Blogging is an attractive and creative outlet for sharing your unique perspective. Besides adding value to your audience, blogging helps you turn your passion into income through several monetization methods.
Blogging is an attractive and creative outlet for sharing your unique perspective. Besides adding value to your audience, blogging helps you turn your passion into income through several monetization methods.
In this post, you’ll learn how to monetize a blog and see examples of the most popular (and lucrative) types of blogs that will inspire you to get started with your own blog.
What blogs do people want to read?
19 Types of Blogs That Make Money
How do blogs make money?
Like any labor of love, blogging is still labor. The good news is that there are several ways to make money from that labor, including:
- Advertising. Advertising networks such as Google AdSense will pay to show ads to your visitors. You get paid a commission for the clicks you earn.
- Affiliate Marketing. You can get paid to promote products to your audience by joining an affiliate program like Amazon Associates. You earn a commission from sales generated by your blog.
- Lead or Demand Generation. You can use your blog to promote your business, whether you provide a service, run an e-commerce store, sell digital products such as online courses, or run a subscription/ content model for exclusive content.
Remember that none of these work if you don’t first create valuable content that attracts an audience. The last thing you need is to make your blog a billboard in the middle of a desert.
With that said, there are some popular niches that do really well with blog monetization when implemented effectively.
What blogs do people actually want to read?
Before you start planning how to monetize your blog and start making future purchases, you need to understand what types of content people actually want to consume. So, what do people like to read during their time online?
In a HubSpot poll of 298 consumers, we found that 32.9% of readers check out blogs between one and four times per month. The next largest group, at 18.8%, read blog posts one to three times a week.
Only 12.1% of people never read blogs. So, the good news? People both crave and click on blog content.
We also asked our respondents what types of blog content they prefer to read. Step-by-step guides and DIY tips topped the list, with 17.8% of respondents saying they read this content.
Recipes and cooking tips were next at 17.4%. Demos/tutorials and interview-driven posts tied for third with 12.1%.
Now that we know the format let’s explore the subject matter. We asked the top three topics people like to consume content about. Our top three categories follow:
- Entertainment, music, or movies (36.6%).
- Non-fiction storytelling or journalistic stories (28.5%).
- Fictional storytelling (24.2%).
Now, let’s dive into the types of blogs that make money.
1. Fashion Blogs
In these blogs, readers can find posts like fashion obsessions, back-to-school looks, makeup tutorials, and more. A common practice is to include sponsorships, like the one shown below with Vooray.
The two brands collaborated on a gym bag, releasing it on the LSF blog and website:
With brand partnerships, companies seek heavy hitters in their industry and offer the brand the ability to design a product exclusively for base pay and a percentage of the profits.
And, while this happens a lot in the beauty industry, it’s definitely not an industry-specific idea.
2. Food Blogs
As a self-proclaimed foodie, food blogs are my favorite type of blog. They usually follow a similar content format of categorically-organized recipes. Some have videos to pair with those recipes, as well as social media channels that all connect to the blog.
Above is an example of one of my favorite food blogs, Minimalist Baker. Note how the title of the post contains information that might pull a foodie in — “5 minutes” and “plant-based.”
This recipe will appeal to anyone who searches for easy, no-fuss cooking.
Minimalist Baker provides this value to attract readers, and they use affiliate links to monetize their blog.
3. Sports Blogs
Sports blogs exist for every type of sport imaginable — even squash.
If you have a passion for athletics and love writing, this may be the perfect intersection for you. From covering games to giving player insights, sports blogs are an important source for fans to catch up on what they missed.
Like this screengrab from ESPN, sports blogs also report on news in the industry — these two stories are about the Super Bowl.
So, if you’re thinking about doing a sports blog, you have options: focus on a specific sport or take a more holistic approach, like ESPN.
ESPN uses its website and blog as companions for its media presence to attract and retain viewers, but other sports blogs use banner advertising to monetize their traffic.
4. Travel Blogs
If you love to go on trips and capture the moments, a travel blog might be right up your alley. There‘s something about travel blogs that are relaxing, like the sight of gorgeous destinations.
That’s why, if you’re thinking of launching a travel blog, you might want to invest in a nice camera.
For instance, look at this vibrant, colorful photo of the Charles River. (I‘m probably a little biased, considering I live in Boston and commute across this river daily).
To rank highly on the SERPs, you’ll need high-quality images to compel travel enthusiasts to view your posts.
Travel blogs can use several avenues to generate income. Most commonly seen are banner ads, native ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate links for products such as suitcases or airline tickets.
5. Lifestyle Blogs
Lifestyle blogs are probably the most versatile of blog types. Aptly named, these blogs are about a person’s life. They cover what the blogger likes to do, where they eat, shop, etc. Think of these blogs as a website for influencers.
Check out this lifestyle blog, Wit and Delight, as an example:
Several influencers use blogs to market themselves and build a more solid following. Often, businesses will look for an influencers‘ blog or website to learn more about them, as well as contact them for a partnership.
If you’re interested in becoming an influencer or simply want to share more of your life with friends and family, this might be the right blog for you.
You can monetize a lifestyle blog with affiliate links, native ads, and sponsored posts. Banner ads for ad networks also work well here.
6. Parenting Blogs
Parenting blogs usually give advice and share relatable stories that parents or expecting parents can learn from.
These blogs can be a great resource for repurposing your content into other formats, like videos. Plenty of parenting blogs have added a YouTube channel to keep their content fresh, expanding them into new target markets.
For instance, Happily Eva After, the parenting blog shown above, now has a thriving YouTube channel with over 5,000 subscribers.
Parenting comes with a lot of opportunities for product purchases, so the monetization prospects are limitless.
7. Gaming Blogs
Gaming has turned into an industry that now typically happens online. Between downloadable content (DLCs) and games that depend on an internet connection, it‘s hard to be a gamer if you’re not online.
Because of that, gaming blogs are extremely popular.
From game announcements to corporate sponsorships, gaming blogs can go a couple of different ways. They can include game reviews, walkthroughs, cheat codes, or content codes.
Since gaming YouTube channels attract a lot of fans, this type of blog can also grow into a YouTube channel of its own.
Additionally, it’s a pleasant space for gamers to connect with each other, especially if you create opportunities for your readers to engage (like in the comments section of your blog).
You can monetize the blog with banner ads, or you can use the blog to drive demand for streaming channels where more views mean more money.
8. B2B/Marketing Blogs
HubSpot, this blog you’re currently reading, is an example of a website in the B2B/Marketing category. Because we offer marketing products as part of our CRM platform, we use our blog to help millions grow better.
Creating content for our audience helps us provide value, gain trust, and build industry authority. This makes us gain mindshare from our audience.
I want to make it clear that marketing isn‘t the only industry represented by B2B blogs. Instead, it’s more of an example of the type of B2B blogs you can find out there.
For more information about B2B marketing and how a blog looks in this industry, check out our ultimate guide here.
9. Health and Fitness Blogs
You may have heard of “Fitstagrams” (Instagram accounts dedicated to fitness journeys), but fitness blogs are also a dime and a dozen.
These blogs recommend workout tips, healthy recipes, and sometimes offer full workout plans in a “How-to” format, like this post from Nerd Fitness.
Fitness blogs can be a great companion to those who want to live healthy, not just working out.
Readers might be interested in perfecting their fitness routine, finding new ways to make healthy eating exciting, or looking for motivation to stick to their fitness lifestyle.
10. Technology and Gadget Blogs
If gadget reviews, software tutorials, or PC troubleshooting interest you, then you should absolutely create a tech blog. Technology blogs are trendy because people want to learn new information about smartphones, computers, and apps.
The emergence of AI also means there is no shortage of content to cover for tech websites.
11. Personal Finance Blogs
Making money may be easy for some people, but managing it is a different ball game. That’s why they turn to personal finance blogs to learn how to handle their money better.
If this is your superpower, many people will appreciate it once you share your finance knowledge and experience on your blog.
Personal finance blogs provide helpful tips on topics such as budgeting, saving, investing, and getting out of debt. They also cover frugal living, retirement planning, insurance, financial independence, and tax strategies.
12. DIY blogs
People are always searching for ways to beautify their environment whilst saving costs. Enter DIY blogs. It’s a great niche for anyone who enjoys getting their hands dirty.
DIY blogs provide step-by-step guides and tutorials for projects like home remodeling, crafts, and gardening. A great example is Remodelaholic. The site averages 329,000 monthly visits.
As a DIY blogger, you can make money through display ads, sponsored content, affiliate marketing, and consultations.
In addition, many DIY bloggers create and sell their own products, such as home decor items and printable templates, to generate extra income.
13. “Make Money Online” Blogs
Other blogging niches may come and go, but the “make money online” niche will remain evergreen. The reason isn’t far-fetched — people want to earn passive income and gain financial freedom.
If you plan to start a blog in this niche, you can cover topics like freelancing, affiliate marketing, passive income strategies, stocks, and more.
But considering how saturated this niche is, generic advice won’t cut it. To be successful, you have to offer unique insights, practical tips, and case studies to help your audience generate income online.
14. Self-Care and Personal Development Blogs
Recently, there has been a huge spike in mental health awareness, which has fueled interest in self-care and personal development blogs.
People want to improve their overall well-being, manage stress, and develop a positive mindset and healthy habits. This is where experts like therapists, psychologists, or counselors truly shine by sharing content that fulfills this need.
Selling digital products, offering online courses, providing coaching sessions, and recommending affiliate products are a few ways to earn money from your self-care blog.
15. Dating and Relationship Blogs
What does a healthy relationship look like? How do I find the perfect partner? How do I make a long-distance relationship work? These are some queries people type in Google about dating & relationships.
If you’re a relationship expert or maybe offering dating advice is your thing, consider creating a blog that answers these questions.
Infusing your personal stories will make your blog more exciting and make you an authority because people want to hear from someone who has experienced their struggles.
Topics you can cover include breakups, dating tips, healthy marriage, communication strategies, conflict resolution, and compatibility.
After building a strong reader base, monetize your blog by offering coaching services, online courses, and e-books on dating and relationships.
In addition, sponsored posts, banner ads, and affiliate marketing are alternative ways to bring in extra income.
16. Pet Care Blogs
According to the 2023-2024 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, 66% of U.S. households own a pet. That’s about 86.9 million households who may be constantly looking for tips to keep their furry little friends happy and healthy.
Most pet care blogs cover a wide range of topics, such as nutrition, grooming tips, training advice, health and wellness, and product reviews.
However, sharing personal experiences about how you care for your pet is enough to start building an online audience.
For monetizing your pet care blog, consider sponsored content from pet brands, affiliate marketing for pet products, display advertising, and even creating and selling your own pet-related products.
17. Career and Employment Blogs
Going from college into the labor market isn’t easy for many fresh graduates. That’s why they rely on career and employment blogs for tips and advice on resume creation, interview preparation, and networking.
But you don’t have to be an HR manager to start a blog in this niche. All it requires is sharing experiences that have helped you build a successful career.
This will help your audience to understand their career goals, navigate the job market, and boost their employment prospect.
With a loyal following, monetizing your blog becomes easy.
You can make money from selling courses or ebooks, resume writing, or interview coaching sessions. Also, you can earn extra income from affiliate sales, paid webinars, display ads, and partnerships.
18. Entertainment Blogs
Where do you go to get the hottest gist about your favorite celeb? You guessed right! Entertainment blogs.
From music, movies, and TV shows to celebrity news, sports, and fashion, there’s always an audience ready to catch up on the latest happenings in the entertainment industry.
If you’re a pop culture enthusiast or have an inside scoop on the entertainment industry, entertainment blogging is an excellent way to turn your passion into profit.
Make money through banner ads, merchandise sales, sponsorships, paid partnerships, and premium subscriber content.
Also, using affiliate links to sell movie tickets, music, or video streaming subscriptions is a great way to monetize an entertainment blog.
19. Real Estate Blogs
The real estate industry is highly lucrative for folks who have the right knowledge. Those who don’t have to turn to real estate blogs to gain information before buying, selling, or investing in properties.
Most blogs cater to homeowners, real estate investors, agents, appraisers, and brokers. They cover market trends, home buying or selling tips, investment strategies, renovations, property management, and tax laws.
This is not an expansive list. If you have an idea, see what can come of it. The good thing about blogs is that you can take it wherever you want, and if the content is compelling for a certain readership, money and notoriety come after.
Here are some examples of high-grossing blogs and their categories.
Popular Blog Examples
1. Love Sweat Fitness
Love Sweat Fitness is a fitness blog started by Katie Dunlap. This expansive fitness blog offers content ranging from workouts to healthy recipes, and more.
The blog pulls in over 3,500 organic (search) visits per month, and Katie uses her content to promote different products in her e-commerce store.
2. Grammarly
The Grammarly blog offers writing tips, articles on grammar, and even advice for writing projects such as resumes, professional communication, and thesis.
Their mission is “to improve lives by improving communication,” and their helpful content generates over 32 million organic visits per month.
They use the brand awareness generated by this visibility to promote their grammar app and extension, which has a free and premium (paid) version.
3. PC Gamer
PC Gamer is a blog that provides reviews, demos, and news updates on gaming and gamer tech. Their content generates over 3.8 million organic visits per month, and they monetize this traffic with affiliate links.
For example, this is a post about the best personal computers to buy for gaming, updated for 2023. The post brings readers suggestions about which computers are best for PC gaming, and nearly every product has an Amazon link.
Every time a user clicks on the Amazon link, the website earns a profit, as well as Amazon, which is one way the website can fund its expansive listicles.
4. Apartment Therapy
Apartment Therapy is a lifestyle blog that discusses interior design and home living topics. They cover everything from trendy furniture to cleaning hacks and even money matters.
This blog generates over 2.5 million organic visits per month. It monetizes this traffic with sponsored posts (like the one below), banner ads, and affiliate links.
5. PS I’m on my way
PS I‘m on my way is a travel blog run by Trisha Velarmino as she travels the world and learns about other cultures.
Her content earns over 45,100 organic visits per month (and more from social media), and she’s been featured on publications like Cosmo and Tripadvisor. She monetizes her blog by offering travel coaching services and digital courses.
In addition, the sidebar on her blog includes banner ads.
6. Lauren Conrad
This lifestyle and fashion blog primarily reports on trends and product launches, bringing in over 142,000 organic visits per month. Lauren Conrad is considered an influencer, and this status helps her earn partnerships to monetize her content.
7. NerdWallet
NerdWallet is an app for comparing credit cards and making smart money moves. Their whole business model revolves around their content, which drives over 21.2 million organic visits per month to their website.
Their app is free, but they make money from affiliate partnerships with lending institutions and credit card companies.
8. Rookie Moms
Rookie Moms is a blog championing #MomLife and discussing all topics/issues related to parenting.
Their blog is a powerhouse that brings in over 32,000 organic visits per month and generates income from banner ads and affiliate product links.
9. CNET
CNET is a tech blog that has built a reputation as the go-to website for tech gadget reviews, latest trends, and how-to tutorials.
The site attracts 42 million visitors every month and monetizes its blog by promoting tech companies’ products through affiliate links. Other tech blogs make money through sponsored content, affiliate marketing, and banner advertising.
10. The Balance
The Balance is a brilliant example of a popular personal finance blog with over 52,000 monthly visits.
They monetize their blog through display advertising and affiliate sales. Other ways to generate income as a personal finance blogger include sponsored posts and sales of digital products, such as e-books or courses.
11. Smart Passive Income
Founded by Pat Flynn, the Smart Passive Income blog is a prime example of a successful ‘make money online’ blog.
SPI teaches its audience how to make money through affiliate marketing and online courses, garnering over 217,000 monthly visitors. He also runs a podcast and YouTube channel, allowing him to expand his audience.
Pat generates his income by selling online courses, e-books, and membership access. You can also monetize your make-money-online blog through sponsored content, affiliate links, display ads, and coaching services.
12. HousingWire
HousingWire is an excellent example of a real estate blog that provides helpful content. This site attracts over 429,000 monthly visitors.
As a realtor with plenty of hands-on experience, consider starting a blog to provide expert industry advice and insights.
It will help you attract a loyal audience and bring in revenue from consultations and commissions on property sales.
You can also make money through affiliate marketing, selling e-books, and partnering with real estate companies for sponsored posts.
If you have passion to share and an audience ready to receive your insight, monetizing is definitely on the table once you start generating real interest.
The hard part is getting started and creating the value that will get people to come. With a content management system and some elbow grease, you’ll be well on your way.
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in April 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.
