Can Blogging Be A Full Time Job? Here’s What It Really Takes


Topic – Blogging

Post Reading Time – 22 Minutes


Can blogging be a full time job? I used to wonder this myself and I was curious if it could ever be more than just a hobby. I liked the idea of writing about things I enjoyed, but could it actually pay the bills? Of course, I had my doubts. I saw people online claiming they made a living from blogging, but I wasn’t sure how realistic it all was. Was it only for a lucky few, or was there a real way to make it work?

I’ve now been through the process myself, learning what works, making mistakes, and figuring out how to turn a blog into a business. But can blogging be a full time job for you too? Yes, it can, but it takes more than just posting content and hoping for the best.

In this post, I’ll share with you what I’ve learned, how bloggers actually make money, the challenges that come with it, and whether this career is the right thing for you as well.

So, Can Blogging Be a Full Time Job?

What You’ll Learn From This Post

  • Blogging Can Be a Full Time Career, But It Takes Work – You’ll learn that while it’s possible to make a living from blogging, it’s not just about writing posts. It requires consistent effort, strategic planning, and you’ll need to be willing to learn and adapt.
  • Multiple Income Streams Are Essential – Understand how successful bloggers use a mix of affiliate marketing, ad revenue, sponsored posts, product sales, and freelance services. Relying on just one source of income isn’t enough, and you’ll see how having diversity helps maintain stability.
  • Choosing the Right Niche and Creating Valuable Content Is Important – You’ll see the importance of picking a niche that you’re passionate about and one that connects with your audience. You’ll also learn how high quality, useful content keeps readers coming back for more and helps your blog grow.
  • Building and Engaging An Audience Takes Time and Effort – The post covers how audience growth doesn’t happen overnight. You’ll find out about effective strategies like social media, SEO, email marketing, and genuine reader interaction to build a loyal following.
  • Consistency and Patience Are Key to Success – You’ll understand that blogging is a long term commitment. By staying consistent, setting out realistic goals, and not giving up during the slow periods, you can turn blogging into a rewarding career both personally and financially.

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What Does It Mean to Be a Full Time Blogger?

When I first got into blogging, all I thought I had to do was write content about things I liked and enjoyed. But the more I got into it, the more I realized that running a blog full time involves a lot more.

Yes, creating and publishing content is a big part of it, but it’s not the be-all and end-all. If you want to make a living from blogging, there’s a nice long list of things that you need to manage.

A blog doesn’t grow on its own. You have to look after your website, attract readers, promote your content, and figure out ways to make money from it.

For example, some days I’m writing. Other days, I’m working on SEO, responding to comments, or testing out new and different ways to increase my income.

The biggest difference between someone who blogs as a hobby and someone doing it full time is the approach they take. If you want a blog to support you, it needs your effort, passion, and you need to have a plan.

That means setting up some goals, staying consistent, and finding ways to turn your content into a steady income.

Writing will always be part of your progress, but that alone won’t turn your blog into a career.

You need to think about who you’re writing for, how you’re reaching them, and how your content will support you financially.

There’s a learning curve involved, and it takes time to initially figure things out. But once you start seeing progress, you realize how blogging can actually become a full time job.

How Do Full Time Bloggers Make Money?

There’s not just one way that you can make money from blogging. Over the years, I’ve tried many different methods, and I’ve learned over time that relying on just one income stream isn’t the best way to do things.

Having a mix of different strategies is what works best.

One of the main ways bloggers earn is affiliate marketing. This is basically recommending products or services and earning a commission when someone buys something through your link.

I’ve found that this only works well when the products I recommend actually make sense for my audience.

People can tell if you’re just pushing something to make a sale, so I try to stick to things I’d genuinely recommend.

Ad revenue is another way to earn money. Different networks like Google AdSense, Mediavine, and Ezoic pay you when people see or click on ads on your site.

I’ve been careful about where I place my ads, so they don’t ruin the reading experience. Ads can bring in steady income, but they work best if you have some decent traffic.

Sponsored Posts and Brand Deals

Then there are sponsored posts and brand deals. Companies pay bloggers to promote their products, but I only take on sponsorships that actually fit my content. If something doesn’t feel right, I turn it down.

Keeping trust with my audience is far more important than just a quick payout.

Some bloggers also sell digital or physical products. I’ve sold e-books and courses before, and while they take some initial time to create, they can be a great way to earn.

You need to put in some effort upfront, but the returns can last for a long time.

I’ve also made money through freelance services like coaching and consulting. Offering one-on-one services has helped me connect with people directly, and it’s another way to bring in extra income while building out authority in my niche.

Lately, I’ve been doing some webinars and live workshops. These give me a chance to interact with my audience in real time, answer their questions, and even introduce them to products or services that might help them.

At the end of the day, blogging gives you a lot of flexibility in how you earn. The important thing is figuring out what works for you, so that you’re not depending on one source of income.

Young woman wearing headphones working on a laptop at a desk – Steps to Turn Blogging Into a Full Time Career

Steps to Make Blogging a Full Time Job

Building a blog into a full time career takes time, effort, and the right tactics. The first thing you need to focus on is choosing a niche. This needs to be something you enjoy, but also something people are interested in.

For example, if I went ahead and picked a topic that I like, but no one else even cares about, it won’t go anywhere. At the same time, if I only chased after what’s trending and have no real interest in it, I’ll lose motivation.

So there needs to be a bit of a balance!

Once you’ve got your niche in place, the next step is creating some good content. I personally take the time to research my topics properly and make sure that my posts are actually useful.

If people get something valuable from my content, they’ll keep coming back. That’s how a blog grows.

Planning ahead also makes a difference. Keeping a content calendar has always helped me stay organized, and it makes sure I don’t go weeks without posting anything.

It also gives me the freedom to have a little bit of a mix. Some of my posts are tutorials, some go a little more into a topic, and sometimes I just share my opinion on things happening in my niche.

Building an Audience for Full Time Blogging

Building an audience isn’t always that easy, and you need to use some different strategies. Social media has been one of the best ways for me to connect with new readers.

I share my posts on platforms where my audience hangs out, and I try to get involved in communities which are related to my niche.

Overall, it has helped me reach more people, and it keeps me connected to what they’re interested in.

SEO is another good option to stay on top of. By using the right keywords, I can get my posts to show up in the search results and bring in people who are actually searching for what I’m writing about.

I’ve also found that having an email list is really useful. This lets me keep in touch with my readers directly and build a closer connection with them. I use it to share any updates I have, promote my new posts, and sometimes just check in to see how my audience is doing.

Interacting with readers is just as important as getting them to your site. I make sure to reply to comments and start conversations whenever I can. Sometimes I host Q&A sessions or even create surveys to see what people want more of.

All of this builds trust and makes people feel like they’re part of the blog.

Oh, and I’ve also seen some good results from guest posting on other blogs in my niche. It has helped me reach new readers and build backlinks, which is great for SEO.

I liked this option at first, but to be honest, I prefer to have my own material on my own websites!

Hand placing coins on stacks with small plants growing from them – Illustrating the Concept of Diversifying Income Streams in Blogging

Diversifying Income Streams for Full Time Bloggers

Over the years, I’ve learned that relying on just one source of income isn’t a good idea. If that one stream slows down, you’re stuck, and that’s why I use different methods.

I do affiliate marketing, ad revenue, sponsored posts, product sales, and freelance services. Each of these brings in money differently, and having this mix means I don’t have to worry as much if one of them isn’t doing all that well.

It’s about staying flexible and making sure I’ve always got something coming in.

I also reinvest some of my earnings back into my blog. If there’s a way to make my blogs and websites better, or find new ways to earn, I do it!

The more I put back into my business, the more opportunities I create to make money. I know this all takes time, and you need to grow things steadily and keep things flexible.

Staying Consistent and Patient as a Full Time Blogger

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that consistency and patience are everything. I can’t stress this enough.

Results don’t come straight away, and there have been many times in the past when I wondered if all the effort was even worth it.

But by posting regularly and sticking to my plan, I’ve seen growth over time.

There’s no quick way to speed things up. It takes time, hard work, and learning from mistakes, too. Some days are frustrating, but I’ve found that just keeping at it is what makes the difference.

It also helps to set realistic expectations. It’s easy to feel down and out when things aren’t growing as fast as you’d like, but every little bit of progress counts.

I’ve learned to celebrate my small wins, like getting a few more subscribers or seeing a bump in traffic, because those small steps all add up.

Anyone can quit. It’s the easiest thing to do. But the people who stick with it and keep going, even when it’s slow, are the ones who see results.

It’s all about staying patient and consistent, even when things are moving slowly.

Man in a striped shirt holding a coffee cup while working on a laptop outdoors – Representing The Challenges of Full Time Blogging

Challenges of Full Time Blogging

Blogging full time definitely has its positives, but it’s not always fun and games either. One of the hardest parts you need to accept is the unstable income.

Unlike a regular paycheck, a blogging income will go up and down depending on your traffic, ad rates, and trends. Some months are good, others not so much, which sometimes makes budgeting a bit of a headache.

The Reality of Earning Consistent Income

Another big hurdle to overcome is how much time and effort you need to put in before you see any real money. It’s not like you can just start a blog and start seeing the cash coming in.

It can take months or even years before you see a consistent income. I’ve been through stretches in the past where I wondered if it was worth it, but I’ve learned that every post and every effort does add up over time.

You’ve just got to really want it, too!

Learning SEO and marketing was another steep hill to climb for me. Writing content is just one part of it all. You’ve also got to know how to get people to see it.

I’ve spent so many hours figuring out digital marketing, analytics, and SEO, and I’m still learning. And when you think you have it, things change!

It’s not always easy, but it’s necessary if you want to get anywhere.

Staying motivated and disciplined can be hard sometimes too. When you’re your own boss, it’s easy to lose focus or get distracted.

I’ve had days where I struggled to get anything done. Setting a schedule and sticking to it has helped, but it’s always a challenge.

As I just said, things change. SEO rules change, social media algorithms change, and new tools pop up all the time. I’ve had to keep learning just to keep up with it all, and it can be exhausting.

If you don’t adapt, you’ll get left behind.

Is Full Time Blogging Right for You?

Blogging can be great, and I personally love it, but it’s not for everyone. It depends on what you’re looking for and how you like to work.

If you enjoy being creative, always learning new things, and working on your own, you might like it. I personally enjoy the freedom of setting my own schedule and trying out new ideas.

But if you’re hoping for quick money or a steady paycheck, blogging might not be the best choice for you.

It takes time to build up an income, and there are no guarantees. Even though you might make some money early on, it usually takes a while before you can live off it.

I’m not saying it’s impossible because it absolutely is. But you need to put in the work. Like I said before, you’ve really got to want it!

For me, the best part of blogging is sharing my ideas and seeing people connect with them. If you like working on long term projects and you’re willing to keep learning, blogging can be really rewarding.

Just don’t expect quick results. It’s a slow process that pays off over time.

Before jumping in, think about your lifestyle, your financial needs, and what you really want out of it. It’s worth talking to other bloggers out there who’ve done it full time.

Hearing their experiences can help you figure out whether or not it’s right for you.

If you want to read more about the pros and cons of full time blogging, check out this helpful post. Is it a Good Idea to Become a Full Time Blogger? (The Good and Bad).

Sunlit open road leading to the horizon with the word 'FUTURE' painted on the asphalt – Symbolizing The Future of Full Time Blogging

Future of Full Time Blogging

I personally think that full time blogging has a good future but it depends on how willing you are to keep up with the changes. If you’re ready to adapt and try new things, there’s a lot of potential.

One of the biggest changes I’ve noticed is the rise of video and podcasting.

More and more bloggers are using videos and podcasts alongside their regular posts. It helps them reach new people and gives them more ways to make money.

I think creating different types of content is a good idea because it keeps things interesting.

Remote work and online entrepreneurship are also getting more popular. More people are trying out blogging as a full time job, and because of that the tools and resources are getting better too.

It’s definitely easier now than it was a few years ago to manage, grow, and make money from a blog. But even with better tools, it still takes a lot of work.

You’ve still got to put in the effort and stay consistent to see results.

Another thing I’ve seen is bloggers getting really specific with their topics. Instead of trying to please everyone, they’re concentrating on smaller, niche communities.

This makes readers more loyal and helps build tight knit groups around these shared interests.

It also attracts brands who want to reach specific audiences which can lead to good business deals.

I think as digital media keeps on changing, there will be more chances for full time bloggers to grow. So, if you’re open to learning and willing to experiment, there’s no limit to what you can do.

The opportunities are there if you’re ready to go after them.

Step by Step Checklist for Turning Blogging Into a Full Time Job

Your Checklist

If you’re serious about making blogging your full time career, here are the essential steps to get you started and keep you on track.

Choose the Right Niche
Pick a topic that you’re genuinely interested in and that people are actually searching for. Having this balance will help you stay motivated while also attracting readers at the same time.
Create Valuable Content
Write high-quality posts that provide useful information or solve problems for your audience. This will build trust and keep your readers coming back for more.
Build and Engage Your Audience
Use social media, SEO, and email marketing to grow your audience. Engage with your readers by responding to their comments and asking them for feedback.
Diversify Your Income Streams
Don’t rely on one source of income. Use different methods like affiliate marketing, ad revenue, sponsored posts, and selling products to create a more stable income over time.
Stay Consistent and Patient
Blogging is a long term commitment. Set a schedule, stick to it, and don’t expect quick results. Every small effort matters, and consistency pays off over time.
Keep Learning and Adapting
The online world is always changing. Stay updated with the latest trends in SEO, digital marketing, and content creation to keep growing your blog.
Treat It Like a Real Business
Set yourself clear goals, track your progress, and be strategic about your efforts. Approach your blog like it’s a business so you can build a sustainable career.
Affiliate Pro Solutions - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Is it possible to make a living from blogging?

Yes, it’s possible, but it’s not easy or quick. I’ve found that it takes using different strategies, like affiliate marketing, ad revenue, sponsored posts, and selling products or services.

It also takes time, patience, and a lot of trial and error to see what works best for your chosen niche. If you’re willing to stick with it and learn as you go, it can definitely turn into a full time income.

How much do full time bloggers make?

It really depends. Some bloggers make a little extra cash, while others make a full time income or more. It all comes down to your niche, audience size, the quality of your content, and how you monetize your blog.

In my experience, your income can go up and down depending on traffic, ad rates, and trends. It’s not always steady, so it’s good to have different income streams to balance things out.

Is blogging a realistic career?

Yes, but you need to take it seriously. To succeed in blogging, you need to write great content, learn SEO, understand the marketing, and business strategies to grow your audience and income.

It also takes self discipline and consistency to keep growing. I’ve seen people make it work by sticking with it and treating their blog like a real business. But if you’re looking for quick money or a guaranteed income, blogging might not be the best choice for you.

How long does it take to make $1000 per month blogging?

This really varies. For some people, it takes a few months, while for others it can take a year or more. It depends on your niche, content quality, audience engagement, and how you promote your blog.

I’ve found that consistency and ongoing improvements are the most important part of growing your income. It’s definitely possible, but it takes time and patience.

Do beginner bloggers make money?

Yes, but it’s usually not a lot at first. Most beginners make small amounts that can help cover the basic expenses or be reinvested back into the blog. Things like better hosting, SEO tools, or professional design can help your blog grow faster.

While it’s quite rare to replace a full time income right away, those early earnings lay the groundwork for bigger success as you keep learning and improving.

My Final Thoughts on Making Blogging a Full Time Job

Blogging can be a full time job, but it’s not for everyone. It takes a lot of planning, patience, and hard work. For me, the best part has been connecting with different people and seeing how my content actually helps them.

It’s a great feeling to turn something you enjoy into a career, but it’s definitely not as easy as people may tell you.

You have to be realistic about the challenges which you will face. The income isn’t always steady, and there’s a lot of competition out there too.

But if you’re willing to take it seriously, stick with it and keep learning, it can be well worth it. I’ve learned that every little improvement helps you grow, like writing better content, figuring out SEO, or trying new ways to promote.

If you enjoy writing and don’t mind putting in the work, blogging can be a great career choice. But it’s not a quick way to make money. It takes time and consistency to see good results.

I started small, set myself some realistic goals, and learned as I went. It was slow at first but it paid off over time.

Why I Chose Blogging as a Full Time Career

I’ve seen other bloggers go from part time to full time just by sticking with it and being organized about how they run their blogs. If you’re willing to treat it like a real business, you can make it work too.

I hope this post gave you a better idea of what full time blogging is really like. Everyone’s journey is different, and there’s no magic involved with it. Just keep learning, stay patient, and be ready to put in the work.

Thank you, and please leave your thoughts and comments below.

Chris


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My name is Chris Towers, and I’m here to help you make sense of affiliate marketing and build an online income. Through years of experience, I’ve learned what works, and I want to share those lessons here to help you succeed.

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4 thoughts on “Can Blogging Be A Full Time Job? Here’s What It Really Takes”

  1. Hi Chris thanks a lot for your article because it is of great value to people like myself who are just starting out in the world of blogging and affiliate marketing. I have many takeaway points from your article.

    My favourite was when you mentioned that it must be something that you love doing because it can take time and effort to see any results. Writing is definitely a passion of mine and I really enjoy the time I spend working on my website.

    I see it as a labour of love that will grow over time. Another thing I enjoyed reading was regarding keeping a schedule and treating it like a business. This has been the absolute game changer for me.

    I need to plan absolutely everything like I am in the army or nothing gets done. And I mean nothing!

    What would you say was the best marketing strategy for your blog that led to the greatest amount of traffic?  

    Reply
    • Thanks Jacqueline.

      I’m grateful to you for checking out the post, and I also appreciate your kind words! I’m of course happy too that you found the info here helpful, especially since you’re getting started with blogging and affiliate marketing.

      Yes, loving what you do makes a big difference. It keeps you going when things are slow, and I think it really shows in your writing when you’re actually interested in the topic (and when you’re not). I like how you called it a “labour of love”, I can relate to that 🙂

      I see what you mean about needing a good working schedule. I’m the same, and without one, nothing gets done whatsoever! I’ve had some days where I’ve been all over the place, so planning things out like it’s a proper job has helped me stay on course.

      As for your question, SEO has been the best marketing strategy for me overall. Getting my posts to rank in the search results has brought me some steady traffic over time.

      Social media has been good too, but it takes a bit more effort to stay active and keep people engaged. I’m not a huge lover of using socials to be honest, but yes, it has its place and benefits!

      Building out a good email list has also worked well for me as it helps to keep readers coming back, and it’s good for building trust over time.

      Have you tried any of these so far? Have you found anything that’s started working well for you? Check the link I left for you here too for some more info if you need it.

      Thanks again Jacqueline, let me know how you get on, and it’s nice to hear from you!

      Chris

      Reply
  2. Thanks for the information here Chris. 

    Do you mind if I ask you how long it took for you to start seeing a regular income from blogging? Also, as you talked about diversifying income streams, which one has worked best for you from the beginning? And how do you keep yourself motivated when things are going slow or your traffic drops?

    Thanks for sharing your experiences here!

    Reply
    • Hi Genie

      Thanks for your questions, and I appreciate you checking out the post.

      To be honest with you, it took a while before I saw any steady income from my blogging efforts. It’s not something that happens quickly, and to be fair, I wasn’t expecting it to. 

      In my opinion, the biggest mistake people make is getting obsessed with traffic numbers. I’ve seen it too many times, where people panic because they don’t see big numbers right away, and it actually stops them from moving forward.

      In the early days, you can’t expect to see anything fantastic. I just kept my head down, stayed consistent, and focused on learning and putting useful content out there.

      Eventually, the income started to follow as my audience grew.

      As for income streams, affiliate marketing worked best for me from the start. I found it easier to recommend products that I liked and believed in. Once my content started gaining some traction, the commissions started to come in.

      I also tried ad revenue at one point, but that only worked well once I had more consistent traffic.

      When things get slow or traffic drops (and it happens to everyone), I just remind myself why I’m doing this in the first place. I enjoy writing and helping people out, so I just focus on that.

      I also set myself small, realistic goals to keep me going. And importantly, sometimes I just take a break and come back to it with a fresh mind.

      I hope that helps, and thanks again for the questions!

      Chris

      Reply

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