WordPress is one of the best content management systems and you can build a great website with it. All it takes is a few clicks of a button and the basic version is up and running. There is even an option to use free hosting without purchasing the domain.
However, if you are looking to monetize a website, a domain name and dedicated hosting are necessary. Online visitors will not take you seriously if the domain is not separate from the CMS.
Of course, making money is not as easy as that. You will have to explore available options and give them a try. And to get started, here are some ideas to make money with a WP website.
Idea #1 – Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is a great way to make money. It will take some time to research the market and find the right product that you can promote. However, thanks to the variety of products available on Amazon, finding an idea or is not that big of an issue.
You can even implement wordpress plugins for amazon affiliate program by HeroThemes. Plugins like these are being developed specifically to make running an affiliate marketing website easier.
When you have decided on a product and created a website, you can move on to marketing. There is nothing special about it. Just focus on the main channels like social media, email marketing, and search engine optimization.
When business picks up, do not stagnate and strive to scale it consistently. Growth should be a natural thing and if you ever get stuck, look to break free and continue pushing for more sales.
Idea #2 – Print on Demand Store
Print on demand business can be a lot of fun, especially if you are creative and know how to come up with interesting designs. Of course, lack of graphic design experience is not a reason to give up on the print on demand idea.
Creating designs is one half of the operation. Marketing is also important. Otherwise, you will not be able to make any sales. So perhaps a joint venture is the best option? Be in charge of marketing yourself and hire a freelance graphic designer who will be responsible for designs.
Your store can start small with t-shirts and slowly grow with the introduction of other merchandise, like hoodies, phone cases, calendars, or key chains.
Idea #3 – Dropshipping
A dropshipping store can also be built on WordPress. The biggest challenge will be finding a product that is not too competitive. Otherwise, you will be up against brands that have already established themselves. Expecting to get a fair share of the market is a bit too much.
On the other hand, the right idea can make you a lot of money. Dropshipping is great since you work as a middleman. It is excellent when you do not have to worry about inventory, shipping, or returns. That leaves more time to focus on other matters, like marketing.
Business scaling you can achieve with dropshipping depends entirely on how much effort you put into it. Some believe that there is no ceiling in dropshipping.
Idea #4 – Blogging
Blogging is another method that can bring you money, and starting a simple blog on WordPress is easy. It will take a while before you get a decent reader base, but with enough quality content, you should be able to achieve it.
As for monetization, that depends on a blogger’s approach. Some like to create a brand and sell digital products like e-books or courses. Others rely on crowdfunding platforms like Patreon. And then there are those who include affiliate links or run ads.
What starts out as a blog can turn into a brand. There are bloggers who are making money on Amazon selling e-books thanks to the fame they achieved via their blogs. When things pick up, look to expand your network. Use the blog as a platform to lift off.
Idea #5 – Digital Goods Store
Those with talent can develop a store and sell their digital goods. Creating a membership system is also an option. Make your content available for a monthly or yearly fee.
Webinars and courses are quite popular these days. Individuals are looking to learn new skills and thanks to the internet, they can find plenty of great reading or watching material online. If you have knowledge about things like SEO, graphic design, copy-writing, internet marketing, or coding, there is money to be made from this knowledge.
Idea #6 – Ad Network Website
Finding a niche and creating a website around it to run ads could also work. Start with the keyword research and look for volumes of about 2 thousand monthly searches. Write articles to rank in search engines by including relevant keywords. Run ads on the website.
If this one does well, you can look to build multiple websites like that and create a network that works as a great passive source of income.