I banged my fists on the desk and yelled “I’m going to make money blogging!”

That spur-of-the-moment thing was not long ago. You were inspired by a blogger and dreamt of making it work.

Chances are you’re putting in the hard work to create engaging content and build a following, but you’re also faced with the challenge of making your blog sustainable and profitable.

From hosting fees to premium plugins, the costs of maintaining a blog can add up, making you wonder, “Is blogging worth it?”

And then this, “how to monetize a WordPress blog?“

But don’t worry, you’re not alone in this frustration.

If you’re generating thousands of views each month (or very little), it’s time to turn your passion into profit. 

And while there’s no magic formula for quick riches, there are tried and true methods that successful bloggers use to monetize their WordPress blogs.

In this article, you’ll discover the top eleven strategies to monetize your WordPress blog and earn money from your hard work.

I’ll break down each approach, so you can choose the one that fits your content, schedule, and audience best.

From advertising to sponsored content, there’s a WordPress monetization method for every blogger (rookies too).

So, let’s get started and see how to monetize your blog from day one.

How to Monetize a Blog on WordPress

This page have some affiliate links. In other words, if you buy from my links, I may get a commission.

But first. I have to say this.

There is no magic bullet for making money with a WordPress blog.

Every WordPress monetization method has its own pros and cons, and you need more than just a solid following to see serious returns.

(You need an email list. You have to SEO your blog. You have to promote your blog.)

Don’t Miss This:

Maximize Your Blog’s Potential: The Ultimate Guide to Best Practices

And it is so important to focus on this real game-changer.

Write unparalleled quality content that leaves your readers hungry for more.

Again. There’s no real quick fix for profiting from blogging.

But with persistence, experimentation, and a deep dedication to serving your niche, the reward will be sweeter than sweet.

Now that I’ve given my piece. Get ready to tap into the power of WordPress and unlock a world of unlimited earning potential.

Ready to monetize a blog on WordPress?

1. Click or View?

One of the most straightforward methods to monetize a WordPress blog is by using display advertisements on your pages.

Whether it’s static displays, pop-ups, or native ads, there are plenty of options for you to choose from.

And if you’re feeling particularly ambitious, you can even install a WordPress theme that specifically has ad space built into it.

When it comes to payment models, you have two main WordPress ad revenue options: pay-per-click (PPC) and pay-per-impression (PPI).

In a PPC model, you’ll earn money every time someone clicks on a display ad on your site.

On the other hand, with a PPI model, you’ll get paid every time someone sees an ad.

While both models can be effective, PPC models tend to be more profitable as long as users are consistently clicking on the ads.

To place display ads, you’ll need to partner with an advertising network.

These companies pair advertisers with websites to host their ads.

Your network will pay you for your clicks or impressions and will also determine which ads will appear on your site. So, it’s crucial to choose a reputable network if you opt to show ads.

The most popular ad network for WordPress is, without a doubt, Google AdSense.

It’s free, user-friendly, and offers the widest range of targeted ads on any network. Plus, it operates on a PPC model.
Now here’s a big but.

Although it is easy to set up, your earning power will be limited because each time an ad is clicked, your earnings will vary.

Of all the monetization models listed here, Google Adsense has the lowest payout.

So don’t limit yourself to just PPC. Instead, diversify by learning how to monetize a WordPress blog and check out Google Adsense alternatives.

Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives out there that may offer better payouts or looser content requirements.

However, do yourself a big favor.

Research and explore your options before deciding on monetizing WordPress.

Now, while display ads can be an easy way for bloggers to generate passive income, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Reputable networks like AdSense have strict requirements that you need to meet before becoming a partner. For example, they may require you to have a catalog pool of quality blog posts. If you’re a brand new blogger, this may not be feasible yet.
• To earn significant income from display ads alone, you’ll need a decent amount of traffic. Some ad networks even have a minimum monthly traffic requirement before you can start monetizing your WordPress blog.
• Ads can be a double-edged sword. While they may be useful to some users, they can also be frustrating and distracting. Overloading your pages with too many ads can damage your readers’ trust and make them more likely to install ad-blockers.
• Ad-blockers and “banner blindness” are two obstacles to display ad monetization that you’ll need to overcome.

Despite these challenges, display ads remain one of the easiest ways for bloggers to make money blogging on WordPress and generate passive income.

Just make sure you have enough content and traffic to bring in clicks and impressions. You might choose this strategy as a stepping stone to something even more lucrative in the future.

Speaking of which.

For those who aren’t keen on display ads. I’m going to show you how to monetize a blog without ads below.

2. Be a Free Agent And Monetize.

You have a skill, a unique talent. You know your niche like the back of your hand, and that’s why I’m talking to you today about the potential to monetize your expertise.

Freelancing is a fantastic way to turn your talent into profit, and the best part?

There’s no need for a hefty investment of your time or money.

All you have to do is take your current audience and offer your services, that’s it!

But, there’s one key thing to remember, you need a way to get paid.

And I’ve got the solution for you. Use either WP Simple Pay or FreshBooks, two of the best invoicing plugins out there, to make sure you get every penny you deserve.

If you want to keep your expenses low, use good ole Paypal.

Alternatively, you can use gig sites like Fiverr, PeoplePerHour, and Upwork to look after the administration stuff so you can deliver on what you promised.

So think about what your readers want and then offer up your service.

3. Be A Specialist And Monetize Your Blog

This is one of my favorite WordPress monetization models.

It’s very easy. It’s quick to set up. And it’s another way to turn your expertise into cold, hard cash is through consulting.

You see, as a consultant, you’re not just offering your services, you’re offering your clients the knowledge and strategy they need to succeed. It’s the ultimate expression of your skills and knowledge.

And the best part? You don’t need to put up any upfront investment. That’s right, no startup costs. Just leverage your existing blog and watch the money roll in.

Now, you may be asking yourself, “Jason, how do I prove that I’m an expert in my field?”

Well, let me give you three examples.

First, you can create case studies that demonstrate your success in helping other businesses. Second, you can offer free consultations to a select few. And third, you can demonstrate your expertise through webinars and live events.

By the way. If you need a consultation with setting up a WordPress blog or want to know more about how to monetize a WordPress blog, you can reach me here.

So, why not cash in on your expertise today? Create that page, put up that form, and watch the clients roll in!

Now that’s how to monetize your WordPress blog.

4. Be The Overseer.

If consulting is not your style, you can consider unlocking the full potential of your blog by turning your expertise into a lucrative coaching business.

As a coach, you possess the power to empower your audience to reach their goals and transform their lives. Whether it’s life coaching, blog coaching, writing coaching, or any other niche, you have the knowledge and experience to guide others to success.

And here’s the best part – unlike other business models, becoming a coach doesn’t require any upfront investment.

It’s as simple as setting up a booking form on your WordPress blog and letting your readers schedule their own coaching sessions with you.

So why not turn your passion into profit, make money from a WordPress blog, and become a sought-after coach today?

5. Want This Space?

As a blogger, you have the power to increase your income by directly selling banner ad space on your website. Think of your blog as an advertising space that’s leasing out a spot to businesses who are keen to tap into your audience.

Instead of relying on intermediaries who take a portion of the profit, you negotiate the price and terms on your own. Unlike CPC or CPM ads, which pay you per click or per thousand views, most bloggers opt for a flat rate for easier management.

However, directly selling ads requires more effort compared to using Google AdSense.

You’ll need to handle the negotiations, draft an agreement, and handle administrative tasks like invoicing. But with effort comes reward, as you have the potential to earn more money through direct sales.

The Ultimate Checklist for Achieving Blogging Success

6. Get a Cut & Monetize WordPress.

Another awesome way to turn your WordPress blog into a revenue-generating machine is through affiliate marketing.

If you’re looking for a passive income stream that’s better for the user experience and has the potential to be more profitable than advertisements, this is the way to go!

(Real quick. A Business Insider research found that “15% of digital marketing revenue comes from affiliate programs”)

That’s right, you can join the ranks of the top affiliate marketers and start promoting third-party products in your blog content.

Simply mention the products in your blog posts and place special affiliate links for your readers to follow and purchase the products on the third-party website.

Here’s how it works: Your affiliate links are tagged with a unique piece of tracking code, signaling to the merchant that the traffic came from your blog.

And when your readers purchase through your identifying link, you receive a slice of the revenue!

This is how to make money blogging on WordPress.

Blogs are the perfect platform for affiliate marketing, and with WordPress, the opportunities to monetize a WordPress blog are endless.

You can write product reviews, mention products in posts about larger topics, and even use plugins to manage your affiliate links.

(Personally, it is my favorite way to make money on a WordPress blog. Although it does take time to compile the articles, it is worth the effort.)

And with the biggest player in the game, Amazon Associates, boasting over two million affiliates, the possibilities for profit are endless.

But Amazon is just the tip of the iceberg.

There are plenty of alternative affiliate networks and companies with their own affiliate programs to choose from. (Commission Junction, ShareASale, ClickBank, etc).

Simply find a product you love and check if they offer an affiliate program on their website so you can earn money blogging.

Now, let me share some tips on how to monetize your WordPress blog with affiliate marketing:

• Be genuine and selective with your products.
• The best affiliate marketers truly enjoy and benefit from the products they promote, and your readers will trust your recommendations when they see your authenticity.
• Always follow the rules of your affiliate program(s) and disclose your affiliate links in your post.
• Build out your readership with excellent content before placing affiliate links. You won’t profit from an affiliate program if you don’t have an audience.

Stay within your area of expertise. There’s no need to change your content to suit your WordPress monetization strategy – there’s very likely an affiliate marketing program within your blogging topic.

7. Backing Your Content.

If you’re an established writer, you have the power to secure some serious dough with sponsorships. That’s right, brands will pay you to mention their products in your posts or even do a full-blown review.

Now, I know you’re thinking, “that sounds like I have to write more.”

But let me tell you, the payouts can be massive.

Way more than you’d earn from affiliate marketing or display ads. And if you regularly review products, you can even form relationships with brands you already cover.

But here’s the thing, you have to take the initiative.

If brands aren’t reaching out to you, it’s up to you to reach out to them. And let me tell you, having a solid reader base will make them much more likely to say yes to a sponsorship deal.

So, here’s the deal, be choosy about your sponsorships and always be genuine with your opinions and recommendations.

You’ve worked hard to build a following and create buzz, so don’t throw it all away by pivoting from your niche.

What you post matters, and it has to help your readers.

And one more thing, don’t confuse sponsored content with native advertising.

Native ads are created by advertisers and blend in with the rest of your content. Sponsored content is something you author yourself.

So, make it count, my friend.

8. First Class Anyone?

If you’ve been blogging for a while, you’ve likely established yourself as an expert in your niche. And, as a seasoned blogger, you understand the power of WordPress monetization through premium content.

But, let’s not just throw any old content behind a paywall. Your premium content needs to take your readers to the next level, providing insights and value beyond your standard blog posts.

Here’s how to monetize your WordPress blog:

Unlock the Vault: Offer exclusive blog posts, or expand on existing posts, to give your readers access to even more value.

The Printed Word: Turn your most in-depth blog posts into printable PDFs, complete with bonus content like worksheets or summaries.

E-book Enlightenment: Create an ebook from old blog content or dive into new territory. Ebooks are an efficient and affordable way to showcase your expertise.

Class is in Session: Take your knowledge to the next level with a full online course, utilizing existing blog content and e-learning tools like LearnPress.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

You could also explore podcasting, photo collections, and live streams. The possibilities are endless.

But, let’s not forget, before you can sell your premium content, you need to prove your value with free content. Consider offering free versions of any of these content types.

This will show new and old readers your knowledge and quality, and get them excited to start paying for more.

9. The Goods.

You see this a lot on Youtube and that is selling merchandise (or merch).

And for bloggers, you can make money blogging on WordPress by selling your own merch too.

This is a fantastic way to get your loyal followers to show their support for your work and help promote your brand.

Think of it like paid content, but instead of just selling access to your content, you’re selling actual physical products (T-shirts, caps, mugs, etc) through your online store.

Now, the good news is, there are plenty of WordPress e-commerce plugins available – both free and paid – that can help you add a store component to your existing blog, or even turn your entire site into a store with a blogging component.

10. The WordPress Monetization Club.

Next up, let’s talk about memberships.

Membership is the key to unlocking a world of riches, both financially and personally.

And I’ve got a little secret to share with you that’s gonna blow your mind.

Have you ever considered the idea of a membership website?

It’s where members get exclusive access to a treasure trove of premium content, along with a bustling community forum where fans can connect, share, and talk about your content.

Now, I know what you’re thinking again. “Jason, this sounds like a lot of work.”

And you’re right, it is.

But here’s the thing: It’s also a more reliable form of WordPress monetization than one-time paid content. Because membership costs are recurring, you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll be making a steady stream of income.

To put this into context.

Think gym memberships. Think golf club memberships.

Every member has to pay a recurring fee just to get in.

Make sense?

But wait, there’s more!

Have you heard of Patreon?

It’s a platform that lets fans support you monthly, in exchange for exclusive content.

With membership tiers and increasing perks, you’ll be able to offer your supporters a valuable experience. Plus, with Patreon handling the content gating, membership tiers, and payments, you’ll have more time to focus on creating amazing content.

So, just keep that in mind if you decide to go this route. But if you’re okay with the cost, Patreon is a much simpler alternative to building a membership site from scratch.

Now that’s how to monetize a blog on WordPress!

11. Roadside Collection.

You, my friend, have the opportunity to tap into the power of the reader’s generosity and secure one-off or monthly donations from them.

I know, I know, you might be thinking that relying on donations might not bring consistent income, but think about this… this low-effort, low-key approach gives you the freedom to concentrate on what’s important to you- your writing.

And the best part? Getting started is a simple task, all it takes is adding a few CTAs to a payment processor such as PayPal, and with a PayPal plugin for WordPress, integration becomes a breeze.

(And another thing. You can still monetize a blog on WordPress using all the above methods mentioned in this post.)

But here’s the thing, you have to be mindful of the language you use. The word “donation” can be misinterpreted as a request for support for a charitable cause or non-profit mission.

So, if you’re looking to monetize your website through other means, it’s best to avoid using the term “donation.” Instead, consider using the word “support” or setting up a Patreon page to increase your chances of securing crowdsourced revenue.

By doing it this way, you can be transparent about your intentions and avoid any confusion.

Remember, the goal is to keep your focus on your writing, not on monetizing it.

So, let your readers support you and your passion, and let the PayPal plugin for WordPress handle the rest.

With this low-effort approach, you’ll be able to continue creating epic content, all while seeing a return on your investment.

A Summary of How to Monetize a WordPress Blog 2024

You’re an online master, a WordPress wizard, a digital ninja!

And with the ultimate weapon of flexibility in your arsenal, there’s no stopping you from making money with your blog.

Now, let me tell you, each monetization method I’ve shared has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the secret to success lies in knowing your audience and what they want.

I mean what’s the point in writing when you don’t know what your reader wants most.

But remember, there’s no silver bullet for profitability. No. Overnight. Riches. Waiting for you.

The real key to success is delivering value to your readers, building a following, testing and tweaking, and experimenting until you strike gold. That’s the truth, my friend, and it’s a truth that’ll pay off, in more ways than one!

Finally, to answer your question on how to monetize a WordPress blog, let’s round this post off with this question

Can you make money blogging on WordPress?

Hell yes! You can make money blogging on WordPress.

Take action now.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.