When most bloggers think about monetizing their blogs, Google AdSense is usually the first option that comes to mind. AdSense is popular because it’s easy to set up and doesn’t require selling anything.
But what if your blog isn’t approved for AdSense? Or what if you want more control and higher earnings? The good news is, you can still monetize your blog in many powerful ways without relying on AdSense.
In this article, you’ll discover 7 proven methods to make money from your blog. These strategies are beginner-friendly, flexible, and perfect for anyone looking to turn a blog into a money-making machine.
1. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly ways to make money from a blog. It works like this:
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You promote a product or service on your blog.
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When someone clicks your affiliate link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission.
Why Affiliate Marketing Works
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Low upfront cost: You don’t need to create products.
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Flexible: Works with blogs of any niche.
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Scalable: Earnings grow as your audience grows.
Examples for Bloggers
If your blog focuses on digital skills, you can promote:
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SEO tools like SEMrush or Ubersuggest
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Online courses for blogging or freelancing
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Software tools for content creation
Popular Affiliate Networks
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Amazon Associates: Ideal for physical products.
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ShareASale: Wide variety of digital and physical products.
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Impact: Professional affiliate network for established bloggers.
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Digistore24: Great for digital products.
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PartnerStack: Software and SaaS products.
Tips for Success
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Write product reviews, tutorials, or “Top 10” posts to naturally include affiliate links.
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Always disclose affiliate links to maintain trust with your readers.
Related Post: 7 Best Affiliate Programs for New Bloggers in 2025
2. Sell Digital Products
Digital products allow you to monetize your knowledge directly. If you have skills or expertise, you can create products that your audience will pay for.
Types of Digital Products
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eBooks: Teach a skill or solve a problem.
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Printables: Planners, worksheets, templates.
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Online Courses: Video or text-based learning materials.
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Worksheets & Checklists: Helpful for goal-setting or skill-building.
Why Digital Products Are Ideal
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Create once, sell forever
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No inventory or shipping costs
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High profit margins
Tools to Sell Digital Products
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Gumroad: Easy setup for digital downloads.
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Payhip: Simple eCommerce platform for digital products.
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Etsy: Perfect for printables and templates.
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Teachable: Create online courses and manage students.
Example: If your blog is about productivity, create a “30-Day Productivity Planner” printable or an eBook on time management.
3. Offer Freelance Services
Many bloggers turn their blogs into portfolios to promote freelance services. If you have skills like writing, design, or SEO, your blog is the perfect platform to attract clients.
Common Blog-Based Services
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Blog writing and copywriting
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Graphic design (logos, Pinterest pins, social media covers)
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Website setup and customization (WordPress, Blogger, Shopify)
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Virtual assistance and social media management
How to Get Started
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Create a “Hire Me” page on your blog.
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List your services clearly with pricing or packages.
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Include testimonials or sample work if available.
Example: A blog about digital marketing could offer social media management or SEO content writing services to readers looking to grow their online presence.
4. Sponsored Posts and Brand Collaborations
Once your blog starts attracting traffic, even if modest, you can partner with brands for sponsored content. Brands are willing to pay bloggers to promote products or services.
Types of Sponsored Collaborations
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Sponsored blog posts
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Product reviews
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Giveaways
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Social media shout-outs (if your blog is connected to Instagram, Pinterest, or TikTok)
How to Start
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Reach out to small brands in your niche.
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Join influencer platforms like:
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Intellifluence
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Collabor8
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TapInfluence
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Example: A travel blogger might partner with luggage brands, hotels, or travel apps to create sponsored content.
Tip: Always disclose sponsored posts to maintain trust with your audience.
5. Build an Email List and Promote Offers
Email marketing is one of the most effective long-term strategies to monetize a blog. An email list allows you to reach your audience directly.
Benefits of Email Marketing
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Promote new blog content
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Share affiliate products or offers
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Launch digital products or courses
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Build trust and long-term relationships
How to Get Started
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Offer a lead magnet like a checklist, mini eBook, or free guide.
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Use free or low-cost email tools:
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MailerLite (free up to 1,000 subscribers)
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ConvertKit
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Beehiiv
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Add signup forms in your blog sidebar, popups, or within posts.
Example: A blogging tips blog could offer a “7-Day Blog Traffic Challenge” checklist to grow email subscribers.
Related Post: How to Use Email Marketing to Grow Blog Traffic and Income
6. Create a Membership or Exclusive Content
Another monetization method is offering premium content behind a paywall. This works well if your blog delivers niche-focused, valuable content.
Types of Paid Content
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Paid email newsletter
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Exclusive tutorials or guides
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Private community or forum access
Platforms to Set Up Memberships
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Ko-fi: Accept small donations or memberships.
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Buy Me a Coffee: Simple setup for supporters.
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Patreon: Ideal for recurring subscriptions.
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Substack: Best for newsletters and content subscriptions.
Example: A cooking blog could offer a members-only recipe library or live cooking sessions.
7. Sell Your Own Services or Coaching
If you have expertise in a specific topic, offering coaching or consultation is a high-value monetization strategy.
How It Works
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You provide 1-on-1 coaching or group sessions.
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Can cover topics like blogging, digital marketing, budgeting, or parenting.
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Use Zoom, Calendly, and PayPal to schedule and receive payments.
Promotion Strategies
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Blog sidebar or dedicated “Services” page
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Email newsletter campaigns
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Blog posts showcasing your expertise
Example: A blogging expert could offer a “30-Minute Blog Audit” service to help new bloggers optimize their websites.
Bonus: Use Pinterest to Drive Traffic (and Monetize Faster)
No matter which monetization strategy you choose, traffic is essential. Pinterest is a goldmine for bloggers, especially beginners.
Why Pinterest Works
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Pins act as long-term content that drives traffic for months.
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You don’t need a large social following.
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Pinterest is a visual search engine, perfect for niche blogs.
Example: A productivity blogger can create vertical pins linking to “Top 10 Productivity Tools” or “Printable Planners” to drive readers directly to their monetized content.
Related Post: How to Use Pinterest to Drive Blog Traffic
Conclusion
Google AdSense is just one of many ways to make money from blogging. In fact, many bloggers earn more without it by diversifying income streams.
Recap: 7 Ways to Monetize Without AdSense
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Affiliate marketing
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Selling digital products
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Freelancing services
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Sponsored content and brand collaborations
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Email marketing
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Paid memberships or exclusive content
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Coaching or consultation
Tips for Success
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Pick one or two strategies that match your niche and skills.
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Focus on providing real value to your audience.
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Be consistent; blogging is a long-term game, but it pays off.
Ready to Get Started?
Check out our post: How to Write Blog Posts That Rank on Google to create content that attracts traffic and income opportunities.
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