What is the Best Blogging Platform to Make Money?
What is the best blogging platform to make money? Here are the top 8 and my personal favorite, plus 15 monetization options to start making money online.
Blogging has become more than just a hobby; it’s a lucrative career choice for many. With a plethora of blogging platforms available, finding the best one to make money can be a daunting task.
In this article, we are sharing 8 top blogging platforms, and 15 monetization networks. Whether you’re a seasoned blogger or just starting out, this guide will help you make an informed decision when starting your blog.
…
1. WordPress.org – my personal favorite!
WordPress.org is the gold standard when it comes to blogging platforms. It is an open-source content management system (CMS) that offers unparalleled flexibility and control over your blog. With thousands of free and premium themes, a vast library of plugins, and full ownership of your content, WordPress.org is a top choice for bloggers aiming to make money.
Monetization Options:
- Advertisements: You can easily integrate ad networks like Google AdSense, Media.net, or sell ad space directly.
- Affiliate Marketing: Promote products and services through affiliate links for commissions.
- E-commerce: Set up an online store using plugins like WooCommerce.
- Membership Sites: Restrict content for subscribers and charge for access.
- Donations: Accept donations through platforms like Patreon.
- Sponsored Content: Partner with brands for sponsored posts.
…
2. WordPress.com
WordPress.com is a hosted version of WordPress, which is beginner-friendly and suitable for those who don’t want to deal with the technical aspects of self-hosted WordPress. While it has limitations compared to WordPress.org, it’s a good choice for bloggers who are looking for a simplified platform to start earning.
Monetization Options:
- Ad Revenue Sharing: Earn money through WordAds, WordPress.com’s advertising program.
- Premium Content: Lock certain posts or pages for paid subscribers.
- E-commerce: Sell products using the built-in Simple Payments feature.
…
3. Blogger
Blogger, owned by Google, is a user-friendly blogging platform that’s great for beginners. It offers an easy setup and a straightforward interface. While it might not have as many features as WordPress, it’s a free platform that can help you get started with your blogging journey.
Monetization Options:
- Google AdSense: Easily integrate ads and generate revenue.
- Affiliate Marketing: Promote products and earn commissions.
- Sponsored Posts: Collaborate with brands for sponsored content.
…
4. Wix
Wix is a website builder that offers both blogging and e-commerce capabilities. It’s known for its user-friendly drag-and-drop interface and stunning templates. Wix provides various monetization options for bloggers and entrepreneurs.
Monetization Options:
- Advertisements: Integrate Google AdSense or other ad networks.
- E-commerce: Create an online store and sell products or services.
- Sponsored Content: Collaborate with brands for sponsored posts.
- Affiliate Marketing: Promote products and earn commissions.
…
5. Squarespace
Squarespace is a premium website builder with a strong emphasis on design. It’s an ideal choice for bloggers who want a visually appealing website without the technical complexities. While Squarespace might be a bit more expensive, it offers various tools for monetization.
Monetization Options:
- E-commerce: Set up an online store and sell products.
- Member Areas: Charge for premium content with password-protected member areas.
- Digital Products: Sell e-books, courses, or other digital products.
- Affiliate Marketing: Promote products and earn commissions.
- Sponsored Content: Collaborate with brands for sponsored posts.
…
6. Medium
Medium is a unique platform that allows writers to focus solely on content creation without worrying about website design or technical issues. It offers an opportunity to reach a wide audience and earn money through the Medium Partner Program.
Monetization Options:
- Medium Partner Program: Earn money based on the engagement and reading time your stories receive. Subscribers can access your exclusive content.
- Importing Substack: Import your Substack content to Medium and monetize your newsletter.
…
7. Substack
Substack is a platform specifically designed for email newsletters. While it may not be a traditional blogging platform, it’s an excellent choice for writers who want to build a paid newsletter subscription model.
Monetization Options:
- Paid Subscriptions: Charge subscribers a monthly or annual fee to access your newsletter content.
- Free and Paid Content: Offer a mix of free and premium content to attract a broader audience.
…
8. Ghost
Ghost is a modern open-source CMS and blogging platform designed for bloggers, journalists, and content creators. It focuses on simplicity and performance, making it a popular choice for those who want a distraction-free writing experience.
Monetization Options:
- Membership Subscriptions: Create premium content accessible to subscribers.
- Newsletters: Use Ghost’s built-in email newsletter features to grow your audience and monetize your content.
- E-commerce: Sell products and merchandise with the integrated Ghost Shop.
…
How to Monetize a Blog – 15 Networks
Blogging has evolved beyond being just a hobby or a form of self-expression; it’s a powerful way to generate income. Monetizing your blog can be a smart financial move, and there are numerous networks and methods to help you achieve this goal.
If you are wondering how to monetize a blog, below are 15 networks that can help you turn your blog into a profitable cash cow.
…
1. Google AdSense
Google AdSense is a widely used advertising network that allows bloggers to display targeted ads on their websites. It’s relatively easy to set up and provides a steady income stream based on the number of clicks or impressions your ads receive.
…
2. Media.net
Media.net is an alternative to AdSense and is known for its contextual advertising, which matches ads to your content. It’s an excellent choice for bloggers looking to maximize their ad revenue.
…
3. Amazon Associates
The Amazon Associates program enables bloggers to promote and earn commissions on Amazon products. By adding affiliate links to your content, you can receive a percentage of each sale generated through your blog.
…
4. ShareASale
ShareASale is an affiliate marketing network that connects bloggers with a wide range of merchants and products. It’s a one-stop shop for finding affiliate programs across various niches.
…
5. CJ Affiliate (formerly Commission Junction)
CJ Affiliate is another renowned affiliate marketing network that offers a vast selection of affiliate programs from different companies. It provides powerful tracking tools to help you optimize your campaigns.
…
6. Rakuten Advertising
Rakuten Advertising, formerly known as Rakuten Marketing, is a global affiliate network with a comprehensive list of advertisers. You can find affiliate programs from well-known brands and access promotional materials for your blog.
…
7. ClickBank
ClickBank is an affiliate network primarily focused on digital products such as e-books, online courses, and software. Bloggers can promote these products and earn significant commissions.
…
8. AdThrive
AdThrive is an ad management platform that specializes in optimizing display ads on your blog for higher revenue. They work with premium ad networks and handle all the technical aspects of ad placement and optimization.
…
9. Mediavine
Mediavine is another premium ad management network that focuses on maximizing ad revenue for bloggers. It offers high-quality ad placements and excellent customer support.
…
10. Ezoic
Ezoic is a platform that helps bloggers and website owners optimize their ad revenue through artificial intelligence. It conducts tests to find the best ad placements and formats for your audience.
…
11. BuySellAds
BuySellAds is a marketplace where bloggers can directly sell ad space on their websites. This network is suitable for blogs with high traffic and engaged audiences.
…
12. Skimlinks
Skimlinks is an affiliate marketing network that automatically converts regular links on your blog into affiliate links. It’s a convenient way to monetize your content without manually inserting affiliate links.
…
13. Sovrn //Commerce (formerly VigLink)
Sovrn //Commerce is another automatic affiliate network that transforms your regular links into affiliate links. It’s a simple way to earn commissions from your existing content.
…
14. Awin
Awin is a global affiliate marketing network that connects bloggers with a diverse range of advertisers worldwide. It offers advanced reporting and tracking features to help you monitor your performance.
…
15. Monumetric
Monumetric specializes in premium ad management and optimization for mid-sized blogs. It provides access to high-quality ad networks and offers various strategies to boost ad revenue.
…
Conclusion
Choosing the right blogging platform is a critical decision on your path to making money through blogging. Each platform has its own set of features, strengths, and limitations, so it’s essential to consider your goals, technical expertise, and budget.
Whether you prefer the flexibility of WordPress, the user-friendliness of Wix and Squarespace, or the simplicity of Medium and Substack, there’s a platform that can cater to your needs.
Remember that blogging success isn’t solely dependent on your platform. High-quality content, consistent engagement with your audience, and effective marketing strategies are equally important.
So, choose the platform that aligns with your vision and put your best efforts into creating valuable and engaging content. Over time, your dedication and hard work can lead to a rewarding and profitable blogging career.
Ready to take your blog/ website to the next level? Download our Blog Secrets 101 tutorial filled with website traffic strategies, methods, tips and free resources.
