Quick Answer
Yes—blogging can still pay the bills in 2025. U.S. bloggers average ≈ $103k per year, while top niches pull far more. Revenue now comes from diversified streams—affiliate deals, premium newsletters, courses and sponsorships. Quality, topical authority and E-E-A-T win; generic AI-spam loses.
Can You Really Make Money Blogging in 2025? — My Take
Thesis:
Blogging isn't dead; the 2010 playbook is. Those who adapt to 2025's monetization mix and search landscape are still cashing six-figure cheques—those who don't are fading into the noise.
1. Where the Money Is: Hard Numbers for 2025
- Average blogger salary (US): $103,446/yr
- Canadian benchmark: CA$60–83k, with elites topping CA$30k/mo
- Sponsored-post rates: Travel blogs charge ≈ $200 per post (small but telling)
These aren't unicorn outliers; they're median data points that prove serious income is still on the table. Yes, we see 7.5 million posts published daily—but the pie keeps expanding with new revenue avenues.
2. The New Monetization Mix
In 2025 a sustainable blog focuses on diversified revenue streams. My observations:
| Revenue Stream | 2025 Reality Check | Why It Works Now |
|---|---|---|
| Affiliate & SaaS reviews | Higher commissions, recurring cuts | Evergreen, fits product-led search |
| Email-newsletter paywalls | Low friction; readers accustomed to micro-subs | Predictable MRR |
| Niche digital products | 70-90% margins | Expertise = trust = conversions |
| Podcast / video sponsorships | Brands chasing multi-format reach | Cross-channel leverage |
Takeaway:
Diversify early—so algorithm hiccups don't nuke cash flow overnight.
3. Why Some Blogs Flatline
- AI-Regurgitated Content: Mass-spun posts drown in sameness; Google's March & June core updates rewarded experience-rich pieces.
- Lack of E-E-A-T Signals: Faceless sites without author bios or citations tank after every quality update.
- Single-point Monetization: Relying on just one revenue stream creates feast-or-famine income swings.
If this sounds like your blog, you're effectively running on 2010's operating system—upgrade or perish.
4. Counter-Arguments & My Rebuttal
| Objection | Counter |
|---|---|
| "AI search snags clicks; CTRs are falling." | True—AI answer boxes shaved ~5% clicks from affected SERPs. But they cite authoritative sources. Become the cited source by covering intent comprehensively and adding author experience. |
| "Competition is insane—7 million posts a day!" | Volume ≠ value. Most new posts are thin or AI-spam. Stand-out, voice-driven content plus smart keyword research (Ahrefs, low-KD gaps) still ranks. |
| "Social media killed blogs." | Social is traffic fuel, not rival. Short-form clips tease long-form depth; email converts that depth into dollars. |
5. Actionable Playbook for Aspiring 2025 Bloggers
- Choose a monetizable niche early. Validate with affiliate programme availability and market demand.
- Invest in helpful, experience-backed content. Use first-hand photos, data, and anecdotes.
- Follow 2025 SEO hygiene: accessible structure, FAQ schema, internal linking (see the templates).
- Build an owned audience. Capture emails from day one; algorithm-proof your reach.
- Layer revenue streams: aim for 50% affiliate, 30% digital products, 20% sponsorship as starting ratio.
FAQ (SEO‑Ready)
Q: Is blogging still profitable in 2025?
A: Yes—blogging can still pay the bills in 2025. U.S. bloggers average ≈ $103k per year, while top niches pull far more. Revenue now comes from diversified streams—affiliate deals, premium newsletters, courses and sponsorships.
Q: What's the average blogger salary in 2025?
A: The average blogger salary in the US is $103,446 per year, with Canadian bloggers earning CA$60–83k annually, and elite bloggers topping CA$30k per month.
Conclusion — My Verdict
Blogging is absolutely still profitable in 2025—for practitioners who treat it like a modern media business, not a diary. Embrace diversified monetization, double-down on authenticity and E-E-A-T, and your blog can out-earn a full-time salary—even in a post-AI SERP world.
What's your take—do the numbers and strategy resonate with you, or do you see blogging headed for oblivion? Let's discuss in the comments.