There are two major ways to make money blogging: Sponsorship (which ultimately requires getting “internet famous”) and via monetization. If you’re not a writer and have no dreams about becoming the next Perez Hilton, then monetization is more your speed. This requires more tech skills than writing or infographic-making skills, and many monetizing bloggers rely on spinning software. However, the real trick is finding which niche is popular, lasting and most likely to give you a decent income.
It needs to be niche, but not so niche that you’ll run out of potential audience members. One industry to consider is the auto industry, which offers endless options for content from how to select a low-miles engine to how to restore a classic ride. If you dream of a passive income from blogging, take a closer look at the auto industry and all it offers:
- Endless sub-categories
You’ll never run out of content ideas with this industry since there are so many niches within it that you’ll be able to blog for years. Get inspiration from US News’s Best Car Blogs, or if you’re already interested in cars you can get ideas from your own experience. When it comes to monetization, you may choose to use spin software, write the pieces yourself, or eventually hire a stable of writers.
- It’s a niche with mass appeal
You don’t want to narrow your content down so that only mechanics or small slivers of the population are interested. The majority of people in the US own a car or have access to one. They’ll be Googling how to fix this, what “that” is a symptom of, or what the safest cars of the year are. When your audience is trying to figure out the best ways to buy a car (CNN provides great inspiration for this potential piece) or how to winterize their ride, you have an opportunity to provide a service.
- It’s confusing
Whether someone is actually a mechanic or can’t even drive a stick, the auto industry is confusing. There are more and more complex systems, especially as cars get smart and more eco-friendly. This means people are trying to search for answers more than ever.
- It’s not going out of style
Unlike covering a trend, people will always need and use cars. There’s no risk that your blog will get outdated based on the content alone.
Monetization isn’t easy, but it’s a lot more manageable if you choose the right topic.
