Monetizing a blog doesn't require expensive hosting, a web developer, or even a paid platform. Thanks to modern tools and monetization platforms, you can turn a free blog into a steady income stream using Google AdSense, Ezoic, and affiliate marketing.
Whether you’re blogging on Blogger, WordPress.com, Medium, or another free platform, this guide will show you authentic, proven strategies to earn money in 2025.
Can You Really Monetize a Free Blog?
Yes, but with some limitations and conditions. While free blogging platforms restrict certain types of monetization (like custom ads or full plugin control), you can still earn from ads and affiliate links using the right setup.
Step-by-Step Guide to Monetize a Free Blog
1. Choose the Right Free Blogging Platform
To monetize successfully, your platform must allow:
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Custom HTML or JavaScript (for inserting ad codes)
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Affiliate links
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A custom domain (optional, but boosts credibility)
Best Free Blog Platforms in 2025:
| Platform | Monetization Friendly? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blogger | ✅ Yes (AdSense) | Owned by Google, integrates easily |
| WordPress.com | ✅ Limited (with upgrade) | Free plan restricts ads; better with “Personal” or “Premium” plan |
| Medium | ❌ Affiliate only | Cannot run AdSense, can use referrals |
| Substack | ✅ Affiliate only | No AdSense, great for email/blog combo |
| Wix (Free) | ❌ Ads restricted | Must upgrade for monetization features |
Recommendation: Start with Blogger or WordPress.com Premium if you want maximum monetization potential on a free/low-cost setup.
2. Monetize with Google AdSense
What is AdSense?
Google AdSense is an advertising network that pays you when users view or click on ads displayed on your blog.
Requirements (2025 Updates):
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You must be 18+ years old
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Your blog must be 6 months old in some regions (like India)
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Must follow AdSense policies: no copyrighted content, adult material, etc.
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Need original, valuable content (10–15 high-quality blog posts recommended)
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Must have essential pages: About, Contact, Privacy Policy
How to Apply:
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Sign up using your Google account
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Submit your blog URL
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Add the verification code to your blog (Blogger has a built-in option)
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Wait 1–2 weeks for approval
Ad Placement Tips:
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Above the fold (top of post)
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Within content (after 1st and 3rd paragraphs)
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Sidebar (if available)
💡 Pro Tip:
Use Auto Ads for easier setup; Google will automatically place ads in optimal locations.
4. Use Affiliate Marketing Links
Affiliate marketing is perfect for free blogs, especially in niche content.
How It Works:
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You join an affiliate program
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Get a unique tracking link
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Add it to your blog content
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You earn when readers buy or take action
Best Affiliate Networks in 2025:
| Network | Type of Products | Payout Type |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Associates | Physical goods | 1%–10% per sale |
| ShareASale | Software, lifestyle | CPA (per sale or lead) |
| ClickBank | Digital products | High commissions |
| Impact.com | Brand affiliate hub | Per action/sale |
| PartnerStack | SaaS/Software tools | Recurring commissions |
Where to Place Affiliate Links:
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Within blog content (contextual)
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Resource pages (e.g., “My Recommended Tools”)
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Email newsletters (if allowed by platform)
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Buttons or banners (where HTML is supported)
💡 Important:
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Disclose your affiliate relationships (FTC compliance)
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Focus on solving a problem, not selling
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Use shorteners like Bitly or Pretty Links for cleaner URLs (check platform rules)
Realistic Income Estimates (2025)
Traffic (Monthly) AdSense Only With Ezoic Affiliate-Heavy Blog 1,000 $3–$10 $5–$15 $20–$100 10,000 $30–$70 $50–$150 $200–$1000+ 50,000+ $150–$500 $300–$1200 $1,000–$5,000+
| Traffic (Monthly) | AdSense Only | With Ezoic | Affiliate-Heavy Blog |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | $3–$10 | $5–$15 | $20–$100 |
| 10,000 | $30–$70 | $50–$150 | $200–$1000+ |
| 50,000+ | $150–$500 | $300–$1200 | $1,000–$5,000+ |
💡 Niche blogs like finance, health, and software can earn significantly more per visitor.
Bonus Tips for Monetization Success
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Pick a Profitable Niche: Focus on health, personal finance, tech, or parenting.
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Write Evergreen Content: Content that stays relevant will generate passive income.
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Promote Your Blog: Use Pinterest, SEO, social media, and email to get traffic.
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Update Old Posts: Refresh content and optimize for better conversions.
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Track Performance: Use Google Analytics and affiliate dashboards to monitor what works.
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