How to Monetize Your Blog Without AdSense (Real Methods That Actually Work in 2025)
By Ghulam Muhiudeen | Digital Creator & Blogger
Let me be completely honest with you.
When I first started blogging, I was obsessed with getting Google AdSense approval. I thought it was the only way to make money from a blog. I applied three times. Got rejected three times. And for a while, I almost gave up.
But here's what I discovered: AdSense is NOT the only road to earning money from your blog. In fact, some of the methods I'm going to share with you today can earn you far more than AdSense ever could — even with the same traffic.
So if you're sitting there with a blog that gets decent visits but no AdSense approval, or if you're writing on a niche that AdSense simply won't approve, don't stress. You're in the right place.
Let's get into it.
Why Bloggers Look for AdSense Alternatives
Before we jump into the solutions, let me quickly explain why you might be looking for this in the first place — because understanding the "why" helps you pick the right method.
There are usually a few common reasons:
- You applied for AdSense but got rejected (insufficient content, policy violations, low traffic, etc.)
- Your blog is on a topic that AdSense restricts — like cryptocurrency, adult content, gambling, or even some health niches
- You want to diversify your income and not rely on a single ad network
- Your blog is new and AdSense requires a minimum level of content and traffic
- You're running your blog on Blogger or WordPress.com with limited control
Whatever your reason — it's valid. And honestly, exploring these alternatives was one of the best things that ever happened to my blogging journey.
How to Monetize Your Blog Without AdSense
Here are the best, most realistic, and beginner-friendly ways to earn from your blog without needing Google AdSense approval.
1. Alternative Ad Networks (The Closest Thing to AdSense)
If you love the idea of display ads — banners, sidebar ads, in-content ads — but can't get AdSense, there are some really solid ad networks that work well as alternatives.
Media.net
This is Yahoo and Bing's ad network and it's one of the most popular AdSense alternatives out there. The ads are high-quality and contextual, meaning they match your content just like AdSense does. To get approved, you mainly need English-language traffic.
Best for: Blogs with US, UK, or Canadian traffic.
Ezoic
Ezoic uses AI to optimize ad placement and has helped many bloggers earn significantly more than they did with AdSense. They don't have a strict minimum traffic requirement anymore, making it accessible for newer bloggers too.
Best for: Bloggers who want to maximize ad revenue with smart optimization.
PropellerAds
PropellerAds is great if your blog covers topics that AdSense typically rejects — things like tech, downloads, or entertainment. They offer multiple ad formats including push notifications and interstitials.
Best for: Niches that AdSense is strict about.
Monumetric
Monumetric is a premium ad network that pays really well. You do need at least 10,000 monthly page views to qualify, but once you're in, the earnings can be impressive.
Best for: Growing blogs with steady traffic.
AdThrive / Raptive
If your blog has 100,000+ monthly page views, AdThrive (now called Raptive) is considered one of the highest-paying ad networks in the world. Many lifestyle, food, and parenting bloggers swear by it.
Best for: Established blogs with high traffic.
My Personal Tip: When I couldn't get AdSense, I went with Ezoic first. It took about a month to set up properly, but within 60 days I was earning more than I expected for my traffic level. Don't skip this option.
2. Affiliate Marketing (My Favorite Method)
Honestly, affiliate marketing is where I make most of my blogging income today. And it works even if you have zero ad network approvals.
The concept is simple: you recommend a product or service, someone clicks your special link, makes a purchase, and you earn a commission. No ads needed. No approvals. Just trust and good content.
How to Get Started with Affiliate Marketing
- Join Amazon Associates — One of the easiest affiliate programs to join. You can promote millions of products and earn 1–10% commission depending on the category.
- ShareASale, Commission Junction (CJ), or Impact — These are affiliate marketplaces where you can find hundreds of brands to promote.
- Direct affiliate programs — Many companies have their own affiliate programs. Think Bluehost, Hostinger, Canva, SEMrush — especially great for tech and blogging niches.
What Makes Affiliate Marketing Work
You need to write content that naturally recommends products. Review posts, comparison articles, "best of" lists, and tutorial posts work beautifully for this.
For example, if you run a cooking blog, you could write a post like "Best Blenders for Smoothies in 2025" and include affiliate links to the blenders you recommend. Simple, honest, and effective.
Real Tip: Always disclose your affiliate relationships to your readers. It's legally required in many countries, and more importantly, it builds trust. Readers appreciate honesty, and honest recommendations convert far better than pushy sales tactics.
3. Sell Digital Products
This one blew my mind when I first tried it.
You can create something once and sell it forever. That's the power of digital products.
Here are some ideas depending on your niche:
- eBooks — Write a guide on your area of expertise. A 20-30 page PDF can sell for $7–$49 easily.
- Templates — Design templates for Canva, Excel, Notion, or any tool your audience uses.
- Courses — Teach what you know. You can host a course on Gumroad, Teachable, or Udemy.
- Printables — Budget planners, meal plans, checklists — people love downloadable printables.
- Presets and tools — If you're in photography or design, Lightroom presets are hot sellers.
Where to sell: Gumroad, Payhip, WooCommerce, or even directly through your blog with a payment gateway.
The best part? You keep 90–100% of the revenue. No middleman taking a huge cut.
4. Sponsored Posts and Brand Collaborations
Once your blog has some traffic and a loyal audience, brands will pay you to write about their products or services. This is called a sponsored post.
You write an honest article featuring their product, and they pay you a flat fee. Rates can range from $50 to $5,000+ per post depending on your audience size and niche authority.
How to Attract Sponsors
- Build a Media Kit — a one-page document showing your blog stats, audience demographics, and social media reach.
- Join platforms like IZEA, Cooperatize, or Tomoson that connect bloggers with brands.
- Reach out directly to brands in your niche — a simple, professional email can open doors.
Even small blogs with engaged readers can land sponsors. Brands care more about audience trust and engagement than raw traffic numbers.
5. Offer Freelance Services Through Your Blog
Your blog is proof of your expertise. Use it to attract freelance clients.
Are you a writer? A designer? A social media manager? A virtual assistant? A developer? Your blog can be your portfolio and lead generator at the same time.
Add a simple "Hire Me" or "Work With Me" page to your blog and describe what services you offer. You'd be surprised how many readers are looking for someone exactly like you.
This is actually how I got my first freelance clients — through my blog. Someone read my content, liked my writing style, and reached out. It cost me nothing except the time I was already spending writing.
6. Email Newsletter Monetization
Building an email list is one of the most valuable things a blogger can do. Unlike social media followers, your email subscribers are yours — no algorithm can take them away.
Once you have a list (even a small one), you can monetize it by:
- Promoting your own products or services
- Sending affiliate offers (disclosed properly)
- Partnering with brands for newsletter sponsorships
- Offering a premium paid newsletter through platforms like Substack or Ghost
Start collecting emails from day one. Use a free tool like Mailchimp, ConvertKit, or MailerLite, and offer a freebie (like an eBook or checklist) in exchange for email signups.
7. Membership or Subscription Model
If your content is genuinely valuable and people keep coming back for more, consider offering a premium membership.
You can create a free tier (your regular blog) and a paid tier with exclusive content, tutorials, downloads, or community access.
Platforms like Patreon, Buy Me a Coffee, or Ko-fi make this very easy to set up, even for complete beginners. You can literally start today with zero investment.
Many bloggers I know earn $200–$2,000 per month this way from a small but loyal audience. It's not about having millions of readers — it's about serving a specific group of people really well.
8. Sell Physical Products or Merchandise
Depending on your niche, selling physical products might make a lot of sense.
- A fitness blogger could sell branded resistance bands or gym accessories.
- A food blogger could sell spice blends, sauces, or recipe cards.
- A travel blogger could sell travel accessories or printed maps.
You can use print-on-demand services like Printful or Teespring to sell merchandise without holding any inventory. They handle printing, shipping, and returns while you just market the products.
9. Online Coaching or Consulting
People will pay good money to learn directly from someone they trust.
If your blog establishes you as knowledgeable in your field — whether that's fitness, finance, digital marketing, parenting, cooking, or anything else — you can offer one-on-one coaching sessions.
Charge $50 to $300 per hour (or more) depending on your niche and expertise. Even one session per week adds up significantly over a month.
Use Calendly to schedule sessions and PayPal, Stripe, or Paytm to accept payments easily.
Quick Comparison: Which Method Is Right for You?
| Method | Best For | Earnings Potential | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ad Networks | Traffic-focused blogs | Low–Medium | Easy |
| Affiliate Marketing | Any niche | Medium–High | Medium |
| Digital Products | Knowledge-based blogs | High | Medium |
| Sponsored Posts | Established blogs | Medium–High | Medium |
| Freelance Services | Skilled bloggers | High | Easy |
| Email Monetization | Any blog with a list | Medium–High | Medium |
| Membership | Loyal audience | Medium | Medium |
| Coaching | Expert bloggers | High | Easy |
Tips to Maximize Your Blog Earnings Without AdSense
Here are a few extra tips that can make a real difference:
Focus on a specific niche. The more targeted your content, the more valuable your audience is to advertisers and brands. A general lifestyle blog earns less than a specific "budget travel for solo women over 40" blog.
Build trust before selling. Your readers need to trust you before they'll buy from you or click your links. Focus on genuinely helpful content first.
Diversify your income streams. Don't depend on just one method. Combine two or three strategies for a more stable income.
Grow your traffic. More traffic means more opportunity regardless of which monetization method you choose. Focus on SEO, social sharing, and content consistency.
Track what works. Use Google Analytics and track which posts earn the most. Double down on what's working.
Conclusion: You Don't Need AdSense to Succeed
If I could go back and talk to the version of myself who was desperately waiting for AdSense approval, I'd say this:
"Stop waiting. Start building."
The truth is, AdSense is just one small piece of the blogging income puzzle — and honestly, it's not even the most profitable piece. The bloggers who earn serious money are the ones who have built multiple income streams, created valuable products, and built genuine relationships with their audience.
You can do this. Your blog can earn money. You just need to start with one method, execute it well, and build from there.
Your Next Step
Pick one method from this list that feels right for your blog and your niche. Just one. Don't try to do everything at once.
If you're completely new, I'd recommend starting with affiliate marketing — join Amazon Associates or a niche affiliate program, write two or three honest review posts, and see how your audience responds.
If you already have an engaged audience, set up a Gumroad account today and create a simple digital product — even a 10-page PDF guide on something you know well.
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Take yours today.
Did you find this article helpful? If you have questions about monetizing your blog, drop them in the comments below — I personally read and respond to every single one.
Tags: how to monetize blog without AdSense, AdSense alternatives, blog monetization methods, earn from blog, affiliate marketing for bloggers, ad networks for bloggers, digital products for bloggers, sponsored posts, blogging income 2025