5 Real-Life Examples Of Bloggers Making Money Online

Blogging can feel like a rollercoaster ride, right? 

One minute, you’re crafting a post, and one minute later, you’re wondering if it could ever actually make money. 

Well, the truth is it can. 

Tons of bloggers have gone beyond paying the bills and are now thriving. And they started just like you, with questions, doubts, and a dream.

You might be into creating delicious recipes or helping parents with helpful advice. Whatever excites you, there’s room to make an impact.

You can turn that passion into a paycheck by understanding what works and taking the first steps.

That’s why I’ve pulled together real-life examples of bloggers making money online to inspire you. 

These aren’t fairy tales. These are people like you and me who turned their blogs into thriving businesses.

Let’s take a closer look at how they did it.

1. Finance Blog: Mixed Up Money

Mixed Up Money is a fantastic example of how a personal finance blog can turn into a steady income stream. Created by Alyssa Davies, this blog focuses on helping readers (particularly women) take control of their finances without feeling overwhelmed.

How does Mixed Up Money make money? Through a combination of smart strategies:

• Affiliate marketing: Alyssa recommends financial products and tools she genuinely believes in, earning a commission when readers sign up through her links.
• Workshops and courses: she hosts paid workshops on budgeting, saving, and money management, providing readers with practical learning opportunities.
• Sponsored content: brands work with her to craft content that connects with her audience and highlights their products or services.

Why does it work? Alyssa’s honesty and down-to-earth style have helped her connect with her audience. She prioritizes practical, easy-to-understand advice over complicated financial language.

Takeaway: if you’ve got expertise in a specific area (like personal finance) your blog can become a trusted resource. Combine education with authenticity, and you’ve got a recipe for success. You only need to be a step ahead of your readers, not an expert in everything.

Starting your own finance-focused blog (or any niche, really) doesn’t require a degree in the subject. 

It’s about sharing what you know, learning as you go, and creating content that genuinely helps people. 

When you provide value, the opportunities to monetize will naturally follow.

2. Travel Blog: Wandering Earl

Wandering Earl is a perfect example of turning a passion for travel into a thriving blog. 

Earl started his journey with just a one-way ticket, and now he’s built a blog that inspires people to explore the world while earning an income.

His blog makes money mainly with:

• Affiliate marketing: Earl promotes travel gear, booking platforms, and travel insurance.
• Personalized travel tours: Earl organizes small-group tours to unique destinations, offering readers the chance to travel with him and experience his favorite spots firsthand.
• E-Books and guides: he sells detailed travel guides and resources to help readers plan their trips and travel smarter.

Why does it work? Earl shares authentic insights and budget-friendly travel tips to help readers navigate challenges and enjoy the journey.

Takeaway: authenticity is key. Earl is genuine about his experiences and creates content that helps others follow in his footsteps. If you’re passionate about a specific niche, whether it’s travel, food, or anything else, share your personal journey and let your passion shine through.

Monetizing a travel blog doesn’t mean you need to be an expert. 

When people see that you genuinely care, they’re more likely to support your work and invest in your recommendations or services.

3. Lifestyle Blog: Cup Of Jo

Cup of Jo shows how a lifestyle blog can grow into a profitable business. 

Created by Joanna Goddard, this blog covers everything from fashion and beauty to parenting and relationships, making it a go-to for readers seeking relatable, heartfelt content.

How does Cup of Jo make money?

• Sponsored content: Joanna partners with brands to create authentic, engaging sponsored posts that blend seamlessly with her usual content. These partnerships work because they align with her audience’s interests.
• Display advertising: using ad networks, Cup of Jo displays visually appealing ads that generate income based on impressions and clicks.
• Affiliate marketing: Joanna recommends products she loves.

Why does it work? Cup of Jo’s success lies in its personal and relatable tone. Joanna has built a community by sharing her life experiences in a way that makes readers feel like they’re chatting with a friend. The content always feels authentic, which keeps her audience coming back.

Takeaway: lifestyle blogs let you explore multiple topics. The key is to stay authentic and focus on building a connection with your readers. Once that trust is established, monetization becomes a natural progression.

Whether you’re into fashion, parenting, home decor, or all of the above, a lifestyle blog is a great way to share what makes you unique.

4. Food Blog: Minimalist Baker

Minimalist Baker is proof that simplicity can lead to success. 

Founded by Dana Shultz, the focus is on quick and easy recipes with no more than 10 ingredients, perfect for readers who love tasty food without the hassle.

Here’s how Minimalist Baker makes money:

• Affiliate marketing: Dana recommends kitchen tools, appliances, and ingredients, earning a commission when her readers purchase them through her affiliate links.
• Cookbooks and exclusive recipes: she’s published successful cookbooks and offers paid content like exclusive recipes and meal plans.
• Display advertising: ads fit smoothly into the blog, keeping the user experience intact.

Why does it work? Dana’s approach to cooking is simple and beginner-friendly. Her clear instructions and gorgeous visuals keep her readers engaged.

Takeaway: a focused niche, like easy cooking, can attract a wide audience. Pair that with high-quality content and consistent delivery, and you create a blog people trust and return to.

You don’t have to be a professional chef or photographer to start a food blog. If you’re passionate about cooking, baking, or even meal prepping, share what you know in a way that feels simple and helpful. 

People love content that makes their lives easier, and they’re happy to support the creators behind it.

5. Health And Fitness Blog: Nerd Fitness

Nerd Fitness is a fantastic example of turning a unique angle into a thriving blog. 

Created by Steve Kamb, this blog is tailored for “nerds” and everyday folks who want to get fit without feeling out of place in traditional fitness spaces.

Nerd Fitness makes money with:

• Online courses and coaching: Steve creates fitness plans and provides personal coaching to help people at all fitness levels achieve their goals.
• Affiliate marketing: the blog recommends fitness gear, books, and resources.
• Memberships: Nerd Fitness offers a paid membership platform where users gain access to exclusive content, community forums, and personalized support.

Why does it work? Steve has created a welcoming space for people who might feel intimidated by traditional fitness blogs. By combining geek culture with fitness, he speaks directly to his audience’s interests, making fitness fun and accessible. 

Takeaway: a clear audience focus can help your blog stand out in a crowded space like fitness. When you understand your audience’s problems and offer solutions that fit their needs, you build trust, create a sense of community, and open up natural ways to earn money.

If health or fitness is your passion, don’t feel like you have to follow the typical approach. Bring your unique perspective to the table. 

Staying authentic will attract people who are excited to follow and support you.

Why Not You? Start Building Your Dream Blog Today

The stories of Mixed Up Money, Wandering Earl, Cup of Jo, Minimalist Baker, and Nerd Fitness show that success isn’t reserved for the elite…

It’s for anyone willing to put in the work and connect with their audience.

The common thread? 

Each blogger found a niche, stayed authentic, and provided real value to their readers. They didn’t start as experts; they started as passionate individuals who wanted to make a difference.

Making money with a blog doesn’t happen overnight, but the possibilities are wide open. From promoting products to creating your own, there’s a path that suits you.

The key is to stay consistent, experiment, and learn as you go.

So, if they can do it, why not you? 

Your blog could be the next big success story.