Many beginner bloggers believe that the only way to make money online is through ads like Google AdSense. But the truth is, ads often pay very little, especially when your audience is still growing. For African bloggers, the challenge is even bigger because CPM (cost per thousand views) rates are generally lower than in Europe or North America.

The good news? You can still make good money from blogging even without ads. In fact, some of the most successful bloggers in Africa and beyond earn more from alternative income streams than from ads.

In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to monetize your blog without ads, with strategies that work particularly well for African bloggers in 2025.

Why Consider Monetizing Without Ads?

1. Higher Earnings Potential: Ads often pay cents per click, but selling your own products or services can bring much more.

2. Better User Experience: Too many ads make blogs look cluttered and discourage readers.

3. More Control: You decide how you earn, instead of relying on ad networks.

4. Suits Small Audiences: You don’t need thousands of visitors to make money, you just need loyal readers.

1. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing means promoting other people’s products or services and earning a commission when readers buy through your link.

Why it works for African bloggers:

You don’t need to create your own product.

Companies like Jumia, Konga, Takealot, and Amazon have affiliate programs.

Works for any niche: tech, fashion, travel, finance, etc.

Example:

A Nigerian tech blogger could write a review of the “Top 5 Affordable Smartphones in 2025” and include affiliate links. Each sale made through their link earns them a commission.

2. Selling Digital Products

Digital products are among the most profitable and low cost ways to monetize. Once created, they can be sold repeatedly without extra effort.

Types of digital products:

Ebooks (e.g., “Beginner’s Guide to Blogging in Africa”)

Online courses (on platforms like Udemy or Teachable)

Printable planners or checklists

Templates (resume templates, blog post templates, business plan templates)

African Example:

A Ghanaian food blogger could sell a recipe ebook featuring local dishes.

3. Offer Freelance Services

Your blog can be your portfolio. Readers who like your content may want to hire you for services like:

Writing

Graphic design

Website design

SEO consulting

Social media management

African Example:

A South African travel blogger could offer freelance travel photography or content writing for tourism companies.

4. Coaching or Consulting

If you’re knowledgeable in your niche, people will pay for your advice.

Examples:

A Nigerian finance blogger offering one on one sessions on budgeting.

A Kenyan health blogger offering meal planning consultations.

An African career blogger offering CV and interview coaching.

5. Memberships and Subscriptions

Instead of giving away everything for free, you can create exclusive content for paying members.

Tools you can use:

Patreon

Buy Me a Coffee

Substack

WordPress membership plugins

Example:

An African lifestyle blogger could offer exclusive weekly tips or behind the scenes stories for paying members.

6. Sponsored Posts and Partnerships

Brands are always looking for ways to reach audiences. If your blog has a loyal following, companies may pay you to write about their products or feature their services.

African Example:

A Kenyan fashion blogger could collaborate with local clothing brands to write sponsored posts.

7. Host Webinars and Online Workshops

Online learning is growing in Africa. Hosting webinars or workshops is a great way to monetize while providing value.

Examples:

A Nigerian business blogger hosting a workshop on “How to Start a Profitable Online Store in Africa.”

A Tanzanian tech blogger teaching “AI Tools for Bloggers.”

You can charge an entry fee or offer free access and sell a paid replay or course afterward.

8. Sell Physical Products

If you have a niche audience, you can sell physical items related to your blog.

Examples:

A beauty blogger selling branded skincare products.

A fashion blogger selling African inspired t-shirts.

A travel blogger selling handmade souvenirs.

With ecommerce platforms like Shopify, Flutterwave Store, and Paystack Store, it’s easier than ever for African bloggers to sell physical goods online.

9. Create an Online Community

People love being part of communities. You can create a private group or forum and charge for access.

Examples:

A Nigerian tech blogger creating a paid community for digital entrepreneurs.

A Kenyan parenting blogger running a private support group for new mothers.

10. Public Speaking and Offline Opportunities

Your blog can position you as an authority in your field. This can lead to invitations to speak at events, appear on radio or TV, or even write for magazines. These opportunities often come with payments and further boost your credibility.

African Example:

A Nigerian blogger writing about digital marketing could be invited to speak at Lagos Tech Week.

Tips for Monetizing Without Ads

1. Focus on Value: People will only pay if your content genuinely helps them.

2. Build Trust: Be honest with reviews and recommendations.

3. Start Small: Test one method before adding others.

4. Promote Smartly: Use social media and email marketing to drive sales.

5. Know Your Audience: Monetization strategies must align with what your readers want.

Real Life Example

Consider a Kenyan blogger who writes about personal finance. Instead of relying on ads, she:

Promotes affiliate links to budget apps.

Sells an ebook on “How to Save Money on a Small Salary.”

Offers one-on-one financial coaching sessions.

She earns far more than she would from ads, even with a small audience.

Final Thoughts

Monetizing your blog without ads is not only possible, it’s often more profitable. For African bloggers, it means breaking free from low ad rates and building income streams that truly reward your effort.

Whether through affiliate marketing, selling digital products, offering services, or creating memberships, the key is to focus on value and authenticity. Ads may pay pennies, but your skills, ideas, and content can generate real income.

Start with one method, refine it, and expand over time. Before long, you’ll realize that your blog is not just a passion project, it’s a business that pays.