Let’s cut to the chase: Can you really get rich by writing blog posts? The short answer is yes, but it’s not as simple as slapping words on a page and waiting for cash to rain down. Blogging is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about strategy, consistency, and understanding the game.
I’ve dug into the data, talked to experts, and even stalked a few millionaire bloggers (digitally, of course) to break down how this works. Let’s dive in.
Do People Still Read Blogs?
First things first: Is blogging even relevant anymore? With TikTok dances and Instagram reels dominating our screens, you might wonder if anyone still reads blogs. Surprise—77% of internet users read blogs regularly, according to HubSpot. Blogs aren’t dead; they’ve evolved.
Here’s why:
- Blogs drive 55% more website traffic for businesses compared to social media.
- Long-form content (like detailed guides or reviews) ranks better on Google, making blogs a SEO powerhouse.
- Readers trust blogs for deep dives. Think of them as the “slow food” of content—substance over flash.
So yes, people do read blogs. But to make money, you need to write the right blogs, for the right audience, in the right places.
How Do You Start a Blog?
Starting a blog is like planting a tree: simple in theory, but it needs care to grow. Here’s the step-by-step:
- Pick Your Niche
Your niche is your blog’s DNA. It should be specific enough to stand out but broad enough to attract an audience. For example, instead of “fitness,” try “vegan meal plans for marathon runners.”- Profitability matters: Finance, tech, and health niches dominate earnings. Adam Enfroy, who made $1.5M in two years, swears by focusing on “high-value” niches.
- Passion + Skill: If you hate keto diets, don’t write about them. Burnout is real.
- Choose a Platform
Free platforms like Medium or LinkedIn are great for testing ideas. But to own your content (and income), go self-hosted:- WordPress.org: The gold standard. Flexible, but requires tech setup.Wix/Squarespace: Drag-and-drop ease for non-coders.Shopify: Ideal if you plan to sell products.
- Create Killer Content
Quality trumps quantity, but consistency is key. Aim for posts that:- Solve a problem (“How to Fix a Leaky Faucet in 5 Minutes”).
- Answer questions (“Is Crypto Dead in 2024?”).
- Tell stories (“How I Made $10K in a Month Blogging”).
Where Do People Post Blogs?
Your blog’s home base matters, but don’t ignore “satellite” platforms:
- Your Own Website
The holy grail. You control the content, design, and revenue streams. - Medium/Substack
Perfect for building an audience fast. Medium’s Partner Program pays writers based on reading time, while Substack lets you monetize newsletters. - LinkedIn Articles
Ideal for B2B or career-focused content. CEOs and recruiters hang here. - Guest Posting
Write for established sites like Forbes or niche blogs. It’s free exposure and backlinks (which boost SEO).
The Money Talk: How Much Can You Really Make?
Let’s get real. Blogging income ranges from “coffee money” to “private jet money,” depending on your hustle.
| Blogger Level | Monthly Earnings | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner (0-1 year) | 500−500−2,000 | Traffic growth, affiliate experiments |
| Intermediate (1-3 years) | 2k−2k−10k | Email list building, product launches |
| Pro (3+ years) | 10k−10k−50k+ | Scaling ads, courses, memberships |
- Ryan Robinson earns $30k/month teaching blogging.
- Adam Enfroy hit $1.5M/year by reviewing software.
- The Hustle (a newsletter/blog) sold for $27 million.
But here’s the catch: top earners treat blogging like a business. They invest in SEO, email marketing, and product development.
5 Ways to Monetize Your Blog (Beyond Ads)
- Affiliate Marketing
Promote products you love and earn a cut (e.g., 5-30%) of sales. Example: Amazon Associates. - Digital Products
Sell eBooks, courses, or templates. Pat Flynn made $2M+ from online courses. - Membership Communities
Charge for exclusive content. The Skimm built a $100M empire this way. - Sponsored Posts
Brands pay 500−500−5,000+ for a mention. Use platforms like AspireIQ to land deals. - Coaching/Services
Offer consulting or freelance writing.
The Hard Truths About Getting Rich Blogging
- It’s Not Passive Income
Even “passive” income streams require upkeep. Google algorithm updates, broken links, and audience demands never stop. - Volume Matters
Bloggers with 1,000+ posts earn $11,578/month on average. Publish weekly, without fail. - Traffic = Oxygen
Use Pinterest, SEO, and YouTube to drive eyeballs. No traffic = no money. - Patience Pays
Most bloggers quit before year two. The ones who stay? They build empires.
Final Thoughts: Is Blogging Your Golden Ticket?
Blogging can make you rich, but it’s not a lottery ticket. It’s a skill, a grind, and a long-term play. Start with a niche you love, post relentlessly, and diversify your income streams.
As Tim Ferriss once said, “The cost of being wrong is less than the cost of doing nothing.” So grab a domain name, write that first post, and see where the journey takes you. Who knows? Your keyboard might just become your goldmine.
Got questions? Drop them below—I’ll answer every single one. And if you’re ready to start your blog, here’s a step-by-step guide to get you rolling. Happy writing! 🚀