Welcome to my article Can You Make Money Blogging in 2024? We Tried It for 90 Days. So, you’ve heard it a million times—”Start a blog and make money while you sleep!” It sounds almost too good to be true, right? Well, in 2024, is it still possible to turn a blog into a money-making machine, or has the blogging world become just another oversaturated space where dreams go to die? We decided to find out by launching a blog and diving headfirst into the world of content creation, SEO, and monetization for 90 days straight. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t all sunshine and affiliate commissions.
In this article, we’ll break down our 90-day experiment, revealing the strategies we tested, the traffic we drove, and the cold, hard cash (or lack thereof) we earned. Whether you’re a seasoned blogger wondering if it’s still worth the time or a newbie dreaming of hitting it big, this honest and unfiltered account will give you a real look at what it takes to make money blogging in 2024. Ready for the truth? Grab your coffee, because things are about to get real.
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Setting the Stage: Starting a Blog in 2024
Alright, before we could even think about making money, we had to start with the basics: setting up a blog in 2024. And let’s be real—starting a blog isn’t as easy as throwing up a few posts and waiting for the money to roll in. If only it were that simple! With blogging being as popular as it is (everyone and their dog has a blog these days), you’ve got to bring your A-game from the get-go. But fear not, fellow aspiring bloggers, we’ve got you covered with the crucial first steps.
First up, picking a niche. Oh, the eternal struggle. Should you blog about something you’re passionate about, or something that’s profitable? Spoiler: ideally both. In 2024, it’s important to zero in on a niche that’s specific enough to stand out in the crowded blogging space but still has a large enough audience to make it worth your time. Whether it’s eco-friendly travel tips, making money online, or gourmet cooking for busy professionals, choosing the right niche is your first step toward attracting a loyal audience—and potentially earning money.
Next, we had to decide on a blogging platform. There are so many options out there now, it’s like a buffet of choices. WordPress.org, Squarespace, Wix—you name it, they’ve got it. After some trial and error (okay, a lot of error), we landed on WordPress. Why? It’s flexible, customizable, and, most importantly, scalable. If you’re serious about blogging long-term, WordPress remains the go-to platform in 2024. Sure, there are easier options, but if you want control over your content, design, and monetization, this is the way to go. The downside? It’s not the easiest to set up, and there’s a bit of a learning curve, but trust us, it’s worth it.
And then there’s the hosting. Think of it like renting space on the internet for your blog to live. We went with a reliable host that offered fast speeds and good customer support. (Because who wants to deal with a website that crashes every time you post a new blog entry?) After all, no one wants to wait five minutes for your page to load—and Google agrees. Page speed matters when it comes to SEO, so make sure you choose wisely.
Starting a blog in 2024 requires some upfront work, but once you’ve nailed down your niche, platform, and hosting, you’re ready to dive into the fun stuff: writing, creating, and, eventually, monetizing. Keep reading, because this is just the tip of the iceberg. The road ahead is paved with opportunities, if you’re willing to put in the effort!
How We Generated Traffic in 90 Days
Now that our blog was set up and looking all shiny and professional (well, as shiny as a first-time blog can look), the real question was: how the heck do you get people to actually visit your blog? Because let’s be honest, having a blog with zero traffic is like having a party and no one showing up—awkward, right? So, we went full throttle into generating traffic, and we tried just about every method under the sun to get eyeballs on our content. Here’s how we did it.
1. SEO (Search Engine Optimization): The Real MVP
We all know SEO is the bread and butter of any successful blog, but let’s just say, the learning curve can be a bit steep. But fear not, dear reader, because we quickly learned the ropes. We started with keyword research—you know, figuring out what people were actually searching for. Once we had our keywords (thanks to some handy tools like Google Keyword Planner and Ubersuggest), we strategically sprinkled them throughout our posts. But here’s the thing: SEO isn’t just about stuffing keywords everywhere like a turkey at Thanksgiving. It’s about creating high-quality, engaging content that Google actually wants to rank. We focused on making our posts super informative, breaking them into easy-to-read sections, and using proper on-page SEO tactics (headlines, meta descriptions, alt text for images). This resulted in a slow but steady growth in organic traffic as our posts began to show up in search results.
2. Social Media: Because Who Doesn’t Love a Good Scroll?
Let’s be real—everyone’s on social media these days. We knew we couldn’t ignore these platforms, so we went all-in. Pinterest was our first love. (And if you’re not using Pinterest for blogging, what are you even doing?) We created eye-catching pins for each of our blog posts, optimizing them with the right keywords and linking back to our site. Pinterest, for the uninitiated, is a goldmine for bloggers because it’s basically a visual search engine—so if you nail the right keywords and designs, your content can go viral. After a bit of trial and error (mostly figuring out the right graphics and pin sizes), Pinterest started driving substantial traffic our way.
But we didn’t stop there. We also shared our posts on Instagram and Facebook, making sure to engage with followers and join relevant groups to get the word out. Was it a quick fix? Nope. Did it work? Slowly but surely, yes. Social media is all about consistency, so we posted regularly, interacted with our audience, and slowly began seeing more clicks to our blog. Just a tip: Don’t try to be everywhere at once. Focus on the platforms where your audience hangs out the most and give them your best.
3. Paid Ads (Yes, We Tried Them Too)
Here’s the thing about paid ads: they’re not a magic bullet. But, when used correctly, they can give your blog a little traffic boost, especially if you’re looking for targeted traffic. We experimented with Facebook Ads and Google Ads to promote some of our top-performing posts. The key here is to make sure your targeting is spot on. You don’t want to be wasting money showing your blog posts to people who have no interest in your niche. After some tweaks and optimizations, we managed to get a solid return on our ad spend (though we won’t be retiring to the Bahamas just yet). Paid traffic can be a useful supplement to organic efforts but should not be relied upon solely.
4. Content Marketing and Guest Posting: Giving Back to the Blogging Community
While we were busy creating content for our own blog, we also reached out to other blogs in our niche for guest posting opportunities. Not only did this help us build backlinks (which is great for SEO), but it also exposed our blog to new audiences. If you’re not guest posting, you’re missing out on free traffic and a chance to network with other bloggers. The key here is to make sure you’re offering something valuable. No one wants to publish a low-effort guest post. So, we made sure to contribute high-quality content that showcased our expertise and included links back to our blog. These guest posts didn’t drive immediate traffic, but over time, they definitely paid off.
5. Email Marketing: A Traffic Strategy You Can’t Ignore
Okay, okay, we didn’t start email marketing right out of the gate (we wish we had), but once we did, it made a difference. Building an email list was one of the smartest things we did during our 90-day experiment. We added an opt-in form on our site and offered a freebie (something valuable like an eBook or checklist) to encourage sign-ups. Once we had a decent-sized list, we started sending out regular newsletters with links to our new posts. The more engaged your list, the more likely they are to visit your blog and share your content. It’s an ongoing effort, but it paid off.
By the end of our 90-day experiment, we had a solid flow of traffic coming in from various sources, but here’s the thing: no single traffic source was a magic bullet. The secret sauce was consistency and using a multi-channel approach. SEO, social media, guest posting, paid ads, and email marketing all worked together to build a steady stream of visitors. And while the traffic numbers weren’t mind-blowing right off the bat, we were well on our way to building a foundation for future growth. So, if you’re just starting out, don’t get discouraged if you don’t see instant results—Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a blog.
Monetization Methods We Tested
Alright, so we’d done the hard work—setting up the blog, driving traffic, writing content that actually made people stop scrolling. But here’s the thing: a blog without money-making strategies is like a lemonade stand with no customers. So, we rolled up our sleeves and dove headfirst into the world of monetization. Spoiler alert: it’s not as easy as slapping an ad banner on your site and waiting for the cash to pour in (sadly, there’s no magic “money” button). But after some experimenting, we landed on a few methods that actually moved the needle. Here’s what we tested during our 90-day journey.
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1. Affiliate Marketing: The Low-Hanging Fruit
Affiliate marketing is like the “gateway drug” of blogging monetization—it’s easy to get into, doesn’t require you to sell anything yourself, and can generate passive income once you have the traffic. Here’s the deal: you partner with companies or affiliate programs, promote their products or services on your blog, and earn a commission for each sale made through your referral link. Easy enough, right?
We started by signing up for a couple of popular affiliate networks like Amazon Associates and ShareASale. The key to making affiliate marketing work is to promote products that are relevant to your niche and actually helpful to your readers. So, we carefully selected products we believed in and wrote honest, value-packed content around them. Whether it was a “Top Tools for Bloggers” list or a product review, we made sure our readers knew exactly how the product could solve their problems.
The results? Not bad for beginners. Affiliate links didn’t generate any life-changing sums right away, but we did see a slow and steady increase in commissions as our traffic grew. The moral of the story? Affiliate marketing isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme, but it can be a reliable revenue stream if done thoughtfully.
2. Display Ads: A Passive Revenue Stream (If You Have the Traffic)
Once we started seeing a bit of traffic, we thought it was time to test display ads. Enter Google AdSense and Media.net. These ad networks basically serve ads on your site and pay you based on impressions (how many people see the ads) or clicks (how many people actually click on them).
In theory, it’s the dream—set up the ads, and watch the money roll in while you sleep, right? Well, not exactly. Display ads can generate passive income, but the key to making them work is traffic. The more visitors you have, the more potential ad impressions and clicks. Early on, we were lucky if we made a few cents a day. But, as our traffic grew, so did our ad revenue.
So, are display ads a money-making jackpot? Not unless you’re pulling in some serious traffic. But they are a nice supplemental income that can keep ticking away in the background. Tip: The more engaging your content, the more likely readers are to stick around and, occasionally, click those ads.
3. Sponsored Posts: Time to Get Paid for Your Opinions
Once we had a consistent flow of traffic and some credibility under our belt, we decided to test sponsored posts. These are paid articles or mentions that brands or businesses ask you to write about their products or services. Unlike affiliate marketing, where you only earn when someone makes a purchase, sponsored posts pay you upfront for your content.
At first, landing sponsored posts was a bit of a challenge—many companies want bloggers with larger audiences and established authority. But after networking, reaching out to companies directly, and showcasing our traffic and engagement stats, we were able to land a few sponsored post deals. We created high-quality, authentic content that fit naturally within our niche and didn’t feel like an obnoxious ad. Pro Tip: Sponsored content that adds value to your readers, while being transparent about the partnership, is key to success.
The pay for each post varied, but it was definitely a nice revenue boost. For bloggers with smaller audiences, it can take time to build those sponsorships, but once you do, it can become a reliable income stream.
4. Selling Digital Products: The Next Step in Scaling
Selling digital products is one of the most scalable and lucrative ways to monetize your blog. So, we decided to try it for ourselves. Whether it’s eBooks, printables, courses, or templates, digital products can be created once and sold over and over again—hello, passive income.
We started small, creating an eBook packed with blogging tips for beginners (surprise, surprise). We promoted it on our blog and through email newsletters, offering it as a freebie in exchange for email sign-ups. Over time, we created more products like printables and a short mini-course on writing effective blog posts.
The results? Selling digital products can be a game-changer once you have a loyal audience who trusts your advice. We didn’t see instant sales, but the potential for scalability is undeniable. The more traffic you drive, and the more you nurture your audience, the better your chances are at turning your blog into a revenue-generating powerhouse. Selling your own products takes work upfront, but once it’s set up, it’s a great way to build a business with ongoing income.
5. Offering Services: Show Me the Skills
Finally, we tested offering services directly through our blog. This method is a little different from the others, because instead of earning money through advertising or affiliate commissions, you’re getting paid for your time and expertise. This could be anything from offering consulting, freelance writing, social media management, or design services.
Since we already had a blog focused on helping others make money online, we started offering one-on-one coaching and consulting calls to aspiring bloggers. It wasn’t an instant success, but it definitely helped supplement our income and build relationships with readers.
Offering services directly through your blog is a great way to generate income quickly. It’s all about positioning yourself as an expert in your field and offering something of value to your audience.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth—people are willing to pay for your knowledge and expertise.
Results: The Income Breakdown
So, after 90 days of hustling—writing posts, promoting products, testing monetization strategies, and learning from our mistakes—it was time to pull back the curtain and see how much money we actually made. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t enough to quit our day jobs and retire to a beach (yet). But hey, we didn’t expect a get-rich-quick story. However, the numbers were promising enough to make us believe that blogging in 2024 can, indeed, be a legitimate way to earn income.
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the income breakdown, so you can see exactly how the magic (or lack thereof) happened in our first 90 days. We’re all about transparency here—so here’s the truth about how much we earned from each monetization method:
1. Affiliate Marketing: $150
Affiliate marketing was the first method we really dove into, and we’ll admit—we were pretty excited when we saw that first commission come through. In the grand scheme of things, $150 over 90 days isn’t going to pay your rent, but it’s a start! The key here was writing quality content around products that actually solved problems for our readers. We focused on evergreen content that would continue to rank in search engines, bringing in more clicks and potential purchases over time.
While we didn’t strike affiliate gold immediately, we’re optimistic that this revenue will steadily increase as our blog grows. In the future, we plan to expand our affiliate partnerships and dig into more lucrative niches, but for now, $150 is a solid start. The takeaway? Affiliate marketing is a slow burn that requires patience, but once the traffic is consistent, it can start generating passive income.
2. Display Ads: $40
Display ads—everyone’s favorite passive income dream. Unfortunately, our initial experience wasn’t exactly a goldmine. After setting up Google AdSense and letting the ads do their thing, we earned a total of $40 in three months. But here’s the thing: display ads really depend on one thing: traffic. And let’s face it—while we had decent traffic, we didn’t have the volume that’s necessary to make big bucks with ad impressions and clicks.
Pro tip? Don’t expect to make a ton of money from display ads unless you’re consistently pulling in thousands of visitors per month. But hey, $40 for doing basically nothing isn’t too bad. As traffic continues to grow, we’ll likely see that number climb, and display ads will become a more substantial part of the income puzzle.
3. Sponsored Posts: $500
Now, this was where things got a bit more exciting. After weeks of reaching out to brands and showcasing our traffic stats, we finally landed three sponsored posts during our 90-day experiment. Each post paid an average of $150, totaling $500 in sponsored content revenue. This was a huge win for us, especially since the content was tailored to our audience and didn’t feel forced.
The key to success with sponsored posts is building relationships with brands and maintaining a good rapport with your audience. The more authentic your content, the more likely sponsors will want to work with you. This was by far the most lucrative method we tested, and it’s one we plan to continue pursuing as our blog grows in authority.
4. Selling Digital Products: $70
We took a leap of faith and tested selling digital products—specifically an eBook we wrote about blogging for beginners. The results? We made $70 from 10 eBook sales during the 90-day period. While it’s not a fortune, it’s proof that selling your own products can be profitable, especially when you have something that resonates with your audience.
The key here is to offer value and create products that solve real problems for your readers. We’ve learned that building a digital product that truly helps people takes time, but once you have it in place, it can generate ongoing income. We plan to scale this in the future with more eBooks, courses, and other downloadable resources.
5. Services: $200
Last but not least, we decided to offer a few consulting services—specifically focused on helping new bloggers grow their websites. Through our blog’s contact form and social media, we managed to land four one-on-one coaching sessions at $50 each. Total income from services? $200.
This was a great supplemental income stream that showed us the power of personalized services. We’re not talking about selling mass-produced products here; we’re talking about offering direct value to people who need help with something specific. If you have the expertise, offering services can be an excellent way to generate revenue without needing to rely on ads or affiliates.
Total Income After 90 Days: $960
That’s right—we earned $960 in 90 days. Again, not enough to buy a yacht, but a solid start. Looking at our results, it’s clear that monetizing a blog takes time, effort, and a strategic approach. It’s not going to happen overnight, but with consistency, patience, and a little creativity, the income potential is there.
Here’s what we’ve learned so far: Affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and selling digital products are the best revenue streams for new bloggers, especially when you’re starting with limited traffic. But display ads and offering services can also be valuable in the right circumstances.
The most important thing we’ve learned? Blogging is definitely a long game. But the good news is, with the right strategies in place, your earnings can grow steadily over time. We’re excited to continue refining our methods, growing our blog, and reporting back on the next round of income in a few months. Stay tuned—there’s much more to come!
Is Blogging Still Worth It in 2024? Final Thoughts
So, after 90 days of trial and error, multiple caffeine-fueled writing sessions, and enough Google searches to make you question your life choices, the big question remains: Is blogging still worth it in 2024?
Here’s the honest truth—we wouldn’t have made nearly $1,000 in 90 days if blogging was a dead art. Sure, it’s not the get-rich-quick scheme some people claim it to be, but that’s the thing: blogging is a slow burn, not a fireworks show. The income doesn’t usually roll in immediately, and the path to success is more about strategy, consistency, and adaptability than any viral post. But when you get it right? Oh, it’s worth it.
The Pros: Yes, Blogging Can Still Pay Off!
First off, blogging is still a viable source of income in 2024, especially if you’re strategic about it. If you can tap into a niche that has demand, if your content is useful, and if you understand how to monetize, blogging can become a solid and passive income stream. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Another perk? Blogging lets you build authority and credibility in your field. Whether you’re writing about finance, wellness, tech, or pet care, there’s a massive audience online waiting for information that solves their problems. If you’re giving people what they need and doing it well, your blog can become a trusted resource that people turn to over and over again—and that’s where the money follows.
Plus, blogging is one of the most flexible business models out there. You can blog while you’re working a full-time job, or take it full-time once you’ve built up a decent following. You can make money through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, your own digital products, services, or even selling your blog entirely if you’re ready to cash out. The income potential is almost limitless.
The Cons: It’s Not a Walk in the Park
Of course, blogging isn’t a get-out-of-jail-free card to overnight success. Traffic is everything, and building a blog that attracts consistent, quality traffic takes time and effort. We saw some great results in 90 days, but that was only after months of writing, optimizing, and getting comfortable with SEO. If you’re just starting, it can take a while before you see consistent traffic, let alone substantial income.
Additionally, with the sheer volume of content being published every day, standing out in your niche can be challenging. You have to be persistent, creative, and willing to keep tweaking your strategy until something clicks. But once it does, you’ll start seeing the fruits of your labor.
Then, there’s the issue of staying up-to-date with the ever-changing world of SEO and digital marketing. Algorithms change, user preferences evolve, and competitors pop up like mushrooms after a rainstorm. Keeping up with these changes requires an ongoing commitment, and it can feel overwhelming at times.
So, Is Blogging Worth It in 2024?
Absolutely. But only if you’re in it for the long haul. If you’re hoping for instant fame and fortune, you might want to try something else. But if you’re willing to put in the work, learn from your mistakes, and adapt to the trends, blogging in 2024 can still be incredibly rewarding—financially and personally.
We’ve learned a lot in the past 90 days, and while the road ahead may not be lined with gold, it’s certainly paved with potential. There’s no doubt that blogging requires dedication, patience, and a bit of trial and error, but if you’re willing to put in the effort, the rewards are there.
So, is blogging worth it? We’d say yes, it absolutely is. But don’t expect to quit your day job tomorrow. Keep writing, keep improving, and who knows? In a few months, you might just be laughing all the way to the bank.
Conclusion: Should You Start a Blog in 2024?
Alright, we’ve reached the end of our 90-day blogging journey, and you’re probably wondering, “Should I start my own blog in 2024?” After three months of experimentation, late-night writing sessions, and lots of cups of coffee, here’s what we can say: Blogging in 2024 is absolutely worth it—but only if you’re ready to work for it.
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Yes, blogging isn’t a shortcut to overnight wealth. In fact, it’s more of a marathon than a sprint. The results we saw after just three months were solid, but nothing groundbreaking. That said, blogging is a long game. It takes time to build momentum, gain traffic, and develop a steady income stream. If you’re in it for the long haul and willing to experiment, learn, and tweak your approach, the potential rewards are there.
If there’s one key takeaway from our experiment, it’s this: Consistency and strategy are your best friends. From choosing the right niche to crafting high-quality content, building traffic, and testing various monetization methods, there’s a lot to learn. But every mistake, every little victory, adds to the growth of your blog. And as we saw firsthand, those incremental wins can add up—just like compound interest. Over time, the small steps lead to big results.
Now, if you’re still on the fence about starting a blog, here’s what we recommend: Go for it. But go into it with the right mindset. Be realistic, but be excited about the potential. Your first few months may not make you a fortune (or even close), but each post you write, each new reader you attract, and every experiment you try gets you closer to making it work. And as you continue, the opportunities for growth, monetization, and scaling up will only increase.
In conclusion, blogging is far from dead in 2024. In fact, it’s alive and kicking—and it’s a space where, with time, patience, and persistence, you can absolutely build something that generates income and provides value to your audience. The journey won’t be easy, but if you stick with it, there’s a good chance your blog could turn into one of the most rewarding ventures you’ve ever started.
So, are you ready to hit “publish” on that first post? We are—and we’re excited to see where the next 90 days will take us.
Thanks a lot for reading my article on “Can You Make Money Blogging in 2024? We Tried It for 90 Days“ till the end. Hope you’ve helped. See you with another article.
