6 Types of Blogs That Make Money in 2025 (And How to Monetize Them)

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Updated February 6, 2025.

I've been blogging now for almost 15 years and I can tell you — blogging is still one of the best ways to earn online! But, you do have to choose the right niche and monetize accordingly.

I originally wrote this post back in 2013, and needless to say, a LOT has changed in the blogging world since that time! There are many new income opportunities you can take advantage of as well as tools you can use to make your work easier.

Below I've listed six types of blogs that are STILL making money (even in the world of artificial intelligence). Plus, I've included some tips on how you can monetize each type to make as much as possible.

I have written much more about how a blog makes money if you want to read that first, but to sum up:

  • Ad networks pay you money when people visit your blog and see or click on ads.
  • Affiliate marketing lets you earn a commission when someone buys something through a special link on your blog.
  • Sponsored content refers to direct partnerships you form with brands and businesses to help promote their products and services.

All three ways help you make money by sharing helpful content and getting traffic to your site!

1. General Blog (Ad Networks & Affiliate Marketing)

How to Monetize:

  • Ad Networks: Google AdSense, Mediavine (50K sessions required), Raptive (who I use) (AdThrive, 100K sessions required), Ezoic (no minimum traffic requirement)
  • Affiliate Marketing: Amazon Associates, Impact, CJ Affiliate, Rakuten, ShareASale, Awin
  • Sponsored Content: Partner with brands and write blog posts to promote their products and services.

Mediavine and Raptive, as you can see, have somewhat high traffic requirements, so blogging beginners may need to start with Ezoic before moving up.

Make an effort to create content that could go viral and will still be relevant for years to come (known as evergreen content).

2. Work-from-Home / Remote Job Blogs

How to Monetize:

  • Affiliate Marketing: Promote FlexJobs, SolidGigs, We Work Remotely, Virtual Vocations
  • E-books & Digital Products: Sell resume templates, job interview guides, LinkedIn optimization courses, job search courses
  • Ad Revenue & Sponsored Content: As an example, you could write about remote work tools, get companies to pay you to post their jobs or write articles about their remote job opportunities

This blog you are reading covers remote work, and I can assure you it is still a profitable topic as the demand for remote jobs continues to grow, and there are more and more companies working to fill the need.

3. Food Blogs

How to Monetize:

  • Ad Networks: Raptive, Mediavine, Ezoic
  • Affiliate Marketing: Amazon (kitchen tools), ShareASale (Thrive Market, ButcherBox, Blue Apron), Instacart’s affiliate program
  • E-books & Memberships: Sell meal plans, recipe books, or offer exclusive content to your top (paid) fans via Patreon or Substack
  • Sponsored Content: Partner with food brands!

Video content does GREAT for food bloggers because everyone likes to see a recipe being made, and the finished result.

So another idea is to make YouTube Shorts or Instagram Reels for more popular recipes. These could increase traffic back to your site and help with your affiliate conversions!

4. Savings & Freebie Blogs

How to Monetize:

  • Affiliate Marketing: Rakuten, Capital One Shopping, Swagbucks, Ibotta
  • Coupons & Cashback Programs: Direct partnerships with companies like RetailMeNot
  • Sponsored Content: Partner up with finance or shopping-related brands

The “extreme couponing” craze that took off ten or so years ago has died down somewhat, but you can still earn with a savings/couponing blog.

A topic you could incorporate into a money-saving blog is MAKING money. People who want to save it also want to make it. So, you could occasionally write about side hustles and money-making opportunities, too.

5. DIY & Craft Blogs

How to Monetize:

  • Affiliate Marketing: Cricut, Etsy, Joann Fabric, Michaels (through Awin, ShareASale, or Impact)
  • Selling Digital Products: Printable templates, SVG files, crochet patterns, craft courses on platforms like Gumroad or SendOwl
  • Ad Revenue: Raptive, Mediavine, Ezoic

If you have a craft blog and also make/sell your own crafts, you can integrate your Etsy or Shopify store directly into your craft blog! This could significantly increase your income potential.

6. Product Review & Giveaway Blogs

How to Monetize:

  • Affiliate Marketing: Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Walmart
  • Sponsored Reviews: Partner up with brands and write detailed product reviews
  • Giveaways: Sometimes brands will pay you (or give you a free product) to do a giveaway of their product on your blog.

You might also want to consider posting product reviews on YouTube or TikTok, which can also bring traffic back to your blog.

Should You Start a Blog in 2025?

I still recommend it. Blogging is a profitable online business option, but success depends on having many income streams and staying up to date on your subject matter and any trends.

In the “old days”, we mainly relied on ads and affiliates for income. But now, you can earn in so many other ways! Many bloggers sell digital products, have paid subscription models for “premium” content intended for their most die-hard fans, and even add videos to posts and monetize those.

If you're a new blogger, you'll want to focus on high-quality, evergreen content and SEO to drive long-term traffic starting out.

You may also want to read this post on how bloggers actually earn money to get a better idea of what's possible.

If you've already been blogging for a while, be sure you regularly update posts, get rid of outdated links, and never stop brainstorming new monetization strategies!

Good luck to you!