Who Pays Bloggers (How Do Bloggers Make Money)? - Blogging Guide (2024)

Many bloggers started out as simple freelancers. But as soon as they realized the potential of starting their own blog, they kicked one off. Once their blog was thriving, they were able to attract the interest of brands looking to pay bloggers to write for them.

Freelancing and sponsored posts are very similar but work for very different bloggers. Freelance bloggers can ghostwrite, guest post and sell their content to the highest bidder, while sponsored bloggers get paid to write posts geared towards a brand or company. Either way, how bloggers get paid to blog this way is rewarding and effective.

• Who? Clients, brands and companies pay bloggers directly.

Bloggers can reach out to clients to offer their services or wait for someone to approach them instead. Freelancers usually need to provide a portfolio of their work to prove they’re capable, while bloggers with access to large, unique niches are highly regarded by sponsors.

• How? Clients negotiate a rate or make an offer to the blogger.

Freelance bloggers can charge per word, per hour or per piece of content, while sponsored blog post fees are negotiated beforehand. Bloggers get paid directly, either before or after writing a post, and payment options are unlimited.

• When? Bloggers are paid directly (sponsored posts) or via a freelancing platform.

If a freelance blogger uses a platform like Fiverr, there is a NET 7-14 waiting period, plus a 20% commission take. Sponsored posts are usually paid directly to the blogger via wire transfer or through a platform like PayPal.

• Income Potential: Low to high, short to medium term, and active.

Freelancing can be unforgiving, especially if you’re just starting out. But freelance blogging is a great way to build up a portfolio, learn the ropes and earn extra revenue at the same time. Sponsored posts live at the other end of the spectrum. If you’ve got a massive following or exclusive access to a high-value niche market, brands will pay well for you to promote their content for them.

Here’s anoverviewof what it takes to be a freelance blogger, and if you’ve got what it takes, thisguidewill tell you how to land a lucrative blog sponsor.