggers and social media content creators across eight states.

When applying for campaigns (or opportunities), or pitching directly to a company, you want to include a very detailed pitch that includes your idea, information about your blog and your niche. This is your chance to shine, so don’t be afraid to highlight your strengths and what you have to offer. I like to mention my past work experience and my degree because I believe I have a unique experience that could be a valuable resource. For example, if the opportunity involves a recipe, you want to describe the recipe you would use, including the theme of your content, the decor you would use, the setting you would create, etc. You would describe the technology you have available to use that would benefit the quality of your work.

I’m happy to share more information including a sample pitch for anyone that is subscribed to my blog. Just shoot me an email if you’d like to talk more about pitching companies.

HOW TO MONETIZE A BLOG: AFFILIATE MARKETING

rewardStyle: I was accepted into rewardStyle last year. I LOVE this network. It’s the largest invitation-only monetization program that allows you to feature clothing, home decor, kids clothing, workout gear, beauty products, and so much more. You earn as someone chooses to purchase what you have featured. When accepting new members, they look for quality photos, an engaged audience, and they’ll look for content that matches their program, among other things. It is invitation only, but I can refer those that are interested. Just email me if you would like to be considered for a referral. They have created the LIKEtoKNOW.it app (which is free) that is easy to download and you can save the things you love and follow the influencers you love, and you can shop by simply clicking the link! So you basically have a personal shopper and it can be a huge time saver for your followers! Speaking of, I would LOVE for you to follow me in the app, just click here to do so.

ShopStyle Collective: ShopStyle is also a monetization program for fashion and lifestyle influencers but you earn by someone choosing to click the links that you feature, so this program is not commission based. I’m a member of this platform and I was recently counseled to use both Shop Style and RewardStyle so I’m putting that to the test and will let you know how it goes!

Amazon: I joined the Amazon affiliate program early on in my blogging career. At that time I didn’t have much in the way of monthly views, so I did not meet the requirements to stay in the program (1 sale within the first 3 months). I plan to join this program again just as soon as I can find the time because I’ve heard from many friends who have great success with this program.

Here are just three options I’ve used, there are so many other options with Affiliates! One of my goals for 2018 is to utilize Affiliate Marketing more, and I will update this post as I have more to share.

HOW TO MONETIZE A BLOG: ADVERTISING REVENUE

I have not partnered with a company to utilize advertising on my site yet. Advertising is something that can be done in a way that doesn’t overwhelm your reader, but if you are with the right company they can ensure the advertisers fit your niche. This is something I’m currently researching and the three companies that have been recommended are BlogHer, Mediavine (you need 25,000 monthly sessions), and AdThrive (you need 100,000 views).

This is all I’m going to share for now, as I wanted this to be a geared toward people like me who are just getting started in monetizing their blog. If you missed part 1 of this series, be sure to check out How to Start a Blog and next up is part 3 How to Promote a Blog. I will plan to update this more in future so be sure to pin this so you can save it for later!