Starting a blog is a great way to connect with people, start a small business and share your ideas. This presentation discusses some of the strategies bloggers use to monetize their websites. These strategies were designed with WordPress.com users in mind, but other bloggers may also find them useful. This presentation accompanied a talk I gave at a WordPress Memphis meetup.

1. Monetizing Your Blog
Shannon Rock
January 31, 2017

2. You have a steady and growing
amount of traffic
You use social media to your
advantage
You automate your earnings
You develop a sustained, authentic
relationshipwith your readers
Earning the Most from Your Blog

3. Monetizing Your Blog
Earn a commission based on
sales, clicks, sign-ups or other
metrics.
Audience reception may vary
depending on mix of products
recommended.
Referral Links
Earn money from companies for
featuring specific products.
Some readers may be alienated
depending on frequency,
engendered goodwill and
transparency.
Sponsored Posts
Earn approximately $1/ 1000
impressions. Easy to
implement.
May be perceived negatively by
viewers as being Intrusive or
creating clutter.
Ads
Create and sell your own
products such as books, music,
or services.
Initial investment costs may be
high.
Selling Your Own Products
Different
Ways to
EARN

4. Using Ads to Monetize Your Blog
Monetizing
Your Blog
Step Description
Traffic
WordPress.com indicates that
thousands of monthly views are required
to qualify for ad revenue.
Register
WordPress requires that your domain be
registered. Free,
[example].wordpress.com domains are
not eligible to earn ad revenue.
Apply
Go to http://wordads.co/signup/ and
apply.
Earn
WordPress will pay all earnings monthly,
provided that they exceed $100.
Earnings that do not exceed $100 will be
carried forward to the following month.

5. Using Referral Links to Monetize Your Blog
Monetizing
Your Blog
Step Description
Research
Decide which types of referral links
and affiliate programs fit your
blog’s theme.
Apply
Insert links by yourself or use
plugins like EasyAzon to do it.
Comply
Ensure that you comply with FTC
regulations that indicate that you
must disclose affiliate links on your
blog.
Earn
Some pay average commissions
between 2% and 10% on sales,
others pay per click.

6. Using Sponsored Posts to Monetize Your Blog
Step Description
Traffic
Drive as much traffic to your blog
as possible.
Apply
Reach out to companies that sell
products related to your blog.
Earn
Get paid to feature and review
their products on your blog.
Monetizing
Your Blog

7. Selling Your Own Products to Monetize Your Blog
Step Description
Plan
Decide what you will sell. Some bloggers
sell self-published books or music, while
others sell consulting services.
Organize Your
Blog Around Your
Product
Talk about your subject of expertise. If
you’re selling art, talk about trends or
other artists. Make sure you’re audience
knows what makes your products unique.
Earn
Set up PayPal. For instructions, visit:
http://en.support.wordpress.com/paypal/vi
ew-all/ WordPress allows users to accept
payments for products, and even solicit
tips or donations on their sites.
Monetizing
Your Blog

8. Thank You
www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-rock