Imagine this: You’re sipping coffee in your favorite café, checking your blog’s analytics, and realizing your content has turned into a money-making machine. Sounds like a dream, right? In 2025, blogging as a side hustle or even a full-time gig is more lucrative than ever. The secret lies in how to monetize a blog (specifically with ads).
But here’s the catch: Most bloggers fail to maximize their earnings because they’re stuck in outdated strategies or missing out on advanced techniques that could transform their blogs into cash cows.
Read the blog below about how to make money with a blog, focusing on ads and filling in the gaps most guides overlook.
Why Ads Are Still a Goldmine for Bloggers in 2025
You might wonder, Can I make money blogging with ads? The short answer: Yes, and in ways you’ve probably never considered. Digital advertising continues to grow, with global ad spend projected to exceed $1 trillion this year. Even small blogs can compete with big players with targeted monetization strategies.
The Game-Changer: AI and Programmatic Advertising
AI has revolutionized how ads are placed on blogs. Programmatic advertising ensures that the most relevant ads are shown to your readers.
It helps:
- Increase click-through rates (CTR)
- Boosts your income.
If you’re using Google AdSense or premium ad networks, monetizing a blog is far more efficient and profitable than before.
Step-by-Step Guide to Monetizing Your Blog With Ads
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown for monetizing a blog effectively in 2025.
Step 1: Build a Niche Blog That Attracts Advertisers
Before you can think about ads, you need to focus on your blog’s niche. Advertisers pay more for blogs that cater to specific, targeted audiences. Here’s how to get started:
- Choose a niche with high demand: Topics like finance, tech, fitness, and parenting often attract high-paying advertisers.
- Create quality content: Write in-depth, SEO-friendly posts to drive organic traffic. For instance, if you’re writing about personal finance, focus on actionable advice like “budgeting for beginners.”
- Analyze competitors: Research successful blogs in your niche to understand what type of ads they run and how they monetize a blog.
Use tools like Answer The Public or Ahrefs to identify high-performing keywords that attract advertisers in your niche.
Step 2: Choose the Right Ad Networks
Not all ad networks are created equal. While Google AdSense is the most popular option, many alternatives may offer higher payouts depending on your blog’s niche and traffic.
Here’s a comparison of some top ad networks in 2025:
| Ad Network | Best For | Earnings Potential |
| Google AdSense | Beginners and general niches | $0.25–$5 per 1,000 impressions |
| Mediavine | Blogs with 50,000+ sessions/month | $10–$30 per 1,000 impressions |
| Ezoic | AI-optimized ad placement | $5–$20 per 1,000 impressions |
| AdThrive | High-traffic blogs (100,000+ visits) | $15–$30 per 1,000 impressions |
| Monumetric | Mid-sized blogs (10,000+ visits) | $5–$15 per 1,000 impressions |
Step 3: Optimize Ad Placement for Maximum Revenue
How you place ads on your blog can make or break your earnings. Here are some best practices:
- Above the fold: Place ads where readers can see them without scrolling. This increases visibility and CTR.
- In-content ads: Embed ads within your articles for better engagement. For example, place an ad after the first 2-3 paragraphs.
- Sticky ads: Use sticky sidebar or footer ads to ensure consistent visibility as readers scroll.
You can use heatmap tools like Hotjar to analyze user behavior and find the best spots for ad placement.
Step 4: Experiment With Ad Types
Different ad formats work better for different audiences. Here are some options to consider:
- Display ads: Static banners or images placed on your blog.
- Native ads: Ads that blend with your content, making them less intrusive.
- Video ads: High-paying but require significant traffic.
- Affiliate ads: Combine ads with affiliate marketing to double your income.
Bonus tip: Native ads often have higher CTRs because they feel less like advertisements.
Step 5: Increase Blog Traffic With Proven Strategies
The more traffic your blog gets, the more ad revenue you’ll earn. Here are some traffic-boosting tips:
- Leverage social media: Share your blog posts on platforms like Pinterest and Instagram.
- Focus on SEO: Target high-volume, low-competition keywords to rank higher in search engines.
- Email marketing: Build an email list and send regular updates with links to your latest posts.
Advanced Tips for Monetizing a Blog in 2025
If you’re ready to take your ad earnings to the next level, these advanced strategies will help:
1. Use Programmatic Ads for Better ROI
Programmatic ads use AI to automate ad placements, ensuring the highest possible revenue per impression. Platforms like Ezoic and Mediavine offer programmatic ad options as per your audience.
2. Diversify Your Revenue Streams
Don’t rely solely on one ad network. Combine display ads with affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and even digital products like eBooks to maximize your earnings.
3. Focus on High-Value Niches
Some niches command higher ad rates. For example:
- Finance: $50–$100 CPM
- Tech: $30–$60 CPM
- Health & Wellness: $20–$50 CPM
4. Implement Dynamic Ad Refresh
Dynamic ad refresh reloads ads every 30-60 seconds as users stay on a page. This increases the number of impressions and your overall earnings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Monetizing a Blog
While learning how to make money with a blog, many bloggers make these mistakes:
- Overloading your blog with ads: Too many ads can drive away readers.
- Ignoring mobile optimization: Most blog traffic now comes from mobile devices. Ensure ads are mobile-friendly.
- Not testing ad performance: Regularly analyze metrics like CTR, CPC, and RPM to optimize your strategy.
Here’s a tip: Use A/B testing to identify the best-performing ad placements and formats.
How to Make Money With a Blog Using AI-Powered Ad Tools
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping monetizing a blog by making ad placement smarter and more effective. AI-powered tools analyze user behavior, optimize ad locations, and ensure that the right ads are shown to the right audience.
This leads to higher click-through rates (CTR) and more revenue.
How to Use AI for Ads:
- Smart Ad Placement: Platforms like Ezoic use AI to test and determine the best-performing locations for ads on your blog.
- Behavioral Targeting: AI ensures that ads are hyper-relevant to your audience based on their browsing habits, improving conversion rates.
- Dynamic Optimization: Tools like AdPushup adjust ad layouts in real time to maximize revenue without compromising user experience.
Combine AI-powered ad tools with A/B testing to continuously improve your ad performance.
Including AI tools is one of the most innovative ways to monetize a blog.
How Long Does It Take to Make Money Blogging?
If you’re wondering, “Can I make money blogging right away?” the answer depends on your strategy. With consistent effort, most bloggers see ad revenue within 6-12 months. However, niche, traffic, and monetization strategies can create an impact.
At Brandtonics, we specialize in helping bloggers and businesses earn with their blogs. We offer personalized solutions to increase traffic and boost revenue. Reach out today.
FAQs
1. Can I make money blogging in 2025 if I’m just starting?
Yes, absolutely! Beginners can make money blogging by choosing a profitable niche, creating quality content, and utilizing monetization methods like affiliate marketing, ad networks, or selling digital products. Start small with low-cost tools and gradually scale as your audience grows. Focus on building trust and offering value to your readers, which helps in attracting monetization opportunities.
2. What are the best ad networks for monetizing a blog in 2025?
Some top-performing ad networks for 2025 include Google AdSense, Mediavine, and AdThrive. For newer bloggers, AdSense offers easy approval, while Mediavine and AdThrive cater to blogs with higher traffic. Platforms like Ezoic provide AI-driven ad placements that maximize revenue, even for smaller blogs. Your choice of ad network depends on your niche, traffic volume, and audience engagement.
3. How can I use affiliate marketing to make money with a blog?
Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services on your blog and earning a commission for each sale or lead generated. Start by joining affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or niche-specific networks like ShareASale. Create high-value content, such as product reviews or tutorials, and strategically place affiliate links. Transparency and recommending products you trust can improve your credibility and conversions.
4. Is direct ad selling better than using ad networks?
Direct ad selling can be more profitable than ad networks, especially for niche blogs with engaged audiences. Unlike ad networks, direct ad sales allow you to set your own rates, build long-term relationships with advertisers, and maintain control over your blog’s ad placements. However, it requires more effort, like pitching to brands and creating a professional media kit.
5. What role does AI play in how to monetize a blog?
AI has revolutionized blog monetization by optimizing ad placements, increasing click-through rates, and targeting specific audience segments. Tools like Ezoic and AdPushup use AI to analyze user behavior and adjust ad layouts dynamically. AI also improves revenue through better ad relevance and performance tracking. Leveraging AI tools can save time, boost revenue, and enhance the overall user experience on your blog.
