Knowing what types of blogs make the most money in 2024 will help you discover a profitable and worthwhile niche.
Contrary to popular belief, blogs can provide enough income to replace your full-time job – that’s true for 50% of bloggers who, on average, have an annual salary of $62,275. In fact, 32% of bloggers use their blogs as a part-time job.
But it’s never an overnight success. It takes consistent strategy and high-quality content.
In this article we take a look at the best niches for profitable blogs. Each one includes an example of a successful blogger and a quick insight into what search terms brings in traffic to the blog.
The Most Profitable Blog Niches in 2024
1. Finance
Successful personal finance bloggers make an average of $9,100 per month (RankIQ)
If you have experience or expertise in any level of finance, you’re immediately in a great position to provide insights into one of the internet’s most in-demand topics – finance.
From credit cards and loans to mortgages and stocks, finance offers considerable scope to educate readers.
The downside of starting a finance blog is that it’s very competitive.
Thankfully, you can get specific to reduce your search competition; for example, you could target college students, retirees, or very distinct financial problems.
Finance blogs typically make money through affiliate links to financial companies, such as loan providers, banks, and credit card providers. Top examples of successful finance blogs include Mixed Up Money, Afford Anything, and The College Investor.
Example: Mixed Up Money
Take a look at Mixed Up Money; it’s a blog designed to provide shame-free financial help to women. It has various affiliate links on its resources page and offers paid workshops. It cuts past a large amount of competition by targeting a specific demographic and brings in regular readers via search terms such as:
- Moving out budgeting
- Personal finance blogs
- Why do I feel guilty spending money
The site regularly posts financial blogs on topics such as debt, budgeting, and careers. If you can find a similar sector of finance to take advantage of, you may find success.
Top related search terms for finance blogs in 2024:
- Financial mentor
- Money under 30
- Millennial financial literacy
- Business finance blogs
- Personal finance blogs
2. Travel
Successful travel bloggers earn an average income of $5,000 per month (RankIQ)
Travel is one of the most attractive and profitable types of blogs in 2024, offering the potential to make a living while traveling the world, testing hotels, and discovering secrets away from tourist traps.
For most, it’s rarely quite as luxurious. But make it even a moderate success and you can certainly reap the benefits and help fund your travels.
Some travel bloggers have become extremely successful, including Nomadic Matt (who has become a New York Times Best Seller), The Blonde Abroad, and OneStep4Ward.
These travel blogs typically make money through advertising and paid reviews. There’s also the possibility to get free trips and hotel stays in exchange for blog coverage.
Example: Wandering Earl
Wandering Earl has been active since way back in 1999, but what keeps his site interesting is his insights on the highs and lows of constant travel – which is a refreshing change from many overly positive travel bloggers.
He earns money via affiliate links from the likes of Amazon, travel eSim card providers, and flight booking companies.
Some of Wandering Earl's organic traffic comes from the following searches:
- Best places to travel in the Philippines
- Istanbul 7 days itinerary
- How to travel in the Philippines
Top related search terms for travel blogs in 2024:
- Solo female travel
- Personal travel blogs
- India travel blog
- Paris travel blog
- Vietnam travel blogger
3. Lifestyle
Successful lifestyle blogs make an average of $5,100 per month (RankIQ)
Lifestyle is the most popular blog niche, taking up 11.4% of blog sites.
That shouldn’t put you off, however, as lifestyle is the blanket term for pretty much anything.
These types of blogs typically focus on the writer’s personal experiences, sharing tips and insights on their day-to-day life and passions – from dating and cleaning to medication and painting.
Personality is often critical in the lifestyle niche, so it could be perfect if you have the urge to share your feelings, style, and experiences. Top examples include Cup of Jo, The Everygirl, and Camille Styles.
Example: Wit and Delight
Let’s take a close look at Wit and Delight. It covers beauty, food, entertainment, fashion, and well-being.
It’s based on the personal opinions and reviews of creator Kate Arends but has grown to cover popular topics daily. The site profits through its own merch and affiliate links on Amazon.
Some of its organic traffic comes from these searches:
- When to leave a relationship
- Letter to your future self
- DIY wallpaper
Top related search terms for lifestyle blogs in 2024:
- Lifestyle vlogs
- Men's lifestyles blog
- Health and beauty blog
- Mom bloggers
- Black lifestyle bloggers
4. Health and fitness
On average, fitness blogs make over $1,000 per month (RankIQ)
As a health and fitness writer, you’ll cover topics such as exercise routines, nutrition, and physical health.
They’re a perfect fit for sporty types and anyone who likes to motivate others. In 2024, there’s now also a huge mental health sector.
If you can find a way to provide unique advice and motivation, you could cut through the competition. For example, you could write about an exercise with a specific condition, or age range, or just review your local running routes.
The monetization of health and fitness blogs is broad but is usually via sponsorship, affiliate marketing, and even personalized coaching subscriptions.
Top examples include Breaking Muscle, The Body Coach, and Fit Bottomed Girls.
Example: Nerd Fitness
Take a look at Nerd Fitness, which targets people interested in geek culture. This demographic typically struggles to find their place in the fitness world, so the creation of this blog plugged a much-needed gap.
Nerd Fitness makes money through paid online coaching and memberships while keeping readers hooked through newsletters.
Here are some ideas for content, based on his highest organic traffic searches:
- Deadlifts
- Workout plans
- Skinny fitness
Top related search terms for health and fitness blogs in 2024:
- Health Blogspot
- Workout mommy
- Fitness blogs for beginners
- Fitness workout blogs
- Weightloss challenges
5. Fashion and beauty
Fashion blogs make an average of over $10,000 per month (RankIQ)
If you’ve got a passion for fashion, then the fashion niche may be perfect for you. Closely overlapping with beauty, there’s a large scope for creative content.
Passive income is common in this niche, with affiliate links found all over clothing reviews. There’s also the chance to get consistent free clothing and accessories sent your way.
Even when you’re just starting, small fashion and beauty brands may ask you for reviews. If you’ve got great style and personality, people will flock to you for advice.
But once again, the niche is highly competitive. It’s wise to think of any unique way that you can separate yourself from the rest. What about upscaling, thrifting, or steam-punk fashion?
Popular examples include The Blonde Salad, Leonie Hanne, and Sincerely Jules.
Example: In The Frow
It’s worth studying the success of In The Frow. Founded by Victoria Magrath, it now has over 2 million Instagram followers and allows her to document a jet-setting lifestyle and stunning wardrobe collection.
In The Frow makes money via paid reviews and regular blogs with countless high-value affiliate links.
It gains most of its organic traffic via searches for:
- Fashion inspiration
- 2024 fashion vision goals
- Where to get fashion inspiration
Top related search terms for fashion and beauty blogs in 2024:
- Fashion blogs for men
- Arty fashion style
- Fashion bloggers, over 50
- Street fashion blogs
- Personal style blogs
6. Parenting
Parenting blogs make an average of over $5,000 per month (RankIQ)
Before the internet, parenting books were a huge deal. Everyone read them, everyone needed them.
But, today the internet offers insights on the parenting experience so specific that you can find blogs on being a parent of conjoined twins.
My point here is that if you can find a unique angle for your parenting blog, you will find readers. It’s an extremely popular niche; parenting is still hard after all. Even just a healthy dose of personality and reassurance can go a long way.
From advice on how to make the transition to parenting a success to babywear reviews, there is a lot of room to get creative.
Parenting blogs typically make their money via affiliate links and advertisements. There is also space for paid ebooks and guides.
Popular examples include Scary Mommy, Pregnant Chicken, and Diary of an Honest Mom.
Example: Lucie’s List
Take a look at Lucie’s List, a ‘survival guide for new parents’. There’s advice, information, personal insights, and of course, a lot of affiliate links.
The site has reviewed hundreds of products and books over the years, offering genuinely helpful recommendations but also capitalizing on countless affiliate links and paid reviews.
In 2024, it gained a significant portion of its organic traffic via these searches:
- Triple pram reviews
- Beach gear for newborns
- Best potty training techniques
Top related search terms for parenting blogs in 2024:
- What is good parenting
- Baby blogs for new moms
- Working mom blogs
- Funny mom blogs
- Educational websites for parents
7. Marketing
We’re getting meta here because blogging is a form of marketing through which 55% of bloggers claim to find success. It’s also a broad and popular niche that almost any business owner will find value in.
If you have knowledge or expertise in marketing, SEO, branding, advertisement, link-building, social media, or any other related area, then this could be the blog type for you.
Marketing sites typically make money through affiliate links, by offering their knowledge or services and with paid ebooks.
Popular examples of marketing blogs include Neil Patel, Buffer, and Copyblogger.
Example: Neil Patel
Neil Patel has long been a popular go-to site for SEO advice. To many, he’s the guru of ranking high. He brings in his revenue via sponsorships, collaborations, consulting, and subscriptions to his SEO tools.
A large amount of Neil’s traffic comes from these searches:
- Digital marketing
- Affiliate marketing
- Web traffic lookup
Top related search terms for marketing blogs in 2024:
- Content marketing blogging
- Digital marketing topics
- Marketing automation blogs
- B2B marketing blogs
- Marketing for beginners
8. Food
No matter which culture you’re a part of, food blogs are a hit.
Generation after generation needs to learn to cook. And even great cooks want to learn new recipes. If you can provide insights, reviews, and great recipes, then food and cooking could be the niche for you.
Food blogs generally make their money via advertising and affiliate links, but sponsorship, paid reviews and even free restaurant meals are a possibility.
Your challenge will be breaking into a hugely competitive market. But, if you have a unique taste (pun intended) in cooking, you might be in for a plate full of cash.
Popular examples of food blogs include Pinch of Yum, Smitten Kitchen, and Woks of Life.
Example: Smitten Kitchen
We’re fans of Smitten Kitchen, as it's focused on making delicious recipes simple. Having been featured all over TV and print media, Smitten Kitchen makes its income mostly via affiliate links such as Amazon air fryers and slow cookers.
Its top search hits include:
- Pasta salad ideas
- Recipes with chocolate chip cookies
- Air fryer chicken breast
Top related search terms for food blogs in 2024:
- Vegan food blogs
- Healthy food blogs
- Vegetarian food blogs
- Dinner food blogs
- Cooking blogs for beginners
9. Pets
People are desperate to learn how to take care of their pets. In fact, in 2024 there were reported to be 87 million American pet owners.
Clearly, it’s a huge industry packed with accessories, pet food, medication, shows, and countless other business opportunities on offer.
Pet bloggers should be passionate, fun, and knowledgeable. If you tick those boxes, you can benefit from affiliate links, advertisements, and sponsorships.
You can focus on a specific niche too if you’ve got a pet unlike the usual suspects.
Popular examples include The Dogington Post, Dogster, and Catster.
Example: Catster
Check out Catster; the content there is detailed and often written by veterinarians. That reputable information attracts readers who then help bring in cash via affiliate links to vets and the blog’s online store.
Catster's site benefits from frequent searches of specific cat breeds.
Top related search terms for pet blogs in 2024:
- Dog training blogs
- Pets media
- Puppy blogs
- Dog lifestyle blog
- Animal care
10. Sports and sports betting
Money moves fast in the world of sports. Bloggers can cash in on this via affiliate links to betting sites and advertisements.
Whether it's NFL, soccer, hockey, baseball, F1, or boxing, there is a huge market for providing news on gossip, upcoming fixtures, transfers, and fantasy leagues.
If you know your sports stuff, this might be the niche for you. You can also provide advice to make yourself a sports betting and fantasy league guru.
Just be sure you include legal disclaimers and have read up on the relevant laws before you go encouraging someone to risk their life’s savings.
For example, you’ll need to comply with local laws regarding defamatory statements, false advertisements, and responsible disclosure practices.
Example: Fantasy Football Fix
Fantasy Football Fix is a great example of a blogging site that requires expertise and minimal personality. Instead of showing yourself off, take inspiration from the way its regular posting advises users on their fantasy soccer selections.
Its top search hits include:
- FPL price changes
- Fantasy Football EPL
- Fantasy Premier League advice blogs
Top related search terms for sports blogs in 2024:
- Football blogs
- Sports betting blogs
- Personal sports blogs
- Funny sports blogs
How Do Blogs Make Money?
There are multiple ways blogs can make money, and you’ll notice that each niche relies on the same monetization methods to varying degrees. The most successful blogs diversify with a variety of income streams, including:
Advertising
Paid advertisements allow you to earn passive income for every page view on your site. By signing up to advertising platforms like Google Adsense or Mediavine, your job is simply to write content that keeps people returning to your site.
Google Adsense is a quick solution for your early days, but then you can move to publisher networks that can pay $1-3 dollars per click.
Affiliate links
As previously mentioned, affiliate links are the blogging industry’s best friend.
Subtle hyperlinks are placed on product reviews and item names, taking readers to off-site pages such as Amazon. Some of these links pay directly for a click, but most will give the blog owner a commission when a purchase of said product is completed.
If, for example, you’re earning 10% on a $500 product, then you can imagine how quickly the passive income builds up.
Sponsored content
As your blog grows, so too will the appeal felt by sponsors. This income stream sees businesses pay you to feature their content on your blog – from product reviews to ads and links. These offers will likely come thick and fast.
But be warned to pick wisely. Google is prone to punishing sponsor-heavy content, while readers may be put off by low-value posturing.
Social media promotion
As a blogger, you’ll need social media to grow your audience. Eventually, you’ll get offered to tweet about brands. That’s great news for your bank balance!
Some bloggers make several thousand dollars a month just from this method.
However, be sure not to overdo it. While followers will understand your need to cash in on success, nobody wants to follow an account dedicated to paid ads.
Partnerships
With a large audience, it’s natural that a brand may want to capitalize upon it via the opportunity of “working together.”
While similar to sponsorship, partnerships are likely to be more of an ongoing deal.
Whether it's wearing clothes or doing a unique feature, partnerships can provide a serious payday.
Products
The product route will require you to sell your merch or items. In 2024, bloggers can sell both digital and physical products.
Physical products are particularly popular with blogs that offer unique branding and memorable personality; every fandom loves a t-shirt.
Digital products may include ebooks, plug-ins, apps, online coursres, and one-on-one calls and consulting.
Subscriptions and memberships
The subscription route is typically reserved for blogs that can afford to alienate some of their audience. You shouldn’t expect success from it in your early days.
This method can see you post exclusive paid-only content, perhaps with unique behind-the-scenes insight or extra valuable information and guides.
Many blog readers will be happy to support you further, so be sure to reward their loyalty.
A Beginner's Guide to Making Money With a Blog
Here’s our essential advice for blogging beginners to make money:
Choose the right niche
Firstly, reading this blog was a great start because selecting the right niche is critical. This is going to be a long-term project, and you need to choose something that you enjoy and won’t run out of energy on quickly.
If you're looking to make money with your blog, consider these key factors:
- Expertise: Write about something you know well, whether from work experience or a hobby. For instance, I’ve been writing for years, so I can offer advice on becoming a content writer.
- Passion: Choose a topic you enjoy. Passion keeps you motivated and attracts an audience. For example, as a musician, I could write about music gear and monetize through paid reviews and affiliates.
- Low Competition: Find a unique angle within your niche, such as focusing on vegan recipes in a crowded food blog space.
If the answer is already screaming out to you, then perfect. If you’re stuck between two or three options, then try to consider whether their typical revenue streams suit your vision.
Further narrow down your niche
Now we have already mentioned a niche - but you need to find a niche within a niche. Of course, you don’t want to go too far outside the mainstream but try to find a specific conversation to tap into.
For example, why would anyone read your travel blog if it’s just another travel blog?
But what about a travel blog for young hitchhikers? Or traveling only by train? Or a blog where you visit every soccer stadium in Europe?
Pick low-competition keywords
Income via blogging comes as a result of clicks and views. To get that, you’re going to need to optimize search engines.
The trick to that is keyword research.
As your site doesn’t yet have the authority to compete with the big dogs, you need to pick words that are lower in competition to begin with. Gain topical authority in one sector, then another, until you are big enough to go after more difficult keywords.
You can consider niche keywords and products that people are going to be searching for.
Be sure to use high-intent keywords and tools like Ahrefs, Keywords Everywhere, SEMrush, or Google Trends.
Sign up for paid ads
The internet is a great place for people who are willing to get paid for ads. With little effort, you can sign up for the likes of Google AdSense, Raptive, Ezoic, and Mediavine.
These ad networks all have their pros and cons, but they will allow you to get paid for each blog you post. When someone reads it, you’ll get a little dough.
Be warned, however. Do not over-saturate your site with ad banners. Search engines hate them and so do readers.
Create your affiliate links
Once you’re starting to get regular views, you can take advantage of affiliate links. Amazon is the obvious choice; the majority of readers will already have an account with Amazon, so a click on your link results in a purchase in seconds.
Affiliate links can be very rewarding, especially on high-value products.
Monetize Your Blog With Whop
Blogs are a great way to make money. Sure it takes time to get started and determination to keep working on and building your business, but once you have your blog up and running, you can start monetizing it.
Whop is a great way to make money with a blog. With Whop, you create a whop, which is your online hub. Funnel your blog readers to your whop hub where you can sell access to a paid community, sell digital products like ebooks, courses, and downloadable files, and even host giveaways, webinars, and coaching calls.
Whop's easy-to-use interface allows you to handle all your money-making processes, allowing you to sell access as a one-off payment or on a subscription basis. Plus, Whop takes care of payment processing and digital product fulfillment so you can focus on growing your blog.
Join Whop today and start making money online.
FAQs
How Long Should a Blog Post Be to Make the Most Money?
There’s no generic answer to this question. Your goal should be to make an article as informative as possible. In many cases that can result in a large word count (take this blog for example), as there’s a lot to cover.
But you shouldn’t increase your word count for the sake of it. I always say – no fluff. We advise you to check the content of your competitors, to get a target to aim for.
