23+ Best Bloggers in the World - Peek Inside
Blogging isn’t just a creative outlet; it’s a lucrative opportunity to earn money on the side or even turn it into a full-time gig. The best part is that countless individuals have already found success in this venture, and you can learn from their experiences to transform your own blog into a money-generating machine.
Join the ranks of successful bloggers who have already paved the way, and let us introduce you to 23 of them! Discover their secrets and proven methods that have led them to triumph in the blogging world—and see how you can follow suit.
Start your journey towards blogging success and financial freedom with the inspiration and guidance from these accomplished bloggers. It’s time to turn your passion into profit!
Top Web Hosting Companies to Make Money Blogging
Table of Contents
Start your Blog Today
If you want to make money blogging, you’ll need a web hosting company. Here’s the best options.
- Hostinger – Best overall
- DreamHost – Best value for shared hosting
- Bluehost – Best for new WordPress websites
- HostGator – Best for simple websites
- GreenGeeks – Best eco-friendly hosting
- SiteGround – Best WordPress-certified host for speed and security
- A2 Hosting – Fast & reliable shared hosting
- InMotion – Best VPS hosting
- WPEngine – Best managed WordPress hosting
- Nexcess – Best for ecommerce hosting
23 People Who Make Money Blogging (and How You Can Too)
You can follow the lead of these top bloggers to turn your blog into a money-making machine:
Before we delve into the topic, I want to clarify that I have personal experience working with some of the individuals mentioned in this list. During my tenure as the Senior Director of Growth and Product at I Will Teach You To Be Rich, I had the privilege of setting and achieving annual revenue goals, gaining valuable insights into the driving factors behind that revenue.
However, I must emphasize that I hold the trust and confidentiality of those I work with in high regard. Therefore, I will only share revenue numbers that have been publicly disclosed.
While I won’t be divulging any insider knowledge, there are some general rules of thumb to estimate revenue, though they may not be completely accurate. With experience, you begin to gauge a blogger’s revenue based on the size of their audience.
Now, let’s dive into the fascinating world of blogging and explore what some prominent names in the industry have achieved. But don’t forget, our site is brimming with information on blogging, monetizing your blog, and growing your audience. So feel free to explore more valuable insights beyond this article.
Marie Forleo, a veteran in the online space, has spent close to two decades crafting her digital presence. With a strong focus on her YouTube channel, she has built a reputation for delivering exceptional content and showcasing world-class copywriting skills. It’s no wonder her revenue reaches several million per year.
A significant portion of Marie’s earnings is attributed to her infoproducts, especially her highly sought-after flagship program, B-School. This program consistently sells out whenever I check on it, indicating its immense popularity among her audience.
For aspiring content creators, Marie is a true role model. Her ability to create high-quality, uplifting content is unparalleled, and she strikes a perfect balance between providing value to her audience and making authentic sales pitches.
If you’re looking to enhance your content creation and sales skills, studying Marie Forleo’s approach is a must. She is a master at engaging her audience and offering valuable insights while skillfully incorporating sales tactics that resonate with authenticity. Learn from her success and start elevating your own online presence.
2. Steve Kamb — Nerd Fitness
Nerd Fitness, spearheaded by the talented Steve, has become a formidable force in the online business realm, generating revenue exceeding a remarkable one million dollars per year. According to a credible Forbes report, Steve has harnessed the potential of infoproducts, coaching, and bootcamps to propel his business to new heights. Notably, he also penned an inspiring book titled “Level Up Your Life,” adding another feather to his cap.
What sets Steve’s blog apart is his ingenious approach of tapping into a vast and competitive category like fitness while precisely targeting a unique audience: nerds. The fitness industry is undoubtedly cutthroat, but Steve’s clever branding, catering to the niche of fitness enthusiasts who identify as nerds, has allowed him to stand head and shoulders above the fierce competition. His ability to carve out a distinct niche in even the most competitive landscapes underscores the power of finding your own space in the blogosphere, presenting lucrative opportunities to make a real impact and financial gains.
3. Ramit Sethi — I Will Teach You To Be Rich
Welcome to Ramit Sethi’s world of financial wisdom and personal development. As the bestselling author of “I Will Teach You to Be Rich,” Ramit has created a powerhouse website that offers a wealth of infoproducts, from ebooks to online courses and webinars, all focused on personal finance, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.
When it comes to infoproducts, Ramit is undoubtedly a master of his craft. For those looking to monetize their own blogs with infoproducts, this site is a treasure trove of valuable insights and research.
Don’t forget to join his email list to experience the launch funnels firsthand and witness the magic in action.
The Products page is your go-to source for inspiration, showcasing stellar infoproduct sales pages that serve as excellent examples for aspiring creators. Explore the offerings and see firsthand what makes an exceptional infoproduct.
Ramit Sethi’s website is a goldmine of knowledge and a must-follow destination for anyone eager to elevate their financial game and embark on a journey of personal development. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the wonders of “I Will Teach You to Be Rich” and discover the path to a brighter future.
4. Amy Porterfield — amyporterfield.com
Amy Porterfield’s about page proudly reveals that she has achieved remarkable success, building a multi-million dollar business that generates at least $2–3 million per year, if not more. With an impressive base of over 250,000 loyal email subscribers, it’s no wonder she has reached such incredible heights.
The primary source of Amy’s revenue seems to be her infoproducts, which have undoubtedly resonated with her dedicated audience. However, she doesn’t solely rely on her own offerings; her affiliate promotion strategy is equally impressive. The way she elegantly presents her affiliate products on her page demonstrates how to authentically and non-pushily endorse products.
Furthermore, Amy has embraced the power of podcasting to expand her reach and attract more customers. Her podcast serves not only as a valuable platform for engaging with her audience but also as a means to generate additional revenue through podcasting ad partnerships. It’s a prime example of leveraging multiple revenue streams effectively.
In conclusion, Amy Porterfield’s remarkable success is a result of her strategic approach to business, where infoproducts and affiliate promotion play pivotal roles. Her dedication to creating authentic content and utilizing various income streams, such as podcasting ad revenue, has undoubtedly contributed to her flourishing enterprise. With her stellar example, aspiring entrepreneurs can learn how to achieve financial success while maintaining authenticity and integrity in their business endeavors.
5. Jon Morrow — Smart Blogger
- Jon Morrow — Smart Blogger: Over $1.2 Million in Annual Revenue
Jon Morrow, the brains behind Smart Blogger, has achieved remarkable success in the affiliate marketing realm, generating a staggering $100,000 per month in affiliate revenue. With an impressive subscriber base of 300,000 and over 4 million avid readers, it’s no wonder that Smart Blogger has become a go-to destination for valuable content.
Beyond affiliate revenue, Jon offers an array of infoproducts in the form of courses, ebooks, and videos, contributing an estimated $30-$50,000 in annual revenue. Smart Blogger’s homepage showcases a master class in providing value to readers, making it a perfect starting point for anyone seeking blogging inspiration.
While the specifics of Jon’s email funnels remain a mystery, it’s plausible that he employs launch funnels strategically, potentially yielding several million more in revenue from infoproducts, in addition to his affiliate earnings.
6. Darren Rowse — Problogger
- Problogger: Estimated $10 Million in Annual Revenue
In the fast-paced world of online marketing, Problogger stands as a venerable institution since its inception in 2004. Under the guidance of Darren Rowse, Problogger has become one of the original and highly regarded “how to blog” blogs. Darren’s online empire also includes Digital Photography School, which boasts eight times the traffic and revenue of Problogger.
Though Darren hasn’t disclosed recent income reports, in the first half of 2016, 46% of his revenue from both sites came from affiliates, with 31% from infoproducts and the remainder from various other streams.
7. Seth Godin — seths.blog
- seths.blog: Estimated Over $2 Million in Annual Revenue
Seth Godin’s illustrious career precedes his blog, having authored 18 books and achieved remarkable success as a company founder and Yahoo VP. Seth’s blog, seths.blog, has firmly established him as a leading marketing thought leader, an exemplary example of a true thought influencer.
Boasting the title of the original, longest-running, and potentially highest-value marketing blog, Seth has consistently posted daily for nearly two decades. Initially, he didn’t monetize the blog extensively, using it primarily to feature his books occasionally.
Recently, Seth has ventured into infoproducts, creating courses like the altMBA and The Marketing Seminar. The Marketing Seminar garnered significant interest, with over 5,000 participants and approximately $4 million in sales spread over several years, along with additional revenue from the altMBA. Seth Godin’s blog remains an invaluable resource and a testament to the power of authentic thought leadership.
8. Neil Patel — neilpatel.com
Neil Patel’s revenue from his website neilpatel.com remains a well-kept secret, and I respect his privacy in that regard. However, one can get an idea of the scale of his success by looking at the massive traffic his site attracts. With over 2.5 million monthly visitors, Neil’s site is a powerhouse of valuable content and insights on using social media and blogging to drive traffic.
Neil Patel’s passion for helping people start their own businesses is evident in the wealth of knowledge he shares on his site. His constant updates ensure that visitors have access to the latest tools and strategies. Following in Neil’s footsteps is undoubtedly a smart move for anyone looking to achieve substantial online success
9. Selena Soo — selenasoo.com
Creating original content is paramount when writing for your blog or website. It should never be redundant, duplicated, or plagiarized. Redundancy occurs when you write on the same topic multiple times with minimal variation. For instance, if you have articles on “14 SEO copywriting tips” and “SEO copywriting advice,” ensure they offer unique insights or merge them into a single, comprehensive piece.
10. Sam Dogen — Financial Samurai
Sam Dogen’s revenue from Financial Samurai is quite intriguing, as he chooses not to include his Adsense revenue or affiliate revenue in his passive income reports. Nevertheless, his infoproduct ebook alone generates $36,000 per year, showcasing the potential of infoproducts in generating revenue.
Using Sam’s insights and traffic estimations from reputable tools like Ahrefs, we can make an educated guess that his site generates around one million visitors per month. Considering the presence of affiliate links and Adsense on his site, it’s reasonable to estimate his annual revenue to be around $1 million.
11. Brian Dean — Backlinko
- Annual Revenue = Over $1 million
Brian Dean has built a highly successful business by offering infoproducts to his loyal newsletter subscribers. With courses on SEO and YouTube, he has attracted plenty of traffic to his website. As a result, each product launch brings in a substantial amount of revenue, possibly reaching up to $1 million.
In interviews, Brian has openly shared that his yearly earnings are in the seven-figure range. His business model is an excellent example of focusing on generating high-quality traffic, converting visitors into email subscribers, and then monetizing through strategic infoproduct launches throughout the year.
Witnessing such remarkable profit margins can feel like a magical feat, and it’s no wonder many of us aspire to achieve a similar level of success. To have a $1 million per year business with a small team and minimal complexity is a dream for many entrepreneurs.
12. James Dahle — White Coat Investor
- Annual Revenue = Over $1 million
While James Dahle used to publish his annual revenue in his state of the blog posts, he decided to stop as his blog gained more recognition. However, in his 2019 state of the blog, he reported an income of $187,862 for the year 2014. Since then, he has repeatedly mentioned running a seven-figure business, indicating that his current revenue exceeds $1 million per year.
James primarily generates his revenue through affiliates, ads, and sponsorships, with a book of the same name contributing to his success. Despite having a relatively small email list of 21,725 subscribers compared to the size of his blog, James manages to make significant earnings from his various streams of income.
One of his infoproducts, “Creating Your Own Financial Plan,” is priced at $499. With a more focused approach on converting visitors to email subscribers and optimizing infoproduct launches, James has the potential to add an additional $1–2 million in revenue to his flourishing business.
Both Brian Dean and James Dahle have achieved remarkable success through their unique strategies and dedication to their craft. They serve as inspiring examples of how passion, targeted marketing, and smart monetization can lead to a thriving and financially rewarding online business. By learning from their experiences and incorporating some of their tactics, aspiring entrepreneurs can chart their path to success in the ever-evolving world of online entrepreneurship.
13. Tim Ferriss — tim.blog
Tim Ferriss, the mastermind behind tim.blog, has built an empire with his massively popular and long-standing blog. It all began even before he launched his first book, The 4 Hour Workweek, and since then, his success has skyrocketed.
While Tim’s income streams are diverse, podcast sponsorships seem to be a significant contributor to his revenue. Although there aren’t any ads on his blog at the moment, in the past, he has utilized them. However, it’s his podcast that truly shines in this regard. Each sponsorship slot on his podcast is priced at an impressive $36,000, and with 4-5 slots per episode, that’s at least $144,000 per episode. Considering he averages about six podcasts each month, he generates around $864,000 monthly or a whopping $10,368,000 annually.
Now, the exact figures are a bit hazy, primarily because I lack experience in buying or selling podcast sponsorships. Besides, Tim’s reach and influence break the conventional revenue rules, allowing him to command a premium for each sponsorship slot.
Apart from the podcast, Tim leverages his blog to promote his incredible line-up of books. From The 4-Hour Workweek to The 4-Hour Body, The 4-Hour Chef, Tools of Titans, and Tribe of Mentors, his literary works have resonated with countless readers. By strategically combining his blog, podcast, and books, Tim has created a powerful three-part engine to drive his revenue, proving his business acumen and foresight.
It’s evident that Tim Ferriss has mastered the art of generating income through various channels, and his ability to adapt and innovate is what makes him a true trailblazer in the digital realm. As his influence continues to grow, so does his empire, setting an inspiring example for aspiring entrepreneurs and content creators alike.
14. Timothy Sykes — timothysykes.com
Timothy Sykes, the mastermind behind timothysykes.com, has built a highly successful business selling infoproducts that teach people how to invest in penny stocks. In an interview with Nathan Latka, Timothy revealed that his annual revenue was projected to reach an impressive $25–27 million in 2016, with $20 million of that coming from his infoproducts alone. His achievements make him a valuable role model for anyone looking to scale an infoproduct business.
Aspiring entrepreneurs should remember that Timothy Sykes has been in the game for quite some time, so direct comparisons might not be suitable for beginners. However, following his journey can offer valuable insights and inspiration to drive one’s own success.
15. Josh Axe — Dr. Axe
One valuable practice that search engines and readers appreciate is the inclusion of internal links to other related posts on your website. Imagine you have another fantastic article about cake decorating techniques. Seize this opportunity to enhance user experience by adding an internal link to that article, providing your audience with another valuable resource on your site.
From an SEO perspective, internal linking also contributes to boosting the ranking of the linked page.
16. Peter Adeney — Mr. Money Mustache
Another way to improve SEO and enhance your visitors’ experience is by including links to other relevant sites and resources that you find valuable.
Suppose you want to provide information about dry measuring cups, but you don’t have content on that topic on your site. Alternatively, you may come across an exceptional resource on the web that you want to share with your audience. In such cases, I like to conduct a quick search for the specific keyword and find high-quality sources, like Wikipedia, which offers a comprehensive article about measuring cups, including dry measuring cups.
By linking to this external page within my post, I not only guide my readers to additional valuable information but also signal to Google that I am citing an authoritative site in the niche. This can positively impact my rankings.
17. AJ Harbinger and Johnny Dzubak — Art of Charm
Though exact figures were not disclosed by AJ Harbinger and Johnny Dzubak of Art of Charm, they did mention that their revenue amounts to multiple seven figures annually. Considering the significant portion of their revenue comes from infoproducts and the size of their audience, it is a reasonable estimate to say that Art of Charm likely earns between $5 to $10 million per year.
In 2018, Jordan Harbinger decided to venture into his own podcast, parting ways from Art of Charm.
18. Pat Flynn — Smart Passive Income
Pat Flynn is a pioneer in openly sharing his income reports, dating back to 2008. While there haven’t been any recent income reports since 2017, exploring his earlier reports is highly recommended to understand the journey of building a profitable blog.
Smart Passive Income primarily derives its revenue from a balanced mix of affiliate offers and Pat’s own infoproducts, each contributing about 50% to his overall earnings. In addition to these, Pat has authored books like “How to Be Better at Almost Everything” and “Will it Fly?” Although his books do not seem to have a significant direct impact on his revenue, they add value to his brand.
19. John Lee Dumas — Entrepreneur on Fire
John Lee Dumas doesn’t leave anyone guessing about his revenue, as he transparently posts monthly income reports on his website.
Entrepreneur on Fire’s revenue stream is diversified, with sponsorships taking the lead, followed closely by infoproducts, affiliates, and his journals – The Freedom Journal, The Mastery Journal, and The Podcast Journal.
To gain valuable insights into the workings of a seven-figure blog, it’s highly recommended to go through the monthly income reports from the last 12 months for Entrepreneur on Fire. Additionally, delving into the income reports from 2012 and 2013 will provide a glimpse of how revenue evolves over time on the journey to reaching the $1 million per year milestone.
20. Navid Moazzez — navidmoazzez.com
- Estimated Revenue: $300–500K per year
Meet Navid Moazzez, a prominent figure in the online marketing space, who has carved his niche with infoproducts on virtual summits. Although he keeps his precise earnings under wraps, his About page proudly boasts that he has surpassed the million-dollar mark in just a few years. It’s safe to assume that his blog is a lucrative venture, easily generating six-figure incomes annually.
21. Tim Urban — Wait But Why
Estimated Revenue: At least $100,000, potentially $1+ million per year
Tim Urban’s blog, Wait But Why, is a true phenomenon, with his thought-provoking posts spreading like wildfire across the internet. His journey to blogging success reads like a dream come true for many aspiring bloggers. Tim’s content is nothing short of phenomenal, and it has garnered him a loyal and passionate fan base. In fact, people have expressed their disappointment when he takes a hiatus from posting—clear evidence of the profound impact of his work.
While few of us possess the ability to create content of such caliber, we can still learn from Tim’s success in monetizing his blog. His revenue range is quite broad, as blogs like his are challenging to estimate. Although he undoubtedly commands a massive and devoted audience, it’s uncertain whether he’s swimming in gold or merely doing well for himself.
Blogs with massive followings can vary greatly in their earnings. Some rake in substantial profits, while others see more modest returns. Tim seems to have a thriving ecommerce store, which is his primary source of revenue. Unlike consulting, speaking engagements, infoproducts, or affiliate marketing, ecommerce products tend to have narrower profit margins.
It’s entirely possible that Tim generates significant top-line revenue but takes home a more moderate income. This is a common scenario among ecommerce entrepreneurs, where the costs of goods sold and overhead can significantly impact the bottom line. However, without access to Tim’s financial data, it remains unclear where he falls on this spectrum.
In conclusion, both Navid Moazzez and Tim Urban have found remarkable success through their blogs. While Navid dominates the online marketing and infoproduct space, Tim has captured the hearts of millions with his captivating content. Their journeys exemplify the potential of blogging as a lucrative venture, motivating aspiring bloggers to carve their path to success in this dynamic digital landscape.
22. Noah Kagan — OkDork, Sumo, and AppSumo
- Generating a revenue of $10 million last year and still growing, Noah Kagan’s business revolves around four interconnected sites:
- Sumo.com: Offering free marketing tools to fuel business growth.
- AppSumo: Often referred to as the “Groupon for geeks,” providing exciting deals on software and digital products.
- KingSumo: A giveaway web app or WordPress plugin, enabling businesses to engage their audience through enticing giveaways.
- BriefcaseHQ: Dubbed as the “Netflix for business software,” offering a comprehensive collection of essential tools.
Noah’s approach to building a successful business is akin to creating a pyramid of interlocking tools. KingSumo helps businesses grow by organizing giveaways, while Sumo equips these businesses with powerful marketing tools. Meanwhile, BriefcaseHQ and AppSumo complement the ecosystem by providing additional essential tools. This strategic system ensures that acquiring new customers is not always necessary; instead, you can focus on marketing to your existing customer base.
Drawing inspiration from Target’s addition of groceries, Noah emphasizes the importance of identifying what your existing customers need that you can provide. This customer-centric approach fosters brand loyalty and encourages customers to keep coming back for more, just like buying another book from an author you already love.
Noah’s expertise also extends to setting the right pricing structure, leveraging recurring revenue, and bundling strategies. Exploring these aspects further can offer valuable insights for your own business growth.
23. Shane Parrish — Farnam Street
- While revenue from Farnam Street has been mainly reinvested back into the business and used for speaker fees, Shane Parrish’s journey began with a simple goal of tracking his personal learning and development. Despite starting with the modest URL 68131.blogger.com, Farnam Street has evolved into a thriving platform with 1 million monthly page views and a newsletter boasting 200,000 subscribers.
Shane’s revenue generation model is unique. Instead of simply “making money,” he emphasizes “earning money.” Most of the revenue is reinvested into content, improving user experience, and exploring new ventures. This commitment to growth and quality sets the foundation for future success.
The various avenues through which Shane generates income include Amazon affiliate links, newsletter sponsorships, partnerships, conferences, infoproducts, a podcast, a forthcoming book, and a flexible membership plan. The membership plan allows users to choose their payment amount, either $149 or $249, making it inclusive and accessible to all.
Farnam Street’s model is built on the concept of providing free content to a wide audience while nurturing a loyal base of super fans who are willing to pay for exclusive content and experiences. The revenue from these passionate fans helps support the free content, creating a symbiotic relationship.
Shane’s focus on delivering valuable content is evident in his rejection of lucrative speaking engagements in favor of prioritizing the best interests of the business. His revenue primarily stems from memberships, where 5% of the newsletter subscribers converting to members could lead to $1.5 million in annual revenue.
Emphasizing the importance of producing excellent content, Shane’s advice resonates with aspiring content creators: “The audience will grow if you put out good content.” Additionally, he values the uniqueness of Farnam Street’s approach, opting for strategies that are difficult to copy rather than taking the easy route. This dedication to innovation and originality drives the success of Farnam Street in a competitive landscape.
Ready to build a blog that makes money?
Discover the Path to Financial Freedom
I know you’ve seen the list above, filled with bloggers raking in serious money. It’s impressive, no doubt.
But here’s the mind-blowing part.
For every blogger making a million dollars, there are thousands who have successfully left their jobs and now blog full-time, earning enough to support themselves and live life on their own terms.
The list of successful bloggers is endless; it’s a community of achievers that continues to grow, inspiring others to take the leap and follow their dreams.
Is it really possible to start a blog and quit your job? Absolutely! The proof is in the countless success stories of people who have already done it. The path to becoming your own boss and living life on your own terms has been well-paved by those who came before you.
And guess what? The opportunity to make it big in blogging is still wide open. New up-and-coming bloggers emerge every year, proving that there’s still plenty of room for fresh voices and ideas in the blogosphere. So don’t hesitate; you can start your blog today and make it your source of support and success.
Here’s a 12-step guide on how to start your blog, walking you through the entire process so you can hit the ground running.
Come with a Question. Leave with a Solution.
Show some Love ❤️ and Share this Article and Website with someone who could benefit from it.
