4 Easy Ways to Monetize Your Blog

Monetizing your blog means that you’re looking for ways to start to earn some money from all of your blogging efforts. Going overboard with monetization can turn away readers and damage your integrity as a blogger. However, the best kind of job is the job you love, so there is no shame in wanting to make money from maintaining a blog all about your favorite subject. Here are 4 easy ways to get started. For even more ideas, check out 101 Ways to Monetize Your Blog.

Affiliate Networks: Affiliate networks such as Commission Junction, ConnectCommerce, Linkshare, ShareASale, etc. offer opportunities to do business with major retailers. Some programs require you to apply, other programs you’re in from the get-go, but either way you can become an affiliate of a major retailer (e.g. Amazon.com, Ebay.com, Overstock.com). Once you’re an affiliate, you can run banner or link advertising. When someone clicks on a link and makes a purchase, you get a small commission.

Advertising Networks: There are several established advertising networks that you can sign contracts with, and they will take your advertising inventory, sell it as part of their network, and then ads will run on your site. Advertising networks take large cuts of the revenue, but this is just an easy way to monetize your blog without having to sell your own ad space.

Participate in Google AdSense: Sometimes you’re not ready for an advertising network, and Google AdSense is one of the easiest ways to start running some advertising and see what kind of money you can make. It’s easy to sign up for, even easier to run, and you can track your earnings daily using your Gmail account.

Sell your own ad space: It doesn’t have to be for huge amounts of money, and you don’t have to be an agressive salesperson. Assuming that you have access to your site's html code, put up a dummy ad that says “Ad Space Available” or “Your Ad Here,” set your rates, and wait for someone to inquire.