Introduction
Blogging is often misunderstood. Many people think it’s dead — but in reality, blogging is one of the most profitable online businesses in 2026 when done correctly.
This article explains how blogs actually make money, how much traffic you need, and what monetization methods work best today.
How Blogs Make Money
Blogs generate income by monetizing attention, not products.
Main monetization methods:
- Display ads
- Affiliate marketing
- Sponsored content
- Digital products
Most successful blogs use multiple income streams.
1. Display Ads (Most Beginner-Friendly)
Display ads pay you based on traffic.
Popular ad networks:
- Google AdSense
- Ezoic
- Mediavine (advanced)
Typical RPM (Revenue per 1,000 visits):
- Beginners: $2–$5
- Optimized sites: $8–$20+
2. Affiliate Marketing
You earn commissions when readers buy through your links.
High-paying niches:
- Finance
- Software
- Hosting & SaaS
- Education
Affiliate income scales with trust and content quality.
3. Sponsored Posts
Brands pay you to feature their products.
Best for blogs with:
- Authority
- Consistent traffic
- Niche audience
4. Digital Products
Create once, sell repeatedly.
Examples:
- Ebooks
- Notion templates
- Courses
Highest profit margins.
How Much Traffic Do You Need?
Here’s a realistic breakdown:
| Monthly Traffic | Estimated Income |
|---|---|
| 10,000 | $20–$100 |
| 25,000 | $75–$300 |
| 50,000 | $200–$700 |
| 100,000 | $500–$2,000 |
How Long Does It Take to Make Money Blogging?
- 1–3 months: Foundation
- 3–6 months: First income
- 6–12 months: Scalable income
Consistency beats speed.
Conclusion
Blogging is not passive at the start, but it becomes one of the most stable online income streams over time.
If you focus on SEO-driven content, blogging can generate income for years.