​Let's get real for a hot mintue: ​you’re writing your blog to make money, to earn a living, not to share fun stories about what’s going on with your family or what you’re up to with your favorite hobby or activity. If you’re putting in the work, doing the research, and growing the audience, chances are you’d like to get paid for your hard work. And for that to happen, you have to monetize your blog posts. Let’s look at three different ways to do just that.

​I am surprised how often this is overlooked. One of the easiest things to get star​t with is to make recommendations directly in your blog posts. These can be your own products or something you’re an affiliate for. If you want something really simple to try, sign up for the Amazon affiliate program and as you blog about things, work in a product here or there.

For example, if you’re in the ​fitness niche and are working on a blog post about a fun park in your area​ for playground workouts, you could mention the ​clothing you used and how well it did or didn’t perform​. Or if you followed a particular workout, you could link to that product. If you’re a photographer who also blogs, share your latest pictures and mention what camera, filter, flash etc. you used for each picture along with links to those products. Or add prints to your online store or share them on SmugMug.

Working with brands is another great option and it's so much easier to do than it used to be. Make connections via social media on sites like Instagram or Facebook or use one of the large networks that connect bloggers and brands. They will often pay you to write a blog post that mentions one of their products. Don’t be surprised to work for free products or low pay in the beginning. That’s ok.

It takes time to build a relationship and show the ​brand you’re working with that you have the reach, commitment, and the chops to influence a large group of people. ​But​ as your audience grows, and you earn your stripes, you can expect to get paid better to be a brand ambassador.

The most effective way to make money from your blog is to focus on getting your blog readers on your email list first. This gives you a chance to build a stronger relationship with your audience, get them back to your blog and of course make offers to them directly in your emails.

Keep your email messages entertaining and helpful with some recommendations thrown in, and you’ll do well. Keep growing your list as your blog grows and your income will follow right along.

​There are quite a few other ways to monetize your blog, but these are three relatively simple concepts you can start with.