How to Make Money Blogging Fast: 6 Proven Strategies for Quicker Success

Did you know that about 77% of internet users read blogs regularly?

Crazy innnt! Your potential audience is big, and hungry for good content. If you’ve been thinking of turning your passion for niche into a way to make money… I got you. Today, we’re getting into the world of monetizing blogs, and I will show you how to make money blogging quickly, and if you put in the work, easily.

I remember when I first started blogging. I was excited when I published my first post, but that soon turned to this question:

“How long until I can actually make some money from this?”

If this is what you are asking… don’t worry… many beginner bloggers face this challenge, and I’ve been there too. So, let me guide you through the process.

We’re going to explore six proven strategies to make money blogging. We’ll cover everything from affiliate marketing to selling your own products. And the best part? You don’t need to be a tech wizard or a marketing guru to make these work.

All you need is your passion, your unique voice, a willingness to learn… and a bit of elbow grease.

But before we dive into the strategies…

How to make money blogging fast?

The quickest way to make money blogging fast involves a combination of affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and digital products. By promoting relevant products to your audience, partnering with brands for sponsored posts, and creating your own products, you can start generating income within a few months of consistent effort… or even before.

Understanding the Foundations

Before we get into the specific ways to make money blogging, it is important to lay the foundations for your blogging success. Think of this as building the framework of your blogging empire. Get these basics right, and you’ll be setting yourself up for long-term success.

Choosing a Profitable Blog Niche

The first step to making money is picking a niche that not only aligns with your passions but also has profit potential. This isn’t just about picking a topic you love (though that’s important too). It’s about finding that sweet spot where your interests intersect with market demand.

Do you have a passion for Underwater basket weaving? While it might be fascinating to you, it probably isn’t a booming market to earn money from.

What Do You Love To Talk About?

To find your profitable niche, start by listing your interests and areas of expertise.

Then, research the market demand using tools like Google Trends or keyword research tools.

Look for topics that have a consistent or growing interest over time. I also check out my competition, because… a little competition for ad space is actually a good sign – it means there’s money to be made in that niche.

Does Your Niche Have Money Making Potential?

Some topics, like finance, health, or technology, can be more lucrative because they often involve high-ticket products or services. But listen if your passion lies elsewhere, check it out… With the right approach, you can monetize virtually any niche.

Remember, you don’t need to be the world’s greatest expert in your chosen niche to start a successful blog. You just need to be a few steps ahead of your audience and willing to learn as you go.

Your unique perspective and experiences are what will set you apart in the crowded chaos of the internet.

Creating Valuable Content for Your Target Audience

Once you’ve nailed down your niche, it’s time to start creating content that will keep your readers coming back for more. Creating engaging blog articles is the key to your readers coming back and driving traffic to your site.

This is where the “valuable” part comes in. Your content needs to solve problems, answer questions, or entertain your audience in a way that keeps them engaged.

Think about it – why do you keep going back to your favorite blogs? It’s because they give you something you can’t get anywhere else, right?

That’s what you need to aim for with your own content.

Your Audience Pain Points

To create really good content, you need to know your audience inside and out. What are their pain points? What keeps them up at night? What are their goals and aspirations? The more you understand your readers, the better you can serve them with your content.

Your Voice, No One Else

Use your own voice when writing. Don’t try to sound like someone else – your unique ‘you-ness’ is what will set you apart. This is what will help you build a connection with your readers and keep them coming back.

Consistency of Posting

Consistency is key when it comes to blogging. Whether you’re posting once a week or every day, stick to a schedule your readers can count on. This helps build trust and keeps your audience engaged. But remember, quality trumps quantity every time. It’s better to post one awesome article a week than seven mediocre ones.

[INSERT CALENDAR FOR POSTING]

Don’t be afraid to mix up your content types. While written blog posts are the backbone of most blogs, popping in a few other formats like YouTube videos, how-to guides, personal stories, or interviews with experts in your field.

This variety of blog content will keep things fresh and interesting for your readers.

Building Website Traffic Through SEO and Social Media

Now that you’ve got great content, you need to get eyeballs on it. This is where SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and social media come into play.

SEO is all about making your content friendly for search engines like Google. This means using relevant keywords, creating descriptive titles and meta descriptions, and building quality backlinks to your site.

Search Everywhere Optimization

Things have changed since I first started getting organic traffic through Google and Bing, and we now have to consider what is called content diversification or Search ‘Everywhere’ Optimization… meaning, instead of just optimizing our content for the search engines, we have to optimize and distribute our content to multiple platforms, like Medium, Quora, and Reddit.

Social Media Optimization

But SEO, both Engine and Everywhere are just a few pieces of the traffic puzzle. Creating a solid Social media strategy can be a direct line to your audience.

Choose the social media platforms where your target readers hang out. For me, that is Instagram and Facebook. I share snippets of my blog posts, behind-the-scenes peeks at my blogging process, and engage with my followers daily.

YouTube Optimization

I’d also recommend creating YouTube videos to attract a different audience and drive traffic back to your blog… and you can make the videos by adapting the very content you create for your blog… smart eh?

The key to social media is to be, well, social.

Don’t just broadcast your content – engage with your followers, join relevant communities, and build relationships with other bloggers in your niche. This not only helps drive traffic to your blog but also builds a loyal community around your brand.

The Importance of Consistency in Blogging Efforts

Consistency doesn’t just mean how often you post. It’s also about maintaining consistent, high-quality content, staying true to who you are, and the messaging you put forth, consistently engaging with your audience, and continuously working to grow a blog’s success.

Remember, building a successful blog or online store takes time, but do it right and that’s where your blog’s revenue comes a calling.

Stay consistent and you’ll start to see search engine results appearing and also your income goals. It’s like compound interest… small, consistent efforts add up to big results over time.

How to Make Money Blogging Fast

So, you have the foundations of how to blog effectively now, let’s get into the ways you can quickly start to make money from your blog.

Strategy 1: Affiliate Marketing

Ok, so let’s start with my favorite way to start making money blogging, the awesomeness that is affiliate marketing. Affiliate marketing is when you promote someone else’s product or service and earn a commission for each sale made through your unique affiliate link.

It’s like word-of-mouth marketing but with the added bonus of getting paid for your recommendations.

I remember when I first got into affiliate marketing. I was reviewing a mobile phone monthly package that my readers would benefit from. I included my link in the review, and to my surprise, people started signing up!

[INSERT BAD CREDIT MOBILE]

It really was a lightbulb moment – I could make money by recommending products I actually used and believed in.

Getting Started with Affiliate Marketing

Getting started with affiliate marketing is easier than you might think. First, choose products or services that align with your niche and audience interests. Then, sign up for affiliate programs. Amazon Associates is a popular choice for beginners but also look for programs specific to your niche.

Once you’re approved, you’ll get your unique affiliate links for the products you want to promote.

The key to successful affiliate marketing is to create valuable content that naturally incorporates these products or services. This could be product reviews, comparison posts, or even tutorials on how to use the product. The goal is to provide genuine value to your readers, not just to make a sale…

If you only go after the sale… you will go kerplunk!

Your Affiliate Disclosure

One important thing to remember is to always disclose your affiliate relationships to your readers. Not only is it ethical, but it’s also required by law in many places. Your readers will appreciate your honesty, and it helps build trust.

When it comes to putting affiliate links into your content, there are some best practices to keep in mind:

Let’s look at a real-world example of a company that generates income from their writing. Wirecutter by the New York Times is a master of affiliate marketing. They are transparent about the products they promote, do great breakdowns of the products, and test each and every single product they write about.

Wirecutter focuses on recommending tools and resources they have actually used, providing in-depth reviews and tutorials, and of course, for every product they review, they add affiliate links.

Success with Affiliate Marketing

One of my most successful affiliate partnerships is with Dreamhost, a web hosting company. By creating detailed tutorials on how to start a blog using Dreamhost, I’ve been able to generate significant income while providing value to my readers.

I took into consideration what my audience’s interests are and they looked at the content quality of others in my niche. I then found my little sub-niche inside my main niche and started creating posts.

The key takeaway?

When you start Affiliate marketing it works best when it’s a natural extension of the content you’re already creating. It’s not about pushing products; it’s about helping your readers find solutions to their problems.

When done right, affiliate marketing can be a win-win-win situation – your readers get great product recommendations, the companies get sales, and you can earn money as a commission.

Strategy 2: Sponsored Content and Brand Partnerships

Sponsored content is when a brand pays you to create content featuring their product or service. This could be a dedicated blog post, a video, or set of videos, a mention within a larger post, or even social media content that directs back to your blog.

It’s really a great way to monetize your blog while providing value to your readers and helping brands reach their target audience.

My First Sponsorship

I’ll never forget my first sponsorship. A pretty large hosting company reached out to me to review their new AI website builder. I was super happy to say the least…! Not only was I getting paid to create content, but I also got to try out a cool new product. It felt like I had finally “made it” as a content creator and professional blogger.

[INSERT HOSTINGER]

Getting Sponsorship Posts

Consistent Content

So, how do you get brands to notice you? It starts with creating high-quality, consistent content. Brands want to work with bloggers who have a strong, engaged audience. Build your social media presence too – many brands look at your overall online influence, not just your blog stats.

Networking

Networking can be a great way to attract brand partnerships. Connect with other bloggers and attend industry events. Sometimes, opportunities come through word-of-mouth. Don’t be afraid to reach out to brands you love, either. Sometimes, you have to make the first move!

Your Media Kit

Creating a media kit can be a great idea when it comes to landing sponsored deals. This should showcase your blog stats, audience demographics, and any previous collaborations. It’s like a resume for your blog, giving brands a quick overview of what you have to offer.

Pricing

Pricing can be tricky, especially when you’re just starting out. You need to think about factors like your audience size and engagement rates, the scope of work (Is it a single post? A series? Does it include social media promotion?), the brand’s budget, and industry standards.

A BIIIIG Note here… Don’t undersell yourself, but also be realistic. As you gain more experience and grow your audience, you can increase your rates.

Here’s the thing – your readers come to your blog because they trust you. Sponsored content shouldn’t change that. Only work with brands that align with your values and would genuinely interest your audience. Be transparent about sponsored materials – disclose the partnership clearly. Maintain your voice and style – don’t let the brand dictate your content entirely.

Provide honest opinions, even if they’re not 100% positive. Constructive criticism can actually lend credibility to your review. Remember, your relationship with your readers is your most valuable asset. Don’t jeopardize it for a quick buck.

Balance is key when it comes to sponsored content. You don’t want your blog to turn into one long advertisement. Mix sponsored posts with your regular, non-sponsored ones to keep things balanced and authentic.

Strategy 3: Display Advertising

Now, let’s talk about one of the most straightforward monetization strategies for your own blog. It’s so easy really… display advertising. You’ve seen these before, you know those banner ads, sidebar ads, or in-content ads on websites?

Display advertising works through ad networks, which act as middlemen between you the blogger (the publisher), and advertisers. The network handles all the technical stuff, like finding advertisers, displaying the right ads to the right audience, and processing payments. You just give them space on your site, and it’s really easy to do with WordPress.

Google Adsense and Other Ad Networks

Some of the most popular ad networks include Google AdSense, which is great for beginners and easy to set up; Mediavine, which is for mid-sized blogs with at least 50,000 monthly sessions; and Adsterra, which caters pretty much anyone and is so simple to get started with, even with no traffic.

I started with Google AdSense waaaaaay waaaaay back, when I had made a blog on Blogger.com. To be honest, it was so long ago, that I’m a tad confused about what the blog was actually about.

But I do remember when I first began monetizing, I’d wake up to see I’d earned money while I was asleep! Big money? Naaaaa… but it was a start, and it was incredibly motivating to see those first few dollars roll in.

Easiest Ad Network To Start With

The reason I like Adsterra now is the fact that they are so easy to get started with, have no real traffic minimums to get accepted and you can have ads on your site in a matter of minutes ready to start earning your income.

Placing Ad Space On Your Blog

Where you place your ads can make a big difference in how much you earn. Ads visible without scrolling (above the fold) normally perform pretty well. Placing ads within your content, especially for longer articles, can also be good, I’m sure you have seen this on other blogs before.

The sidebar is a classic spot for ads, but make sure ad placement in it doesn’t interfere with navigation. Also, popping an ad end of your posts can catch readers when they’ve finished your content and are deciding what to do next.

Some ad networks have specialist ad formats, like Adsterra with their Social Bar, and also their pop-under.

Remember, every blog is unique, what might work on a fashion blog, might not work on a food blog and vice versa. It’s all about testing and optimizing based on your specific audience and content. Have a look at how other sites in your blogging niche are doing it, and…

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ad placements to see what works best for your blog.

But, do remember, display advertising is just one piece of the money blogging puzzle. It can be a great passive income stream but don’t rely on it exclusively. The most successful people normally have multiple ways to make money blogging.

Strategy 4: Digital Products

Now we’re getting into the really exciting stuff, the one I love so much, and that is creating and selling your own digital products… like mine, The Blog Profit Path, which teaches people how to make money with blogging now, in the time of AI.

This monetization strategy is where you can really leverage your expertise and start building passive income streams that can significantly boost your blogging income.

Different Types Of Digital Products

Some of my favorite digital products include ebooks, which are great for in-depth guides on specific topics in your blog’s niche.

Also, there are online courses, where you can create video or text-based lessons teaching a particular skill. I love this one too.

Then there are templates, which can be time-saving tools your audience can use in their work or personal life; printables like planners, checklists, or worksheets.

Some people even stock photos if you’re handy with a camera. I met a very nice marketer years ago named Terry who traveled so much to speak and took his camera everywhere with him… taking pictures. Money in the bag!

How To Promote Your Own Products

The easiest way for a beginner to promote digital products is through your blog articles. This way you get to explain what they are, and you can reach a wider audience using SEO and help drive sales.

I started with a simple set of interviews about traffic generation, called TrafficGenerationExperts.com.

It wasn’t fancy, but it addressed a need I saw in my audience… driving traffic to their websites. I wasn’t even the expert at the time, I interviewed experts (including Mark Anastasi, known as The Laptop Millionaire) and used their knowledge to create a product.

On a side note, Mark wrote the book The Laptop Millionaire and actually wrote about me in it, which was kind of cool. The book is about how anyone can escape the 9-5. It was a New York Times Bestseller. We later became business partners, again, something cool, and all from the power of what I’m teaching you here.

Below you will see the first squeeze page for the product giving away a free video and gathering people’s email addresses.

Email marketing is also a really good way of selling digital products. Your email list is gold – these are people who’ve already shown interest in what you have to offer, so when I launched the product to these email subscribers…

To my surprise, it started selling while I slept. That’s when I realized the power of these awesome e-products – create once, sell infinitely… even if you aren’t the brain behind them.

Coming Up With Digital Product Ideas

Creating your first digital product might be pretty frightening, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s easy really…

Start by identifying a ‘specific’ problem your audience has. What questions do they keep asking about your niche? What struggles do they mention in comments or emails? This is your goldmine of product ideas.

Once you’ve got an idea, outline your product. What will it cover? How will it be structured? You can ask one of the AI to help with this also. I think Google Gemini is very good for this.

Then, create the content. Now listen here, the biggest mistake I see people making, especially when starting out is this… aiming for perfection. This is the wrong thing to do, aim for a great product, sure… but if you aim for perfection you will never release that product. Instead, aim for value. Your audience is looking for solutions, not perfection. You can always update and improve your product later.

Designing Your Product

When it comes to designing your product, Canva can help make it look professional without needing advanced design skills.

For delivery, I would use Whop.com as this looks after all the payment and technical side of selling digital products. Oh, and you can also sell physical products via this too.

Product Pricing

Pricing your digital product can be tricky. Consider your time investment, the value it provides, and what your audience can afford. Don’t undervalue your work, but also make sure it’s accessible to your target personas.

Product Promotion

Once you’ve got your first product out there, don’t stop! I already mentioned articles and email marketing… but seriously… look for opportunities everywhere.

Think YouTube videos, break down blog posts into video shorts, use Canva to create social posts… the opportunities for content are now endless and the more people find your content the more money that is potentially made when you have your own digital products.

Strategy 5: Coaching and Consulting

Let’s look at another more personal way to monetize your blogging business. I’m talking coaching and consulting. This strategy allows you to work directly with clients, sharing your expertise in a more tailored, one-on-one setting. It’s tough, I’m not going to lie, but it can make some great income.

So, let’s imagine you are a professional. You’ve already positioned yourself as an expert in your niche so coaching and consulting is really like the next level. Instead of sharing general advice through your blog posts, you’re providing personalized guidance to individuals or businesses.

I remember my first coaching client. She reached out after reading a series of posts I’d written about getting out of traffic generation. She wanted more specific advice tailored to her situation and supplement business.

That experience was cool. It brought in additional income, the lady’s business was really awesome, and it gave me deeper insights into my audience’s needs, which in turn improved my blog content.

Structure of Services

When it comes to structuring your coaching or consulting services, you’ve got options. You could offer one-off sessions, which are great for specific questions or problems. Or you might create package deals – a series of sessions over a set period, often with a specific goal in mind, like a 3-month goal.

I also do ongoing retainer-based coaching and consulting, providing regular sessions for continued support and guidance. But also, you can do group coaching which I do in the Insiders Club – working with multiple clients at once can be more affordable for clients and more profitable for you.

One of my favorite coaching and consulting services is to business teams. I’ve worked with some of the biggest companies in the world, including a US Governmental body, USAID, to teach them how to implement and grow revenue in their businesses using the internet.

Pricing can be tricky when you’re just starting out. Start by researching what others in your niche charge, but don’t be afraid to value your unique expertise. Remember, you’re not just charging for the time spent in sessions, but for all the knowledge and experience you bring to the table.

Marketing Your Services

Your blog is your best marketing tool for your coaching services. Create great content that showcases your expertise and hints at the benefits of more personalized guidance. Share success stories or case studies from your coaching clients (with their permission, of course).

Offer a free consultation or “discovery call” to potential clients – this gives them a taste of what working with you would be like.

Coaching Page

Create a dedicated page on your blog outlining your coaching services and how to book you. Make it easy for interested readers to take the next step. And don’t forget to use your email list to promote your coaching services to your most engaged followers.

I found that my most successful coaching clients often came from my most engaged blog readers. They already knew my style and trusted my advice, making the transition to a coaching relationship smooth and natural.

Coaching and consulting can be incredibly rewarding. Not only does it provide a steady income stream, but it also gives you direct insight into your audience’s needs and challenges. This feedback loop can inform your blog content, product creation, and overall business strategy.

But honestly… it’s tiring. I put my heart and soul into it, and if this is how you are, limit your services, and calculate how long it takes you to recover from one to one.

Remember, as with all aspects of blogging, authenticity is key. Only offer coaching in areas where you have genuine expertise and a desire to help. Your passion and knowledge will shine through, making your coaching services truly valuable to your clients.

Strategy 6: Membership Sites and Exclusive Content

And finally, let’s look at what is called a recurring income stream.

This strategy involves creating a private area of your blog where members pay for access to premium content or resources.

A membership site can take many forms. It could be a private forum or community where members can connect and share ideas. It might be a library of exclusive resources like templates, e-books, or video tutorials.

Some bloggers offer regular live Q&A sessions or webinars for their members. Others provide early or exclusive access to their new content. You could even offer member-only discounts on your other products or services.

When I launched my membership site, I offered a mix of these. Members got access to a private Facebook group, monthly live Q&A sessions with me, and a growing library of “What’s working now in AI blogging”.

It was a lot of work to set up, but once it was running, it became a steady source of monthly income.

Here are some ideas for gated content:

– In-depth tutorials or workshops that go beyond what you offer on your public blog

– Downloadable resources like templates or checklists

– Behind-the-scenes content or insider tips

– Member-only blog posts or newsletters

– Access to you through regular office hours or Q&A sessions

Remember, this content needs to be valuable enough that members feel it’s worth paying for month after month. I found that mixing evergreen content (like my resource library) with timely, topical content (like monthly market analysis) worked well to keep members engaged.

Building a successful membership site takes time and effort, but the rewards can be significant.

Not only does it provide a steady, predictable income stream, but it also allows you to develop deeper relationships with your most engaged followers. These relationships can lead to valuable insights, collaborations, and opportunities down the line.

My Final Thoughts

As I finish talking about blog monetization strategies, I want to leave you with a few parting thoughts.

This is a business, making money blogging isn’t just a hobby, it’s a real business, so put in the time and effort needed. People are looking for shortcuts now, and in the time of AI content, creating high-quality content with a human spin is what will set you apart from the rest.

While blogging isn’t just about making money, it does help. No matter what you are sharing on your own blog, be it recipes, financial advice, travel tips, or anything in between, you have the power to change lives through your words. The money is important, yes, but it’s the impact that will keep you going when things get tough.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. What works for one blogger might not work for you. It’s your unique voice and perspective that are your greatest assets, use them to stand out, this is where you make money blogging.

So, are you ready to turn your blogging passion into profit? Remember, every successful blogger started exactly where you are now. With dedication, creativity, and the strategies we’ve discussed, you have everything you need to make your blogging dreams a reality.