Most people who try to make money blogging fail.
Not because blogging is dead (it’s not) or because it’s too late to start (it’s not), but because they do it wrong.
They pick the wrong niche. They write random posts without a plan. They spend months tweaking their logo instead of actually making money.
This guide is no B.S., no fluff. Just the real way to turn a blog into a money-making machine—whether you’re starting from zero or trying to fix what you’ve already built.
Let’s get into it.
What No One Tells You About Blogging
Here’s what no one tells you:
✔️ Blogging isn’t a magic ATM. You don’t just post some words and the cash rolls in.
✔️ You don’t need a million readers—just the right kinda readers.
✔️ Making money from a blog comes down to three things:
- Traffic – No visitors, no money. Simple.
- Monetization – Just getting traffic isn’t enough. You need a way to turn visitors into cash.
- Execution – The difference between dreamers and earners is action.
If you can get those three things right, you can make real money.
Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Pick a Blog Niche That Pays (Not Just One You “Love”)
“Blog about your passion!” they say. Terrible advice.
Passion doesn’t pay the damn bills. Profitability does. If you want a blog that makes money, you need a niche where people already spend money.
The Three Niches That Actually Make Money
High-Ticket Niches – Where one sale = big money.
- Examples: Finance, investing, real estate, SaaS, tech gear.
- Why? Companies in these niches spend big on marketing and affiliates.
Affiliate-Heavy Niches – Where you earn commissions promoting products.
- Examples: Software, online courses, subscription services, hosting, high-end products.
- Why? You don’t need your own product—just recommend good ones and get paid.
Evergreen Demand Niches – Where people always need answers.
- Examples: Health, wealth, weight loss, relationships, personal development, productivity.
- Why? There’s never a shortage of people looking for solutions in these areas.
Quick Test: Will Your Niche Make Money?
Ask yourself:
- Are businesses in this space spending money on ads and sponsorships?
- Are there high-paying affiliate programs?
- Do people in this niche buy eBooks, courses, coaching, or services?
If the answer isn’t hell yes, pick a different niche.
Step 2: Get Traffic (Because No Traffic = No Money)
You can have the best blog in the world, but if no one sees it, you’re friggin’ screwed.
Here’s how to actually get readers without wasting time.
SEO vs. Social Media: Which One Wins?
SEO (Search Engine Optimization):
- Takes time, but once you rank, it’s free traffic on autopilot.
- Best for long-term blogging success.
Social Media (Pinterest, TikTok, etc.):
- Fastest way to get traffic if done right.
- Works great for certain niches (e.g., Pinterest for DIY, TikTok for eCommerce-related topics, etc.).
SEO Hacks That Actually Work
- Find keywords that are easy to rank for. Use free tools like Surfer AI, Ahrefs and AnswerThePublic.
- Write content better than the top 10 results. If your post isn’t better, why would Google rank it?
- Get backlinks. Reach out to other bloggers and offer guest posts.
The Pinterest Traffic Shortcut
Most people sleep on Pinterest, but it’s a goldmine for blog traffic. It’s a search engine, not just social media.
- Use proven Canva templates
- Pin fresh content daily (Pinterest loves new pins).
- Use keywords in your pin titles and descriptions.
- Automate with Tailwind to schedule pins and keep traffic coming.
Steal Traffic from Your Competitors (Legally)
- Find top blogs in your niche.
- See what keywords they rank for using a tool like Ahrefs.
- Create better content on those topics.
- Reach out to sites that link to them and say, “Hey, I made a better version of this—wanna link to mine instead?”
Works like a charm.
Step 3: Monetization (How to Get Paid ASAP)
Once you have traffic, here’s how to turn it into money.
1. Affiliate Marketing – No Need to Create Your Own Products
You recommend a product. Someone buys through your link. You get paid. Simple AF.
- Best affiliate networks: Amazon Associates, ShareASale, Impact, PartnerStack. See my list of the best affiliate programs.
- Write posts around the products you promote (e.g., “Best Laptops for Writers – 2026”). These convert way better than generic content that just links to the products.
2. Ad Revenue – Daily Passive Income Once You Nail It
Ads may not be an option until you have significant traffic (50K+ visits/month). If you’re just starting, focus on other income streams first.
Or, if you have up to 10k monthly sessions, apply for Journey by Mediavine.
3. Selling Your Own Stuff – The Surefire Moneymaker
Ebooks, Canva and Notion templates, checklists, planners, courses, coaching—digital products are most likely to make you money if you have the right products (that solve a problem) for the right audience.
- Why it works: 100% profit. No middleman taking a cut.
- How to create? Use Canva. It does not require any special design skills.
4. Sponsored Content – Get Brands to Pay You
Brands will pay you to feature their products. But you have to ask.
How to get deals?
- Find brands already working with bloggers.
- Pitch them directly with actual traffic stats (no BS).
- Charge based on your audience size—$100-$500 per post for small blogs, more if you have a bigger following.
Step 4: Execution – The Reason Most Bloggers Fail
Most bloggers quit before they ever make money. Why?
Because they:
❌ Post random shit with no strategy.
❌ Expect instant results.
❌ Spend months tweaking their website instead of driving traffic.
The $1,000/Month Blueprint
- Pick a profitable niche.
- Write content that ranks and converts.
- Drive traffic using SEO & Pinterest.
- Monetize with affiliate links, digital products, or Mediavine ads.
- Rinse & repeat.
Follow that for 6 months and you WILL make money.
Real Talk – Should You Even Start a Blog?
Blogging isn’t for everyone. You need patience and consistency.
If you can:
✅ Write at least 2-3 posts per week (or better yet, daily)
✅ Stick with it for 6-12 months
✅ Focus on traffic and monetization instead of perfection
…then yes, you can make money blogging.
If you’re looking for a get-rich-quick scheme? Go buy a lottery ticket.
Final Word: Make Money or GTFO
No more “I want to start a blog” without action. No more “I’ll do it later.”
- Pick a niche that makes money.
- Get traffic.
- Monetize smartly.
- Do the work.
Blogging can make you real money—if you actually commit.
