When I tell people that I’ve been running a profitable travel blog for many years, one of the first questions I almost always get is, “Can you really make money with that?”
The short answer is yes, but like any business, it requires strategy, patience, and persistence.
Blogging is not just about writing and publishing content. It’s about building a platform, creating value, and strategically monetizing your efforts.
In this article, I’ll break down the top revenue streams for bloggers, share some of my own experiences, and provide actionable tips to help you get started.
How to Make Money Blogging
1. Display Ads: Earning Passive Income Through Traffic
Display ads are one of the most common ways bloggers make money.
These ads appear on your blog, and you earn revenue based on impressions (how many people see the ad) and clicks.
I personally use Mediavine as my ad network, and I’ve been very happy with them. They not only provide excellent support but also optimize ad placements to ensure they don’t detract from the user experience.
If you’re considering ads, keep in mind that most premium ad networks require a minimum amount of traffic. For Mediavine, the threshold is 50,000 sessions per month, or 10,000 sessions for their new service called Journey by Mediavine.
Yes, you can sign up with Adwords even if your traffic is still low, but I would advise against it. Their payment per view or click is low, much lower than any of the premium ad networks, and it does negatively affect the user experience.
Focus on growing your blog traffic through SEO and high-quality content to qualify for better ad networks and maximize your earnings.
2. Affiliate Marketing: Earning Commissions Through Recommendations
Affiliate marketing is another great way to monetize your blog. Essentially, you earn a commission when someone clicks on your affiliate link and makes a purchase.
For example, one of my travel blog posts, Where to Stay in Valencia, includes affiliate links to hotels and other accommodation options. This post consistently performs well because it’s tailored to readers looking for practical advice and recommendations.
When using affiliate marketing:
- Be selective about the products or services you promote. Your recommendations should genuinely benefit your audience.
- Use tools like Pretty Links to track and manage affiliate links.
Tip: Write detailed, helpful guides or reviews to build trust with your audience and increase conversions.
How to Find Relevant Affiliate Networks
To get started with affiliate marketing, look for affiliate programs that align with your blog’s niche and audience.
Popular networks like ShareASale, CJ.com, and Impact offer a wide range of programs across industries.
Additionally, check if brands or services you already love have their own affiliate programs—many companies manage these in-house or through specialized networks.
Sponsored Content: Collaborating with Brands
Sponsored content means partnering with brands to create posts, reviews, or other content that features their products or services.
This can be a lucrative revenue stream, especially if your blog has a strong niche and engaged audience.
I’ve worked with travel brands that align with my blog’s focus, such as hotels, airlines, and tourism boards. The key is to stay authentic and transparent with your audience—always disclose sponsored content.
Tip: Create a media kit that highlights your blog’s traffic, audience demographics, and past collaborations to pitch to potential sponsors.
How to Get Brand Collaborations
To secure brand collaborations, start by building a strong, engaged audience in your niche. Brands are often looking for bloggers with a clear, consistent voice and an audience that aligns with their target market.
Add your media kit to your website and don’t hesitate to contact brands directly with tailored pitches.
Networking at industry events or joining influencer platforms can also help connect you with potential sponsors.
Selling Digital Products and Services
Selling digital products and services is an excellent way to generate income from your blog. Examples include eBooks, online courses, templates, or even coaching sessions.
These offerings allow you to leverage your expertise and provide significant value to your audience.
If you’re just starting out, consider:
- Identifying common questions or challenges your audience faces, and creating products that address them.
- Partnering with creators who already offer high-quality digital products relevant to your niche. This way you can earn a commission for promoting their resources.
For bloggers with more experience, developing your own products can open up new opportunities to scale your income and establish authority in your niche.
Tip: Start small with a simple product like a checklist or guide, and gradually expand your offerings as you understand your audience’s needs better.
Diversifying Income Streams: Why It’s Key
Blogging income can fluctuate, so diversifying your revenue streams is crucial.
In addition to my travel blog, I run my marketing business, sell travel photographs, and have had several e-commerce businesses over the years. This diversification not only provides financial stability but also opens up new opportunities for growth.
Tip: Explore additional ways to monetize your skills or content, such as freelancing, consulting, or offering niche services.
FAQs: Common Questions About Making Money Blogging
1. Do You Need a Large Audience to Make Money?
Not necessarily.
While traffic helps with ad revenue, niches with engaged audiences can be profitable even with smaller numbers, especially through affiliate marketing or sponsored posts.
2. How Long Does it Take to Start Earning?
It varies. Some bloggers start earning within months, while others, and I would say the majority, take a year or more.
Consistency and strategy are key.
3. Can You Blog About Any Topic and Still Make Money?
Almost any topic can be profitable if there’s an audience for it. However, certain niches like personal finance, travel, and health tend to have more monetization opportunities.
Since blogging requires consistency, I do recommend picking a topic you’re genuinely interested in and think you can consistently write about for years.
But, treat your blog like a business from day one and do your research to find out which niches can work for you.
Conclusion: Yes, You Can Make Money Blogging
Blogging is a legitimate business that can provide a steady income—and even become a full-time career.
Whether through ads, affiliate marketing, sponsored content, or selling products, there are numerous ways to monetize your efforts.
If you’re willing to put in the work, blogging can be incredibly rewarding—both financially and personally.
So, why not start today? Share your passion, provide value, and turn your blog into a profitable business.
I hope this article has given you a good understanding of how your blog could make money. And of course, reach out if you have any questions!