When I first got into travel blogging, the way to make money was by selling links and having 40-50 niche websites with Google adwords ads. Press trips didn’t exist for bloggers and getting paid for our work was tough.
Then came the dawn of the influencer. The industry blossomed in opportunity and things were going pretty well until BOOM, the cooties hit.
So now that the game has changed drastically again, how is it possible to make money with a travel blog going into 2021?
I’m here to tell you it’s still totally possible to thrive in this role, provided you’re ready to put in the hard work and most importantly, passion.
These are the ways to make it happen in 2021 and beyond:
1. Use your blog as a resume to get freelance writing work
My biggest source of income during the first couple years of my blog was freelance writing roles. At first they won’t pay all that well but you’ll be establishing yourself and in time you can charge more commensurate with your experience (and influence).
It’s helpful when a publication can see that you have some reach yourself to help share the article and get more views, and the more you grow the easier it will be to get opportunities that pay better.
Writing articles not only helps with your bank account, but it gets you back links as well which is great for SEO! You can find a listing of resources here:
2. Work as a virtual assistant for other blogs
Working for a more established blogger will help you understand how to become more effective with your own blog. These jobs mostly come from in-person networking, but since that’s off the table for now, I recommend finding online resources.
Facebook groups can give you insight into the kind of help people are looking for. You can also use a VA matchmaking service like Satiated Artists.
When possible again, I think it’s great to attend industry events like TravelCon, and Women in Travel Summit, if for no other reason than to network with other bloggers, to market your VA services, and to become aware of opportunities.
Or, try to just offer your services to a blogger you love. My full-time assistant reached out several years ago and asked if she could intern for me. Over the years, she’s become an essential part of my team. You would be surprised how many bloggers need help but don’t know where to look. Also consider the Facebook groups and industry events:
- The Business of Blogging
- Superstar Blogging’s Facebook Group (Requires Course purchase)
- Traverse Mingle events
3. Get into affiliate marketing
It’s never too early to start with affiliate marketing. Even if you’re just starting out, having affiliates in mind and recommending products you love builds trust and paying opportunities. This is a long game, and you may not see the results from the fruits of your labor for a year or two, but it can become incredibly worthwhile.
For example, I wrote about what to pack for Southeast Asia four months into my blogging career and now it’s one of my most successful affiliate pages. It took a bit of time but it paid off. This is always true for me. I never really know how a post I write will do until much later, so I just keep trying!
You can become an affiliate for almost anything these days, so think outside the box. Here are a few great networks that I use:
- GetYourGuide
- Amazon
- Rakuten
- CJ
- Etsy
- Groupon
- Whichever hotel booking and clothing sites you regularly use.
- Whichever travel insurance you use.
The key is to only promote products that you truly love and use yourself. To successfully market products to your audience, their trust always has to come first. Check out this post for info on how to write a good affiliate post.
4. Place ads
Ad revenue is based on traffic and these days, the biggest networks require at least 50k visits per month.
Yes, it does make your site a bit uglier, but I believe that most readers don’t mind them (I haven’t had any complaints) and that your loyal fans will be happy to see you making money. I personally use Mediavine.
In April of 2020, my ads revenues took a dive like everyone else’s, however they’ve rebounded now in Q4 of 2020 with my focus on expanding content that was already performing.
5. Sell your photos
Photography is a big part of travel blogging. What better way could there be to inspire people to see the beautiful places you share? Having a visually appealing website is important, and since Instagram is useful marketing tool, it’s a great way to get paid work. Most of my paid work actually comes to me through my Instagram!
I’m always looking for ways to push myself and get better. These days, photography is a huge priority when I travel.
You can also sell stock photos online. Some people make a decent passive income this way. The rules are strict around what you can have in your photo, but if you are traveling and have a backlog anyway, it could be worth it. I can’t personally recommend it as I haven’t tried it, but if you have please let me know in the comments below if it works for you (or if not, tell us why!)
6. Monetize videos
Plenty of bloggers make videos here and there but I don’t see much crossover between blogs and YouTube. People seem to be very dedicated to one or the other but not both.
If you make great videos and are consistent, building up an audience on YouTube and putting ads on them is a great way to develop an income stream. This is also a long-game approach, like most of what I suggest on here, but if you build up a strong and consistent audience you’ll have yet another passive income stream.
7. Paid Brand and Destination Campaigns
Eventually, when you have built up your audience and social media channels, you may have paid opportunities come your way. It might include product partnerships (like mine with ZAGG) or destinations (like mine with Kyrgyzstan), wherein you agree to deliverables in exchange for an all expenses paid trip and some cash.
This sounds like the dream, and it is, but it only makes sense if the destination and the campaign make sense with your brand, and if you are capable of delivering everything that you promise.
As for how to get these opportunities, there’s no secret formula other than to, as Steve Martin famously said, “be so good they can’t ignore you.”
If you have a well-chosen niche, create great content, you form real bonds with your followers and readers, and consistently put out valuable resources, that is the magic formula. Differentiate, build your audience, build historical data to prove that you are worth spending money on, and the work will follow.
Though, yes, there isn’t as much opportunity in 2020 as there was in 2018, there are still plenty of partnership options if you can innovate. Which industries are growing? Can you expand into any of them? Can you insert some lifestyle into the travel content?
Want some guidance? I recently put together a 5-day course (it’s free!) to walk you through thriving into 2021:
8. Develop Your Own Products
The most successful entrepreneurs in this industry have their own products for sale.
It could be a course, a book or several, tours, or a whole host of other options. The more creative you can get the better!
It’s important to have a minimum viable audience before jumping in and creating a product. There is the danger that you will spend all this time on product creation and not have any buyers.
How’s your affiliate income? Do you get heartfelt emails from readers? Are they actually asking for this from you, or have you asked them what they want?
9. Podcast
There are not many travel bloggers who have a podcast, but this is another great way to make money and contribute something meaningful that is not already incredibly saturated.
Podcast popularity is skyrocketing, especially when people are at home more and have more time to listen.
I believe this is actually a huge opportunity and if you can come up with something of quality that has not already been thought of, you can strike while the iron is hot. While I haven’t reviewed it, I fully trust Pat Flynn and would take his course on podcasting if I were to start one myself.
10. Become a public speaker
Public speaking is a great way to make money while also spreading awareness and establishing yourself as an authority. Like the previous few suggestions, this is something that will make sense to pursue after you have established yourself.
Even in 2021, these opportunities still exist – just in a virtual format.
Live interactions can be powerful, and getting good at going live is a skill very worth having.
Once conferences can meet IRL again, you’ll have already established yourself as a great speaker, which adds credibility to your brand, spreads the word, and exposes you to new audiences.
These are a few of my favorite ways to earn from a travel blog. They’re all about the long game, based on providing something to people that is honest and of real value, and can help you build a lasting business that survives the test of time.
Most of all, innovate. Stay on top of the curve, keep working hard, and come up with new and exciting ideas. Put your energy into the things that you can do better than anyone else, and the money will follow.
Happy blogging!
Michelle | Lights Camera Travel says
Thank you for the series! Now just to put it into practice…
Raaj says
Please explain the
Process and work
Involved.
Thanks and best regards.
Raaj
Ahadjibran says
I am from Pakistan Northern area and I would like to make a blog for people who don’t know places in Gilgit Baltistan. I’m 12 years old and your tips are great.
Paolo says
Thanks for the encouraging words and advice. I have just started myself and find information like this invaluable! Great blog btw.
Kristin says
Glad to help.
The Guy says
This is a good honest insight Kristin. I’m about to hit my 2 year anniversary and I’m still trying to build my audience. It is still a long way short of where I’d like it to be. It is also too small to see any benefits yet from affiliate links.
At times it is disheartening to see “new kids” on the block become so quick at obtaining a sizeable audience when you know you put in just as many hours as they do. You’ve just got to pick yourself up in those dark moments and keep pushing on.
Kristin says
There’s so much that goes into it that I couldn’t even cover in a 5-part series. As you know, it’s all about finding what works for you but yes, I have those dark moments too. I am sure we all do regardless of industry.
Rika | Cubicle Throwdown says
This series has been a great read Kristin, and answered a lot of questions!! Thanks for putting it together so thoughtfully!
Kristin says
Glad it was helpful!
Kemkem says
Thank you so much for this series. I’ve been blogging for about eight months and still learning, trying to find my voice. This will definitely help my journey.
Kristin says
I posted 2-3 times per week in the beginning but have since had to go down to more like 1 due to other obligations. The quality is what matters most so focus on that and on living!
Si says
This is arguably the most common question asked in the travel blogging community: how can I make some money from this? It’s certainly not easy, and I’d advise anyone getting into blogging that they shouldn’t do it for the money – because you might not get any for a long, long time.
For me, though, travel blogging has been great for my career as a journalist – because I now know how to write for SEO and know the ins and outs of social media. As a result, I can now command more of a salary than I would be able to if I hadn’t taken up blogging.
Kristin says
My point exactly. You won’t make tons from your blog, most likely, but it can open a lot of doors.
Kirsten(@AmericanTravelProject) says
Thanks for this advice. I have been blogging for less than a year, and slowly finding my way. I never intended to do it to make money, more as a fun way to share my travel experiences and passion for finding great travel deals. I am leaning so much now about how the business of blogging works & I really had no idea! I like the advice to keep traveling though because the content really should be the focus & the inspiration behind it all. Thanks:)
Kristin says
Definitely. It’s about the content at the beginning and end of the day. I think true love for the subject matter shines through and it’s the only thing that will really keep you going.
Kristin from MN says
I’m a huge fan of your blog! I’m in the planning stages of starting my own travel blog. Do you use mailchimp or aweber, or which do you recommend?
Kristin says
Thanks! I use mailchimp. No experience with anything else.
Ellie says
I’ve just finished ready all 5 posts and found them really helpful! Especially when you have given links in the first few posts.
I started reading your blog early this year after a travelling friend told me about it and all your South East Asia posts really helped me research for my trip which I did earlier this year 🙂
Kristin says
I’m so happy to hear that you found out about my blog from a friend. Personal recommendations are awesome! Glad you have found the posts helpful and happy blogging and travels.
Sigurdur Bjorgvinsson @theRedHeadExplorer says
Thanks for the great advice,
I have just started my own travel blog and right it is growing but slowly, I am trying to make only quality content but it can be hard for someone like me who is a crappy writer. I don’t expect to make any money at all until after maybe one year or more but I hope one day that I can travel the world living on the money I make from my blog.
Thanks for all the posts with great advice.
Kristin says
I think the most important thing is not to focus on making money, but to improve your writing at this point. If you really believe you’re a crappy writer, why should others read it and why would it generate money? I’d suggest taking a writing course, reading more, really honing your skills or maybe focusing on something else, like photography, if that’s more your thing.
Damien says
Finally got to sit down and read this entire series, great information here. Next step for me is to come up with a name for my own blog 🙂
Kristin says
That can be the fun part. I think originality is best!
Damien says
I had a sort of idea but unless people know their ancient Greek stories, they wouldn’t get what it means!
Ben says
I just re-read this post for probably the hundredth time and something leaped out at me that I hadn’t really noticed before – specifically the advice from your friend Will. It just occurred to me that worry more about the blog and not really getting into my travels has been exactly what I’ve been doing for the last few weeks. And I now realize that it’s why I’ve had this feeling that something isn’t quite right, that I haven’t really done anything etc.
So thanks for yet another bit of inspiration and guidance. You are definitely my travel muse :).
Kristin says
It’s so hard to balance work and play, especially with bad wifi connections, so much stimulation away from the computer, and so on. I’m glad that I got two years of almost exclusive travel and not too much work, but find it hard now to buckle down when there are adventures to be had.
Stuart says
I have decided to take your advice and post a comment 🙂
Thank you for this guide and the many useful tips and links.
(my reading list continues to grow and grow)
My website is still under construction so I have no real content.. yet.
My thinking in the very early stages was just to keep a travel diary for myself, friends and family but, I really want to become nomadic/location independent.
I am currently working my 9-5 (ugh), as much overtime as I can physically handle and in what little time I have left, I am researching everything from travel gear to social media marketing and lots in between.
My head is swimming but I am learning So much each day.
I realise I might be taking on a lot but my flight to Bangkok departs in six weeks!!!
Thanks again. I really enjoy your writing style and this guide is a gentler introduction to some of the really heavy reading (in the aforementioned reading list) that seemed so daunting at first glance.
Sorry this is quite long..
Kristin says
Hey Stuart, so glad that you find this helpful and an easy introduction. I’ve considered publishing my entire business plan as a free ebook (since I write down all of my inspiration and the steps I’ve taken – what has worked and what hasn’t – along the way). Perhaps that’s something I’ll do in 2016 or 17, for those who want some heavier reading 😉 Best of luck and would love to see your site when it’s live!
Taiss says
Yes, I’m also just chucking away at it. Trying to get good content out there. It seems to take forever. How long, in general, would you say it takes to grow a good audience (all else being good)? 3 years or so? Is there a point where you just get some momentum and it’s not moving at the pace of molasses?
I agree with your point about having the passion for this. I’ve been trying to take ourblog to the next level now for the past few months and I feel like I just want to do a million things. I kinda wish there was 5 of me!! Anywhere we go, anything we do, I’ve got my the blog on my mind. I don’t want any days off! 🙂
chrislouis says
Now making money through traveling become so much easier than before. people can easily do vlogging with a camera and post it on youtube and this way they can earn huge money.
Stefan Ciancio says
Great Tips! Such a great information.
I agree with you that ”the few travel bloggers who make a solid living off of their blogs have been at it for years.” I have always been facing problems with How to make money and was trying to hire someone to help me.
I will tweet your post. Thanks a lot for sharing.
Thanks a lot!
Stefan
Ankita says
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It will help for new bloggers.
GG says
Thanks for these tips, they are invaluable. I have a quick question. I don’t plan on starting a blog now, but have been encouraged to start one, but maybe after retirement one day. This isn’t about making money per se, but blogging in general. How do you put yourself out there but at the same time maintain some level of privacy and safety? I often worry myself when interacting with others on-line (both ways, giving too much info on my end or asking too much info). Thanks for your advice or if you have a link to where I can get more info on this, let me know. Maybe I can use this info in the future. Any blog I have in mind if I ever went that way would take any proceeds from it and give to some charity.
Kristin says
Hard to say, I guess it just comes down to personal preference. I just do what I find comfortable!
Kate says
Such great tips and ideas! Thanks so much for the inspiration 🙂
Emma says
Another fab blog! You’re really rocking it! My saved to read soon blogs are mostly full of your stuff! 😉
I first came across you because you were one of the few people I could find who had also been to the blue lava in java. We loved it there, killed my camera like, but got a few good shots before it died.
Keep being awesome 😉
Emma
Kristin says
Many thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
Jessica says
Nice and Informative. WOW, I like the photographs. Thanks for sharing.
Sasha Brown says
I considered affiliate marketing for my travel blog, but someone told me that it might be too early as I have just started out. However you say that it’s never too early for affiliate marketing, who should I believe?
Kristin says
Do what feels right to you!
Sandeep says
Thanks for sharing such a great piece of information and I do agree with all your points, but I liked most your last point i.e. “Become a public speaker”
SC says
It would be interesting to see how or if this content has changed now in 2019 with the over-saturation of travel blogs, companies cracking down on “influencers” staying at their accommodations for free, and other changes in both the industry and its interaction with social media.
Kristin says
This article isn’t about becoming an overnight influencer or trying to get free hotel stays. Though I do have thoughts: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/is-instagram-ruining-travel/
Alex says
Hey Kristin,
Great post about making money through travel blogging. The point you make about earning huge amount of money through travel blogging resonates well, because it details that bloggers can earn profit in their travels through advertisement, photography, content writing, and even public speaking.
Kunal Vaghasiya says
Thanks for the encouraging words and advice. I have just started myself and find information like this invaluable! Great blog btw.
Lisa daniel says
Hi, Kristin,
Your post is great it gives a new way of making money through travel blogging, I think to start a travel blog but I only know that make money through ads but you told many more ways now I’m full of inspiration and gonna more work on my travel blog but I also focus on Instagram marketing it will help me to build more audience.
jordan fields says
Awesome advice! I have had my blog for about 6 months, but the last month I have really thrown my energy into it. (It takes time to figure out what you want.. ha!!) Anyway, I really appreciate these tips. Have always loved your blog xo!
Kristin says
<3
kisan Guled says
how to work as travel blogger ? that related any jobs for me ?
Edgar says
So i didn’t understand the first step… can you explain me please?
I work on some kind of freelance job where I need to write something for travelers. After I finish, I have to give my unique work to the customer. And after that … copy and publish this work on my website? Is this all about? If not, can you explain?
Kristin says
I’m suggesting that you write and publish work on your own website and when you apply for freelance jobs, you’ll have an example of your work online that you can point to.
Natalie Portman says
Hello! Definitely. It’s about the content at the beginning and end of the day. I think true love for the subject matter shines through and it’s the only thing that will really keep you going.
Anita Jacobi says
Hello Kristin,
The article was really great and motivated. I think, now making money through Travelling blogs and Travelling Youtube channels create become so much easier than before. Because Now everyone loves travel blogs and I also like Travelling. I love these tips #Sell your photos, #Monetize videos, #Develop your own products. Thank you for sharing this valuable article.??
Anita Jacobi
Contributor, Careeriz
Careeriz
Xavier says
I am also starting my own blog. I have bought hosting and all, your blog literally helped me in understanding where to start. Will update more here, well done for the effort.
Kristin says
yay!
Xavier says
I will be starting my new blog, just got hostnoc hosting, will soon be applying what you mentioned in this write up, will update you here in the comments.
Malaika says
Thank you for this, it was a great post and very motivating! Started our blog a year ago, but didn’t spend as much time building it. We are trying to build it and hopefully get it to where we want it to be. Thank you for the motivation!
Kristin says
Glad you like it!
beSIRIOus says
Hey there, thanks for the great insight! I tried a lot of these methods myself, but I like the aspect that you are combining it with travel!
I think one thing that also should be mentioned is that there are passive ways to earn income and active once. Of course everybody wants passive income, but you gotta put the work in and be patient! So if you really need money, you gotta look for other ways like freelancing. I believe when starting out a mixture is the best.
green out says
That’s wonderful. Many things to learn, thanks for sharing.
green out
Mrutyunjay says
Thank you for the article and it was really helpful. You are an inspiration to us all.
Kevin Reuschel says
Great blog and thorough insight. Thank you for sharing your story and advice, Kristin.
Just an FYI, the link to your tutorial titled “5 days to Success” embedded in the page of the article I am commenting on, does not work!
I was curious about the tutorial and tried to connect to the “linked” page, but to no avail. You might want to check it out and fix it…but it could be a problem on my end too.
Anyway, keep up the good work, Kristin. Congrats, travel safe and we’ll see you on the road!
Best for 2021,
Kev
Kristin says
Oh bummer! Thanks for letting me know I’m fixing it now. Here’s the link for you https://bemytravelmuse.ck.page/73348774df
Melanie Newdick says
What a handy article. It’s been tough setting up a travel blog during Covid19 and haven’t been sure about how to pitch and write articles for others so thanks for sharing some tips and links that are useful. Practical information always much appreciated!
Kristin says
For sure!
Stella says
Ok. I loved this. I see a few hundred comments above me so wonder if mine will break through. I’m in year three of travel blogging and infinitley patient that it will pay off one day. Thank you for the advice, I plan to take you up on lots of it.
Stella