Starting a blog is exciting — but what if you don’t want to rely on ads to make money? Many new bloggers assume ads are the only way to earn income, but that’s far from the truth. In fact, beginner blogs can generate money without a single banner ad cluttering their pages.
So, how do beginner blogs make money without ads? Let’s dive into real, practical strategies that work — even if your blog doesn’t get thousands of views per day.
1. Affiliate Marketing: Promote Products You Trust
Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest and fastest ways to monetize a blog without using ads. You recommend products or services and earn a commission when someone buys through your unique link.
Example: If you run a food blog, you can promote kitchen tools. If you write about finance, promote budgeting apps or online banks.
Here are beginner-friendly affiliate programs to consider:
- PartnerStack – Ideal for SaaS tools and business software
- Impact – Offers tons of high-paying affiliate brands
- ShareASale – A popular platform with lots of product options
You don’t need huge traffic to make money with affiliate links. A well-written tutorial or review that ranks in search can bring in passive income consistently.
2. Selling Digital Products
Another powerful way to make money without ads is by creating and selling your own digital products. This can include:
- Printable planners or templates
- Mini eBooks or guides
- Online checklists or toolkits
- Photos, fonts, or icons
Digital products require upfront effort, but once created, they can generate income 24/7 — no extra work needed. You can sell them using tools like:
3. Freelance Services Through Your Blog
Your blog can act as a portfolio that helps you land freelance clients. This is perfect for writers, designers, consultants, and marketers. Even with very little traffic, if the right person sees your blog post, you can land a client worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Some services you can promote directly from your blog include:
- Content writing
- Social media management
- SEO consulting
- Virtual assistance
Make sure your blog clearly shows what you offer and includes a “Work With Me” page or contact form.
4. Sponsored Posts (Even for Small Blogs)
Sponsored content isn’t just for big bloggers. Many small businesses and startups are looking for niche blogs with loyal readers. Even with a few hundred visitors, you can get paid to write product reviews or tutorials.
To get started, reach out directly to brands you love. Send a short pitch explaining your blog’s topic and audience. You can also list your blog on platforms like:
5. Email Marketing: Build a List, Build a Business
Even without ads, a blog can become a money-making machine when you build an email list. Email lets you promote your services, products, and affiliate offers directly to your audience without relying on social media algorithms.
Here’s how to get started:
- Use a tool like MailerLite to collect emails
- Send value-packed emails 1–2 times a week
- Promote digital products or helpful resources (with your affiliate links)
6. Offer Coaching or Mentorship
If you have experience in your niche, offer coaching — even to beginners. This works well in niches like blogging, fitness, finance, relationships, or productivity.
You don’t need fancy credentials — just a clear offer, real results, and a way for people to book time with you (like Calendly or Google Forms).
7. Host Paid Webinars or Workshops
Want to teach something live? Webinars and workshops are great for bloggers who want to earn quickly from a small but engaged audience. Tools like Zoho Meeting or Livestorm make it easy to charge attendees and host professional online sessions.
Choose a topic you know well, promote it through your blog and email list, and charge a small fee. Even 10–20 signups can mean a solid payday.
Conclusion: You Don't Need Ads to Make Money Blogging
So, how do beginner blogs make money without ads? As you’ve seen, there are multiple ways to earn — affiliate marketing, services, digital products, coaching, and more. None of these require tons of traffic or years of experience.
Focus on creating helpful content, building trust with your audience, and promoting valuable offers. With time and strategy, your blog can generate real income — no ads needed.
Take action today: Pick just one of the methods above and try it on your blog. You might be surprised how fast results can come when you're focused and consistent.