How to make money blogging in 2026

If you’ve ever looked at successful bloggers and wondered, “How on earth are they making money by writing about stuff?”, you’re about to find out. Blogging is still one of the very few creative ventures where common folks can build sustainable income streams, sometimes life-changing. And it's a solid entry point for motivated beginners.

Today's blogging is all about bending your creative spark with the right tech tools and figuring out what makes your readers tick. Sure, it’s still about posting superb content, but the true payoff comes when you learn how to turn your words into income through a mix of smart monetization tricks. And that’s exactly what we’ll walk you through in this guide.

We’ve spent years testing the best blogging platforms, SEO tools, monetization methods, and money-making experiments so you don’t have to guess what works. Inside, you’ll find battle-tested advice.

Can you really still make money blogging in 2026? Well, yes, and you’ll find out how below.

How to start your own blog

If you’re a beginner blogger, it’s essential to know how to start a successful blog before learning how to make money with it. This tutorial will walk you through the steps for launching a website, creating content for the blog, and optimizing it for search engines.

Build the foundation: Start smart

Before your site ever goes live, you’ll want to know what world your blog will live in and what role you want to play in it.

Pick your niche (and own it)

Before you start tinkering with themes, plugins, or colors, your blog needs a clear identity, and that begins with choosing a niche you can claim as your own. Search engines and social platforms reward content that's crystal clear. Pinpointing your niche helps you grow your authority faster and attract an audience.

So how do you find that sweet spot between something you care about and something the internet is willing to pay for? Start with something that sparks real interest in you, a topic you can talk about without feeling like you're dragging yourself to the keyboard.

Next, look at the business side. Make sure people are looking for the content you want to create, that the competition isn’t impossible to break into, and that the niche has room for products or resources you could promote or sell. The sweet spot is the one that overlaps what you love, what your audience wants, and what the market is willing to pay for.

Once you know what your blog is about, deciding on a domain, identifying your audience, and planning your initial content becomes a much more enjoyable process.

Set up your blog (without headaches)

Before you write your first post, let’s make sure your blog’s home is rock-solid and ready for visitors.

1. Pick the right web hosting provider

The first step to launching your blog is picking a web host or website builder.

There are many web hosting and builders on the market to choose from. Hence, you should pick a reliable provider that will have the blog up and running at all times so that readers can enjoy your content 24/7. If you are new to creating blogs or websites, make sure to choose a service that is beginner-friendly and has a responsive support team.

Here are some of our top picks:

• Hostinger - This hosting company offers shared hosting plans perfect for new bloggers. The features include a 99.9% uptime guarantee, 24/7 live chat support, and an intuitive built-in control panel.
• Wix - Launch your blog in record time with Wix’s AI website builder. It also comes with a bunch of helpful business tools, such as an appointment scheduler, that can help you monetize your blog
• Bluehost - A feature-rich hosting provider with speedy performance. The plans include custom website themes, free domain name registration for a year, and a free SSL certificate to secure the site connection.
• Squarespace - Initially built as a blogging platform, Squarespace still offers a host of fantastic blogging features, along with some of the most aesthetically pleasing templates on the market.

Many hosting platforms now come with built-in website builders, making it easy to get online. Others, such as Bluehost, offer dedicated hosting for other web platforms such as WordPress.

Once you have picked your host or website builder, you’ll need to pick a domain name. Domains typically cost around $15/year, but can be a lot more expensive than that. Many platforms offer a free domain for the first year with your subscription

The name should describe the blog in a few words and be catchy enough to be easily remembered.

2. Plan your content strategy and start creating

It’s time to turn your blog ideas into reality by planning your content (and creating it). Map out the topics you want to cover, then bring them to life - whether through articles, photos, videos, or podcasts. Focus on high-quality content that keeps readers coming back, and once you have a few pieces in the bag, it’s time to get your blog out into the world.

This is a crucial step, as visitors decide whether your blog is worth checking out further from the quality of its articles.

Here are some best practices for creating valuable content for readers:

• Choose a profitable niche - Pick a range of topics that can potentially attract a sizable audience and business partners. Ideally, the subject should also be within your interests to prevent burning out as an author.
• Find a content gap - If the niche is popular, choose a specific angle that the major competitors haven’t tapped into yet. That way, the blog can become the go-to source for such topics.
• Focus on your target audience - Figure out what content they’re interested in and what problems they need solving. A great post should be able to offer the answers they’re looking for. Use keyword research tools to find blog post ideas.
• Choose evergreen topics - These are subjects that never go out of trend, and people often ask about, such as “how to save money.” A new blog should focus on such content as it will always remain relevant to readers’ interests, helping build traffic over time.
• Use an editorial content calendar - Create a timeline for researching, writing, editing, and publishing the blog posts to ensure productivity.
• Prioritize readability - Besides tackling readers’ pain points, a great article is also easy to read and understand. Use short paragraphs, unordered and ordered lists, and simple language.
• Adopt a mixed-media approach - Don’t rely solely on written articles. Videos, podcasts, and interactive content allow you to draw in audiences who prefer multiple formats, giving your blog a more engaging experience.
• Boost efficiency with AI tools - Whether it’s generating ideas, refining your drafts, or improving SEO, AI makes the process faster and easier. However, remember that your readers still want a human voice, even if a robot helped with the heavy lifting.

Grow your audience: Traffic and engagement tactics

Once your blog has solid content, the next challenge is making sure the right people find it and decide to stick around.

1. Master modern SEO and programmatic growth

These days, SEO is less about keyword density and more about crafting content that sincerely helps readers and keeps them coming back.

In short, answer the questions they’re asking, break your content into digestible sections, and provide practical advice that solves their problems. Google now rewards content that demonstrates E-E-A-T (experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness), so include clear author bios, cite credible sources, and bring unique information or perspectives to your posts.

A blog that loads swiftly and runs smoothly will keep both readers and search engines happy. With Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test retired, rely on PageSpeed Insights, Lighthouse, and Search Console to check speed, mobile performance, and overall site stability. A fast, well-structured site doesn’t just rank better - it boosts engagement and encourages visitors to stick around.

Finally, move beyond simple SEO metrics and focus on real growth. Use platforms like GA4 or HubSpot to follow the full journey from search to conversion. While AI can speed up research and drafting, it’s your insights and voice that make content memorable.

Combine superior content, technical polish, and analytics-driven strategy, and your blog goes from being seen to being pretty powerful.

2. Boost your blog traffic through social and community networks

Using social and community platforms is one of the best ways to get your blog in front of the right folks. Instead of link-dumping, repurpose your posts into platform-friendly content - think Reels or TikTok clips, LinkedIn mini-articles, short and sweet X threads, or eye-catching visuals made in Canva. Combine them with teaser-style hooks and regular posting habits, and you’ll regularly guide more readers back to your blog.

But the real connection happens in communities. You could join Facebook groups, subreddits, LinkedIn communities, Quora spaces, or anywhere your audience already talks. Show up ready to help: Answer questions, add insights, and build connections with bloggers in your space. When you share links only when they’re really relevant, you build the type of trust that turns casual interactions into steady traffic.

Finally, make sure your social presence is polished. Add clear, keyword-rich bios and a link-in-bio hub, use smart hashtags, and include social share buttons on your posts so readers can spread your content with a single tap. For an extra boost, a paid ad spend can help you reach the readers who matter most.

3. Build an email list from day one

Email newsletters are still one of the most powerful tools for bloggers, and kicking off your list from day one gives you a head start. Use your list to build genuine connections, deliver your top content, and consistently give readers something they can’t resist. Over time, it becomes the perfect way to promote new posts, recommend products, or even launch your own offering.

Start small but smart: Give readers something they can’t resist, whether it’s a free checklist, guide, or mini-course, and make signing up super simple. Your future self will thank you.

Monetization strategies: How to make money from your blog

Ready to turn your hard work into income? Here’s how to monetize your blog in multiple smart ways.

1. Google AdSense: From clicks to cash

Google AdSense is one of the most popular platforms to make money online. This ad network will connect you with businesses that want to advertise on your website. Depending on the advertiser, the blogger will get paid every time someone views or clicks the ad.

One advantage of joining Google AdSense is that it will handle most of the work for you, from finding advertisers to optimizing the ads for the website.

Furthermore, the system will select the most profitable and highest-quality ads to get the best results. It’s also possible to block irrelevant ads and use auto ads and AI-driven optimization, which automatically place and optimize ads for better performance.

Approval now focuses more on website quality than traffic. While AdSense doesn’t have a strict minimum traffic requirement, sites need original content, good UX, and adherence to Google policies (E‑E‑A‑T: expertise, experience, authoritativeness, trustworthiness) to get approved.

The signup process is easy. Simply create a Google AdSense account, insert a piece of code into your website, and enter your phone number and payment information.

Then wait for a few days or up to 2-4 weeks for manual review in some cases, for the team to review the site’s eligibility. Be sure to comply with the program policies to increase your chances of approval.

If your site gets rejected, check out other alternatives like PropellerAds or InfoLinks, which still don’t have strict traffic requirements and offer lower minimum payout thresholds than AdSense.

2. Selling ad space: Let brands pay to be seen on your blog

Joining an ad network is a great way for beginners to make money blogging. However, once the blog has grown bigger to a highly targeted niche audience (sometimes even before hitting 100,000 pageviews), you might consider selling ads directly to businesses.

Cutting the middleman will allow for more control over which brands can advertise on the website, what type of ads to display, and how much income you make.

That said, there is more work involved if you want to sell ad space without joining a network.

For instance, it’s important to know how to configure the ads yourself so that they look good on users’ screens. Bloggers typically offer space for banner ads, which show up on the top, bottom, or sides next to the main content area to avoid intruding on the reading experience. Consider mixing in native ads, sponsored posts, dynamic interactive ads, or videos, as they tend to get readers to stick around.

Moreover, you have to decide how much to charge per ad. Rather than sticking to a fixed formula, check out current industry CPMs or RPMs for blogs in your niche - these usually fall between $10 and $20 per 1,000 impressions, depending on format and audience.

After figuring out the types of ads to sell and their prices, send email pitches to brands in your niche. Express how lucrative your blog can be for their business by showing stats of the traffic, demographics, and social media presence. Leverage first-party data to understand your audience and make sure you follow GDPR, CCPA, and other privacy rules, especially now that third-party cookies are fading out.

To simplify things, use an ad server or ad-management tool to set up, track, and optimize your direct ad campaigns instead of handling everything on your own.

Also, consider creating an Advertise with Us page.

3. Affiliate marketing: The classic starter income

Affiliate marketing is a highly lucrative monetization method. Ryan Robinson, one of the most successful bloggers on the market, has collected over $450,000 per year in affiliate income, making it a key driver of his earnings.

Using this method, you will work with a brand to feature their products or services on the blog. The business will provide you with an affiliate link that redirects readers to their online store, where they can purchase the item.

Depending on the company, the blogger will receive a commission every time someone clicks on the link or places an order through it.

There are two ways to get started with this monetization strategy. One is to join an affiliate network, like Amazon Associates or ShareASale. These platforms connect you with merchants interested in having their products or services featured.

Another method is by checking company websites. Some may specify they have an affiliate program available for content creators.

If you need some references, check out the following affiliate programs:

• Skillshare - This online learning platform typically offers around 40% commission (up to $67) for a new paid membership, depending on region and program terms. Bloggers need a Skillshare and an Impact Radius account to join.
• TripAdvisor - Earn at least 50% in payment every time someone visits TripAdvisor’s hotel booking partner website. The user doesn’t need to make a reservation for the affiliate to get paid.
• NordVPN - This VPN software has generous payout plans. For a first-time buyer on a one-month subscription, affiliates receive 100% commission. They also offer recurring 30% commissions on renewals, which can add up significantly over time.
• Bluehost - This hosting company spends $5 million in affiliate payments annually. Bloggers receive $65 for every visitor who purchases a plan through their link.
• Hostinger - Another hosting provider with a high-paying commission. Affiliates can earn at least 60% of every sale.

When finding affiliate programs, make sure the brand is relevant to the audience’s interests. Otherwise, it will be challenging to get them to click on the link or make a purchase.

Additionally, incorporate the affiliate products naturally into your content — appearing too “salesy” can risk annoying readers. Be sure to include clear and conspicuous affiliate disclosures (like FTC in the US) before the links to comply with legal requirements.

Some popular blog post examples for affiliate marketing include reviews or buying guide listicles. It’s also possible to feature a product or service in a how-to tutorial if one of the steps requires it.

Also, consider creating a dedicated shop page for your most recommended products, like what the food blog Minimalist Baker does on their website.

4. Sponsored posts: Partner with brands and get paid

Writing sponsored posts is another great way to partner with businesses. Like joining an affiliate network, you will make money by promoting a brand with your content.

What sets sponsored posts apart is that the sponsor typically provides guidance on presenting their product, and you’re required to include clear legal and ethical disclosures - mark it as a “Sponsored Post” or “Advertisement” with the proper SEO tags (rel="sponsored"). The blogger’s job is to follow this brief while also creating content that naturally resonates with readers.

High-traffic blogs that show real authority in their niche usually stand out to sponsors. These days, brands want authentic endorsements from trusted experts, not broad content.

Earnings vary from project to project, but bloggers in the 50k–100k traffic range typically land $200-$500 for a straightforward sponsored post. If your niche is in high demand or your audience is extra engaged, those numbers can climb quickly.

There are three ways to land a sponsored post opportunity:

• Join a content creator network - These platforms help bloggers and social media influencers find relevant brands. Current options include IZEA, AspireIQ, Linqia, BlogVault, and Find Your Influence.
• Approach brands directly - Send an email explaining why your blog is the perfect space for them to market their offer. Include traffic and engagement stats for supporting evidence, as well as several content ideas.
• Create a sponsor page to attract brands - Pinch of Yum has an excellent example of this. Besides featuring their monthly visitor and social media follower stats, it also has case studies of previous partnerships to demonstrate their successes.

5. Memberships, subscriptions, and premium content

Here, you will set up a membership system where paying users can get premium benefits. Examples include behind-the-scenes content, live group discussions, or exclusive expert resources.

There are two popular ways to create a membership system. One is to use Patreon or similar platforms like Ko-fi or Buy Me a Coffee, which are popular among content creators. Patreon now charges a standard 10% platform fee for new creators publishing after August 4, 2025, plus payment processing fees (for instance, 2.9% + $0.30 USD per credit card transaction) and any payout fees.

Patreon leans on subscription-style memberships, with the old per-creation model mostly phased out. It comes with all the features necessary to connect with subscribers and set up subscription plans.

For WordPress users, another option is to use a membership plugin such as MemberPress, Paid Memberships Pro (PMPro), or Restrict Content Pro. These plugins give you far more flexibility to shape the system, pricing, and overall experience, which makes memberships feel smoother.

A good example of a paid membership site is Pinch of Yum’s Food Blogger Pro. It aims to help subscribers who want to make money from their food blog by offering expert training and access to community forums, tutorials, and other premium resources.

6. Create and sell online courses

Done properly, launching an online course can generate substantial income. Many bloggers and content creators today charge hundreds to thousands of dollars for a single series.

A successful online course starts with choosing the right topic. Besides showcasing your expertise and passions, the subject should also pertain to the audience’s needs and problems. Otherwise, compelling them to purchase the program can be difficult.

Consider the following questions when coming up with a course idea:

• What topics or issues do readers frequently come to you for?
• Are there similar online courses on the market? Is there a content gap you can fulfill?
• What learning milestones and outcomes will the participants achieve?

Other necessities include video equipment, editing software, and an online course platform to host the learning materials.

Many bloggers use Teachable, which now charges a 7.5% transaction fee on the starter plan and requires upgrading to the Builder or Growth plans to eliminate transaction fees, and comes with a course builder, multiple pricing systems, and international payment methods. WordPress users can also install other top LMS plugins like LearnDash and MemberPress Courses for more features and integrations.

When it comes to pricing, the recommended baseline is around $100 for entry-level courses, but comprehensive programs often range from $199 to $1,000, depending on perceived value and outcomes. Consider tiered pricing with bonus content or privileges, as well as flexible payment plans to make your course more accessible.

Modern course platforms also offer AI-powered tools for content and quiz generation, integrated community features beyond basic forums, and mobile apps to boost student engagement and completion rates.

To market the online course, most bloggers create a long-form landing page that explains what the program includes and shows customer testimonials for social proof. Some, like Elna Cain, also offer a free mini email course so that prospective participants can see what they can gain.

7. Offer coaching or consulting

Coaching or consulting are a few of the freelance services bloggers can offer to their audience.

With coaching, you will offer one-on-one or group mentoring sessions to help customers achieve a certain goal. The topic can range from entrepreneurship, health, wellness, career development, to communication skills.

Like online courses, you will need a program that demonstrates your expertise and panders to existing demand. Modern coaches often rely on video-conferencing tools like Zoom or Google Meet, scheduling software such as Calendly or Acuity, and secure client portals or payment solutions (such as Stripe invoices) to deliver their services.

A good example of an online coach is Gemma Gilbert, who helps moms attract more clients for their businesses. Addressing a specific target market with her unique selling point makes it easier for her service to stand out among similar programs.

On the other hand, consulting focuses on offering expert advice to solve a client’s problem.

For instance, if you have an interior design blog, the consulting services can include creating a blueprint according to the client’s goals, assessing their budget, or suggesting some decor items.

A well-known blogger who offers a consulting service is Neil Patel. His content marketing experts can perform a website audit for the client and create an execution plan to help grow their online presence.

New coaches and consultants typically price their services by the hour, though experts recommend charging a monthly flat rate or creating package-based fees once the business has grown. Consider adding a "starting from" price range on your service page to filter serious inquiries and set clear expectations.

With that in mind, consider getting coaching or consulting certification. Besides boosting credibility, it can also help increase rates.

8. Publish eBooks: Share expertise and make money

eBooks are one of the most popular go-to digital products to make money blogging with. Not only do they require minimal production costs, but they’re also a great way to repurpose related blog posts into one long-form content.

Harsh Argawal does this with his affiliate marketing handbook, combining multiple articles on the same subject into one comprehensive guide. That way, readers can simply purchase the eBook instead of navigating through different pages to read all the information.

Also, it’s good to offer more value to the product by including some extras. For instance, this handbook contains instructional videos on getting started with well-known affiliate marketplaces. It even gets regularly updated to ensure the content stays fresh and relevant.

If you want to launch a writing career, creating eBooks is an excellent way to do that. The digital book market grows every year, and many writers like Mark Dawson have found success with self-publishing.

Platforms like Amazon KDP and Barnes & Noble Press can help sell eBooks to a vast market. Amazon KDP offers either a 35% royalty (for specific price ranges in certain markets) or a 70% royalty, depending on the price and territory, so it’s important to check the terms when pricing your book. However, you’ll compete with thousands of other writers on the site, so some extra effort into marketing may be necessary. Start by tapping into the audience you already have. Selling directly means you keep nearly all the revenue, and your email subscribers are far more likely to buy than cold marketplace traffic.

Many bloggers also sell eBooks right from their websites. WordPress users can do this with an ecommerce plugin like WooCommerce or Easy Digital Downloads (EDD), which now integrates easily with Stripe and PayPal for smooth direct payments. A popular strategy today is to use a short eBook as a free lead magnet to grow your email list, then offer a more in-depth eBook or course as the next step.

9. Sell digital products: Courses, printables, and premium content

Besides online courses and eBooks, here are other digital product ideas:

Printables - These are PDFs people can download and print for personal use. For instance, many travel bloggers sell a budget planner or packing checklist to help readers with their trips. Tools like Canva make creating professional printables quick and easy.

Premium newsletters - This digital product can be profitable if you offer exclusive content that people are willing to pay for regularly. A good example is Jessie on a Journey’s VIP Opportunities List, a newsletter for travel bloggers looking to find paid gigs. Popular platforms in 2025 include Substack, Ghost, and ConvertKit, all of which simplify paid newsletter management.

Digital prints - This idea works well for photography, home decor, travel, art, or design blogs. Lifestyle bloggers A Beautiful Mess sell downloadable photographs and artwork that readers can print and display around their home.

Image-editing presets - Another great option for bloggers with original photos. Sell packs with different themes and effects, like travel blogger The Blonde Abroad. Adobe Lightroom or similar software can streamline preset creation.

Graphic design assets - These can be stock photos or templates for featured images, social media posts, and newsletters. Take a look at the marketing blog Ivory Mix for an example. Tools like Figma or Canva are go-to tools for creators who want to create these assets quickly without sacrificing quality.

Swipe files - If you have a knack for copywriting, consider selling templates that other content creators can use for their own marketing. Entrepreneur Kimberly Ann Jimenez does this to help fellow freelancers with email campaigns. Automated funnels, such as freebie opt-ins leading to paid product upsells, are a smart way to maximize sales.

WordPress themes or plugins - This product idea is best for those with coding skills. Fellow bloggers will always be looking for new templates or extensions to enhance their websites.

10. Sell physical products: Merch, prints, and more

There are plenty of bloggers making money with physical products. Many, like Liz Marie, create merchandise for their followers, such as t-shirts, tote bags, or mugs.

Some also develop items that readers can incorporate into their lifestyles, such as Tiny Buddha, which sells a personal care kit and journals for mindfulness.

These days, starting an online store has become easier with the best ecommerce platforms. After finding a product that resonates with readers, simply create an account, configure the shop website, and hit publish.

If you want to sell physical items with low startup costs, consider dropshipping.

This business model requires working with a wholesaler to have their products displayed on your online store. The supplier will take care of all the fulfillment and shipping, while you handle the marketing and customer service.

Find dropshipping suppliers using current platforms like DSers, Spocket, or AutoDS. These alternatives offer reliable suppliers, often with faster shipping for US and EU customers.

Popular ecommerce platforms include Shopify (basic plan around $39/month plus transaction fees) or using WooCommerce on WordPress for a lower-cost option.

Another way to sell your own products is by collaborating with brands. Fashion blogger Samantha Maria does this with the company Stilnest to create a custom jewelry collection.

Don’t forget that the power of visuals and social proof, such as high-quality photos, demo videos, and customer reviews, can significantly boost buyer confidence and sales.

11. Host online events: Webinars, workshops, and more

This monetization method involves developing and hosting an online event, such as a live webinar, conference, or summit. It’s a clever way to make money while also generating leads and developing your personal brand.

Regardless of the event type, be sure to come up with a program that people will happily pay for. Meaning, the content should include valuable information that the audience won’t normally get with a quick search.

If you’re conducting live interviews, invite well-known speakers in your niche to reach a wide audience and boost credibility.

Finally, consider investing in high-quality recording equipment to ensure a smooth viewing experience.

There are several ways to monetize an online event. Some make the content available for free on the day of launch, then charge a lifetime access pass for those who want to rewatch it in the future. Doing this ensures that the event reaches as many potential customers as possible.

Reliable platforms for hosting include Zoom for webinars, StreamYard or Restream for live streaming, and dedicated event platforms like HeySummit or Eventbrite for registration and management.

To boost engagement, use interactive features like live Q&A sessions, polls, and networking or breakout rooms. This enhances user experience and perceived value.

Navid Moazzez, a virtual summit expert, has earned impressive revenue from hosting multiple online events, proving just how powerful this strategy can be in today’s market. It’s also possible to cross-sell some digital products at the end of the event, a pro tip recommended by Navid.

12. Donations: Let your readers contribute

The last monetization strategy we recommend is accepting donations. If you have a dedicated and loyal audience, chances are they are willing to pay money for you to create content.

The personal blog Captain Awkward resorts to this method to avoid displaying ads, which isn’t suitable for her content and can make for a poor user experience.

Enable donations by adding a PayPal Donate button to the blog. The transaction fee is 2.9% plus $0.30 per payment for standard accounts.

For a more modern approach, consider creator-focused platforms like Buy Me a Coffee or Patreon, which allow recurring support, easier tipping, and often a more engaging user experience.

Remember, donations might count as taxable income in some areas, so it’s smart to check your local tax rules before cashing in.

Your personal blogger’s roadmap: What to do next

Starting your blog is a big move, but when you break it into small steps, it’s surprisingly doable. Pick your niche, map out your content, and get your site live.

After that, keep your momentum by writing posts that are both regular and really useful. Capture readers early with an email opt-in or freebie, then slowly stack on monetization tools like affiliate links, ads, or premium content.

Success doesn’t happen overnight, but every post, lead magnet, or course you put out moves you closer to a blog that’s both beautiful and profitable. Stick with it and stay curious - every single post brings you closer to success.